China Discovery

• Return international full service flights (economy class)

• 8 nights 4-star hotel accommodation

• Enjoy daily breakfast & 1 lunch

• English-speaking tour guides
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private A/C vehicles
• 1-way high speed train (economy class) or domestic flight: Beijing to Hangzhou

• Return airport transfers

• All of the above (except for Beijing to Hangzhou journey), plus the following:
• Journey to the historic city of Xi’an
• Visit the ancient Terracotta Warriors and Horses - a must-see archeological site
• 1-way high-speed train or domestic flight (economy class): Beijing to Xi’an
• 1-way domestic flight (economy class): Xi'an to Hangzhou

Today depart Australia on your flight to Beijing, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then transfer you to the hotel.

Please note:

Some travellers may have an overnight layover in China with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.

Some travellers may have an overnight layover in an Australian City, with airport accommodation provided, excluding transfers.

Overnight: Beijing Friendship Hotel or similar, Beijing

Meals included: In-Flight

After breakfast, your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls. Then visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, followed by the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum, was originally constructed by Emperor Yong Le, the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700s and onwards.

Optional Tour: The Golden Mask Dynasty 350 RMB
Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large-scale dramatic musical, ‘The Golden Mask Dynasty’ (not included - paid on tour).

Please note:
- Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4)

Overnight: Beijing Friendship Hotel or similar, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, as you travel to the Great Wall this morning, stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and has a history of at least four thousand years in China. Observe skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs.

Afterwards take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument—the Great Wall. You will visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections which are the most accessible and consequently most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert - a distance of more than 3500 miles.

Optional Tour: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner 300 RMB
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included - paid on tour) of Beijing’s 700 year old Hutongs (narrow lanes) area by old fashioned pedicab. You will also visit a local family living in a courtyard style home to experience the local customs, including a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty and remnants of old-style hutong and courtyard local residences.

Please note:
- Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4)

Overnight: Beijing Friendship Hotel or similar, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast, make a stop at ‘Tongrentang’ to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine. Next, travel to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you and then escort you to check into the hotel.

Please note:
- High-speed train tickets are subject to availability, and if train tickets are unavailable a domestic flight will be provided to Shanghai, followed by a coach transfer to Hangzhou, in place of this train journey. Train/flight tickets will be confirmed in your travel documentation which will arrive 4-6 weeks prior to your departure date.
- If you do not provide your passport details at least 60 days prior to departure you may not be in the same train carriage or on the same train as your companions and other group members.
- Seating arrangement on high-speed trains consists of a row of 2 seats and a row of 3 seats. Due to this, we cannot guarantee you a seat right next to your travel companion on this Journey.

Itinerary Note: The order of Hangzhou and Suzhou may be swapped due to operational considerations.

Please note:
- Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4)

Overnight: Holiday Inn Hangzhou Xiaoshan or similar, Hangzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you can enjoy the day at leisure in Hangzhou, or take part in an optional tour to see Longmen Ancient Town in Fuyang, and Liangzhu Museum (not included - paid on tour)

Optional Tour: Longmen Ancient Town in Fuyang, and Liangzhu Museum 300 RMB
On this optional tour, you will visit Fuyang, a classic example of a traditional southern Chinese city. It is next to the Fuchun River and surrounded by mountains from three sides. There is an ancient Chinese poem to describe Fuyang: from ancient times, Fuyang was considered by Chinese people to be the most beautiful landscape in this world. Then visit Longmen Ancient Town, the hometown of Sun Quan (the emperor of the Kingdom of Wu in ancient China). This town is famous for its unique Qing dynasty buildings. Behind the town is Longmen Mountain. At 1067 m, with ridges and peaks rising one after another, it is effectively the peak of the Fuyang Mountains. 90% of the villagers of Longmen ancient town are descendants of Sun Quan. Then visit The Liangzhu Museum, an archaeological museum dedicated to the Neolithic Liangzhu culture. It houses a collection of artefacts from archaeological culture.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Hangzhou Xiaoshan or similar, Hangzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village in the hinterland of West Lake Park, considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. Enjoy the beautiful village scenery while learning about China’s special tea culture and how to appreciate the sophisticated taste and aroma of Longjing Tea. At the Tea House, learn how to make the Longjing Tea including tea leaves picking, frying and tasting. Then enjoy a small boat ride on the West Lake, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou’s willow draped islands.

Afterwards, drive to Suzhou and check in to your hotel for the evening (approx. 2 hour coach ride).

Overnight: Holiday Inn Jasmine Suzhou or similar, Suzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Often called the ‘Venice of the east’, Suzhou has a history dating back to 514BC. Visit the famous Lingering Garden, recognised with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site. China is renowned for its exquisite silk, so naturally a visit to the Silk Spinning Factory is in order.

Optional Tour: Grand Canal Cruise 220 RMB
Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included - paid on tour) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.

Next, drive to Shanghai (approximately a 1.5 hour coach ride) to visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai’s banks and trading houses.

Optional Tour: ERA and The Intersection of Time 390 RMB
Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” or similar (not included - paid on tour).

Overnight: Holiday Inn Shanghai Hongqiao West or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, step back in time at the Shanghai Museum - home to more than 120,000 objects and artworks. Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon or join an optional half-day tour of Shanghai (not included - paid on tour).
Please note: If the Shanghai Museum is closed, a visit to Suzhou Museum will be provided in place of this visit on Day 5 of the tour.

Optional Tour: Half Day Shanghai Tour 240 RMB
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai including Yu Garden, believed to have been built more than 400 years ago. The exquisite garden architecture has made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road.

Optional Tour: Huangpu River Night Cruise 280 RMB
In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional “Night Cruise on the Huangpu River” (not included - paid on tour).

Overnight: Holiday Inn Shanghai Hongqiao West or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will transfer to Shanghai Airport for your return flight back to Australia.

Please note:
- Standard check-out time is 12.00pm and luggage storage is available at the front desk for those with later fights.
- Some travellers may have an overnight layover with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Today depart Australia on your flight to Beijing, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then transfer you to the hotel.

Please note:

Some travellers may have an overnight layover in China with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.

Some travellers may have an overnight layover in an Australian City, with airport accommodation provided, excluding transfers.

Overnight: Beijing Friendship Hotel or similar, Beijing

Meals included: In-Flight

After breakfast, your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls. Then visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, followed by the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum, was originally constructed by Emperor Yong Le, the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700s and onwards.

Optional Tour: The Golden Mask Dynasty 350 RMB
Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large-scale dramatic musical, ‘The Golden Mask Dynasty’ (not included - paid on tour).

Please note:
- Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4)

Overnight: Beijing Friendship Hotel or similar, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, as you travel to the Great Wall this morning, stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and has a history of at least four thousand years in China. Observe skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs.

Afterwards take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument—the Great Wall. You will visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections which are the most accessible and consequently most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert - a distance of more than 3500 miles.

Optional Tour: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner 300 RMB
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included - paid on tour) of Beijing’s 700 year old Hutongs (narrow lanes) area by old fashioned pedicab. You will also visit a local family living in a courtyard style home to experience the local customs, including a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty and remnants of old-style hutong and courtyard local residences.

Please note:
- Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4)

Overnight: Beijing Friendship Hotel or similar, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast, make a stop at ‘Tongrentang’ to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine. Next, travel to Xian. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you and then escort you to check into the hotel.

Please note:
- High-speed train tickets are subject to availability, and if train tickets are unavailable a domestic flight will be provided to Xian, in place of this train journey. Train/flight tickets will be confirmed in your travel documentation which will arrive 4-6 weeks prior to your departure date.
- If you do not provide your passport details at least 35 days prior to departure you may not be in the same train carriage or on the same train as your companions and other group members.
- Seating arrangement on high-speed trains consists of a row of 2 seats and a row of 3 seats. Due to this, we cannot guarantee you a seat right next to your travel companion on this Journey.

Please note:
- Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4)

Overnight: Grand Noble Hotel or similar, Xi’an

Meals included: Breakfast

The highlight today is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Unearthed near Xi’an, the thousands of life size sculptures of soldiers, chariots and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were believed to have been created to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. You will be amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army.

Afterwards visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory and then transfer to Xian Airport for your evening flight to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then escort you to check into the hotel.

Please note:
• The order of Hangzhou and Suzhou may be swapped due to operational considerations.
• Some flights may arrive into Shanghai followed by a coach journey from Shanghai to Hangzhou.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Hangzhou Xiaoshan or similar, Hangzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village in the hinterland of West Lake Park, considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. Enjoy the beautiful village scenery while learning about China’s special tea culture and how to appreciate the sophisticated taste and aroma of Longjing Tea. At the Tea House, learn how to make the Longjing Tea including tea leaves picking, frying and tasting. Then enjoy a small boat ride on the West Lake, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou’s willow draped islands.

Afterwards, drive to Suzhou and check in to your hotel for the evening (approx. 2 hour coach ride).

Overnight: Holiday Inn Jasmine Suzhou or similar, Suzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Often called the ‘Venice of the east’, Suzhou has a history dating back to 514BC. Visit the famous Lingering Garden, recognised with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site. China is renowned for its exquisite silk, so naturally a visit to the Silk Spinning Factory is in order.

Optional Tour: Grand Canal Cruise 220 RMB
Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included - paid on tour) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.

Next, drive to Shanghai (approximately a 1.5 hour coach ride) to visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai’s banks and trading houses.

Optional Tour: ERA and The Intersection of Time 390 RMB
Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” or similar (not included - paid on tour).

Overnight: Holiday Inn Shanghai Hongqiao West or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, step back in time at the Shanghai Museum - home to more than 120,000 objects and artworks. Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon or join an optional half-day tour of Shanghai (not included - paid on tour).
Please note: If the Shanghai Museum is closed, a visit to Suzhou Museum will be provided in place of this visit on Day 5 of the tour.

Optional Tour: Half Day Shanghai Tour 240 RMB
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai including Yu Garden, believed to have been built more than 400 years ago. The exquisite garden architecture has made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road.

Optional Tour: Huangpu River Night Cruise 280 RMB
In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional “Night Cruise on the Huangpu River” (not included - paid on tour).

Overnight: Holiday Inn Shanghai Hongqiao West or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will transfer to Shanghai Airport for your return flight back to Australia.

Please note:
- Standard check-out time is 12.00pm and luggage storage is available at the front desk for those with later fights.
- Some travellers may have an overnight layover with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

CANCELLATION POLICY 

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 6th November 2024.

 

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share. 

 

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $600 applies. 

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

 

Departure Dates 

2024

February: 28

March: ^1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, ^8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15

May: 9, ^14, 16, ^17, ^18, ^19, 24, 25, 27, 30, 31

June: 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10

September: 4

October: 16, 23

November: 6

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

 

Surcharges

Please note: 

• Dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $100 per person.

• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $200 per person.

 

Departure Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, or *Adelaide

 

Departure Cities Surcharges

Brisbane or Adelaide: $500 per person

 

International Full-Service Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China plus any codeshare partners (subject to availability).

 

Baggage allowance

20kg of checked baggage (one piece)

7kg of carry on baggage

 

Please note: Qantas Tours cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

 

Missed Flights  

If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight on Day 1, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you will miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact Qantas Tours as soon as possible to make arrangements. 

 

Arrive Early 

Not Available 

 

Stay Behind 

Not Available 

 

Stopover Packages

Not Available 

 

Flight Class Upgrades

Not Available 

 

 

Accommodation Used:

4 Star 

Beijing: Beijing Friendship Hotel or similar

Hangzhou: Holiday Inn Hangzhou Xiaoshan or similar

Suzhou: Holiday Inn Jasmine Suzhou or similar

Shanghai: Holiday Inn Shanghai Hongqiao West or similar

 

Xi’an Upgrade:

Xi’an: Grand Noble Hotel or similar

 

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

 

Extra Nights

Not available. 

 

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people.

 

Child Policy

• Valid for travellers 18 years old and over.

 

Triple Share

Not available.

 

Bedding Configuration

Twin or Double (subject to availability).

 

 

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 44 per vehicle.

 

Optional Tours/Activities

- Beijing Day 2: The Golden Mask Dynasty 350 RMB 

- Beijing Day 3: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner 300 RMB

- Hangzhou Day 5: Longmen Ancient Town in Fuyang, and Liangzhu Museum – 300 RMB (Itinerary 1 only)

- Suzhou Day 7: Grand Canal Cruise 220 RMB 

- Shanghai Day 7: ERA and The Intersection of Time 390 RMB 

- Shanghai Day 8: Half Day Shanghai tour 240 RMB 

- Shanghai Day 8: Huangpu River Night Cruise 280 RMB

 

Please note:

• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified or in the AUD equivalent at the time of purchase. 

• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

 

 

• Visa fees and requirements 

• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Highly recommended gratuities of $12 AUD per person, per day 

• Optional activities/tours 

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

 

 

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide:  

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 

 

Tour Leader: 

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Beijing: 

Beijing has a temperate and continental monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons and big differences in temperature between day and night. The seasons: summer in Beijing is hot and humid, while winter is cold and dry. Spring and autumn are short and cool. The coldest month is January at an average of -4 °C, and the hottest month is July at an average of 26 °C.

 

Shanghai:

Shanghai weather is generally mild and moist, with four distinctive seasons - a pleasant warm spring, a hot rainy summer, a comfortable cool autumn, and an overcast cold winter. The weather of Shanghai in July and August is the hottest, with more than 10 days' high temperatures above 35°C. The coldest period is from late January to early February. The springtime from March to May is recommended as the best time to pay a visit, while October to November, with pleasant autumn climate, is also a wise choice.

 

 

FLIGHTS

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:

At Qantas Tours, we do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

 

Passport Validity:

Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

 

COACH TOUR

Meals:

9 meals in total are included in the package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

 

Luggage:

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

 

OTHER

Mobility:

If you would love to travel with Qantas Tours and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

 

Fitness Level Required:

A leisurely level of fitness will be required. 

Leisurely is described as Light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility.

 

Please note: If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

 

Payments and Currency on Tour

Visa/MasterCard/Amex can only be used at some hotels and is not often accepted in local restaurants and supermarkets.

 

Whilst WeChat and Alipay are commonly used payment platforms in China at most businesses, some travellers can experience issues due to internet accessibility and other technical difficulties.

 

Cash is still widely accepted in China and most people still use cash on a daily basis. Therefore we recommend taking cash in either RMB (local currency) or AUD and the tour guides can assist with currency exchange in China if required.

 

Optional tours and tipping can be paid in RMB or AUD on tour and credit card and Alipay/WeChat are not accepted.

 

Gratuities / Tipping:

Land

Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The highly recommended tip is $12 AUD per person per day for a total of 8 days for the standard land tour or a total of 9 days for the Xi'An Upgrade land tour. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour.

Please note: Though highly recommended, tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

 

Sightseeing:

Please note: If entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

 

Shopping:  

Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 

Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

 

A tourist visa for China is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian Passport. Please note as of today you are required to attend a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in person to apply for a visa. China Visa Application Service Centres can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. You must attend the China Visa Application Service Centre relevant to the state you reside in. Please visit https://www.visaforchina.cn/ for more information. You will be able to start your visa application process once you receive your final travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure.  

 

Important: 

• Please start arranging your visa as soon as you've received your Travel Documentation to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Please note: 

• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

Overview

..

Please note:

• As of today, you are required to attend a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in person to apply for a visa. Chinese Visa Application Service Centres can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

• You must attend the China Visa Application Service Centre relevant to the state you reside in. Please visit https://www.visaforchina.cn/ for more information.

• China has strict visa rules, therefore deviating from the advertised itinerary is strictly prohibited and doing so will result in the cancellation of your onward travel services.

• This offer is strictly valid for those 18 and over.

 

-------------

 

Visas

...

Important: 

...

Please note: 

• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

• China has strict visa rules, therefore deviating from the advertised itinerary is strictly prohibited and doing so will result in the cancellation of your onward travel services.

• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required. 

 

 

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.