10

Soft Hiking

DAYS

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Holiday Overview

Highlights

  • Enjoy privately guided tours of Landmark Structures and temples, including Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Summer Palace
  • Qin Terra-cotta Army: known as "The Eighth Wonder of the World"
  • The Bund: Shanghai's city landmarks

Brief Itinerary

  • ARRIVAL BEIJING
  • BEIJING HIGHLIGHTS
  • BEIJING - GUBEIKOU - JINSHANLING - HUANGHUACHENG
  • HUANGHUACHENG - XISHUIYU - DOWNTOWN
  • BEIJING EXPLORATION
  • BEIJING - XI'AN
  • XI'AN HIGHLIGHTS
  • XI'AN - SHANGHAI
  • HANGHAI - WUZHEN - SHANGHAI
  • SHANGHAI CITY TOUR - DEPARTURE
 

Map & Itinerary

Embark on a 10-day "Authentic China Expedition" designed for travelers seeking a profound cultural journey paired with a rewarding soft hiking experience. This unique adventure begins in Beijing, where you will delve into imperial history at the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven before embarking on a multi-day trek along the remote and majestic Jinshanling and Huanghuacheng sections of the Great Wall. Travel west to Xi'an to witness the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and cycle atop the ancient city walls. The tour concludes in Shanghai, blending the timeless charm of Zhujiajiao Water Town with the futuristic skyline of the Bund, offering a comprehensive perspective on China's past and present.

Holiday Itinerary

  • ARRIVAL BEIJING

    You will be met at Beijing International Airport by our guide and transferred to a hotel in central Beijing. Today you will have an opportunity to rest and recover from the long flight.

    • Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing

  • BEIJING HIGHLIGHTS

    In the morning, we will follow in the footsteps of emperors, court ministers and eunuchs and head south to the magnificent and colorful Forbidden City. Forbidden City Beijing, also called Imperial Palace Museum, is located in the very heart of Beijing. It remained the residence of the emperors for nearly five hundred years, from the 15th century to the early 20th century, and was the actual and symbolic seat of imperial power. Popularly known as the Forbidden City, it was built in the Ming Dynasty between the 4th and the 18th years of the Yongle period (1406 - 1420 AD). Many of the buildings of the Palace have been repaired and rebuilt, but their basic form and layout remain in their original state.

    Exit from the northern gate of Forbidden City, take a visit to Jingshan Park, in the middle of the north-south central axis of Beijing lies the Jingshan Park, one of the most sought-after parks in the city. Adjacent to the Forbidden City to the south, the Beihai Park to the west and the Drum Tower to the north, the Jingshan Park was once the highest point in the center of Beijing, which offers a fantastic panoramic view of the Chinese capital. 

    In the afternoon, we will visit the Temple of Heaven. Temple of Heaven was the venue for the Ming and Qing emperors to offer sacrifices to the Heaven and pray for harvest. This temple was built in the 18th year during the reign of the Ming Emperor Yongle in 1420.

    This evening, enjoy a delicious Peking duck dinner - the capital's most famous dish. Once imperial cuisine, now the legendary duck dish is served at restaurants around the world.

    • Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing

    • Meals BD

  • BEIJING - GUBEIKOU - JINSHANLING - HUANGHUACHENG

    In the morning, we will take 2-2.5hrs drive to the start point of today’s hike-Gubeikou town. We hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling Great Wall and enjoy the breathtaking views with a relatively peaceful hike. This classic Great Wall hike allows you to experience what is now the most popular Great Wall trek - Gubeikou to Jinshanling. Gubeikou, often overlooked and rarely crowded, offers some of that "wild wall" that we know our clients love. Jinshanling has long been storied for its beautiful brickwork and watchtowers, as well as the way wall here winds and snakes along the valley. At the end of the hike, take 1.5-2hrs drive to Huanghuacheng village.

    • Accommodation Local guesthouse in Huanghuacheng

    • Meals B

  • HUANGHUACHENG - XISHUIYU - DOWNTOWN

    Today we will start our hike westward to Xishuiyu. Although the climb is steep, there is a good trail alongside the Wall, and it only takes about half an hour to get to the watch tower on the cliff. Here is a great place from which to take photos, one of which must be of the moon-shaped reservoir far below. Then, after another half-an-hour hiking, we will reach the highest point in this area. From this vantage point you will have a nice sunny panoramic view of the whole wide valley, stretching even further toward the west. From this summit the Wall dives steeply downwards into the valley.

    After walking down by the steps, we will reach a platform and hike westward again, climbing upwards along the broken Wall to our picnic lunch spot (sometime our lunch will be in a home stay at the bottom of the Wall), a tall cliff overlooking Xishuiyu Lake. From here, the view is amazing! You can see the broken Wall running directly into the lake, and beyond it, the endless mountain range. Unfortunately, from here on, the Wall is really too broken to traverse safely, so we will instead follow a pleasant mountain trail downwards to the village!!! At the end of hike, drive back to Beijing downtown.

    • Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing

    • Distance 9km hiking

    • Meals B

    • Time 4-4.5hrs

  • BEIJING EXPLORATION

    This morning, take you to visit Summer Palace. Summer Palace located in a northwestern suburb of Beijing, it is an immense park containing some Chinese traditional architecture and arts. It was built and served as a royal garden during the Qing Dynasty. It exhibits the quintessence of the Chinese classical landscape gardening. The halls, the pavilions, the corridors, the pagodas, the bridges and the water were elaborately arranged. The long Corridor is one of the most exquisite structures in the garden. It is over 700 meters long and decorated with thousands of Chinese traditional paintings

    Then enjoy a Hutong rickshaw tour. As the Forbidden City is the symbol of China's royal family, the Hutongs in Beijing show the real life of the common people. When you visit Hutong by rickshaw, you could really taste the life of common people in Beijing.
    You will visit a local Hutong family to check out what is the daily living of a traditional Chinese Family. You will also be taught to Make Chinese Dumplings under the friendly instruction of host. Eat lunch with a local family.

    After lunch, we will visit 798 Art District. "798” modern Art Zone was originally the site of a factory that produced electronics. Its massive ducts and bright windows are seldom seen elsewhere. The halls were built using Soviet aid in the 1950s, with East Germany providing architectural and industrial design. Beginning from 2002, it gradually became an area of international character, bringing together contemporary art, architecture and culture with a historically interesting location and an urban lifestyle which attracting attention from all around. Now “798” has evolved into a cultural concept of interest to experts and normal folk alike, influential on our concepts of both urban culture and living space.

    • Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing

    • Meals BL

  • BEIJING - XI'AN

    Free in the morning, in the afternoon, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer to Beijing West Railway station, take a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, our local guide in Xi’an will take you to the hotel in center Xi’an, check in and have a rest. Free in the evening.

    Train information: G667  Beijing West-Xi’an North  12:55-17:08

    • Accommodation 4* hotel in Xi’an

    • Meals B

  • XI'AN HIGHLIGHTS

    We will have a full day time tour to visit the magnificent Qin Terra-cotta Army with an extension to Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world: a life-size clay soldier poised for battle. Qin's tomb was built in about 2500 years ago and was filled with more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots and 520 horses as well as models of palaces, pavilions, fine vessels, precious stones and rarities. UNESCO listed it in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages.

    At the end of visit, drive back to Xi’an downtown to do a cycling tour along the wonderful Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Enjoy panoramic views of modern Xian while you leisurely examine this well-maintained city wall which is 12 meters high and 18 meters wide with a total circuit of 14 kilometers. The original foundation was based on the ruins of the Imperial City Wall of Chang’an City, the capital of the Tang Dynasty, known today as Xi’an. Though the wall has been entirely renovated, it still resonates with history.

    Followed by a stroll with our guide in the Muslim Quarter and the visit to the Big Mosque, where the way of life is markedly different from the traditions of the Han Chinese. For over 1,300 years, since the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618 - 907), Muslims have been an integral part of daily life in Xi'an, the beginning of the Silk Road. A delicious traditional Muslim dinner will be followed.

    • Accommodation 4* hotel in Xi’an

    • Meals B

  • XI'AN - SHANGHAI

    In the morning, we will first go to visit The Small Goose Pagoda was built during the Tang Dynasty and stands at 43 meters tall. The pagoda is part of the Jianfu Temple complex and is known for its intricate architecture. You will have chance to ring the bell for blessings and good luck.

    Nearby, the Xi'an Museum showcases Xi'an's rich history. The museum's collections include items from various dynasties, such as pottery, calligraphy, paintings, and sculptures.

    After lunch, transfer to Xi’an North Railway station, take high speed train to Shanghai. Our local guide in Shanghai will pick you up at exit of the train station, transfer to the hotel, check in and have a rest.

    Flight information: G1934  Xi’an North-Shanghai Hongqiao   15:32-21:23

    • Accommodation 4* hotel in Shanghai

    • Meals B

  • HANGHAI - WUZHEN - SHANGHAI

    After breakfast, depart for Zhujiajiao Water Town where you could see the preserved ancient town over 1,700 years old. It is full of original Qing and Ming Dynasty architecture and dozens of picturesque stone bridges. Strolling at the water town, step back in time at the Qing Dynasty-era post office, or you could choose to take a relaxing gondola ride down the river to see a whole different side of the settlement

    In the afternoon, back to Shanghai downtown to enjoy a panoramic view of the modern face of Shanghai from the 118th floor of “the Eye of Shanghai” Shanghai Tower.

    At the end of visit, drive back to Shanghai, you will stop at the Bund, originally a simple towpath for transporting goods but now transformed into a feverish trading district. You will stroll along the Bund, seeing and feeling the perfect fusion of Chinese and Western cultures while at the same time taking in the stunning Shanghai skyline with your own eyes.

    • Accommodation 4* hotel in Shanghai

    • Meals B

  • SHANGHAI CITY TOUR - DEPARTURE

    In the morning, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, founded in 1882 with two jade Buddha statues imported to Shanghai from Burma by sea. These were a sitting Buddha (1.95 meters tall, 3 tonnes), and a smaller reclining Buddha representing the Buddha's death.

    Shanghai is not just about colonial architectures. There are some rarely areas of old city behind the modern skyscrapers have a historical trip of Wukang Road which shows the century-old historical changes of Shanghai. There is a road that spans only about one kilometer but encapsulates nearly a century of Shanghai's history. This road is called Wukang Road. Lined with romantic French plane trees, unique Western-style villas, and home to many prominent figures, Wukang Road holds a special place in history. It combines the romance of Paris with the charm of old Shanghai, quietly narrating the events of bygone years

    In the afternoon, drive to visit Yu Garden. Yu Garden is one of the most famous gardens in China and is national heritage listed. It was built in 1559 and extended in 1577. Each section of the garden is separated by curved white walls crowned with the head and body of a dragon on them. It's named after the original owner.

    At the end of visit, leave for the airport to catch your flight back to Hong Kong.

    PS: Suggest purchasing flights departing after 18:00 to return to Hong Kong.

    • Meals B

 

Additional details

1. Before you pay deposit to book the tour, we haven’t made any reservation yet. The train, flight tickets and the hotel may different from the itinerary listed.

2. The visiting order of the scenic spots in the itinerary may change according to the traffic condition and other unforeseen things.

3. Tourist insurance is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.


The price includes

1. Entrance Fees: to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary

2. All the activities fee mentioned in the itinerary: Hutong rickshaw in Beijing; Sichuan Opera show in Chengdu;

3. Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver.

4. Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), include Peking duck dinner in Beijing; Hot pot dinner in Chengdu.

5. Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available

6. Hotel: hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with king-size bed. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast

7. Internal flights
** Day 11/   Flight from Yichang to Shanghai (based on economy class);
8. Trains
** Day 04/   High speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (based on 2nd class);
** Day 06/   High speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu (based on 2nd class)
** Day 06/   High speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing (based on 2nd class)

9. Arrangements: the tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges

10. Travel Agency Liability insurance


The price does not include

1. International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China

2. China entry visa fees

3. Excess baggage charges

4. The medicine for the sickness or accident while on the way

5. Personal expenses: expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary

6. Meals: any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary

7. Single room supplement

8. Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labors’ Day, National Day, spring festival

9. Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day).

10. Tourist accident insurance. NB - you are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country.


Payment conditions

To confirm your reservation, you must pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount due via the payment link that your local agent will share. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. The quoted exchange rate is valid for the next 7 days – if the deposit is not paid within this time, the quote will be re-calculated.


Terms and conditions for cancelation

i. Cancellation of the Tour by CAT (local agent):

CAT reserve the right to cancel the postpone tour at any time up to the date final payment is due under the following condition: in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. And in this case, all money paid by the participants will be refunded. If the tour is postponed, CAT will offer all those who have signed up the opportunity to have the same tour for a later time, but the price may be changed according to the season. We will notify you of any change, and give you a reasonable period

of time to make your decision. Consumers may, but are under no obligation to, take the tour under these new terms. After final payment has been made, we may cancel the tour only if, in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. Since cancellation in this case involves factors which may arise suddenly and are entirely outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest and epidemic disease, we cannot guarantee a full refund in this case. This is because payment will already have been made to finalize the arrangements and reservation.

ii. Cancellation of the Tour by Consumer:

Any cancellation must be made by sending an email to the local agent. The cancellation fee varies according to how many days prior to departure the cancellation is made:

   ·  More than 30 days prior to departure: 5% of the total holiday cost

   ·  Between 30 and 22 days prior to departure : 25% of the total holiday cost

   ·  Between 21 and 8 days prior to departure : 50% of the total holiday cost

   ·  Between 7 and 3 days prior to departure : 75% of the total holiday cost

   ·  Less than 3 days prior to departure and after the departure date: 100% of the total holiday cost

All cancellations must be in writing and will be effective upon receipt by CAT. No refund will be made to those participants who break the journey regardless of the portions of the package unused. If, owing to serious illness or injury, the participant withdraws from the tour, a refund will be subject to the consent of the local travel agent.

No refund will be made to those participants who have failed to secure valid travel documents such as passport or visas.

 

Holiday Information

 
 
 
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