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9-Nights Classic China from $5,414
Trafalgar
OFFER ID 1675911
Classic China
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.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 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.
- 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: If traditional martial arts, acrobatics, Kung Fu dance and modern theater sounds like you, then you won't want to miss the Kung Fu artists at The Legend of Kung Fun Show. It's the story of a boy who dreams big about being a Kung Fu master. But it's not just about kicks and flips - it's about him facing his fears as he fights through it all in becoming a total champ. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
- 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.
- 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.
- Xi'an: Step into the buzzing Muslim Quarter for a night of bold flavors and local color. Sample regional favorites like Biangbiang noodles, cold skin noodles, Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and mutton soup with flatbread, tasting your way through at least three food stalls. Enjoy the lively energy as you sip two glasses of local craft beer and soak up Xi’an’s emerging beer scene.
- 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: 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-
9 nights from $5,414 per person
Trafalgar Tours: Classic China
Day 1 - Say Ni Hao to China
Transfer to your Beijing hotel where you’ll meet your Travel Director and Small Group for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Novotel Peace
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Discover the Icons of Beijing
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.
Accommodations: Novotel Peace
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Journey to the Great Wall
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.
Accommodations: Novotel Peace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Explore Beijing Connect with Locals Dive Into Culture
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.
Accommodations: Novotel Peace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Uncover Xi'an's Treasures
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.
Accommodations: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Onwards to Shanghai Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories
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.
Accommodations: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Experience Shanghai Stays With Stories
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.
Accommodations: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Shanghai Your Way
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.
Accommodations: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Farewell Shanghai
Your journey through China comes to an end today. Enjoy a smooth departure with airport transfers arranged according to your flight details.
Meals: Breakfast
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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