China Discovery

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply
• One-way internal flight from Beijing to Shanghai (or high-speed train, subject to availability)

• 9 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation

• Enjoy daily breakfast
• Dine on a delicious Peking Duck lunch

• English-speaking tour guides
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
• One-way domestic flight from Beijing to Shanghai (or high speed train, subject to availability)

• Return airport transfers

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

Please note: Extra charges may apply, see the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details

Today you'll depart Australia (or New Zealand) for Beijing, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Please note:
• Some travellers may depart on 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: Chunhuiyuan Resort or similar, Beijing

Meals included: In-Flight

After breakfast this morning, you'll visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. Afterwards, you'll see the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, known officially as The Palace Museum, was originally constructed by Emperor Yong Le who was 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 so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700s and onwards.

Optional Activity: The Golden Mask Dynasty - 380 RMB per person
Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large-scale dramatic musical, ‘The Golden Mask Dynasty’ (not included, booked and paid on tour).

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 set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout and that of its buildings, it symbolises the relationship between earth and heaven (the human world and God's world) which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.
• Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4).

Overnight: Chunhuiyuan Resort or similar, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast

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

You'll then take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument, the Great Wall. Along the way, you'll enjoy stopping for a delicious Peking Duck lunch which is one of Beijing's most famous dishes (vegetarian options will be available also).

On arrival at the Great Wall, you'll visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections that are the most accessible and consequently, the most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert which is a distance of more than 5,600 kilometres.

Optional Activity: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner - 360 RMB per person
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included, paid on tour) of Beijing’s 700-year-old Hutongs (narrow lanes) area by old-fashioned pedicab. You will also visit a local family to experience the local customs and enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes visiting Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai) which surround places of historic interest, scenic beauty and remnants of old-style hutong and courtyard local residences.

Please note:
• Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (days 2 to 4).
• The old-fashioned pedicab operation may be suspended without prior notice and a replacement optional tour will be offered.

Overnight: Chunhuiyuan Resort or similar, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast, you'll head to ‘Tong Ren Tang’ to learn about traditional Chinese medicine.

You'll then travel to the airport for your onward flight to Shanghai where, upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you and transfer you to Suzhou. You can then check into your hotel for an evening at leisure after an approximately 110-kilometre travel day.

Please note:
• A high-speed rail journey may be provided in place of a domestic flight. Train/flight tickets will be confirmed in your travel documentation which will arrive 4-6 weeks prior to your departure date or in some cases provided by your tour guide on arrival in China.
• If you do not provide your passport details at least 60 days prior to departure you may not be in the same flight or train carriage or on the same train as your companions and as other group members.
• If you provide incorrect passport details, you may be required to purchase new tickets at your own expense upon arrival.
• The seating arrangement on high-speed trains consists of a row of 2 seats and a row of 3 seats. Due to this, we cannot guarantee you a seat right next to your travel companion on this journey.
• The order of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 4 to 10 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Snowy Sea Hotel or similar, Suzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Suzhou has a history dating back to 514 BC and is often referred to as ‘Venice of the East’. Here you'll visit the famous UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden before stopping by a silk spinning factory as China is renowned for its exquisite silk.

In the afternoon, you'll drive approximately 40 kilometres to Wuxi and visit Lihu Park, a serene oasis nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Lihu. This is where you'll find lush greenery, scenic walking paths and charming bridges so make time to admire the peaceful views as you spot locals cycling around the lake, fishing and boating along the water.

Optional Activity: Grand Canal Cruise - 220 RMB per person
Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included, booked and paid on tour) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.

Please note: The order of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 4 to 10 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Mingdu Hotel or similar, Wuxi

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, you'll gain an insight into China’s enormous manufacturing and production capabilities by visiting a Pearl Factory to learn about freshwater pearls, a key export commodity with great cultural significance since the Han dynasty.

Afterwards, you'll drive approximately 200 kilometres to Hangzhou where you can check into your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Please note: The order of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 4 to 10 may be swapped due to operational considerations however, all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Fubang International Hotel or similar, Hangzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will visit Longmen Ancient Town, the hometown of Sun Quan who was the emperor of the Kingdom of Wu in ancient China. It's believed that 90% of the villagers of Longmen ancient town are descendants of Sun Quan however the town is also famous for its unique Qing dynasty buildings. Behind the town is Longmen Mountain, standing at 1067 metres with ridges and peaks rising one after another which is effectively the peak of the Fuyang Mountains.

Afterwards, you'll visit The Liangzhu Museum. This is an archaeological museum dedicated to the Neolithic Liangzhu culture that houses a collection of artefacts from archaeological culture.

Please note: The order of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 4 to 10 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Fubang International Hotel or similar, Hangzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Hangzhou is considered one of the tea capitals of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Today you'll make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village, located in the hinterland of West Lake Park which is considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. This is your chance to enjoy the natural environment and beautiful village scenery while learning more about their special tea culture. At the Tea House, you'll learn how to make Longjing Tea including picking, frying and tasting the tea leaves.

Afterwards, you'll enjoy a short boat ride on the UNESCO-listed West Lake where you can marvel at the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow-draped islands.

You'll then drive approximately 175 kilometres to Shanghai to visit the famous Bund, a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. You'll discover that Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River with modern mega-high rises on the eastern side and traditional European-style architecture on the western side.

Optional Activity: ERA & The Intersection of Time - 390 RMB per person
Tonight you can take part in an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show, “ERA: The Intersection of Time” or similar (not included, paid on tour).

Please note: The order of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 4 to 10 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, you'll have the chance to step back in time at the Shanghai History Museum, a landmark museum that comprehensively reflects the local history of Shanghai. In the afternoon, you can enjoy free time at leisure or join an optional activity (not included, paid on tour).

Optional Activity: Half-Day Shanghai Tour - 240 RMB per person
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai visiting the exquisite Yu Garden which is believed to have been built more than 400 years ago. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road.

Optional Tour: Huangpu River Night Cruise - 280 RMB per person
In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional night cruise on the Huangpu River (not included, paid on tour).

Please note:
• If the Shanghai History Museum is closed, a visit to the Suzhou Museum will be provided in place of this visit on Day 5 of the tour (when in Suzhou).
• The order of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 4 to 10 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will transfer to Shanghai Airport for your return flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Please note:
• Standard check-out time is 12:00 and luggage storage is available at the front desk for those with later fights.
• Some travellers may be required to depart a day later and additional accommodation and transfers will be provided free of charge. This will not apply to passengers departing before 02:00 the following day as they will be transferred to the airport the day prior.
• Some travellers may be required to fly home from Hangzhou Airport. If this is required, a transfer from Shanghai to Hangzhou will be arranged free of charge.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some travellers may arrive +1 day (Day 12).

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 7th November 2025.

Minimum group size 28, maximum group size 44 per vehicle.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $555 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.

Child Policy
• Valid for travellers 18 years old and over only.

Departure Dates                
2025
February: 28
March: 1, 3, 5, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18
May: 13, 15, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26, 30, 31
June: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10
September: 5, 6, 8, 9, 11*
October: 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31
November: 6, 7

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, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Perth, *Adelaide or *Auckland.
 
Departure City Surcharges  
• Brisbane or Adelaide: $450 per person. 
• Perth or Auckland: $600 per person. 

International Full-Service Flight(s)
• Cabin Class: Economy Class.
• Baggage allowance: 20kg of checked baggage (one piece) and 7kg of carry-on baggage.
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. 

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
Not available.

Stay Behind
Not available.

Stopover Packages 
Not available.

Accommodation Used
4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)
• Beijing: Chunhuiyuan Resort or similar.
• Suzhou: Snowy Sea Hotel or similar.
• Wuxi: Mingdu 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 at check-out. 
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
Not available.

Bedding Configuration
Twin or Double (subject to availability).

• Beijing: The Golden Mask Dynasty - 380 RMB.
• Beijing: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner - 360 RMB.
• Suzhou: Grand Canal Cruise - 220 RMB.
• Shanghai: ERA and The Intersection of Time - 390 RMB.
• Shanghai: Half-Day Shanghai Tour - 240 RMB.
• Shanghai: Huangpu River Night Cruise - 280 RMB.
Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to change & availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified.
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

• 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, per day.
• 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.

Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the local guides, drivers and other staff members throughout the tour. 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.

Please note: Though highly recommended, tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.  

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's 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 leisurely level of fitness will be required. Leisurely is described as moderate walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility.
Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

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 daily. 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, credit cards and Alipay/WeChat are not accepted. 

Sightseeing
Please note: If entry 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. 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.
• It is your responsibility to be travel-ready and ensure that you are aware and comply with any destination or travel requirements, including the validity of all required travel documents.
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• 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.

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

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.