Unbeatable Warriors of China

• Return international full-service flights from Sydney (economy class), surcharges may apply
• One-way internal flight from Xi'an to Beijing
• One-way internal flight from Beijing to Hangzhou

• 8 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation

• Enjoy daily breakfast and one lunch

• English-speaking tour guides
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles

• Return airport transfers

• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary (payable on tour)

Today you'll depart to Xi’an, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Please note:
• Your flight will arrive in Xi’an late this evening and touring will start mid-morning to allow for a sleep-in.
• Due to flight times and scheduling some customers may be required to be at the airport the day before (depart Day 0).
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in China with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in an Australian city with airport accommodation provided (excluding transfers).

Overnight: Metro Park Xian Huan Yu or similar, Xi’An

Meals included: In-Flight

The highlight today is visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Unearthed near Xi’an, the thousands of life-size sculptures of soldiers, chariots and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were believed to have been created to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. You'll be amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army, especially as the site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century.

Afterwards, visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory before transferring to Xi'an Airport for your evening flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to check into the hotel.

Overnight: Ramada Beijing North or similar, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world.

Afterwards, you'll discover the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. Officially known as the Imperial Palace Museum, it was originally constructed by Emperor Yong Le, the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420 but has been burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times.

You'll then finish the day back at your hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or take part in an optional activity.

Optional Activity: The Golden Mask Dynasty
Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large-scale dramatic musical, ‘The Golden Mask Dynasty’. This activity is paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note:
• There is a daily limit on the number of tickets available for The Forbidden City, therefore entry cannot be guaranteed and is subject to availability. In the event that tickets can not be secured, a visit to The Temple of Heaven will be offered instead.
• The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings that are set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout, it symbolises the relationship between earth and heaven which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony and also recognises the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.
• Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 3 to 5).

Overnight: Ramada Beijing North or similar, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll head to a Jade Museum to learn the history of jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and has a history of at least four thousand years in China. Here you can observe skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs. 

Afterwards, take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument, the Great Wall. You will visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections that are the most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert, a distance of more than 3500 miles.

Enjoy lunch before finishing the day back at your hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, or take part in an optional activity.

Optional Activity: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner
In the afternoon, join an optional tour of Beijing’s 700-year-old Hutongs (narrow lanes) area by old-fashioned pedicab. Afterwards, visit a local family living in a courtyard-style home to experience the local customs, including a delicious home-cooked dinner. You'll also head to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai which means Front Sea, Houhai which means Back Sea and Xihai which means West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and remnants of old-style hutong and courtyard local residences. This activity is paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 3 to 5).

Overnight: Ramada Beijing North or similar, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast this morning, you'll make a stop at Tongrentang to learn about traditional Chinese medicine.

Afterwards, you'll catch a flight to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you and then escort you to check into the hotel.

Please note: If the above flight route isn't available, you may alternatively fly to Shanghai and transfer by coach to Hangzhou.

Overnight: Fubang International Hotel or similar, Hangzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China so a visit to the city isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village in the hinterland of West Lake Park, considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. Enjoy the beautiful village scenery while learning about China’s special tea culture and how to appreciate the sophisticated taste and aroma of Longjing Tea. At the Tea House, you'll learn how to make Longjing Tea including picking tea leaves, frying and tasting.

Afterwards, enjoy a small boat ride on the UNESCO-listed West Lake, admiring the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou’s willow-draped islands. You'll then take an approximately 2-hour coach to Suzhou where you'll check in to your hotel for the evening.

Please note: Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai (Days 6 to 9).

Overnight: China Garden Hotel or similar, Suzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Often called the ‘Venice of the East’, Suzhou has a history dating back to 514BC. Here you'll visit the UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden before heading to a silk spinning factory.

You'll then drive approximately 1.5 hours to Shanghai to visit the famous Bund. This is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai’s banks and trading houses. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections with modern high rises on the eastern side and traditional European-style architecture on the western side.

Optional Activity: Grand Canal Cruise
Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal to view life along China’s ancient waterway. This optional activity is paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Optional Activity: ERA: The Intersection of Time
Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show known as “ERA: The Intersection of Time” (or similar). This optional activity is paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai (Days 6 to 9).

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, step back in time at the Shanghai History Museum, a landmark museum that comprehensively reflects the local history of Shanghai.

In the afternoon, you'll have time at leisure for independent exploration or join an optional tour.

Optional Activity: Half-Day Shanghai Tour
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai including Yu Garden, believed to have been built more than 400 years ago. The exquisite garden architecture has made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Optional Activity: Huangpu River Night Cruise
In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional night Cruise on the Huangpu River. This optional activity is paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note:
• Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai (Days 6 to 9).
• If the Shanghai History Museum is closed, a visit to Suzhou Museum will be provided in place of this visit on Day 5 of the tour.

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will be transferred to Hangzhou airport for your return flight back to Australia.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.
 
CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with. We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).
 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 17th March 2025.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

This travel offer is strictly valid for those 18 and over.

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 44 per vehicle.

As a condition of purchasing this travel offer, you must not deviate from the advertised itinerary, and the local supplier reserves the right to cancel your onward travel services if you do. This does not apply to days where there is specified time at leisure.
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $750 applies. 

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.
 
Departure Dates 
2025
February: 24, 28
March: 1, 3, *14, *17

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability. 

Surcharges
Please note: 
• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $200 per person.

Departure Cities
Sydney.
 
International Flights(s)
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.
 
Domestic Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Route: Xi'an to Beijing and Beijing to Hangzhou
 
Missed Flights 
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you will miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.
 
Arrive Early
Unavailable.
 
Stay Behind
Unavailable.
 
Stopover Packages 
Unavailable.
 
Flight Class Upgrades
Unavailable.
 

Accommodation Used
4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)
• Xian: Metro Park Xian Huan Yu or similar
• Beijing: The Skytel Hotel or similar
• Suzhou: China Garden Hotel or similar
• Hangzhou: Fubang International Hotel or similar
• Shanghai: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available.
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
 
Triple Share
Unavailable.
 
Bedding Configuration
2 Single beds or 1 Double bed (subject to availability).
 

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 44 per vehicle.
 

• Beijing: The Golden Mask Dynasty - 350 RMB 
• Beijing: Tour 700-Year-Old Hutong & Dinner - 300 RMB
• Suzhou: Grand Canal Cruise - 220 RMB 
• Shanghai: ERA: The Intersection of Time - 390 RMB
• Shanghai: Half-Day City Tour - 240 RMB
• Shanghai: Huangpu River Night Cruise - 280 RMB

Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified.
• Some tours or shore excursions require minimum numbers to operate.
Concerning the timing on the day of the tour. Some excursions are very popular, and therefore availability cannot always be guaranteed, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Highly recommended gratuities/tipping of $12 AUD per person
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Any costs associated with an interruption to your tour as a result of an airline schedule change or cancellation
 

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 

Tour Leader
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined.
 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured.
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Beijing
Beijing has a temperate and continental monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons and big differences in temperature between day and night.
The seasons: Summer in Beijing is hot and humid, while winter is cold and dry. Spring and autumn are short and cool. The coldest month is January at an average of -4 °C, and the hottest month is July at an average of 26 °C.

Shanghai
Shanghai weather is generally mild and moist, with four distinctive seasons - a pleasant warm spring, a hot rainy summer, a comfortable cool autumn, and an overcast cold winter. The weather in Shanghai in July and August is the hottest, with more than 10 days of high temperatures above 35°C. The coldest period is from late January to early February. The springtime from March to May is recommended as the best time to pay a visit, while October to November, with a pleasant autumn climate, is also a wise choice.
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

COACH TOUR
Meals
For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements.
Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER
Mobility
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required
A moderate level of fitness will be required. This tour will include light walking, including multiple stairs, and occasional hiking which may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats.

Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Yellow Fever
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate upon arrival. You must check with your doctor well before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting. 
 
Payments & Currency On Tour 
Visa/MasterCard/Amex can only be used at some hotels and is not often accepted in local restaurants and supermarkets.

Whilst WeChat and Alipay are commonly used payment platforms in China for most businesses, some travellers can experience issues due to internet accessibility and other technical difficulties.
 
Cash is still widely accepted in China and most people still use cash on a daily basis. Therefore we recommend taking cash in either RMB (local currency) or AUD and the tour guides can assist with currency exchange in China if required. Optional tours and tipping can be paid in RMB or AUD on tour and credit card and Alipay/WeChat are not accepted 

Land
Tipping is a firm and customary element of the tourism industry and is therefore highly recommended. The expected tipping amount is $12 AUD or 60 RMB per person per day. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a common practice in China and a gesture of appreciation which is shared amongst the local guides, drivers and other staff members who have serviced your tour. The tipping amount can be paid in AUD or RMB to your expert tour guide in each region. As most tour guides in China consider tipping a part of their income, please don’t feel intimidated should the tour guides approach you as they bid you farewell.
 
Sightseeing
Please note: If the entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

The Chinese Government has announced that Australian and New Zealand citizens will now qualify for Visa-free travel to China. This will commence from the 1st of July 2024 and apply for stays up to 15 days in China (from the day of arrival into China until the day you leave China). Eligibility criteria will apply. Please consult Smart Traveller and your nearest Chinese consulate for up-to-date eligibility criteria and information.

Important:
• Visa rules are subject to change. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination/s you are visiting once you receive your travel documentation to ensure you have the most up to date information.
• Passengers who are not Australian or New Zealand citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance

Please note: Due to limited availability, passenger name and date changes are strictly prohibited for this offer. This overrides the Schedule of Fees in our standard Terms & Conditions. Please read the Refund and Cancellation policy before purchase, as strict conditions apply beyond this point.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.