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Ancient China

Ancient China | 18 days | Classic Group Tour | from $5,180pp

X A reasonable level of fitness is required but it's more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You'll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps. Learn More

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.

Group Tour includes:

16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 16 dinners
International flights and current taxes
Domestic transportation
4 star accommodation
Touring with guides and entrance fees
Visa fees for Australia passport holders

How can we help?

For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.

Call 1300727998
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Book an Appointment
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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

Dates & Prices

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. 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. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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Additional Price Information

Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 12 August 2020, subject to change.

Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.

Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB710pp (AU$148pp) is paid locally in China.

Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth

Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request

Land only (Beijing - Shanghai) 17 days from $4,400 per person, twin share

Single supplement from $1,099

Price listed is based on new bookings only

Itinerary

Ancient China - Tour Itinerary

DAY 1: FLY TO BEIJING

Arrive in Beijing, China’s fascinating capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

DAY 2: IMPERIAL BEIJING

This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial treasures. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. In the evening, sit down to enjoy the local delicacy, Peking duck.

DAY 3: THE GREAT WALL

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 both the sheer magnificence o the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China and is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing 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 and mingle with the locals as they practice tai chi, dance or play cards. Later, browse your way through Panjiayuan, Beijing’s most extensive arts, crafts and antiques market.

DAY 5: HISTORICAL DATONG

Travel by bullet train to Datong, watching the rural splendour of China pass by your window. Known for its abundant historical relics and natural beauty, upon arrival visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yungang Caves where you will see the well-preserved rock carvings from the surrounding sandstone cliffs. Today, it is one of the three most famous ancient Buddhist cultural sites of China.

DAY 6: THE HANGING TEMPLE

Visit the 1,400-year-old, gravity-defying Hanging Temple that seemingly floats 50 metres up the face of Jinxia Gorge before travelling on to Wutaishan.

DAY 7: WUTAISHAN

The day starts with a visit to one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, Wutaishan (Five Terraced Mountain) and a place of scenic magnificence. In Wutaishan's shadow, an alpine valley shelters many important monasteries, temples and sculptures, some dating back over 1,000 years. Here, visit the Bodhisattva Summit Temple and Xiantong Buddhist Temple. Continue to Taiyuan, the capital and largest city in Shanxi Province and visit the Twin Pagoda Temple, constructed during the Ming Dynasty.

DAY 8: TAIYUAN AND PINGYAO

Enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Jinci Temple before travelling to the old town of Pingyao. Pingyao is a living museum and home to China’s best preserved ancient city walls. Here, take part in a traditional Chinese paper cutting experience, an art dating back to the 6th-century.

DAY 9: EXPLORE PINGYAO

Explore the characterful old town of Pingyao, strolling 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 government building during 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 life-sized warriors and visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop. Later, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town. This evening, enjoy a delicious feast of Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

DAY 11: DISCOVER XIAN

Admire the relics at the Xian Museum before visiting the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and watching 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 houses 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. Later, witness a kung fu demonstration by the famous Shaolin Monks. Continue to Zhengzhou.

DAY 14: HUANGPU RIVER CRUISE

Fly to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also know as the 'Paris of the East'. In the evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a scenic cruise.

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 in the old town before admiring the colonial architecture on the Bund. This evening, take your seats to see the fascinating ERA acrobatic show.

DAY 16: EXPLORE 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.

DAYS 17-18: FLY SHANGHAI TO AUSTRALIA

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

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Download Detailed Itinerary

Useful Information

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.

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.

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.

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.

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). View Hotels Here

Ancient China

Tour Highlights

Beijing

Wutaishan

Yellow River

Shanghai

Tour Dates & Prices

BOOK ONLINE - SECURED PAYMENT

Additional Price Information

Ancient China - Tour Itinerary

DAY 1: FLY TO BEIJING

DAY 2: IMPERIAL BEIJING

DAY 3: THE GREAT WALL

DAY 4: TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

DAY 5: HISTORICAL DATONG

DAY 6: THE HANGING TEMPLE

DAY 7: WUTAISHAN

DAY 8: TAIYUAN AND PINGYAO

DAY 9: EXPLORE PINGYAO

DAY 10: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

DAY 11: DISCOVER XIAN

DAY 12: LUOYANG

DAY 13: SHAOLIN TEMPLE

DAY 14: HUANGPU RIVER CRUISE

DAY 15: COSMOPOLITAN SHANGHAI

DAY 16: EXPLORE SHANGHAI

DAYS 17-18: FLY SHANGHAI TO AUSTRALIA

Useful Information

Visas

Communication

Tipping

Food

Shopping

Accommodation

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