Price based on tours starting:

• 1 June 2027
• 8 June 2027
• 15 June 2027
• 2 November 2027
• 9 November 2027
• 16 November 2027

Extra charges apply for:

• 20 April 2027 ($200pp)
• 11 May 2027 ($100pp)
• 18 May 2027 ($100pp)
• 25 May 2027 ($100pp)
• 31 August 2027 ($100pp)
• 7 September 2027 ($200pp)
• 14 September 2027 ($200pp)
• 12 October 2027 ($100pp)
• 19 October 2027 ($100pp)
• 26 October 2027 ($100pp)

Price based on departing from Melbourne, Sydney

Extra charges apply for:

• Brisbane ($300pp)
• Perth ($300pp)
• Adelaide ($400pp)

Pace

This is a fast-paced tour. The tour covers multiple prefectures within China and can involve early starts and long travel days including time spent on the coach & trains. Please be aware many attractions in China can be overcrowded, so please ensure you remain with your dedicated tour guide (s).

Fitness

A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and exiting/disembarking vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. If airport transfers are included, they may not always reach the hotel door, so short walks may be required of you.  This trip is not suitable for travellers’ requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or specialised facilities. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move independently and keep pace with the group. Please note that there will be a fair amount of walking and some locations will have stairs. If you have any health concerns, let us know when booking so we can help confirm if this trip is suitable for you.

Tipping in China

Suggested local tipping payment: $120 AUD pp

Tipping is a firm and customary practice on group tours in China and is customarily provided to Tour Guides and Drivers as recognition for their service. While tipping is voluntary, we recommend allowing $120 AUD per person, based on approximately $12 AUD per person per day. This amount is collected by your Tour Guide and distributed among the local tour guides and drivers who assist throughout your tour.

Visa requirement for China
Ordinary Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter China visa-free for visits of up to 30 days or less as per the visa waiver program for travel up to 31 December 2026. Travellers do not need to complete any pre-departure documents; however, it is advised that you print a copy of your travel documents, including your return flight itinerary, as you may be asked to show this at customs and immigration upon arrival into China.

Travellers entering China on a foreign passport, or any Australian or New Zealand passport holder travelling China for more than 30 days, must apply for a full visa before travelling to China.  For eligibility requirements, latest costs and visa types, please see the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Full travel advice for China or for travel date extensions to the visa waiver program please visit Smartraveller.

Your tour includes 5-star accommodation throughout, with the following hotels suggested for this itinerary. Hotels are locally rated 5 stars and are subject to change.

Suggested Hotels

• Beijing – Beijing North Wyndham Hotel or similar
• Wuxi – Crowne Plaza Wuxi Hotel or similar
• Suzhou – Shangri-La Hotel Suzhou or similar
• Hangzhou – Radisson Blu Hangzhou or similar
• Shanghai – Grand Metropark Pudong Shanghai or similar

Extra Nights Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation is available:

• Beijing pre-tour – From $400 AUD per room, including breakfast and airport transfer
• Shanghai post-tour – From $400 AUD per room, including breakfast and airport transfer

Extra night accommodation is subject to availability and pricing may change until paid in full. Pre- and post-tour accommodation must be arranged before your international flights are ticketed and can be booked up to 5 months prior to departure.

Important Accommodation Information
To accommodate large groups comfortably, some hotels may be located outside congested city centres. This allows easier access for large coaches while providing spacious facilities and amenities suited to international travellers.

Your final hotel list will be provided in your Final Documents, sent no later than 30 days prior to departure.

Enhance your holiday with a range of optional experiences, payable directly to your Tour Guide in RMB. Optional experiences cannot be prebooked or prepaid.

• Peking Duck Dinner – 220 RMB pp
• Beijing Opera or Acrobatic Show – 380 RMB pp
• Summer Palace – 310 RMB pp
• Suzhou Canal Cruise – 220 RMB pp
• Impressions of West Lake – 399 RMB pp
• Huangpu River Cruise – 280 RMB pp
• Shanghai Temple & Shopping – 240 RMB pp
• Shanghai Acrobat Show – 390 RMB pp
• Shanghai Disneyland with Transfers – 780 RMB pp
• Shanghai Food Tour – 350 RMB pp

All optional programs are subject to change based on local conditions, timings, and operational capabilities.

A single supplement from $700*pp is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy. Single rooms are typically smaller than twin/double rooms in China.

Exclusions
Meals not stated, beverages, optional programs, travel insurance (strongly recommended), China Visa (if required), Tour Guide tipping, personal expenses, and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.

Payment
Due to high demand and the package being heavily discounted, full payment is required to secure your booking.

Pace
This is a fast-paced tour. The tour covers multiple prefectures within China and can involve early starts and long travel days including time spent on the coach & trains. Please be aware many attractions in China can be overcrowded, so please ensure you remain with your dedicated tour guide (s).

Tipping in China
Tipping is a firm and customary practice on group tours in China and is customarily provided to Tour Guides and Drivers as recognition for their service. While tipping is voluntary, we recommend allowing $12 AUD per person per day. This amount is collected by your Tour Guide and distributed among the local tour guides and drivers who assist throughout your tour.

Triple Share
Triple share is not available.

Child Policy
This tour is designed for adults only; children under 18 years are not permitted on the tour.

Price
Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.

Cancellation / Amendments
Due to the heavily discounted nature of this tour, cancellations incur a 100% cancellation fee.
Where full payment has been made, some airline taxes may be refundable following cancellation. Any refundable amount will be advised at the time of cancellation.
Amendments to bookings are not permitted.

Deviation
Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.

Passport
For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.

Visa requirement for China
Visa and entry requirements vary depending on your nationality and travel dates.
Australian and New Zealand passport holders: China currently offers visa-free entry for eligible tourism visits of up to 30 days; however, the current policy is only confirmed through 31 December 2026. As this tour operates beyond this date, visa requirements may change. Please check the latest requirements before travelling.
Travellers who are not eligible for visa-free entry, or who require a visa due to their nationality or circumstances, are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa before travel.
For the latest visa and entry requirements, please refer to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and Smartraveller.

Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended. Tap water in China may not be safe to drink. Drink only bottled water with intact seals.

Money
The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB). ATMs are widely available in major Chinese cities. They accept major credit cards including at international hotels and restaurants. In some smaller cities, using international cards will be limited and local currency is suggested.

Shopping
China is a treasure trove for those looking to shop, from bustling markets to large shopping centres. Famously known for silk and jade products, China is also renowned for its pearls, tea, and traditional Chinese medicine. Your itinerary will allow for stops at English-speaking shops where you can browse or purchase products. Any purchase of products is at your own discretion. Please do not make any purchases if you are not comfortable or feel pressured into doing so. Should you require any assistance with the language barrier, please seek help from your Tour Guide.

Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. An additional light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Due to high-speed train baggage restrictions, you may be required to pack a separate light bag or backpack containing essentials. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are at your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.

Transfers
Seat in coach airport transfers on group tour arrival and departure days are included.

Meals
Breakfasts offered by the Chinese accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with very limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options. For meals not included, your Tour Guide will escort you to preferred Western-friendly restaurants or suggest dining options nearby. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements or allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met, as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your Tour Guide whilst on tour.

Accommodation
All hotels featured in this itinerary are locally rated 5-star properties, selected by our trusted local suppliers. Please note that hotel ratings in China may differ slightly from those in Australia, as local standards and expectations can vary. While the hotel rooms in China are typically smaller than those found in Western hotels, they are comfortable and well-equipped. Rooms will either be twin (two single beds) or double (one double bed), and special bedding requests, though not always guaranteed, should be made at the time of booking. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. We will request non-smoking rooms, but please note some hotels may have designated smoking rooms or floors. The hotels mentioned are indicative and subject to change, with final hotel details confirmed in your final documentation. The standard check-in time is from 3pm, and check-out is prior to 10am.

Extra Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation is available:

• Beijing pre-tour – From $400 AUD per room, including breakfast and airport transfer
• Shanghai post-tour – From $400 AUD per room, including breakfast and airport transfer

Extra night accommodation is subject to availability and pricing may change until paid in full. Pre- and post-tour accommodation must be arranged before your international flights are ticketed and can be booked up to 5 months prior to departure.

International Flights
Flights from Sydney or Melbourne are based on economy class with best-available Chinese carrier including China Southern, China Eastern and Air China.

Flights from Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth are based on economy class with China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, or similar.

Outbound flights may depart one day prior to Day 1 and inbound flights may arrive one day after the final day. Flights are booked 8 to 10 months prior to departure. Flights are based on full-service Chinese carriers with a predetermined airfare allowance. Should airfares, fuel levies, taxes, or fees increase at booking, an airfare supplement may apply. The flights team will discuss options or offer an upgrade if desired. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No-show of any flight sectors will cancel all onward flights automatically.

Premium Carrier Upgrade
For passengers flying from Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL), you may choose to upgrade to a premium carrier such as Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines for an additional $300 per person at the time of booking. This amount is subject to change and flight availability at the time of booking. The flights team will select the best available premium carrier.

2 Night Warrior Extension
The 2 Night Warriors Extension extends the 10 Day 5 Star China Rail Tour to the 12 Day 5 Star China Rail Tour with Warriors. The extension must be purchased at the time of booking. If flights have already been ticketed and you subsequently wish to add the extension, additional costs may apply due to airline change and reissue policies. For full inclusions and itinerary details, please visit the 12 Day 5 Star China Rail Tour with Warriors package page.

Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.

Group Size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 30 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 44 passengers. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a credit, alternative date or refund.

Optional Sightseeing
Optional sightseeing/programs are special unique experiences that you may add to your tour. Optional sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary are payable directly to the Tour Guide in AUD or the local currency (RMB) and cannot be prepaid. In the event that some programs or venues may not be available, alternative programs may be offered or the Tour Guide. For any passenger not participating in optional sightseeing, they will be directed by the Tour Guide with where to remain until the optional sightseeing with other passengers attending is complete.

Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19, or other factors beyond our control, including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control, such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing, and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment, and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’, or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.

Train Transportation
All train transportation featured in the itinerary is based on 1st class seating. Due to factors outside our control, such as operational changes, last-minute track maintenance, or unfavourable weather conditions, train travel may be substituted with an economy-class flight to maintain the continuity of the itinerary while prioritising the safety of all guests.

Beijing Sightseeing
Due to a daily ticket limit imposed at Beijing’s Forbidden City, there may be rare occasions where this attraction cannot be visited. In this event, your tour guide will secure an alternative visit to the Lama Temple or Gongwangfu Garden in Beijing. Unfortunately, tickets for international groups cannot be pre-purchased and are subject to the above daily ticket limit policy.

East China Itinerary (Day 4-10)
Please note that the order of Days 4 to 10 (Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai) may be adjusted due to operational considerations, such as a bullet train being substituted for a domestic flight. If there are any changes to the itinerary, your Tour Guide will inform you, and all inclusions will remain unchanged.
Breakaway
Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.

Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed 30 days prior to departure, which includes a final hotel list, return flight itinerary, and invoice with the day-by-day itinerary.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.

Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.