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Embark on an unforgettable 16-day escorted journey through the heart of China, where ancient wonders meet modern marvels. Begin in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai, with its dazzling skyline and dynamic energy. Travel back in time as you stand atop the iconic Great Wall and explore the historic city of Xi’an, home to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. Wander through Tiananmen Square and step into the majestic Forbidden City, a symbol of imperial grandeur. Then, unwind on a scenic cruise along the legendary Yangtze River, gliding past dramatic gorges, tranquil landscapes, and traditional riverside villages. This relaxing voyage offers a unique perspective on China’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Along the way, discover breathtaking landscapes and treasured cultural sites that reveal the rich tapestry of China’s past and present. This immersive adventure promises memories to last a lifetime.
Inclusions
• Return international flights from Adelaide in economy class
• Domestic flights in economy class Shanghai – Yichang
• Bullet train tickets in second class Chongqing Xi’an and Xi’an – Beijing
• Cruise includes one daily shore excursion along with various onboard activities and entertainment
• 9 nights in superior hotels and 4-night river cruise
• Meals: 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 8 dinners
• Sightseeing per itinerary with applicable fees
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Travel by air-conditioned coach
• Services of local professional English-speaking drivers/guides
• Hotel porterage where available for 1 bag per person
• Tips / gratuities for hotel, included meals and local taxes
• Gratuities to Travel Director, coach drivers and local experts
• Pre departure function and tour documentation
• Escorted from Adelaide with a Phil Hoffmann Travel host
Bonus: Choose from one of the following offers, $50 per person reduction on the tour cost or a Wheelaboard suitcase valued at $199*
*Only One Exclusive Groups Booking Bonus is offered per booking.
Physical Rating - Level 3
You need to be fit and active to participate in this tour. This tour involves getting on and off coaches, walking around sites, climbing steps or stairs, and navigating uneven terrain. On many of the days you will be active for most of the day. Expect to walk long distances each day (3-5 hours).
Itinerary
DAY 1 | 13 March 2027
Late afternoon flight from Adelaide to Shanghai.
DAY 2 | 14 March 2027
Arrive Shanghai
Stay: Hengshan Garden Hotel (Executive Room) or similar - 3 nights*
Upon arrival transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, visit Cloud 9 at Jin Mao Tower, for a drink while taking in the stunning views. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Shanghainese cuisine, with beer and wine included. After dinner cruise on Huangpu River – The Huangpu River flows through the centre of Shanghai and separates the city into Pudong, meaning ‘east of the Huangpu’ and Puxi, ‘west of the Huangpu’. (D)
DAY 3 | 15 March 2027
Shanghai
Today enjoy a full-day tour of Shanghai and visit the Pudong, Century Park, Xintiandi, and the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, which includes a 168-meter tunnel that takes visitors through a coastal reef, open ocean, a kelp cave, shark cove, and a coral reef, and is one of the longest such tunnels in the world. Evening at own leisure. (B,L)
DAY 4 | 16 March 2027
Shanghai
Today’s explorations include the peaceful Yu Garden and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and visit a fascinating silk factory. After lunch at local restaurant, visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, which is a futurist TV tower in Lujiazui, Shanghai. Evening at own leisure. (B,L)
DAY 5 | 17 March 2027
Shanghai – Yichang (Embark Yangtze River Cruise)
Stay: Victoria Isabella or similar - 4 nights*
After breakfast transfer to Shanghai airport for flight to Yichang. Upon arrival at Yichang, transfer to the docks, located near the Three Gorges Dam to board the ship and check in to your cabin for the next 4 nights. The Yangtze River is one of the world’s great and legendary waterways, this 6,300km river has its origins high up in the snow-covered mountain of Tanggula, in the southwestern Qinghai Tibet Plateau, and runs into the ocean in Shanghai. It is estimated that the banks of this river are home to almost a third of China’s population. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 | 18 March 2027
Yangtze River Cruise
Today visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, and marvel at this incredible feat of engineering. Explore a small museum and a lookout point for further insight into its construction and impact on the region. Return to the ship and cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 | 19 March 2027
Yangtze River Cruise
Today transfer to smaller vessels for a relaxing excursion through the Shennong Stream gorges. Though narrower than the Three Gorges, these dramatic waterways offer equally impressive scenery. Later, as the cruise ship continues upstream, prepare for breathtaking vistas as you pass through Wu and Qutang gorges. Depending on local river conditions, you may travel along the gorges of Goddess Stream instead of Shennong Stream. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 | 20 March 2027
Yangtze River Cruise
Continue cruising along the mighty Yangtze River. Relax onboard or disembark to explore the Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park, a reconstructed park featuring ancestral homes, the historic Tianfo Temple, and Huichuan Gate, all rescued from the submerged areas of the Three Gorges Dam. Depending on local river conditions and the cruise programme, you may visit Shibaozhai or Mt Shuanggui instead. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 | 21 MARCH 2027
Yangtze River Cruise – Chongqing – Xi'an
Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Xi’an Bell Tower (Superior room) or similar-2 nights*
Check out of your cabin this morning and disembark in Chongqing. Transfer to station for the bullet train to Xi’an. Upon arrival at Xi’an transfer to hotel for check in. This evening, dine on delicious Shui Jiao dumplings and watch a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The Tang Dynasty dancing show is an exciting exponent of this prosperous society and keeps alive the splendour of this period. (B,D)
DAY 10 | 22 MARCH 2027
Xi'an
Today visit the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. After this, visit the Xi’an Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made. The Small or Little Wild Goose Pagoda is one of two significant Buddhist pagodas in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, the site of the old Han and Tang capital Chang'an. The other notable pagoda is the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, originally built in 652 and restored in 704. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 | 23 MARCH 2027
Xi'an– Beijing
Stay: Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing (Superior Room) or similar- 4 nights*
After breakfast explore the Muslim Quarter the hub of Xi’an’s Islamic community and is home to many stalls selling a myriad of snack foods, a trove of silks and fabrics, and delightful oriental knickknacks. Then transfer to Xi’an Station for the bullet train to Beijing. Upon arrival at Beijing station transfer to hotel. (B,L)
DAY 12 | 24 March 2027
Beijing
Today spend the day exploring Beijing. Walk through Tiananmen Square one of the largest public squares in the world and into the magnificent Forbidden City a vast complex of over 900 buildings which covers an area of 180 acres. Next, visit Yandaixiejie, and have free time to explore the surrounding Hutongs, and stop at a local family home for a cultural exchange experience. (B,L)
DAY 13 | 25 March 2027
Beijing
Today visit the Temple of Heaven, one of the most perfect examples of Ming architecture, created as a place of worship for the emperors, who would ask for prosperity, longevity and good harvest for the people. Partake in a Tea ceremony including wearing traditional costumes. This evening, enjoy a captivating Chinese Acrobatics Show. (B,L)
DAY 14 | 26 March 2027
Beijing
Rise early this morning and drive around 2-hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass. Learn about the Great Wall’s unique history, then explore the Great Wall at your own pace. Later, visit a jade factory before taking a stroll through the exquisite Summer Palace – The former holiday retreat of the Qing Emperors, and is a stunning example of Chinese garden style. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner of Peking duck at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
DAY 15 | 27 March 2027
Depart Beijing
After breakfast, check out the hotel and transfer to airport to begin your journey home. (B)
DAY 16 | 28 March 2027
Adelaide Arrival
*or similar accommodation
Dates/Pricing
Departs 13 March 2027
Full Fare Price
Twin Share
$9,899pp
Solo Occupancy
$12,199pp
*Advertised price is based on per person twin share. Departures from other capital cities available. Only One Exclusive Groups Booking Bonus is offered per booking. Subject to minimum numbers. Pricing correct as of 31 October 2025.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
Tour Changes
We endeavor to provide an accurate itinerary. However, local operators, hotels and airlines sometimes change arrangements, and our itinerary would then be adjusted to suit however, the same standard will always be used.
Not Included on tour
Travel insurance; tips / gratuities for tour guides and drivers and any independent touring and dining (they are included for hotels and included group meals); items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, phone calls, meals other than those indicated, additional sightseeing or optional tours; extensions/stopovers/amendments; additional flight cost from other cities if applicable, arrival and departure transfers at destination/s when not arriving/departing on group flights/dates.
Reservations
A deposit of $400 per person is required within 7 days of confirmation of your booking. the final balance due no later than. If a booking is made after this date, the full tour price is due at the time of confirmation. Prices are subject to change at any time until full payment has been received for the entire group and tickets have been issued.
Booking Forms and Booking Conditions
You are required to complete some forms when booking which provide essential information we require to process your booking. Your consultant will provide you with all relevant forms.
Passport & Visas
It is necessary for all passengers to be in possession of a valid passport which has at least 6 months validity beyond your return into Australia. Visas are not required for Australian passport holders.
Minimum Numbers
Group fares quoted for this tour are subject to a minimum of 15 paying and maximum 24 passengers travelling together. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to increase the tour price or cancel the tour should the numbers travelling not meet the required minimum.
Tour Escort
Escort travels when minimum numbers of 15 are reached.
Price Alterations
Tour prices specified are based on airfares, taxes and land arrangement tariffs applicable at the time of printing, therefore they may be subject to alteration with or without prior notice until final payment date, as per brochure final payment date.
Extensions/stopovers
An amendment fee may apply for any changes to group flight arrangements. You may also need to pay any additional applicable taxes.
Group Flights – Seat Selection
For seat selection, please ensure that requests are submitted in advance to secure preferred seating arrangements. Availability is subject to the airline’s policies, and additional charges may apply for specific seat preferences. If you have any special seating requirements, such as extra legroom, aisle seats, or assistance-related seating, please notify us as soon as possible. We will coordinate with the airline to accommodate your request. Airlines do reserve the right to change a passenger's seat at any time, even if the seat has been paid for in advance due to various reasons.
Special Assistance
To ensure a smooth travel experience, all wheelchairs and walking aids must be provided to the Groups Department team for coordination with the airline. Kindly ensure the following details are submitted:
• Brand of the wheelchair or walking aid
• A clear photo of the item
• Weight of the item
• Dimensions (Height, Width, Depth)
Amendments/changes
There may be fees charged per amendment by third party suppliers for any reservation changes after your booking is confirmed.
Twin share Room Match Policy
In the event of a cancellation for a twin share room match, the travelling passenger may be required to pay for a single room supplement cost, which will not be covered under their travel insurance policy. Similarly, if a traveler decides whilst travelling that they do not want to share any longer, they will be required to pay the full costs for a single room.
Refunds/Credits
No refund is available in respect of any sightseeing tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized or required during this tour. No refund is available for cancellations after the tour has commenced.
Cancellations
Cancellations of confirmed bookings will be subject to a $400 per person service fee plus any charges imposed by principals involved in operating the tour. Therefore, the cancellation fee may be up to the total cost for land and/or airfares. Cancelled bookings are non-transferable.
Baggage
Please refer to individual airline tickets for the baggage allowance for your flights. Airlines may charge you for baggage in excess of these allowances, which will be at passenger’s expense. Whilst on tour one main bag and 1 piece of hand luggage per person is allowed.
Medical Advice
It is wise to seek medical advice before travelling from a travel specialist doctor, or from your own GP. participate.
Insurance
Insurance is compulsory to cover against loss of deposit and loss of airfares, personal accident, medical cover etc. If you have an ongoing medical condition, you may be required to complete a pre-existing medical form. If you are over 70 years of age, you are required to complete a senior’s medical form. Your consultant will provide all the details.
Children
Participants must be over the age of 15.
Fitness: this tour is graded as level 3 Active:
You need to be fit and active to participate in this tour. This tour involves getting on and off coaches, walking around sites, climbing steps or stairs, and navigating uneven terrain. On many of the days you will be active for most of the day. Expect to walk long distances each day (3-5 hours).
Responsibility
Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to alter or omit any part of the itinerary or change of reservation, features and/or means of conveyance without any notice and for any reason whatsoever. Phil Hoffmann Travel does not accept liability for failure on the part of transportation companies, hotel contractors and other principals whose responsibility is confined to their own operations. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to alter hotels used should the necessity arise. The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury and by whom so ever caused and whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any time when the passenger is not on board a conveyance used or operated by the transportation companies or firms.
We reserve the right to take any reasonable action should your health, actions or behavior impinge on the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other passengers. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any person as a member of the tour at any time.
All ticket coupons and orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or other services provided thereby are offered or supplied by the owners, operators, public carriers, management agents or agents.
The Phil Hoffmann Schedule of Professionalism applies.
E&OE.
Travelers must meet Phil Hoffmann Travel ’Statement of Fitness’ standards.
