- Home
-
China Tours
- China tours »
- Join-in China Tours »
- Private China Tours »
- China Expeditions
- China Family Tours
- Guilin Tours
- Beijing Tours
- City Tours
- China Guide
You will enjoy different but magnificent sceneries in this experience tour, from Northern China Beijing, Xinjiang to the picturesque East China Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou. We begin our tour from Beijing, the capital of China, witness and climb the magnificent ancient construction of the Great Wall, get a brief impression of this big capital. Then we fly to the north China to Urumqi, where you experience the exotic and colorful mountains and the mysterious Kanas Lake. The Grape Valley in Turpan welcomes you with its abundant sweet fruits. Huangshan Mountain has brought together all the strong points other mountains have: grand, strange, baffling, arduous, steep, flourishing, quiet and spacious. The mountain offers a crowd of peaks. The water village in Suzhou, the graceful West Lake in Hangzhou will surely leave you a deep impression. In the largest city of China-Shanghai, you will be amazed by its modern atmosphere and traditional culture and art.
) : Always very easy to go! Sometimes getting around on your own, up and down steps and carrying your own small backpack. ) : Light walking or hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.
) : May include moderate hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and other activities that require only an average/moderate level of fitness to enjoy.
) : May include high altitude hiking of up to 4-6 hours per day some days of the tour or other activities that require a moderately high level of fitness.
) : High altitude trekking suitable only for those with a higher level of fitness and endurance. ) : Little or no adjustment at all is required. The comforts of home are here for the most part. ) : A generally easy trip but there may be the occasional local home accommodation, remote lodging or some public transportation, simple meal or language barrier. ) : Expect an occasional cold shower and remote or even multi-share accommodation, and public transportation or train ride without shower on board…Remember though, this is all part of your CET authentic travel experience! ) : Expect to rough it here and there. This may mean a packed public bus, very remote and rustic accommodation, and no access to western-style food. ) : You are totally off the beaten track with none of the comforts of home, and are exposed to a totally foreign culture to what you are accustomed ... Sounds fantastic, doesn't it!
Our guide will meet you at the airport upon your arrival and you will be transferred to the hotel by the private car.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals:
Today we will go to visit the [Temple of Heaven] (also named Tiantan Park) after breakfast, which is a complex of buildings, gardens, and pathways. During the Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty, the emperors used to worship the heaven and pray for rich harvests, as the feudal emperors thought they were the son of the heaven. Later we will enjoy a walk on the [Tian'anmen Square]--one of the largest city squares in the world. It is located on the central axis of old Beijing and a famous monument in Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China. In the center of Tian'anmen Square stands the [Monument to the People's Heroes]. Then we go to the[Forbidden City]--Imperial palaces for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is called the Palace Museum now. The city contains 800 ceremonial buildings, 9,999 rooms, and a courtyard that can hold 100,000 people. Later the rest of the day is on your own to explore more about this city.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals: (B, L)
There is a famous saying goes "one cannot be a hero unless he climbs on the Great Wall." This morning we drive to the [Jinshanling Great Wall], the most original and less commercial section of the Wall. It starts from the Wangjinglou Tower in the east and ends at Longyukou in the west and stretches about 10 kilometers (six miles). This historic construction is somewhat a challenge to the climbers as it winds up and down the precipitous ranges. But as a reward, splendid views are available.
What’s more, people say that a visit to Beijing isn't complete without trying the crispy and tasty Peking duck, so we recommend you that have a dinner with Peking duck at one famous restaurant.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will go to visit the [Summer Palace] -- one of China's architectural masterpieces. The Summer Palace is located in the northwestern suburbs of Beijing, and is composed of three parts--the imperial palaces, Longevity Hill, and Kunming Lake, with a total area of 2.9 square kilometers. The beauty of the Summer Palace is beyond description, displaying the thousand-year old Chinese landscape gardening.
In the afternoon, you are transferred to the airport to fly to Urumqi. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel by our guide.
Stay overnight in Urumqi.
Meals: (B, L)
After breakfast, we will drive to the [Heavenly Lake] that is 110 km (68miles) from Urumqi. Located at the half way of the Begeda Peak of Tianshan Mountain, it has an elevation of 1,980 meters(about 1.2 miles) and an area of 4.9 square km (about 1211acres). Heavenly Lake, offers science lovers exploring opportunities, the relic of the Quaternary Period Glacier and its surrounding geological relics. With melted snow as its source, Heavenly Lake enjoys crystal water and the banks are covered with tall trees. Surrounded by mountains, the jade-green lake is an ideal place for excursions and rest for most of the year. It is an excellent skating rink in winter. In summer, it is an ideal cool resort. Boaters on the lake see the ever-changing silvery mountains soaring into the blue sky, their slopes highlighted with verdant pasture and flamboyant wild flowers.
Stay overnight in Urumqi.
Meals: (B, L)
Today we will go to visit the beautiful [South Mountain Pasture] which is close to the Heavenly Lake and [Kazak Yurt] built on the pasture. Standing in the pastures, you can see the forest of emerald green spruce on a chain of undulating grass hills dotted with combined flocks and herds. Also there are many streams and a waterfall. As you immerse yourself in this beautiful site, the singing of the Kazakh may envelop you and inspire you to sing with them. You may visit one of the traditional yurts locating in the spruce forest where you will be welcomed by a generous host with fragrant milk tea, mare's milk, cheese and roasted lamb. It is said that if you don’t see the yurt on the green meadows, you cannot feel and enjoy the real life of Kazakh and their culture.
Then we will take our van/bus to Turpan (2.5 hours) and Visit the [Sugong Minaret], standing in the southeastern suburbs about three kilometers (about 1.86miles) away from the county town of Turpan, and [a Uygur family] tasting their home made food under the grape. Sometimes they present Uygur dance and song show when we are hosted at those places.
Stay overnight in Turpan.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will visit the [Karez Well] and the [Jiaohe Ancient City], [Gaochang Ancient City] and the [Tuyugou Valley]. Wandering underground over 5,000 kilometers (about 3,107miles), the Karez system has been called "the underground Great Wall". The construction was made to adapt to the natural basin of the region while taking into account solar radiation and the atmosphere of this dry region. The visit of twin ancient cities Gaochang also called "King City" by the Uyghur people and Jiaohe, which will help you have a better understanding of the history once played here 1000 years ago, all which made the Turpan region the only place where four ancient civilizations once met and melt each other in the world. Last we will go to the Tuyugou Valley, 13 kilometers (about 8miles) to the southwest of Gaochang Ancient City. It is a peaceful village nested in the mountains together with the very well preserved Uyghur style architecture.
Stay overnight in Turpan.
Meals: (B, L)
Today, after breakfast, we will take our van/bus back to the capital city Urumqi. In the afternoon, we will visit the [XinJiang Provincial Museum] which houses tons of precious historical relics unearthed along the Silk Road in this region, especially the Mummies Section. It is a spacious and purpose--built construction worthy of the important collections that it contains. And do some shopping in the International Grand Bazaar. "Bazaar" means market in the Uygur language. So in the bazaar you can bargain hunting for handicraft souvenirs such as rugs, carpets, Uygur-style hats, knitted sweaters, ethnic costumes, hand-made embroideries and jade carvings.
Stay overnight in Urumqi.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will take an early flight to Kanas Lake Airport. We will enjoy spectacular views along the way, we will pass the golden mountain -- Aletai Mountain, and see the silver water -- Erqis River. Then we continue to the [Kanas Lake] which is only 150km (about 93.2miles) away from Burqin County. We will arrive there in the afternoon. Kanas Lake, which means "beautiful, rich and mysterious" in Mongolian, is the most beautiful mountain lake that enjoys a reputation as "the Swiss scene in Asia". Many tourists are attracted by its unparalleled scenery and mysterious legend. The water in the lake changes its color unpredictably, with imposing mountains and green trees around, composing a magnificent picture. We will enjoy a cruise on the lake. Walk along the bank to feel its tranquility and indulge yourself in the beautiful scene. Later we will pay a visit to a local Tuvan People residence that can only be found in this part of China.
Stay overnight at Kanas Lake Area.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we continue to explore more about this mysterious lake area and visit wooden houses there. You may take full use of this time to try to have a talk with the locals or discover some interesting things around this lake. Then we drive to the airport for a flight to Urumqi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Urumqi.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning is on your own to relax. It is better to pick up well your package and prepare for the tour to the most modern city in China. And then we will take our flight to Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then go to visit the [Shanghai Museum] . This afternoon we will take a flight to Huangshan Mountain. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Stay overnight at Huangshan.
Meals: (B, L)
The famous scrolls of Chinese black and white paintings of high mountains, rocks, trees and sea of clouds come alive in Huangshan Mountains in the south Anhui province. Early this morning we will visit it by [taking cable to climb the Huangshan Mountain], and we can enjoy the marvelous mountain area. Mt. Huangshan is characterized by the four wonders, namely, odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs. It is said that you won't want to visit any other mountains after seeing Wu Yue but you won't wish to see even Wu Yue after returning from Mt. Huangshan. This saying may give you some idea of the beauty and uniqueness of Mt. Huangshan.
Stay overnight at Huangshan Mountain.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will have a leisurely walk in the mountain, and enjoy the spectacular vista and its ever-changing scenes and later take cable downwards. In the evening, we catch a flight back to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals: (B, L)
Today we will go to Suzhou city to visit the [Humble Administrator's Garden] -- the largest private garden in Suzhou, and it is most famous for its elegant classical gardens. Humble Administrator's Garden is a typical example of the art of horticulture south of Yangtze River as well as a treasure house containing arts of architecture, calligraphy, carving, painting, and bonsai. Then we drive to [Zhouzhuang] where abounds with rivers and lakes. So it is thought by many to be the best waterside town in China, only 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Suzhou. It is noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored traditions and customs. A different vista at every turn can be found here. All those make a visit very enjoyable. You can see that all the houses in Zhouzhuang, built with sidewalks along canals, have formed a web of water lanes. Stone bridges and overhanging towers span the waterways to provide free passage for the local people. Afterwards, we will drive back to Suzhou.
Stay overnight in Suzhou.
Meals: (B, L)
You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast; you can walk around the downtown area of this morning city for pleasure. After lunch, we will go to Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province and its political, economic and cultural center. With enchanting natural beauty and abundant cultural heritages, there is a saying "above is paradise, below is Suzhou and Hangzhou" expressing people's indeed praise to Hangzhou. We will arrive there in the afternoon and you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day will be on your own to explore the city.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals: (B, L)
Today we will have the chance to visit the [West Lake]. It is undoubtedly the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, noted for the scenic beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. Sitting in a boat wandering on the river, enjoy the beautiful scenery. The most frequently visited attractions in this scenic area are the solitary Hill, the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Ling Yin Temple. This afternoon we will pay a visit to the epitome of old Hangzhou, [Hefang Old Street], a well-designed old pedestrian street. Many famous century-old shops including Hu Qing Yu Tang, Wang Xingji Fans can be found along the street. The Street is otherwise known as the Snack Street for the diverse food it serves. You can also find a large variety of local snacks such as roasted walnuts, and "dragon-whisker" candy.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will drive to the [Thousand Islets Lake]. It is about 160 kilometers (about 99.4miles) west of Hangzhou, is an ideal place to escape from the bustling metropolis. Thousand Islets Lake is currently the largest man-made lake in China. It got its name from the 1078 islets in the lake. It is a resplendent pearl in a classical golden tour to Hangzhou. Covering an area of 573 square kilometers (about 141,591acrs), the lake is more than one hundred times larger than the West Lake in Hangzhou. Thousand Islets Lake is also a delightful lake with many activities including enjoying the natural scenery and local culture, observing wild animals and taking part in many exciting activities. We will enjoy a wonderful afternoon at Thousand Islets Lake. Later the day we drive back to Hangzhou.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning is free at leisure. You can wander around Hangzhou or buy some local unique products. In the afternoon, you are transferred to Shanghai. You will be transferred to the hotel upon arrival.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals: (B, L)
In the morning, you enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and we will go to visit the [Yuyuan Garden], the exquisite layout, beautiful scenery and the artistic style of the garden architecture made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. You can find more delicate handicrafts and tasty Chinese snacks. Later we will go to the [Jade Buddha Temple], an elegant structure famous for its jade Buddha statue. The sparkling and crystal-clear white jade gives the Buddhas the beauty of sanctity and make them more vivid. Lunch will be arranged at a characteristic Shanghai restaurant. After lunch our guide will take you to the [Outer Bund]. If you have never been to the Bund, then you have never been to Shanghai. Some say actually that the Bund is like "an exhibition of buildings". You can see various styles, Gothic, Baroque, Rome, Renaissance, Classic and the combination of Eastern and Western style. You will enjoy a walk on the [Nanjing Road], the most prosperous commercial street. You can find lots of world famous brands setting along the street and enjoy a good time in shopping.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals: (B, L)
Today you are free at leisure until you are ready to be transferred to the airport for departure. Our service ends at the airport.
Meals: (B)
US Dollar
Euro
GB Pound
CA Dollar
AU Dollar
HK Dollars
Renminbi
| 1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-9 persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
| First Class Tour | $6733 | $4220 | $3589 | $2845 | $1480 |
| Comfortable Tour | $5369 | $3371 | $2746 | $2424 | $840 |
| Standard Tour | $4428 | $2855 | $2421 | $2293 | $530 |
How to Pack up
We suggest that each person packs up one rollable suitcase with the weight under 20 kg/44lb. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones.
Checklist
It's only for reference and you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
ChinaExpeditionTours vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with ChinaExpeditionTours you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally breakfasts and lunches are included except dinners to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an "emergency" fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control, necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $6-$10 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for driver, it could be half. If necessary, ask your tour leader or call your ChinaExpeditionTours tour advisor for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. If you have a tour leader for the whole tour, at the end of the trip if you felt he/she did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are all e-tickets. They are issued locally and you will be given the information of them prior to the flight departure.
Laundry
Generally laundry facilities are offered by our hotels for a charge. You also can go to a laundry service center near your hotel to have your clothing washed at a lower cost. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Many of the hotels we cooperate with have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of China but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for ChinaExpeditionTours travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
If you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad, a good health and confidence in physical strength are important. This trip may contain a fair amount of walking up and down steps in towns or climbing mountains. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is highly suggested to bring forth. ChinaExpeditionTours reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Medical Form
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an "average level of fitness and mobility" is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own bags at a minimum. Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your ChinaExpeditionTours leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Passport & Visas
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. Americans, British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government. For the most up to date information please check your governments' foreign ministry website. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact us so we can get into touch with your tour leader or local guide quickly by their cell phone and they can pass their cell phone to you! We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and we'll record you and give you ChinaExpeditionTours travel points so you can use the points to get discount for your next ChinaExpeditionTours trip or your friends' ChinaExpeditionTours tours.
