Ancient China

Moderate

Group Tour

Fully Inclusive

With thousands of years of fascinating and diverse history, China is one of the world's oldest and most monumental civilisations. Encounter millennia-old culture and religion with visits to some of China's greatest and most intriguing ancient sights.

Tour Highlights

Beijing

Wutaishan

Yellow River

Shanghai

Beijing

Take a rickshaw ride through the intricate network of Hutongs in China's capital city

Wutaishan

Explore one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains

Yellow River

Look over the famous Yellow River known as the 'birthplace of Chinese civilisation'

Shanghai

Admire the 1920s shikumen architecture of Xintiandi

What's Included

18 Day Ancient China Tour Itinerary

Our Ancient China itinerary has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. You'll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of, with international flights, accommodation and all the touring listed below. You will be accompanied by our industry-leading National Escorts whose unparalleled knowledge and talent will turn your tour into an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: AUSTRALIA TO BEIJING

Fly to Beijing, China’s fascinating capital, for a four-night stay.

Day 2: Imperial Beijing

Heading to Beijing’s symbolic heart, stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial treasures. Take a rickshaw ride through the charming hutongs and visit with a local family to learn more about living in this traditional area. In the evening, sit down to enjoy the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 3: Great Wall of China

This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate its sheer magnificence. Jade has long been cherished by the Chinese – at a jade factory you can understand and appreciate the delicate process of carving the stone and buy a piece if you wish. Savour the serenity of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and see the exquisite architecture.

Day 4: Temple of Heaven

Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Meander through Panjiayuan, Beijing’s most extensive arts, crafts and antiques market. Tonight enjoy a performance of the Beijing Opera.

Day 5: Travel to Datong

Travel by train to Datong, watching the rural splendour of China pass by your window. Arrive in time for a local dinner in this fascinating city.

Day 6: The Hanging Temple

Grottoes carved from sandstone cliffs in the 5th and 6th centuries, Yungang Caves are replete with intricate Buddhist imagery. The 1,400-year-old, gravity-defying Hanging Temple seemingly floats 50 metres up the face of Jinxia Gorge. Travel on to Wutaishan.

Day 7: Wutaishan

One of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, Wutaishan (Five Terraced Mountain), is a site of scenic magnificence. Visit Bodhisattva Summit and Xiang Tong Temple. Continue to Taiyuan and visit the Twin Pagoda Temple, which dates from the Ming Dynasty.

Day 8: Taiyuan and Pingyao

Enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Jinci Temple before travelling to the old town of Pingyao.

Day 9: Pingyao

The characterful old town of Pingyao is considered the best ancient walled town in the country. Stroll along the cobbled streets to view the old city walls and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum. There will also be time to see the Yamen, a former government building from the Qing Dynasty before taking the bullet train to the former Imperial capital of Xian.

Day 10: Terracotta Warriors

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of these lifesized warriors. Visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition, and then stroll on the ancient City Walls. This evening enjoy a delicious feast of Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 11: Discover Xian

Admire the relics of the Xian Museum before visiting the Little Wild Goose Pagoda with a calligraphy demonstration. There will also be time to explore the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter.

Day 12: Luoyang

Board a bullet train from Xian to Luoyang, a city that was the capital for more than 13 dynasties. This afternoon visit the Longmen Grottoes which house tens of thousands of age-old statues and sculptures depicting Buddha and his disciples carved from the limestone cliffs of Xiangshan and Longmenshan.

Day 13: Shaolin Temple

Travel to the famous Shaolin Temple, best known for its association with martial arts, and walk through the Pagoda Forest, a collection of 228 pagodas of various styles built from the Tang through to Qing dynasties. Witness a Kung Fu demonstration by the famous Shaolin Monks. Continue to Zhengzhou.

Day 14: Yellow River

Learn about the river basin called ‘the birthplace of Chinese civilisation’ at Zhengzhou’s Yellow River Museum before heading to a lookout for panoramic views over the river itself. Fly to Shanghai.

Day 15: Cosmopolitan Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, east and west colliding on streets lined with skyscrapers and old temples. Visit the classical Yu Garden and stop at the old town before admiring the colonial architecture on the Bund. This evening, take your seats for a fascinating Chinese acrobatic show and view the city from the Huangpu River on a scenic cruise.

Day 16: HISTORIC SHANGHAI

Wander through the Xintiandi area to admire the 1920s architectural styling, view the artefacts at the Shanghai Museum and explore the Silk Museum. This evening, enjoy delicious, traditional Shanghai cuisine for dinner.

Day 17-18: Shanghai to Australia

This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Shanghai airport to board your flight to Australia, arriving home to same or following day.

Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. Our tour prices are from prices based on per person, twin share and are subject to the availability of specific economy class fare levels. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal.

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Additional Price Information

Above prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Subject to change.

Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB710 (AU$142) is paid locally in China.

Land Only (Beijing to Shanghai) 17 days from $3,580 per person twin share

Standard itinerary departs SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL & PER. Other cities available, contact us for details

Depending on airline schedules, extra nights pre or post tour accommodation or stopovers may be required at additional cost.

Single Supplement from $930

24 Apr & 18 Sep 2018 and 23 Apr & 17 Sep 2019 departures coincide with Golden Week celebrations and sightseeing may be affected.

Useful Information

Accommodation

Wendy Wu Tours inspects all hotels to ensure they meet the high levels of service, which we require for our guests. We pick the right hotel for the specific destination, meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family-run guesthouse in a smaller town. Chosen hotels are also chosen for ease of navigation around tourist sights. Government laws in China require air conditioning be switched on nationally in May and central heating in November (this may vary slightly depending on the region).

Food

We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or too unusual. Breakfast at your hotel includes local and western dishes. In remote areas, we suggest embracing local specialities. Lunch and dinner consists of shared dishes. Meals generally finish with fruit to clean the palate. Drinks such as beer, soft drinks or bottled water are at your own expense locally. Beer is drunk in small glasses; not large glasses that you may be used to.

Shopping

Shopping is a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests while on holiday, your tour includes a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. Included are visits to establishments that provide locally produced goods, unique to your destination. Witness the creation of these products, and see first-hand how their production supports the local economy. As most travellers like to take home souvenirs, we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Tipping

Tipping is not commonplace in Australia. In Asia however, it is anticipated that a tip be given to reward good service. With that in mind, we have a tipping system for our group tours. Each passenger ‘tips’ a set amount to the National Escort at the start of the tour or on arrival in each country. They then distribute this as appropriate. The Yangtze River cruise service charge is paid when embarking. We advise tipping amounts in your final documentation. Tipping is appreciated for Private and Tailor-Made travel. In your final documents, we include guidelines for tipping when travelling independently.

Communication

While travelling overseas, the Wendy Wu Tours contact number during business hours is +61 2 9224 8888. Emergency Assistance (24-hours) is 0044 1888 288 288. You will find mobile phone coverage to be quite high throughout Asia. We recommend contacting your mobile carrier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated call and data costs before you leave Australia. Some hotels may have Wi-Fi, which usually comes at a cost.

Visas

Most nationalities require a visa when travelling to China. Travellers should arrange visas well in advance of departure. Unlike many other tour operators, we include your visa in the price of your tour. We handle the entire application process – all you need to do is complete the paperwork and send your passport to us eight weeks prior to departure. We are always on hand to help you with any queries you may have while completing the application form.