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A China Experience
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The quintessential experience, this introductory private tour offers a glimpse of China’s glorious past, fascinating present and bright future with visits to the exceptional and contrasting cities of Xian, Beijing and Shanghai.
Places Visited
SA (1N) - Shanghai (3N) - Zhujiajiao - Xian (2N) - Beijing (3N) - SA (1N)
Tour Highlights
Marvel at the sparkling city of Shanghai on a Huangpu River Cruise
Soak up the old world charms of the sleepy Water Town of Zhujiajiao
Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors
Survey Xian from its ancient city ramparts
Step back into China's dynastic past at the Imperial Forbidden City
Wander along the incredible Great Wall of China
Days 1-2 Fly to Shanghai
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the Paris of the East.
Day 3 Zhujiajiao day tour
Travel to the ancient canal town of Zhujiajiao and enjoy a leisurely stroll to absorb the atmosphere of this centuries-old town, which is renowned for its old-world charm and picturesque setting. Later, return to Shanghai and visit the Shanghai Museum and Peoples Square. (B,L)
Day 4 Discover Shanghai
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town. Also walk along the famous Bund, explore the restored Xintiandi area and enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River. (B,L)
Day 5 Fly to Xian
Fly to Xian, the former ancient capital and enjoy a Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Terracotta Warriors
Visit the Terracotta Warriors and walk along the Ancient City Wall. (B,L)
Day 7 Visit Xian, fly to Beijing
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and later walk through the lively Muslim Quarter to explore the Islamic food markets. Later, fly to Beijing. (B,L)
Days 8 Explore Beijing
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing at Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, watch a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show. (B,L)
Day 9 Great Wall & Summer Palace
Walk on the Great Wall and then tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Later, dine on Peking Duck, a favourite of the Emperors. (B,L, D)
Days 10-11 Fly Beijing to SA
Fly overnight to SA, arriving home the following day. (B/)
Also Available
Private Departures for this tour
If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Departure would be more ideal. Based on exactly the same itinerary as the group tour, our Private Departures give you the freedom to choose your own departure date and simply enjoy your holiday with your family, your partner, or your friends. On most Private Departures your tour will be led by an English speaking driver and you will be met by local guides at each site.
Tailor Your Tour
If you like most of the itinerary which we have suggested but you'd like to change the route and the accommodation, speak to our specialist Tailormade team, who can build your perfect itinerary based around where you would like to go, what you would like to see and how much you'd like to spend. Just call us on 0800 9884 888 and we'll help plan your dream holiday.
Hong Kong Extension - 4D/3N
4 Days from
R320
Hong Kong Shopping - 4D/3N
4 Days from
R560
Hainan Island - 5D/4N
5 Days from
R340
Dubai at Leisure - 4D/3N
4 Days from
R260
Hong Kong & Macau - 4D/3N
4 Days from
R380
Hong Kong & Lantau Island - 4D/3N
4 Days from
R360
Emirates Extension - 5D/4N
5 Days from
R460
Tokyo, Mt Fuji & Bullet Train Extension - 4D/3N
4 Days from
R790
Tokyo Extension - 4D/3N
4 Days from
R590
Istanbul 4D/3N
4 Days from
R250
Visas
A visa is required by all nationalities. A single entry visa should be arranged in advance of travel.
Unlike many other tour operators, we include your entry visas in the price of our tour. We handle the entire visa process – all you need to do is fill out the form and send your passport to us. We are always on hand to help you with any questions or queries you might have when completing the form.
Communication
Phone Calls
International and domestic calls can be made from your hotel room. To call South Africa the international access code is 00, followed by the country code 27, then the local area code (omitting the first 0), then the number. To call Wendy Wu Tours it is 00 27 10 001 9998. Emergency 24 hour telephone (out of office hours) is 00 27 83 277 4502.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are quite popular in China and you will find high quality coverage. China has active roaming agreements with all phone carriers; however SMS and call rates can be expensive. We recommend that you contact your mobile supplier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated costs before you leave South Africa.
Internet & Email
Internet cafes can be found in all major cities and even in some small towns. This is often the easiest and cheapest way to stay in touch. Most hotels have a business centre with internet access, but at a slightly higher rate. Some hotels may have wifi which usually comes at an additional cost and may only be available in hotel lobbies.
Tipping
Tipping is an expected element in the tourism industry today and China is no exception. Many passengers are often uncertain of how much to tip so we have established a tipping system whereby every passenger gives a set amount (in US Dollars) to the National Escort who will distribute the amount appropriately. On multi-country tips, this amount will be paid in stages on arrival in each country. If there is no National Escort, you will need to give your money to your Local Guides and tipping amounts for each city will be shown in your final itinerary. The amount for the kitty is calculated for each tour depending on the length, group size and services used during the trip.
For independent passengers, or group passengers with pre/post tour arrangements, you should allow USD5-10 per person per day.
We will indicate the tipping amounts in your final documents for guidance.
Shopping
Shopping can be a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure, and China has a vast array of shopping opportunities for those who love to seek out a bargain. From hand carved jade to local silk products or pearls from the South China Sea – the variety and choice can seem endless.
In keeping with most people’s interests whilst on holiday, your tour will include a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs.
We have included visits to establishments that not only provide an opportunity to purchase a locally produced, great-value souvenir; but you’ll witness first-hand how these local products are made, their history and how they support the local economy. We are aware that people like to take home souvenirs, so we endeavour to ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity – we do our best to ensure that you don’t get ripped off.
Food
The cost of all meals is included in your group tour cost.
Breakfast is served in the hotel and usually includes western dishes. As is traditional in China, lunch and dinner consists of small dishes of local cuisine which is then placed on a ‘Lazy Susan’ so you can experience the variety of speciality dishes. In China all the dishes are served in various styles and brought out to the table for everyone to share. The amount served is more than ample for the whole group. We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or unusual in taste.
Each individual place setting will consist of a bowl of fan (rice), a pair of chopsticks (you may request western cutlery if you prefer), a flat bottomed soup spoon and a saucer. Chinese food is usually served in courses where a typical meal will consist of rice, one to four meat or fish dishes, two vegetable dishes, and one soup dish. Almost all food is cut into bite sized pieces. The centre of the meal is the fan or rice. The meats and vegetables that we think of as the focus of the meal are known as ts’ai, which roughly translates as ‘side dishes’. Fish is not always available, particularly outside of the bigger cities.
The Chinese are also not big on desserts with meals normally complemented with fruit to clean and refresh the palate.
Sichuan cuisine is distinguished by its use of ginger, chilli and the ‘Sichuan peppercorn’ called the fagara. Each meal will usually have some mild dishes but many of the local speciality dishes will be hot. If your group find there are not enough mild dishes served, please inform your National Escort/Local Guide so that they may resolve the problem for the next meal.
If you would like to drink beer, soft drink or bottled water with your meals, payment is to be made directly to the restaurant staff. Beer is traditionally consumed in small glasses; not the larger pints glasses that you may be used to.
Green tea is sometimes provided complimentary. All other drinks will be at your own expense.
If you have booked a tour that does not include all meals, your local guides will be able to recommend a variety of restaurants to meet your taste and budget.
It is possible to buy snacks in supermarkets within major towns or cities. Alternatively, you may also like to bring comforts like cereal, biscuits, muesli bars, and tea/coffee from home.
Any food/diet requests MUST be specified at the time of booking and you should mention it again to the National Escort/ Local Guides when you meet them – they will do their utmost to cater for any special requests, such as vegetarian meals or food to be avoided in case of allergies.
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Why Book This Tour?
This adventure is ideal for travellers with less time to spend and who want to see the very best bits of this incredibly diverse destination. We have designed the tour to make the most of the time available to showcase the key highlights and cities of China.
What's Included
International flights and current taxesDomestic transportation
Accommodation
Meals as stated
Touring with guides and entrance fees
Excludes Visas and tipping