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    Eastern Chinese Treasures: Lakes & Canals

    China in 12 Days, 10 Nights in Destination

    Book now for a £400 reward

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    -50%

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    £ 2,799

    £ 1,399

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    Hannah
    Travel crafter

    Relish in the eastern region of China as you sail through its historic canals and waterways while contemplating the mix of ultra modern and traditional cities, sites and landmarks of the rest of the country.

    Trip Highlights

    1. Beijing
    2. Hangzhou
    3. Shanghai
    4. Suzhou
    5. Wuxi

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. All transfers.

    4. Activities

    5. Some meals

    Availability

    1. Departures available until December 2024

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + £ 490

    4. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. superior included

    2. WHAT'S THIS?

    Book with an expert for free:

    +44 20 8068 3176

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    September 2023
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    Categories Available:

    superior

    From £ 1,399

    Selected

      Accommodation: 10 Nights

      calendar

      Day 2 to 5

      Beijing Marriott Hotel Changping

      Location

      Beijing

      Category

      Nights

      3

      Rating TripAdvisor travelers

      The hotels we select comply with our high standards and requirements per category. The allocation is dependent on availability and seasonality, so you can be assigned any of our selection, including the following: Fengda International Hotel, Holiday Inn Beijing Temple Of Heaven, an IHG hotel, Jinjiang Fuyuan Hotel, Lijingwan International Hotel, Pullman Beijing South, West International Trade, Wyndham Beijing North, Zhongle Six Star Hotel

      Itinerary

      Experience some of China's most iconic destinations in this tour highlighting the country’s eastern region! Explore Beijing’s Forbidden City and walk on the mighty Great Wall. Let Shanghai amaze you with its mix of new and old, as you visit the highlights of the city and dive into the natural wonders of Wuxi and Hangzhou’s lakes and canals.

      1st Day: UK/Ireland - Night on board

      Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport, ready to board your flight to Beijing. Night on board.

      If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

      2nd Day: Beijing

      Arrive in Beijing, the enormous capital of China, famed for its ancient sites such as the iconic Forbidden City, and as being the gateway to some of the most visited portions of the Great Wall. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Beijing.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Beijing Marriott Hotel Ch... or similar

      50 Reviews

      See our full selection

      3rd Day: Beijing

      Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the entire day at your own leisure. Perhaps you can use this time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Alternatively, we recommend taking part in our optional activities which include a full day excursion tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City* and/or a Golden Mask Dynasty show**. Overnight stay in Beijing. 

      * Optional Full Day Tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City: Visit some of the most emblematic sites of the city, including the Tiananmen Square, where most of the national ceremonies are held before making your way to the splendid Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace currently in existence. From here, enjoy lunch and finally make your way to the stunning Summer Palace. 

      ** Optional Golden Mask Dynasty Show: Enjoy an original Chinese drama play telling the fairytale-like story of war, royal banquet and romance in which a golden mask-wearing queen creates a splendid dynasty, set in the Golden Mask Dynasty, a legendary age in China.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Beijing Marriott Hotel Ch... or similar

      50 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      Optional
      Full Day Beijing City Tour

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Golden Mask Dynasty Show
      See more

      4th Day: Beijing

      Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on an excursion of a lifetime as you make your way to the majestic Great Wall, constructed in the 17th century to protect the Chinese empire from invaders. It is arguably the most visited landmark in the entire country and a definite must-see when in China. En route, visit a Chinese Herbal Institute to learn about traditional Chinese medicine. 

      After the Great Wall, you will make your way to the one of the largest Jade Exhibitions in the whole continent. From here, you will stop for lunch before continuing on to the Olympic park to gaze at the majestic Bird Nest & Water Cube from the outside. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Alternatively, take part in our optional Pekin Duck dinner and tour*. Overnight stay in Beijing.

      * Optional Peking Duck Dinner & Tour: Enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Chinese food where one of the highlights will be the country’s famous ‘Peking Duck’ recipe and take part in a brief tour of the neighborhood where the restaurant is located.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Beijing Marriott Hotel Ch... or similar

      50 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Half Day Tour of the Great Wall of China

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Peking Duck dinner

      Light

      See more

      5th Day: Beijing - Wuxi

      Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the railway station to embark a fast train to Wuxi, considered to be the birthplaces of modern industrialization in China. After arriving at your destination, spend the rest of the day at your own leisure. We recommend joining our optional excursion to the Temple of Heaven and Hutong* before leaving Beijing. Overnight stay in Wuxi.

      * Optional Excursion to the Temple of Heaven and Hutong: Learn about traditional Chinese medicine by visiting the Chinese Herbal Institute, Tong Ren Tang. Later, explore the Temple of Heaven, a Unesco World Heritage site, considered to be an architectural masterpiece built between 1406 and 1460 AD used by the emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties for ceremonies honoring the god of harvests.

      From here, hop on a rickshaw for a tour of Hutong where you will get to visit a local family and learn about their traditions and customs. A typical Beijing Zhajiangmian (“Fried Sauce noodles”) lunch will be included.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Holiday Inn Wuxi Taihu Ne... or similar

      611 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      Optional
      Half Day Tour of the Temple of Heaven and Hutong with Lunch

      Light

      See more

      6th Day: Wuxi - Suzhou

      Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a tour of Wuxi where you will get to visit Lake Lihu, part of the famous Lake Taihu, the third biggest freshwater lake in China known for its abundance of aquaculture farms. You will then visit a freshwater pearl farm.

      From here, stop by the Grand Buddha at Ling Shan, one of the biggest Buddha statues (289 feet tall) in the world located in a magnificent park with an area of 74 acres—a true Buddhist wonderland.

      The park also features wonderful attractions including the Brahma Palace, Five Mudra Mandala, Xiangfu Temple and many other Buddhist sites. Finally, enjoy the spectacular Ling Shan Buddha water fountain show. Overnight stay in Suzhou.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Holiday Inn Suzhou Taihu ... or similar

      1637 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Tour of Wuxi Landmarks

      Light

      See more

      7th Day: Suzhou - Hangzhou

      Breakfast at the hotel. Take part in a fascinating tour of Suzhou, an ancient city known as the Paradise on Earth, particularly famous for its exquisite classic private gardens and crisscross man-made canals. Tour the Lingering Garden, built 500 years ago and not only one of the top 4 gardens of China but also a Unesco Cultural Heritage Site. 

      From here, visit the Suzhou Silk Factory, the largest silk factory in the country and learn about the mesmerizing process of silk-making. After lunch, you have the option of taking part in a cruise along the ancient canal*.

      From here, take a bus to Hangzhou, described by Marco Polo as "the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world". Arrive at your hotel for check-in and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Alternatively, enjoy an optional performance of ‘Romance of Song Dynasty’**. Overnight stay in Hangzhou.

      * Optional Canal Cruise: Embark on a cruise along the canal to experience the true daily life of locals and discover the Venice of the East and all its beauty.
       
      ** Optional ‘Romance of Song Dynasty’ performance: This is a performance reflecting the long and splendid culture of the region. Songs, dances, opera, acrobatics and stunts are integrated in this performance to present Hangzhou's rich ancient civilization and remarkable customs.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Holiday Inn Hangzhou Airp... or similar

      21 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Tour of Suzhou's Lingering Gardens

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Romance of Song Dynasty Show

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Suzhou Canals Boat Tour

      Light

      See more

      8th Day: Hangzhou - Shanghai

      Breakfast at the hotel. Get to know more about beautiful Hangzhou as you take a tour of its centerpiece, the famous West Lake, surrounded by mountains on three sides, listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site and considered by many to be the most beautiful lake in the country. Optionally, take a boat ride on the serene West Lake*.

      To finish off the tour, you will stop by the Tea Plantation in Meijiawu, considered to be one of the most important Longjing tea productions in China. Enjoy the scenic environment and beautiful village landscape while learning more about their special tea culture and how to appreciate the sophisticated taste and aroma of Longjing tea. 

      After lunch, you will transfer to Shanghai. Upon arriving, check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Alternatively, take part in an optional Chinese acrobatic show**. Overnight stay in Shanghai.

      * Optional Boat Ride on West Lake: Take part in a boat ride on the serene West Lake, the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, noted for its scenic beauty which blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites.

      ** Optional Acrobatic Show: Experience one of the world's oldest performing arts as you are immersed in an evening of classic Chinese culture and entertainment.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Novotel Shanghai Qingpu E... or similar

      879 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Hangzhou and Tea Plantation Tour

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Boat Tour on Hangzhou's West Lake

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Chinese Acrobatic Show

      Light

      See more

      9th Day: Shanghai

      Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a tour of the city where you will get to walk along the famous Bund, lined by Western-influenced colonial architecture, today called the ‘Wall Street. You will also visit Shanghai Museum, one of the biggest museums in the country to relish in the beauty of Chinese art.

      As an added option, we recommend you hop on a maglev train to experience its amazing speed. It is also the world’s first and only commercialized maglev train line in operation.

      From here, visit the Silk Embroidery exhibition center before stopping by the City God Temple Bazaar composed of specialty stores, selling traditional Chinese arts and crafts, medicine and souvenirs. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you see fit. Alternatively, take part in our optional Huangpu River Night Cruise*. Overnight stay in Shanghai. 

      * Optional Huangpu River Cruise: Get a glimpse of the dazzling and charming skyline of Shanghai from the very comfort of a cruiseship that is sure to leave you with memories for a lifetime.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Novotel Shanghai Qingpu E... or similar

      879 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Shanghai Cultural Tour

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Huangpu River Night Cruise

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Maglev Train ride

      Light

      See more

      10th Day: Shanghai

      Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, shopping, exploring the city's sights or simply relaxing in one of the city parks. We recommend an optional complete full-day tour of Shanghai.* Overnight stay in Shanghai.

      * Optional Shanghai Full day city tour: The tour will start with a train ride of Meglev train in Shanghai, the first and only commercial rail line of its type in the world. The train is the fastest one in the world with a top speed of 431 kilometres per hour, which is much faster than the Bullet Train in Japan. Then we will have an admission to the Observation Deck on the 88th Floor of Jinmao Tower where you will have the best view of the entire city of Shanghai. Next stop will be A.P Plaza. A.P. Plaza is Shanghai’s biggest market and is famous for “fake branded good”. Located underground, it has more than 1,000 stores where you can find purses, suitcases, watches, jewelries and much more. You will have 2 hours of shopping time to find many bargains you can ever imagine. Final stop will be Xintiandi Area. As a world-class restaurants, business, entertainment, culture, leisure walking Street, Shanghai Xintiandi in Shanghai is an historical and cultural character of the city.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Novotel Shanghai Qingpu E... or similar

      879 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      Optional
      Shanghai Full day city tour

      Light

      See more

      11th Day: Shanghai - Beijing

      Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the railway station to catch a fast train Shanghai-Beijing with second-class seats. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and enjoy your last evening in China to purchase some bargains and last-minute souvenirs. Overnight stay in Beijing.

       

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Beijing Marriott Hotel Ch... or similar

      50 Reviews

      See our full selection

      12th Day: Beijing - UK/Ireland

      Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland. 

      * Depending on the flight departure time you might not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

      Included activities

      Included

      Half Day Tour of the Great Wall of China

      Included activity for day 4 in Beijing

      Start the day at a Jade Factory on the way to the Juyongguan Great Wall. Discover this ancient wonder, built to protect China from invaders. Continue visiting the Chinese Medicine Center and finish the tour at the Olympic park.

      Duration 06:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Included

      Tour of Wuxi Landmarks

      Included activity for day 6 in Wuxi

      Get to know all of Wuxi’s main attractions, including Lake Lihu, the Grand Buddha in Ling Shan located in a magnificent 74 acre park with many sites to be seen. Also enjoy a Ling Shan Buddha water fountain show.

      Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 9:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Included

      Tour of Suzhou's Lingering Gardens

      Included activity for day 7 in Suzhou

      Get to know the Lingering Garden built 500 years ago, considered a Unesco Cultural Heritage Site, in a tour where you will experience its beauty first hand.

      Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Included

      Hangzhou and Tea Plantation Tour

      Included activity for day 8 in Hangzhou

      Visit Hangzhou’s historical canals and famous West Lake, considered to be the most beautiful lake scenery in the country. Afterwards, visit tea plantations where you can learn about the Longjing tea culture. Lunch included.

      Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 14:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information

      Show more

      Available Activities

      Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
      Optional

      Full Day Beijing City Tour

      Suggested activity for day 3 in Beijing

      Enjoy a tour of the impressive Tiananmen Square, the splendid Forbidden City and the Summer Palace.

      Duration 05:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Optional

      Golden Mask Dynasty Show

      Suggested activity for day 3 in Beijing

      Experience a stunning Chinese drama play recounting the story of a masked queen that creates a beautiful dynasty, set in the Golden Mask Dynasty.

      Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 19:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Optional

      Peking Duck dinner

      Suggested activity for day 4 in Beijing

      Immerse yourself into a truly authentic atmosphere and feast on a banquet of one of the stars of Chinese cuisine: Peking duck. Afterwards take a guided walk around the area.

      Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 19:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Optional

      Half Day Tour of the Temple of Heaven and Hutong with Lunch

      Suggested activity for day 5 in Beijing

      Start visiting at Tong Ren Tang Herbal Institute, to then head to Temple of Heaven. Afterwards, embark on a tour of the traditional Hutong neighbourhood. Traditional noodle lunch included.

      Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information

      Show more

      The price includes

      • Included in all our trips. more information

      • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.

      • International Flights: UK/Ireland - Beijing, Shanghai - UK/Ireland.

      • Train: Beijing - Wuxi in 2nd class seats. *

        more information

      • 10 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels. **

        more information
        See hotels included

      • 10 breakfasts and 5 lunches. ***

        more information

      • Transfers in an air conditioned vehicles.

      • Visits and entrance fees with english speaking guide as indicated in the itinerary.

        See itinerary

      • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.

      • Invitation letter for Chinese Visa.

      • English-speaking guide during the whole trip.

      *The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

      Not included

      Visa (mandatory), entrances not mentioned on the itinerary, drinks, early check in, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

      MANDATORY TIPS: Mandatory tips of 30 USD in cash per person are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay during this tour and will be covering the guide tips during the whole tour. 

      IMPORTANT: In order to receive your invitation letter for your Chinese Visa (mandatory) it is important that all of your details and names are given to Exoticca exactly as they appear on your passport. Once you receive your invitation letter from us (approximately two months prior to departure) you will be required to make an appointment to go to the Chinese Visa Center in person with your passport with at least 6 months validity, a passport photo, a visa application form and the invitation letter to apply for your Chinese Visa. You will also be required to make another appointment to return to the Chinese Visa Center a second time to collect your Chinese Visa (it can be replaced for a home-delivery service with an extra fee). For more information about your nearest Chinese Visa Center, application form and appointment reservations please see: http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/visa/. Parallel to the embassy and consulate there are specialized China Visa service companies that can help with a more personalized service. Select UK and your closest center in this website for more information: https://www.visaforchina.cn/globle/ 

      The cost of a Chinese Visa can range from 85 to 150 GBP / person depending on added assistance services, express delivery upgrades, etc. It usually takes between 4 and 7 days to get a visa approval. 

      MANDATORY: Please send copies of the passports of all passengers to customers@exoticca.com  once you have booked your trip in order for us to process your Chinese Visa Invitation Letter.

      Please be advised that it is the traveler's responsibility to follow-up and be aware of any changes in either Visa requirements or entry conditions. 

      * We cannot guarantee that you and your travel companions will be allocated seats together on the train. Some train journeys and flights can be early in the morning in order to successfully follow the schedule.

      ** The hotels stated in the letter of invitation do not need to be definitive; the hotels will be confirmed between 45 and 30 days before departure.

      *** Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

      We recommend carrying cash in either the local currency or in US Dollars.

      MANDATORY TIPS: Mandatory tips of 30 USD in cash per person are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay during this tour and will be covering the guide tips during the whole tour. 

      IMPORTANT: In order to receive your invitation letter for your Chinese Visa (mandatory) it is important that all of your details and names are given to Exoticca exactly as they appear on your passport. Once you receive your invitation letter from us (approximately two months prior to departure) you will be required to make an appointment to go to the Chinese Visa Center in person with your passport with at least 6 months validity, a passport photo, a visa application form and the invitation letter to apply for your Chinese Visa. You will also be required to make another appointment to return to the Chinese Visa Center a second time to collect your Chinese Visa (it can be replaced for a home-delivery service with an extra fee). For more information about your nearest Chinese Visa Center, application form and appointment reservations please see: http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/visa/. Parallel to the embassy and consulate there are specialized China Visa service companies that can help with a more personalized service. Select UK and your closest center in this website for more information: https://www.visaforchina.cn/globle/ 

      The cost of a Chinese Visa can range from 85 to 150 GBP / person depending on added assistance services, express delivery upgrades, etc. It usually takes between 4 and 7 days to get a visa approval. 

      MANDATORY: Please send copies of the passports of all passengers to customers@exoticca.com  once you have booked your trip in order for us to process your Chinese Visa Invitation Letter.

      Please be advised that it is the traveler's responsibility to follow-up and be aware of any changes in either Visa requirements or entry conditions. 

      • Entry requirements

        Passport with a minimum of six months validity.

      • Visa

        A visa is required to enter China. Issued by the embassy or consulate.

      • Currency

        Chinese Yuan.

      • Language

        Mandarin Chinese.

      • Electricity

        220 V. Adapter required.

      • Health

        Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

      • Time zone

        UTC + 08:00.

      • Other useful information

        Different signs, numbers and symbols.

      • Tourist Office website

        http://tourismchina-ca.com/

      Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport. 

      Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

      In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

      Triple room: the third bed will be a rollaway bed.

      Children: 2 - 11 years.

      If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +44 20 8068 3176 or via our contact form.

      The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

      Exoticca Travel Stories

      Creating unforgettable memories, one traveller at a time

      Beijing · China

      China

      I loved every minute of it!

      Overall, my favourite moment of our China tour was visiting the Great Wall, but the whole trip together provided an unforgettable overview of the country and was great value for money. I feel like I’ve learnt a lot about Chinese culture.

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