China Express - 6 days
Hide out in the Forbidden City, climb the Great Wall, bike ride along Xi’an’s medieval wall and encounter Emperor Qin’s Terracotta Army - the perfect introduction to the charms of China!
Trip Highlights
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Itinerary
The Forbidden City
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. This evening, we enjoy an eye boggling Chinese acrobatic performance. Swinging ropes, juggling hoops, spinning plates and human pyramids are just a few tricks these show stoppers pull out followed by a Welcome Dinner of Peking Duck at a city restaurant.
Overnight: Beijing | Breakfast, Dinner
Great Wall of China
After a free morning to further explore the city, we drive beyond Beijing to Badaling, to walk a section of the famous Great Wall. Built in the Ming Dynasty, a 6m wide pathway makes a formidable defence, following the highest contours of a steep range of hills. This evening we spend the night at our quaint hotel near Juyongguan Pass, which offers views of the Great Wall.
Overnight: Great Wall | Breakfast
Morning at the Great Wall
Beijing - Xi’an. We rise early this morning and head (5 min bus drive) to the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass when it opens to beat the crowds. We have time to enjoy and explore the wall before visiting a Jade Carving Centre to learn about this ornamental rock and its importance in Chinese culture. After lunch we head back to Beijing. Free time is offered in the cavernous Pearl Market - an Aladdin's Cave of souvenirs, handbags and gadgets in Beijing, before travelling by express soft sleeper train to Xi’an in Shaanxi Province.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast, Lunch
Wild Goose Pagoda & City Wall
We pull in to Xi'an in the morning - hotel check-in and time to freshen up. Today we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter before taking a casual bicycle ride on top of the nine mile Xi’an City Wall (no need to go the entire way around) perimeter peeking down upon the lively city beneath us. Tonight, join our optional Tang Dynasty add-on, which includes dinner and a traditional performance.
Overnight: Xi'an | Breakfast, Lunch
Terracotta Warriors
Thursday. This morning we discover the Terracotta Warrior archaeological site, where 7000 warriors stand battle ready and have done so for the past 2200 years. Later on we visit a clay workshop specialising in making replica figurines. Our tour comes to an end after today's sightseeing. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Please ensure your flight is booked to depart Xi’an after 6pm.
Breakfast, Lunch
Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 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.
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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.
Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven, Beijing
The Beijing Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven is an elegant and comfortable hotel with well-furnished and spacious rooms. Practical in design, the guestrooms feature internet access and the hotel also boasts a range of restaurants and bars, as well as an indoor swimming pool. Located just a 10 minute walk from the Temple of Heaven, the hotel is the perfect base from which to explore this fascinating city.
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan, Beijing
Located just a stones throw from the Beitucheng Subway station, with access to Line 10 & Line 8, the Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan is a perfect base to explore the many amazing highlights of Beijing. Within walking distance of the hotel you'll find the famous Birds Nest Olympic Stadium. The hotel boasts a stylish restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Wan Nian Grand Hotel, Xi'an
The Wan Nian Grand is a comfortable, friendly hotel with light and spacious guest 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. The hotel is located 4 kilometres from the railway station and 30 kilometres from the airport.
The tour was very well organized and packed in s lot in a short time. Absolutely brilliant! Phung was so calm, knowledgable and always aware of everyone's individual needs. A better guide you could not ask for. We also enjoyed Benny's passion and humor in Xi'an.”
Excellent Local Knowledge and friendliness”
Had a great time, I filled out one of these on paper too, but 10/10 would recommmened. ”
Fantastic trip , well planned, with enough flexibility to allow for everyone's different interests
Stephanie was absolutely fantastic ensuring everyone was catered for. Going above and beyond to ensure things ran smoothly . She was friendly , helpful and great fun. ”
Thanks to our guide Feng who did a lot of behind the scenes organizing and made it look easy. A very enjoyable and safe experience.”
Mandy was so amazing. I have never seen a guide so hard-working. She always made sure every guest was completely happy and went above and beyond to make our tour fantastic! Benny was also an amazing local guide and we enjoyed our time with him very much. Great at his job. Our driver in Beijing was also very good! ”
Mandy was so amazing. I have never seen a guide so hardworking. She always made sure every guest completely happy and went above and beyond to make our tour fantastic! Benny was also an amazing local guide and we enjoyed our time with him very much. ”
We had a fantastic trip with On the Go tours. This is the first tour we have ever done and it has been an amazing trip. It has shown me a a better way of visiting cultural countries. Plus meeting some new friends. Thank you for an amazing trip. ”
Stephanie is the perfect guide, very friendly, informative, fun, caring and handle different situations with professionalism. She has ensured we all had a wonderful time. ”
Hello, I have just returned home from the "China express" tour from 09/08/13 to 16/08/13 and had a wonderful time. I was travelling with my daughter Kate (5 months pregnant) and I just wanted to let you know the the tour guide Feng was absolutely wonderful. Nothing was too difficult for her and she went above and beyond the call of duty on many occasions. Feng assisted myself and my daughter greatly, it was very hot and humid and her concern for Kate was greatly appreciated. I think she should be recognised as an outstanding tour guide within your company and I will certainly be going on another ONTHEGO tour in the near future.
Well done and thank you very much, ”
In Brief
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The tour was very well organized and packed in s lot in a short time. Absolutely brilliant! Phung was so calm, knowledgable and always aware of everyone's individual needs. A better guide you could not ask for. We also enjoyed Benny's passion and humor in Xi'an.”
