Others

Private bus and entrance tickets for the excursions: Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing; Beijing - Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City walking Tour; Xi’an - Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter and City Wall walking tour; Private bus and entrance tickets for excursions to Terracotta Army in Xian; Chongqing - city walking tour; Yangtze River Cruise; Three Gorges Dam tour; Shanghai - city walking tour; Xitang - ancient town walking tour; Yangshuo - countryside cycling tour; Yangshuo - West street and river bank walking tour. Hong Kong - Victoria Harbour walking tour.

Accommodation

All accommodations in double and twin share rooms with private facilities. Hotel (10 nights), Yangtze River Cruise (3 nights) & Soft Sleeper Train(3 nights) Beijing Chongwenmen hotel, a 3-star hotel (2 nights) An overnight train from Beijing to Xi’an, a Soft Sleeper train (1 night) Xi’an Forest City Hotel, a 3-star hotel (2 nights) Overnight at Yangtze River Cruise, a 4-star standard (3 nights) An overnight train from Yichang to Shanghai, a Soft Sleeper train (1 night) Shanghai Metropolo Jinjiang hotel, a 4-star hotel(1 night) Xitang Ji hotel, a 4-star hotel (1 night) An overnight train from Shanghai to Guilin, a Soft Sleeper train (1 night) Yangshuo New Century Hotel, a 4-star hotel (3 nights) Hong Kong Metropark Hotel Kowloon, a 4-star hotel (1 night) Travelling with Truly China Travel is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible. When travelling with us in China you may find yourself staying in a: Overnight Sleeper Train Your overnight journey will give you plenty of time to finally learn how to play mah-jong, mingle with the locals or simply relax and watch the scenery whiz by. Monastery Enjoy the simpler things in life, waking up to the sound of monks chanting amongst peaceful mountain scenery. Staying in a monastery is truly an unforgettable experience. Special Information A Single Supplement for Adult, Senior and Youth/Student to have your own room is bookable on this trip, with the exception of the overnight train, subject to availability. If you wish to arrive a few days early in Beijing, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Guide

English speaking tour guides in each destination, except on the trains; All Truly China group trips are accompanied by one of our tour guides. The aim of the tour guide is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your guide will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Truly China Travel we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your guide can recommend a scenic spot guide service in most of the main scenic spot of your trip.

Meals

13 Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners on Yangzi river boat. VEGETARIANS & VEGANS: Vegetarians in China certainly won’t go hungry as there are always plenty of meat free options on menus including vegetable, tofu and egg dishes. Your tour guide can advise on some local favourites. Dairy is uncommon in Chinese cooking, although in some regions like Tibet, Xinjiang and Yunnan you will find milk products as part of the local cuisine. Vegans should also have few problems finding tasty meals in most locations. Nearly all cities will have vegetarian restaurants, often near to temples or monasteries that specialise in Buddhist cuisine. DIETARY NEEDS: Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may wish to supplement inclusions with their own supplies from markets or supermarkets. Please note that some dietary requirements, such as Gluten Free, will be uncommon in China and you may need to explain to your tour guide what you can and can’t eat as well as research common dishes before you travel. ALLERGIES: For those suffering from particular food allergies, your tour guide will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic and research suitable local foods before travelling.

Transport

All transportation during the tour is included; High speed train (Xi’an-Chongqing, Guilin-Hong Kong), 2nd class; Overnight train (Beijing-Xian, Yichang-Shanghai, Shanghai-Guilin), soft sleeper; Truly China Travel believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Truly China Travel uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun. Depending on which trip you’re on while in China, you may find yourself travelling by: Bicycle Cycling through China is a great way to see the country from ground level. Whether you’re pedalling through the hutongs or the countryside, you’ll see the sights and get to meet locals along the way. Bullet train Speed across China in a super fast bullet train. It’s one of the most effective ways to cover long distances in a short time.

Not included:

Others

International flight and departure tax; Arrival transfer on Day1 and departure transfer on Day17; Lunches and dinners are not included in dossier; Other optional excursions and entrance tickets; Tips to drivers and tour guides; Other personal expenses; Visa to China; Travel insurance.

Optional

Beijing - Temple of Heaven Beijing - Summer Palace Beijing - Peking Opera Beijing - Lama Temple Xi’an - Cycling on City Wall Xi’an - Bell & Drum Towers Xi’an - Small Wild Goose Pagoda Xi’an - Big Wild Goose Pagoda Xi’an - Great Mosque Shanghai - Propaganda Museum Shanghai - Shanghai Museum Shanghai - Yuyuan Gardens Shanghai - Urban Planning Exhibition Centre Shanghai - Acrobat Show Shanghai - Oriental Pearl Tower Viewing Deck The above Optional Activities are for tourists to reference only, and tour guides from travel agencies cannot force or indirectly force tourists to consume.

Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won’t be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive In Beijing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive In Beijing

Ni Hao! Welcome to Beijing, capital of the most populous country on earth. With plenty of places that give an insight into the China’s ancient history, as well as newer sights that showcase contemporary culture. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travelers. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We will collect/check your passport, insurance and next of kin information at the group meeting, please have these on hand. After the meeting maybe head out to explore the Beijing streets - with your hotel located centrally, a walk in any direction will unveil all sorts of wonderful surprises. Perhaps kick off your China adventure with a taste of an iconic dish - Peking duck.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

If you wish to arrive a few days early in Beijing, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Day 2 Day 2: Beijing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Beijing

This morning you’ll take a private bus to visit Mutianyu Great Wall (around 2 hours) and spend some time exploring, taking photos and learning the history of this mighty site. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose it’s still one of the country’s most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The walk is generally on the restored section of the wall, but this still means walking on steep, uneven terrain with multiple steps, so reasonable fitness and comfortable shoes are needed. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness. You can choose how you access the wall, with options including cable car, chairlift or even toboggan to come down (at your own expense). It’s a good idea to pack a picnic lunch with you to enjoy atop the wall during a rest break. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. Return to Beijing by private bus, and then enjoy a free evening to either relax or explore further.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.
Day 3 Day 3: Beijing To Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Beijing To Xi’An

Today you’ll explore two of the most popular sights in Beijing on foot and using public transport. While this can be crowded, it’s the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Make your way to the centre of the city – Tiananmen Square, the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao’s Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it’s a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation. From here you will enter the enormous Forbidden City. Built more than 500 years ago and off limits to commoners for almost all that time, the Forbidden City looks much like it always has. As you explore the great halls and courtyards you’ll be able appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This evening you will catch an over night train to Xi’an.

Accommodation

Over night train (soft sleeper)

Included Activities

Beijing - Tian’anmen Square & Forbidden City

Optional Activities

Beijing - Temple of Heaven - CNY34

Beijing - Summer Palace - CNY40

Beijing - Peking Opera - CNY260

Beijing - Lama Temple - CNY25

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City are the number one attractions in the whole country for local travelers and as such can get very crowded with tour groups. Be ready!
Day 4 Day 4: Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Xi’An

You will arrive at Xi’an train station around 9am, private transfer to hotel.

Today join your leader on a short walking tour to uncover what was once the start of the ancient trading route of the Silk Road. The city has a wonderful Muslim Quarter, and you’ll wander the narrow streets past shops, lively markets, and groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in cafes. See the City Walls and Gates, the most complete in China, running over 13 kilometers (8 miles) around the city. Xi’an’s Silk Road history means it has an exciting mixture of cultures, exemplified by its food options, which range from delicious Muslim fare to great little dumplings in Chinese restaurants. Maybe choose to visit the Bell and Drum Towers, the former built (according to legend) to restrain the dragons that were causing earthquakes, the latter is (unsurprisingly) full of drums, once used to mark time and warn in emergencies. Perhaps visit the night markets and try many of the tantalising local specialties such as Pao mo (lamb broth that you break flat bread into), hand pulled noodles, hot pot and barbecue.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Xi’an - Muslim Quarter walking tour

Optional Activities

Xi’an - Cycling on City Wall - CNY99

Xi’an - Bell & Drum Towers - CNY50

Xi’an - Small Wild Goose Pagoda - CNY50

Xi’an - Big Wild Goose Pagoda - CNY80

Xi’an - Great Mosque - CNY25

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.
Day 5 Day 5: Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Xi’An

Today we will travel by privater transport (around 2 hours) to visit what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world - the Terracotta Warriors. You’ll learn all about this incredible archaeological find, rediscovered in 1976 by farmers digging a well after being buried for 2000 years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots (originally all painted) were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Three main pits are open for you to view, where just under 2000 of the warriors - each individually sculpted from clay and with a different costume, height, and even facial expressions - stand in battle formation. The scale is incredibly impressive.

Enjoy a free evening to explore Xi’an.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Xi’an - Terracotta Warriors

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.
Day 6 Day 6: Xi’An To Chongqing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Xi’An To Chongqing

In the morning, you will catch a high-speed train from Xi’an to Chongqing (approximately. 5 hours), gateway to the Yangzi River. Chongqing is the biggest city in China with a population of over 20 million in the city centre and suburbs that spraw along the river and up the steep hills behind it. Board your river boat, your home for the next few nights, and begin the cruise down one of the world’s greatest rivers. The gorges are spectacular and most travellers enjoy their time on the Yangzi boats but some words of warning are necessary. The Yangzi River region is one of the most industrialised and rapidly developing areas in China. We travel on Chinese tourist boats rather than luxury tourist vessels. We like to call it a river trip, rather than a traditional cruise. Cabins are twin-share with private bathroom facilities. While all meals are included during yor time on the boat, the buffet-style Chinese cuisine can be quite plain, but there’s a chance to visit the supermarket in Chongqing before boarding in order to stock up on some favourite snacks, drinks or fruit for your journey.
Day 7 Day 7-8: /Yangzi River
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7-8: /Yangzi River

Continue your cruise along the Yangzi River. The Yangzi has inspired numerous poets, writers and travellers over the centuries. You will travel along one of the most picturesque sections, through the renowned Three Gorges. The dramatic ’Sanxia’, as they are known in Chinese, stretch for 200 kilometres and vary from 100 metres to 300 metres in width. As well as relaxing and taking in the sights (now much changed since the implementation of the Three Gorges dam), you may have opportunities to visit some riverside attractions and towns on optional group excursions, including leaving the river boat to take a side trip down a tributary of the Yangzi River. If you prefer to stay on-board, perhaps take the chance to learn some Mandarin words or how to write characters from your leader, how to play mahjong, sing some Chinese songs, catch up on your travel diary or just relax and chat with your group members and local travellers.
Day 8 Day 9: Yichang To Shanghai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Yichang To Shanghai

Your Yangzi boat trip will end in the small city (by Chinese standards!) of Yichang, which offers a great chance to see typical Chinese life in the provinces. Here you’ll enjoy a tour of the incredible feat of engineering that is the Three Gorges Dam. The world’s largest hydroelectric project, the dam generates power and prevents the major flooding that had long threatened the people of the area (though the impact on displaced people and archaeological sites should not be ignored). From here you’ll take a private bus to the train station and board your first overnight train to Shanghai (approximately 14 hours). As Yichang is not a major railway hub there’s only one train heading south passing through here. To make the long journey as comfortable as possible, you will travel by soft sleeper (4 people per compartment with a lockable door) on this leg of our trip. It’s important to try to get a good night’s sleep as you’ll have to disembark the train very early tomorrow morning.

Accommodation

Overnight train (1 night)

Included Activities

Yichang - Three Gorges Dam Project

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.
Day 9 Day 10: Shanghai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Shanghai

Blending 21st-century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai pulses with the beat of contemporary China. Arrive and take the subway to your accommodation. Enjoy a full day of guided and unguided exploration, but don’t worry if you can’t see everything you want to – you’ll be back at the end of the trip. First up is a leader-led walking tour that will take you to historical Shanghai. Get a taste of the city during the roaring 1920s with a tour of the Bund, a strip of spectacular art deco-style buildings. Wander the narrow winding lanes (nongtangs) of Old Shanghai, where you can get a glimpse of local life. Explore the European-influenced French Concession, then pound the pavement along Luwan’s Huaihai Road, a busy shopping street. The area’s tree-lined avenues and their many Tudor mansions earned it the nickname ’Paris of the East’. When night falls, perhaps get a taste of Shanghai’s eclectic food scene.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Shanghai - Walking tour

Optional Activities

Shanghai - Propaganda Museum - CNY20

Shanghai - Shanghai Museum - Free

Shanghai - Yuyuan Gardens - CNY40

Shanghai - Urban Planning Exhibition Centre - CNY30

Shanghai - Acrobat Show - CNY180

Shanghai - Oriental Pearl Tower Viewing Deck - CNY150

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.
Day 10 Day 11: Shanghai To Xitang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Shanghai To Xitang

Join your leader today for a walking tour that’ll take you back in time. At the Bund you can get a taste of 1920s Shanghai; its spectacular array of Art Deco buildings line what was once the most important financial street in Asia. Wander the narrow winding lanes (longtangs) of Old Shanghai, where you can get a real glimpse into the locals’ daily life. Explore the European-influenced French Concession and the tree-lined avenues and Tudor mansions of Luwan’s Huaihai Road. In the afternoon, leave Shanghai in the rearview mirror and make the two-hour journey to Xitang, a nearby water town. Once a hub for 19th-century businessmen, Xitang turns on the charm in the evening when all the day trippers go home. Take a stroll along lantern-lit canals and ask your leader for advice on which hole-in-the-wall eatery to pick from, enjoying some classic Chinese cuisine while watching the lights reflected on the waters’ surface.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Xitang - Walking tour

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.
Day 11 Day 12: Xitang-Shanghai To Yangshuo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Xitang-Shanghai To Yangshuo

Rise and shine to explore the streets of Xitang. Wander across charming bridges and relax by the canals, sip steaming cups of tea, learn about local history at one of the many museums or simply get lost among the maze of peaceful cobblestone streets – a welcome break from the bustle of modern Shanghai. Return to Shanghai and board an overnight soft sleeper train bound for Guilin. The journey will take around 19 hours in total, though you’ll hopefully be sleeping for most of it. Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious but it’s certainly one of the best ways to come face to face with the country and its people, as it’s the main form of transport for locals.

Accommodation

Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Optional Activities

Xitang - Gondola ride - CNY120

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.
Day 12 Day 13: Yangshuo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Yangshuo

Disembark from the train and jump on a private bus from Guilin to Yangshuo. Soak up the charm of this town, popular with the Chinese and Western travellers alike, who come for the beautiful landscape and stay for the great cafes and bars. It’s also one of the best places in the country to get a feel for local culture and traditions while having plenty of fun at the same time. The countryside around Yangshuo is immortalized in many traditional Chinese paintings – picture immense limestone karsts dotting the rural landscape, towering spectacularly over rice paddies and the meandering Li River. The scene is even celebrated on every 20 yuan note!

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.
Day 13 Day 14: Yangshuo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Yangshuo

The dramatic countryside surrounding Yangshuo is best seen on an optional cruise down the Li River. Float past limestone monoliths, rice paddies, and water buffaloes drinking at the river’s edge. For those feeling active, why not jump on a bike and explore the splendid green surrounds and nearby villages or perhaps participate in a peaceful Taichi session. Enjoy a guided walk through a local market before visiting a converted country house to learn to cook local specialties.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Yangshuo - Cycling tour

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.
Day 14 Day 15: Yangshuo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Yangshuo

A great optional activity for the day what is Pick tea leaves, tea making, drink tea and listen to the rhyme leisurely at the Seven Fairies Peak tea plantation; Mountaineering Xianggong hill and viewing Li River meandering, enjoy sunlight & shadow、clouds sea、sunrise、the sunset、the rosy clouds; Discovery the mystery of the Ancient Stone Village. You are highly recommended.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.
Day 15 Day 16: Yangshuo To Hong Kong
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Yangshuo To Hong Kong

Leave Yangshuo and continue your journey to the final stop, Hong Kong. You’ll be transferred to Guilin and then hop on the high-speed train (approximately three and half hours) to Hong Kong West Kowloon High Speed Railway Station, from there head to your centrally located hotel. Go on a walking tour with your leader, then maybe check out the Temple Street night market or the light show at Victoria Harbour. Take the chance to celebrate your final night with the group in this awesome city.

Included Activities

Hong Kong - Walking tour

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.
Day 16 Day 17: Hong Kong (Departure Day)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Hong Kong (Departure Day)

Your China tour comes to an end this morning. There are no activities on the final day and you are free to leave your accommodation at any time.

Kindly Reminder: the check out time normally is 12:00. If you have booked an airport transfer through Truly China Travel, please confirm the pick up time with your tour leader in advance.

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

+13

17 days tour

Charm Of Chinese Classical Architecture

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Charm Of Chinese Classical Architecture

Day 1: Arrive In Beijing

Day 2: Beijing

Day 3: Beijing To Xi’An

Day 4: Xi’An

Day 5: Xi’An

Day 6: Xi’An To Chongqing

Day 7-8: /Yangzi River

Day 9: Yichang To Shanghai

Day 10: Shanghai

Day 11: Shanghai To Xitang

Day 12: Xitang-Shanghai To Yangshuo

Day 13: Yangshuo

Day 14: Yangshuo

Day 15: Yangshuo

Day 16: Yangshuo To Hong Kong

Day 17: Hong Kong (Departure Day)

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