Ancient China Tour Route (8 Nights)

Tour details

SAMPLE (etc.) HOTELS

SHANGHAI

Pagoda Baixia Hotel 5* etc.

Hangzhou

Relax Hotel 4* etc.

XI’AN

Jian Guo Hotel 4* etc.

DENGFENG

4* Zhongzhou Intermega Hotel etc.

BEIJING

4* Howard Johnson Paragon etc.

Participation Requirement

This trip is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 30 people.  If sufficient participation is not achieved, the final cancellation notification deadline is 20 days before the start of the tour. A tour cancelled due to insufficient participation will be notified to you through your agency.

Visa

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Our VISA PROCEDURE regarding our tours to CHINA is as follows.

Documents to be submitted to us

THESE ARE REQUESTED DIRECTLY FROM OUR GUESTS AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION AND SHOULD BE SENT TO US.

- You must scan the passengers' passports in full-page format and send them to us. There must be no reflections, glare, cuts on the edges, etc.

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

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

After the invitation document arrives, we send the passenger's passport, criminal record certificate, invitation letter and several documents concerning us, together with the passenger's contact details, to Ligarba Tourism.

Afterwards, Ligarba Tourism calls the passengers one by one, obtains the documents from our guests (including their passports), and applies for the group visa. The process takes approximately 3 weeks and costs 200 USD per person. The visa fee is paid directly by the guests to Ligarba Tourism.

Passengers applying for a Chinese visa cannot use their passports to travel to another country during the visa application process; their passports will remain at the consulate throughout the application period. Once the visa process is completed, they may collect their passports from Ligarba Tourism themselves, or Ligarba Tourism may send them to our guests by courier.

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

Ordinary Passport                -            Visa required                         

The People's Republic of China requires holders of Ordinary Passports (Burgundy Passports) to obtain a visa. Holders of Special Passports (Green Passports), Service Passports and Diplomatic Passports are exempt from obtaining a Chinese visa for trips with a stay of up to 30 days.

Health

Those who regularly take medication should bring more medication than they need. Not every type of medicine may be available. In addition, if you have a serious health condition (heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), it would be useful 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 opened by you for the first time.

Flight Times

Istanbul - Shanghai               10 hr 30 min

Beijing - Istanbul                10 hr 25 min

Optional Tours & Activities

Optional tours and activities are organized by the local agency serving the destination, subject to a minimum request of 10 people, and participation is not guaranteed. If sufficient demand is not achieved, the excursions may not take place, or the prices and content of a tour/activity may vary depending on changes to the means of transportation used. In addition, annual tours/activities may be changed by the guide according to the registered times, the opening/closing status of museums, archaeological sites or venues at the destination, and weather conditions.

Meals

During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events and sports tournaments, distances may be greater than usual. Accommodation may be provided for 3 people, but the bed offered to the 3rd person may be smaller than standard beds. A room for 3 people consists of 1 large bed and 1 additional bed. Additional beds may be folding beds or sofa beds. In reservations for a 3rd person and/or child, it is considered that the guest has accepted in advance the possibility of local differences and the bed type. Child discounts are valid for one (1) child staying with 2 adults and falling within the age groups specified in the relevant section. Breakfasts included in the tour program are generally served as continental breakfasts, consisting of a limited menu such as cereal, bread, tea or coffee, in accordance with the breakfast charge. For groups, breakfast may be served in a separate room allocated to the group.

Currency

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

Time Zone

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

Clothing and Necessary Items

It is recommended that you bring easy-to-wear T-shirts, short- and long-sleeved shirts, various cotton trousers, comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for evenings. In addition, you may bring an umbrella, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs for possible noise, a camera, video cameras, their chargers and spare memory cards. Although the climate varies considerably across China, which has a very large area, it is generally possible to say that it is a country with four seasons. Summers in the country are extremely humid, so temperatures are felt more intensely. Spring and autumn generally have mild weather.

Food Culture

Chinese cuisine is an extremely rich cuisine reflecting the regional characteristics of China's geography. Peking Duck, dumplings prepared with different characteristics and eaten with sauces, and sweet mustard sauces are features of the country's cuisine. Please remember that it is different from Turkish cuisine.

Shopping

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

Important Notes

Having a passport and/or obtaining a visa (that is, for the relevant destination/passport) does not mean that entry into the country is guaranteed. Passport control officers have the authority to deny you entry to the country. Papua Tour is not responsible for this situation; responsibility lies with the passenger. Papua Tour acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the 28.09.1955 Hague Protocol. There may be a risk of delays on scheduled and special flights, or the times before the existing tour and flights may change. Papua Tour ensures that such changes are reported as soon as possible. Our passengers have purchased the tour acknowledging that their flight details may change. Children aged 0–2 do not pay the seat allocation and airport service fees.Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are tours lasting at most 2–3 hours, organized to provide a general introduction to the cities and conducted panoramically with the guide's narration from inside the vehicle, with visits to archaeological sites at intervals. If, for the panoramic tours and the other tours specified in the program, local authorities do not permit visits or entry on the relevant day and at the relevant destination, roads are closed due to any incident, or it becomes impossible to conduct the tour due to weather conditions, Papua Tour is not responsible for the organization of these tours. Some tours may be conducted using public transportation or on foot at locations with closed roads or where vehicle access is not permitted.

What's included
  • Round-trip economy class flight ticket with Turkish Airlines on the Istanbul (IST) – Shanghai (PVG) // Beijing (PEK) – Istanbul (IST) routes
  • Airport taxes
  • 2 nights’ bed-and-breakfast accommodation at a 5-star hotel in Shanghai
  • 1 night in Hangzhou, 2 nights in Xi’an, 1 night in Dengfeng, and 2 nights in Beijing with bed-and-breakfast accommodation at 4-star hotels
  • Flight between Hangzhou and Xi’an on a scheduled service operated by local airlines, including airport taxes
  • High-speed train journey between Xi’an and Luoyang
  • High-speed train journey between Luoyang and Beijing
  • 1 dinner
  • Ancient Shaolin Temple Tour worth USD 130
  • Longmen Grottoes Tour worth USD 90
  • Transfers between the airport, hotel, and airport
  • All transfers required for the program
  • Professional Turkish-language guiding and assistance services
  • Hotel and tourist city taxes
  • Travel and health insurance (a surcharge applies for those over 65)
Not included
  • Fees for personal and official items such as international departure taxes, visas, etc.
  • All personal expenses and hotel extras
  • All services not explicitly stated in the program and included services
  • Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites not explicitly stated as “visited” in the program
  • Optional excursions and activities, if included in the program
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages consumed with included meals, if included in the program
  • Domestic connecting flights and domestic transportation costs
  • Tips and driver gratuities
Tour Program
Istanbul – Shanghai
We meet at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport and, after completing check-in, baggage drop-off, and boarding procedures, depart for Shanghai, one of China’s largest and most dynamic metropolises, on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Upon arrival in Shanghai, we meet our private vehicle and guide, transfer to our hotel, and check into our rooms. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Guests who wish may use this free time to explore the city’s lively streets, shopping districts, and modern urban atmosphere independently. Overnight at our hotel.
Shanghai – Yu Garden – Chenghuang Temple – The Bund – Xintiandi – Shanghai
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we will have free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Shanghai Tour with lunch (USD 100), organized by our guide. Our first stop will be Yu Garden. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden is a traditional Chinese garden that reflects traditional Chinese architecture with its pond, stone bridges, and pavilions. After visiting Yu Garden, we will leave this wonderful garden and attend a Tea Ceremony, where we will delve into the depths of Chinese culture. Our next stop will be Cheng Huang Miao, the City God Temple, located in Shanghai’s historic Old City area. It was built in honor of Cheng Huang, the “City God,” who, according to Chinese beliefs, protects the city. Cheng Huang is believed to be the guardian of the city’s residents and is regarded as the patron of justice and peace. The next stop on our tour will be The Bund, located along the Huangpu River and transformed into a dazzling light show in the evening. We will then have free time in Xintiandi, where modern and traditional elements blend, and on Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most famous shopping street. We will have lunch at a local restaurant during the tour. After the tour, we will be transferred to our hotel and have free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Shanghai – Zhujiajiao – Hangzhou
After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with lunch (USD 100), organized by our guide. In this ancient town, which has successfully preserved its traditional architecture to the present day, we will walk among streets and canals dating back 1,700 years. We will explore stone bridges, historic houses, and local market areas while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of old China. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant during the tour. Following our fascinating boat ride through the canals, we will transfer to our hotel in Hangzhou and have free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Hangzhou – West Lake – Longjing Tea Plantations – Hefang – Xi’an
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we will enjoy a pleasant boat tour on West Lake, which has become a symbol of love and devotion with its scenic beauty and legends, such as a love story that took place thousands of years ago. Following the tour, we will 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. We will then proceed to Hefang Cultural Street, where our guests will have free time to shop for various handicraft products. Afterwards, we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled domestic flight to Xi’an. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel and have free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Xi’an – Terracotta Museum – Muslim Quarter – Xi’an
After breakfast at the hotel, we will have free time. Guests who wish may join our guide’s optional Terra Cotta Museum & Muslim Quarter tour, including lunch (USD 100). We will visit the museum of the “Underground Army,” known as the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Built to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Shi Huang, this army was accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1974 and is home to 8,000 terracotta, or baked-earth, soldiers, each with a different facial expression and posture. These statues were created as a “spirit army,” believed to protect the emperor even after his death. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to witness the emperor’s power and the advanced level of craftsmanship achieved during his reign. Following our visit, we will return to Xi’an. Before transferring to our hotel, we will explore the Muslim Quarter, established by Muslim merchants according to their own traditions and customs. With its lively bazaar, local shops, and restaurants, the area offers an opportunity to observe both cultural integration and distinction. At the end of the tour, we will transfer to our hotel to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Xi’an – Luoyang – Shaolin Temple – Dengfeng
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we will transfer to Xi’an Railway Station and take a high-speed train to Luoyang. Upon arrival in Luoyang, we will begin our Ancient Shaolin Temple Tour. Located near the city of Dengfeng in Henan Province, at the foot of the sacred Songshan Mountain, this world-famous temple was built in 495 and is considered the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. One of China’s most important cultural centers since the era of the Silk Road, the temple is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting the temple, we will have dinner at a local restaurant and transfer to our hotel, followed by free time. Overnight at our hotel. **Depending on availability, the train journey may be replaced by a flight.
Dengfeng – Longmen Grottoes – Luoyang – Beijing
After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for a tour of the Longmen Grottoes. This magnificent archaeological complex, consisting of thousands of Buddha statues, niches, and temples carved into the cliffs along the Yi River, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of this site began in the 5th century and reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty. As a result of this immense project, which continued for 1,400 years, more than 100,000 Buddha statues, over 2,000 niches, more than 60 pagodas, and 2,800 inscriptions were created. Following our visit, we transfer to Luoyang Railway Station and travel to Beijing by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and have free time. Overnight at our hotel. **Subject to availability, the train journey may be replaced by a flight.
Beijing – Great Wall of China – Summer Palace – Beijing
After breakfast at the hotel, we will have free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Great Wall of China and Summer Palace Tour with lunch (USD 110), organized by our guide. Our first stop will be the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which began construction in 220 BC to prevent invasions from the Central Asian Turks coming from the north. After exploring the Great Wall, we will have lunch and then visit the magnificent Summer Palace, located on the shores of Kunming Lake. The Summer Palace, located northwest of Beijing, is China’s best-preserved imperial garden and palace complex. Its history dates back to the Jin Dynasty in the 12th century, although its present form was shaped in the 18th century by the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The emperor had it built as a retreat from the intense atmosphere of the main palace and as a place to relax in harmony with nature. The palace was damaged during the Second Opium War in 1860 and was subsequently restored by Empress Dowager Cixi using funds allocated from the state’s naval budget. Although this is considered a controversial anecdote, the palace’s elegance today is the result of the detailed restoration work carried out during that period. Afterward, we will see Beijing’s Olympic Stadium from the outside, which resembles a bird’s nest. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant during the tour. We will then transfer back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Beijing – Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Temple of Heaven – Beijing – Istanbul
After breakfast at our hotel, we will have free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven Tour with lunch (USD 140), to be organized by our guide. Our first stop will be Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world and one of China’s most important symbolic sites in terms of its political and historical significance. Among the places we will see panoramically are the Mao Zedong Mausoleum, a monumental structure displaying the remains of Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China; the Great Hall of the People, a monumental state building that hosts meetings of the National People’s Congress; and the National Museum of China, one of the world’s largest museums, located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square and showcasing thousands of years of Chinese history. Afterward, we will visit the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the imperial palace of the Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is one of the largest and best-preserved palace complexes in the world. Surrounded by towering red walls and golden roofs, this vast complex was the center of imperial power and was called the “Forbidden City” because ordinary people were prohibited from entering it for centuries. We will have the opportunity to visit this remarkable site, which contains hundreds of palace halls, courtyards, and imperial gardens. Following our visit to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious complexes where emperors of past dynasties prayed for good harvests and heavenly blessings. The temple is considered one of the finest examples of Chinese architecture. Surrounded by extensive parkland and ceremonial structures, this sacred site was one of the most important centers for imperial rituals in China. Following the tour, we will transfer to Beijing Airport at the time specified by our guide for our flight to Istanbul.
Beijing – Istanbul
After baggage, ticketing, and customs procedures, we fly to Istanbul on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight, marking the end of our services.