Explore the Forbidden City, climb the Great Wall, bike a medieval fortress and tackle a Terracotta Warrior - the perfect introduction to the charms of China!
This morning, we explore the heart of Beijing, China's pulsating capital, including the vast Tiananmen Square where Chairman Mao’s tomb lies and various monuments to the people are located. Dominating the city centre is the Forbidden City, a centre of power for five centuries and seat of the emperors. Entering through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (replete with Chairman Mao’s portrait), we enjoy a guided tour of this old city within a city. Later we take an exciting rickshaw ride through the Hutongs of Beijing, weaving through old back lanes, traditional courtyards and compact houses, gaining a fascinating snapshot of the city’s traditional way of life. Tonight, we enjoy a delicious Peking Duck Welcome Dinner at a recommended city restaurant. Overnight - Beijing (B, D)
China Express - 7 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Don some comfortable shoes, today as we walk a section of the famous Great Wall. Zig zagging some 6000 kilometres, ducking and weaving through mountain peaks and lush terrain, climbing the Great Wall is one of those ‘must do’ experiences! Afterward we visit a cloisonne workshop, viewing the unique art of decorating copper with colourful enamel. Tonight, an eye boggling Chinese acrobatic performance. Swinging ropes, juggling hoops and human pyramids are just a few tricks these show stoppers pull out. Overnight - Beijing (B, L)
Beijing - Xi’an. Free morning, why not opt to take a walk through the local street market or head to Wangfujing Street for an alternative breakfast of stir fried scorpions or silk worms on a skewer? Later we visit the beautiful Emperor’s Summer Palace and drive past the 2008 Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre. Free time is offered in the cavernous Silk Alley Market, before travelling by express soft sleeper train to Xi’an in Shaanxi Province. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B)
We pull in to Xi'an in the morning - home to the Terracotta Warriors archaeological site. 7,000 Warriors stand battle ready and have done so for the past 2,200 years. Have a go at counting them! Later on we visit a clay workshop specialising in making replica figurines. Tonight, optional Tang Dynasty Bolt-on, with dinner and performance. Overnight - Xi'an (B, L)
Xi’an - Beijing. Early this morning opt for our Panda excursion to the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Centre a 2 hour drive from Xi’an. Later, we tour the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and take a casual bicycle ride on top of the 9 mile Xi’an City Wall (no need to go the entire way around) perimeter peeking down upon the lively city beneath us. Later, this evening we board the express soft sleeper train back to Beijing. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B, D)
Friday. Arrive Beijing and transfer to a nearby hotel for breakfast. Our tour concludes after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport. Please ensure that onward international flights are booked after 14:00pm. This will allow sufficient time for arriving into Beijing, breakfast, transfer to the airport and check in prior to your flight. Alternatively, extra nights accommodation are available should you require. (B)
Tang Dynasty Bolt-on
Don’t miss the colourful Tang Dynasty performance in Xi’an. A night of Chang’an music, dance and song fit for a Tang emperor!
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.
If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement.
China Express - 7 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Bolt-ons
Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.
The Tang Dynasty Show is a performance of Chang’an music and dance that originated during the time of the illustrious Tang Dynasty. Colourfully choreographed according to various historical records of the ancient arts with a host of singing, dancing and musical instrument playing performers, coupled with simple backdrops and props, this is entertainment that was once fit for a Tang emperor!
Join us on an excursion to see China's beloved mascot - the Giant Panda, at the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Centre, located at the foot of the Qingling Mountain range in Louguantai Forest Park north west of Xi’an. Originally established as Louguantai wild animal breeding and protection centre, it was the first dedicated crested ibis breeding centre in China. Later it became a shelter for ill or injured Giant Pandas in the region.
Datong is an ancient cultural city dating back more than 2,000 years, the region’s biggest attraction is the UNESCO-listed Yungang Caves. Built more than 1,500 years ago, the 53 caves are a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art comprising a fine collection of carved-sandstone Buddhist figures. The ‘Hanging Temple’ also located outside of Datong was constructed some 1,500 years on a precipitous rockface. Literally hugging the cliff, the temple is a total spectacle.
Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
Shop til you drop and experience a myriad of different sights, sounds and souvenirs in bustling bazaars around the world. Soak up the atmosphere in the souks of Marrakech, barter for bargains at the ginormous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or lose yourself in Beijing's Silk Alley Markets. Visit the old covered market in Damascus or get some great souvenirs in Otavalo the handicraft market in Ecuador.
The discovery of despotic Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s army of 2,200-year-old terracotta warriors occurred in 1974 when local farmers digging a well stumbled upon the site. Qin (a man heavily pre-occupied by death and his legacy) enlisted 700,000 people over some 36 years to create his tomb and had the warriors made in order to be buried near him to protect him in the afterlife. His burial complex is also said to contain 48 tombs for his concubines who were buried alive with the emperor upon his death, a fate also reserved for workers, to prevent the location and design of the tomb from becoming public knowledge.
Some say it can be seen from space, but unless you’re a top gun at NASA, perhaps you’ll never know. Instead, experience the real deal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World and an enduring symbol of Chinese civilisation and genius, the UNESCO protected Great Wall of China was built as a defensive structure to protect China against marauding invaders from the north.
Highlights & Inclusions
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
BEIJING - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, UNESCO listed Emperor's Summer Palace, Silk Alley markets, Cloisonne Factory, Hutong area of Beijing and Chinese Acrobatic Show
XI'AN - UNESCO listed Terracotta Warriors, Clay warrior workshop, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall and bike ride.
BADALING - UNESCO listed Great Wall of China
What's Included
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners including a traditional Chinese dinner in Beijing
2 overnight trains (soft sleeper cabin)
Rickshaw ride through Beijings Hutongs
Airport arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 7
Tour Guide escorted for groups of 6 or more
All relevant transfers and transportation in private A/C vehicles
4 nights 3-4 star hotels
Chinese acrobatic performance
Xi’an - bike ride on medieval City Wall
Touring of Beijing, Badaling and Xi'an
English speaking specialist guides at local sights
What's Not Included
International flights and visa
Entrance Fees: $60 USD
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3 - 5 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: $40 USD
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary.
Rainbow Hotel - Beijing
The Rainbow is a contemporary hotel accented by the colours of traditional Chinese folk art culture. The spacious guestrooms display character of the Ming and Qing dynasties with beautiful wooden furniture whilst providing modern amenities fit for international travellers. The hotel also has a restaurant, cafe and bar.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Wan Nian Grand Hotel - Xi'an
The Wan Nian Grand is a comfortable, friendly hotel with light, good sized rooms. Elegantly decorated, the rooms also boast modern amenities and the hotel has a wealth of facilities including an indoor pool and sauna house, a cafe and bar, and well-equipped business centre.
Our Rating : Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
China Express - 7 days
Very well organized tour! Betty was an excellent guide, friendly, helpful and informative. Thank you for a wonderful trip!
Kreshantha Pillay,
China Express - 7 days
The best tour ever !Feng was a great guide. I would definitely use On The Go again!
Melisa Walker,
China Express - 7 days
Definitely excellent value for money! Both guides were very helpful, friendly and knew what they were talking about.
Joseph Sepuya,
China Express - 7 days
We really enjoyed our "on the go" tour, we learnt a lot about the history of China and the tour guides were extremely informative. We would highly recommend this tour to family and friends!
Marcia Tilman,
China Express - 7 days
Just wanted to say thanks again for a great trip. China really did surprise me, I knew the history would be amazing, but what I didn’t count on was how clean the streets are, how happy and friendly the people seem and the beautiful countryside. Of course the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City etc were amazing and I would love to go back and walk other parts of the wall. I believe there is a marathon along the wall – yeah right!!!
Mandy was fantastic, the best tour guide I’ve ever had even on the big Europe Tours and her organisation skills were incredible. I will definitely be recommending On The Go Tours.
Kelda Cawood,
China Express - 7 days
Betty-where do I start?! What a absolutely wonderful guide! I believe that she went over and above her job description.We had loads of trouble with our phone to contact home and without her help we could not done.Thanks Betty!
Narelle Cameron,
China Express - 7 days
Our guide, Betty was very attentive ,informative and made the tour a wonderful experience. I would certainly travel with on the go again and recommend to my friends and relatives.
Caroline Smith,
China Express - 7 days
I was blown away by China and on the go. This is the first time I have done a group tour and I was a little worried but for nothing it turned out. The rest of the group were great and it was a nice change to have everything organised. Thanks for a great trip.
