The Ancient Chinese Route V4

Tour details

EXAMPLE (etc.) HOTELS

BEIJING

4* Howard Johnson Paragon etc.

DENGFENG

4* Zhongzhou Intermega Hotel etc.

XI’AN

4* Jian Guo hotel Hotel etc.

HANGZHOU

4* Relax Hotel etc.

SUZHOU

4* Baodai Bridge International Hotel etc.

SHANGHAI

4* STARR Hotel etc.

Participation Requirement

This tour is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 30 people. If sufficient participation is not reached, the final cancellation notice date is 20 days before the tour start. The tour canceled due to insufficient participation will be notified to you through your agency.

Visa

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Our VISA PROCEDURE for CHINA tours is as follows.

Documents to be submitted to us

AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION, PLEASE REQUEST THEM DIRECTLY FROM OUR GUESTS AND FORWARD THEM TO US.

- You are required to send us a full-page scan of the passengers' passport image. There should be no reflection, glare, or cropping on the edges, etc.

- A current Multilingual Criminal Record Certificate must be obtained (Guests with any record cannot obtain a China Visa.)

After these 2 documents are delivered to us, we request an invitation document from our local agency in China. It takes about 7 days to arrive.

After the invitation document reaches us, we send the passenger's passport, criminal record certificate, invitation text, and several documents related to us, along with the passenger contact information, to Ligarba Tourism.

Then, Ligarba Tourism contacts the passengers one by one and obtains the documents from our guests. (Including Passport) and applies for a group visa. It takes about 3 weeks to be finalized and costs 200 USD per person. The visa payment is paid directly to Ligarba Tourism by the guests.

Passengers applying for a China Visa cannot use their passports to travel to another country during the visa application process; their passports will be at the consulate throughout the application period. After the visa is finalized, they can collect it themselves from Ligarba Tourism or Ligarba Tourism can courier it to our guests.

We need to start the procedures up to 65 days before the tour departure, otherwise the visas may be at risk.

Ordinary Passport                -            Visa required                         

People's Republic of China; holders of Ordinary Passports (Burgundy Passport) are subject to a visa. Holders of Special Passports (Green Passport), Service Passports, and Diplomatic Passports are exempt from a visa for trips with a stay period of up to 30 days without obtaining a China visa.

Health

Those who use regular medication should bring more medication than they need. Not all medicines can be found. In addition, if you have a serious health problem (heart, blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), it would be helpful to carry a signed document with you. We also recommend that you do not drink tap water and that you drink water from a sealed bottle that you open yourself for the first time.

Flight Times

Istanbul - Beijing               10 h 30 min

Shanghai- Istanbul                10 h 25 min

Optional Tours & Activities

Optional tours and activities are organized by the local agency at the service center with a minimum request of 10 people, and participation is not provided. If sufficient numbers are not achieved, the excursions cannot be made, or the prices, content, and use of a single tour/activity may vary depending on changes in the vehicle used. In addition, the times of the recorded annual tours/activities and times may be changed by the guide depending on the opening/closing status of the museums, ruins, or venues in the destination and weather conditions.

Meal

During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., there may be distances of more than km. Although it may be possible to provide accommodations for 3 people, the bed offered to the 3rd person in such a room may be smaller than standard beds. A triple room consists of 1 large bed and 1 extra bed. Extra beds are foldable or rollaway beds, and for 3rd person/child reservations, it is accepted that local congestion and bed type may vary. Child discounts are valid only for one (1) child staying with 2 adults and in the age groups specified in the accommodation section. Breakfasts included in the tour program are generally served as continental breakfast with a limited menu consisting of items such as toast, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a separate hall reserved for groups.

Currency

The currency of the People's Republic of China is the Yuan. It is recommended to bring USD and smaller denominations with you.

Time Zone

 There is a 5-hour difference between Turkey and China. When it is 12:00 in Turkey, it is 17:00 in China.

Clothing and Required Items

We recommend bringing T-shirts that can be put on and taken off easily, short- and long-sleeved shirts, various cotton trousers, and comfortable walking clothes for the evenings. In addition, you may also want to bring an umbrella, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs against possible noise, a camera, video cameras and their chargers, and spare memory cards. Although the climate in China, which has a very large territory, varies technically by region, it is generally possible to say that it is a country with four seasons. Summers are extremely humid in the country, so the heat is felt strongly. Spring and autumn have mild weather.

Food Culture

Chinese geography has an extremely rich cuisine showing regional differences. Peking Duck, dumplings prepared with different fillings and eaten with sauces, and sweet mustard sauces are features of the country's cuisine. It is important not to forget that it is a cuisine different from Turkish cuisine.

Shopping

 China is a true shopping paradise. From electronics to textiles, you can find every product you are looking for across a very wide range.

Important Notes

The possession of a passport and/or visa (i.e., for the required destination/passport) does not mean that entry into the country is guaranteed. The passport police have the authority to let you into the country. Papua Tur is not responsible for this situation; responsibility lies with the passenger. Papua Tur is an intermediary agency between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There may be a risk of delays on scheduled and special flights, or the hours before the current tour and flight may change. Papua Tur ensures that this software is reported as soon as possible. Our passengers have purchased the tour by accepting that flight details may change. Passengers aged 0-2 do not pay for seat allocation and seat service fees. Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are organized for the general introduction of the cities and are conducted panoramically with guide narration from inside the vehicle; the intervals for entrance to the ruins are tours of no more than 2-3 hours. Panoramic tours, including other tours specified in the program, if local authorities do not allow visits or entry on the day and place of the tour, or if there are closed roads due to any incident, or if the tour becomes impossible due to weather conditions, Papua Tur is not responsible for carrying out the tours in question. Some tours may be conducted by public transportation or on foot in places where roads are closed or vehicle entry is not permitted.

What's included
  • Round-trip economy class airline ticket with Turkish Airlines on the routes Istanbul (IST) – Beijing (PEK) // Shanghai (PVG) – Istanbul (IST)
  • Airport taxes
  • 10 nights total accommodation with breakfast included in 4* hotels: 3 nights in Beijing, 1 night in Dengfeng, 2 nights in Xi’an, 1 night in Hangzhou, 1 night in Suzhou, and 2 nights in Shanghai
  • Great Wall & Summer Palace Tour with lunch, valued at 110 USD
  • Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and Forbidden City Tour with lunch, valued at 140 USD
  • Terra Cotta Museum & Muslim Quarter Tour with lunch, valued at 90 USD
  • Yu Garden, Cheng Huang Miao, The Bund, Xintiandi, and Nanjing Tour with lunch, valued at 100 USD
  • Longmen Grottoes Tour
  • Shaolin Temple Tour
  • Hangzhou Tour
  • Suzhou Tour
  • Longji Water Town Tour
  • All transfers by train and plane during the tour
  • Transfers between Airport – Hotel – Airport
  • All transfers by private bus
  • Professional Turkish-speaking guiding and assistance services
  • Hotel and tourist city taxes
  • Travel and health insurance (supplement applies for those over 65)
Not included
  • Exit stamp fee for departure from Turkey
  • Lunches and dinners not specified as included in the program
  • China Visa
  • Entrance fees to museums and historical sites
  • Optional Tours
  • Personal Expenses
  • Driver tips and gratuities are excluded
Tour Program
Istanbul - Beijing
We meet at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal and, after ticketing, baggage, and boarding procedures, depart for Beijing on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Upon our arrival in Beijing in the late afternoon, we transfer to our hotel to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Peking
After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the Great Wall & Summer Palace tour with lunch. Our first stop on the tour will be the Great Wall, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and whose construction began in 220 BC to prevent invasions from the northern nomadic peoples of Central Asia. After visiting the Great Wall, we will have lunch, and then visit the magnificent Summer Palace located on the shore of Kunming Lake. The Summer Palace is the best-preserved imperial garden and palace complex in China, located northwest of Beijing. Its history dates back to the Jin Dynasty in the 12th century, but its present form was shaped during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century. The emperor had it built to escape the crowded atmosphere of the main palace and relax in touch with nature. The palace was damaged during the Second Opium War in 1860 and was later restored by Cixi using funds allocated from the state navy budget. Although this is known as a controversial anecdote, the palace’s present elegance is the result of the detailed restorations carried out during that period. Afterwards, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Peking
After breakfast at our hotel tomorrow, we will depart for the Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and Forbidden City tour with lunch included. Our first stop will be Tiananmen Square. The Mao Zedong Memorial Mausoleum, the monumental stele rising from the exact center of Tiananmen Square known as the “Monument to the People’s Heroes,” the “Great Hall of the People,” which is the parliament building of the People’s Republic of China, and the China National Museum are among the places we will see from the outside in Tiananmen Square. Our next stop will be the vast palace complex of the Forbidden City, located north of Tiananmen Square. Throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, it served as the heart and administrative center of the Chinese Empire for nearly 500 years. This palace, the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient wooden structure complex, takes its name from the fact that no one other than the imperial family and high-ranking officials could enter without permission. Designed according to traditional Chinese cosmology and the philosophy of symmetry, the complex covers an area of 720,000 square meters and, according to legend, contains 9,999 rooms. The yellow roof tiles dominating the palace architecture symbolize imperial power, while the red walls symbolize luck and joy. After visiting this complex, we will tour the Temple of Heaven, located at the heart of a magnificent park nearly twice the size of the Forbidden City. The Temple of Heaven is the most sacred ritual center where Chinese emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed to heavenly powers for a good harvest and abundance. Built in 1420 and designed according to traditional Chinese cosmology, the complex reflects the perfect harmony of circular and square forms, embodying the belief that “the sky is round and the earth is square.” We will have lunch at a local restaurant during the tour. At the end of the tour, we will be transferred back to our hotel and have free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Peking - Luoyang - Dengfeng
After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we will transfer to Luoyang by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we will be met by our private vehicle and visit the Longmen Grottoes. Carved into both banks of the Yi River, these magnificent caves are one of the most splendid and richest examples of Chinese Buddhist art. Built during the period between the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the greatest monuments of religious and cultural interaction along the Silk Road. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel and have free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Dengfeng - Luoyang - Xi'an
After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for the Shaolin Temple tour. Located at the foot of the sacred Song Mountain, this famous temple is regarded as the birthplace of Zen (Chan) Buddhism and the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. One of China’s most important cultural centers since the Silk Road period, the temple is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set in the heart of a forested and mountainous landscape, the complex includes centuries-old trees, magnificent prayer halls, and the Pagoda Forest, which consists of the tombs of senior monks who served at the temple. Following our Shaolin Temple visit, we head to Luoyang Train Station and transfer to Xi’an by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and have free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Xi'an
After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the Terracotta Museum & Muslim Quarter tour with lunch. We will visit the “Underground Army of Statues,” known as the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, built to protect the tomb of Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Discovered by a farmer by chance in 1974, this army is home to 8,000 “Terracotta,” meaning “baked earth,” soldiers, each with a different facial expression and posture. These statues were prepared as a “spirit army,” believed to protect the emperor even after his death. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to see the emperor’s power and the level of craftsmanship of his time. After our tour, we return to Xi’an. Before transferring to our hotel, we will visit the Muslim Quarter, established by Muslim merchants according to their own traditions and customs. With its lively bazaar, local shops, and restaurants, we observe cultural blending and separation. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Xi'an - Hangzhou
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to Xi’an Airport and fly to Hangzhou on a scheduled flight with a local airline. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a pleasant boat tour on West Lake, which has become a symbol of love and loyalty with its scenery and legends such as a love story from thousands of years ago. After the tour, we visit the Longjing Tea Fields, where one of China’s most famous green teas is grown. We will learn about the tea-making process and observe the lush green fields. After the tour, we head to Hefang Cultural Street. Free time in the area to shop for various handicraft products. After our free time, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Hangzhou-Suzhou
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Suzhou, known as the Venice of China. Upon arrival, our first stop will be the Lingering Garden. Then we will take a short boat tour in the city and go to the famous Pingjiang Road to discover the city’s elegance. Afterward, transfer to our hotel and free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Suzhou - Shanghai
After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we will transfer to Shanghai, but first we will visit Tongli Water Town, which is along our route. After seeing Tongli Water Town, one of the legendary water towns that has preserved the best of Jiangnan’s historic character and managed to carry its ancient texture into the present in its purest form, we continue our transfer to Shanghai and, upon arrival, proceed to our hotel. Afterwards, free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Shanghai
After breakfast at our hotel, we will depart for the Lunch Included Yu Garden, Cheng Huang Miao, The Bund, Xintiandi, and Nanjing Tour. Our first stop will be the City God Temple (Cheng Huang Miao), located within the traditional Yuyuan Bazaar in the historic center of Shanghai. This temple, which we will visit, is one of the most important religious structures dedicated to the city’s guardian deities. Built during the Ming Dynasty and regarded for centuries as the heart of Shanghai, this structure is one of the most iconic buildings reflecting Shanghai’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and traditional belief system. Afterwards, the places we will see from the outside include the world-famous Bund area on the banks of the Huangpu River, Xintiandi, located in the center of Shanghai and combining the city’s traditional and modern architecture, and Nanjing Road, one of China’s leading shopping streets. Then transfer to our hotel and free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Shanghai - Istanbul
After the breakfast we will have at the hotel, our guests will have free time to explore Shanghai to their heart’s content. Following the free time, we meet at the time specified by our guide and transfer to Shanghai Airport. After baggage, ticket, and customs procedures, we board the Turkish Airlines scheduled flight to Istanbul. We will spend the night on the plane.
Istanbul
With our arrival in Istanbul in the early morning, our tour and services come to an end.