China's Present, Past and Future with Suzhou Extension
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through China's rich history and vibrant present with the "China's Present, Past and Future with Suzhou Extension" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the majestic Forbidden City in Beijing to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an. Experience the seamless blend of tradition and modernity in Shanghai, and explore the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao, known as the "Venice of China." Travel in comfort with private and shared transfers, high-speed trains, and an overnight train journey. Enjoy 9 nights in comfortable 3-star accommodations, including stays in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Suzhou. With guided tours in English and German, delve into the heart of China's history, architecture, and natural beauty, making memories that will last a lifetime. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL BEIJING
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to Beijing! Upon your arrival at the Beijing Airport, meet our tour representative who will assist you with a transfer and check in to your hotel. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in China’s sprawling capital city.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 2 : BEIJING (Forbidden City Tour, Temple of Heaven)
Location: Tian'an Men Square, Beijing, Forbidden City, Beijing, Temple of Heaven, Beijing
Accommodation Name: Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at your hotel, visit the site that witnessed the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Tian’an Men Square is one of the world’s most impressive public plazas and stands at the center of Beijing. Visit the Forbidden City. Explore the halls and gardens of the largest ancient palatial structure in the world, the best-preserved imperial palace in China and a site of great historical importance (excl. exhibitions). Visit the Temple of Heaven. Framed amongst the princely imperial styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties the site is a masterpiece of imperial style and architecture. Enjoy a Tea ceremony or visit a pearl market before transfering back to the hotel.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 3 : BEIJING (Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall Tour, Summer Palace)
Location: Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing, Summer Palace, Beijing
Accommodation Name: Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at your hotel, visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Enjoy this testament to Chinese engineering and ingenuity, a monument to human endeavour set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. (excl. cable car). Visit the tea house. Then, visit the Summer Palace, the former site of retreat for the imperial family. It provides a range of striking views and the opportunity to enjoy Kunming Lake. Its buildings and courtyards are beautifully decorated and charged with historical content (excl. boat, theatre and Longevity Hill). After the visit transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 4 : BEIJING – XI’AN (5 hrs by high-speed train; included)
Location: Beijing, Hutongs, Beijing, Xi'an
Accommodation Name: Tianyi Commercial Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and begin the day with a tour of Beijing’s intricate alleyway ‘Hutongs’ in style. From here you will be transferred to Beijing West Railway Station in the afternoon to take a high-speed train direction to Xi’an. Once at Xi’an North Railway Station, you will be greeted by a guide who will assist you with the transfer and check-in to your hotel.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 5 : XI’AN
Location: Terracotta Warriors Museum, Xi'an, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an, Xi'an
Accommodation Name: Tianyi Commercial Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your pick-up for a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Praised as the eighth wonder of the world, this collection of terracotta warriors, horses, chariots and weapons unearthed at the site of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor provides a fascinating insight into ancient China. Around 2,000 warriors have been excavated since their chance discover in 1974, but it is estimated that there may be up to an impressive 8,000 in total. This silent army is a fascinating highlight to any tour. On the way back we´ll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This well-preserved ancient Buddhist pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and it is one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in China. To wrap up our excursion we´ll visit a local jade factory and learn about the process of fining and shaping this beautiful precious stone, adored by the Chinese for its calming effects. Once back in the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 6 : XI’AN – SHANGHAI (11 hrs night train; included)
Location: Xi'an, Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Overnight train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and take a walk around the city walls, that have been protecting the city over the centuries. Breach the walls and head to the historic Muslim Quarter, a bustling section of the city where the majority of Xi’an’s Muslim population live and work. There are several mosques here and several lively market streets. Wander around the market and soak up the bright colourful atmosphere. Take the opportunity to sample a variety of local foods and snacks from the market sellers. In the afternoon, at the indicated time, you will be transferred to Xi’an Railway Station and board into a high-speed train to Shanghai Railway Station. Dinner on board (not incl.).
Overnight on board the night train.
Day 7 : SHANGHAI
Location: Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, The Bund, Shanghai, Nanjing Road, Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early arrival at the Shanghai Railway Station. Our tour representative will meet&greet you and take you to your hotel for breakfast. Leave your luggage at the storeroom of the hotel, and hop on the bus for Shanghai’s old town city tour. Constructed 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, the colossal modern city of Shanghai has respectfully sprung up around the remains of its older relatives, providing a fascinating window into the past. Visit the sublime Yu Garden, a wonderful example of classical design in the old city centre, a tranquil spot for respite from the modern pace of life. Then, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, celebrated for its two magnificent white Jade Burmese Buddha statues. Stroll along the seafront in The Bund and witness the world-famous Shanghai skyline first-hand. To wrap up our tour, stroll down Nanjing Road, a well-known shopping boulevard with all the energy, bright lights and spectacle of Shanghai condensed into one location.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 8 : SHANGHAI
Location: Zhujiajiao, Shanghai, Former French Concession, Shanghai, Silk Factory, Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up the breakfast at the hotel and prepare for another experience. Today we´ll drive to Zhujiajiao, water town, commonly called “Venice of China” where we´ll spend a half-day walking between the bohemian cafes and eye-catching high rise buildings. The charm of this picturesque town will be a memorable experience. Once back in Shanghai, we´ll head out to see the Former French Concession that will unveil the quiet and idle face of Shanghai, with the old European architecture. The elegant boulevards and leafy residential rues, as well as grandiose mansions with chateau-style roofs and turrets, will leave an impression that you entered into a different country. The last stop of the day is the Silk Factory, where we will admire this fine handicraft before heading back to the hotel for the evening.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 9 : SHANGHAI – SUZHOU (25min by high-speed train; included)
Location: Shanghai, Suzhou
Accommodation Name: Garden Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your early morning farewell breakfast at the hotel, then prepare to check out. At 8:30 am you will be picked up from the hotel lobby and will arrive at the Railway Station. The high-speed train to Suzhou will depart at 10:00 am and arrive at 10:25 am (2nd class seat. The train ref: G7008). Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the guide and driver and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Suzhou.
Day 10 : SUZHOU
Location: Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou, Lingering Garden, Suzhou, Panmen City Gate, Suzhou, Suzhou Grand Canal, Suzhou
Accommodation Name: Garden Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, begin our full-day Suzhou sightseeing tour. We will start with a visit to Humble Administrator’s Garden which was originally built in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was initially a private garden of a former government servant named Wang Xianchen for his life after retirement. He thought that was a simple life led by a humble man like him, hence the name of the garden. Next, we will drive to Lingering Garden. Originally a classical private garden, Lingering Garden is one of the four most famous gardens in China. Possessing a typical Qing style, it is well-known for the exquisite beauty of its magnificent halls, and the various sizes, shapes, and colours of the buildings. After lunch at a local restaurant (included) visit Panmen City Gate, which was first built during the Wu Kingdom of Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC) and it is the only well preserved water-and-land city gate in the world now. Next, drive to Xinshiqiao Wharf to take a 45-minute cruise of the Suzhou Grand Canal. You will be back at the hotel in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Suzhou.
Day 11 : SUZHOU – DEPARTURE SHANGHAI (150km – 2hrs)
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and at the agreed time you will be transferred to Shanghai Pudong Airport to continue with your travel arrangements.
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with English and German-speaking local guides during the activities.
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Transport
Travel in style with private transfers from Beijing Airport, shared air-conditioned transfers throughout the tour, and high-speed train journeys between cities.
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Entrance Fees & Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Meet & Greet
Meet & Greet service is provided on Day 1, 4, 7, and 9.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfer Surcharge
Airport transfer surcharge if arriving/departing before 8 am or after 10 pm.
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Flights
International nor domestic flights are not included.
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China Visa Fees
China visa fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Drinks During Meals
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
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City Tax
City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Camera/Video Camera Fees
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.
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Unforeseen Circumstances
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc. are not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
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Please Note
- Day 4: Estimated departure time from Beijing Train Station is approx. at 15:45 to Xi’an arriving at 21:25.
- Day 6: Estimated departure from Xi´an Train Station at 16:45 to Shanghai arriving at 8:10 on the following day.
- Day 9: Estimated departure time from Shanghai Train Station at 10:00 to Suzhou arriving at 10:25.
- Please note no guide available on the high-speed train on days 4 and 9 and on the overnight train on day 6.
- Trains are subject to change due to the adjustments of the schedule
- Forbidden City is closed on Mondays
- Please check the China tourist visa requirements with your local embassy or authorities
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, security reasons or any restrictions.
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-3 Beijing:
- Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Day 4-5 Xi´an:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tianyi Commercial Hotel or similar 3*
Days 6:
- On board an overnight train
Day 7-8 Shanghai:
- Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Day 9-10 Suzhou:
- Standard Hotel Category = GardenHotel or similar 3*
Pre-night in Beijing:
- Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Post night in Shanghai:
- Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-3 Beijing:
- Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Day 4-5 Xi´an:
- Standard Hotel Category = Aurum International Hotel or similar 3*
Days 6:
- On board an overnight train
Day 7-8 Shanghai:
- Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Day 9-10 Suzhou:
- Standard Hotel Category = GardenHotel or similar 3*
Pre-night in Beijing:
- Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Post night in Shanghai:
- Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3*
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private transfers from Beijing Airport, shared air-conditioned transfers throughout the tour, and high-speed train journeys between cities. Experience an overnight train from Xi'an to Shanghai and a high-speed train from Shanghai to Suzhou.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, including Dong Fang Hotel in Beijing, Tianyi Commercial Hotel in Xi'an, Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel in Shanghai, and Garden Hotel in Suzhou. Experience an overnight journey on a soft sleeper train from Xi'an to Shanghai.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 9 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, such as Dong Fang Hotel in Beijing, Tianyi Commercial Hotel in Xi'an, Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel in Shanghai, and Garden Hotel in Suzhou. Additionally, there is an overnight journey on a soft sleeper train from Xi'an to Shanghai. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 10 breakfasts. Lunch is included on Day 10 during the Suzhou sightseeing tour.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour features private transfers from Beijing Airport, shared air-conditioned transfers throughout the tour, and high-speed train journeys between cities. There is also an overnight train from Xi'an to Shanghai.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included. This includes visits to the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors Museum, and more.
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Will there be a guide available during the train journeys?
No guide is available on the high-speed train journeys on days 4 and 9, and on the overnight train on day 6.
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What languages are the local guides fluent in?
The local guides during the activities are fluent in English and German.
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What is the policy on unused services or splitting the package?
There is no refund for unused services, and splitting of the package is not allowed.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
1 Select your preferred date
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions
China's Present, Past and Future with Suzhou Extension
11 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Beijing, Tian'an Men Square, Beijing, Forbidden City, Beijing, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing, Summer Palace, Beijing, Hutongs, Beijing, Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors Museum, Xi'an, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an, Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, The Bund, Shanghai, Nanjing Road, Shanghai, Zhujiajiao, Former French Concession, Shanghai, Silk Factory, Shanghai, Suzhou, Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou, Lingering Garden, Suzhou, Panmen City Gate, Suzhou, Suzhou Grand Canal Suzhou ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
694509
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
10-
