Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
The prelude of your escorted China tour starts when you meet our professional local guide at Beijing Airport after reclaiming your luggage and clearing customs. Your guide will accompany you in a comfortable vehicle to the hotel and help you with the check-in procedure. The rest of the day is left for you to have a good rest or to become familiar with our capital city on your own.
Meals Included: No meal
Accommodation: 4-star Qianmen Jianguo Hotel Beijing
Day 2: Beijing
Have breakfast at the hotel and be ready in your room at 8:00AM for further instruction of 700-acre guide. Then visit the massive Tian'anmen Square, then take a trip to the Old Hutongs, this tour will conclude your memorable Beijing trip. Taking the local rickshaw and traveling along the narrow lanes, you will get a close touch with the original Beijing lifestyle and culture. In the afternoon tour the Summer Palace and view the scenery of its lake (One-way boat cost is included). Then Drop off at Beijing Olympic Green on the way back to hotel If time and traffic permits! Those who want get into the stadiums of Bird’s Nest or Water Cub could buy tickets on the spot by their own. Optionally you can join the Chinese Kongfu Show with extra charge.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local Chinese restaurant
Accommodation: 4-star Qianmen Jianguo Hotel Beijing
Day 3: Beijing
Today, ride to the legendary Great Wall of China and stand on its famous ramparts. A local lunch is included, along with a visit to a jade or cloisonné enamel workshop. In the afternoon, then see the Forbidden City with its elegant palaces, pavilions and landscaped gardens, once open only to nobility.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local Chinese restaurant
Accommodation: 4-star Qianmen Jianguo Hotel Beijing
Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an
In the morning we will visit the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors worshipped the heavens in hopes of good harvests. After lunch try the world-famous “China Speed” by taking high speed train to Xian.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local Chinese restaurant
Accommodation: 4-star Grand New World Hotel Xian
Day 5: Xi’an
In the morning stroll on the Ancient City Wall. The wall is considered as the city’s landmark dividing it into the inner part and the outer part. In the afternoon tour Xian’s archaeological wonder: 8,000 life-sized Terracotta Warriors buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang, each soldier and horse molded in incredible detail, after a visit to a Terra-cotta workshop our next stop is the Muslim Quarter where you can have a walk or try some local snacks. In the evening you can choose to enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show (optional).
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local Chinese restaurant
Accommodation: 4-star Grand New World Hotel Xian
Day 6: Xi'an to Guilin
In the morning we will Visit Xi’an Museum, a modern, well-organized museum traces the history of Xi'an from prehistory to Qing dynasty, then the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an important cultural relic and one of the remaining symbols of ancient Xi’an. At last, we will spend some time learning Chinese Calligraphy, this traditional Chinese art is not only a means of communication, but also a means of expressing a person's inner world in an aesthetic sense. Fly to Guilin and check in at the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local Chinese restaurant
Accommodation:4-star Guilin Plaza Hotel
Day 7: Guilin to Longsheng to Guilin
Today we will visit China South Pearl Museum, considered as the symbol of health, longevity and wealth, pearls have always been loved by all people through the history of the world. Then we will drive to Longji Terrace Rice Fields, the fields offer some of the most fantastic scenery in China. The rice terraces are built into the hillsides, and look like great chains or ribbons as they wind around the contours in tiered bands. There are quite a few villages where the ethnic Zhuang and Yao people inhabit, we will visit one of those Minority village before transfer back to Guilin.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local Chinese restaurant
Accommodation:4-star Guilin Plaza Hotel
Day 8: Guilin to Yangshuo
Enjoy Li River Cruising for about 4.5 hours and arrive at Yangshuo, a small lovely town where we will stay overnight. Looking around the narrow but interesting Yangshuo West Street and Moon Hill, the hill offers some broad, panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, which is characterized by the knobby karst hills found throughout the region. An evening option is to enjoy the stunning Impression Liusanjie Show.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local Chinese restaurant
Accommodation: 4-star Yangshuo New Century
Day 9: Yangshuo to Guilin to Shanghai
Transfer from Yangshuo town to Guilin. Then visit Reed Flute Cave. There are stalactites, stalagmites, stone curtains, stone columns and stone flowers, which look like scenic pictures and human figures and make up more than 30 attraction spots. Then we will visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the limestone that deposited at the sea bottom 360 million years ago formed the rock, and a cave from west through east came into being about 12,000 years ago as the river water washed and dissolved the stone, and the rock with the cave looks just like an elephant sucking water with its trunk and then fly to Shanghai, China’s most modern metropolis. Optional program is cruising on the Huangpu River to see the enchanting night view of Shanghai.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local Chinese restaurant
Accommodation: 5-star Lexington Plaza Mingde Shanghai
Day 10: Shanghai
View the Shanghai Museum, Continue to Yuyuan Garden, a 16th century Ming period private garden/residence in the heart of Shanghai’s old Chinese quarter. Along is the local bazaar and Shanghai Old Street. Visit Former French Concession District.. Stroll along the Bund and Nanjing Road to experience the thrills of old and modern Shanghai today. Tonight you can take an optional acrobatics show or enjoy night life at Xintiandi.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local Chinese restaurant
Accommodation: 5-star Lexington Plaza Mingde Shanghai
Day 11: Departure from Shanghai
After breakfast, you may have your FREE arrangement as long as you check out before 12:00, the hotel can help to keep your luggage after check out if you don’t want go to airport right away, the cost to Pudong Airport costs usually no more than 200CNY, you may also choose to book the drop off service with English speaking guide at 450CNY for a car.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Yangtze River Cruise Group Tour 11 Days Tour Prices
From Sep 01 to Nov 30, 2013
Double occupancy rate: USD1768pp
Single occupancy rate: USD1998pp
Departure Dates: Sep 05; Sep 12; Sep 19; Oct 10; Oct 17; Oct 24; Nov 07; Nov 14; Nov 28.
From Mar 01 to Aug 31, 2014
Double occupancy rate: USD1698pp
Single occupancy rate: USD1938pp
Departure Dates: Mar 05; Mar 12; Mar 19; Mar 25; Apr 03, Apr 10, Apr 17, Apr 24, May 03, May 08, May 15, May 22, May 29; Jun 05, Jun 12, Jun 19, Jun 26; Jul 03, Jul 10, Jul 17, Jul 31; Aug 07, Aug 14, Aug 21.
From Sep 01 to Nov 30, 2014
Double occupancy rate: USD1768pp
Single occupancy rate: USD1998pp
Departure Dates: Sep 04; Sep 11; Sep 23; Oct 09; Oct 16; Oct 23; Nov 06; Nov 13; Nov 22.
Booking Notice
Tour starts in Beijing
Tour ends in Shanghai
Tour Feature: Small group tour
Minimum of two persons are required at the time of booking
Pricing Policy
The prices are based on per person, twin sharing basis
Infants (under 2 years of age) traveling with parents: free of charge
Child (2 -12 years of age) sharing a bed: 80% of the adult price
Child (2 -12 years of age) sharing no bed: 60% of the adult price
Minimum of two persons is required at the time of booking
Tour Price Inclusions
Hotel accommodations with daily Buffet Breakfast at hotel
Soft seat ticket on bullet train Beijing/Xian (5 hours)
Domestic flight with tax included from Xian to Chongqing, Yichang to Shanghai
Meals as specified (B for breakfast, L for lunch and D for dinner at local restaurants)
Private air-conditioned car/van/coach for land transportation
Experienced English language speaking tour guide
All admission tickets to sightseeing places
All government taxes
Tour Price Exclusions
Optional tour & Insurance
International airfare to Beijing and departing from Shanghai
Gratuities to service staffs (please refer to Travel Information)
Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, etc
Reservation
For reservation, please send an email to info@GrandChinaTravel.com. Please inform us: the tour code; the number of travelers; your name as appeared in passport; your passport number; the date of arrival in China and your international flight number. For details of payment, please read our Terms & Conditions.
Yangtze River Cruise Group Tour 11 Days Optional Tours
Day 2: Acrobatic Show Performance with Chinese Dinner, USD30 per person
Join an optional tour to a dazzling acrobatic performance by local acrobats at Beijing’s Chaoyang Theater with an included dinner. Chinese acrobatics ranks among the best arts in the world. The history of acrobatic show has been existent for more than two thousand years. The acrobatic shows are characterized by feats of strength and daring performed cleverly, precisely and accurately, and the ability of retaining balance in motion.
Day 3: Chinese Kungfu Show at Red Theater with Chinese Dinner, USD35 per person
The show of the Legend of Kungfu at Red Theatre Beijing is a high level performance with the wonderful story layout, perfect stage design, professional martial arts actors, and the real Kungfu actions and scenes. You will be strongly impacted both mentally and physically by this show.
Day 5: Tang Dynasty Dance & Music Performance with Dumplings Banquet Dinner, USD40 per person
Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show integrates a program of several interpretations of music, singing and dancing depicting the typical style, landscapes, traditions and costumes of the Tang Dynasty. The Provincial Song and Dance Ensemble has had about 7,000 performances during the past 20 years recreating the amazing culture and history of the prosperous Tang Dynasty for over 5 million visitors.
Day 9: Huangpu River cruise & night view of Shanghai, USD40 per person
The cruise starts from the Bund and goes upstream. Towards the south, it takes you to look at the Nanpu Bridge, and then turns round to the north to go to the Yangpu Bridge and back to where it is started. Between the stately colonial edifices along the Bund, the glittering skyscrapers on the eastern shore of Pudong, and the unceasing river traffic, there is plenty to keep your eyes from ever resting.
City Inn Happy Valley Beijing
Add: Vecchio Shopping Street, North Xiaowuji Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing,
Tel: +86-10-67376688
City Inn Happy Valley Beijing is a chain of fine business hotel brand developed by the OCT IHMC, located in the center of Beijing City that gives traveler the great location for business and financial purposes. The hotel is also easily reachable the city’s major shopping area and famous attractions. The hotel has an excellent location which is 18km to Beijing Railway Station, and 30km to Beijing Capital Airport. The hotel offers 224 rooms that have contemporary interiors and diverse room types. It offers the ideal setting for conferences, meetings, special events, business trips, and the Internet access helps guests keeping in touch with their friends and family when traveling in Beijing. Free broad video and self-help laundry house are available for guests. Restaurants, Bars, Sauna, Foot Massage, Beauty Salon, Supermarket, Banks, and Hospital are all around the hotel. An attentive and professional staff is always pleased to provide you all the necessary information for your successful Beijing travel
Xian Skytel Hotel
Add: No. 32 South Street, Xian
Tel: +86-29-87632222
Xian Skytel Hotel is located in the middle of South Street in Xian, the commercial center of this ancient capital city. It is within walking distance to the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, the Ancient City Wall and the Muslims Street and is about 10 minutes' drive to the railway station and 40 minutes' drive to the airport. The Xi'an Skytel Hotel offers 170 guestrooms, including standard and deluxe rooms as well as suites. Guestroom amenities include direct-dial phone service, fax machines, premium satellite television and complimentary high-speed internet access. The accommodations also feature refrigerators and coffee makers. The hotel also has some apartments outfitted with living-rooms and kitchens, which are suitable for long-term stay. Besides, business centre, parking lot, beauty saloon, room service, laundry, waking-up, foreign currency exchange, ATM, safety deposit boxes at the Front Desk and rentable buses and cars are also available. The hotel restaurant provides guests with both western and Chinese food.
Blue Whale Cruise Ship
The Blue Whale was designed based on the standard for five-star sightseeing ships and caters to the growing demand from international passengers for comfort, convenience, and security. This ship is 91.5 meters long and 16.4 meters wide, and has five decks and a capacity of 148. The Blue Whale is also equipped with first-class modern communication and navigation devices like GPS, fathometer and radar etc, which started a new era for the shipbuilding mode of all Yangtze River cruises. Facilities include a dining hall, a bar, a scenery-viewing hall, a gymnasium, a multifunctional meeting room, a beauty saloon, a clinic, a business center, and a shop. The ship is also equipped with central air conditioning and a satellite TV and radio system that provide convenient communications with the outside world.
Sunshine China Cruise Ship
Being one of the top cruisers on the Yangtze River, the Sunshine China was built in accordance with international four star standard. It can hold 136 passengers, with 72 cabins, one president suite, 6 spacious cabins, 8 single cabins, and 57 standard cabins. Its main facilities include central air-conditioning, closed circuit TV, audio, Chinese and western dining rooms, coffee house, video cinema, bar, ball room, karaoke, gift shop, beauty parlor, outside observation deck, etc. The ship's public areas, whether indoor cabins or out on deck, are warm and inviting places for all the kinds of people to meet, relax and view the picturesque gorges of Yangtze River. You have the cuisine option with Chinese style and western style, but we strongly suggest guests to try those China's best local specialties. Beautifully decorated dining hall is large enough to accommodate all passengers in single leisurely seating.
Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Shanghai
Add: No.1738, ZhongXing Road, Zhabei District,Shanghai
Tel: +86-21-36179999
Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Shanghai is 30 minutes by taxi from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Only a 5-minute walk from Shanghai railway station and subway station, this modern hotel is in the downtown Puxi area of Shanghai. You can surf the web with complimentary high-speed Internet in the comfort of your spacious, air-conditioned Guest room. Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Zhabei has 2 meeting rooms with great views that you can use to host events for up to 60 people. Drop by the 24-hour Business Centre to print your documents and prepare for meetings. Hotel restaurants offer a hearty Chinese spread including congee, noodles and fresh fruit at our complimentary breakfast buffet, prepared daily in the stylish Great Room.
1: Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Yes, you do need a China Visa. Foreign visitors can obtain individual or group visas from Chinese embassies and consulates, usually within a day or two. For individual travelers, single-entry visas are valid for entry within three months. For business people and other regular visitors there are multiple-entry visas good for six months at a time. Each visa is valid for a stay of 30 or 60 days, and can be extended while in China. Visitors should be sure to carry their passports while in China as they are needed to check into hotels, make plane or train reservations, exchange money or establish the holder's identity.
If you need Visa Invitation Letter from us, please inform us at least one month ahead of your arrival date in China. Usually, it will take us about one week to process the Visa Invitation Letter. If you need hotel confirmation to get China Visa, please also advice us in advance.
2: How strenuous is this trip?
This trip is moderate. The trip includes full days of activities, which start early in the morning and end in the evening. You may discuss the starting time with GCT tour guide who will be happy to listen to your advice. The longest walking is from Tian'anmen Square to Forbidden City and then to the parking place which will last for less than three hours covering about 2km. At Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, it is a long walk (about 10 minutes) from the parking to the entrance. You are recommended to spend CNY5 or CNY10 to take the local electric car if you feel it is neccessary.
As for the Great Wall of China, we are visiting Juyongguan or Badaling part which are renovated and fairly easy to climb. However, some of the climb along the wall does get fairly steep. You may stop any time and anywhere depending on your phycial condition. Bring plenty of water, wear good hiking shoes or boots and appropriate clothing for the weather. Also wear a hat and/or sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
3. What types of meals are included?
Meals will be served as the itinerary specified. Breakfast will be both Western and Chinese buffet breakfast at hotel. Lunch will be at local Chinese restaurants near sightseeing places. Dinner will be on your own. You may try local cuisines in each city, such as Peking Roasted Duck in Beijing, Xian Dumplings Banquet, etc. GCT tour guide will be very happy to assist you to find a fine local restaurant.
For guests with allergies, please bring all necessary medicines with you. Guests are highly encouraged to inform GCT ahead of time of specific allergies, such as to peanuts, fish, etc., so that our guides can ensure these items, including peanut oil, are not used in restaurant meals.
If you request specific kind of food due to religious reasons, such as Halal meals, Indian meals or Arabian meals, please inform us in advance and we will arrange based on your request.
4. What types of vehicles are used? What are the roads like during our trips?
Throughout the whole trip, GCT provides a private vehicle that is safe, comfortable and spacious and driven by experienced local drivers. In Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, all roads are well-paved and of good quality.
For 2 passengers, we use a private sedan car; for 3 to 6 passengers, we use a private MPV such as Hyundai Refine; for 7 to 10 passengers, we use a private Toyota Hiace; for 11 to 17 passengers, we use 21 seated King Long Bus; for more than 18 passengers, we use buses with 33 seats, 45 seats and 51 seats respectively based on the group size.
5. How do I book this tour with you? How about the deposit and payment?
It is easy to book tours with GCT. Just send us an email with the tour code; the number of travelers; your name as appeared in passport; your passport number; the date of arrival in China and your international flight number. GCT will get back to you within 24 hours. We do need a deposit of USD200 per person to secure the reservation at the time of booking. Balance payment need to be completed one month before your arrival date in China. You may choose to pay the deposit and balance payment by PayPal or bank transfer.
6. I heard that a deposit is needed when check in at hotels in China, is this true?
Yes, it is true. When you check in hotels in China, you are required to pay a deposit at the front desk though GCT has paid hotel for your accommodations. Deposit can be cash or you may pay the deposit with your credit card. This deposit is for your personal expenses at the hotel, such as minibar, international phone calls, laundry and etc. Of course, the deposit will be refunded when you check out.
7. What about baggage regulations?
Allowance for carry-on luggage and checked luggage will vary with the class of your airline ticket, the dimensions of the bag, and individual airline policies. Usually, for domestic China flights, you are allowed to check one piece of luggage. The limitation is 20 Kilograms (44 pounds) total. A fee may be imposed for excess weight. Passengers traveling together can have their luggage allowances calculated together on a per-person basis. There is no free luggage allowance for holders of infant tickets. Passengers may apply for insurance coverage above the minimum value for checked luggage. On domestic trains there are no luggage restrictions, but few porters are available to help with luggage.
8. What is the tipping practice in China?
It is a common practice for visitors to tip the tour guide and driver in recognition of their good service. Our local guides and drivers do their utmost to make your trip smooth and pleasant. Gratuities are a way of showing your appreciation and also constitute a large part of their monthly income. We suggest $5 USD per person per day to both local guide and driver (you may tip them before you leave each city). Hotel Bellboys and luggage person will expect your tip for the delivery of your luggage, it is suggested that CNY5 for each delivery. It is not customary to leave tips at hotels or local restaurants as the bill usually includes a 10-15% service charge.
9. Is tap water drinkable in China?
Tap water at most hotels are not drinkable. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Tea is often provided free in hotel.
10. What about electricity in China?
Electricity supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles throughout China. Plugs at hotel are normally two-pin flat (5 amp). Adaptors can be obtained from hotel housekeeping for free.
11. Can I use credit cards in China?
At present the Bank of China accepts Master, American Express, Visa, JCB, and Diners Club cards. Travelers may use these cards to draw cash over the exchange counters in China's banks, make purchases or pay bills at large department stores, restaurants and hotels in more than 100 major cities in China. A surcharge of 2% is always charged for card transactions.
12. What about the Chinese Currency?
RMB (Renminbi) is the sole legitimate currency of the People's Republic of China. The basic unit of RMB is yuan, (pronounced in local dialect as kuai), which is divided into 10 jiao (pronounced as mao), which is again divided into 10 fen. RMB paper notes include 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 yuan, and the smaller 1, 2 and 5 mao. There are also 1, 2, 5 yuan, 1, 2, 5 mao and 1, 2, 5fen coins.
You may change money at most four and five star hotels and at Bank of China. The exchange rate all over China is the same fixed by Bank of China. You should keep the form you fill in when changing money, because you will need to show it when you change RMB back into foreign currency.
13. What about counterfeit money?
Counterfeit money may be found in China and you may likely get counterfeit money as exchange from street vendors when you do shopping out on the street. Therefore, don't give big note money to street vendors. It is very common that shop and restaurant staff will carefully check your note when you pay. You may get counterfeit money outside the Summer Palace, outside the Forbidden City and in the street market outside the Great Mosque in Xian.
14. Is China a safe place to travel?
China has a low crime rate, comparing with a lot of other countries. Foreigners have seldom been victims of violent crime. It is still wise to be cautious with your personal possession in public place. There are pickpockets active in crowded areas such as train stations, markets, shopping areas, etc. Do not show off your money in public. Use your safe in the hotel room and don't bring too much cash with you when you don't need it.
15. Can you give me some examples of tourist traps or scams when traveling in China?
Art Student or Students Practicing English
Be careful when you encounter a student in China who wants to practice English with you. Sometimes they are real students who want to improve their oral English. However, in most cases, they pretend to be a student who makes a living by taking you to art galleries, bars or coffee shop where you will likely be ripped off. Here is a short scam story: "When walking down the Wangfujing area, a girl, dressed in student suit, asked me if I wanted to go for a cup of coffee so that she could practice her English. Certainly, I had no excuse to refuse, and then she brought me into a café. The menu is incredibly expensive, a small beer for 100RMB. The bill finally was 1200RMB. That's extremely terrible." You may easily encounter a student on Downtown Beijing's Wangfujing Street, the Bell & Drum Tower Square in Xian and the Bund & Nanjing Road in Shanghai.
Tea House, Coffee Shop or Nightclub Scam
At many tourist areas, you may be approached by elegant female or gentleman who will give you a free Hutong tour or something else for free. He or she will tell you something interesting about their city, even the history and culture of the city. After a while chat, he or she will invite you to go for a rest at the nearby tea house, coffee shop or a Karaoke Bar. There is the scam, and you will be asked to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Picture-taking scam
Dressing up in traditional clothes for pictures at local tourist spots can be fun and memorable. It can also be expensive if you don’t clearly negotiate the price and know the price inclusions. Often they will tell you after you and a friend have posted that the price negotiated was per person. Or they will tell you the price is for only the smallest size print.