Tour Summary
- Package includes:
Xian & Beijing - Duration:
10 Days, 9 Nights - Priced (in USD$) from:
USD $4,810*
(2 or more, dbl occupancy)
USD $5,368*
(2 or more, sgl occupancy)
USD $6,281*
(1 person, sgl occupancy)
Other Tours
- Essence of China Tour
$2,999*10 Days,
9 Nights from: - Heart of China - Volunteer Tour
$3,912*10 Days,
9 Nights from: - China Signature Tour
$5,363*10 Days,
9 Nights from:
10 Days / 9 Nights
China Explorer Tour
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Tour Summary
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Tour Package Details
Designed for the history buffs who want to gain a deeper level of understanding of China's legendary cultural and political history.
10-Day Itinerary
Depart from the U.S.
Fly Cathay Pacific from the U.S. to Hong Kong. Aboard, enjoy a choice of delectable Asian or Western cuisine, nonstop on-demand entertainment and our signature "service straight from the heart" hospitality.
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Arrive in Xian [D]
After a comfortable flight, you'll arrive at our home, Hong Kong. Transit to Xian* where you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the Tang-paradise Hotel.
*Please note, flights from SFO and LAX require an extended transit time in Hong Kong. Use of
The Traveler's Lounge will be arranged.
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Forest of Stone Steles Museum & Xian Museum [B,L,D]
Explore ancient calligraphy of China's most famous scholars at the Forest of Stone Steles
Museum. Enjoy an introductory course on Chinese calligraphy and etching.
After lunch, visit Xian Museum and you will have the rare opportunity to examine artifacts thousands of years old.
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Shaanxi History Museum [B,L,D]
Learn about Chinese history, specifically Qin, Han and Tang Dynasty.
In the afternoon, visit Shaanxi History Museum and marvel at the national treasures of the ancient Chinese people.
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Terracotta Museum & Shaanxi Archaeological Research Institute [B,L,D]
Explore the Terracotta Museum and see the buried treasures that took 38 years to complete.
Private tour at the Shaanxi Archaeological Research Institute.
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Cuihua Mount National Geological Park & Fan Zhou Chinese Painting Museum [B,L,D]
Travel to Cuihua Mount National Geological Park for mountain climbing and beautiful scenery.
Learn Chinese painting at the Fan Zhou Chinese Painting Museum.
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Hanyangling Museum & arrive in Beijing [B,L,D]
Morning visit to Hanyangling Museum where you will explore the cultural relics from the tombs of Emperor Liu Qi and his empress, Empress Wang.
Fly to Beijing in the afternoon and transfer to Haoyuan Hotel.
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Beijing Tour [B,L,D]
Visit Beijing's most famous sights - Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Beijing Imperial Palace. VIP tour of the Double Glory Palace and Shu Fang Zhai. Enjoy a stroll at the Temple of Heaven.
End the afternoon with a lesson in Tai Chi, an exercise combining breathing and slow movements.
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Hutong & The Great Wall [B,L,D]
Visit Hutong, traditional courtyard homes, and see how local Beijing residents live. Meet a famous calligrapher in the Hutong area.
In the afternoon, visit the Great Wall. The Great Wall is China's most famous site and stretches over 3,700 miles.
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National Museum of China [B,L,D]
Learn about Chinese history, specifically Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasty.
Afternoon visit to the National Museum of China.
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Return to Hong Kong [B]
Depart from Beijing and fly Cathay Pacific from the Hong Kong to the U.S.
[B] Breakfast at hotel, [L] Lunch outside of hotel at designated local restaurant, [D] Dinner outside of hotel at designated local restaurant.
Note: Price listed includes Economy Class travel in "L" fare class.
During peak seasons, the "L" fare class may not be available on your desired dates. There may be instances where you are required to purchase the next higher up fare class. Our tour sales staff will advise you of any surcharge at time of booking.
When planning your trip, be sure to have alternate travel dates planned so that our tour sales team can better assist you.
Tour Highlights
On board, you'll experience a world that revolves around you. Our new cabin offers fully flat beds in Business Class and fixed back shell seats in Economy Class that ensures no one intrudes on your personal space.
A choice of delectable Asian or Western cuisine will be offered along with a selection of complimentary wines and beverages. And, our widescreen personal TV with enhanced Audio Video On Demand gives you total control over hundreds of movies, TV shows, CDs and games.
Xian
Forest of Stone Steles Museum
In Xian's Confucius Temple, the Forest of Stone Steles Museum holds nearly 3000 steles that contain the original calligraphies of China's most famous scholars. Inside, you'll explore 900 years of history with steles that date back from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty.
Forest of Stone Steles Museum Hands on Instruction
On this tour of the Forest of Stone Steles Museum, the staff will host a VIP class where you'll learn to make inscriptions of a pre-selected stele.
Chinese Calligraphy
Originating in China, the East Asian tradition of calligraphy has evolved into a widely respected art form and an essential element of Chinese culture. Here, we invite you learn the art of Chinese calligraphy from famous, local calligraphers.
Terracotta Tour
Silently standing guard for over 2 millennia, the life-size army of Xian's Terracotta warriors and horses is the most significant archeological excavation of the 20th century.
The construction of this mausoleum began in 246 BC, when Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, ascended the throne. In 1974, local farmers near the Xian, Shaanxi province discovered the terracotta figures.
Xian Museum
China's first national museum equipped with modern facilities, the Xian Museum holds a collection of 2,000 historical relics in the Xian City during the ancient dynasties.
Along side the museum, is the Small Goose Pagoda and Jianfu Temple which was built during the Tang Dynasty. Since its opening, this museum has become a favorite of local residents to learn Xian's history and enjoy the fantastic scenery that found throughout the complex.
Municipal Institute Archeological Research
With the guidance of a museum expert, you'll take a journey through time as you experience this once in a lifetime opportunity to examine 1000 year old artifacts and uncover the history and significance behind each historical piece.
Shaanxi History Museum
Take an illuminating stroll through ancient Xian where you'll uncover an impressive display of Shang and Western Zhou dynasty bronze tripods, Qin burial objects, bronze arrows and crossbows and four original terracotta warrior statues. The Shaanxi History Museum is often touted as one China's best museums.
Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeological Research
Through this VIP visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeological Research, you'll meet the team of Chinese and German scientist who work to restore the newly excavated relics within the Xian province.
Under high government security, this building is closed to the public.
Shaanxi History and Museum - Mural Room
In this VIP tour to the National Treasure Vault, you'll have the unique opportunity to view the mural paintings from the Tang Dynasty tombs. Here, you'll get a glimpse into China's past through a pictorial display depicting daily pastimes including the introduction of the time-honored game of Polo.
Cuihua Mount National Geological Park
Cuihua Mount National Geological Parks is one of the first 11 geo-parks in China. Located at the foot of the Zhongnan Mountain Range, Chuihua Mountain is best known for its uniquely shaped peaks and variety of immense caves.
Accompanying the spectacular views of Cuihau Mountain are crystal clear lakes and the Huai blossoms that sweeten the scent of the fresh mountain air each May.
Fan Zhou Chinese Painting Museum
Located just along the heaven lake of the Cuihua Mountain National Geo Park, the Fan Zhou Chinese Painting Museum exhibits a collection of modern art from artists throughout China and abroad.
The hall is equipped with state-of-the-art multi-media presentations to educate museum goers on the bios of the artist and their works on display.
Hanyangling Museum
Built in 153 AD, Hanyangling is the Mausoleum for Liu Qi, the fourth Emperor of the Western Han Dynasty, and his Empress.
A magnificent and abundant relics site, the Mausoleum comprises the tombs of the Emperor and Empress, burial pits, ceremonial sites, human sacrifice graveyards and criminals' cemetery. True to the strict hierarchical social structure at that time, the Mausoleum is neatly arranged with the Emperor's tomb located at the center.
Beijing
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was home to 24 different Chinese emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties and the main stage for five centuries of royal intrigue, drama and scandal.
Today, it is the best-preserved collection of ancient architecture with 800 buildings spanning 720,000 sq meters.
Beijing Imperial Palace - Palace of Double Glory (Chonghua gong)
The Palace of Double Glory (Chonghua gong) is located in a section of the palace known as the Western Road. In 1727, the Yongzheng Emperor built this palace for his heir, the Qianlong Emperor. After Qianglong ascended the thone, he moved away, but continued to use the palace as a private meeting place for his friends and ministers.
Every New Year's day, the Emperor would host an annual tea party where grand secretaries, palace ministers and members of the Imperial Academy accompanied Qianlong to drink tea and write poetry.
With much of the furniture and building's arrangement still intact since Qianlong's reign, you will experience an exclusive glimpse into the day to day lives of China's royalty.
Beijing Imperial Palace - Shu Fang Zhai
While the Shu Fang Zhai has never been opened to the public, it has served as a reception area for Heads of State and visiting dignitaries. On this VIP tour, you'll also have the unique opportunity to view the two stages where the Imperial family would host operas for celebratory banquets or treat specially invited officials with the tea of three purities during the first Lunar month.
Most of the furniture you'll see inside date back to the Qing Dynasty.
Tiananmen Square
At the heart of Beijing is the world's largest public square, Tiananmen Square.
On a clear day, the views at this historical square can be breathtaking with kites soaring through the sky and tourist huddling together for quintessential photo opportunity with the great helmsman's portrait.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty for Emperors to worship Heaven and to solemnly pray for good harvest. True to its sacred purpose, the Temple of Heaven was designed to reflect the mystical cosmological laws believed to be rooted in workings of the universe.
Tai Chi
Combining the elements of Yin and Yang, Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art often practiced for health reasons. Using the mind the breath together, Tai Chi exercises the art of perfect control ultimately directing an internal power towards external movements.
Hutong Tour
The ancient city alleyways and traditional courtyard homes that make up the Hutongs are unique only to Beijing.
In a city that continually morphs towards modernization, the hutongs represent an important element of Old Beijing that is rich in culture and history.
National Museum of China
Under the direction of the Ministry of Culture of the PRC, the National Museum of China serves to educate people on the art and history of China.
The museum's collection includes over 620,000 culture items and has on display, rare and precious Chinese artifacts that cannot be found elsewhere.
The Great Wall
Spanning 3,700 miles across China, The Great Wall is a genuine masterpiece of engineering and architecture.
This impressive brick and earth structure dates back to the Ming dynasty, when the wall was built to defend against Mongol forces to the North. The Great Wall stands 26 feet tall and 23 feet wide at the base.
Tang Paradise Hotel, Xian
Tang Paradise HotelNo. 99 Fu Rong Road, Qujing, Xian, China
The Tang Paradise Hotel is located just south of Xian, beside the beautiful Furong Lake. The hotel has a unique royal garden characteristics. Inheriting the traditional culture of the Tang Dynasty, the staff of Tang Dynasty Hotel offers guests high-quality service and a royal experience.
Beijing Hao Yuan Hotel
Beijing Hao Yuan HotelNo. 53 Shijia Hutong, Dengshi East, Beijing, China 100010
Located right in the heart of the Beijing Hutongs, the Beijing Hao Yuan Hotel was built during the Qing Dynasty. Each room features classic Chinese furniture and access to shared courtyard with beautifully manicured plants and flowers.
We invite you to extend your vacation in vibrant Hong Kong, home of Cathay Pacific. Stay at any of following hotels and receive a complimentary half day group tour (see below) with all hotel extensions.
Hotel Extension Options
The Excelsior, Hong Kong
The Excelsior281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
The Excelsior hotel is one of the island's most famous hotels for travelers looking to explore the energetic entertainment and shopping areas of Causeway Bay. Just ten minutes from Central, Hong Kong's business district, we have a prime location overlooking Victoria Harbor and rooms with spectacular views.
The Kowloon Hotel
The Kowloon Hotel19-21 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
The Kowloon Hotel lies at the center of Nathan Road's "Golden Mile" shopping paradise. Within a few city blocks, guests enjoy easy access to the greatest harbor view in the world, shops, restaurants, the Star Ferry and the Hong Kong Cultural Center.
Novotel Hong Kong Nathan Road
Novotel Nathan Road348 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Novotel Hong Kong Nathan Road Kowloon is centrally located on the main thoroughfare of Kowloon, also known as the golden mile.
Nathan Road is lined with restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, with many major tourist attractions including the Avenue of Stars, Clock Tower, Museum of HK History and the Space Museum all close by. The famous Jade Market and Temple Street night markets are an easy walk away.
The Park Lane Hong Kong
The Park Lane 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
The Park Lane Hong Kong is a luxurious, first-class hotel situated right in the heart of vibrant Causeway Bay, with spectacular views of Victoria Park, Hong Kong's largest park, and the famous Hong Kong harbor.
Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Kowloon Shangri-La64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong
The award-winning Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, known for its legendary warm and friendly hospitality, is conveniently situated in the Tsim Sha Tsui East shopping and entertainment district overlooking the world famous Victoria Harbour.
All rooms of this Kowloon hotel are amongst the most spacious in town, offer the ultimate in luxurious comfort and feature a floor-to-ceiling bay window commanding breathtaking harbor views or exciting city vistas.
Intercontinental Hong Kong
Intercontinental18 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Internationally acclaimed as one of the world's top hotels for business and leisure, InterContinental Hong Kong, with its unique and convenient Kowloon waterfront location, offers unrivalled views of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island, and unparalleled service and facilities.
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Island Shangri-LaPacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong
The Island Shangri-La, a welcoming luxury retreat in the heart of the city, soars 56 floors above Hong Kong's most prestigious shopping, cultural and business addresses, with memorable views of the Peak and Victoria Harbor.
Half Day Hong Kong Tour
All Hong Kong Extension Hotels include a free half day Hong Kong sightseeing tour. Simply request it with our Cathay Pacific reservations team.
Sandy beach of Repulse BayBegin the tour at the popular Victoria Peak, where stunning views of Hong Kong's skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbor and peaceful green hillsides await you. Afterwards, take a sampan (water taxi) ride at Aberdeen harbor, home to traditional fishermen living on fishing junks.
Visit the world's largest floating restaurant and elaborately decorated Jumbo. Afterwards, visit a local jewelry workshop for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmen at work.
End the tour with a casual stroll at Repulse Bay, known for its crescent-shaped beach and browse through designer shops before you are dropped back off at the hotel.
Duration of the tour:
Approx. 4 1/2 hours - 5 hours
Pick-up point/time:
Hong Kong side - Park Lane Hotel lobby at 9:30 am (310 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong)
Kowloon Side - Kowloon Hotel lobby at 9:00 am (19-21 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong)
Note: Guests are responsible for their own transportation to/from their hotel to pick-up location. This tour is a group tour and may involve other parties.
Premier Tour Package Comparison
| China Signature Tour | China Explorer Tour | Heart of China Volunteer Tour | Essence of China Tour | |||
| 10 Days, 9 Nights From $5,464 |
10 Days, 9 Nights From $4,810 |
10 Days, 9 Nights From $4,013 |
10 Days, 9 Nights From $2,999 |
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World Expo Shanghai | |
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Pudacuo National Park | - | - | |
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Terms & Conditions
Pricing
- Prices are per person and quoted in U.S. dollars. Price includes all air transportation (includes taxes and fuel surcharges), land transportation, hotel accommodations, sightseeing, admissions, meals (as listed in itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner, meals will be provided at designated local restaurants), tour guides services and travel insurance.
Hotel Accommodations
- The accommodations listed with the tours are intended to be used with each tour. If changes become necessary for any reason, the accommodations substituted will be equivalent in standard to those shown. Unless requested otherwise, a non-smoking room will be requested on your behalf.
Tickets and Payments
- To ensure air and hotel availability, we suggest you book your trip as far in advance as possible and at least 60 days in advance.
- A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required at time of booking confirmation. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure date. If Cathay Pacific does not receive final payment by this date, Cathay Pacific reserves the right to cancel the reservations without notice.
- Reservations must be made 60 days prior to departure. For reservations made less than 60 days before departure, payment in full is required upon booking confirmation.
- A copy of each traveler's valid passport will be required by our tour sales staff at time of booking.
Change Fees
- For changes made beyond 60 days, a change fee of $200 per occurrence will be charged for any alteration or revision made (i.e.: name change, travel date change) to a reservation once the deposit is paid.
- For changes made within 60 days of departure date, the booking will be treated as a cancellation and the cancellation policy applies. Please refer to Cancellation Fees #1 outlined below.
- Cathay Pacific promises to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will not be refunded to passengers. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Cathay Pacific. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of printing.
Cancellation Fees
- Cancellation fees apply as follows:
- 60-45 days prior to departure; 20% of total price
- 44-30 days prior to departures, 30% of total price
- 29-15 days prior to departure, 50% of total price
- 14-7 days prior departure, 80% of total price
- 6 days or less prior to departure, 100% of total price.
- Please note, a change of traveler's name, date or itinerary within 60 days of departure date will be treated as a cancellation and the above cancellation policy will apply.
- No refund if for any reason guests do not participate in sections of the tour. No exception is allowed.
Personal Expenses
- The following are not included in the tour prices: meals not specified in the itinerary, charges for passports, visas, vaccinations and inoculations, excess baggage, telephone, laundry, items of a personal nature, incidental charges in hotels, and any items not specifically listed as included.
Visa and Travel Documents
- Passengers are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas to enter China. Passengers must also make sure that their passport has a sufficient remaining validity period for entry into the countries being entered or transited.
- Clients must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
International and Chinese Domestic Air Transportation
- Air transportation from North America to/from Hong Kong is serviced by Cathay Pacific. Air transportation from Hong Kong to/from Mainland China are serviced by Cathay Pacific's sister airline, Dragonair or Cathay Pacific except Hong Kong to Xian, serviced by China Eastern Airlines. Air transportation within China (between Beijing, Shangri-La, Kunming, Shanghai, Xian) is serviced by Mainland Chinese carriers.
Disclaimer
- Domestic American and Mainland China airlines, accommodations and other suppliers providing services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees of Cathay Pacific Airways, or its affiliates. Cathay Pacific Airways and assumes no responsibility and will not be held liable for any personal injury, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity by reason of (1) any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of its suppliers, (2) any wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any employee of those suppliers, (3) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment or instrumentality owned, operated, or used by any of these suppliers, or (4) any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under the control, direct or otherwise, of Cathay Pacific Airways or (5) acts of God.
- Schedules and prices are subject to change without notice.
- Cathay Pacific reserves the right to terminate or change this offer without prior notice.
Additional Details
Tour Guides
- All tour guides are carefully selected, fluent in English and have many years of experience. They are all professionals licensed by the China Tourist Board not just for their language skills, but also for their knowledge of the geographical areas they will be serving. Our tour guides' wealth of information, friendliness, and enthusiasm earn them the highest praise from our guests.
- The name and contact information of the tour guide will be provided in the itinerary voucher after confirmation of your trip. Tour guide will have a Cathay Pacific China Experience badge.
- The tour guides listed on your itinerary are scheduled to provide service as planned. If changes become necessary for any reason, a tour guide of equivalent knowledge and service quality will be substituted and informed upon arrival at your destination.
Holiday and Museum Closures
- Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed. China celebrates The Labor Day festival on May-1 for one week and The National Day festival on October 1 for one week. During these extended holidays, travelers to China will encounter large crowds and some inconvenience.
Photography of Tour
- Occasionally, Cathay Pacific may use photographs taken by fellow guests or our tour guide for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your tour guide at the start of your tour.
Gratuities
- Gratuities for the local guides and drivers are not included, and are at the guest's discretion. Gratuities are not included in the tour price. Suggested gratuity for tour guide is US$5-$10 per person per day and for driver is US$3-$5 per person per day.
- All appropriate gratuities for luggage handling, bellman, doorman, housekeepers, tour guides, and local crew are not included in the price of the tours.
Travel Insurance
- All tour package price includes a comprehensive insurance coverage for your peace of mind. Please find the following coverage highlights:
- Overseas medical expenses coverage up to USD57,700
- Personal accident benefit up to USD64,100 (for age under 16 and age over 80 is USD12,800).
If you would like to have further information, please click here.
For the details of appointed hospitals in China, please click here.
Any questions?
Check out our FAQs page or contact one of our tour sales staff.
