Grand China

Overview
If you’ve always wanted to explore the gateway to the Orient, this amazing package offers fantastic experiences and bucket-list landmarks - all for great value. Embark on this Grand China 16-day cultural tour and unlock the secrets of this incredible country, where you’ll see ancient wonders along with ultra-modern marvels.
Begin your exploration in Beijing, at the historic Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Then, witness the Great Wall of China, an architectural marvel that spans the ages, before discovering the secrets of traditional Chinese medicine at the renowned ‘Tongrentang’. Next, travel to Xi’an for an unforgettable encounter with the Terracotta Army, crafted more than 2000 years ago and unearthed in 1974, to be spellbound by the detailed craftsmanship, individual expressions, and sheer magnitude of this ancient wonder.
Another standout feature of your China package is the Yangtze River cruise. Sail the longest river in Eurasia, starting from Yichang. Upon boarding ‘China Goddess No.2’, you’ll settle into a balcony cabin with private ensuite. Experience 5-star service, while seeing centuries of Chinese heritage, majestic Three Gorges scenery and Three Kingdoms culture. Onboard, enjoy banquet feasts, a Captain’s dinner, and entertainment.
Journey onward to Suzhou, where the beauty of the UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden awaits. Sample the flavours of Longjing tea at the picturesque Meijiawu Tea Village and set sail on a tranquil boat ride across the beautiful West Lake of Hangzhou. From the bustling promenade of The Bund, gaze upon the glittering skyline of Shanghai, a city that blends tradition with innovation, before uncovering China’s fascinating past at the Shanghai Museum.
To ensure a comfortable journey, every aspect of your tour is carefully arranged, including return international full-service flights, a 4-night Yangtze River cruise, high-speed rail journeys and 10 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels, along with English-speaking guides and convenient return airport transfers.
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.
Tour Inclusions
- Explore Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Xi’An, Zhengzhou and Shanghai
- Visit historic Tiananmen Square in Beijing
- Step back in time at the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City
- Tick off the bucket list at the Great Wall of China
- Learn about traditional Chinese medicine at ‘Tongrentang’ in Beijing
- Marvel at the ancient Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a wonder of the world
- Visit the pyramid-shaped Henan Museum in Zhengzhou, one of the major museums in China
- Cruise the Yangtze River, the longest river in Eurasia
- Visit Three Gorges Dam, Lesser Three Gorges and Fengdu Xueyu Dong during a Yangtze cruise
- Learn about Longjing Tea at Meijiawu Tea Village including tasting
- Enjoy a boat ride on Hangzhou’s scenic West Lake
- Visit Suzhou’s Lingering Garden and a silk spinning factory
- Delve into China’s monumental history at Shanghai Museum
- Return international full-service flights (economy class) surcharges may apply
- One internal flight from Chongqing to Shanghai
- 10 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation
- 4 nights cruise along the Yangtze River onboard the 'China Goddess No.2' ship in a private balcony cabin with ensuite
- Enjoy 20 meals, including daily breakfast and 4 lunches
- English-speaking tour guides
- Airline taxes and surcharges
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicles and high-speed trains
- All airport and cruise transfers
Itinerary Itinerary Brochure Download
Today depart Australia on your flight to Beijing, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Please note: Due to flight times and scheduling some customers may be required to be at the airport the day before (Depart Day 0). 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 about cultivating 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 the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Yong Le Emperor Zhu Di, in the early 15th century. 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 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 impressively 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 of the wall, which are the most accessible and therefore the 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 laneways bounded by historic courtyard residences) 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 hutong and 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’, made famous by a Chinese pharmaceutical company founded in 1669, to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine. Next, travel to Beijing Railway Station for your high-speed train ride to Xi'an. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you then escort you to check in to your hotel.
Please note:
• High-speed train tickets are subject to availability and, if train tickets are unavailable, a domestic flight will be provided to Xi'an, 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 directly adjacent to your travel companion on this journey.
• 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 then transfer to Xi'an Railway Station for your train ride to Zhengzhou. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the railway station then escort you to check in to the hotel.
Overnight: Zhongdu Hotel or similar, Zhengzhou
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you can enjoy the day at leisure in Zhengzhou or join an optional full-day Shaolin Kung Fu experience with lunch (not included - paid on tour).
Optional Tour: Shaolin Kung Fu experience with lunch (not included) - 550 RMB
Visit the Shaolin Temple, nestled in the forested mountains of Henan, the birthplace of Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism. The Shaolin Temple embraces many exciting attractions, such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwang Dian), the Mahavira Hall (Da Xiong Bao Dian), the Pagoda Forest, the Dharma Cave and the Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Academy martial arts training centre.
Continue your visit to the Pagoda Forest, where hundreds of stone pagodas, memorials to past monks, are tightly grouped together in the forest. You may also have the chance to watch an exciting Shaolin Kung Fu performance at the Martial Arts Hall and may follow the masters there to learn your kung fu here (subject to availability).
Overnight: Zhongdu Hotel or similar, Zhengzhou
Meals included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast, visit the pyramid-shaped Henan Museum, one of the major museums in China and the largest centre for the collection, protection, study and display of cultural relics in the hinterland of the Central Plain.
Transfer to Zhengzhou Railway Station for your approximately 4.5-hour high-speed train journey to Yichang. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the railway station then escort you to check in to your Yangtze River cruise onboard 'China Goddess No.2' and settle in to your balcony cabin.
Tonight refresh and prepare for the next day’s sightseeing on the amazing Yangtze, the ancient pathway across China, spanning centuries of cultures and blending the best of the old and the modern.
Overnight: 'China Goddess 2' Cruise or similar, Yangtze River
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a shore excursion to the Three Gorges dam. This 60-storey, mile-wide structure is a stunning example of human achievement and a hallmark of an emerging China.
The Goddess 2 vessel departs upstream through the west section of Xiling Gorge in the late afternoon, the first of these dramatic slices through the surrounding mountains. The new reservoir has altered the landscape and, with more than a million people relocated, the scenery is now of a wild countryside – the physical embodiment of thousands of beautiful Chinese landscape paintings. Watch the fog move in as it appears to turn the mountains into ghostly sculptures and enjoy a sumptuous Captain’s Dinner for your evening meal.
An additional optional shore excursion is available in the morning (river conditions permitting) to Three Gorges Tribe.
Overnight: 'China Goddess 2' Cruise, Yangtze River
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
A morning side excursion is offered into the Lesser Three Gorges. You will see where the mighty Yangtze flows faster and has carved narrower, even more dramatic, rising stone cliffs. While cruising, you can spot the coffins of the Ba people suspended along an ancient plank road that hugs the cliff face.
Your cruise ship will sail through the Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. Wu Gorge is 45 kilometres long, noted for its deep and serene scenes, the Wu Gorge is full of zigzags, strange peaks, rising mists, and beautiful sights. Qutang Gorge, known for its splendid magnificence, is only 8 kilometres long.
An additional optional shore excursion is available in the late afternoon (river conditions permitting) to White Emperor City and “Return to the Three Gorges” Live Show (evening).
Tonight’s dinner features a feast of local cuisine and entertainment during your meal.
Overnight: 'China Goddess 2' Cruise, Yangtze River
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
This morning, after breakfast, experience an adventurous shore excursion to Fengdu Xueyu Dong. This ancient village of temples is full of shrines to the gods of the underworld. Visitors are said to be purified after they 'survive' the scares. Surrounded by misty mountains, this area was revered as a crossing-over point, a mix of the material and spiritual worlds.
An additional optional shore excursion is available (river conditions permitting) to the scenic Wulingshan Mountain range.
The day finishes with a Captain’s Farewell Banquet dinner.
Overnight: 'China Goddess 2' Cruise, Yangtze River
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After breakfast, disembark your cruise in Chongqing and transfer to Chongqing Airport for your onward flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at Shanghai Airport then escort you to check in to your hotel in Suzhou.
Please note: The itinerary order of Hangzhou and Suzhou may be swapped due to operational considerations.
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 World Heritage Site. China is renowned for its exquisite silk, so naturally a visit to a silk spinning factory is in order. Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included) to view life along China’s ancient waterway. Afterwards take the approximate 2-hour drive to Hangzhou.
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.
Please note: The itinerary order of Hangzhou and Suzhou may be swapped due to operational considerations.
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 wouldn't be complete without a trip to a local teahouse. 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 leaf 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.
Next, drive to Shanghai (approximately a 1.5-hour coach ride) to visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the HuangPu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega-highrises 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 featuring many of Shanghai’s banks and trading houses.
Optional Tour: ERA & 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 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 earlier in the tour.
Optional Tour: Half-Day Shanghai Tour - 240 RMB
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai, including historic Yu Garden, believed to have been built more than 400 years ago. The exquisite garden architecture has made this picturesque location 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 24:00 and luggage storage is available at the hotel front desk for those with later fights. Some travellers may have an overnight layover with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.
Meals included: In-Flight
Important Info
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 7th 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 $1900 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
2023
September: 07
October: 12, 19, 26
November: 02, 09
2024
March: 07, 14
May: 09, 16, 23, 30
June: 06
August: 29
September: 05
October: 10, 17, 24, 31
November: 07
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Auckland
Departure City Surcharges
Brisbane or Adelaide: $400 per person
Auckland: $600 per person
International Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Airlines: China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, Xiamen Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Spring Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Juneyao Air and partners plus any codeshare partners (subject to availability).
Baggage Allowance
20 kilograms of checked baggage (one piece)
7 kilograms 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
'China Goddess No.2'
The 'China Goddess No.2' cruise is one of the best choices for Chinese and Western guests choosing to tour the Three Gorges and spectacular Yangtze River scenery. Passengers will enjoy the relaxed comfortable journey and experience the 5-star standard cruise service. Passengers also have the chance to experience the immense Three Gorges landscape as well as the intense Three Kingdoms culture, along with the splendid scenery of the placid Yangtze River.
Please note: All cabins have a private ensuite and balcony.
Accommodation Used:
4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)
• Beijing: Beijing Friendship Hotel or similar
• Xi'an: Grand Noble Hotel or similar
• Zhengzhou: Zhongdu Hotel or similar
• Yangtze River: 'China Goddess 2' Cruise or similar in a standard balcony cabin with ensuite
• Hangzhou: Holiday Inn Hangzhou Xiaoshan or similar
• Shanghai: Holiday Inn Shanghai Hongqiao West 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
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 8 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
Triple Share
Not available
Bedding Configuration
Twin or Double (subject to availability)
Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 40 per vehicle.
Optional Tours/Activities
• Beijing Day 2: The Golden Mask Dynasty 350 RMB
• Beijing Day 3: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner 300 RMB
• Zhengzhou Day 6 : Shaolin Kung Fu Experience with Lunch 550 RMB
• Suzhou Day 12: Grand Canal Cruise 220 RMB
• Shanghai Day 13: ERA and The Intersection of Time 390 RMB
• Shanghai Day 14: Half Day Shanghai Tour 240 RMB
• Shanghai Day 14: 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.
• Some tours or shore excursions 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 for land component
• Cruise gratuities of 150 RMB (approx $33 AUD) per person total for the Yangtze River cruise component
• 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:
20 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 we will always be able to do so.
Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings while 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 loading 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 requiring light walking, including 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 the 11-day land tour component. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour.
Cruise
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the cruise staff's services throughout this tour's cruise component. Gratuities are expected on your cruise and will be charged at 150 RMB total (approx. $33 AUD) per person for the entire 4-night cruise component of the tour. If you have any questions regarding the gratuities on your cruise, please speak to the guest services staff onboard the ship.
Please note: 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 visa application service centre, 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.
• 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.
You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.
To earn Qantas Points with Qantas Tours, Members will be required to provide a valid Frequent Flyer number and last name at checkout. Only the lead traveller, the primary contact for the booking, will earn 3 Qantas Points per AU$1 spent (including GST) on eligible holiday packages. Qantas Points will not be earned and cannot be redeemed on any amounts payable directly to the hotel. Conditions apply. Qantas Points will be credited to a member's account up to 8 weeks after tour completion. Qantas Points will not be earned on cancelled bookings.
In addition to the 3 Qantas Points per AU$1 spent, each Frequent Flyer member who enters their Qantas Frequent Flyer number into the booking will also earn Status Credits and Qantas Points on the flight component of the package. The amount you earn depends on your flights, the operating airline, fare class and member status. Find out how many Qantas Points you could earn on your next Qantas Tours flights with our online Points Calculator. Terms and conditions apply.
Points Plus Pay allows you to choose the number of Qantas Points you redeem above the minimum level of 4,000 and pay for the remainder of the booking value with an accepted payment method. TripADeal booking terms and conditions apply.