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Gems of China

16 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

Gems of China

Uncover the ancient, modern, and natural gems on this all-encompassing tour of China's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences.

Marvel at China’s most incredible landscapes, from the sweeping views atop the mighty Great Wall, to the impressive Three Gorges onboard your 3-night Yangtze River cruise, and the soaring peaks that inspired the blockbuster film 'Avatar' at Zhangjiajie National Park. Immerse yourself in the local culture of Xian's Muslim Quarter, feast your eyes and taste buds on dumplings with a side of Tang Dynasty dancing, and get to know the nation's favourite bear at Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 13 , Dinners: 14
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    14 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Visas
    Visa fees & processing for Australian passports
  • Cruise
    Yangtze River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 2
    A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.
    Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
Classic Group Tour
16 DAYS
From $7,580PP
Beijing (3N) - Xian (2N) - Chengdu (1N) - Yangtze River Cruise (3N) - Zhangjiajie (2N) - Shanghai (2N)
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Tour Highlights

Our Gems of China tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Beijing (3N) - Xian (2N) - Chengdu (1N) - Yangtze River Cruise (3N) - Zhangjiajie (2N) - Shanghai (2N)
  • Day 1
    Fly to Beijing
    Dinner
    Day 1: Fly to Beijing

    Fly to to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    Dinner
  • Day 2
    Beijing
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 2: Beijing

    This morning head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, where you will discover the magnificence of the Forbidden City and find a complex full of imperial treasures. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, sit down to enjoy the local delicacy, Peking duck.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3
    Beijing
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 3: Beijing

    This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the wall and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China and is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, strolling through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Beijing - Xian
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 4: Beijing - Xian

    Travel by bullet train to Xian, China's ancient former capital. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Xian
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 5: Xian

    After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of these life-size warriors and visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop. Later, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Xian - Chengdu
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 6: Xian - Chengdu

    Board the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province. Take a stroll through People's Park to see Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Chengdu - Yangtze River Cruise
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 7: Chengdu - Yangtze River Cruise

    Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve's breeding programme. Later, drive to Chongqing where you will board your Yangtze River Cruise.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 8-9
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 8-9: Yangtze River Cruise

    As you cruise downstream, nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next two days, prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy various shore excursions as well as a side trip to Goddess or Shennong Stream. This is a chance to get a glimpse of life on the river banks.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Three Gorges Dam - Zhangjiajie
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 10: Three Gorges Dam - Zhangjiajie

    Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Appreciate the scale of this hydroelectric project from the viewing area and visit the small museum. Disembark your Yangtze River Cruise and drive to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Zhangjaijie
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 11: Zhangjaijie

    Enjoy a full day of exploring Zhangjiajie National Park. Begin at the Yuanjianie Scenic Area before riding the Bailong glass elevator to Mihun Stage and enjoy amazing views of the majestic peaks. Continue to Emperor Mountain to visit Helong Park from where you will take a cable car down and head to Ten-Mile Natural Gallery. Later, enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Baofeng. Sightseeing today will involve around 4-5 hours of walking.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Zhangjiajie
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 12: Zhangjiajie

    Explore the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of the Huanglong Cave, stretching over 120 acres in area. Head to Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge, the world's longest glass-bottomed bridge, and take an exhilarating walk across while soaking up the panoramic views.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Zhangjiajie - Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 13: Zhangjiajie - Shanghai

    Take a cable car to the beautiful Mount Tianmen and walk on the thrilling glass skywalk. Visit Tianmen Cave, nicknamed 'Heaven's Door' and Jun Sheng Sandstone painting gallery. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Shanghai.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 14
    Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 14: Shanghai

    Today we visit the peaceful Yu Gardens and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the historical waterfront Bund, before visiting the Silk Factory. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise, before sampling some traditional Shanghai cuisine.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15
    16 Depart Shanghai
    Breakfast
    Day 15 - 16: Depart Shanghai

    Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

    Breakfast
Gems of China map

Download Tour Dossier & Trip Notes

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

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When to go

The best times to visit China are in spring, April to May and autumn, September to October, when the days are warm and rainfall and humidity low.

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -8
    2
    -3
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 3
    9
    6
  • 8
  • Shanghai
  • 2
    8
    5
  • 74
  • Xian
  • -4
    5
    0
  • 7
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 0
    7
    4
  • 35
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    5
    0
  • 5
  • Chengdu
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 12
  • Shanghai
  • 4
    10
    7
  • 59
  • Xian
  • -1
    8
    4
  • 10
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 2
    9
    6
  • 50
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    12
    6
  • 8
  • Chengdu
  • 8
    16
    12
  • 20
  • Shanghai
  • 7
    14
    10
  • 94
  • Xian
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 29
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 6
    14
    10
  • 92
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    20
    14
  • 21
  • Chengdu
  • 13
    22
    17
  • 44
  • Shanghai
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 74
  • Xian
  • 10
    21
    15
  • 43
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 11
    20
    16
  • 167
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 34
  • Chengdu
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 78
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    25
    21
  • 84
  • Xian
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 60
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 16
    24
    20
  • 218
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 19
    30
    24
  • 78
  • Chengdu
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 107
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 182
  • Xian
  • 19
    31
    25
  • 54
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 20
    27
    24
  • 243
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 22
    31
    26
  • 185
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 224
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 146
  • Xian
  • 22
    32
    27
  • 99
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 22
    31
    26
  • 193
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 21
    30
    25
  • 160
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 201
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 214
  • Xian
  • 21
    31
    26
  • 71
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 22
    31
    26
  • 155
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 15
    26
    20
  • 46
  • Chengdu
  • 19
    25
    22
  • 119
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 87
  • Xian
  • 16
    25
    21
  • 92
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 18
    26
    22
  • 108
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    19
    14
  • 22
  • Chengdu
  • 15
    21
    18
  • 35
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    23
    20
  • 56
  • Xian
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 60
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 13
    21
    17
  • 111
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    10
    5
  • 7
  • Chengdu
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 16
  • Shanghai
  • 11
    17
    14
  • 52
  • Xian
  • 3
    12
    8
  • 24
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 8
    15
    12
  • 69
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    4
    -1
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 4
    11
    8
  • 5
  • Shanghai
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 44
  • Xian
  • -2
    6
    2
  • 6
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 3
    10
    6
  • 35

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

2024
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1 Room, 2 Guests
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    Return DateEnd Date
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    Additional Price Information

    • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 May 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
    • Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB875pp (AU$190pp) is paid locally in China.
    • Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
    • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • International flights and current taxes
    • 4* accommodation
    • Domestic transportation
    • Touring with guides and entrance fees
    • All meals
    • Visa fees for Australian passport holders

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

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