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China Highlights

  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Booking Type Instant booking
  • duration 9 days
  • tour type Small group Request as private
  • age requirement 15-99 yrs
  • max group size 16
  • guiding method Fully guided
  • Tour Code BM-3085
  • Footprint Carbonneutral CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
  • Operated in English
map
  • Starts Shanghai, China
  • Ends Beijing, China
  • +3
HIGHLIGHTS Download trip notes
  • This is our most popular trip in China and one of the top trips from the entire Intrepid range. The trip may be quick, but it is packed full of experiences that will give you a great insight into China in a short time.
  • In addition to the main highlights in the big cities of Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai, you'll get a glimpse of small-town life in Xitang and a taste of the countryside when we stay near the Great Wall. 
  • Our small group size allows us to explore destinations on foot together, eat in authentic local restaurants, travel by subway and train, and escape the tourist traps - all under the expert guidance of a passionate local leader.
  • Spend the night in a charming, family-run guesthouse near the Great Wall. Learn how to make dumplings for dinner and see this iconic structure without the masses.
  • Stay overnight in Xitang, a water town just outside of Shanghai. Imagine a way of life lost long ago as you explore the narrow alleys and canals after the daytrippers go home. 
  • Like everything it does, China’s ancient history is on an epic scale. No matter how many guide books you have read, nothing truly prepares you for the grandeur and immensity of sights like the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and the Terracotta Army (or thousands of local tourists at the Forbidden City!).
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Starting in Shanghai and ending in Beijing, the "China Highlights" tour is a guided cultural, religious and historic sites trip that takes 9 days. You will travel through Xian, Xitang and Beijing in China. "China Highlights" is a small group tour which includes accommodation, transport, meals and others.

Get a taste of historical China on this culture-stuffed adventure. Travel from Shanghai to Beijing, taking in iconic attractions such as the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors along the way. In between the well-known sights, you'll delve beneath the surface, making dumplings with a family who lives near the Great Wall and exploring the quiet canals in the ancient water town of Xitang.
ITINERARY Expand All
  • Day 1: Shanghai
  • Day 2: Shanghai - Xitang
  • Day 3: Xitang - Overnight train
  • Day 4: Xi'an
  • Day 5: Xi'an
  • Day 6: Great Wall
  • Day 7: Great Wall - Beijing
  • Day 8: Beijing
  • Day 9: Beijing
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Accommodation
  • Hotel (6 nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Transport
  • Overnight Sleeper Train , Private Vehicle , Public Bus , High Speed Train , Subway
Guide
  • An expert tour leader
Included Activities
  • Shanghai - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Xitang - Leader-led walking tour
  • Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour
  • Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour
  • Xi'an - Home-cooked lunch
  • Great Wall - Dumpling making demonstration
  • Great Wall - Jinshanling section
  • Beijing - Forbidden City
  • Beijing - Tiananmen Square
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
  • Any international flights to Shanghai and from Beijing are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
  • Travel insurance is not included in this China Highlights tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. We recommend purchasing it from World Nomads.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a Premier This travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.5 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 181 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6 rating.
REQUEST A PRIVATE, CUSTOMIZABLE DEPARTURE By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
  • Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
  • Protected Travel within your own bubble.
  • Professional Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.
  • Privacy Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
Request a private and/or personalized departure To design a private tour, we'll ask you some more information in the following steps.
Why Book with Bookmundi
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
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GOOD TO KNOW Download trip notes
CANCELLATION

No additional cancellation fees apply for this China Highlights tour. You can cancel the tour up to 58 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 57 days of departure.

Payment

For any tour departures within 23 November 2023, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 23 November 2023, a deposit is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 57 days before trip departure.

Travel Insurance

China Highlights tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. We recommend using World Nomads' travel insurance.

Visa

For this China Highlights tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

Is this trip right for you
  • The overnight train travel included on this trip is in “hard sleeper” class – carriages sectioned off into 3 tier/6 berth compartments. It’s not luxury, but it’s efficient and a great local experience. If you would prefer more comfort, upgrades to “soft sleeper” (2 tier/4 berth compartments with lockable doors) can be requested, subject to availability, through your booking agent. If you would prefer a trip without overnight train travel, check out our Explore China (CBKS), Beijing to Hong Kong Adventure (CBSJ) or China: Great Wall Hike, Bike & Kung Fu (CBXG).
  • Be prepared for some long travel days as we need to cover plenty of ground in order to see China's main highlights and include a good variety of experiences.
  • We pack a lot in over a short amount of time, so we highly recommend extra time in Shanghai and Beijing before or after your trip to experience more of what these great cities have to offer.
  • As a short, city-based trip there isn't a lot of time to experience China's beautiful natural landscapes or get further off the beaten track. If you have more time to explore, consider our North China Getaway (CBRF), China Experience (CBSE), or China's Silk Road (CBSZ) trips.
COVID VACCINATION POLICY
  • Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer mandatory on departures after 1st January 2023. Nonetheless, all travellers are strongly advised to be vaccinated as a safety measure to protect themselves and others on the tour. This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination are required.
  • Also, proof of vaccination may still be required at specific entry points or by the airlines. Therefore, please make sure to check all the travel requirements carefully before travelling.
COVID-19 Safety Measures

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

  • This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene global standardised protocols have been adopted.
  • Hygiene and safety guidelines will be followed to ensure your well being is looked after during travels.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this tour.
  • How to plan an Asia tour?

    Asia is a relatively large continent, so there are a wide variety of destinations to explore. Therefore, if you are planning a multi-country trip to Asia, the first thing you need to prepare is the list of countries you are interested in along with your starting and ending points. You would also need to decide on the best time for your trip depending on seasonal variations that affect each country. 

    After finalizing when and where to travel in Asia, you should make arrangements for all the necessary travel documents. These would include visas, insurances, Covid-19 test reports, vaccine cards, and so on.

     

  • Which countries should I visit in Asia?

    Asia has more than enough destinations to meet every traveler’s needs and desires. If you are into adventure, look no further than the mighty Himalayas. Go on an exhilarating hike to the base camp of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, or head for the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh instead. Thailand, with its blend of dazzling nightlife, rich history, and striking monuments, is the perfect destination not just for those who wish to let their hair down but also for travelers looking forward to being part of a memorable cultural experience. 

    Go on a tour to Cambodia, home to the monumental Angkor Wat, if you are into off-the-beaten-path destinations, or choose a Japan tour if you wish to discover how traditions and modernity can be seamlessly blended. The Maldives, with its numerous islands and beaches, is sure to provide you with countless opportunities to kick back on sandy stretches, swim in turquoise waters, and go island-hopping, while the rainforests of Malaysia and Indonesia are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. 

     

  • What country in Asia is fluent in English?

    English is a widely spoken language in Asia, which means that you would not have much difficulty conversing with locals during your trip. Singapore ranks the highest in terms of its proficiency in the English language. The Philippines comes second, followed by Malaysia. Other countries where you will not face much trouble if you can speak English are South Korea, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. 

    You will find that English is part of life of a section of the population in all these countries. They have road signs in English (along with those in their native languages) as well as English newspapers. Public announcements are often translated into English in these countries, and it is not difficult to come across store banners and product labels written in the language. In addition to all this, locals are also accustomed to tourists, which means they can at least carry out basic conversations in the language. 

    However, please keep in mind that it is the urban population in the continent that has had the most exposure to the language and is better at communicating in it. The more you travel to the countryside, the fewer English speakers you will meet.  

     

  • How much does an Asia tour cost? What is the cheapest country to travel to in Asia?

    There are several factors that determine the amount of money you will spend during your Asia tour. These include the countries you wish to visit, the length of your trip, the type of tour you have chosen (group, private, luxury and budget) as well as other expenses like insurance, visas, and transportation. 

    Laos is probably the cheapest destination in Asia, with an average daily expense of USD 23 per person. India is yet another budget-friendly destination in the region when it comes to foreigners. Expect to spend between USD 35 to USD 40 per person, per day if you are a mid-range traveler. The average daily expense in Cambodia is slightly higher, at USD 50 per person. Japan and Singapore, on the other hand, are some of the most expensive destinations on the planet. On average, travelers should expect to shell out USD 130 dollars per person, per day while in these countries.    

     

  • How many days is enough for Asia?

    A seven-day Asia trip can give you a taste of the general highlights of two countries at most. Go for destinations in the same region, like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, if you are planning a week-long vacation to save time. A two-week trip gives you the opportunity to carry out an in-depth exploration of three countries. If you want to cast your net further and cover more ground, then a month-long sojourn would be ideal. This duration is enough to cover everything from the futuristic Tokyo to the backwaters of Kerala and the vast, arid landscapes of Kazakhstan.  

    Ideally, we suggest that you spend around three weeks in the continent if you wish to get under the skin of its cultures and people.

     

NEED HELP OR HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THIS TOUR?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.
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