Price based on tour starting 3 November 2025

Extra charges apply for:

• 1 September 2025 ($400pp)
• 13 October 2025 ($400pp)
• 27 October 2025 ($200pp)

Price based on departing from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Optional sightseeing/programs are special unique experiences that you may add to your tour. Optional sightseeing 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 or 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 complete.

• Day 6 – The Datang Everbright City from RMB300 per person.
• Day 14 – JinMao Tower & Shanghai Market RMB350 per person

Itinerary

This meticulously crafted small group itinerary aims to provide you with an insight into China’s top attractions, while also venturing off the beaten path to uncover hidden treasures and immerse yourself in cultural and natural wonders. Each day promises a unique blend of guided sightseeing led by knowledgeable Tour Leader and free time for further exploration or relaxation, tailored to your preferences.

Pace

This Small Group tour maintains a moderate pace, encompassing various prefectures across China, which may entail early starts and lengthy travel days. It’s important to note that many renowned attractions in China can be crowded and bustling, so please stay with your designated Tour Leader/Guide(s) for guidance and assistance.

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.

Tipping in China

Tipping in China is a firm and customary element of the tourism industry and is therefore strongly recommended. The expected tipping amount is $12 AUD or 60 RMB per person per day – paid locally to your local English-speaking Tour Leader/Guide per destination/region.

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.

Transfers

Group tour airport transfers are included providing you are arriving on the first and last day of the tour.

Chinese culture

Chinese culture tend to honour tradition, but they also embrace many parts of Western popular culture. Thanks in part to the lasting influence of Confucianism, Chinese customs include a strong sense of family, a deep respect for hierarchy, and an appreciation for harmony over conflict.

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. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly.

Group size

You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a smaller group size based on a minimum 10 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 24 passengers. If the tour does not operate, you will be offered a credit.

Beijing 5* – Wyndham Beijing North or similar

Gubei 5* – Gubei Water Town Hotel

Zhengzhou 5* – Radisson Blu or similar class

Xian 5* – Sofitel on Renmin Square Hotel or similar

Chengdu 4*- Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar

Yangtze River Cruise 4*- Victoria Anna in a Standard Balcony Cabin

Shanghai 4* – Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai Yangtze River or similar

Note: The accommodation and cruise mentioned above is listed for visa purposes and is subject to change. Please refer to your confirmed Hotel List provided to you at the time of Final Documentation sent no later than two weeks prior to departure.

Important Information 

Exclusions

Meals not stated, beverages, optional programs, travel insurance (strongly recommended), China Visa (single entry from 95 AUD pp), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.

Payment

A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 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.

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. 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.

Pace

This Small Group tour maintains a moderate pace, encompassing various prefectures across China, which may entail early starts and lengthy travel days. Some iconic attractions in China can be overcrowded and busy, so please ensure you remain with your dedicated Tour Leader. Free time mentioned in the itinerary allows for downtime, or alternatively, you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs (at your own expense and paid to your Tour Leader).

Tipping

Tipping is a firm and customary element of the tourism industry and is therefore strongly 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 and drivers who have serviced your tour. The tipping amount can be paid in AUD or RMB to your expert Tour Leader. 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.

Solo Occupancy

A single supplement from $1,200 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.

Triple Share

Triple share is not available.

Extra Accommodation

Pre-tour accommodation in Beijing can be added from $400 AUD total, based on one or two persons (subject to hotel availability). This rate includes breakfast and arrival Beijing Airport to Hotel Transfer with an English speaking guide. This rate is valid for travel from Feb 2025 – Nov 2025.

Post-tour accommodation in Shanghai can be added from $400 AUD total, based one one or two persons (subject to hotel availability). This rate includes breakfast and departure Shanghai Hotel to Airport Transfer with an English speaking guide. This rate is valid for travel from Feb 2025 – Nov 2025.

Child

This tour is best enjoyed to adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children 12 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.

Price

Surcharges may apply for select travel periods. 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.

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. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.

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. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended. 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.

Baggage

Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. An additional light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Due to high-speed train baggage restrictions, you may wish to pack a separate light bag or backpack containing essentials – your luggage will also be stored in the designated luggage racks located on the train and not easily accessible once the train is moving. All porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.

Transfers

Seat in coach airport transfers on group tour arrival and departure days are included.

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.

Accommodation

All accommodation featured in this itinerary is based on 4-5 star 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). All bedding requests cannot be guaranteed however all special requests should be made known at time of booking. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. 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.

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 Cathay Pacific 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 minimum group size of 10 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 24 passengers. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a credit or alternative date.

Optional Programs

Optional programs are special unique experiences that you may add to your tour. Optional 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 or 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 complete.

Victoria Cruises – Yangtze River Cruise

The itinerary featured is based on a 3 night cruise operated by Victoria Cruises from Chongqing to Yichang. The itinerary includes the Luxury Amenities Program and Cruise Tipping (Cruise Service Fee).

All Victoria’s ships are specially designed to navigate the Yangtze River, and are all officially rated five stars by the China Ministry of Culture and Tourism (its highest rating). Enjoy all the comfort and elegance of river cruising: attentive and professional staff, delicious onboard meals and spectacular scenery from every stateroom and public area.

The Victoria Anna raised the bar for luxury cruising on the Yangtze when it was inaugurated in 2006 with a total of 133 cabins onboard. Each cabin features twin bedding (2 singles), private balcony and ensuite bathroom. Facilities onboard Victoria Anna include two restaurants, two elevators, a three-story atrium lobby, two lounges, three bars, a gym, lecture room, reading room, massage room, and gift shop.

Victoria Cruises – Luxury Amenities Program

The itinerary includes the Luxury Amenity Program offered by Victoria Cruises. The program offers a welcome fruit basket, complimentary house wine and beer during dinner, select shore excursions as per itinerary, complimentary happy house in the Executive Lounge and much more.

Itinerary

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. This includes the multi-night Yangtze River Cruise which is also subject to water levels. 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.

Train Transportation

All train transportation featured in the itinerary is based on 1st class seating onboard the Bullet Train (High-Speed Rail). 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. In this unlikely event, there will be no refund or additional charge applied.

Breakaway

Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.

Documentation

Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. An itinerary/flight details are required for China visa requirements, a preliminary itinerary will be provided to you at least 30 days prior to departure to ensure you can complete necessary visa documentation forms.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.

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.