11 Days China Tour from SYD/MEL $999 Per Person Twin Share ($555 Solo Surcharge) @ TripADeal

1431

An extra $111 for an extra day compared to the last 10 day tour post. Looks like the difference is Day 7, Longmen Ancient Town, is added. Price includes return flights, 9 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation, daily breakfast plus a traditional Peking Duck lunch and travel with local English-speaking tour guides. Keep in mind that this doesn't cover tips ($12pp per day), food and optional tours. Several Ozbargainers that have been on similar tours can probably input their experience. I'm thinking of doing this next year.

15 day fee free visa if you're going


Dates

  • 28th February
  • 1st March
  • 3rd March
  • 5th March
  • 6th March
  • 15th March
  • 3rd June
  • 8th June
  • 6th September
  • 8th September
  • 9th September
  • 11th September + $200 P/P (High season surcharge)
  • 15th October
  • 17th October
  • 18th October
  • 21st October
  • 22nd October
  • 24th October
  • 27th October
  • 31st October
  • 6th November
  • 7th November

Itinerary

Day 1 Australia (or New Zealand) – Beijing, China
Day 2 Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City (or Tiananmen Square & Temple of Heaven)
Day 3 Great Wall of China
Day 4 Beijing - Shanghai - Suzhou
Day 5 Suzhou - Wuxi
Day 6 Wuxi - Hangzhou
Day 7 Longmen Ancient Town
Day 8 Hangzhou - Shanghai
Day 9 Shanghai History Museum & Free Afternoon
Day 10 Shanghai, China – Australia (or New Zealand)
Day 11 Arrive Australia (or New Zealand)


Tour Inclusions

Explore Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai
Visit historic Tiananmen Square in Beijing
Step back in time to the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City or The Temple of Heaven (subject to availability)
Tick the Great Wall of China off your bucket list
Indulge in a delicious Peking Duck lunch experience
Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Hangzhou’s picturesque West Lake
Experience Longmen Ancient Town, famous for its unique Qing dynasty buildings
Visit Lihu Park, a serene oasis nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Lihu in Wuxi
Delve into history of China at the Shanghai History Museum
Explore the Lingering Garden and a silk spinning factory in Suzhou
Learn about Longjing Tea at Meijiawu Tea Village with tastings


Accommodation Used

4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)
• Beijing: Chunhuiyuan Resort or similar.
• Suzhou: Snowy Sea Hotel or similar.
• Wuxi: Mingdu Hotel or similar.
• Hangzhou: Fubang International Hotel or similar.
• Shanghai: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading 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.

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Comments

  • +3

    Worths the price

  • +19

    Visit historic Tiananmen Square in Beijing

    Did anything important happen there?

    • +23

      Yes

    • +2

      Just do a search for it on whatever search engine you have access to within China. If nothing pops up, search for 4 June instead.

      • To anyone who is going on a trip to China:
        After searching for the Tiananmen Square massacre, clear your browser history before your trip!

    • +2

      I'm Singaporean

    • +6

      You can tell the chinese nationals dont get the aussie sarcasm and immediately downvote. And no nothing to see here… hahah

      • -3

        They may get sarcasm (or not, doesn't matter), but may not like people unnecessarily trying to incite some anti-China sh it.

        We can criticise china, there are many reasons for that, but your explanation related to sarcasm is far fetching.

        • +4

          If you were chinese, make it clear you are not representing all Chinese…. June 4th is a national disgrace and will be reviewed in its due course….

          Disclaimer: i don’t represent anyone else

          • -1

            @Maxxjet: I'm not Chinese mate, just practicing some critical thinking…

            I'm not trying to represent them either. Just pointing out a flaw in the OPs logic (Chinese not understanding sarcasm thus downvoting argument)

            And yeah, 1989 and more… Disgraceful indeed.

      • +1

        Can't wait til we have bargain flights to Israel/USA/Russia/Burma/longlist etc back on the menu - not like they'll never be memed on or affordable amirite?

        At least you can say there's an element of ignorant tribalism with some folks.. but give em all shit equally where due I say.

    • Bring a piece of white A4 paper when visiting

    • I tried to look it up but my search engine tanked.

    • -1

      outdated mate, terrorist attack cause 35 killed and many more injured in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.
      only 1 hour driving from Guangzhou.

      • …terrorist attack…

        Really?

        Any evidence for this?

        • -1

          9News, BBC everywhere
          simply google "zhuhai", you got it as top news

          • @45678: It's the "terrorist" bit I am interested in - any evidence?

            • -1

              @jackspratt: Here's the definition of Terrorist: "a person who terrorizes or frightens others."
              From dictonary.com
              I respect everyone has their own definition.

  • Interesting price! I would like to know how we can join the optional activities and how meals are arranged if they are not included in the group package tour.

    • +9

      I assume they ask the day before for the tours. Dinners are probably pick your own place depending where you are at the time?

      • Beijing: The Golden Mask Dynasty - 380 RMB. ($81~)
      • Beijing: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner - 360 RMB. ($77~)
      • Suzhou: Grand Canal Cruise - 220 RMB. ($47~)
      • Shanghai: ERA and The Intersection of Time - 390 RMB. ($83~)
      • Shanghai: Half-Day Shanghai Tour - 240 RMB. ($51~)
      • Shanghai: Huangpu River Night Cruise - 280 RMB. ($60~)
      Please note:
      • Prices are based per person, are subject to change & availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified.
      • Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

      • Oh, thanks bro! The prices are quite a bit more expensive than the tours on Klook, but I think they might be safer?

        • How else are they making money?

          • +4

            @ATangk: taking you pearl/silk/jade factories where the prices are extremely priced up

          • +5

            @ATangk: You will spend half of the trip in the "factories"

        • +6

          You can DIY a few of them yourself if money is a concern.

          We essentially walked beside the canal for about an hour, then the bus picked a few of us up. Ditto the night cruise. We got a bite to eat alongside the river (about $20 for the two of us for a big takeaway meal), and just watched the city nightscape from the bank.

          Safety was never an issue for us. I thought it would be a mini police/military state. But only ever saw some army at Tiananmen Square. And there were a few police around the place, but nothing overbearing (much heavier police presence in the likes of London and Paris).

          • +1

            @mc85: Many people around you in plain clothes were the police.

            • +9

              @Jef Tino: Could well have been. But never felt threatened.

              But, for example, seeing armed squads of army just patrolling Paris felt far more intimidating than anything we personally experienced in our travels.

              Oh, forgot: every plane had one or two plain clothes sky marshals as well.

              • +10

                @mc85:

                seeing armed squads of army just patrolling Paris felt far more intimidating

                I agree.
                Having been both to places, China security staff aren't threatening like French police.

                • +1

                  @whyisave: This was our experience also. Chinese try to be inconspicuous. French aiming for deterrence so need to be conspicuous.

                • @whyisave:

                  threatening like French police.

                  How many interactions with police could you possibly have had in Paris? I can't remember noticing them in the 3 or 4 times I've been there.

            • @Jef Tino: Yep. In Tiananmen Square there were loads of uniformed police and soldiers but you could also tell that there were plenty of plain-clothed cops/operatives watching everyone and everything, they had a 'look' about them. Same at the Forbidden City and the main Beijing rail station. We stayed at a hotel about a 15 minute walk from that area and there were police on the corner of the road outside 24/7.

          • -3

            @mc85: All the cameras that watch you are the police (CCP)

          • +2

            @mc85: police in plain clothes

          • @mc85: Slightly different demographics in London & Paris…

      • The only one worth it was the grand canal for me. didn't do any of the others as there's heaps to see at night and around the towns

    • +18

      The guides ask you if you want to attend the optional activities the day before/confirm again the day of.

      There are very few included meals outside of breakfast. I think there was one included lunch on our tour (plus meals on the flights to/from Australia). Otherwise, you have opportunities for lunch every day. And for dinner you can either go to the hotel's restaurant, buy food from local shops, and some hotels have other restaurants and eateries nearby. You won't go without opportunities.

      The days are long. Good value though if you have the right mindset (It's a busy tour, not a relaxing break. The standard of everything is perfectly acceptable, but not lavish).

      • -1

        Thanks for the real review 🙏. Feel like triggering!!

        • -2

          Feel like triggering?! What on earth does that mean?

      • +2

        Tipping is compulsory for those China tour, how much did they ask?

        • +6

          It is mentioned on the trip information page so not a surprise but just added fees. To be fair, i think it should be included on the main post if not the title.
          It was A$12 pp per day when we went.

          It says tipping is not mandatory, but it is common practice in China. There are two lies in that statement. Tipping on the tour was mandatory and when we tried leaving a small tip at restaurants or taxi drivers, every single one refused to take it and some were offended.

          • @Save 50 Cent: tipping is not common in China, although can be common for some services, e.g. massages

          • +2

            @Save 50 Cent: I am not sure it is right to call it tips because it is actually the service fee for the local guide for the local tours. No tipping culture in China. A lot orders are via online which fee amount had been agreed and can’t be changed. If they ask for tips you can complain and there are bad bad consequences for them hence they wouldn’t want tips even if you offer just in case.

            and 99% of payments are via WeChat pay and China PayPal via mobile phone.

            I am a Chinese. I have ¥400 cash with me. Been 2 holidays visiting my family. ¥400 still in my wallet.

        • I lived in China for 3 years, tipping is not compulsory nor common.

      • +1

        The days are long. Good value though if you have the right mindset

        Sounds like work rather than a holiday to me.

  • +1

    what is the air line ?

    My younger sister went on a solo trip recently but return flights on Cathey pacific were more than this :D
    she had some how managed the trip with wechat pay and just ordering food by photos, I was so impressed lol.

    • +6

      In September we flew with China Eastern to/from Sydney (first to Xi'An - a slightly different itinerary on the terracotta warriors version, then back from Shanghai). All internal flights were also with China Eastern

      The hard product was basic - flying A330s. But the food and service was surprisingly good. Their English was basic, but they were very attentive. Good amount of food.

      • they give you pickles with the meal?

        • Not that I remember :).

    • Did she use Didi rideshare in Wechat app?

      • I think she used taxis from airport to/from hotel but not didi

  • So basically it's a 9 day tour

    • +4

      8

    • Yeah, but they all market like that, so you just need to be aware of it. This 11 day tour is truly one full day longer than a 10 day tour, is what I'm trying to say.

  • -7

    New overlord tour with a great price! I'm going to see President Xi instead of the new POTUS!

    • +1

      You will see winnie the pooh

      • -5

        I've bought many mugs with winnie prints on them, gifting to Mr Xi.

  • +1

    is it english speaking or chinese speaking tour? also is it a shopping tour (they take you to compulsory shopping places during the trip)?

    • +2

      Went on this a few years ago, english speaking tour guide; she was a bit of a conspiracy nut.

      We were taken to: Some very touristy market that was pretty nice, there was also a Jade place, An Oyster pearl place, a tea place, and a chinese "medicine" place. outside of those last 4 which were just trash bags, rest of the trip was sweet.

    • +1

      english and yes its compulsory but you dont need to buy anything though they will continue pestering you

  • +1

    anyone done this before can share their feedback? Thinking to go solo next Sep

    • +8

      I'm sure you can bunk up with a fellow Ozbargainer to save some money!

    • +4

      My folks did it and had a great time. They said there wasn't any "forced shopping" despite their initial concerns, but they did stop at a Chinese Medicine factory with a pushy sales team at the gift shop. Certainly didn't spoil their overall trip though.

      Trip A Deal tourists skew towards the retired demographic (60s/70s), not sure if that is an issue for you as a solo traveler.

      Beijing and Shanghai are easy enough places to navigate on your own as a tourist, but this Trip A Deal package is a great first taste of the country if you're happy letting someone else set your itinerary.

      • +1

        But while China is pretty easy as a tourist by yourself, you're really going to struggle to do this kind of itinerary for anywhere near the same price, as my understanding is that these tours are all partially subsidised by the government to bring in tourism.

        • +1

          I agree. At this price, this tour is really a no-brainer for anyone keen to visit China. Even with the solo surcharge.

      • Yes that’s true. Average age was 70yo but all lovely ppl.

    • Go in November 2025, for an OzB birthday trip :-)

  • +3

    For anyone who does go the "The Golden Mask Dynasty" play is a must see

    • The storyline is utter rubbish, lol.

      But oh my, the production values are incredible. Never thought I'd see something like that on a stage. A visual feast.

      • There was a story?

        • +4

          Somethingsomething good and evil somethingsomething lovestory somethingsomething WATER!

  • $90 a day is crazy cheap

    • +2

      If you don't being force to shoo

  • +2

    Is it possible to squeeze in a 4 year old kid with the parents?

    • +4

      Reply to myself from FAQ:
      Child Policy
      • Valid for travellers 18 years old and over only.

      • -3

        What a way to exclude families.

    • +5

      Welcome to children. You should have 3 so you can get the worst value everywhere.

      • +1

        Can confirm

  • lmao youre still looking at this deal haha. looks like they added another day

    also the peking duck experience is quite mid. you could go to a chinese bbq shop here and find that its better quality here. that being said, the other meals that come with it are good.

    there are also a handful of people that just forfeit the returning leg and staying to day 14 in Shanghai before heading back to Sydney

    • +1

      Can't pass up on a cheap tour to tick China off my list of countries visited ;)

    • This was the original deal before the 10 day came out

      • Oooh didn’t realise it. Was the extra day worth it?

    • Do they take you to the target shop and force you to shop over the certain amount?

  • +1

    If you visit, make use of the complimentary spa access on the first few days at Chunhuiyuan Resort. It's not advertised and most of us kept to our rooms or the restaurant but the spas are quite special and FOC

  • +5

    Just came back from China.

    Alipay is super useful as shopping is now almost paperless in China, make sure you set it up before you go;

    Nearly half of the apps in your mobile phone will not be functioning in China unless you are willing to pay for international roaming;

    There are many experienced dentists in China and the price is much lower than here, eg planting is about 4-600 dollars per tooth, book a quick check with a dentist can save you some money.

    • Any recommendations for dentists in China?

      • +1

        Ask the tour guide. They might be able to put you in touch with someone

    • +6

      Skip roaming and get a travelsim. I used travelkon in China a few months ago and everything worked fine, including Gmail and whatsapp.

      • google maps worked?

        • Yes it worked fine. But the quality isn't so good over there

          • @crentist: by quality, I assume you mean that google maps does not have as many features and not as information-rich as in other countries. Apple maps is the way to go from my understanding, sucks for android users

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