Classic China
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Experience Overview
Uncover the heart of China on this immersive Small Group tour, limited to just 18 guests. From the legendary Great Wall to the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City, you’ll step into centuries of history. In Xi’an, stand in awe before the Terracotta Warriors, then take a slower pace through Beijing’s hutongs by rickshaw, where a local family welcomes you for an exclusive, hands-on dumpling-making experience. Visit a traditional jade workshop and explore the dynamic contrasts of Shanghai, where ancient traditions sit alongside a soaring skyline. From quiet alleyways to iconic wonders, this journey reveals China through its stories, flavors and unforgettable people.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
- Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, the Sacred Way in Beijing, Hutong residences, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, the Bund waterfront and the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai
- See Local people practicing Tai Chi in the morning and the Shanghai Acrobats
Iconic Experience
- Beijing: Savor your first evening in China with a warm welcome dinner filled with bold regional flavors. Share a table with your fellow travelers as you enjoy dishes like fish-flavored shredded pork, Kongpao chicken, and sweet and sour pork with pineapple. Vegetarian delights like fried eggplant and spicy cabbage offer something for every palate, served alongside classic sides including broccoli with garlic and shredded green beans.
- Beijing: Indulge in Beijing’s iconic Peking Duck with delicate crepes and sweet sauce - complemented by local appetizers and hot dishes like crispy sea fish, shredded pork in soybean sauce, and spicy pickled cabbage with vermicelli.
- Beijing: Walk along one of the world’s most iconic landmarks and take in panoramic views from the ancient ramparts. Learn how this remarkable feat of engineering was built and rebuilt over centuries to protect China’s northern frontier.
- Beijing: Walk the tree-lined Sacred Way, once reserved for emperors, where carved stone warriors and mythical beasts have stood guard for centuries. With your Travel Director, follow this ceremonial path to the Ming Tombs, an imperial necropolis where 13 Ming dynasty emperors lie buried beneath grand domed chambers and peaceful hillsides.
- Beijing: Discover the significance of jade in Chinese culture during a visit to a traditional workshop. You’ll learn to tell genuine jade from imitation, explore the stone’s cultural and mineral origins, and even watch skilled artisans at work. More than a jewelry stop, this experience offers insight into a tradition shaped by 2,500 years of history and Confucian values.
- Xi'an: Explore the vast underground tomb complex of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Stand before the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, thousands of life-sized warriors, horses and chariots crafted over two millennia ago to guard the emperor in the afterlife. Each figure is unique, offering a powerful glimpse into ancient artistry and imperial ambition.
- Xi'an: Tuck into a hearty lunch featuring regional noodle dishes and Chinese comfort food favorites. Choose from beef noodles, fried rice, Chinese hamburgers and seasonal stir-fries, with a spread of appetizers, fresh salads and sweet treats like sesame puffs, fruit cake and red bean pastries. A delicious glimpse into local cuisine.
- Xi'an: Start your day with a calming Tai Chi session led by a Local Specialist. In a serene setting, learn the graceful movements and mindful breathing techniques of this ancient Chinese martial art, rooted in balance, harmony and energy flow.
- Xi'an: Step inside a local family’s home for an authentic hands-on experience. You’ll learn to knead dough, pull wide noodles and shape delicate dumpling wrappers before sitting down to enjoy the meal you’ve helped prepare. This Small Group Exclusive experience offers a rare glimpse into traditional home cooking and everyday life in China.
- Shanghai: Join a Local Specialist to uncover the contrasts of Shanghai, from its colonial past to modern marvels. Stroll along the historic Bund waterfront and wander through the tranquil classical pavilions and rockeries of Yu Garden.
- Shanghai: Soar to the 88th floor of the striking Jin Mao Tower and take in sweeping views of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, where skyscrapers rise above the Huangpu River in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
- Shanghai: Witness a spellbinding performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, where precision, agility and imagination collide. From high-flying aerials to perfectly timed choreography, this world-class show celebrates the artistry and discipline of Chinese acrobatics with a modern twist.
- Shanghai: Celebrate your final evening in China with a flavourful farewell feast featuring classic Shanghainese dishes. Highlights may include soy-braised pork, sizzling shredded eel, fried shrimp and steamed freshwater fish, along with local favorites like Xiaolongbao with crab, Shengjian Bao and Shanghai-style fried rice. A delicious end to an unforgettable journey.
Be My Guest
- Beijing: Visit a traditional Hutong home and enjoy a Be My Guest lunch with a local family. Share stories over a home-cooked meal featuring a variety of regional dishes, including handmade dumplings, braised meats, seasonal vegetables and steamed rice.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Xi'an: Step inside 2,000-year-old Yaodong cave dwellings, built from naturally insulating, earthquake-resistant Loess earth. As modern homes replace them, your visit helps families restore their homes, keeping their heritage alive while embracing the future. Your visit also directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Trafalgar Difference
- Shanghai: Opened in 1988 as Shanghai’s first Chinese-designed five-star hotel, The Kunlun Jing An has hosted state leaders, dignitaries and international guests. Exceptionally located in the heart of the city’s fashionable Jing An district, it’s just a short walk from the iconic Jing An Temple and West Nanjing Road.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19306
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 88.277A
Starts: Beijing, China (Peoples Republic)
Finishes: Shanghai, China (Peoples Republic)
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- Flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6998 ($778 /day)
Itinerary
Transfer to your Beijing hotel where you’ll meet your Travel Director and Small Group for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Meals: Dinner
Delve into Beijing’s imperial heritage, beginning at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public space. Enter the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City through the south gate, once the home of emperors and their households for over 600 years. Discover its ancient traditions and history before enjoying time at leisure for lunch. Later, visit the serene Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO-listed site, where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for harvests and guidance. This evening, you’ll enjoy a Regional Dinner featuring Beijing’s iconic Peking Duck.
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave Beijing behind and walk in the footsteps of emperors along the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, a monumental structure first built in the 5th century BC and stretching thousands of miles across the north. Take in sweeping views from its ancient ramparts before continuing to the Sacred Way, where stone guardians line the path to the Ming Tombs, burial site of 13 Ming emperors. Later, visit a jade workshop and watch skilled artisans carve this revered stone into intricate designs. This evening, choose an Optional Experience to witness a thrilling Kung Fu performance, blending age-old martial arts with modern stagecraft.
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Ease into the day with a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Beijing’s traditional Hutong neighborhoods. Join a local family for a home-cooked lunch and gain a deeper insight into the everyday lives of the locals. Then, visit a tea house to see the traditions and techniques behind Chinese tea-making. This afternoon, fly to Xi’an, where you may choose to explore the vibrant night food market and emerging craft beer scene, or opt for a dumpling dinner, complete with a demonstration revealing the skill behind these regional favorites.
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Kick off your morning by marveling at one of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries, the Terracotta Warriors with your Travel Director. Explore the vast underground army built to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. For lunch, enjoy a traditional noodle meal packed with regional flavors. Later, visit a local village to explore the unique cave dwellings still used by some residents today – a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that offers a rare insight into rural life. This evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Perhaps choose to attend a Tang Dynasty performance, complete with dinner and historic pageantry.
Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Start your day by joining a Local Specialist for a peaceful morning Tai Chi lesson and gaining insight into this graceful martial art. Later, step inside a local home for a Small Group Exclusive, hands-on dumpling-making experience where you’ll learn traditional techniques before sitting down to enjoy your creations over lunch. This afternoon, fly to Shanghai and check into your Stays with Stories hotel. The evening is yours to explore the city at your leisure.
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Take in the sights of Shanghai on a morning city tour with your Travel Director, beginning with a stroll along the iconic Bund, known for its colonial elegance and striking modern design. Next, visit a local silk factory to learn about this ancient craft, then enjoy free time in the Old Town to explore its bustling laneways and savor lunch at your own pace. Later, ascend 88 floors to the top of Jin Mao Tower and take in panoramic views of the glittering city skyline before returning to your hotel to unwind, or opt for an out-of-this-world dining experience at the futuristic Spacelab restaurant. This evening, be captivated by the jaw-dropping artistry of the Shanghai Acrobatic Show – a thrilling finale to your day.
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Shanghai with the option to explore more of the city’s rich cultural layers. You may choose to visit the acclaimed Shanghai Museum and learn about the city’s Jewish heritage in the former Ghetto. Alternatively, discover the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao – often called the ‘Venice of Shanghai’ – with its winding canals, stone bridges and charming shops, followed by lunch. You might also explore the classical beauty of Yu Garden alongside the museum’s fascinating exhibits. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a final dinner, savoring a delicious menu as you reflect on your journey through China.
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your journey through China comes to an end today. Enjoy a smooth departure with airport transfers arranged according to your flight details.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2024
Thank you for providing a wonderful travel experience. Our tour manager, Hubert made the trip. He is the best. Trafalgar’s service , was very good. I would recommend. Too short- 10 days minus 2 travel days, so this itinerary is just 8 days. Then travel days to different cities, you lost a day at the airport. A lot to see, a lot of information, this needs to be longer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2024
Rosalie Marks - Traveled, March 2020
Yes. Most Certainly. It was well panned. The were appropriate accommodations, great food and entertainment. The tour guide was professional and well informed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2020
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2019
Classic China was a hit! We had an excellent guide. In a country where English is not spoken widely, having a responsible bi-lingual guide was key. My family of 5 enjoyed our tours, excursions, meals, and sight-seeing outings.We enjoyed the sight-seeing, demonstrations, tours, and entertainment on the Classic China trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2019
David Clifton - Traveled, May 2019
The trip was terrific! We enjoyed seeing the Great Wall, the Terra Cotta Soldiers, and Shanghai from the Jinmao Tower. While we expected great things in Beijing and Shanghai, Xian was a treasure. Don't pass up the opportunity to ride bikes on the City Wall in Xian. The optional trip to the "Watertown" in Shanghai should be a required element. We chose the Tang Dinner Show in Xian and the excu!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2019
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2019
Trafalgar Classic China - memorable trip! The travel director, as well as the local specialist in Xi’An provided excellent service and made the tour a memorable trip. Their quiet, efficient organisation of day-to-day activities in a gentle, caring manner was great and always well appreciated. A special mention of our Classic China travel director, Kevin: he went the extra mile and provided a wealth of information. The hotel accommodation varied from comfortable to excellent and all the hotels had five star locations. All the meals provided by both tours were of the highest quality. The transport (couch, internal flights and car) was extremely well organised and the drivers were all first-rate. The itinerary was outstanding and the optional experiences added excellent value.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2019
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2019
Classic China 10-19 May 2019 trip. The travel director Mr Kevin Lin, coach drivers and local specialists were all excellent. I couldn't fault them. The service from Kevin was impeccable. The Novotel Peace in Beijing needed an upgrade though. The Grand Wyndham Xian South Hotel was the most beautiful of all the hotels. The room was very spacious and it was centrally located. The Portman Ritz Carlton Shanghai was all centrally located amongst shops which was very convenient. Loved the buffet breakfasts at all three hotels. The itinerary was spot on; it wasn't too compacted and there was some free time to do your own thing. Loved the acrobatic show in Beijing - that was a standout. The sit down dinners were also fantastic in each city as we could sample the local cuisine. Loved the home cooked meal in Beijing made by a family. The optional extra itineraries were also worth going to. For eg the visit to the watertown in Shanghai was breathtaking as we could grab our souvenirs there cheaply and eat authentic Chinese cuisine. The Novotel Peace in Beijing needed an upgrade but the hotel in Xian was the best - it was very spacious and centrally located. Probably wouldn't mind an extra day in Xian as 2 nights wasn't enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2019
Lizbeth Parker - Traveled, January 2019
I personally would prefer less time shopping.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/15/2019
Mary Comeau - Traveled, January 2019
The trip was very busy. Maybe a little more private time would have been good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/07/2019
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2019
Coaches and drivers were very good. Hotels were great. Itinerary was good, but not great. Some activities were short and simple, e.g. walking in a park.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2019
Rajesh Gupta - Traveled, August 2019
The Beijing Novotel Peace Hotel was a disappointment, hence the four stars.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2019
