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Grand Tour of China 22 Days

$5,999.00 $4,299.00

Beijing, Xi’an, Yangtze Cruise, Chengdu, Leshan, Guilin, Yangshuo, Wuzhen, Suzhou, Shanghai

Tour Highlights:

  • Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Chinese Acrobatic Show, Summer Palace, Bird’s Nest, Water Cube, Hutongs, Wangfujing, Peking Roast Duck
  • Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum, Dumpling Banquet, Shaanxi Provincial Museum, Ancient City Wall, Great Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Yangtze River Cruise: Three Gorges, transit the Three Gorges Dam, shore excursions
  • Chengdu: Get up close to the adorable giant pandas, Jin Li culture street, Sichuan Cuisine
  • Leshan: Stand at the foot of the towering Grand Buddha
  • Guilin: Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Caves
  • Yangshuo: Yangshuo Village, West Street
  • Wuzhen: Wuzhen Ancient Water Town
  • Suzhou: Grand Canal, Lingering Garden
  • Shanghai: Bund, Old Town, Huangpu River, Shanghai Museum, Xintiandi Area, Shanghai Cuisine

This comprehensive Grand Tour of China is designed to be a trip of a lifetime, and showcases China's amazing history, rich culture, natural wonders, charming landscapes, and the dramatic economic, social, and architectural changes that characterise its future.

Commencing in China's capital city, Beijing, you will walk along the Great Wall and discover the mystery of the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Marvel at the finely-crafted Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, and relax on a cruise along the mighty Yangtze River – passing the world's largest hydroelectric dam.

Get up close and personal with the super-cute giant pandas in Chengdu and stand at the foot of the Grand Buddha in Leshan. Visit Guilin, one of the most picturesque places in the world, and stroll through the streets of the global village, Yangshuo. Observe locals going about their daily business and visit the local markets. Discover the historic city Suzhou, with its canals, stone bridges, and meticulously designed gardens, and immerse yourself in the bustling metropolis Shanghai.

In 22 days you will experience the very essence of this amazing country. The combination of places visited encapsulates China's past, present and future. This is a magnificent tour with amazing and unforgettable experiences!

Pace: Moderate – please be prepared for intervals of brisk walking and full days.

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Departure Dates

2020 Price Per Person Single Supplement
05 Apr* 07 Jun* 13 Sep* From
$4,299
Typically $4,999		 $1,500
03 May 09 Aug 18 Oct
17 May 30 Aug
* = Peak Season Surcharge: $300

Package Inclusions:

  • Airfares, taxes & fuel surcharges departing Sydney or Melbourne with a full service Chinese carrier (e.g. China Southern/Eastern Airlines, Air China, China/Hainan/Sichuan/Xiamen Airlines subject to availability) or other Asian carrier (e.g. Vietnam/Thai/Malaysia Air)
  • Round trip airport & hotel transfers
  • 15 nights 4 to 5 star (local rating) hotel accommodation
  • 4 nights standard cabin with private balcony aboard Yangtze River Cruise (twin share only)
  • 3 shore excursions (subject to change and favourable weather conditions, excludes optional excursions)
  • Daily meals as indicated on the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All transportation: coach, cruise, rail, internal flights (operated by a local carrier)
  • Admissions to scenic attractions
  • English-speaking tour guide(s)

Package Exclusions:

  • Prepaid tipping: $250
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • China visa for Australian passport holders present in Australia
  • Personal expenses & any optionals

Price Guide:

  • Airline Upgrade^: Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines from $500
  • Interstate Surcharges: Brisbane/Adelaide/Perth $300 (flights may be via Sydney or Melbourne)
  • Early Arrival/Stay Behind Surcharge: From $250 subject to availability and applicable fare difference
  • Pre/Post-Tour Accommodation in China (w/breakfast): From $150/twin room/night
  • Business Class Upgrade^: China Eastern or China Southern Airlines from $2500, Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines from $4100 (subject to availability)
  • Child Price: Same as adult
  • Please Note: Flight itineraries are not available until approximately 2 weeks before departure and involve transits
  • (~) Land Only price excludes international airfares and China visa application fees, includes all other tour arrangements within China

^ International long haul sectors only.

Please Note:

  • Several shopping stops are included as cultural learning experiences with no obligation to purchase local specialty products.
  • Minimum 6 Passengers are required to operate this tour.

All prices, itineraries, airlines, hotels and cruise ships are subject to availability and change without prior notice. Nexus Holidays reserves the right to provide substitutes of similar standard and adjust the itinerary as we see fit to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Passengers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not deviate from the set itinerary. The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land. Please check all information before booking. By booking, you accept all Booking Conditions.

Stopovers Optional Extension

Hong Kong & Macau 4 Day 3 Night Self-Guided Stopover from $1199

Once a sleepy fishing village, Hong Kong has now developed into one of the premiere financial powerhouses of Asia. It is a city which boldly blends the modern with Chinese heritage and British colonial influence. A safe, well organised, fast paced shopping paradise, it also offers up some unmatched cuisine experiences. Dine on some of the best yum cha and wonton noodle soup in the world, or a taste of more unusual culinary delights such grass jelly or shredded jellyfish.

Macau is a small peninsula in mainland China, across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong. A Portuguese overseas territory until 1999, it reflects a mix of Portuguese and Chinese influences. Its giant casinos and extravagant malls have earned it the nickname, the ‘Las Vegas of Asia’. Macau’s more striking landmarks include the 338m-high Macau Tower, along with the Grand Lisboa Hotel/Casino, and the more recent Morpheus Hotel.

Inclusions:

  • 3 nights hotel accommodation (twin/double share)
  • Hotel buffet breakfast
  • Round trip airport and hotel transfers
  • Half day Hong Kong Island sightseeing tour
  • Macau day tour, lunch and round trip ferry tickets
  • Airfares

Accommodation:

  • Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hotel 4 star or similar

Price Guide:

  • Single Supplement: $275
  • Alternative hotel upgrade options are available upon request
  • Note: To book this stopover, the airline must first be upgraded to Cathay Pacific, which is included in the above price.

Optional ProgramsOptional Extension

Get to know China better with our list of in-depth excursions recommended to add another dimension to your total experience! They can be prepaid in Australia more than 30 days prior to departure at the discounted AUD prices below, or paid directly in the local currency to your tour guide upon arrival in China. Prepay for all optional programs to receive a $15 discount off the total price. English speaking guide, admissions and round trip transfers are included in the price.

Beijing The Golden Mask Dynasty $75
Beijing Chinese Kung-Fu Show $75
Chengdu Face-Changing Show $55
Yangshuo Impression Liu San Jie $80
Shanghai Chinese Acrobatic Show $75
Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise $40

Hotel Accommodation Optional Extension

Beijing Wyndham Beijing North or similar
Xi’an Titan Times Hotel or similar
Yangtze River Cruise Yangtze Gold Cruise or similar
Chengdu Sheraton Hotel or similar
Guilin Grand Link Hotel or similar
Yangshuo Jasper International Hotel or similar
Suzhou Pan Pacific Hotel or similar
Wuzhen Wuzhen Lodge or similar
Shanghai Wyndham Bund East Hotel or similar

Testimonials Optional Extension

I am writing to commend you on an excellent tour. My husband and I, in our sixties, have just returned from a 22 day Grand Tour of China and at all stages we found the trip to be well organised and enjoyable. Your selection of hotels and restaurants was always of a very high standard. The itinerary was also busy and varied, and at all times we felt safe and comfortable.

Our tour guide Jackie Cheung was exceptional. He kept us informed and entertained and we all developed a friendly relationship with him that made our experience all the more enjoyable. Many times Jackie exceeded his role to give each of the people in his care the best possible experience, and he was always pleasant, in control and very well organized. Also, the selection of local guides was much appreciated. Their knowledge and bright manner helped make our tour even more interesting and entertaining.

There were many many highlights. However, overall, we have nothing but praise for such a wonderful trip. The planning and organisation was amazing and we will definitely recommend Nexus to future travellers.

(Linda Colless. September 16, 2016 at 4:49)

Fly to Beijing via a connecting city.

Please note: Some flights may depart the day after.

Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China. You will be warmly greeted at the airport by your tour guide and transferred to the hotel.
Beijing has served as the capital of five dynasties over a period of 800 years. Today we start our city tour with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the second largest public square in the world, followed by a visit to the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming to the Qing dynasty. In the afternoon, we continue to the Temple of Heaven, which was used by emperors in ancient times to offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvest. Tonight, enjoy a special Peking Duck welcome banquet. After dinner, you can choose to attend an optional large scale dramatic musical, The Golden Mask Dynasty (at your own expense).
Our highlight today is an excursion to the majestic Great Wall at Juyong Pass, the most famous image of China. After lunch, visit a fresh water pearl exhibition and then see skilled artisans at work at a cloisonné factory. Later, visit the Changling Exhibition Hall of the Ming Tombs where thirteen out of the sixteen Ming dynasty emperors are buried.
This morning we tour the exquisite Summer Palace (Imperial Garden), the largest preserved ancient garden in China and a former summer resort for Emperors, followed by an outside view of the beautiful Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Centre), both purposely built for the 2008 Olympics. Then visit a Chinese herbal institute to learn about traditional Chinese medicine as you enjoy a rejuvenating foot massage which has existed for thousands of years. In the afternoon, we explore Beijing’s ancient Hutong alleyways and visit a local family where you will learn about tai chi, Chinese calligraphy, and cricket fighting. Alternatively, climb up Bell Tower to enjoy a bird’s eye view of old Beijing.

Note 1: There is only time available for one option (Hutong Life Tour or Bell Tower). Your tour guide will advise which one is available and suitable based on the day’s schedule. Bell Tower requires climbing stairs.

Note 2: Based on government policy, the number of rickshaws have been significantly reduced and adjustments to the Hutong Life Tour optional have been made to accommodate this change.

Afterwards, go for a stroll in Wangfujing, one of Beijing’s most famous shopping streets. Cap off the day by attending a superb and thrilling Chinese Kung-Fu Show (at your own expense).

This morning we fly to Xi’an, the first Chinese city to open its doors to the world, during the Tang dynasty, and capital for eleven dynasties over a period of more than 2,000 year. Our highlight today is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum to see the life-sized defending army to the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. This site is among the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. Later, visit a ceramic arts factory, followed by a special Dumpling Banquet, while enjoying a performance of music and dance from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).
This morning we visit the fascinating Shaanxi Provincial Museum. The museum is one of China’s largest, and houses over 370,000 items, including murals, paintings, pottery, coins, as well as bronze, gold, and silver objects. This will be followed by lunch, featuring a noodle making demonstration. After lunch we visit the Ancient City Wall, the most complete ancient city wall to survive in China. Then we visit the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of the city. The Pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang dynasty, and is significant in the history of Chinese Buddhism, as it held sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the great translator and traveller, Xuanzang, after a 17-year return journey.

This morning we fly to Wuhan and transfer by coach (approx 4-5 hours) to Yichang, the starting point of our Yangtze River Cruise for the next four nights. Board the Yangtze Gold Cruise (subject to availability and change) in the evening and receive an introduction on cruise events and onboard activities.

Note: The group may fly from Xi’an to Yichang (subject to availability)

We enjoy a tour to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest, before cruising on the Yangtze River. Over the next few days, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery as we cross through the Yangtze Three Gorges: Xiling, Wu, and Qutang. Enjoy shore excursions to explore the fascinating history and tranquil landscapes.
We disembark from our cruise in the port city of Chongqing this morning and transfer (approximately 5 hours drive) to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. This evening we will feast on sumptuous Sichuan cuisine.
Today we will travel to Leshan to marvel at the Grand Buddha, an enormous statue carved into the side of Lingyun Mountain. The Buddha is over 71m tall and is wide enough for over 100 people to sit between its feet. Later, return to Chengdu and explore the dynamic folk custom street, Jin Li, and experience the lifestyle of Old Chengdu. This evening, you can watch a fascinating show featuring ‘face changing’ (at your own expense), a kind of magic traditional Chinese dramatic art that is the pride of Sichuan opera.
Today’s highlight is a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This is the best place to see Chengdu’s most famous residents being reared in surroundings resembling their natural habitat. This evening we will be transferred to the airport to board our flight to Guilin, one of China’s most picturesque cities.
Today we enjoy a relaxing Xingping River Cruise along the Li River. The journey offers 30 miles of breathtaking scenery. We arrive in Yangshuo Village in the afternoon and walk along the 1,400 year old West Street and explore the beautiful Yangshuo local village. You may enjoy an optional show tonight – Impression Liu San Jie, a large scale ethnic performance over the Li River (at your own expense).
With its name translating to ‘Forest of Sweet Osmanthus’, Guilin has long been renowned for its unique scenery, amazing karst landscapes and rich ethnic cultures. This morning we tour Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Caves and will be amazed by the extraordinary karst limestone formations.
Reed Flute Caves
This morning we fly to Shanghai, the modern metropolis and commercial centre of China. Upon arrival, we travel by coach to Suzhou, known as the ‘Venice of the East’ or ‘Garden City’ due to its many classical gardens known for their charming natural beauty and harmonious construction. This morning we take a Grand Canal Cruise and visit the Lingering Garden, one of the four greatest Chinese gardens and a UNESCO world heritage site. We then visit a silk spinning mill and learn how silk is created from mulberry munching silkworms to produce the finest thread and cloth.
Today, we explore beautiful Wuzhen water town built on stilts over a system of canals, with traditional wooden homes and stone bridges. Ride a boat along the ancient canal to the scenic waterfront area, where you will experience traditional culture and stay in a traditional lodge.
This morning we travel by coach back to Shanghai and walk along the famous Bund, a mile-long stretch along the Huangpu River. Lined by colonial architecture of European design, this area is the best place to capture the western influences of the old days. We then continue to the Old Town which is a perfect combination of gardens, temples, old architecture, civil culture, business, souvenirs and food. After dinner, you may join an optional Huangpu River Cruise (at your own expense) and get a glimpse of the dazzling and charming night view of Shanghai.

This morning we visit the Shanghai Museum to see ancient Chinese art, furniture and jade followed by a Jade Exhibition. Then we explore the Xintiandi Area, an affluent and fashionable pedestrian street composed of unique shikumen (stone gate) and modern architecture style. Our farewell dinner this evening will be a banquet of delicious Shanghai cuisine. You can cap off the celebrations by attending a thrilling optional Chinese Acrobatic Show (at your own expense).

Shanghai Museum
Enjoy the morning at leisure (if time permits) before we transfer to Shanghai airport to board your flight to Australia via an intermediate city. The trip may be over, but the experiences and memories will certainly last a lifetime.
Arrive home today.

Optional Post-Tour Self-Guided Stopover Package

Hong Kong & Macau 4 Day 3 Night Self-Guided Stopover

From $1099

Note: To book this stopover, the airline must first be upgraded to Cathay Pacific, which is included in the above price.

Fly to Hong Kong, the gourmet and shopping paradise of Asia, and transfer to your hotel.
Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day tour of Hong Kong Island visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market and Aberdeen Fishing Village. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Hong Kong Market
Today, take a high speed ferry (Turbojet) to Macau for a tour of Asia’s equivalent to Las Vegas, visiting the Ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral, A Ma Temple, Barrier Gate, Senado Square, casinos and souvenir stores. Enjoy lunch before returning to Hong Kong in the evening.
Macau
After breakfast, transfer to Hong Kong airport to board an overnight flight to Australia.
Hong Kong Night
Arrive home this morning.

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