Cities of China in Style
10 Days
from
$5995 per person*
Highlights:
China
(Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Hong Kong)
Trip Start/End:
Beijing
/
Hong Kong
Delve into the bygone dynasties of China in a style fit for a king with this decadent 5* tour of the exotic highlights of Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai & Hong Kong. Starlit dinners, temples, palaces, cruises, gourmet feasts, cultural encounters, 1st class hotels & chauffer. Expert private guide presents unparalleled insights & exclusive access.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Beijing
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*)
Fairmont Gold Grand Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Beijing
| - Private - Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*)
Fairmont Gold Grand Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Beijing
| - Private - Tour at Mutianyu & Summer Palace with Lunch - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Lunch (included)
- Dinner Deluxe Peking Duck at Dadong Restaurant - Vehicle/Driver
| Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*)
Fairmont Gold Grand Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Beijing - Xi'an
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Beijing - Xi`an [Direct (2 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Private - 1/2 Day Museum, Wall & Mosque - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Shangri-La Hotel (5*)
Horizon Club (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Xi'an
| - Private - Terra Cotta Warriors, Banpo & Pagoda - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
- Dinner Deluxe Dumpling - Vehicle/Driver/Guide1
| Shangri-La Hotel (5*)
Horizon Club (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Xi'an - Shanghai
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Xi`an - Shanghai [Direct (2 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport (Hongqiao Domestic) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Private - Evening Walking Tour in French Concession & Xintiandi with Dinner - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Peninsula Shanghai (5*)
Deluxe River Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Shanghai
| - Private - City Tour Shanghai Museum, Bund, Cruise Oriental Pearl & Urban Planning Hall - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
| Peninsula Shanghai (5*)
Deluxe River Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Shanghai - Hong Kong
| - Transfer - Airport (Arrival into Pudong - PVG) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Shanghai - Hong Kong [Direct (2.5 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Airport (Arrival - to HK Island) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Private - 1/2 Day Hong Kong Island Tour with Lunch (4.5 hrs) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
| Central Mandarin Oriental (5*)
Harbour View (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Hong Kong
| - Private - 1/2 Day Kowloon Tour with Lunch (4hr) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
| Central Mandarin Oriental (5*)
Harbour View (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Hong Kong
| - Transfer - Private - Airport (Arrival - to HK Island) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Forbidden City
Fairmont Beijing Hotel
Day 1: Beijing
Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide in Beijing.
Accommodation: Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*) Fairmont Hotel in Beijing is within a short driving distance to Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square, the Embassy District, Oriental Plaza or Wangfujing, and China World Trade Centre. The hotel offers natural-lit rooms with floor-to-ceiling-windows that are furnished in contemporary Chinese style. The gate-form architecture showcases natural light-filled interiors accented by contemporary Chinese artworks, creating a sense of space and luxury living in the heart of China.
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 included. 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: Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*) 
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Da Dong Restaurant
Day 3: Beijing
Enjoy a full day private guided tour of 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 are abundant natural springs which feed a great variety of verdant plants and ancient trees. Built mainly from granite with 8m walls and 5m wide at the top, it is notable for its 22 watchtowers, suggesting a significant military importance. Next, you will visit The Summer Palace which is a sprawling suburban compound used by royalty as their summer retreat and best known for its stunning grounds around Kunming Lake.The Summer Palace occupies an area of 294 hectares (726.5 acres), three quarters of which is water. Classically designed as an archetypal Chinese garden, it is ranked amongst the most noted gardens of the world and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1998. Lunch is included in this tour.
Enjoy a Peking Duck dinner at Dadong restaurant. Voted by locals as the best Peking Duck in Beijing.
Accommodation: Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*) 
Terracotta General
Xi'an City Wall
Shangri La Xian
Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an
Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide in Beijing.
Fly from Beijing to Xi'an today. The direct flight should take approximately two hours.
Take an airport transfer in Xi'an by private car with an English-speaking guide.
Half day private guided city tour taking in some highlights of Xian – the ancient capital of China for over 1100 years. Start with some of the 370,000 exhibits at the Shaanxi History Museum, quite simply one of the nation's best. Next stop is the City Wall. The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers from one of the oldest and most complete city defences still stand ready to repel attackers. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre, you can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side. Finish with the Great Mosque, located In the heart of Xi'an's Muslim quarter, this is one of the largest Islamic mosques in China. Remarkable for the melding of Chinese architecture with Islamic practice, the courtyards align from east to west facing Mecca. The pavilions, halls and gateways are wonderfully decorated, and this is an active place of worship for the Hui descendants of Silk Road traders and travellers.
Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel (5*) Shangri-La Hotel Xian has the very best of the city right on its doorstep such as the finest in shopping and entertainment. The hotel is just a 30-minute drive from Xian International Airport, and is within easy reach of many top tourist attractions. The hotel’s 386 guest rooms and suites set a new standard for deluxe accommodation in Xian and offer four trendsetting designer restaurants. With luxurious spa treatments and a fully equipped health club with heated pool, it's the perfect place to soothe mind, body and soul. Whether you're traveling for pleasure, Shangri-La Hotel, Xian offers exceptional levels of hospitality to further enhance your enjoyment of this magnificent city.
Terra Cotta Warrior Close-up
Day 5: Xi'an
Take a full day private guided tour of the Terra Cotta Army, Banpo Museum and the Buddhist Wild Goose Pagoda with a deluxe lunch. China's greatest archaeological excavation - over 7,000 terra cotta life size warriors and horses arranged in battle formations symbolically guard the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of the Qin dynasty (246-209 BC). The Neolithic Banpo Village has nearly 10,000 production tools and the remains of 45 houses on display.
While the capital of China long ago moved from Xian to Beijing the culinary capital, when it comes to dumplings, remains. Experience a feast of perhaps China's most popular dish in the city it is best known for through a superb dumpling dinner at the famous Defachang Restaurant.
Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel (5*) 
Shanghai
Peninsula Hotel Exterior
Day 6: 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.
This evening, enjoy a one and half hour walking tour in French Concession & Xintiandi. A deluxe dinner at Jessie Restaurant in XinTianDi will be prepared and served to you.
Accommodation: Peninsula Shanghai (5*) Opening in late 2009, the ninth property in The Peninsula Hotels' portfolio fronts the historic Bund with spectacular views of the Bund, Huangpu River, Pudong and the gardens of the former British Consulate, and blends with the historic architecture of its landmark neighbors along the Bund -- a UNESCO-designated Modern Heritage Site.
Oriental Pearl Tower
Day 7: Shanghai
Experience a full day private guided tour of Shanghai taking in the Shanghai Museum, Urban Planning Museum, Nanjing Rd, Bund, a cruise on the Huangpu and the views from the Oriental Pearl Tower. The museum is a veritable treasure house of ancient Chinese art and houses 120,000 precious relics. Bronzes, pottery, paintings and calligraphies are distinctive features of the Museum's collection. The nearby Urban Planning Hall is a fun and informative introduction to the exciting city that Shanghai past and future. Strolling down Nanjing Rd, once listed as one of the most interesting in the world, you will arrive at the historic Bund. Enjoy a cruise on the Huangpud river that divides old Shanghai from the futuristic Pudong before venturing across the river for a trip up the Oriental Pearl Tower to view the city from above. Much of this tour is best done by foot.
Accommodation: Peninsula Shanghai (5*) 
Hong Kong
Central Mandarin Oriental
Day 8: Shanghai - Hong Kong
You'll be met by your private driver upon your arrival into Pudong airport in Shanghai and transferred to your accommodation in Shanghai.
Fly from Shanghai to Hongkong.
Relax after your flight on your privately chauffeured transfer from Hong Kong airport to your accommodation on Hong Kong Island.
Enjoy a half day Hong Kong island tour where you will have the opportunity to visit Victoria Peak, Aberdeen Fishing Village and drive by Repulse Bay. Afterwards, stop off at Jumbo Restaurant for a dim sum lunch.
Accommodation: Central Mandarin Oriental (5*) Located in the heart of the financial district, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong overlooks the Victoria Harbor. This property is just a short walk from the famous night-time entertainment area of bars, restaurants and clubs. Offering beautiful views of the surrounding, the 502 guestrooms are well-appointed and come with modern amenities to make your stay a pleasant one. The magnificent spa offers healing philosophies of Ayurveda and traditional Chinese Medicine to soothe your senses and enchant your soul. You can workout at the state-of-the-art gymnasium or have a bracing dip in the swimming pool during your stay in this hotel.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Day 9: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day Kowloon Tour where you will have the opportunity to visit Wong Tai Sin Temple, Jade Market and the Bird and Flower Market. A Chinese set lunch will be prepared for you at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Central Mandarin Oriental (5*) Day 10: Hong Kong
Relax after your flight on your privately chauffeured transfer from Hong Kong airport to your accommodation on Hong Kong Island.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Fairmont Beijing Hotel
Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*) - Beijing
Fairmont Hotel in Beijing is within a short driving distance to Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square, the Embassy District, Oriental Plaza or Wangfujing, and China World Trade Centre. The hotel offers natural-lit rooms with floor-to-ceiling-windows that are furnished in contemporary Chinese style. The gate-form architecture showcases natural light-filled interiors accented by contemporary Chinese artworks, creating a sense of space and luxury living in the heart of China.
- Shangri La Xian
Shangri-La Hotel (5*) - Xi'an
Shangri-La Hotel Xian has the very best of the city right on its doorstep such as the finest in shopping and entertainment. The hotel is just a 30-minute drive from Xian International Airport, and is within easy reach of many top tourist attractions. The hotel’s 386 guest rooms and suites set a new standard for deluxe accommodation in Xian and offer four trendsetting designer restaurants. With luxurious spa treatments and a fully equipped health club with heated pool, it's the perfect place to soothe mind, body and soul. Whether you're traveling for pleasure, Shangri-La Hotel, Xian offers exceptional levels of hospitality to further enhance your enjoyment of this magnificent city.
- Peninsula Hotel Exterior
Peninsula Shanghai (5*) - Shanghai
Opening in late 2009, the ninth property in The Peninsula Hotels' portfolio fronts the historic Bund with spectacular views of the Bund, Huangpu River, Pudong and the gardens of the former British Consulate, and blends with the historic architecture of its landmark neighbors along the Bund -- a UNESCO-designated Modern Heritage Site.
- Central Mandarin Oriental
Central Mandarin Oriental (5*) - Hong Kong
Located in the heart of the financial district, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong overlooks the Victoria Harbor. This property is just a short walk from the famous night-time entertainment area of bars, restaurants and clubs. Offering beautiful views of the surrounding, the 502 guestrooms are well-appointed and come with modern amenities to make your stay a pleasant one. The magnificent spa offers healing philosophies of Ayurveda and traditional Chinese Medicine to soothe your senses and enchant your soul. You can workout at the state-of-the-art gymnasium or have a bracing dip in the swimming pool during your stay in this hotel.
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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