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14 |
Soft Hiking |
DAYS |
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Holiday Overview
Holiday Overview
Highlights
- Enjoy privately guided tours of Landmark Structures and temples, including Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace
- Qin Terra-cotta Army: known as "The Eighth Wonder of the World"
- Zhangjiajie: The Inspiration for Avatar
- Tianzi Mountain Area: boasts rocky peaks in grotesque shapes and shrouded in drifting mist
Brief Itinerary
- ARRIVAL SHANGHAI
- SHANGHAI - TONGLI - SHANGHAI
- SHANGHAI CITY TOUR - ZHANGJIAJIE
- ZHANGJIAJIE - WULINGYUAN SCENIC AREA - CHENGDU
- ZHANGJIAJIE - TIANMENSHAN - CHENGDU
- ZHANGJIAJIE - TIANMENSHAN - CHENGDU
- CHENGDU HIGHLIGHTS
- CHENGDU - LESHAN - CHENGDU
- CHENGDU - XI'AN
- XI'AN
- XI'AN - BEIJING
- BEIJING HIGHLIGHTS
- GUBEIKOU / JINSHANLING / BEIJING
- AUTHENTIC BEIJING EXPLORATION
- BEIJING DEPARTURE
Map & Itinerary
Map & Itinerary
Embark on a 14-day authentic cultural exploration of China, beginning in the cosmopolitan hub of Shanghai. Journey to the mystical peaks of Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will explore the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and ascend Tianmen Mountain. Continue to Chengdu to visit the Giant Panda Research Base, then travel to Xi'an to witness the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. The adventure concludes in Beijing, where you will explore the Forbidden City, hike the Great Wall at Jinshanling, and immerse yourself in traditional Hutong life.
Holiday Itinerary
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ARRIVAL SHANGHAI
Arrival Shanghai airport, you will be met at Shanghai International Airport by our guide and transferred to a hotel in central Shanghai. Today, you will have an opportunity to rest and recover from the long flight.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Shanghai
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SHANGHAI - TONGLI - SHANGHAI
After breakfast, go to 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.
Then, depart for Tongli Water Town to visit the Garden of Seclusion and Meditations, Scenic Spot of Three-Hall and the Three-Bridge and the Shopping Street in Ming and Qing-Dynasty style, and then visit the Former Residence of Chen Qubing and have a boat ride on water ways. Tongli is an old but very well preserved water township with a history of more than 1,000 years. Built in the Ming and Qing dynasties, it encloses 5 lakes and 15 canals dividing the town into 7 islands which are connected by 20 ancient bridges of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Chinese lunch is arrange at a local restaurant along the waterway.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Shanghai
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Meals B
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SHANGHAI CITY TOUR - ZHANGJIAJIE
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, 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.
Enjoy a panoramic view of the modern face of Shanghai from the 118th floor of “the Eye of Shanghai” Shanghai Tower.
Then, you will visit the Bund, Shanghai’s picturesque waterfront, well known as the International Architecture Exhibition for its spectacular soaring skyline. From here, enjoy sweeping views of both sides of the Huangpu River.
At the end of visit, transfer to the airport to take a flight to Zhangjiajie.
Flight information: FM9343 Zhangjiajie-Shanghai 19:10-21:40
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Zhangjiajie
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Meals B
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ZHANGJIAJIE - WULINGYUAN SCENIC AREA - CHENGDU
Activities: Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie Nature Reserve, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
This morning, we will first visit the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park within the Wulingyuan. Zhangjiajie Forest Park has more than 3000 surprising pillar-like formations pulling out from earth and seen throughout the park. First take elevator up to Huangshi Fort to have a high view of the park - a huge painting of Chinese beautiful landscape.
Then you are arranged to visit Wulingyuan Scenic Area for a trip including the highlights of Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie Nature Reserve. Wulingyuan is a UNESCO World Heritage site noted for its lush vegetation, unique sandstone pillars, pristine waters and a wide variety of flora and fauna.
After being fully refreshed in your hotel, drive to Wulingyuan Scenic Area. We wil first take a cable car to the best view terraces on the mind-blowing Tianzi Mountain, whose weird stones and peaks make you feel like you are delving into the magical world of the movie “Avatar”. Unlike Avatar, the views of Tianzi Mountain are all masterworks of nature. And then, take the world’s highest Outdoor Elevator Bailong to Yuanjiajie Nature Reserve, where you can continue your Avatar dream. It is a naturally formed platform mountain, surrounded by higher summits which are divided by deep valleys. Added to this scene is an array of amazing lesser peaks and grotesque rocks.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Zhangjiajie
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Meals B
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ZHANGJIAJIE - TIANMENSHAN - CHENGDU
Activities: Tianmen Mountain, Baofeng Lake
After breakfast, visit the Baofeng ("Treasure Peak") Lake Scenic Area, part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It is bordered by lush green trees and shrub-clad stone peaks of various shapes that enclose the lake and give it a fairytale-like atmosphere. Baofeng Lake is a reservoir, with a dam enclosing its waters, not for the purpose of power generation, but for the purpose of crop irrigation.
Then, continue to visit the Tianmen Mountain, which is renowned for the Tianmen Cave. The cave is 131.5 meters high and 57 meters wide. It is believed visitors, who reach the cave will get good luck. Brave tourists are recommended to walk and pose for photos on the 1430-meter high glass plank on the Mountain. The round-trip cable car will save your transportation time and physical strength for sightseeing.
After visit, transfer to the train station, to take high speed train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in southwest China.
Train information: G2446 Zhangjiajie West-Chengdu East 15:54-19:51-
Accommodation 4* hotel in Chengdu
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Meals B
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CHENGDU HIGHLIGHTS
In the morning, go to the Chengdu Research center of Panda breeding to have a real chance to get intimate interaction with lovely panda. It has been created and imitated the natural habitat in order that they might have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. We will spend the whole morning visiting different panda rooms. Here, we can explore the daily life of the cute pandas, eating bamboo at their active time (from 9 o’clock to 11 o’clock), and other rare and endangered wild animals including with black-necked cranes, white storks etc.
In the afternoon, we will go to visit Wenshu Temple in the afternoon, where you can spend some time sitting in its tea house to enjoy a cup of tea and absorb the special atmosphere of Chengdu.
Chengdu is famous for its relaxing and leisure pace throughout China, which will be proved after a stay in Renmin Park (People’s Park). We will arrive at People’s Park to experience the locals' laid-back lifestyle. There is an open-air tea house of over 100 years’ history. Sit down, order a pot of Chinese Tea, make a casual chat with your friends and watching locals indulging themselves in different kinds of folk entertainment – napping in a lively teahouse, playing mahjong, disco dancing, neck massage, ear cleaning.
A Next is an impressive trip to the famous Jinli Old Street. Time steals away from you quietly while walking on the lively streets which are full of delicious local snacks (Spicy or sweet, crispy or soft…the snack will satisfy your taste buds), delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Chengdu
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Meals B
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CHENGDU - LESHAN - CHENGDU
In the morning, take a 1.5hrs drive visit Leshan Giant Buddha, the looming Leshan Giant Buddha is a Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) relic that is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world at 71 meters. The Buddha, build in AD 713 by a Chinese monk named Haitong to calm the river waters, was crafted from a cliff face. It seems that so much stone from the carving process fell into the river below that it did indeed calm the area’s waters. While often crowded with tourists and battling the effects of pollution, Leshan is nevertheless an exquisite UNESCO world heritage site that is not to be missed for its impressive size and beautiful surrounding area.
Then transfer to Huanglongxi which is an ancient town with a history of more than 1,700 years. Situated in Shuangliu County, 30 kilometers southeast from Chengdu, it is greatly admired by visitors for its beautiful natural scenery and ancient Chinese culture.
Hot pot for dinner, this evening, attend the Sichuan Opera—a dazzling show performed with local instruments, hand shadows, candle storytelling, fire spitting, and face changing.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Chengdu
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Meals BD
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CHENGDU - XI'AN
In the morning, drive to Sichuan Cuisine Museum in Pixian County, the only eatable museum in China with new way to experience Sichuan cuisine culture. Appreciate 6000 pieces of antiques, artifacts and books and hear many Sichuan food facts, know how Pixian chilly bean paste is made, experience making bean curd pudding, taste different kinds of Sichuan snacks, worship Kitchen God in the biggest Kitchen God Ancestral Hall in the world, partake in the Cooking Class to personally make three typical Sichuan dishes, like Kung Pao chicken, Mapo Tofu, etc. Under the guidance of professional Chuancais chef, learn how to cut, control fire, complete cooking process and accomplish your dish. Share and enjoy your dishes with your families or partners and be awarded with official certificate of “Master of Chuancais”.
After visit, drive to the train station to take high speed train to Xi’an, upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Train information: G3140 Chegndu East-Xi’an North 16:02-19:34
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Xi'an
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Meals B
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XI'AN
We will have a full morning tour to visit the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, built by the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang to protect him in his afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses and chariots, buried in 3 pits for more than 2,000 years until uncovered by a local farmer in 1974, form an ancient military army with complete battle units of infantry, cavalry, etc. Standing in front of these figures, one can’t help being amazed not only by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shihuang but also by the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans.
After lunch, return back to downtown to do 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, 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.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Xi’an
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Meals B
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XI'AN - BEIJING
Awoke early to the sizzling symphony of Xiaonanmen Morning Market, where dawn breaks over Xi’an’s ancient city wall. Wander through labyrinthine stalls beneath Ming Dynasty brickwork, inhaling the aroma of Yangrou Paomo—crumbled lamb soup bread steeped in rich broth—as vendors knead Biang Biang noodles with rhythmic precision.
Begin with Zhen Gao, a century-old glutinous rice cake layered with red bean paste, its golden crust oozing molten sweetness. Next, savor Roujiamo—crispy sesame flatbread stuffed with cumin-scented lamb, a "Chinese hamburger" beloved by locals. For a savory twist, plunge wheat gluten cakes into You Cha, a nutty oil-tea broth topped with peanuts and fried shallots.
Indulge in Mi Feng Tang Yuan, glutinous rice balls filled with sweet red bean paste, crafted by a family-run stall since the 1980s. End with Shanxi Street’s indie coffee shops, sipping Honey Persimmon Latte while tracing Silk Road murals. As sunlight climbs the wall, the market’s cacophony fades into memory—a flavor-packed immersion into Xi’an’s edible soul.
Then, we will 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.
In the afternoon, transfer to Xi’an North Railway station to take a high speed train to Beijing
Train information: G58 Xi’an North -Beijing West 14:26-18:37
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing
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Meals B
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BEIJING HIGHLIGHTS
This morning, we will first go to visit Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world, then 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.
In the afternoon, 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 Forbidden City at the top of Coal Hill.
Then head to visit the most famous Hutongs keeping the original layout in the Shichahai area. As the Forbidden City is the symbol of China's royal family, the Hutongs in Beijing show the real life of the common people. a hutong is a unique form of community that exists only in China. Here you will find “Hutong Culture” or “Courtyard Culture”.
Learn Chinese Calligraphy with a Senior Hutong Resident. Calligraphy is an art in traditional Chinese culture, which integrates the characteristics of art, literature and philosophy. It is not only a way to express thoughts, but also a form of art. It reflects the artistic connotation with Chinese thinking, which can be used to express the emptiness and express firm and brave feelings. In the late afternoon, 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. Enjoy the unique Dumpling Banquet.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing
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Meals BD
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GUBEIKOU / JINSHANLING / BEIJING
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, drive back to Beijing downtown.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing
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Distance 10km hiking
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Meals B
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Time 4.5-5hrs
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AUTHENTIC BEIJING EXPLORATION
This morning, we will first go 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.
After breakfast, we will go to see the local people doing their morning exercises in the Temple of Heaven. Then 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.
In the late afternoon, continue to take a stroll at Qianmen Street is located in the central area of Beijing, at the northern end of the southern central axis. The only commercial street in the world that shares similarities with Qianmen Street is the Champs Elysees in Paris, which is the only commercial street with traditional Beijing history and culture throughout history, and can be called the world's first street. The 845-meter-long tree-lined commercial pedestrian street, the restored central royal road, and the long lost old Beijing tram carry the memory of ancient Beijing. Its cultural heritage is very rich, with architectural culture, ancient business culture, operatic culture, guild culture, and folk culture being vast and profound.
This evening, we will enjoy an immersive cultural banquet -Gongyan (based on VIP seat). A regal immersion blending Ming-Qing imperial heritage with sensory artistry. Set in a restored 18th-century courtyard mansion, the space dazzles with crimson lacquered pillars, hand-painted kesi silk tapestries (depicting dragons and phoenixes—symbols of imperial power), and antique cloisonné vases. Diners are greeted with guzheng melodies as servers present heirloom dishes: Gongbao Jiding (spiced chicken breast, a Qing-era favorite of Emperor Qianlong) and Douhua Wan (sweet tofu pudding, a royal dessert from Empress Dowager Cixi’s kitchen). Between courses, performers enact snippets of The Drunken Concubine—a Peking Opera classic—or recite verses from Ci Poetry of the Song Dynasty. Even the tableware tells a story: famille rose porcelain plates (Ming Dynasty craftsmanship) and jade-inlaid wine cups, mirroring imperial banquet rituals. Every bite, note, and glance weaves Beijing’s imperial soul into a living cultural tapestry.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing
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Meals BD
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BEIJING DEPARTURE
Transferred to the airport by our driver, take a flight back home. End of an incredibly memorable experience!
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Meals B
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Price Policy
Tour Price Policy
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.
