Embark on an extraordinary 14-night grand tour of China, beautifully designed to showcase the ultimate contrasts of this ancient land. Start your journey amidst the futuristic, neon-lit skyline of Shanghai before boarding a luxury vessel for a scenic 4-night cruise along the majestic Yangtze River. Continue through the cultural heart of Sichuan to meet the giant pandas in Chengdu, stand in awe before the ancient Terracotta Army in Xi’an, and conclude your epic journey walking the Great Wall in imperial Beijing.
Featuring round-trip flights from Los Angeles, a premium river cruise, and smooth high-speed rail connections, this is the ultimate, all-inclusive China experience.
Not Included: Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
You''ll take an international flight from the U.S. and land in Shanghai. Our local English-speaking tour guide will greet you at the airport and arrange private ground transfers to your hotel. Settle into your room and rest to beat jet lag. We''ll gather for a welcome dinner group meal this evening to kick off your China adventure.
After breakfast, join a guided city tour. Stroll the iconic Bund riverside promenade with sweeping skyline views blending historic European architecture and modern skyscrapers. Next, visit Yu Garden, a classical Ming Dynasty garden surrounded a bustling traditional market district. Then tour the Jade Buddha Temple, famous for two large jade Buddha statues imported from Myanmar. A group lunch at a local restaurant is included. After lunch, you''ll have free time for shopping and self-guided exploration. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Today we travel to Fengjing Ancient Water Town, one of Shanghai's most picturesque canal villages lined with classic black-and-white Hui-style houses and ancient stone bridges. Visit the local Wedding Museum to learn about traditional Shanghai marriage customs. Then tour the preserved site of a rural People's Commune that operated from 1958 to 1984. Take a relaxing gondola cruise along narrow canals to soak in peaceful riverside scenery. Both lunch and dinner are covered in your package today.
After breakfast, transfer to the train station and ride a high-speed train to Yichang. Upon arrival, head straight to the cruise terminal to check into your private cabin and board the Yangtze upstream cruise ship. Unwind as your multi-day river journey officially begins.
Wake up to stunning river valley scenery. Your ship sails through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. Feel free to relax on the open observation deck or join onboard leisure activities. All three daily meals are served onboard the ship.
Today's highlight is sailing through dramatic Wuxia Gorge, known for mist-shrouded mountain peaks and the legendary Twelve Fairy Peaks including Goddess Peak. In the afternoon, disembark for a shore excursion. We''ll board small boats to explore quiet natural gorges along Shennong Stream (Shennv Stream is an alternative if water levels restrict access). Return to the cruise ship to continue upstream sailing.
Cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet most imposing stretch of the Three Gorges. Later in the day, disembark to visit Shuanggui Mountain National Forest Park, home to lush woodland, ancient cultural relics and panoramic river overlook points. The ship will set sail again after your shore tour wraps up.
After breakfast, finish your cruise and disembark in Chongqing. Transfer to the train station and take a high-speed rail ride to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Check into your hotel upon arrival. Tonight's included dinner features authentic Sichuan hot pot, a world-famous regional cuisine with over 1,000 years of history.
After breakfast, visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, home to more than 80 giant pandas. Learn about global conservation efforts protecting China's beloved national treasure. A group lunch at a local restaurant is included. In the afternoon, stop by a neighborhood mahjong teahouse. Watch local residents play this classic Chinese table game and pick up beginner tips from regular players.
Board a high-speed train bound for Xi'an. A local English-speaking guide will meet you at the station after arrival. We''ll visit Xi'an Museum, located within the Small Wild Goose Pagoda scenic compound, to view precious artifacts recording the glorious history of ancient Chang''an. You''ll have free time to relax or explore independently late afternoon and evening.
After breakfast, visit Xingqing Park, a popular public green space where locals gather for traditional morning fitness routines. Next, tour the Terracotta Army Museum to view the famous bronze chariot and horse relics. Stop at a local craft gallery showcasing finely detailed terracotta replicas and polished lacquer furniture before enjoying an included local lunch. In the afternoon, explore the massive archaeological pits holding thousands of life-sized clay soldiers built to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum.
Transfer to Xi'an Airport for your flight to Beijing. A tour guide will meet you upon landing and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest or wander nearby neighborhoods at your own pace.
After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public city plazas. Then explore the Forbidden City, the imperial palace home to Ming and Qing emperors for centuries. : The Forbidden City enforces a strict daily visitor cap. If tickets sell out, we will substitute a full guided tour of the Temple of Heaven.
After breakfast, tour a jade culture museum to discover China's 4,000-year jade art and craftsmanship traditions. Then drive out to the Great Wall of China — the world-famous ancient military landmark stretching across northern mountain ranges. Optional Evening Add-On: Hutong Rickshaw Tour & Homestyle Local Dinner Disclaimer: This activity costs extra and must be paid locally on-site.
You will be transferred to Beijing International Airport to board your return international flight back to the United States.
Experience the grandeur of China’s most glorious era! Indulge in an exquisite 6-course Imperial dinner set to traditional Chang’an music, followed by a legendary cultural show featuring breathtaking ancient court dances and brilliant state-of-the-art staging.
Discover the harmony of nature and imperial history at the spectacular Summer Palace, a world-famous UNESCO garden of stunning lakes and historic temples. Next, head to the Beijing Zoo for a close-up look at China’s beloved giant pandas. Wrap up your afternoon with a wonderful lunch featuring authentic Beijing flavors.
Explore the hidden heart of old Beijing! Ride a traditional pedicab through the ancient Hutong alleys, and visit a local courtyard home for a warm, home-cooked dinner and cultural exchange. Conclude your tour in Shichahai, a gorgeous district of three historic lakes surrounded by traditional residences and scenic views.
We carefully select each hotel based on overall quality, location, service, and cleanliness. Hotels are subject to availability and may vary by departure date.
All travel packages we provide are customised travel combinations including flights, accommodation, ground transfers, sightseeing and other arranged services. Each booking is tailor-made based on your selected travel date, destination, cabin & room preferences and add-on tour services. No independent use of single component from the whole package is allowed.
Our website does not support online payment. All booking deposits and full payments will be coordinated with you via our official email after our customer service confirms your travel quotation. Please contact our team to arrange payment once you confirm your travel plan.
A non-refundable deposit equal to 10% of the total tour cost is required upon booking to secure your reservation. The full outstanding balance must be fully settled 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. If you make your booking less than 30 days before departure, full payment of the entire package price is due immediately at confirmation. Failure to complete payment by the stated deadline will result in automatic cancellation of your booking with deposit forfeited. Please contact our team via official email to arrange payment once you confirm your travel plan.
Please contact our customer service if you wish to request advance seat assignments. Some airlines do not support pre-seating, and seats will only be allocated upon airport check-in. Airlines reserve the right to adjust assigned seats. Pre-selected seats may be changed or cancelled due to schedule adjustments, equipment swaps or other operational reasons. Preferred paid seats must be purchased directly from the airline. If you modify your seat selection directly via the airline, such updates will not be reflected on our travel documents. The seats shown on your final travel documents are based on records in the airline’s reservation system at the time of document issuance.
Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares as well as some code-share flights are not eligible for mileage accrual. Not all published airfares are eligible for mileage.
We will record frequent flier numbers when provided by the passenger prior to travel documents being issued. However, the addition of frequent flier numbers to airline records does not guarantee mileage eligibility which is at the sole discretion of each airline. Airline schedule changes may result in flights which were originally eligible for mileage accrual no longer being eligible.
We highly recommend passengers to provide their frequent flier account information whenever checking in online and/or at the airport check-in desk. After travel has commenced, it is often not possible to apply for frequent mileage credit. Passengers are also responsible to determine whether previously earned mileage may be applied to flights to secure upgrades.
If you have a KTN number, you are normally able to join the TSA security line for expedited processing at the airport. Prior to check in, you should go online or call your airline and add your KTN number to your reservation record. In most cases, you will then see the letters “TSA PRE” printed on your boarding pass. If these letters are not printed, you will not be permitted on the TSA line. Please be aware that some airlines do not participate in the program and therefore even if there is a TSA line at the airport, you will not be given TSA PRE status. Sometimes you may not be selected by TSA (even if you entered a KTN number) and even a minor name discrepancy can result in TSA PRE being denied. It is your responsibility to register your KTN number with your airline and Portaltrip cannot be held responsible for denial of expedited security. Note: KTNs are issued by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) after completing a background check through TSA’s PreCheck® program. Global Entry members may also enjoy expedited customs processing.
Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately.
Missed connections and lost luggage are more common than ever. We strongly suggest you use your carry on bag for those necessities you would miss if your checked bags went astray. Items to consider, but not limited to, are prescription medicines, eyeglasses, a change of clothes, mobile phone and charger, valuables (including jewelry and cash), passport, keys, insurance cards, local contact information. Refer to the TSA website for a complete list of items and their sizes which may be carried on board. We also recommend you bring a change of clothes in your carry on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost.
All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg).
China – Intra-China flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person, and 11 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of carry-on luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, passengers may carry no more than two portable chargers with a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours (Wh) onboard. Each charger must bear the “CCC” mark (China Compulsory Certificate); chargers without this mark are not permitted. Chargers with a capacity between 100 and 160 Wh require airline approval. All electronic devices, as well as lithium or alkaline batteries, must be packed in carry-on baggage. Liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on baggage are subject to strict security screening requirements. Each liquid, gel, or aerosol must be in a container of 100 ml or less, and all containers must fit into one clear, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. Only one item per type of liquid, gel, or aerosol product is permitted in carry-on baggage. Containers larger than 100 ml are not permitted in carry-on baggage and must be packed in checked luggage.
High Speed trains in China – Due to limited storage space on high-speed trains in China, only one piece of luggage (44 lbs / 20 kg) and one carry-on per passenger is permitted onboard for personal belongings. At some train stations, passengers are required to load and unload their own luggage. Passengers may carry no more than two portable chargers with a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours (Wh) onboard. All electronic devices, as well as lithium or alkaline batteries, must be packed in carry-on baggage. Liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on baggage are subject to strict security screening requirements. Each liquid, gel, or aerosol must be in a container of 100 ml or less, and all containers must fit into one clear, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. Only one item per type of liquid, gel, or aerosol product is permitted in carry-on baggage. Containers larger than 100 ml are not permitted in carry-on baggage and must be packed in checked luggage.
Review the flight itinerary included in your documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” and e-ticket numbers. Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your name and 6-digit Record Locator or Flight Ticket Number at the airline’s website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. You may check-in online, even if you plan to check luggage at the airport. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter. Paper tickets will be provided in the rare instance when e-tickets cannot be issued.
Due to increased security measures, you should plan to check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time for international flights and two hours prior for domestic flights. Many airlines do not permit check-in less than one hour prior to the scheduled departure time. It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled flights. Enhanced security procedures, including passenger screening, canine inspection, and inspection of personal electronic devices, have been implemented for all flights into the United States, and therefore security procedures may take longer than normal.
If your flight itinerary displays a flight as “Operated By” another carrier, you should check-in at the desk of the “Operated By” airline. When you arrive at the airport, check the airport monitors for updated check-in desk listings. At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport required when traveling internationally) and your e-ticket itinerary/ticket numbers to the agent. Once you’ve checked in and received your boarding passes and luggage claim tickets, proceed directly to the security check. Security lines are often backed up and can take time to get through. Once you’ve completed security check, proceed directly to your gate and check the large electronic flight screens for your flight time and departure gate for schedule and gate changes. Airport desk clerks will assist with unexpected changes. Once you are in the gate area you can relax, shop or buy a snack before your flight.
Passengers connecting from another point within the USA should check their luggage through to their final destination. Although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. When you check your luggage, please verify where your luggage is being sent. When connecting between flights in major airports, you may need to pass through multiple security checkpoints. Therefore, we recommend that you proceed immediately to the gate area for your connecting flight to avoid any unexpected delays which may cause you to be late. Passengers returning to the USA may need to collect their luggage at the first airport of entry and recheck their luggage for their connecting flight.
In the event that you miss your flight which departs as scheduled, for any reason, your airline will consider you a “no-show” and may resell your seat(s) to other customers. This will also result in the cancellation of any later flights in your itinerary. Similarly, if you voluntarily decide not to use any of the flights on your itinerary, the airline will consider you a “no show” and cancel remaining flights on your itinerary. In this case, please contact your airline immediately for assistance in getting you to your destination. Missed flights are typically fully non-refundable and you may be required to purchase new flights from the airline at your own expense.
If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, it’s the airline’s responsibility to make alternate arrangements on your behalf. Portaltrip has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed.
If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form must be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. Any cost to retrieve luggage will be your responsibility and you should retain receipts to submit to your insurance provider. You may be required to return to an airport to retrieve your luggage personally.
There are many types of Chinese visas. Choose a visa type that applies to your situation. If you are planning to go on a vacation in China, apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa).
The following list of documents is required for any China visa application:
Along with the aforementioned generally required documents, several additional documents are required depending upon the type of China visa applied for. Check out the lists of required documents from the Chinese Embassy.
The applicant will submit the prepared materials to the embassy.
Starting in 2018, visa applicants from more and more countries (including the U.S., the UK, and Canada) have to make their visa application in person and have their fingerprints collected.
The fees vary enormously depending on your nationality and number of entries. Here we listed China visa prices for some countries for your reference. It may change based on the updated policies.
| Nationality | Number of Entries | Regular Application |
|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Single Entry, Double Entries, Multiple Entries for 6 Months, Multiple Entries for 1 Year & above | USD 140 |
| UK Citizens | — | GBP 64 |
| Canada Citizens | — | CAD 100 |
| Australian Citizens | — | AUD 95–185 |
Generally, it takes about four working days to process a visa application.
When to apply for a visa: It is usually recommended that you apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel.
China’s port visas are similar to the “visas on arrival” of some other countries.
Foreigners applying for port visas can either submit their applications in advance directly to the port visa authorities, or apply on-site upon arrival at Chinese ports.
To make the process smoother and avoid potential issues, it’s recommended that applicants submit their applications in advance to the port visa authorities in their intended destinations. This way, they can get preliminary approval before arriving at the ports to apply for visas.
Portaltrip is authorized to help you apply for the port visa (2+ travelers needed). You’re allowed to visit China for up to 30 days with just a US$100 visa service fee per person.
If your itinerary includes Tibet and Xinjiang, port visas are not applicable.
All visa applications cannot be guaranteed approval upon submission, as they are subject to final approval by the National Immigration Office. However, we have not yet received any disapprovals.
Both the original visa and a copy are needed when boarding your flight. Upon arrival, the immigration officer will take the copy, and when leaving China, they will collect the original.
Tipping is standard and widely expected for guided tours throughout China. We recommend a gratuity of $8 USD per guest, per day (equivalent to around 60 Chinese RMB). Though tipping is not legally required, it is a long-standing local custom to thank your tour guides, drivers, and supporting staff who deliver daily service during your trip.
You may pay tips in either US dollars or Chinese RMB directly to your local guide at the end of each destination segment. For most tour staff in China, gratuities make up a meaningful portion of their earnings.
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