| 21 Days China Revealed No Shopping Tour (Tour code: PT2118) | |
| Themes:History, culture, nature, minorities | |
| Destinations: Beijing - Xi'an - Luoyang - Chongqing - Yangtze Cruise - Yichang - Guiyang - Leishan - Zhaoxing - Guilin - Yangshuo - Shanghai - Tongli | |
| From: $3880 |  |
| Destination | Beijing |
| Activities | This tour will bring to many different corners of China, starting in Beijing right after arrival with a visit to the famous Hutongs. Before development took over most of the capital looked like these charming small streets, and luckily there are still plenty left. You take a rickshaw tour of the hutongs, before your private English-speaking guide takes you to your hotel for check in and rest after the journey here. |
| Attractions | Hutong Rickshaw Tour |
| Meals | Lunch |
| Accommodation | 3* hotel |
| Destination | Beijing |
| Activities | Beijing has been the capital of China for almost 600 years, and as such is home to a wealth of the country's premier sights. You begin today's adventures at the Temple of Heaven, formerly a place of worship for the emperors and now a landmark of Beijing. From here your guide will bring you to central Tian'anmen Square, the heart of the city, and after having seen this enormous square you continue on foot to the Forbidden City where the court lived before the fall of the dynasties in 1911. In here you will hear about how the emperors lived and worked and see all the major buildings, before returning to your hotel in the afternoon. |
| Attractions | Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 3* hotel |
| Destination | Beijing - night train |
| Activities | The Great Wall of China is an incredible man-made construction hundreds of years old. Your excursion today brings you to the Mutianyu Section of the wall in the mountains north of Beijing. You will have plenty of time to walk on this historical structure before you head back to Beijing and the train station, from where you will take a night train to Xi'an. As the train leaves Beijing and head into nearby Hebei Province you can rest and let the gentle movements of the train lull you to sleep. |
| Attractions | Great Wall of China at Mutianyu |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | Night train, soft sleeper berths |
| Destination | Xi'an |
| Activities | In the morning your train rolls into Xi'an train station, where your local guide is waiting for you. As it is too early to check in you begin your sightseeing in Xi'an immediately after breakfast at a nearby hotel. First stop in Xi'an, a city steeped in history, is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, dating back hundreds of years and once an important pagoda and temple complex. Later you continue to the Shaanxi History Museum, an excellent museum with many treasures that have been found in the vicinity of Xi'an. Back in the city center you walk across the central square to reach the Muslim Quarter, a lively place that gets going at dusk when vendors spill out into the street. |
| Attractions | Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Central Square, Muslim Quarter |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 4* hotel |
| Destination | Xi'an |
| Activities | After breakfast you scale the impressive City Wall. Towering an average of 18 meters above the surrounding streets this massive wall used to protect Xi'an from invaders. It is one of the best preserved such walls in China. Later you drive out of the city to go to the incredible Terracotta Army. The army, built during the reign of Emperor Qin 200 years B.C. consists of more than 7000 lifesized clay figures that acts as the emperors tomb guard. A jaw-dropping sight. Back in Xi'an the rest of the day is free to explore on your own, and as your hotel is right in the middle of Xi'an you can find plenty of things to see and do just outside the hotel lobby. |
| Attractions | City Wall, Terracotta Army |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 4* hotel |
| Destination | Xi'an - Luoyang - Xi'an |
| Activities | The ancient capital of Luoyang, less than two hours away by high speed train, is home to the stunning Longmen Buddhist Grottoes, which you will visit today. The grottoes are a very large collection of more than 50.000 rock carvings in all sizes that were constructed by pilgrims hundreds of years ago. White Horse Temple, generally recognized as Chinas first temple, also lies in Luoyang, and before taking the train back to Xi'an you will visit this tranquil place. Back in Xi'an your guide brings you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. |
| Attractions | Longmen Buddhist Grottoes, White Horse Temple |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 4* hotel |
| Destination | Xi'an - Yangtze River |
| Activities | Today you fly to Chongqing, a metropolis on the Yangtze River and your departure city for the luxury Yangtze cruise. Before boarding the ship there is time to visit the pandas in the local zoo, and also to take in Ciqikou Old Street, a once bustling port area that is now home to specialty shops and old houses. Early in the evening you board the luxury cruise ship M.S. Yangtze Gold and check in to your roomy cabin with private bathroom and balcony. Your trip down the mightly Yangtze is about to begin! |
| Attractions | Pandas in Zoo, Ciqikou Old Street |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 5* M.S. Yangtze Gold |
| Destination | Yangtze River |
| Activities | Today is your first full day on the cruise. Each day includes shore excursions, today usually to Fengdu Ghost Town. Back on board the rest of day is free to enjoy the scenery as your ship slowly glides down the Yangtze, or maybe make use of some of the ship's many entertainment options. |
| Attractions | Excursion according to ship's schedule |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Accommodation | 5* M.S. Yangtze Gold |
| Destination | Yangtze River |
| Activities | Today's excursion takes in one of the smaller streams emptying into the Yangtze. As the cruise ship is too large to enter the stream you get on one of the smaller ships servicing the cruise ship, and after a couple of hours enjoying the scenery along the stream you return to the cruise ship. The afternoon is free. |
| Attractions | Excursion according to ship's schedule |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Accommodation | 5* M.S. Yangtze Gold |
| Destination | Yangtze River - Guiyang |
| Activities | The cruise is nearing it's end. Before it is time to embark you go on an excursion to see the impressive Yangtze River Dam, the largest dam in the world. After the excursion it is time to say farewell to the ship crew. You local guide will meet with you and help you transfer to the airport for your flight to Guiyang. You arrive in Guiyang, capital of the little-visited Guizhou Province in late afternoon or evening and your new local guide brings you to your hotel for check in and rest. |
| Attractions | Excursion according to ship's schedule |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 4* hotel |
| Destination | Guiyang - Leishan |
| Activities | After breakfast you set out from Guiyang and drive to Leishan Town to the east. Leishan lies in the north part of Qiannandong Region, and is home to many colorful minority villages. Today you visit Jidao and Langde villages, and if you like you can also take a hike through the countryside to Paika Village. All of them are home to the Miao, famous for their silver ornaments and Lusheng music. |
| Attractions | Guizhou's stunning scenery, Jidao Village, Langde Village |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 4* Priority Hotel |
| Destination | Leishan - Zhaoxing |
| Activities | Leaving Leishan you head south through the stunning Guizhou scenery. Your goal is Zhaoxing, a remote and small Dong minority village in the far south of Guizhou. Zhaoxing is famous for its five Drum Towers and relaxed pace of life, and after arrival your guide will take you on a walking tour of the village, during which you will pass some of the towers, and also get a glimpse of life here in the village. |
| Attractions | Guizhou's stunning scenery, Zhaoxing Village |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 3* Priority Hotel |
| Destination | Zhaoxing |
| Activities | The whole day is free to explore on your own. There are several hiking possibilities around Zhaoxing, so ask your guide for help if needed. If you feel like a relaxing day you can also just sit in one of the little cafes and enjoy the view with a book. |
| Attractions | Zhaoxing Village |
| Meals | Breakfast |
| Accommodation | 3* Priority Hotel |
| Destination | Zhaoxing - Ping'an |
| Activities | It is time to leave Guizhou and head for the mountain village of Ping'an, famously nestled in the middle of the incredible Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces in Guangxi Province. After breakfast you set out, and will reach Ping'an in early afternoon, after a 30-minute hike up to the village from the road below. Once here you can relax in the village or go with your guide to the nearby viewing point to see more of the terraces. |
| Attractions | Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | Non-graded Priority Hotel |
| Destination | Ping'an |
| Activities | Ping'an is a beautiful and relaxed place. You have the whole day free to explore on your own or just sit in a coffee house and enjoy the scenery. |
| Attractions | Ping'an Village, Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces |
| Meals | Breakfast |
| Accommodation | Non-graded Priority Hotel |
| Destination | Ping'an - Yangshuo |
| Activities | When you are ready in the morning you leave Ping'an and walk down to your transportation below. Today you drive out of the mountains and into the low-lying areas around Guilin. The stretch of the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo is generally known to be the best part of the enormous limestone hill scenery that the area is so famous for. Your goal is Yangshuo, which you will reach sometime in the afternoon. You check in and rest, and can spend the evening exploring likewise famous West Street with its restaurants and souvenir shops. |
| Attractions | Guangxi's stunning scenery, Yangshuo Town |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 4* hotel |
| Destination | Yangshuo |
| Activities | Sometime mid-morning you go on a bike tour of the surrounding countryside. Limestone hills shoot out of the rice fields and create a fairytale landscape in which farmers and water buffalo till the fields. After lunch at a local farmer's restaurant you return to Yangshuo, and the rest of the day is free. |
| Attractions | Bike tour, limestone hill scenery |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 4* hotel |
| Destination | Yangshuo - Shanghai |
| Activities | After checking out you drive back to Guilin and go to the airport to catch you flight to Shanghai on the east coast. Shanghai is a massive city of 25 million inhabitants and is generally considered the most developed city in China. The sight of the countless skyscrapers is impressive, but behind the modern facade you will find small alleys, atmospheric temples and much more, which you will experience in the coming days. After arrival your guide takes you to your hotel for check in and rest. |
| Attractions | Guangxi's stunning scenery |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 4* hotel |
| Destination | Shanghai |
| Activities | You explore fascinating Shanghai by foot. First stop is The Bund, the impressive waterfront lined with art deco-buildings of the 1920s on one side, and the towering skyscrapers of Pudong on the other. From here you continue to nearby Chinatown to see the remnants of the original city, before visiting the City God Temple. In the afternoon you return to your hotel. |
| Attractions | The Bund, Chinatown, City God Temple |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 4* hotel |
| Destination | Shanghai |
| Activities | Today you go on a day excursion to the water village of Tongli in the Yangtze River Delta that surrounds Shanghai. Tongli, and many other such villages, are famous for their canal-side life and classic Lower Yangtze houses. Tongli is a great place to experience this. You will also have lunch here before returning to Shanghai sometime in the afternoon. |
| Attractions | Tongli Water Village |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | 4* hotel |
| Destination | Shanghai - home |
| Activities | A wonderful tour of China is almost over. After check out your guide will bring you to the airport and assist with the check in formalities, before you board your plane and begin the journey home. |
| Attractions | None |
| Meals | Breakfast |
| Accommodation | Not incl. |
| Price information | |
| 2-3 person group: $4690/person
4-6 person group: $4170/person 7-9 person group: $3880/person Luxury upgrade: partially available |
|
| Price including |
| Domestic flights as in itinerary
Train travel as in itinerary Private English-speaking guide Private ground transportation as per itinerary Accommodation as listed Entrances as listed Meals as listed Chinese travel accident insurance Guaranteed no shopping stops |
| Price not including |
| Flights to/from China
Personal expenses Tips for guides and drivers Anything not listed in itinerary |
| Important tour information |
Luxury Upgrade Policy: A luxury upgrade option is available with many of our tours. In accordance with our quality benchmark, upgrade options are divided into four categories: 1. Available - upgrade possible at all destinations in tour itinerary. 2. Partially available - upgrade not possible at one or more destnations in tour itinerary. 3. Not recommended - available or partially available, but not recommended (see Hotel Policy). 4. Not available - luxury upgrades are not possible on many of our trademark specialty tours to remote or developing regions. These tours are deeply genuine and authentic.
Keeping our guests' comfort in mind, we prefer to stay in a 2* or 3* hotel in or close to the attraction, rather than a 4* or 5* hotel much further away. Genuine China Tours' all-encompassing hotel policy is that we will never pick a hotel only because of its price. All our partner hotels must live up to a strict quality test that includes: 1. Geographical location - the location of our chosen hotel is of great importantce, both in large cities, where traffic congestion can play a vital role in the handling of the tour, and also on tours to remote villages, where the right choice of village or hotel can mean a world of difference to the tour. 2. Quality of hotel - including room size and cleanliness, quality of breakfast, ease of getting in/out and more. 3. Local environment - local environment should include local sights (when possible), be in the vicinity of local markets/night markets (if any) and have access to shops and convenience stores (if any). 4. Design and layout of hotel - we prefer hotels with history and atmosphere, especially if these have relevance with the sight(s) at the destination. 5. Value for money - any hotel must pass requirements 1-3 and 5. If a hotel passes all five requirements it becomes a Priority Hotel.
Also important: 1. Please perform a thorough health check before traveling. If your health is not good enough please refrain from traveling. Most major tourist destinations in China have good health care services, but on tours to remote or high altitude destinations you should make sure your health allows you to travel to these destinations. Genuine China Tours will bear no responsibility in case of any accident, relapse or discomfort. 2. Disabled persons should be accompanied by by their own aid instruments or an accompanying person. Genuine China Tours can not provide aid instruments. 3. While traveling please adhere to instructions from your guide and stay clear of any dangers and/or annoyances. 4. Genuine China Tours reserves the right to refuse participation on a tour if the traveler is deemed unfit to participate or will be a nuisance to other travelers. 5. On tours to remote areas or high altitude areas accommodation and restaurants may not be up to standart. You should be prepared for this if choosing a tour to these areas. 6. Please make sure to bring items that may be necessary, like windproof jacket, umbrella, sun screen (sun lotion), health related articles, items of personal nature etc. 7. On speciality tours to remote regions, Tibetan areas and mountainous regions Genuine China Tours will bear no responsibility if tour itinerary is changed due to government policies, weather or any other influencing factors outside GCTs control. |
| Genuine China Tours is an officially registered travel agency operating under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Guests are required to follow rules and regulations set forth by existing laws of the country, including behavior respectful of local customs and manners. Tour designs and quotations may not be used in connection with other travel agencies. Genuine China Tours cannot be held responsible for any inconvenience caused by weather, traffic, government policies or other situations outside GCTs control. |