Price based on tours starting:

• 30 October 2025
• 13 November 2025
• 5 March 2026
• 19 March 2026
• 9 April 2026
• 16 April 2026
• 4 June 2026

Extra charges apply for:

• 7 May 2026 ($100pp)
• 21 May 2026 ($100pp)
• 3 September 2026 ($200pp)
• 17 September 2026 ($200pp)

Travel Seasons for This Itinerary:

October-November
Autumn offers cooler weather, fewer crowds, and stunning fall foliage. Explore attractions like The Great Wall and Xian’s Terracotta Warriors in peaceful surroundings.

March-April
Early spring brings mild weather and blooming landscapes, perfect for visiting Shanghai’s Bund, Hangzhou’s tea plantations, and Beijing’s parks with fewer tourists.

May
Late spring brings warm temperatures and lush scenery, ideal for sightseeing in Beijing, Suzhou’s gardens, and Shanghai’s vibrant skyline. While there is a peak surcharge, it’s a great time to visit for pleasant weather and vibrant spring landscapes.

June
With warmer temperatures and longer days, June is a great time to explore vibrant cities like Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai. It marks the start of summer, when locals embrace outdoor street activities, bustling markets, and festivals. While crowds are larger, it’s still an exciting time to visit with a lively atmosphere.

September
Early autumn provides mild temperatures and clear skies, making it an excellent time to visit China’s highlights. Although there is a peak surcharge, September offers the perfect balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, ensuring an unforgettable experience as the summer rush subsides.

Price based on departing from Melbourne, Sydney

Extra charges apply for:

• Brisbane ($400pp)
• Adelaide ($400pp)
• Perth ($400pp)

Pace

This is a fast-paced tour. The tour covers multiple prefectures within China and can involve early starts and long travel days including time spent on the coach & trains. Please be aware many attractions in China can be overcrowded, so please ensure you remain with your dedicated tour guide (s).

Fitness

A moderate 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

Suggested local payment: $144 AUD pp

Tipping in China is a firm and customary element of the tourism industry and is therefore strongly recommended. The expected tipping amount is $144 AUD per person paid to your Tour Guide. This amount is based on an estimated $12 AUD per person per day and is used to support all the local tour guides and drivers you will encounter along the way.

Visa requirement for China

As of 30 Nov 2024, ordinary Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter China visa-free for visits of up to 30 days or less. 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.

Enhance your holiday with a range of optional experiences, payable directly to the Tour Guide in local currency (RMB). These cannot be prebooked or prepaid.

• The Golden Mask Dynasty Show – 380 RMB pp
• Hutongs with Home-Cooked Meal – 360 RMB pp
• Great Tang All Day Mall – 380 RMB pp
• Ancient Canal Cruise – 220 RMB pp
• Impressions of West Lake – 399 RMB pp
• Huangpu River Cruise – 280 RMB pp
• Chenghuang Temple & Shopping – 240 RMB pp
• Chinese Acrobat Show – 390 RMB pp
• Shanghai Disneyland with Transfers – 780 RMB pp

All optional programs are subject to change based on local conditions, timings, and operational capabilities.

A first deposit of $999 per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit includes an airfare payment to secure the best available flight itinerary approximately 10 months prior to departure. If you have selected an Airline Upgrade, the additional amount is also due at this time.

The final balance is due 5 months prior to departure. For departures within 5 months, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Below is a list of the suggested hotels for this itinerary. All hotels listed are locally rated 4 stars and are subject to change.

• Beijing – Ramada Hotel North Beijing
• Xi’an – Holiday Inn Express Ancient Town
• Suzhou – China Garden Hotel
• Hangzhou – Holiday Inn Express Gongshu
• Shanghai – Holiday Inn Shanghai Hulan Road

To accommodate large groups while ensuring a comfortable, Western-friendly experience, many hotels are located outside the congested city centres. This allows for better accessibility, spacious facilities, and amenities suited to international travellers.

A final hotel list will be provided in your Final Documents, 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), tipping, personal expenses, and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.

Payment

A first deposit from $999 per person is required to secure your 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 moderate level of fitness is required. You will need 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 a wheelchair, mobility scooters, or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose any physical ailments at the time of booking.

Pace

The pace of this tour is fast-paced. The tour covers multiple prefectures within China and can involve early starts and long touring and travel days, which include time spent onboard the coach/train – see the day-by-day itinerary for more details on your itinerary. Please be aware that many iconic attractions in China can be overcrowded and busy, so please ensure you remain with your dedicated Tour Guide. One to two nights at each destination is standard. Scheduled free days allow for some downtime or, alternatively, you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs (at your own expense).

Tipping

Tipping is a firm and customary element of the tourism industry and is therefore strongly recommended. The expected tipping amount is $12 AUD per person per day. The total expected tipping for this 12-Day Tour is $144 AUD per person. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a common practice in China and a gesture of appreciation. 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 $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.

Triple Share

Triple share is not available.

Extra Accommodation

• Pre-tour accommodation in Beijing starts from $350 AUD total per room per night.
• Post-tour accommodation in Shanghai starts from $350 AUD total per room per night.

Each rate is subject to hotel availability at the time of booking. Pricing includes breakfast and a private airport transfer with an English-speaking tour representative. Pre and post-tour accommodation can be booked up until 5 months prior to departure.

Child Policy

This tour is designed for adults only; children under 18 years are not permitted on the tour.

Price

Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. 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

Due to heavily discounted product featured in this 12 Day Treasures of China Tour, the cancellation fee is 100% of the purchased price. In the event of cancellation and the full payment has been made, some airline taxes may be refundable and this amount will be advised to you at time of cancellation.

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 30 November 2024, ordinary Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter China visa-free for visits of up to 30 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 30 days, must apply for a full visa before travelling to China.  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 bustling markets to large shopping centres. Famously known for silk and jade products, China is also renowned for its pearls, tea, and traditional Chinese medicine. Your itinerary will allow for stops at English-speaking shops where you can browse or purchase products. Any purchase of products is at your own discretion. Please do not make any purchases if you are not comfortable or feel pressured into doing so. Should you require any assistance with the language barrier, please seek help from your Tour Guide.

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 be required to pack a separate light bag or backpack containing essentials. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are at 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 are typically buffet style, with very limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options. For meals not included, your Tour Guide 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 or 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 Guide whilst on tour.

Accommodation

All hotels featured in this itinerary are locally rated 4-star properties, selected by our trusted local suppliers. Please note that hotel ratings in China may differ slightly from those in Australia, as local standards and expectations can vary. While the hotel rooms in China are typically smaller than those found in Western hotels, they are comfortable and well-equipped. Rooms will either be twin (two single beds) or double (one double bed), and special bedding requests, though not always guaranteed, should be made at the time of booking. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. We will request non-smoking rooms, but please note some hotels may have designated smoking rooms or floors. The hotels mentioned are indicative and subject to change, with final hotel details confirmed in your final documentation. The standard check-in time is from 3pm, and check-out is prior to 10am.

International Flights

Flights from Sydney or Melbourne are based on economy class with a Chinese carrier (e.g., China Southern, Hainan, China Eastern, Air China, Sichuan, Xiamen) subject to availability.

Flights from Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth are based on economy class with a premium carrier (e.g., Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, or similar).

Outbound flights may depart one day prior to Day 1 and inbound flights may arrive one day after the final day. Flights are booked 8 to 10 months prior to departure. Flights are based on full-service Chinese carriers with a predetermined airfare allowance. Should airfares, fuel levies, taxes, or fees increase at booking, an airfare supplement may apply. The flights team will discuss options or offer an upgrade if desired. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No-show of any flight sectors will cancel all onward flights automatically.

Premium Carrier Upgrade

For passengers flying from Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) who prefer not to fly with a Chinese carrier, you may choose to upgrade to a premium carrier such as Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines for an additional $400 per person at the time of booking. This amount is subject to flight availability at the time of booking. The flights team will select the best available premium carrier.

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 approximately 30 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 46 passengers. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a credit or alternative date.

Optional Sightseeing

Optional sightseeing/programs are special unique experiences that you may add to your tour. Optional sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary are payable directly to the Tour Guide 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 Guide. For any passenger not participating in optional sightseeing, they will be directed by the Tour Guide with where to remain until the optional sightseeing with other passengers attending is complete.

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. 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 2nd class seating. Due to factors outside 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 guests.

Beijing Sightseeing

Due to a daily ticket limit imposed at Beijing’s Forbidden City, there may be rare occasions 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 are subject to the above daily ticket limit policy.

East China Itinerary (Day 7-12)

Please note that the order of Days 7 to 12 (Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai) may be adjusted due to operational considerations, such as a bullet train being substituted for a domestic flight. If there are any changes to the itinerary, your Tour Guide will inform you, and all inclusions will remain unchanged.

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 30 days prior to departure, which includes a final hotel list, return flight itinerary, and invoice with the day-by-day itinerary.

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.