China Trailblazer

Active

Group Tour

Flexible

Take a journey like no other. This is your chance to see the classical sights, and also explore a different side of this beautiful country – be it from the back of a bicycle; on a hike through serene countryside, or a walk through buzzing city streets.

Tour Highlights

The Great Wall

Xian

Yangtze River

Shanghai

The Great Wall

Hike on the winding Jinshanling Section of one of the words modern wonders

Xian

Come face to face with the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors

Yangtze River

Spend four nights cruising along one of China's most famous rivers

Shanghai

Excite your taste buds with a breakfast walking tour

What's Included

21 Day China Trailblazer Tour Itinerary

Our China Trailblazer 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 historic capital, for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Beijing's hutongs

This morning visit Yandaixiejie where you’ll have some free time to wander the hutongs; these narrow alleys offer an authentic glimpse of the old Beijing, before the emergence of high-rise buildings and modern commerce. Visit the Temple of Heaven and mingle with the locals as they take part in Tai Chi, dancing and card playing in a flurry of sociable activity you would never see in a park at home. Continue to the Summer Palace and explore the magnificent grounds, before taking a short hike up Longevity Hill to enjoy panoramic views. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: FORBIDDEN CITY

Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Walking through this ornately designed complex offers an unsurpassed insight into China’s colourful past. Drive to Simatai Great Wall where you will sail up to the apex of the Wall by cable car to see the sunset. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: HIKE THE GREAT WALL

Travel to the Great Wall at Jinshanling, a section that is much less frequented by tourists than other parts. The stark yet magnificent surroundings allow you to put yourself in the shoes of those who walked this incredible edifice hundreds of years ago. Your trek will last approximately four hours as the wall improbably courses through dramatic landscapes and rugged terrain. Later, head back to Beijing, where you’ll have free time. (B,L)

Day 5: Xian

Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital. Explore the narrow and twisting streets of the Muslim Quarter. The evening is at leisure – Defu Lane offers a vibrant atmosphere at night. (B,L)

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors and cycling on the City Wall

The ranks of the Terracotta Army stand sentinel in their subterranean necropolis, constructed to protect China’s first Emperor in the afterlife. Gaze over the ranks of warriors and horses, each one unique, whilst your guide introduces you to these life-like soldiers’ fascinating story. Continue to the ancient city wall for a cycle on the fortifications surrounding the heart of the city. Tonight, dine on Xian’s traditional and delicious dumplings. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Travel to Yichang

Fly to Wuhan and transfer to Yichang. Later board your Yangtze Cruise vessel, home for the next four nights. (B,L,D)

Days 8-10: Yangtze cruise

A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. A three-day voyage along China’s riverine treasure is a chance to relax and enjoy a slower pace, whilst absorbing one breathtaking panorama after another. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Ciqikou Ancient Town

Disembark your cruise vessel and enjoy an early lunch in the charming old town of Ciqikou – there’s time to wander the cobbled alleyways and learn about its colourful history. Take a bullet train to Chengdu. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Pingle Ancient Town

Drive to Pingle Ancient Town. Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Pingle was a stopping point on the Tea Horse Road. Take time to walk through its maze of teahouse-lined streets before seeing the bamboo forest from above on Jinji Suspended Rope Bridge. Return to Chengdu. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Dujiangyan Panda Base

Visit one of the world’s finest panda conservation centres. The pandas here are kept in conditions very close to their natural habitat. Later, ascend Mt Qingcheng, the most holy Taoist mountain in China, by cable car. It is a truly beautiful spot with numerous peaks covered with lush greenery and secluded temples. Take a stroll among the mystic scenery of Yuecheng Lake. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Sun and Moon Pagodas

Take an early morning flight to Guilin. Enjoy a walk around the picturesque Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture. (B,L)

Day 15: Rice terraces

Wake up to stunning views of the misty, stepped hills of Longji. Today’s full-day hike among the terraces will take you past small hamlets and picture-postcard views of the rice terraces which cover the landscape in intricate patterns. Whether full of water or bursting with rice plants, a walk in Longji provides an unforgettable experience of rural China. Return to Guilin where the evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 16: Li River cruise

Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with the most dramatic, sci-fi style limestone cliffs on the planet, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. This evening there is an option to be wowed by the light spectacular ‘Sanjie Liu’ (at your own expense). (B,L,D)

Day 17: Tai Chi session and afternoon at leisure

Start the day with a relaxing yet invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking time with a master to learn this ancient martial art. This afternoon there is the option of riding a bicycle through the countryside or join an optional bamboo rafting trip along the Yulong River (at your own expense) – another chance to really soak up the unspoiled surroundings and explore every corner of this exquisite location. (B,L)

Day 18: Shanghai

Drive back to Guilin. Go from the serene to the supercharged as you fly to Shanghai. This evening cruise down the Huangpu River being serenaded by the neon lights of Pudong. (B,L)

Day 19: Shanghainese Shanghai

Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai, and take a breakfast walking tour between coruscating skyscrapers and traditional streets. Walk through the city’s most fascinating districts before enjoying breakfast as the locals do – sample pancakes, friedbread sticks and tofu. Visit the classical Yu Garden, the old town and the Silk Museum before taking an evening stroll along the Bund. Enjoy a farewell dinner of authentic Shanghainese cuisine. (B,L,D)

DAYS 20-21: 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. (B)

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 RMB1130 (AU$226) is paid locally in China.

Land Only (Beijing to Shanghai) 20 days from $5,500 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 $1,275

15 Apr, 23 Sep & 7 Oct 2018 and 14 Apr, 22 Sep & 6 Oct 2019 departures coincide with Golden Week celebrations and sightseeing may be affected.

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.

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.

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.

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).