Experience the rich heritage and breathtaking beauty of China on this unforgettable 7-day, 6-night journey through some of the country’s most iconic destinations. From the legendary Great Wall of China and the magnificent Forbidden City to the picturesque West Lake in Hangzhou, the classical gardens of Suzhou, and the dazzling skyline of Shanghai, this tour offers the perfect combination of history, culture, and modern city life.
Tour Route
Depending on flight schedules and departure dates, the tour may operate in one of the following directions:
- Beijing → Suzhou → Hangzhou → Xitang Ancient Town → Shanghai
- Shanghai → Xitang Ancient Town → Hangzhou → Suzhou → Beijing
Regardless of the route, all sightseeing attractions, experiences, and services included in the itinerary remain the same.
Tour Highlights
- Explore China’s most iconic destinations: Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Xitang Ancient Town, and Shanghai
- Walk along the legendary Great Wall of China, one of the world’s greatest wonders
- Visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the magnificent Summer Palace
- Experience China’s world-class high-speed rail
- Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the beautiful West Lake in Hangzhou
- Discover Xitang Ancient Town, one of China’s Ten Most Beautiful Ancient Water Towns
- Explore The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Nanjing Road in Shanghai
- Taste authentic Peking Duck and the famous Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea
Itinerary 1: Beijing – Shanghai
Day 1 – Arrival in Beijing
- Meet and greet at Beijing International Airport.
- Enjoy an authentic Peking Duck dinner.
- Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
- Overnight stay in Beijing.
Day 2 – Discover Beijing
Visit some of China’s most iconic historical attractions:
- Great Wall of China: Walk along one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements, built over 2,000 years ago and regarded as a symbol of ancient Chinese ingenuity and strength.
- Ming Tombs – Changling Tomb: Explore the largest and best-preserved mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty, part of the burial complex of thirteen Ming emperors.
- Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest): Photo stop outside the iconic stadium built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
- Pixiu Jade Centre: Learn about traditional Chinese jade craftsmanship and the cultural significance of the mythical Pixiu, believed to attract prosperity and good fortune.
- Wangfujing Street: Enjoy free time shopping along Beijing’s most famous commercial street.
Overnight stay in Beijing.
Day 3 – Explore Beijing
- Tiananmen Square: Visit the world’s largest public square, a landmark that has witnessed many significant moments in Chinese history.
- Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Explore the world’s largest imperial palace complex, home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for more than 600 years.
If the Forbidden City is unavailable due to visitor restrictions, the tour will visit either the Temple of Heaven or Prince Gong’s Mansion instead.
- Summer Palace: Discover the magnificent imperial summer retreat featuring Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage architecture.
- Tong Ren Tang Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre: Visit China’s famous traditional medicine brand with more than 300 years of history.
Overnight stay in Beijing.
Day 4 – Beijing to Suzhou
Travel to Suzhou by China’s modern high-speed train and visit:
- Hanshan Temple: A historic Buddhist temple dating back to AD 502, regarded as one of China’s most famous temples.
- Lion Grove Garden: One of the finest classical gardens in the Jiangnan region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Jiangnan Silk Factory: Learn about the traditional silk-making process that has made Jiangnan famous for centuries.
- Enjoy free time at Guanqian Street.
Overnight stay in Suzhou.
Day 5 – Suzhou to Hangzhou
Travel to the beautiful city of Hangzhou.
Dragon Well Tea Plantation: Taste authentic Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, one of China’s most celebrated green teas.
West Lake Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise across the famous West Lake, admired for its breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. Highlights include:
- Solitary Hill
- Broken Bridge
- Long Bridge
- Su Causeway
- Bai Causeway
- Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
- Viewing Fish at Flower Harbour (viewed from outside)
The lake is closely associated with famous Chinese legends such as The Butterfly Lovers and The Legend of the White Snake.
In the evening, guests may choose to watch the spectacular Romance of the Song Dynasty (Songcheng Eternal Love Show) (optional, at own expense).
Overnight stay in Hangzhou.
Day 6 – Hangzhou – Xitang Ancient Town – Shanghai
Visit a local household products exhibition centre.
Xitang Ancient Town: Explore one of China’s Ten Most Beautiful Ancient Water Towns. Guests may choose to enjoy an optional traditional boat ride through the ancient canals (additional cost).
Continue to Shanghai and explore:
- The Bund: Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade overlooking the city’s historic and modern skyline.
- Oriental Pearl TV Tower: Photo stop outside Shanghai’s iconic landmark.
- In the evening, guests may choose an optional Huangpu River Cruise or explore Shanghai by metro (additional cost).
Overnight stay in Shanghai.
Day 7 – Shanghai – Departure
- Jade Buddha Temple: Visit one of Shanghai’s most famous Buddhist temples, home to two exquisite white jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar.
- Enjoy free time shopping for local specialties before transferring to the airport.
End of the tour.
Itinerary 2: Shanghai – Beijing
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai
- Meet and greet at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
- Visit The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront lined with magnificent European-style colonial architecture.
- Explore City God Temple (Chenghuang Temple), a historic Taoist temple complex surrounded by a vibrant traditional shopping district.
- Discover Pudong, Shanghai’s modern financial district, home to impressive skyscrapers and a dynamic city skyline that contrasts beautifully with the historic Bund.
- Photo stop at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (outside visit), one of Asia’s tallest towers and the third tallest television tower in the world.
- Optional Huangpu River Cruise (at your own expense).
Day 2: Shanghai – Xitang Ancient Town – Hangzhou
- Visit the Jade Buddha Temple, built in the architectural style of the Song Dynasty and home to two magnificent white jade Buddha statues: the Seated Buddha and the Reclining Buddha.
- Explore Xitang Ancient Town, where you can stroll through charming old streets or enjoy an optional traditional canal boat ride (at your own expense).
- Taste authentic Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, one of China’s Ten Famous Teas, renowned for its delicate aroma and smooth flavour.
- Enjoy a scenic West Lake Cruise, passing famous landmarks including Solitary Hill, Broken Bridge, Long Bridge, Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and Viewing Fish at Flower Harbour.
- Optional evening performance of the spectacular Romance of the Song Dynasty (Songcheng Show) (at your own expense).
Day 3: Hangzhou – Suzhou
- Visit a Local Household Products Centre, showcasing household goods, handicrafts, and regional specialty products.
- Explore Hanshan Temple, a famous Buddhist temple dating back to the 6th century, celebrated through the classic Chinese poem A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge.
- Visit Lion Grove Garden, one of the finest classical gardens in the Jiangnan region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 4: Suzhou – Beijing
After breakfast, continue exploring Suzhou.
- Visit a Jiangnan Silk Factory to learn about the traditional silk-making process, one of China’s oldest and most renowned crafts.
- Transfer to the railway station and experience China’s world-class high-speed train to Beijing while enjoying views of the country’s rapidly developing landscape.
- Upon arrival in Beijing, transfer to the hotel for check-in and relaxation.
Day 5: Discover Beijing
After breakfast, begin your exploration of China’s historic capital.
Visit:
- Tiananmen Square
- The Forbidden City
- The Summer Palace
- Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) (outside visit)
If tickets to the Forbidden City are unavailable due to visitor restrictions, the visit will be replaced by either the Temple of Heaven or Prince Gong’s Mansion.
Day 6: Beijing
Continue discovering Beijing’s most remarkable historical landmarks.
Visit:
- The Great Wall of China, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- The Ming Tombs, the imperial mausoleum complex of thirteen Ming Dynasty emperors.
- Tong Ren Tang Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre, where you will learn about traditional Chinese medicine.
- Enjoy free time shopping at the famous Wangfujing Shopping Street.
Day 7: Beijing – Departure
After checking out of the hotel:
- Visit the Jade Centre, where you will discover the craftsmanship behind traditional Chinese jade carving and learn about the cultural and Feng Shui significance of exquisite jade products.
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
End of the tour.
Tour Includes
- 4-star local hotel accommodation
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour
- Entrance fees to attractions listed in the itinerary
- Professional tour leader and experienced tour guide
- Travel insurance
Tour Excludes
- Passport application fees
- Tips for the driver and tour guide
- Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, and telephone charges
- Entrance fees for optional attractions not included in the itinerary
- Any additional personal expenses or services not specified in the programme
Tour Price
Departing from Vietnam
From £660 per person
Includes:
- International airfare
- Group visa
Departing from the United Kingdom
From £1,210 per person
Excludes:
- International airfare
- Group visa
Tour prices are subject to change depending on the departure date and airline fare availability.
Child Policy
- Under 2 years old: 30% of the adult tour price
- From 2 to under 11 years old: 90% of the adult price (sharing a bed with parents)
- 11 years old and above: Adult price applies
Important Notes
- Passports must be valid for at least six months from the travel date.
- The order of sightseeing and attractions may change due to weather, traffic conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- In the event of force majeure, Galaxy Travel & Holidays reserves the right to replace attractions with equivalent alternatives while maintaining the quality of the tour.
- This tour includes compulsory visits to designated shopping locations as required by the itinerary. Guests are kindly requested to participate in these scheduled visits.
- Any request to modify or cancel tour services must be submitted at least 30 days prior to departure. Confirmed airline tickets and hotel reservations are non-refundable in accordance with supplier policies.
Contact Information
- Hotline: +44 20 8694 6688
- Address: 210 Deptford High Street, London SE8 3PR, United Kingdom
- Website: www.thienha.co.uk
Book Your Tour Today!
Join Galaxy Travel & Holidays on an unforgettable 7-Day China Golden Route Tour, where you’ll discover China’s world-famous landmarks, iconic cities, and thousands of years of history and culture. From the grandeur of Beijing to the elegance of Suzhou, the beauty of Hangzhou, the charm of Xitang Ancient Town, and the vibrant energy of Shanghai, an extraordinary journey awaits.