Compare China Sampler by Alexander+Roberts vs China Express by G Adventures
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,299 | $ 1,274 |
| Price Per Day | $ 330 | $ 159 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 5 Dinners |
1 lunch |
| Description |
Intimate exploration of the highlights and authentic encounters with her traditional ways reveal more of China’s “True Spirit.” |
Walk backwards in time along the Great Wall and stare down an army of Terracotta Warriors before leaping into the future of Shanghai's incredible high-rise towers on this fast-paced tour of China’s highlights. With the perfect blend of guided activities and free time to explore on your own, this adventure is made for those who want to get a taste of China in a short amount of time. |
Day 1 – Welcome to Beijing
Check in to your city central accommodations at the 5-star Fairmont Beijing where a luxury room awaits.
Day 2 – In and around Beijing with your Trip Leader
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with the Sofitel’s Bistro Buffet breakfast, featuring a tempting selection of Asian and Western cuisine, and then tour Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City. Explore by rickshaw through the narrow lanes of a hutong and sit down to lunch with a local family in their home here in this traditional city neighborhood. This congenial encounter promises genuine insight into the challenges and rewards of balancing ancient traditions with modern city life. This evening, savor a bountiful Peking Duck banquet.
Day 3 – Great Wall & Summer Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey into the mountains north of the capital and ascend by cable car to walk with your guide atop the Great Wall - an unforgettable experience! Then tour the lovely Summer Palace, erstwhile seasonal retreat of China’s mighty emperors.
Day 4 – Fly to Xian, ancient capital of thirteen dynasties
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hilton
Fly to Xian where you’ll be met and escorted to the Hilton Hotel, perfectly situated within the ancient walls of the city. Join an in-the-know city resident to explore a colorful local market, popularly known as the Muslim market. He’ll be at your side guiding your discovery as you peruse the wide variety of products and sample exotic fare from the many vendors. Tonight’s dinner features savory dumplings.
Day 5 – The Terra Cotta Warriors
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour the excavation site of the Terra Cotta Army, China’s greatest archaeological discovery, and visit the ancient defensive walls of the city.
Day 6 – Above there is Heaven. Below there is Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: JW Marriot
Fly to Hangzhou and transfer to the stylish JW Marriott. Cruise on beautiful West Lake and then spend time with tea farmers in their fields outside of the city. From preparing the soil to picking the tea leaves, this hands-on experience is a fun way to learn about the generations-old techniques that ensure the esteemed quality of the region’s fine teas.
Day 7 – On to Wuzhen and the Garden City of Suzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Renaissance
It’s off the beaten path but this morning’s visit to Wuzhen, a 2,000-year-old town, reveals some of China’s most finely preserved Ming Dynasty homes. Continue on to Suzhou and check in to the first class Renaissance Hotel.
Day 8 – Discover Suzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Fairmont Peace
Tour the exquisite Garden of the Master of the Nets c and stroll with your guide along historic Pingjiang Road, graced with splendidly-preserved Song Dynasty architecture. Learn about traditional Chinese pastimes as you browse the exotic Bird & Flower Market and join city residents to fly your own kite at the historic Panmen City Gate. Learn how silk is made at a local factory before continue on to cosmopolitan Shanghai where you check in to the city central Fairmont Peace Hotel.
Day 9 – Out and about in Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour the vast collection of the Shanghai Museum and enjoy a guided stroll along the historic waterfront Bund. Marvel at the iconic 21st-century skyscrapers of the dynamic Pudong district and explore the ancient lanes of Tianzifang, now home to some of the city’s most popular boutiques and studios. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner of fine regional cuisine.
Day 10 – Depart Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
Your program with us finishes after breakfast.
Day 1 Beijing
Arrive at any time.
Is Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.
Day 2 Beijing
Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall.
Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs.
Day 3 Beijing/Xi'an
Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.
Due to restrictions in China after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity in the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 to 30,000. This significant decrease in daily tickets has had a great impact on availability for both individuals and group tours to secure tickets, especially during he summer season. Our local team works very hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, places of similar architecture and importance.
Day 4 Xi'an
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. After, the day is yours to explore as you wish.
Train is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.
Day 5 Xi'an/Shanghai
Say goodbye to Xi'an this morning and hop on the fast train to the bustling city of Shanghai.
Day 6 Shanghai
Take the train to Suzhou today for a day exploring in the city. Visit Suzhou's famed Master of the Nets Garden, one of the most beautiful in China and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the impressive Tiger Hill Pagoda and its surrounding landscape.
Day 7 Shanghai
After an orientation walk along Shanghai's famous Bund, you are free to explore the delights of this modern Chinese city. In the evening, head to the theatre for an intense acrobatic performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Day 8 Shanghai
Depart at any time.
We highly recommend post-accommodation to fully experience all Shanghai has to offer.
