Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai
7 Days
from
$1995 per person*
Highlights:
China
(Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai)
Trip Start/End:
Beijing
/
Shanghai
As you extend a hand to touch the ancient stone of the Great Wall of China, pause to absorb the many centuries this incredible structure has witnessed.
An expert English-speaking tour guide will help you appreciate the 1500-year history of the Great Wall when you visit a mountain-side stretch constructed during the Northern Qi Dynasty between 550 and 577. There’s plenty more history to discover in ancient Beijing and you’ll soak it all in with a private guided tour of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Board the luxury overnight train to Xi’an where you’ll bare witness to the 7000-strong Terra Cotta Army that has stood guard at Emperor Qin’s tomb since 210BC. Then reenter the modern world as you arrive in the contemporary city of Shanghai – often referred to as the New York of Asia.
This trip is an ideal way to visit some of the most historically-significant sites in the world without breaking the bank. You’ll still enjoy four- and five-star comfort throughout, and private tour guides at every point. And it’s the expert English-speaking guides that make this such a worthwhile experience. From relating military feats in the shadow of the Great Wall to revealing the secrets of the Forbidden City and leading a bicycle tour around ancient Xi’an, the knowledgeable guides will paint you a vivid picture of China.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Beijing
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*)
Standard Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Beijing
| - Private - Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch Included
| Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*)
Standard Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Beijing
| - Private - 1/2 Day Great Wall Mutianyu with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch Included
- Transfer - Train Station - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Train - Xi`an (Overnight) (4*)
Soft sleeper (2 Person Berth) ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Xi'an
| - Transfer - Train Station - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Private - Terracotta Warriors, City Wall by Bike & Pagoda - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch Included
| Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*)
Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Xi'an - Shanghai
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Xi`an - Shanghai [Direct (2 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport (Hongqiao Domestic) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Private - 1/2 Day Nanjing Road & Bund Walking Tour (4 hrs) - Guide
| Marriott Shanghai City Center (5*)
Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Shanghai
| - Private - 1/2 Day City Tour Jade Buddha Temple & Yu Garden - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Marriott Shanghai City Center (5*)
Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Shanghai
| - Transfer - Airport Transfer (PVG) by Private Car & Maglev Train - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Forbidden City
Park Plaza(Wangfujing)
Day 1: Beijing
Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide in Beijing.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*) The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is a modern oasis, right in the heart of Beijing's bustling cultural, commercial, business and entertainment center. With its superb location, spacious facilities and personalized service, the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests. The Lodging reflects the many changing facets of contemporary Chinese culture, where ancient cultural sites vie for space alongside high-rise buildings and an intricate freeway system. The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is just minutes away from several popular attractions, such as Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China and the Forbidden City.
Guests may also enjoy the complimentary high-speed Internet access, security safe box, meeting facilities and currency exchange center. All guestrooms feature Western décor and are furnished with lounge chairs in sandstone colors.
The Temple of Heaven
Day 2: Beijing
This full day, private guided tour, explores Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven with a stop for a deluxe lunch. Tiananmen Square was built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and stretches a vast 440,000 square meters. The Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex with 9,999 buildings. The Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty reigned here until 1924. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 AD during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*) 
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Train Cabin
Day 3: Beijing
Today a private guide will take you to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, located 45 miles northeast of Beijing. This section winds along lofty, cragged mountains for 1.4 miles and holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. Construction was started in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577) and was restored in the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). There is an abundance of natural springs which feed a great variety of verdant plants and ancient trees. Built mainly from granite with 8 meter high walls that are 5 m wide at the top, this section of the Great Wall is notable for its 22 watchtowers, suggesting a significant military importance. The tour includes lunch at a local restaurant.
Enjoy a transfer to/from train station with private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide.
Accommodation: Train - Xi`an (Overnight) (4*) Board your overnight train bound for Xi'an. Choose either the standard soft sleeper, which is a cabin of 4 berths (two upper bunks, two lower bunks) or opt for the private 2 person berth (two lower bunks only). Comfortable bedding and good quality pillows are provided. Each bunk is equipped with a small reading lamp. Temperature controls are installed alongside the door. Generally speaking, the facilities include a clothes rack, slippers, clothes brush, stainless steel thermos, fine porcelain teacup, a trash can and wall socket. Travel time is roughly 11-13 hours.
Terracotta General
T.C.Army
Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
Day 4: Xi'an
A private transfer with an English speaking professional guide from the hotel to the train station, or vice versa, is provided.
The first stop is of this private guided bicycle tour is the Terracotta Army. Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. The tour continues on to the imposing ancient city wall. The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers from one of the oldest and most complete city defences are still around. They were built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city center. The last leg of the tour is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.
Accommodation: Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*) Built to meet the elaborate standards of China's new platinum five-star hotel rating, the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is the ultimate accommodation facility in the ancient city of Xian. Its design is of astounding contemporary concept. With a full range of spacious and well-appointed rooms, suites and apartments, state-of-the-art business facilities and exquisite dining and recreational options, Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is a perfect choice for the most astute of business and leisure travelers.
Shanghai
Exterior
Day 5: Xi'an - Shanghai
Take an airport transfer in Xi'an by private car with an English-speaking guide.
Relax on the flight from Xi'an to Shanghai. The direct flight duration is typically aprroximately 2 hours.
Enjoy an airport transfer in Shanghai with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking Guide.
Walk along the famous Nanjing Road and fabulous Bund area, and listen to your expert local tour guide explain the history and development of China's most cosmopolitan city.
Accommodation: Marriott Shanghai City Center (5*) Discover unmatched hospitality, an unbeatable location and luxurious amenities at the new Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre. Located in the heart of downtown, our Shanghai hotel is within walking distance to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, People's Square, the Bund and the metro station. Premier among Shanghai hotels, we are the perfect place to unwind when traveling for business or leisure.Enjoy international cuisine and local favorites from our chefs as they prepare various choices at our five restaurants and lounges. After a day in the city, take a dip in our indoor pool, visit our fully equipped gym or have a relaxing massage at our spa. Among hotels in Shanghai, amenities include a business center, 24-hour room service and concierge. More than 2,000 square meters of dedicated event space await with two pillar-free ballrooms and seven additional meeting rooms.
Yuyuan Garden
Day 6: Shanghai
This half day private guided city tour visits some of the most picturesque area's around Shanghai, specifically the Jade Buddha Temple and Yuyuan Garden. A deluxe lunch is include during this trip. The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most popular sights in Shanghai containing rare white jade Buddhas brought from Burma in the nineteenth century. One is seated while the other is in the recumbent position of Sakyamuni symbolizing the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment or nirvana. Yuyuan Garden is the largest of Shanghai's ancient gardens with architectural styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The garden has six areas, each with its own style, the most popular being the Grand Rockery in the center.
Accommodation: Marriott Shanghai City Center (5*) Day 7: Shanghai
Transfer from central Shanghai with a driver, and English-speaking Guide to the Maglev station in Pudong from where you can complete your airport transfer in about 8 minutes at speeds of over 400 km/h. (Warning - involves a little walking).
Accommodation: Depart Depart from Shanghai international airport - end of itinerary.
Accommodations
Standard Room- Park Plaza Wangfujing
Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*) - Beijing
The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is a modern oasis, right in the heart of Beijing's bustling cultural, commercial, business and entertainment center. With its superb location, spacious facilities and personalized service, the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests. The Lodging reflects the many changing facets of contemporary Chinese culture, where ancient cultural sites vie for space alongside high-rise buildings and an intricate freeway system. The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is just minutes away from several popular attractions, such as Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China and the Forbidden City.
Guests may also enjoy the complimentary high-speed Internet access, security safe box, meeting facilities and currency exchange center. All guestrooms feature Western décor and are furnished with lounge chairs in sandstone colors.
- Train Cabin
Train - Xi'an (Overnight) (4*) - Beijing
Board your overnight train bound for Xi'an. Choose either the standard soft sleeper, which is a cabin of 4 berths (two upper bunks, two lower bunks) or opt for the private 2 person berth (two lower bunks only). Comfortable bedding and good quality pillows are provided. Each bunk is equipped with a small reading lamp. Temperature controls are installed alongside the door. Generally speaking, the facilities include a clothes rack, slippers, clothes brush, stainless steel thermos, fine porcelain teacup, a trash can and wall socket. Travel time is roughly 11-13 hours.
- Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*) - Xi'an
Built to meet the elaborate standards of China's new platinum five-star hotel rating, the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is the ultimate accommodation facility in the ancient city of Xian. Its design is of astounding contemporary concept. With a full range of spacious and well-appointed rooms, suites and apartments, state-of-the-art business facilities and exquisite dining and recreational options, Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is a perfect choice for the most astute of business and leisure travelers.
- Exterior
Deluxe Room King
Marriott Shanghai City Center (5*) - Shanghai
Discover unmatched hospitality, an unbeatable location and luxurious amenities at the new Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre. Located in the heart of downtown, our Shanghai hotel is within walking distance to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, People's Square, the Bund and the metro station. Premier among Shanghai hotels, we are the perfect place to unwind when traveling for business or leisure.Enjoy international cuisine and local favorites from our chefs as they prepare various choices at our five restaurants and lounges. After a day in the city, take a dip in our indoor pool, visit our fully equipped gym or have a relaxing massage at our spa. Among hotels in Shanghai, amenities include a business center, 24-hour room service and concierge. More than 2,000 square meters of dedicated event space await with two pillar-free ballrooms and seven additional meeting rooms.
Travel Info
Travel tips of China
VISA/PASSPORT
A valid passport and visa are required to enter and exit China for both US and Canadian citizens, and must be obtained from Chinese Embassies and Consulates before traveling to China. Visa processing generally takes 5 working days along with a visa processing fee of approximately $50 for a Single Entry Visa and $75 for a Multiple Entry Visa. Travelers arriving without valid passports and the appropriate Chinese visa are not permitted to enter and will be subject to a fine and immediate deportation at the traveler's expense. Travelers should not rely on Chinese host organizations claiming to be able to arrange a visa upon arrival. Chinese authorities have recently tightened their visa issuance policy, in some cases requiring personal interviews of American citizens. Although a bilateral United States-China agreement provides for issuance of multiple-entry visas with validity of up to one year for tourists and business visitors, Chinese consulates often limit visas to only one entry. Visas are not required of aliens who hold air tickets to the final destination, have booked seats on international airliners flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport. Persons transiting China on the way to and from Mongolia or North Korea or who plan to re-enter China from the Hong Kong or Macau Special Administrative Regions should be sure to obtain visas allowing more than one entry. Permits are required to visit Tibet as well as many remote areas not normally open to foreigners.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of China for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Medical facilities outside of major cities are poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/china.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Beijing.
Government: People's Republic. China comprises 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, two special administrative regions and four municipalities directly under central government.
Language: The official language is Mandarin Chinese. Among the enormous number of local dialects, large groups speak Cantonese, Shanghaiese (also known as Shanghainese), Fuzhou, Hokkien-Taiwanese, Xiang, Gan and Hakka dialects in the south. Inner Mongolia, Tibet and Xinjiang, which are autonomous regions, have their own languages. English is spoken by many guides and in hotels. Many taxi drivers do not speak English, even in big cities.
Religion: China is officially Atheistic, but the stated religions and philosophies are Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism. There are 100 million Buddhists and approximately 60 million Muslims, 5 million Protestants (including large numbers of Evangelicals) and 4 million Roman Catholics, largely independent of Vatican control.
Time: GMT + 8. Despite the vast size of the country, Beijing time is standard throughout China.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin and three-pin sockets are generally in use. However, most 4 to 5 star hotels are also wired for the use of 110 volt appliances.
Telephone: Country code +86
Mobile Telephone: China has the most mobile phone users in the world, backed by a very sophisticated mobile communications system that now covers the entire country. Roaming agreements exist with most major international mobile phone companies. Alternatively, you can buy a prepaid GSM SIM card (from China Mobile stores) that allows you to use your mobile like a local phone with a new number. You'll need your passport to register.
Internet: The number of Internet users in China reached 253 million in 2008. Internet cafes can be found in most towns and cities, and Wi-Fi is increasingly available at hotels and cafes in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Hangzhou and other major cities.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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