China's Present, Past and Future
9 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Beijing, Summer Palace, Kunming Lake, Tian'an Men Square, Beijing, Forbidden City, Beijing, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, Mutianyu, Great Wall of China, Beijing, Summer Palace, Beijing, Hutongs, Beijing, Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors Museum, Xi'an, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an, Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, The Bund, Shanghai, Nanjing Road, Shanghai, Zhujiajiao, Former French Concession, Shanghai, Silk Factory Shanghai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
454722
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 25
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
English , GermanInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through China's rich history and vibrant present with the "China's Present, Past and Future" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the majestic Forbidden City and the awe-inspiring Great Wall in Beijing to the ancient wonders of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an. Travel in comfort with high-speed trains and overnight sleeper cabins, ensuring a seamless transition between cities. In Shanghai, explore the harmonious blend of traditional and modern architecture, from the serene Yu Garden to the bustling Nanjing Road. Discover the charm of Zhujiajiao, the "Venice of China," and stroll through the elegant Former French Concession. With expert local guides and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of China's cultural and historical treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL BEIJING
Location: Beijing, Summer Palace, Kunming Lake
Accommodation Name: Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Welcome to Beijing! Upon your arrival at the Beijing Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel where you will meet your local guide. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in China’s sprawling capital city. Alternatively, you can book our optional Summer Palace and Kunming Lake excursion.
Summer Palace and Kunming Lake excursion
The Summer Palace and Kunming Lake excursion is a four-hour visit of the spellbinding complex, the summer retreat of China´s emperors and their families, where they used to relax in the lavish pavilions of Longevity Hill, meditate in the temples and stroll through the landscaped gardens around Kunming Lake. The whole complex is real architectural experience, boasted with beautifully decorated buildings and courtyards, and striking views from the sumptuous Summer Palace. Take a walk between ancient walls of the Temple of Buddhist Virtue, the Hall of Jade Ripples, the Cloud-Dispelling Hall and the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, and discover the tranquillity of the peaceful Kunming Lake. Tour starts at 14:00 from the hotel´s lobby.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 2 : BEIJING (Forbidden City Tour, Temple of Heaven)
Location: Tian'an Men Square, Beijing, Forbidden City, Beijing, Temple of Heaven, Beijing
Accommodation Name: Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at your hotel, visit the site that witnessed the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Tian’an Men Square is one of the world’s most impressive public plazas and stands at the center of Beijing. Visit the Forbidden City. Explore the halls and gardens of the largest ancient palatial structure in the world, the best-preserved imperial palace in China and a site of great historical importance (excl. exhibitions). Visit the Temple of Heaven. Framed amongst the princely imperial styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties the site is a masterpiece of imperial style and architecture. Enjoy a Tea ceremony or visit a pearl market before transfering back to the hotel.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 3 : BEIJING (Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall Tour, Summer Palace)
Location: Mutianyu, Great Wall of China, Beijing, Summer Palace, Beijing
Accommodation Name: Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at your hotel, visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Enjoy this testament to Chinese engineering and ingenuity, a monument to human endeavour set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. (excl. cable car). Visit the tea house. Then, visit the Summer Palace, the former site of retreat for the imperial family. It provides a range of striking views and the opportunity to enjoy Kunming Lake. Its buildings and courtyards are beautifully decorated and charged with historical content (excl. boat, theatre and Longevity Hill). After the visit transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 4 : BEIJING – XI’AN (5 hrs by high-speed train; included)
Location: Beijing, Hutongs, Beijing, Xi'an
Accommodation Name: Aurum International Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and begin the day with a tour of Beijing’s intricate alleyway ‘Hutongs’ in style. From here you will be transferred to Beijing West Railway Station in the afternoon to take a high-speed train direction to Xi’an. Once at Xi’an North Railway Station, you will be greeted by a guide who will assist you with the transfer and check-in to your hotel.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 5 : XI’AN
Location: Terracotta Warriors Museum, Xi'an, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an, Xi'an
Accommodation Name: Aurum International Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your pick-up for a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Praised as the eighth wonder of the world, this collection of terracotta warriors, horses, chariots and weapons unearthed at the site of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor provides a fascinating insight into ancient China. Around 2,000 warriors have been excavated since their chance discover in 1974, but it is estimated that there may be up to an impressive 8,000 in total. This silent army is a fascinating highlight to any tour. On the way back we´ll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This well-preserved ancient Buddhist pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and it is one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in China. To wrap up our excursion we´ll visit a local jade factory and learn about the process of fining and shaping this beautiful precious stone, adored by the Chinese for its calming effects. Once back in the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 6 : XI’AN – SHANGHAI (15.5 hrs night train; included)
Location: Xi'an, Shanghai
Accommodation Name: On board an overnight train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and take a walk around the city walls, that have been protecting the city over the centuries. Breach the walls and head to the historic Muslim Quarter, a bustling section of the city where the majority of Xi’an’s Muslim population live and work. There are several mosques here and several lively market streets. Wander around the market and soak up the bright colourful atmosphere. Take the opportunity to sample a variety of local foods and snacks from the market sellers. In the afternoon, at the indicated time, you will be transferred to Xi’an Railway Station and board into a high-speed train to Shanghai Railway Station. Dinner on board (not incl.).
Overnight onboard the night train.
Day 7 : SHANGHAI
Location: Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, The Bund, Shanghai, Nanjing Road, Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early arrival at the Shanghai Railway Station. Our tour representative will meet&greet you and take you to your hotel for breakfast. Leave your luggage at the storeroom of the hotel, and hop on the bus for Shanghai’s old town city tour. Constructed 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, the colossal modern city of Shanghai has respectfully sprung up around the remains of its older relatives, providing a fascinating window into the past. Visit the sublime Yu Garden, a wonderful example of classical design in the old city centre, a tranquil spot for respite from the modern pace of life. Then, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, celebrated for its two magnificent white Jade Burmese Buddha statues. Stroll along the seafront in The Bund and witness the world-famous Shanghai skyline first-hand. To wrap up our tour, stroll down Nanjing Road, a well-known shopping boulevard with all the energy, bright lights and spectacle of Shanghai condensed into one location.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 8 : SHANGHAI
Location: Zhujiajiao, Former French Concession, Shanghai, Silk Factory, Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up the breakfast at the hotel and prepare for another experience. Today we´ll drive to Zhujiajiao, water town, commonly called “Venice of China” where we´ll spend a half-day walking between the bohemian cafes and eye-catching high rise buildings. The charm of this picturesque town will be a memorable experience. Once back in Shanghai, we´ll head out to see the Former French Concession that will unveil the quiet and idle face of Shanghai, with the old European architecture. The elegant boulevards and leafy residential rues, as well as grandiose mansions with chateau-style roofs and turrets, will leave an impression that you entered into a different country. The last stop of the day is the Silk Factory, where we will admire this fine handicraft before heading back to the hotel for the evening.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 9 : DEPARTURE SHANGHAI
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your farewell breakfast at the hotel, then prepare to check out of your room at the scheduled time and transfer to Shanghai Airport for your onward or return flight.
What's Included
-
Tour Guide
Operated with English and German-speaking local guides during the activities.
-
Transport
Arrival private transfer from Beijing Airport to the hotel in Beijing, shared air-conditioned transfer throughout the tour, 1x 2nd class seat on the high-speed train Beijing – Xi’an on day 4, 1x overnight train (4 beds cabin, soft sleeper) Xi’an – Shanghai on day 6, and departure private transfer from hotel in Shanghai to Shanghai Airport.
-
Entrance Fees & Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Beijing full-day sightseeing tour (Day 2); Great Wall - Mutianyu section excursion and Summer Palace visit (Day 3); Hutongs visit (Day 4); Terracotta Warriors Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda excursion, Jade Factory visit (Day 5); City Wall of Xi’an visit, Muslim Quarter excursion (Day 6); Shanghai full-day city tour (Day 7); Zhujiajio excursion, Former French Concession and Silk factory visit (Day 8).
-
Other
Meet & Greet on Day 1, 4, and 7.
What's Not Included
-
Airport Transfer Surcharge
Airport transfer surcharge if arriving/departing before 8 am or after 10 pm.
-
Flights
International nor domestic flights are not included.
-
Visa Fees
China visa fees are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
-
Drinks
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
-
City Tax
City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.
-
Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
-
Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included.
-
Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
-
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
-
Camera/Video Fees
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.
-
Unforeseen Circumstances
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc. are not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
- Day 4: Estimated departure time from Beijing Train Station is approx. at 15:45 to Xi’an arriving at 21:25.
- Day 6: Estimated departure from Xi´an Train Station at 16:45 to Shanghai arriving at 8:11 on the following day.
- Please note no guide available on the high-speed train on day 4 and on the overnight train on day 6.
- Trains are subject to change due to the adjustments of the schedule
- Forbidden City is closed on Mondays
- Please check the China tourist visa requirements with your local embassy or authorities
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, security reasons or Corona restrictions.
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-3 Beijing:
- Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Day 4-5 Xi´an:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tianyi Commercial Hotel or similar 3*
Day 7-8 Shanghai:
- Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Days 6:
- On board an overnight train
Pre-night in Beijing:
- Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Post night in Shanghai:
- Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-3 Beijing:
- Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Day 4-5 Xi´an:
- Standard Hotel Category = Aurum International Hotel or similar 3*
Day 7-8 Shanghai:
- Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Days 6:
- On board an overnight train
Pre-night in Beijing:
- Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Post night in Shanghai:
- Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private transfers from airports to hotels, shared air-conditioned transfers throughout the tour, and high-speed train journeys from Beijing to Xi'an. Experience an overnight train journey from Xi'an to Shanghai in a soft sleeper cabin.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, including Dong Fang Hotel in Beijing, Aurum International Hotel in Xi'an, and Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel in Shanghai. Experience an overnight journey on a soft sleeper train from Xi'an to Shanghai.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, such as Dong Fang Hotel in Beijing, Aurum International Hotel in Xi'an, and Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel in Shanghai. Additionally, there is an overnight journey on a soft sleeper train from Xi'an to Shanghai.
-
Are there any language options for the tour guides?
Yes, the tour is operated with English and German-speaking local guides during the activities.
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes private transfers from airports to hotels, shared air-conditioned transfers throughout the tour, high-speed train journeys from Beijing to Xi'an, and an overnight train journey from Xi'an to Shanghai in a soft sleeper cabin.
-
Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Beijing full-day sightseeing tour, Great Wall excursion, Terracotta Warriors Museum visit, and more.
-
Is there a guide available on the trains during the tour?
No, there is no guide available on the high-speed train on day 4 and on the overnight train on day 6.
-
What should I wear during the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited for travel in the warm months, while warm clothing is recommended for the colder months in China. Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
-
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
-
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
-
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
-
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
-
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
-
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
1 Select your preferred date
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Tui China requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tui china charges.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
