China Essentials with Optional Southern Extension - Beijing - Up to -70% | Voyage Privé

Irresistible offers on inspirational holidays, exclusively for our members.

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We Love

  • Embark on an immersive tour of China, visiting iconic cities and impressive landscapes along the way.
  • Travel from Beijing to Shanghai and discover world-renowned sites including the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army and the Wild Goose Pagodas. 
  • Our members can choose from 4* or 5* hotels throughout to suit their budget, with breakfast, site visits and transport links included. 
  • Want to discover more? Add the extension to southern China where you will visit incredible landscapes of Guilin, Yangshuo, Longsheng and Guangzhou.

New Voyage Privé

Carefully selected by our experts especially for you

Your Destination

Home to the Great Wall, the Yellow Mountains, and the Forbidden City, China boasts some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. On this unforgettable itinerary, you will experience rice paddies, Buddhist temples, forward-thinking cities, and mountaintop villages.

Also known as the Middle Kingdom, China is the third largest nation in the world bordering 14 countries that include Russia, Mongolia, and Vietnam. Due to its size, this country boasts a diverse landscape ranging from snow-capped mountains to enchanting deserts. With a long history that dates back to around 1250BC, China is also full of fascinating artefacts, making it a thrilling destination with a little something for everyone.

Our Offer

8-night tour of China staying in 4* or 5* accommodation
or
12-night tour: 8-night tour of China & 4-night Guilin Mini-Tour staying in 4* or 5* accommodation 

Your Itinerary In Brief

Day 1: Beijing
Day 2: Beijing (The Forbidden City)
Day 3: Beijing (Great Wall of China)
Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an
Day 5: Xi'an (Terracotta Army)
Day 6: Xi'an - Shanghai 
Day 7: Shanghai 
Day 8: Shanghai - Tongli - Suzhou - Shanghai
Day 9: Shanghai - Departure

Southern China Extension 
Day 9: Shanghai - Guilin
Day 10: Guilin - Yangshuo
Day 11: Yangshuo - Longsheng
Day 12: Longsheng – Guilin – Guangzhou
Day 13: Guangzhou - Departure

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met by your guide & transferred to your hotel. After checking in you will start your journey to visit the city and discover its treasures. You will leave for the visit of the mythical Tian An Men Square, an impressive esplanade of 44 hectares. Then you will visit the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), an architectural marvel. Here, the Ming and Qing emperors used to pray to have good harvests.

You will then visit the emblematic Hutong of Beijing. You'll then enjoy spectacular views of Shichahai Lake (Houhai) and your stroll down Yandaixiejie Street.

Dinner is not included: if you're feeling adventurous and want to taste the local street food we suggest that you explore Donghuamen Night Market where you will find a mouth-watering array of local cuisine: delectable moon cakes, Sichuan-style chilli-spiked crayfish, and flaky flatbreads are just the tip of the iceberg! Overnight in Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing
Sightseeing today includes a visit to the Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace. You will discover, in particular, the hall of the Supreme Harmony, Perfect Harmony, Preserved Harmony and the Hall of Spiritual Cultivation. This palace is quite fascinating! 

Do not miss the Treasure Gallery with its huge jade sculptures, gold stupas and other beautiful wonders. 

You will then climb Coal Hill which offers a panoramic view of the old city and all over Beijing. Co

ntinue your discovery with the visit of the Lama Temple, one of the best-preserved temples of the capital and the 

Confucius Temple. You are then invited you to rest in a Tea House, where you will attend the tea ceremony and tasting. Overnight in Beijing.

Day 3: Beijing
Today will include an excursion to the Great Wall of China in Mutianyu. It is said that this marvel can be seen from the moon. This wall measures 6700 km and was built to protect the Middle Kingdom, the invasions of the Barbarians of the North. You will have the chance to walk along the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of history whilst admiring the panoramic views. The Great Wall is China's most iconic attraction, which stretches over 4,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. You will have the option to make the descent from the wall by cable car or toboggan (payable locally).

For the more athletic and those wishing to discover the wall off the beaten path, you can access the wall in Huanghuacheng. This part of the wall is very rarely used and therefore requires a very good physical condition (hiking 1 hour, no extra cost for this version).

You will then continue to discover one of the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Emperors, the Changling Tomb. These are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty, located atop a hill. You can reach it by following the Way of the Spirits, bordered by magnificent statues. Transfer back to Beijing for dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Beijing.
Day 4: Beijing - Xi’an
After breakfast, you will have the chance to meet the famous giant pandas of Beijing Zoo. You will then continue your discovery by visiting the magnificent Summer Palace, the imperial garden of the Manchu emperors. You will have the opportunity to climb the Longevity Hill to reach the Buddha Pavilion. In the early afternoon, you will head back to Beijing.

You will stop for a photo opportunity in front of the old Olympic site of 2008 and will admire the outside of the stadium that is shaped like a Bird's Nest. Later you will enjoy a stroll through the Liulichang antique market and the Dashalan shopping district. 

It will then be time to transfer to the impressive Beijing Railway Station, where you will take a night train to Xi'an (overnight in a soft berth, a cabin for 4 berths). If you want to replace the night train with a high-speed train, after the visit of the zoo and the Summer Palace, you will be transferred to the station to take your train (4h30 - Payable locally).
Day 5: Xi'an
You will arrive in the morning into Xi'an and will then be transferred to your hotel. It is then onto the main attraction of Xi'an: a visit to one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the Terracotta Army. These 6000 life-size warriors, with their horse and chariots, were created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang into the afterlife.

Back in town, you will make your way to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda where you will have a nice overview of the city. In the evening, you have the option of adding a dinner with a traditional show with dances and music of the Tang Dynasty (payable locally). 
Overnight in Xi'an.
Day 6: Xi'an - Shanghai
After breakfast, you will visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda you can admire where the locals do their morning exercises (Tai Chi, Qigong, folk dances ...). You can also get a glimpse of the art of Chinese calligraphy in this relaxing park. You will continue by visiting the Shaanxi History Museum (closed Monday). The city is well known for its Jade stonework and here you will discover a fabulous jade factory. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a walk in the old town where you can admire the architectural beauty of the Great Mosque. 

You will then transfer to the airport and take your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, you will be welcomed by your guide and be transferred to your hotel. Shanghai has an identity of its own unlike any other city in China. You will discover a dynamic city, modern and prosperous, which offers very intriguing districts to get lost in. The silhouette of this city's towers are to be marvelled at and its shops will not fail to catch your attention. Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 7: Shanghai
After breakfast, you will leave for a day tour of the city, showing you the contrasts between this modern yet traditional city.  You will start with a walk along the river on the Bund, the heart of the administrative and commercial activities of the city. Offering a magnificent view of the harbour, gaze upon the skyline and then board a ferry to cross the Huangpu River. 

Entering modern China, in the Lujiazui district, you will climb the International Finance Center, up to the 100th floor, from where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Shanghai.  You will continue your day with the visit of old Shanghai, dating from the 16th century. You will love its very animated pedestrian streets lined with many traditional shops.  You will then go for a walk in the former French Concession including the Xintiandi district and Fuxing Park. In the evening, you have an optional excursion to Shanghai Circus (payable locally). Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 8: Shanghai - Tongli - Suzhou - Shanghai 
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart to the village of Tongli, a very charming village of canals with beautiful stone bridges. This village has preserved its traditional charm. In order to enjoy the tranquillity of this village, it is best to go further to SanQiao where there are fewer tourists. Do not forget the famous Meditation Garden. You will then enjoy your boat trip through the canals, which will allow you to discover this charming village.

Hit the road for a journey to Suzhou, where you will visit The Master of the Nets Garden. These gardens are among the finest and smallest gardens in China. Following your visit, take a walk in the preserved area Pingjian Road. You will then return to your hotel at the end of the day. Overnight in Shanghai. 
Day 9: Depart from Shanghai
Enjoy your last breakfast in Shanghai before you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.

Optional Southern China Extension

If you choose to add the 4-night extension to Southern China, you will continue with the following itinerary:

Day 9: Shanghai - Guilin
Enjoy your last breakfast in Shanghai before you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Guilin. You will be met by your guide upon arrival and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Guilin.

Day 10: Guilin - Yangshuo
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the pier for your cruise amid the magical landscapes of the Li River until you will reach the small town of Yangshuo. This boat ride will last about four hours during which the river winds its way between picturesque hills lined with traditional villages and bamboo groves. Enjoy a simple lunch on board. 

Upon landing at Yangshuo, you will have free time in West Street where there are all kinds of stalls, bars and restaurants for tourists. Make sure you do not miss the local markets, as they are a real representation of local living. You will find an array of delicious products for sale including fresh vegetables, seafood and meat of all kinds. You will then check into your hotel.

In the evening, you have an option to watch the Sound and Light show of Liusanjie. This magical light show is located on the banks of the Li River. The story of this extravaganza is based on a very popular Chinese musical which was directed by the Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. Zhang Yimou was also the director who staged the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Overnight in Yangshuo. 
Day 11: Yangshuo - Longsheng
After breakfast at the hotel, take the road to Longsheng along a splendid mountainous road. You will pass Ping'an and Longji, known as "the dragons back", named thus for the spectacular formations of rice terraces which are shaped from generation to generation. These curving hillsides are an astonishing beauty. Located at the foot of the mountains, you will have the chance for a photo stop at Huangluo village to meet the local Yao Rouge people.

It will then be time to climb up through these landscapes for about 40 minutes until you reach the entrance to the Ping'an village. Here you will check into your hotel followed by a visit to the famous Qixingbanyue rice terraces. Overnight in Ping'an village.
Day 12: Longsheng – Guilin – Guangzhou
Today is the day that you should to be an early riser as you do not want to miss the sunrise. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading back to Guilin. Upon arrival, you will climb Fubo Hill from where you can enjoy an incredible panorama of the city. You will then have the chance to take a city tour through the main sites including Banyan Lake, the Sun and Moon Pagodas as well as Zhengyang Pedestrian street, Guilin's most famous walking street.

You will then transfer to the train station to catch a fast train to Guangzhou in 2nd class. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide. Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, is one of the oldest ports in China. A meeting point for the Middle Kingdom, the Indian world, the Arab world and the rest of the West, this city has many temples, mosques and cathedrals for you to visit. Overnight in Guangzhou.
Day 13: Guangzhou - Departure
Enjoy your last breakfast in China before taking a visit to the Residence of the Chen Family. Then, visit the Liwan Museum where you will discover an old Cantonese style house, allowing you to better discover the history of the city. This will be followed by a visit to Beijing Street, a popular shopping street. Take a walk on the sandbank island of Shamian which is a former Anglo-French territory. Finally, discover the Qing Ping market, a small introduction to traditional medicine. You will then transfer to the airport for your flight home. 

Your Hotels

Our members will stay at the following accommodation (or similar) with this offer.

4* Category Hotels

If opting for the 4* category, you will stay at the below hotels (or similar) in a Double Room on a Bed & Breakfast board basis. You have the option to add 7 lunches or 8 dinners at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee. 

Beijing: Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao
Xi'an: Sunda Gentleman International Hotel 
Shanghai: The Bund Hotel
Guilin: Park Hotel
Yangshuo: New Century Hotel
Longsheng: Longji Ping An Hotel
Guangzhou: Vertical City Hotel

On Tour - Sleeps up to

Adults Adults
2 Adults
+
1 Child
or
Adults Adults Adults
3 Adults

With Extension - Sleeps up to

Adults Adults
2 Adults

5* Category Hotels

If opting for the 5* category, you will stay at the below hotels (or similar) in a Double Room on a Bed & Breakfast board basis. You have the option to add 7 lunches or 8 dinners at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee. 

Beijing: Prime Hotel 
Xi'an: Grand Noble 
Shanghai: Radisson Blu New World 
Guilin: Waterfall Hotel 
Yangshuo: Amari Hotel 
Longsheng: Longji Li’an Lodge 
Guangzhou: Canton Crowne Plaza Guangzhou City Centre

On Tour - Sleeps up to

Adults Adults
2 Adults
+
1 Child
or
Adults Adults Adults
3 Adults

With Extension - Sleeps up to

Adults Adults
2 Adults

Please note: the bed for the 3rd guest sharing is likely to be a sofa bed or camp style bed. If any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.

Your Journey

Flights: You may choose from Economy or Business Class Flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process.

The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.

A domestic flight from Xi'an to Shanghai in economy class is included. 
A domestic flight from Shanghai to Guilin in economy class is included in the Southern China Extension offer. 

Transfers: Transfers are included as per the itinerary.

Train: A night train from Beijing to Xi'an in 2nd class is included. A high-speed train from Guilin to Guangzhou in 2nd class is included in the Southern China Extension offer.

Weather

Jan
min : -9°C max : 2°C
Feb
min : -7°C max : 4°C
Mar
min : -1°C max : 11°C
Apr
min : 7°C max : 20°C
May
min : 13°C max : 27°C
Jun
min : 18°C max : 31°C
Jul
min : 22°C max : 31°C
Aug
min : 21°C max : 30°C
Sep
min : 14°C max : 26°C
Oct
min : 7°C max : 20°C
Nov
min : -1°C max : 10°C
Dec
min : -7°C max : 3°C

Travel Advice

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport, health and visa information click here.

Please note that the advice can change and consumers should continue to check it until they travel.

It is essential that all customers purchase adequate travel insurance for all countries they are travelling to or though.

Visa Information

China

British nationals need a visa to enter mainland China. For mainland China, you must get a visa prior to arrival, including for Hainan Island. For details of entry requirements to China contact the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate in good time before your proposed trip. 

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your visa application.  It is advisable to obtain your visa no later than 1 month prior to departure.

Please visit the following websites for information on the visa application process, visa application and any other expected costs and further details relating to visa requirements.

http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/visa/
www.visaforchina.org

In More Detail

Please find practical information about the property and your trip: 

This tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. 
Check-in time: 3 pm
Check-out time: before 10 am

Our price doesn’t include a city/accommodation/tourism tax payable locally (this price is a guideline and is subject to change without prior notification).

Please Note: 
Check-in outside the hotel's standard times may incur additional fees. Check out times are subject to change, please check these with the hotel upon arrival.
Schedules and prices are subject to change. 
If the property is accessible to people with reduced mobility, this is subject to availability. To book a room for reduced mobility, please contact our Customer Services Team. 

What's Included

  • Accommodation in 4* or 5* hotels, based on a shared double/twin room
  • Breakfast (option to add 7 lunches & 8 dinners at next stage)
  • Entrance fees for the sites & activities as per itinerary
  • Local English-speaking guides at each stage of the tour
  • Transportation by private vehicle
  • Night Train from Beijing to Xi'an in soft berth
  • Domestic flight from Xi'an to Shanghai in Economy class
  • Domestic flight from Shanghai to Guilin (Southern China Extension only)
  • High-speed train from Guilin to Guangzhou in 2nd class (Southern China Extension only)

Not Included

  • Drinks and other meals not clearly mentioned
  • Surcharge for special requests on food, and meals.
  • Entrance fees, permits and guide service during free time.
  • Insurance, gratuities and personal expenses
  • Surcharge for public holidays
  • Tips to guide and driver (suggested 5€ for the guide and 2.5€ for the driver per day per person)
  • Visa to China

Your Contract

If you book a package which includes flights, your contract will be with Voyage Privé. The air holiday package(s) shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10170.

If you book a package which does not include flights, then ATOL protection does not apply. Your contract will be with the provider of the accommodation and not Voyage Privé. Voyage Privé acts only as agent for the accommodation provider.

Please read our booking conditions before confirming your holiday.

Important Information

If booking as a single traveller, room occupancy is not guaranteed. You may be placed in either a single, double or twin room, based on the availability of the property at the time. 

The location shown on our map is to be used as a guide only and the actual location of the property may differ.

Your contact details may be passed on to the hotel so that they can make contact with you to discuss your booking in advance of your arrival.

You may be asked to provide a credit/debit card deposit on arrival to cover any purchases made in the hotel.

Although we endeavour to provide up to date information we cannot guarantee that all hotel facilities and services will be available during your stay, especially when travelling out of the main holiday periods.

Star rating standards may differ to that of the UK, depending on the country of travel.

The Voyage Privé Promise

  • A unique selection of high-end accommodation
  • Exclusive perks and discounts of up to -70%
  • For all inquiries, refer to our help centre available 24/7
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Carefully selected travel offers

Our offers are distinguished by their quality and the level of their services.

- Curated offers carefully selected by our travel experts.

- We are world recognised in the tourism industry.

- We are constantly improving the quality of our offers, thanks to on-going feedback from our members.


Exclusive prices and discounts of up to -70%

Our flash sales guarantee our members the best rates on the market.

- The 7-day flash sales can be extended or restocked in exceptional circumstances, when we have the opportunity to offer more available dates.

- We negotiate the best rates thanks to our highly regarded reputation and our evergrowing database of members.

- An exclusive discount based on the reference price provided by our partners and suppliers (maximum price advertised for a room and board basis, on a specific time period), guaranteed by means of contract for each sale.

- We offer reliable, responsive, high-quality service.


Quality service: informative, reliable & responsive

Our goal: to provide members with a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

- A simple, inspiring and innovative service, both on your computer and your mobile.

- On-site professional support for your queries.

- Our Customer Service team are available to support you before, during and after your trip.

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