CLASSICAL CHINA
Price per person from US$1,709

CLASSICAL CHINA

From
US$1,709
From
US$1,709

Description

China invites you on a journey through millennia of history, authentic flavors, and cities looking toward the future. Explore Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai; walk along the imposing Great Wall; discover the majesty of the Forbidden City; marvel at the legendary Terracotta Warriors; and travel on modern high-speed trains. Round out the experience with local traditions, authentic cuisine, classic gardens, and the vibrant atmosphere of Shanghai. Eight days to discover China’s greatest icons on a tour filled with culture, history, and unforgettable experiences.

Visiting

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Trip summary
2 Adults
Nights 7
This idea includes
Destinations 3
Accommodations 7

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL IN BEIJING

Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, a car will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Beijing is a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern culture, home to iconic landmarks. Overnight in Beijing. Accommodation in Beijing.

DAY 2 | BEIJING (D + C)

(Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Temple of Heaven – Tea House)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day at Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares and a symbol of modern China. Afterward, take a walking tour of the magnificent Forbidden City—once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties—featuring majestic halls and ancient courtyards. Next, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests; it is an impressive example of Ming architecture and spiritual harmony. Then, experience traditional tea culture at a local tea house, where you will learn about Chinese tea rituals and sample authentic brews. This concludes the day's itinerary. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Beijing. Included activity: Visit to a local family in a *hutong* (traditional alleyway neighborhood), including a hands-on paper-cutting class.

  • Dinner: Peking Duck.

DAY 3 | BEIJING (B + A)

(Juyongguan Great Wall + Summer Palace + Pearl Factory)

Today, embark on a journey through breathtaking scenery to the Juyongguan Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to the architectural splendor of ancient China. Next, visit the Summer Palace—the former royal residence of the Qing emperors—renowned for its elegant pavilions and dreamy lakeside views. Conclude the day with a cultural visit to a traditional pearl factory, where you will learn about the art of pearl cultivation and its role in Chinese heritage. Overnight in Beijing.

  • Lunch: Beijing Zhajiang noodles.
  • Optional: Acrobatic show at the Red Theater.

DAY 4 | BEIJING – XI’AN BY TRAIN (D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will head to the station and take a high-speed train to Xi'an, one of China's most historic cities. Traveling on China's advanced high-speed train is a comfortable and efficient way to experience the country's modern infrastructure, as it reaches speeds of up to 350 km/h while traversing diverse landscapes. Upon arrival, your guide and driver in Xi'an will meet you and take you to the hotel to rest. Overnight in Xi'an.

DAY 5 | XI’AN (D + C)

(Terracotta Warriors – Small Wild Goose Pagoda – Muslim Quarter – City Wall)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors—often called the Eighth Wonder of the World—where thousands of life-sized soldiers guard the tomb of China's first emperor. Next, we will visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant Tang Dynasty relic that reflects ancient Buddhist architecture. Afterward, we will explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a lively area filled with local snacks, cultural charm, and vibrant street scenes. Before dinner, you will view the ancient City Wall from the outside—an imposing structure that once protected the heart of Xi'an. Overnight in Xi'an.

Included activity: Chinese shadow puppetry show at the Gao Family Mansion.

  • Dinner: Chinese dumpling banquet.
  • Optional: Tang Dynasty Show.

DAY 6 | XI’AN – SHANGHAI BY TRAIN

In the morning, we drive to the station and take the high-speed train to Shanghai. Upon arrival, our guide and driver in Shanghai will meet you and drive you to the hotel to rest. Overnight in Shanghai.

DAY 7 | SHANGHAI (B+C)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of the city that is home to exquisite jade Buddha statues, attracting both the faithful and visitors alike. Afterward, we will head to Yuyuan Garden—a classic Chinese garden featuring elegant pavilions, winding paths, and delicate rockeries—offering a glimpse into traditional Jiangnan design and lifestyle. Later, enjoy a cultural stop at a local silk factory, where you can learn about the history of Chinese silk production and admire the craftsmanship behind this prized fabric. We conclude the day's itinerary and return to the hotel. Overnight in Shanghai. Accommodation in Shanghai.

  • Dinner: Shanghai-style *Xiaolongbao* (soup dumplings).
  • Optional Program 1: TV Tower observation deck (second sphere).
  • Optional Program 2: Huangpu River cruise.

DAY 8 | SHANGHAI – RETURN HOME

Today we will head to the airport and take the flight back home.

Guide languages

Spanish
Day 1: Beijing
Day 2: Beijing
Day 3: Beijing
Day 4: Beijing, Xi'an
Day 5: Xi'an
Day 6: Xi'an, Shanghai
Day 7: Shanghai
Day 8: Shanghai
  • 3 nights' accommodation in Beijing
  • 2 nights' accommodation in Xi’an
  • 2 nights' accommodation in Shanghai
  • Daily breakfast at the hotels (except when departure flight schedules do not permit)
  • Arrival transfer from Beijing airport to the hotel
  • Departure transfer from the hotel to Shanghai airport
  • Transfers between hotels and train stations, as per the itinerary
  • Transportation during the visits listed in the program
  • High-speed train: Beijing – Xi’an
  • High-speed train: Xi’an – Shanghai
  • Spanish-speaking guide during visits (subject to availability and tour type)
  • Entrance fees to monuments and attractions specifically mentioned in the itinerary
  • Visits in Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, tea house, Juyongguan Great Wall, Summer Palace, and pearl factory
  • Special activity in Beijing: visit to a local family in a *hutong* (traditional alleyway) with a hands-on paper-cutting class
  • Peking Duck dinner
  • Beijing *Zhajiang* noodles lunch
  • Visits in Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, and exterior view of the City Wall
  • Special activity in Xi’an: Chinese shadow puppetry show at the Gao Family Mansion
  • Chinese dumpling banquet dinner
  • Visits in Shanghai: Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, and silk factory
  • Traditional *Xiaolongbao* (soup dumpling) dinner
  • Medical assistance coverage for travelers up to age 70, with USD 40,000 coverage for illness or accident (for travelers aged 71 to 84... ...aged 85 and older must pay a medical assistance supplement and are not eligible to purchase the cancellation upgrade. Please consult your advisor.)
  • Tipping is customary when traveling in China; hard work and effort should be acknowledged. For guides and drivers: USD 8 per person per day. For hotel bellhops: USD 2 per bag for handling luggage.
  • International and/or domestic flights.
  • Excess baggage fees.
  • Visa processing (if applicable).
  • Payment processing fees.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Any services not specified.
  • Additional transfers for early arrival in China or departure after the scheduled date.
  • Optional excursions.
  • Hotel surcharges for early check-in or late check-out.
  • Flight seat selection: requesting specific seats may incur an additional cost, determined directly by the airline.

Possible accommodations

3 accommodations

IMPORTANTS NOTES

RATES

  • Rates valid until December 27, 2027.
  • Rates subject to change without prior notice – subject to availability – limited space.
  • Prices fluctuate constantly; we suggest verifying them and not relying on this document as final.

CHILD POLICIES

  • 80% of the total price will be charged per child (under 12 years old) occupying a bed.
  • 60% of the total price will be charged per child (under 12 years old) without a bed.
  • Children over 12 years old = same price as adults.
  • For infants under 2 years old, the cost of the domestic flight will be charged; this will be quoted based on the infant airfare established in the program.

RESTRICTED DATES

  • May 1–3, 2027; September 25 – October 8, 2027 (China National Day)
  • January 25–31, 2028 (Chinese New Year)

The supplement to upgrade from the train to a flight for the Xi'an/Shanghai leg is 150 USD per person.

Triple rooms: please check availability with your travel agent.

HOTELS

  • This is a list of the hotels most frequently used for this tour. It is provided for reference purposes only; passengers may be accommodated in similar or alternative establishments of the same category.
  • Double and twin rooms: Most hotels have more twin rooms (two single beds) than double rooms (one large bed); therefore, we cannot guarantee that all clients will receive a room with a king-size bed. Room allocation is subject to availability.
  • Triple rooms: Configured as a double/twin room plus a rollaway bed. Rollaway beds are smaller than standard beds, typically ranging from 0.9 to 1.1 meters in width. Please manage guest expectations regarding this prior to travel.
  • Most hotels in China feature central air conditioning. This system operates during winter and summer; however, during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn, the hotel decides whether to activate it based on daily weather conditions—a matter beyond our control. Some hotels may provide a fan upon request.
  • Hotel check-in and check-out: Check-in is typically after 3:00 PM, and check-out is before 12:00 PM.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Suggested visits or tours listed in the itinerary are offered by our local operator and can be purchased either in advance or directly at the destination. However, if a passenger chooses to participate in these activities, they should not book them through a different operator, as the tour schedule is subject to change. The guide has full authority to alter the order of scheduled visits for logistical, operational, or weather-related reasons, while still ensuring all contracted services are provided.

We accept no responsibility for services booked through other companies.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHINA

  • Complete vaccination schedule
  • Yellow fever vaccine: the vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to travel.
  • Travelers over the age of 60 must present a medical certificate for travel.

Note: If you have not yet received the vaccine, please note that it must be administered at least 15 days before your trip.

VISA FOR CHINA

Panamanian citizens holding ordinary passports must obtain a tourist visa in advance to enter mainland China. Travelers must complete the application and submit the required documentation to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Panama. Requirements, costs, and procedures are subject to change; we recommend verifying them directly prior to your trip.

Official information and requirements: Embassy of China in Panama

INCLUDED CULINARY EXPERIENCES

  • Beijing | Peking Duck Banquet. A Peking roast duck meal is a culinary celebration: the duck—crispy with glossy skin—is carved tableside and served with delicate pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and fresh garnishes for an authentic, unforgettable feast.
  • Beijing | Zhajiang Noodle Lunch. Enjoy a traditional Beijing Zhajiang noodle dish at a Michelin-recommended restaurant specializing in authentic, old-Beijing-style "fried sauce" noodles; chewy noodles tossed with savory pork sauce and topped with fresh vegetables, capturing the city's authentic flavor.
  • Xi’an | Xi’an Dumpling Banquet. The Xi'an Dumpling Feast—a time-honored culinary treasure—features over 100 exquisitely shaped dumplings, ranging from floral to animal designs. Bursting with rich flavors, they blend craftsmanship and tradition into a memorable dining experience.
  • Shanghai | Shanghai’s signature *xiaolongbao*. A classic local delicacy, these delicate soup-filled dumplings feature thin wrappers and a savory, broth-infused filling. Diners delight in their juicy texture and fresh umami flavor, making for an iconic local bite and an unforgettable gourmet experience.

TRIP NOTES

  • Travel documents are issued 8 days prior to departure.
  • This itinerary is subject to change due to road conditions, weather, unforeseen circumstances, or availability at the time of booking.
  • Optional excursions may be booked at the time of reservation or locally in China with a guide.
  • Our private guide accompanies you on all optional excursions; these are not outsourced to third parties.
  • For shows where the number of participants is less than half the group size, the booking will be confirmed, but we reserve the right to use Uber for transfers, including guide services.
  • For excursions, we arrange private transfers and guide services. Vehicle size depends on the number of participants. If there is only one participant, the price is 1.5 times the listed rate.
  • Hotel check-in and check-out: Standard check-in is after 3:00 PM, and check-out is before 12:00 PM.
  • Workshops and traditional shops: Visits to traditional shops last approximately 30–40 minutes, including a 15–20 minute explanation; these visits cannot be cancelled.
  • Please inform us of any food allergies.
  • In the event of a discrepancy between the personal information in the passport submitted to us and the passport actually used for travel, the operator accepts no liability for the trip. Passengers will be required to purchase new tickets at their destination at their own expense, subject to current fares and availability; no refunds will be issued for previously issued tickets. The operator is not liable for any losses or booking cancellations resulting from incorrect personal information provided by the passenger.
  • Baggage: For domestic flights, the allowance is one checked bag (max. 20 kg) and one carry-on bag (7 kg). Trains: There is no baggage check-in service; passengers must carry their luggage on board and place it in the designated areas at the end of the carriage. If you require porter services, you may request them at the train station and pay on the spot.
  • During Chinese public holidays—such as the first week of May and the first week of October—there are millions of Chinese travelers. If you are traveling domestically, please be aware of potential inconveniences caused by crowds of domestic tourists during scheduled visits, so as to avoid confusion at your destination.
  • The operator reserves the right to adjust the price up to 30 days prior to departure due to factors beyond its control, such as exchange rate fluctuations between USD and RMB.
  • The operator reserves the right to modify the order of visits, domestic flight schedules, hotels, restaurants, and local transportation, as well as to alter activities scheduled for free days based on local circumstances, without prior notice or any obligation to provide a refund. A prime example is the Forbidden City in Beijing: due to state-imposed daily visitor quotas, tickets often sell out within minutes of being released online and may be unavailable during peak season, despite extensive efforts to secure them. If this situation persists into 2026 without an increase in quotas or the reactivation of travel agency booking channels, the operator reserves the right to substitute the Forbidden City visit with an alternative if tickets cannot be secured, without liability for a refund.
  • Confirmed hotels are typically announced approximately 30 days before the trip. Any hotels mentioned in the visa application invitation letter (if required) are for reference purposes only. Please treat the final confirmation we sent you as definitive.
  • Due to various government events or conferences coinciding with tourist arrivals, high occupancy levels may occur; consequently, the originally planned hotel might be replaced by another of the same category. You will be notified of any such changes in advance. The operator manages the booking and ticketing for domestic flights and trains to ensure the entire group can travel together. We reserve the right to modify flight or train schedules due to circumstances beyond our control.
  • In the event of a domestic flight delay or cancellation that prevents passengers from completing scheduled visits, the operator will make every effort to reschedule the itinerary so the planned visits can take place, provided there is no additional cost. Should any additional costs arise, passengers will be required to pay them on-site.
  • The Yangtze River cruise company reserves the right to cancel, advance, postpone, or modify itineraries for any reason.
  • The operator reserves the right to cancel or reschedule client bookings without refund in the event of *force majeure*—including epidemic or pandemic outbreaks, etc.—arising in the service area at the destination or in the clients' home region (including their country of origin or during long-haul travel to China).
  • We cannot guarantee that you and your travel companions will be seated together on the train. Some train journeys and flights may take place early in the morning to adhere to the schedule.
  • All bookings are subject to confirmation and availability at the time of processing.
  • Booking deadline: Reservations must be made at least 30 days prior to departure.
  • Passport copies and inbound/outbound flight details are required at the time of booking. The provider requires that domestic flights and high-speed train tickets be booked no later than 30 days prior to arrival. Additionally, the 45-day deadline set by MegaTravel for passport submission must be met; failure to do so gives the provider the right to cancel the service without liability.
  • Only one arrival transfer and one departure transfer are included. Early arrival in China or departure after the scheduled date will require an additional transfer service at an extra cost.

PAYMENT TERMS

  • Initial deposit: $125.00 (NON-REFUNDABLE)
  • 120 days before the start of the trip: 50% payment of the contracted program value
  • 90 days before the start of the trip: 80% payment of the contracted program value
  • 60 days before the start of the trip: 100% payment of the contracted program value
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