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Peregrine Travel Centre

North China Getaway

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North China Getaway

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Description

Start from Beijing and finish in Shanghai on a nine-day adventure through some of China’s big-name sites. Hike the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – then wander Beijing’s hutongs with your local leader and travel on a sleeper train to Xi’an. See the 2000-year-old Terracotta Warriors, explore the Muslim Quarter and use your free time to cycle the ancient City Walls, chase local eats or follow your leader’s tips. Continue to Shanghai, where you can wander along the Bund and old laneways, admire art deco buildings and neon skylines and toast to your adventure at buzzy rooftop bars. With plenty of free time, there’s also leeway to make this trip your own.

Trip Name
North China Getaway
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Walk along Beijing’s narrow hutongs that date back to the Yuan Dynasty, then stretch your legs further on the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Get lost in the streets of Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter and visit the Terracotta Warriors, where soldiers, horses and chariots have guarded Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb for over 2000 years.
  • See the contrast of China from the last century, with its art deco influence and the skyscrapers of the past 30 years, as you walk along the Bund in Shanghai.
  • Take overnight trains to maximise time in each destination – get to know your fellow travellers over a game of cards and get a real sense of the vastness of the country.
  • Savour authentic Chinese cuisine throughout your trip as you dig into duck dishes, hotpot and countless servings of noodles and dumplings – travelling with a local also means getting an insight into the best local eats.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., PASSPORTS USED FOR ENTRY TO TOURISM SITES AND TRAIN STATIONS International visitors will have their passport scanned upon entry to tourism sites and at train stations in China. The passport acts as an entrance ticket and it takes 1-2mins for scanning and entry. This means that it can take 20-30mins for our groups to enter some locations, depending on group size and processing capacity in each location. Chinese nationals have their ID cards scanned at these locations and these are processed instantly.

Day 1 - Beijing
Nimen hao! Welcome to China! Your adventure begins in Beijing – the capital of the fastest developing countries on earth, this food-centric city is packed with ancient sites and modern architecture. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. After, settle into your hotel, then maybe head out for dinner with your new travel crew. Your local leader will have a couple of great recommendations, from hand-pulled noodles to something spicy.
Day 2 - Beijing
This morning, set out and explore Beijing’s hutongs with your leader. Hutongs are the traditional neighbourhoods of old Beijing, dating back to the Mongolian empire of Yuan Dynasty. Now they are vibrant with local life, making this a great chance to learn a little about the Beijing of the past. Then, enjoy the rest of the day free. You may wish to visit Forbidden City and Tian’amen Square if you’ve prebooked. Or, maybe visit the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace or check out the Beijing Olympic venue.
Day 3 - Beijing
Today, you’ll tick one of the Seven Wonders of the World off your bucket list– the Great Wall of China, of course. Take a public coach bus to the Mutianyu section of the Wall and spend some time exploring, taking photos and learning the history of this mighty site. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km (3728 mi) west from Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from invaders from the north and continues to be one of the country’s most remarkable achievements. The Mutianyu section is one of the best-preserved and has a high density of watch towers dotted along the wall. There’s also the option to ride a toboggan down the nearby hills if you’re after a bit of a thrill! Get back to Beijing in the afternoon and get ready for your overnight train this evening.
Day 4 - Xi'an
Arrive in Xi’an – the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China. Head to the hotel to leave your luggage, then head out on a leader-led walking tour to the Muslim Quarter, with its narrow streets of shops and lively food markets and is a window into the daily life of Chinese Muslims. After, enjoy the rest of the day free. You can choose to visit the Bell Tower, which according to legend, was built to restrain dragons causing earthquakes, or the Drum Tower, full of instruments once used to mark time and warn the population of emergencies. Xi’an’s Silk Road history has shaped its food scene, so tonight is a good chance to follow your leader’s advice and try a few local specialties.
Day 5 - Xi'an
This morning, make the journey by public transport to the acclaimed Terracotta Warriors. Spend a few hours at this incredible archaeological find, buried for 2000 years before being discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the Emperor Qin Shi Huang as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Three main pits are open for viewing, where just under 2000 of the total 6000 warriors – each an individual with a different costume, height and even facial expression – are on display. Return to Xi’an in the afternoon. You may wish to explore the 13 km-long (8 mi) City Walls and attached Gates – you can rent a bike and cycle the whole circle of the City Wall. Or, take a walk outside the City Wall in the park where the locals go about their daily exercises. This evening, maybe head out to the Tang Paradise street that’s illuminated beautifully at twilight.
Day 6 - Xi'an
Enjoy a free morning in Xi’an before your mid-afternoon overnight train to Shanghai. Perhaps revisit the Muslim Quarter, pick up local snacks for the train or follow your leader’s tips for a final local lunch.
Day 7 - Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai early this morning, then take the subway with the locals to your accommodation. Settle in, then venture out with your leader to get a taste of the city on a walking tour along the Bund – a strip of spectacular Art Deco buildings. Wander the nongtangs (narrow, winding lanes) of Old Shanghai, getting a peek at daily life. When night falls, why not get together with a few of your travel pals for a taste of Shanghai’s eclectic food scene.
Day 8 - Shanghai
Today, continue your free time in Shanghai, heading wherever the spirit moves you. Maybe check out Yuyuan Garden and the old bazaar, or head to the Pudong area and go up Shanghai Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city. Perhaps you’ll get a fresh perspective on the city’s blend of 21st-century architecture and traditional character during a night cruise on the Huangpu River. If you wish, find a cafe in the French Concession, browse local shops or return to the Bund at sunset. Later, maybe head to one of the city’s rooftop bars to celebrate your journey.
Day 9 - Shanghai
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Shanghai further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Day 10 - Hongcun
Jump on a public bus and travel to the picturesque villages of the Huizhou region. A number of these villages are now World Heritage-listed, and you may recognise the ramshackle, ornate buildings from the film ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. Arrive in Hongcun, check into your village guesthouse and then set out on a guided tour of cobbled alleys and Ming Dynasty architecture. After this short walk, you have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to spend as you wish. You might like to clamber up into the hillsides for panoramic views over the traditional settlements. Or, maybe you'd prefer to explore the surrounding villages on two wheels. Your group leader will have all the information on bicycle hire and other optional activities.
Day 11 - Shanghai
Bid farewell to the glorious countryside and make the journey back to Shanghai by bullet train. You’ll arrive back in the mid-afternoon, and if there’s time, consider booking into a traditional tea ceremony to learn how important this drink is to Chinese culture. Tonight is cause for celebration, so why not gather with your travel crew and go all out at one of Shanghai’s great restaurants – ask your local leader for recommendations. If you haven't already, tonight is the perfect chance to try the city's famous xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings).
Day 12 - Shanghai
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with your accommodation’s internal check-out policies. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to stop here! If you’d like to spend more time in Shanghai, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 1,696-
19-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 1,717-
16-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 2,190-
14-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 2,290-
25-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 1,980-
20-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 1,395-
10-04-202718-04-2027AUD $ 1,450-
16-04-202724-04-2027AUD $ 1,450-
13-05-202721-05-2027AUD $ 1,450-
18-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 1,395-
10-07-202718-07-2027AUD $ 1,395-
07-08-202715-08-2027AUD $ 1,395-
21-08-202729-08-2027AUD $ 1,395-
10-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 1,395-
17-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 1,450-
15-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 1,450-
23-10-202731-10-2027AUD $ 1,450-
13-11-202721-11-2027AUD $ 1,395-
25-12-202702-01-2028AUD $ 1,395-
18-03-202826-03-2028AUD $ 1,465-
08-04-202816-04-2028AUD $ 1,520-
14-04-202822-04-2028AUD $ 1,520-
11-05-202819-05-2028AUD $ 1,520-
16-06-202824-06-2028AUD $ 1,465-
08-07-202816-07-2028AUD $ 1,465-
05-08-202813-08-2028AUD $ 1,465-
19-08-202827-08-2028AUD $ 1,465-
08-09-202816-09-2028AUD $ 1,520-
15-09-202823-09-2028AUD $ 1,520-
13-10-202821-10-2028AUD $ 1,520-
21-10-202829-10-2028AUD $ 1,520-
11-11-202819-11-2028AUD $ 1,465-
23-12-202831-12-2028AUD $ 1,465-

Accommodation

Basic Hotel (6 nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (2 nights)

Transport

Overnight Sleeper Train, Public Bus, Subway, Taxi

Map

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