Name: Essential China Tour 4*
Brand: Voyage Privé

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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 will stay in 4* hotels throughout their tour, with breakfast, site visits and transport links included, as well as the chance to extend their stay in Shanghai!

New Voyage Privé —

Carefully selected by our experts especially for you

Your Destination —

Home to the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, 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.

Beijing

As one of the six ancient cities in China, Beijing has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travellers as they explore the city's ancient past and exciting modern development. Now it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year.

Xi'an

As the eastern terminal of the Silk Road and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, Xian has won a reputation all over the world. More than 3,000 years of history including over 1,100 years as the capital city of ancient dynasties, have endowed the city with an amazing historical heritage. Visitors marvel at the numerous historical sites and cultural relics in and around the city.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. In addition to its modernisation, the city's multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. Here, visitors can find the perfect blend of cultures - the modern and the traditional, and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen stand side by side to draw the skyline of the city. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwine and form the city's culture, making a visitor's stay truly memorable.

Our Offer —

Offer 1: 7-night Essential China Tour staying in 4* accommodation

Offer 2: 7-night Essential China Tour + 1-night extension in Shanghai in 4* accommodation

Offer 3: 7-night Essential China Tour+ 2-night extension in Shanghai in 4* accommodation

Offer 4: 7-night Essential China Tour + 3-night extension in Shanghai in 4* accommodation

Your Itinerary In Brief —

Offer 1: Essential China Tour
Day 1: Depart for Beijing
Day 2: Arrival in Beijing
Day 3: Beijing
Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an
Day 5: Xi'an
Day 6: Xi'an
Day 7: Xi'an - Shanghai
Day 8: Shanghai
Day 9: Shanghai - Departure

OR

Offer 2, 3 or 4: Essential China Tour with Shanghai extension
Day 8: Shanghai
Day 9, 10 or 11: Shanghai
Day 10, 11 or 12: Shanghai - Departure

Your Itinerary —

Day 1: Departure to Beijing
Your first day will be spent making your way to China on your international flight. Meals and accommodation will be on board.

Day 2: Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met at the airport by your guide & transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you will have time at leisure to explore or unwind. We suggest opting into one of our optional excursions to the Temple of Heaven. Known as Tiantan, this site is an architectural marvel and is the location where the Ming and Qing emperors used to pray to have good harvests. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 3: Beijing
Starting with breakfast at yoour hotel, today will include an excursion to the Great Wall of China in Badaling - the most famous section of the Great Wall. It is said that this marvel can be seen from the moon. As one of the most spectacular structures ever built by humans, this wall measures 6700 km and was built to protect the Middle Kingdom from 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.

Enjoy lunch at your own leisure and then visit a cloisonne workshop to better understand how to create this amazing artwork. Head back to city and en route visit a local tea house. Here, you can witness a traditional tea ceremony demonstration, and then you'll catch a glimpse of the Bird Nest and Water Cube which are the Olympic sites. In the evening, why not add an optional Kung Fu show at the Red Theatre? Your guide will escort you by taxi to the theatre and buy the ticket for you, and after the show you will head back to your hotel by taxi. Dinner is at your own leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 4: Beijing - Xi’an (fast train - 5hrs 30 mins)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Afterwards, you will embark on a visit to Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City, the largest and most intact conglomeration of ancient structures making up the imperial palace. This palace hosted 24 Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors who ruled China for over 500 years. Lunch will be at your own leisure before you transfer to the train station and take your fast train to Xi’an . Upon arrival in Xi'an, you will meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Dinner is at your own leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 5: Xi’an
After breakfast at 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 terra cotta warriors, archers, infantrymen, horses, and bronze chariots, with their horse and chariots, were created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang into the afterlife.

Here, you will visit pits 1, 2, 3 and 2 bronze chariots. Lunch will be at your own leisure until you venture back to the city. En route, you shall visit a jade factory, followed by the Shaanxi province historical museum. 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). Dinner is at your own leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Xi'an.

Day 6: Xi’an
After breakfast, you will be introduced to Chinese calligraphy next to the Small Pagoda of Wild Goose. You will then visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, dated from Tang Dyansty, where you will have a lovely overview of the city. Lunch will be at your own leisure. Then, stroll down the Muslim street located in the center of Xian City. This is a fantastic place to wander and find all kinds of shops and restaurants, all operated by Muslims. You can then venture into the old town further, where you can admire the architectural beauty of the Great Mosque, constructed in Tang Dynasties. Dinner at your own leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 7: Xi'an - Shanghai (fast train - 6h)
Following breakfast at your hotel, you will transfer to the train station and take your fast train to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, you will meet your guide and you will directly move on to visit Yu Garden. Yu Garden was a private garden of the Pan family in the Ming Dynasty. As the largest and most prestigious of its era in Shanghai, this garden is unique in its design. It perfectly blends decorative halls, elaborate pavilions, glittering pools, zigzag bridges, pagodas, archways, and impressive rockeries. Then, you will stroll through the old town, discovering its intriguing shops and streets. This evening, you may choose to add an Acrobatic show in the city. This is a must! Dinner at your own leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 8, 9, 10 or 11: Shanghai
After breakfast, the rest of the day is at your own leisure to explore and discover the city.

We suggest seeing the contrasts between this modern yet traditional city. Why not 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 could climb the International Finance Center, up to the 100th floor, from where you could enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Shanghai. You could then continue your day with a visit of old Shanghai, dating from the 16th century. You will love its very animated pedestrian streets lined with many traditional shops. Then, go for a walk in the former French Concession including the Xintiandi district and Fuxing Park. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 9, 10, 11 or 12: Depart from Shanghai
After breakfast at your hotel, you will have some last moments to see the city on your own until you take your transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Your Tour Hotels —

Our members will stay at the following hotels or similar in a Double or Twin Room with Breakfast included as per itinerary.

Your Hotels

Beijing: 2-night stay at the King Talent Hotel 4* or similar
Xi'an: 3-night stay at the Tianyi Commercial Hotel 4* or similar
Shanghai: 2-night stay at the Hongkou Hotel 4* or similar

Sleeps up to

4 Adults

1 Infant

2 Adults

2 Children

Please note: the bed for the 3rd/4th 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 Optional Excursions —

Our members can choose to add the following excursions at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee - subject to availability.

Half Day Tour of the Temple of Heaven

Visit the Temple of Heaven, where ancient Chinese emperors made sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for beautiful harvests. This temple demonstrates the supreme achievement of traditional Chinese architecture. Do not miss the “Love Corner” where the aged parents exchange the information of theirs single children to help them find love—Chinese speciality!

Kung Fu Show

During your trip to China, take in a Kung Fu Show. This fantastic performance will show you the skill and determination of these Kung Fu masters. Enjoy a compelling story told through this Chinese martial art form, traditional and modern dance, and Chinese acrobatics. This show will last for 1h 30 mins and you will be placed in a normal seat inclusive of a guide & return transfer by taxi.

Tang Dynasty Show with Banquet

This evening you will have the opportunity to be entertained by a Tang Dynasty Night show which includes a guide service and private transfer in addition to a dumpling banquet dinner (diner 0.5-1h, show 1h30mn, plus transfer time about 1h).

Acrobatic Show

Enjoy the contortions and skills of the artists in this Shanghai acrobats show. Transfers and an English guide is included in this excursion.

Your Journey in China —

Flights: You may choose from Economy, Premium 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.

Trains: Fast train journeys from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai is included in 2nd class.

Transfers: Air-conditioned private car or minivan transfers are included for sightseeing mentioned as per itinerary.

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 and visa information please click here.

Please note that the advice can change, and you should continue to check all advice until you travel.

Entry Requirements

You must ensure you have a valid passport to travel on.

British nationals normally need a visa to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, but not Hong Kong or Macao. With effect from 1 November 2018, all visa applicants aged between 14 and 70 inclusive will need to make their visa application in person at a Visa Application Centre. As part of the application process, biometric data (scanned fingerprints) will now have to be provided.

If you visit Hong Kong from the mainland of China and wish to return to the mainland, you’ll need a visa that allows you to make a second entry into China.

Registering with the Chinese authorities

You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this requirement with regular spot-checks of foreigners’ documentation. If you’re staying in a hotel, they will do this for you as part of the check-in process.

Health

For information about important health advice and any vaccinations required visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries.

If vaccinations or other preventive measures are required, you will need to visit your health professional at least 8 weeks before your trip.

If you’re on prescription medication, make sure you bring enough with you or have access to a supply in China. Certain medicines may not be available and you may be prohibited from bringing others into the country. For more information and advice, check with your GP and the Embassy of China before travelling.

Dengue fever is present in some parts of China mainly during the rainy season. There has been a large increase in cases of dengue fever in Guangdong province. You should take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Please note that passport, visa and health requirements can change. It is every traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport, any required visas, and all the necessary vaccinations/health requirements as well as adequate insurance.

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 12 pm

Our price doesn’t include a city/accommodation/tourism tax which may be payable locally.

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

2-night stay in a Double/Twin Room at the King Talent Hotel 4* or similar
3-night stay in a Double/Twin Room at the Tianyi Commercial Hotel 4* or similar
2, 3, 4 or 5-night stay in a Double/Twin Room at the Hongkou Hotel 4* or similar
Breakfast
Sightseeing and entrance fees for the sites & activities as per itinerary

Local English-speaking guides at each stage of the tour
Private car with driver for visits and excursions as per itinerary
Fast train from Beijing to Xi'an to Shanghai in 2nd class
24-hour English speaking hotline available
Chinese VAT

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

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% off
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% off

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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