Travelling to China just got a whole lot easier! From 1 July, Australian passport holders will be able to enter China visa-free for visits of up to 30 days or less. Speak to our Touring Experts today about this perfectly packaged touring holiday. For the latest updates, visit Smart Traveller.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the family from Beijing to Shanghai. Explore the iconic Great Wall, encounter adorable pandas at the Panda House, experience the thrill of a high-speed bullet train ride, and end with an enchanting day spent at Shanghai Disneyland. This guided tour is perfect for families seeking a holiday adventure with a blend of ancient history and modern magic.
Return international flights to China based on flying Cathay Pacific or similar
Flights to Beijing, returning from Shanghai with Cathay Pacific or similar
7 Nights accommodation in 4-star family friendly hotels
Breakfast daily & 1 packed lunch on The Great Wall
English-speaking Tour Leader and local tour guide (s)
2nd class Bullet Train from Beijing to Suzhou (5hr 30min)
Touring & transportation by deluxe air-conditioned coach
Guided sightseeing and admissions as per itinerary
Full day general admission to Shanghai Disneyland
Airport transfers in Beijing on Day 1 & Shanghai on Day 8
BONUS: Tipping included in China to the value of $96 AUD pp
Explore the spectacular Great Wall of China
Visit Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
Encounter the adorable pandas at The Panda House
Ride China’s world-famous Bullet Train from Beijing to Suzhou
Admire award-winning gardens at Suzhou’s Lingering Garden
Discover the city highlights of Shanghai including The Bund
Shop at Nanjing Road and Xintiandi Commercial Street
Experience a full day of magic at Shanghai Disneyland
Optional tours for purchase on tour or enjoy free time
Your Itinerary
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Arrive Beijing
Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, you will be greeted by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel where check-in commences from 3:00pm. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Note: Due to flight times and schedules, some customers may be required to depart the day prior on an overnight flight from Australia.
Meals included: None
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Panda House
Get ready for an exciting day as you explore Tiananmen Square, known as the ‘Gate of Heavenly Peace’ and one of the largest public squares in the world. Continue to the neighbouring Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in the 1400’s, this ancient palace was home to former Chinese emperors for over 500 years.
Visit the popular Panda House, located within Beijing Zoo. The Panda House is a purpose-built enclosure where guests can witness panda conservation efforts up close. Here, you will have free time to purchase lunch from various food outlets and you can explore the remaining areas and wildlife found within Beijing Zoo.
Optional sightseeing: Hutong Pedicab Tour with lunch from RMB 360 per person
Discover Beijing’s 700-year-old Hutongs (narrow lanes) by traditional pedicab. On this cultural encounter, you will visit a local family living in a courtyard style-home where you can enjoy an authentic home cooked lunch. Pricing starts from RMB 360 per person paid locally. For those guests who choose this optional sightseeing, you will be transferred to The Panda House in Beijing Zoo at the completion of this sightseeing experience so you can also encounter the giant pandas.
Late this afternoon you will return to your hotel where the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Dinner will be at your own expense this evening from your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
The Great Wall of China
Keep the adventure going by visiting a Jade Museum, where talented artisans craft beautiful designs from this cherished gemstone. With over four thousand years of history, jade holds special meaning in Chinese culture, symbolizing beauty and preciousness, and reflecting virtues like courage, wisdom, and compassion.
Before you know it, you’ll be driving through the beautiful countryside to one of the most amazing places on Earth – the incredible Great Wall of China! Marvel at the ancient watchtowers and stunning stone carvings that wind along the mountains. Enjoy a packed lunch, so you can soak up every moment exploring this historic wonder at your own pace and take in its breathtaking views.
This afternoon you will return to your hotel where the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Dinner will be at your own expense this evening from your hotel.
Optional sightseeing: The Golden Mask Dynasty Show from RMB 380 per person
This evening you will have the option to attend “The Golden Mask Dynasty”, a legendary large-scale musical that showcases spectacular storytelling with entertaining stage effects. Pricing starts from RMB 380 per person paid locally.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Beijing to Suzhou (Bullet Train)
Transfer to Beijing Railway Station for your Bullet Train ride to Suzhou. This exciting 5hr journey will traverse the diverse landscape onboard China’s famous high-speed train. Please ensure you pack a day bag as your luggage will not be easily accessible from your second-class seat while the train is moving. Food and beverages can be purchased in the dedicated dining cart or purchased on a food trolley. You may also wish to pre-purchase snack/lunch from Beijing Railway Station.
Upon arrival into Suzhou, you will be immersed in the ancient artistry of Chinese gardens at Suzhou’s Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring pavilions, ponds and rockeries.
This afternoon you will check-in to your Suzhou hotel where the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Dinner will be at your own expense this evening from your hotel or nearby local restaurants.
Meals included: Breakfast
Suzhou to Shanghai
China is the largest silk producer in the world and Suzhou is renowned for its exquisite quality silk. Witness the delicate silk-making process from silkworm cocoons at the Silk Spinning Factory and testify that the handmade quilts are as light as a feather.
Leave Suzhou and travel by deluxe coach to the city of Shanghai, a dazzling metropolis with its towering skyscrapers, vibrant street life and East meets West fusion.
Upon arrival in Shanghai, explore The Bund, a historical waterfront promenade nestled along the Huangpu River. Continue to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street which is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. Here is a great place to purchase any gifts or souvenirs for friends. With a vast selection dining options including western-friendly restaurants, it is the recommended location where you can purchase dinner this evening.
Optional Sightseeing: Chinese Acrobat Show from RMB 425 per person
Complete a memorable evening with the option to attend a spectacular Chinese acrobatic show, “ERA: The Intersection of Time” widely praised as the best acrobatic show in Shanghai. Pricing starts from RMB 425 per person paid locally.
Meals included: Breakfast
Shanghai Museum & City God Temple
Discover the charm of Shanghai Museum, a captivating showcase of China’s rich history and culture.
Then, explore the bustling Xintiandi Commercial Street, a fashionable pedestrian street with old-style residences and modern architecture. Take time to browse any shops or purchase lunch from the many dining options available.
Continue to Shanghai’s Chenghuang Miao (City God Temple), a popular Taoist temple that is also home to Shanghai’s charming Yu Gardens and nearby Yuyuan Bazaar.
Optional Sightseeing: Huangpu River Cruise from RMB 300 per person Embark on an evening cruise along the Huangpu River and be captivated by the shimmering lights of Shanghai’s iconic skyline. Pricing starts from RMB 300 per person paid locally.
Should you opt to not join the featured optional sightseeing, you will be transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the evening will be at your leisure. For those guests joining this optional sightseeing, please note you will not return to your until approx. 8:30pm.
Meals included: Breakfast
Shanghai Disneyland
Get ready for a day filled with magical memories at the mega Shanghai Disneyland.
Opened in 2016, this is the newest Disneyland to open and includes Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land and so much more.
You will be transferred to Shanghai Disneyland where you will be dropped at the park entrance at approximately 9am. Today will be unescorted, your Tour Leader will not be joining you inside Disneyland theme park.
You will be collected at a nominated pick-up area outside Disneyland entrance at approximately 6pm, where your Tour Leader and Driver will transfer you back to your hotel.
As Disneyland remains open until approximately 9pm, should you not be at the nominated pick up area at the time specified by your Tour Leader, you will be required to make your own way back to your hotel at your own expense. Due to large crowds and high-traffic zone, the pick-up time and location will be very strict, and the coach cannot wait should you be late. Please ensure you communicate with your Tour Leader prior should you wish to stay longer at Disneyland and not join the group transfer back to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Depart Shanghai
Upon check-out, you will be transferred to Shanghai Airport to meet your departing flight.
Note: Check-out time is 10am. Should your flight be departing in the afternoon/evening, you will be required to check-out of your hotel room and may choose to head to the airport early or use the hotel facilities until an appropriate transfer time.
Meals included: Breakfast
See full itinerary
Important Info Open All
Price based on tours starting:
3 September 2025
10 September 2025
Price based on departing from Melbourne, Sydney
Extra charges apply for:
Brisbane ($100pp)
Adelaide ($100pp)
Perth ($100pp)
Pricing:
Adult (12yrs +): From $1,999* per person
Child (3-11 yrs): From $1,599* per person
Family Pricing:
1 Adult & 1 Child: From $3,598* per family
2 Adult & 1 Child: From $5,597* per family
2 Adult & 2 Child: From $7,196* per family
*Departure city and departure date surcharges may also apply – see above.
*All children aged 3-11 years must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years and over at all times.
*Bedding is based on a queen or 2 singles plus a rollaway bed per child. Max occupancy per room is 2 adults & 2 children.
*Families of 5 or more will require multiple hotel rooms due to max occupancy. Each room must contain 1 adult who is 18+ yrs.
Itinerary
This multi-stop China tour is carefully designed for families with children to give an insight into the highlights, culture and unique beauty of China. Each day will be different, with a combination of travel days, sightseeing and free time to explore or take a breather as you wish.
Family Tour
This family tour is best suited for adults traveling with children over the age of 3 years. Adults traveling without children are also welcome; however, please understand that the itinerary, pace, sightseeing, and hotels are carefully selected to best suit families. A limited number of rooms for solo travelers are available and subject to availability at the time of enquiry.
Tour Pace
This is a medium paced tour designed for families. The tour covers multiple prefectures within China and can involve early starts and long travel days. Please be aware many iconic attractions in China can be overcrowded and busy, so please ensure you remain with your Tour Leader/Guide (s).
Tipping in China
Tipping in China is a well-established custom in the tourism industry. For this Family Tour, the tipping for the English-speaking Tour Leader, local guides and driver has been included in the tour price, valued at $96 AUD per person. Tipping in China is seen as a gesture of appreciation, any additional tipping you choose to pay is at your own discretion and can be paid in AUD or local RMB.
Visa requirement for China
As of 01 July 2024, ordinary Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter China visa-free for visits of up to 15 days or less. Travellers do not need to complete any pre-departure documents; however it is advised that you print a copy of your travel documents, including your return flight itinerary, as you may be asked to show this at customs and immigration upon arrival into China.
Travellers entering China on a foreign passport, or any Australian or New Zealand passport holder travelling China for more than 15 days, must apply for a full visa before travelling to China. A single-entry fee for Australian passport holders starts from $95 AUD per person, however this can vary depending on the required visa type, validity and other additional fees imposed by the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre or other visa service provider. Along with a valid passport, you must provide all required documentation, including a printed visa application form, digital and printed photographs, a photocopy of your passport bio page, and a travel itinerary including flight details. For eligibility requirements, latest costs and visa types, please see the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Full travel advice for China can be found on Smartraveller.
Travel documentation
Final documentation will be emailed 30 days prior to departure which includes a final hotel list, return flight itinerary and tour itinerary.
Transfers
Group tour airport transfers are included providing you are arriving on the first and last day of tour.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. One of the reasons is due to the Bullet Train limited luggage space – you must store your luggage in the designated luggage racks onboard the train. Prams/Strollers must be collapsable and fit within your luggage during transportation.
Room occupancy
All children 3-17 years must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. The maximum room occupancy is 2 adults and 2 children using existing hotel bedding and rollaway beds/trundles.
Group size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a group size based on a minimum 20 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 40 passengers.
Optional sightseeing are special and unique experiences that you may add to your tour. These programs are payable directly to the Tour Leader in AUD or the local currency (RMB) and cannot be prepaid. In the event that some programs or venues may not be available, alternative programs may be offered by the Tour Leader. For any passenger not participating in optional programs, they will be directed by the Tour Leader with where they can enjoy free time and rejoin the group once the optional program is completed.
Day 2: Hutong Pedicab Tour with lunch from RMB 360 pp
Day 3: The Golden Mask Dynasty Show from RMB 380 pp
Day 5: Chinese Acrobat Show from RMB 425 pp
Day 6: Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise from RMB 300 pp
Beijing 4* – Nangong Spring Season Hotel or similar
Suzhou 4* – Doubletree by Hilton Hotel or similar
Shanghai 4* – Shanghai Zhiwei Century Hotel or similar
Note: The accommodation mentioned above is listed as a guide only is subject to change. Please refer to your confirmed Hotel List provided to you at the time of Final Documentation sent no later than 30 days prior to departure.
Important Information
Exclusions
Meals not stated, beverages, optional programs, travel insurance (strongly recommended), China Visa (if required), personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.
Payment
A first deposit from $299 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 11 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.
Tour Pace
The pace of this tour is medium paced. The tour covers multiple prefectures within China and can involve early starts and long touring and travel days which includes time spent onboard the coach/train – see day by day itinerary for more details on your itinerary. Please be aware many iconic attractions in China can be overcrowded and busy, so please ensure you remain with your dedicated Tour Leader. Scheduled free time in the itinerary allows some downtime, alternatively you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs which can be purchased with your Tour Leader for an additional cost.
Fitness
A medium level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating uneven terrain and footpaths. You will be required to carry your own baggage to and from hotels, terminals and stations. Unfortunately, this trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Family Tour
This family tour is best suited for adults traveling with children over the age of 3 years. Adults traveling without children are also welcome; however, please understand that the itinerary, pace, sightseeing, and hotels are carefully selected to best suit families. A limited number of rooms for solo travelers are available and subject to availability at the time of enquiry.
Prams/Strollers
Child prams/strollers are permitted in China however they must be collapsable and fit within your checked-in suitcase during times of transportation. Due to the uneven terrain, steps and stairs required at some attractions in China, it is not recommended to use a pram/stroller while touring, and ideally any children on tour must be able to walk unassisted.
Tipping
Tipping in China is a well-established custom in the tourism industry. For this Family Tour, the tipping for the English-speaking Tour Leader has been included in the tour price, valued at $96 AUD per person. Any additional tips for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff are at your own discretion.
Price
Adult and child pricing valid for select travel periods and departure cities. Surcharges will apply depending on child ages at time of travel and number of passengers per room. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Children
This tour is designed for families with young children. The minimum child age is 3 years however all children must be able to walk unassisted. A child discount applies for children aged from 3-11 years at time of travel. All children aged 12 years and over at time of travel are charged adult pricing.
Room occupancy
All children 3-17 years must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. The maximum room occupancy is 2 adults and 2 children using existing hotel bedding and rollaway beds/trundles.
Family accommodation
All accommodation featured is based on family-friendly 4 star hotels. Bedding based on twin bedding with additional 1 or 2 rollaway beds depending on the hotel and number of adult and children per room. A max room occupancy is 2 adults and 2 children.
Solo Occupancy
A single supplement from $800 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy. Single rooms are typically smaller than twin/double rooms in China.
Passport
For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.
Visa
As of 01 July 2024, ordinary Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter China visa-free for visits of up to 15 days or less. Travellers do not need to complete any pre-departure documents; however it is advised that you print a copy of your travel documents, including your return flight itinerary, as you may be asked to show this at customs and immigration upon arrival into China.
Travellers entering China on a foreign passport, or any Australian or New Zealand passport holder travelling China for more than 15 days, must apply for a full visa before travelling to China. A single-entry fee for Australian passport holders starts from $95 AUD per person, however this can vary depending on the required visa type, validity and other additional fees imposed by the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre or other visa service provider. Along with a valid passport, you must provide all required documentation, including a printed visa application form, digital and printed photographs, a photocopy of your passport bio page, and a travel itinerary including flight details. For eligibility requirements, latest costs and visa types, please see the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Full travel advice for China can be found on Smartraveller.
Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Tap water in China may not be safe to drink. Drink only bottled water with intact seals.
Money
The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB). ATMs are widely available in major Chinese cities. They accept major credit cards including at international hotels and restaurants. In some smaller cities, using international cards will be limited and local currency is suggested.
Shopping
China is a treasure trove for those looking to shop. From busting markets to large shopping centres. Famously known for silk and jade products, China is also known for its pearl and tea produce, along with traditional Chinese medicine. Your itinerary will allow for stops at English speaking shops where you can browse/purchase products. Any purchase of products are at your own discretion. Please do not make any purchases if you are not comfortable or feel pressured into. Should you require any assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Leader.
Meals
Breakfasts offered by the Chinese accommodation providers and are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For meals not included, your Tour Leader will escort you to preferred Western friendly restaurants or suggest dining options nearby. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your Tour Leader whilst on tour.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. One of the reasons is due to the Bullet Train limited luggage space – you must store your luggage in the designated luggage racks onboard the train. Prams/Strollers must be collapsable and fit within your luggage during transportation.
Transfers
Seat in coach airport transfers on group tour arrival and departure days are included.
Train Transportation
All train transportation featured in the itinerary is based on 2nd class seating. Due to factors outside of our control, such as operational changes, last-minute track maintenance, or unfavourable weather conditions, train travel may be substituted with a flight to maintain the continuity of the itinerary while prioritising the safety of all passengers.
Accommodation
All accommodation featured in this itinerary is based on 4 star family friendly hotels. Please note most hotels in China are either self-rated or locally rated based on Chinese standards. All hotel rooms will feature either a twin room (two single beds) or a double room (1 Queen bed) plus additional rollaway bed (s). All bedding requests cannot be guaranteed however all special requests should be made known at time of booking. All hotel rooms will be requested as non-smoking, however please be aware that some hotels offer smoking rooms and smoking floors. Hotel names mentioned are indicative and subject to change based, with final group tour hotels being confirmed on your final documentation. The standard check-in time is from 3pm and check-out is prior to 10am.
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post tour accommodation is not included. Should you choose to arrive prior or extend your stay, you will need to source your own accommodation and transportation. The deviation fee policy will also apply. See Deviation conditions below.
International Flights
The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on Singapore Airlines or similar with a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.
Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.
Group Size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a group size based on a minimum 20 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 40 passengers. If the tour does not meet minimum numbers to operate, you will be offered a selection of alternative departure dates, future tour credit or a refund of the tour amount paid less any merchant/credit card fees paid.
Optional Sightseeing
Optional sightseeing are special and unique experiences that you may add to your tour. These programs are payable directly to the Tour Leader in AUD or the local currency (RMB) and cannot be prepaid. In the event that some programs or venues may not be available, alternative programs may be offered by the Tour Leader. For any passenger not participating in optional programs, they will be directed by the Tour Leader with where to remain until the optional program with other passengers attending is completed.
Itinerary Schedule
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.
Beijing Sightseeing
Due to a daily ticket limit imposed at Beijing’s Forbidden City, there may be the rare occasion where this attraction cannot be visited. In this event, your tour guide will secure an alternative visit to the Lama Temple or Gongwangfu Garden in Beijing. Unfortunately tickets for international groups cannot be pre-purchased and subject to the above daily ticket limit policy.
Amendment
Each amendment is subject to a fee from $75 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.
Cancellation
Cancellation is subject to a fee from $550 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.
Deviation
Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference.
Breakaway
Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.
Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed 30 days prior to departure which includes a final hotel list, return flight itinerary and tour itinerary.
Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.