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Classical China

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9 days

On this 9-day group tour, we will uncover the highlights of China's rich history and culture. Starting in Beijing, we visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the iconic Great Wall. After travelling to Xi'an, we will see the Terracotta Warriors and explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter. In Shanghai, we will discover the serene Yu Garden, the bustling Nanjing Road, and the waterfront Bund. Our tour also includes a visit to the water town of Zhujiajiao and the Former French Concession, offering us a unique glimpse into China's past and present.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

9 days

Starts

Beijing

Ends

Shanghai

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - for included sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 28

Minimum age

12 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

3 - 4 star hotels

Countries

China

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 8, Lunch: 7
Per person from
R 31,840.25
Save 35% today
Total From
R 97,970.00
R 63,680.50
Deposit From
Final payment
R 10,000.00
R 58,680.50

Tour Highlights

Beijing - Visit the iconic Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, explore the Hutong area of Beijing, and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall
Xi'an -Discover the UNESCO listed Terracotta Warriors, Terracotta Warrior Factory, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the historic City Walls
Shanghai - Immerse yourself in the stunning Yu Garden, stroll down the vibrant Nanjing Road, and take in the breathtaking views of the city skyline from the historic Bund
Zhujiajiao Water Town - Discover this ancient canal town with its charming waterways and historic buildings

Included

8 Breakfasts and 7 lunches
7 nights 3-4 star hotels
1 overnight train (soft sleeper 4-berth cabin) from Xi’an to Shanghai (2nd class)
Guided sightseeing in Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai
Entrance fees as per itinerary
English speaking specialist guides at local sights
1 Highspeed train ticket Beijing to Xi’an (2nd class)
All relevant transfers and transportation in private A/C vehicles
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights and visa
Airport arrival & departure transfers
Tip for your tour guide - We recommend you allow USD $6 per person per day for your guide and USD $3 per person per day for your driver. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Beijing!

Upon arrival in Beijing, please make your own way to the start hotel for check in. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Beijing

Day 2 - Beijing sightseeing

After breakfast at our hotel, we will visit the historic site where the People's Republic of China was founded. Tiananmen Square, one of the world's most remarkable public spaces, lies at the heart of Beijing.

We will then visit the Forbidden City, the largest ancient palace complex in the world. As we explore its grand halls and beautiful gardens, we will witness the best-preserved imperial palace in China, a site of immense historical significance.

Lunch will be included at a local Chinese restaurant before we head to the Temple of Heaven. This architectural masterpiece was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for centuries. It's where they prayed for a good harvest and is a stunning testament to imperial architecture. We will have a chance to experience a traditional tea ceremony before transferring back to the hotel, with free time to get dinner or further explore Beijing.

Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Great Wall & the Summer Palace

After breakfast at our hotel, we will head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Here, we can marvel at this incredible feat of Chinese engineering and ingenuity, a breathtaking monument to human achievement set against a backdrop of spectacular scenery.

After lunch, we will visit the Summer Palace, once the retreat of the imperial family. This enchanting site offers breathtaking views and the chance to admire the serene Kunming Lake. The beautifully adorned buildings and courtyards are steeped in history and provide a glimpse into the grandeur of China’s imperial past.

We will then get our transfer back to the hotel, and the evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Beijing's Hutongs

Beijing - Xi'an. We start today with a guided tour of Beijing's charming and intricate alleyways, known as ‘Hutongs’, experiencing them in style. We'll then enjoy lunch at a local family home or a traditional restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will transfer to Beijing West Railway Station to catch a high-speed train to Xi'an, travelling in comfort in a second-class seat for the 5-6 hour journey. Upon arrival in Xi'an, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide at the railway station and will then be transferred to our hotel in Xi'án.

Overnight: Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - Terracotta Warrior Museum

Embark on a visit to the Terracotta Warrior Museum, where we’ll encounter the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. This awe-inspiring army of silent statues offers a spellbinding glimpse into ancient China and is sure to be a highlight of our tour. Next, we’ll explore a workshop where these legendary terracotta figures are crafted, revealing the intricate artistry behind them. Following this, we'll savour a delectable lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, immersing ourselves in authentic flavours.

In the afternoon, we’ll marvel at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a stunning and well-preserved ancient marvel, one of China’s oldest surviving structures of its kind. Our adventure continues with a visit to a jade factory, where we’ll uncover the cultural significance of this stone before we transfer back to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Overnight: Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - Overnight Train to Shanghai

Xi'an - Shanghai. We will start our day by exploring the ancient City Wall, a remarkable relic from the Ming Dynasty that dates back 600 years and is the best-preserved of its kind in China.

Next, we’ll wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where we’ll have the chance to sample a variety of delicious local street foods at the market. Our adventure continues with a visit to the Great Mosque, an impressive example of Islamic architecture in China.

After lunch, we’ll transfer to the railway station to board our overnight train to Shanghai (4 berth cabin). Departing mid-afternoon, we’ll embark on a train journey of approximately 15-16 hours. We recommend you stock up on snacks befor the journey!

Overnight: Sleeper train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 - Shanghai's Yu Garden

Upon our arrival in Shanghai, we'll transfer to our hotel for a hearty breakfast. Our first destination today is the enchanting Yu Garden, nestled in the heart of the old city centre. This beautifully preserved garden, constructed 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, offers a serene escape amid the bustling modern city, providing us with a fascinating glimpse into Shanghai's historical charm.

After lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, we will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, established in 1882. This revered temple is renowned for its stunning white jade Burmese Buddha statues, which are truly a sight to behold.

We’ll then take a leisurely stroll down Nanjing Road, Shanghai's famed shopping boulevard, where the vibrant energy, dazzling lights, and spectacle of the city come alive in one bustling location. Our day continues with a visit to the Bund, where we’ll marvel at Shanghai’s iconic skyline. The Pudong area showcases striking modernist architecture, standing in striking contrast to the ornate colonial buildings on the opposite bank of the river. Then it's a transfer back to the hotel, and free time to relax or head out to discover Shanghai's nightlife.

Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 - Shanghai sightseeing

We’ll begin our day with a visit to Zhujiajiao, often dubbed the ‘Venice of China’. This picturesque water town offers a charming escape from the bright lights and towering skyscrapers of Shanghai. Here, we’ll drift along tranquil canals, where daily life is leisurely conducted by boat, and admire buildings that gracefully rise just above the waterline.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll explore the Former French Concession. This historic district is renowned for its elegant tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, providing us with a unique glimpse into Shanghai's cosmopolitan past.

Our adventure continues with a visit to a silk factory, where we’ll discover the intricate process of silk production. Your final evening in China is at leisure.

Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 - Shanghai

Today marks the conclusion of your remarkable China adventure, full of cultural wonders and tasty delicacies. After breakfast and 12pm hotel check-out, make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Beijing Pre-Tour Accommodation (From price)

Double

R 1,365per passenger

Twin

R 1,365per passenger

Single

R 2,735per passenger

Shanghai Post-Tour Accommodation (From price)

Double

R 795per passenger

Twin

R 795per passenger

Single

R 1,585per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Dong Fang Hotel Beijing
Beijing

Dong Fang Hotel Beijing, nestled in Beijing's Cultural Tourism District, offers a rich cultural experience with its proximity to historical attractions. Comprising of three distinct buildings from 1918, 1953, and 1985, this Republic of China-themed hotel seamlessly blends nostalgia with classic charm. Guests can savor traditional Shandong cuisine at the 'Flavor 1918 restaurant'.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Aurum International Hotel
Xi'an

Located in the Xincheng District, the Aurum International Hotel offers well-appointed rooms with complimentary internet access. Just a 10-minute walk from the Bell and Drum Tower and the bustling Muslim Street, the hotel provides convenient access to shopping and dining options. The Xi'an City Wall Yongningmen is an 8-minute drive away, while Xi'an Railway Station is approximately 1.5 kilometres away, and Xianyang International Airport is about 45 kilometres from the hotel. The spacious and bright rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a minibar, an SOS system, a 39-inch LCD cable TV, a safe, and complimentary bottled water. The en suite bathrooms feature a bathtub, slippers, and a hairdryer for added comfort. Guests can enjoy a range of Chinese and Western dishes at the hotel's restaurant or opt for in-room dining. The hotel also offers an indoor swimming pool and a fitness room for guests' use.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Train - 4 berth soft sleeper cabin
Xi'an

Soft sleeper cabins are private compartments which have four bunks - two upper and two lower. A door separate the compartment from the aisle and bedding and pillows are provided. Each bunk is equipped with a small reading lamp. Temperature controls are installed alongside the door. Generally, the facilities include a clothes rack, slippers, clothes brush, stainless steel thermos, fine porcelain teacup, a waste bin and wall socket.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Train
Holiday Inn EXPRESS Shanghai Putuo
Shanghai

Overlooking the Wusong River, this straightforward yet polished hotel is an 8-minute walk from Longde Road metro station and 3 km from the Jade Buddha Temple. The relaxed rooms feature simple furnishings with colourful accents and are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Guests can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and access to a local shuttle service. The hotel also offers a 24-hour business centre and a meeting room.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
9 Jan - 17 Jan
Save 35%
R 48,985R 31,841
R 59,215R 38,490
13 Feb - 21 Feb
Save 35%
R 48,985R 31,841
R 59,215R 38,490
20 Mar - 28 Mar
Save 35%
R 50,025R 32,517
R 61,535R 39,998
17 Apr - 25 Apr
Save 35%
R 50,025R 32,517
R 61,535R 39,998
8 May - 16 May
Save 35%
R 50,025R 32,517
R 61,535R 39,998
22 May - 30 May
Save 35%
R 50,025R 32,517
R 61,535R 39,998
5 Jun - 13 Jun
Save 35%
R 50,025R 32,517
R 61,535R 39,998
3 Jul - 11 Jul
Save 35%
R 50,755R 32,991
R 63,195R 41,077

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