Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai including Dubai extension

15 Night Holiday
Half Board in China and B&B in Dubai

View Dates & Prices

Travel on an Oriental adventure with this trip of a lifetime to China. Combining ancient traditions, fascinating culture and centuries of history, this holiday will show you the best of what this incredible country has to offer. On your travels you will discover architecture of imperial dynasties, visit Buddhist temples and experience the cities of Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai.

In Beijing you will explore a 14th century ancient city of the elite, stand where General Mao rallied his troops and stroll along the impressive Sacred Way, the burial place of Ming Dynasty emperors. You will visit the Great Wall of China and have an opportunity to walk along a section of this incredible Wonder of the World. In Xi'an, marvel at the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors and the Wild Goose Pagoda, before rounding off your adventure with a visit to Shanghai, where East meets West in spectacular style.

As if China wasn't impressive enough, this holiday also offers you the opportunity to enjoy an independent three day stay in the unique city of Dubai at the end of your tour. Lying on the calm, blue waters of the south eastern Persian Gulf and flanked by a majestic desert, Dubai offers all-year-round sunshine and luxury along with the adventure of a unique Arabian experience. Please note that your extension in Dubai will be on an individual basis rather than as part of a group, and that guide services are not included for this part of the tour.

* 13 nights accommodation and 1 or 2 overnight flights depending on flight times.

**Please note that all evening meals are included in China the price of your holiday. These meals will be offered in your hotel or at a local restaurant. You will be advised on arrival of precise meal arrangement.

The same tour is available on the same dates without the Dubai extension.

Currency
Chinese Yuan (¥) – pronounced ‘wan’ in China Dirham (AED) in Dubai
Local Time
Ireland/UK Time +8 hours in China Ireland/UK Time +4 Hours in Dubai
Passport
Irish/UK citizens are required to obtain a visa before travelling to China. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the duration of the intended stay. Click here for more information on visas for China. Holders of an Irish or UK passport can obtain entry permits upon arrival in Dubai. Non Irish & UK citizens should check requirements.
Vaccinations & Health
Vaccinations may be required before your departure - please consult with your GP or Tropical Medical Bureau. Larger cities in China may at times experience poor air quality. If you have a respiratory condition it is advisable to discuss this with your medical practitioner prior to booking your holiday.
Airport
The airport in Beijing is located 28km northeast of the city.
Climate
China’s spring is mostly dry. In July and August the weather turns hot and humid. Autumn is the nicest time of the year with many warm, clear days and usually little wind. Dubai has a hot, sunny desert climate. Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm. At other times, sunhat, sun glasses and sun block are recommended.
Food & Drink
Chinese food eaten in China is much fresher and more unusual than you would get in your local takeaway. Peking duck, Cantonese beef soup, fried rice, and pork noodles are just some of the specialities served here and this is a fantastic opportunity to try tasty regional dishes as you travel. If you prefer to stick to more familiar dishes, there is an abundance of western restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai. Dubai is a fantastic place to sample Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as offering countless international dining options. Breads and slow cooked meats are staple, with hummus, tabbouleh and other delicious accompaniments served alongside. Desserts are flavoured with rose water, nuts and dried fruits.
Average Prices for Region
China - €1 = approx 7.5 ¥ Coffee: 27 ¥ Beer: 11 ¥ Glass of wine: 13 ¥ Meal: 28 ¥ Soft Drink: 4 ¥ Bottled Water: 4.50 ¥ Dubai Coffee: 15.30 AED Beer: 35.00 AED Glass of wine: 35.00AED Main course: 25.00AED Soft Drink: 1.50AED Bottled Water: 1.06AED €1 = 4.17 AED
Packing List
Your valid passport Sunscreen A 220v plug adaptor A small backpack A sun hat Comfortable shoes Camera Insect repellent
Recommended Reading
Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah Empress Orchid by Anchee Min Empire of the Sun by J.G. Ballard Carte Blanche by Jeffrey Deaver Dubai, the Story of the World’s Fastest City by Jim Krane Hello Dubai by Joe Bennett

Currency

Chinese Yuan (¥) – pronounced ‘wan’ in China

Dirham (AED) in Dubai

Local Time

Ireland/UK Time +8 hours in China

Ireland/UK Time +4 Hours in Dubai

Passport

Irish/UK citizens are required to obtain a visa before travelling to China. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the duration of the intended stay. Click here for more information on visas for China. Holders of an Irish or UK passport can obtain entry permits upon arrival in Dubai. Non Irish & UK citizens should check requirements.

Vaccinations & Health

Vaccinations may be required before your departure - please consult with your GP or Tropical Medical Bureau. Larger cities in China may at times experience poor air quality. If you have a respiratory condition it is advisable to discuss this with your medical practitioner prior to booking your holiday.

Airport

The airport in Beijing is located 28km northeast of the city.

Climate

China’s spring is mostly dry. In July and August the weather turns hot and humid. Autumn is the nicest time of the year with many warm, clear days and usually little wind. Dubai has a hot, sunny desert climate. Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm. At other times, sunhat, sun glasses and sun block are recommended.

Food & Drink

Chinese food eaten in China is much fresher and more unusual than you would get in your local takeaway. Peking duck, Cantonese beef soup, fried rice, and pork noodles are just some of the specialities served here and this is a fantastic opportunity to try tasty regional dishes as you travel. If you prefer to stick to more familiar dishes, there is an abundance of western restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai. Dubai is a fantastic place to sample Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as offering countless international dining options. Breads and slow cooked meats are staple, with hummus, tabbouleh and other delicious accompaniments served alongside. Desserts are flavoured with rose water, nuts and dried fruits.

Average Prices for Region

China - €1 = approx 7.5 ¥

Coffee: 27 ¥
Beer: 11 ¥
Glass of wine: 13 ¥
Meal: 28 ¥
Soft Drink: 4 ¥
Bottled Water: 4.50 ¥

Dubai

Coffee: 15.30 AED
Beer: 35.00 AED
Glass of wine: 35.00AED
Main course: 25.00AED
Soft Drink: 1.50AED
Bottled Water: 1.06AED
€1 = 4.17 AED

Packing List

Your valid passport
Sunscreen
A 220v plug adaptor
A small backpack
A sun hat
Comfortable shoes
Camera
Insect repellent

China
The Great Wall of China
First developed as a series of smaller walls protecting various separate Chinese states, the wall was connected more than 2000 years ago by the Emperor Qin to defend the first consolidated kingdom of China. Successive extensions and restorations carried out by the later Chinese dynasties turned the wall into a world famous magnificent engineering project.
Forbidden City
This is the best conserved collection of ancient buildings in China, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Summer Palace
Badly damaged by Anglo-French troops during the Second Opium War (1860), the restoration of this palace became an aspiration of Empress Dowager Cixi, the last of the Qing dynasty rulers. Funds provided for a modern navy were reallocated for the project, however the only part completed was the restoration of a marble boat. The boat now lays at the edge of the lake in all its glory.
Temple of Heaven Park
The Temple of Heaven sits in a 267-hectare park, with four gates at the cardinal points, and walls to the north and east. It was originally used as a vast stage for solemn rites and rituals. The buildings in the park, including the Round Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, are tangible conversations between the gods and mortals.
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is centered at the heart of Beijing, and is an successive desert of pavestones where people wander and fly kites.
Xi’an
Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors & Horses
These life-sized terracotta figures of warriors and horses were discovered in 1974 by farmers digging for a well near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and weapons have been unearthed from the pits where they were found, and the work on site continues.
Xi’an City Wall
The city is ecclosed by an ancient wall which was re-constructed in the 14th century, during the early Ming Dynasty and its design is based on the inner imperial palace of Tang Dynasty. The outer city is 13.7 km in circumference and occupies an area of 11.5 square km.
Shanghai
Oriental Pearl Tower
This futuristic looking tower in Shanghai is one of the city’s most distinct landmarks. It was formally the tallest structure in China until 2007 and offers incredible panoramic views of this bustling metropolis.
Jumeirah Beach - Dubai
Jumeirah Beach is a beautiful white sand beach located in the Jumeirah district of Dubai. It stretches along on the coast of the Persian Gulf and features a water park, numerous hotels with bars and restaurants for you to enjoy and a shopping complex.
Dubai Creek
Dubai's waterfront epitomizes the city's personality. The best way to see the trading port is from the water. You can book a cruise or hire an abra (small boat) and ask the captain to take you to Al-Maktoum bridge and back. Also take time to walk around the dhow wharfage on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, to the west of the abra dock.
Grand Mosque - Dubai
The Grand Mosque in Bur Dubai is home to the city's tallest minaret. It was built in the 1990s in the style of the Grand Mosque, which dated from 1900 but was demolished to make way for another mosque in 1960. The new Grand Mosque's sand-coloured walls and wooden shutters blend perfectly with the surrounding old quarter of Bur Dubai. Jumeira Mosque is known for its size and elaborate design. The best time to see it is at night, when it is spectacularly lit.

Currency
Chinese Yuan (¥) – pronounced ‘wan’ in China Dirham (AED) in Dubai
Local Time
Ireland/UK Time +8 hours in China Ireland/UK Time +4 Hours in Dubai
Passport
Irish/UK citizens are required to obtain a visa before travelling to China. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the duration of the intended stay. Click here for more information on visas for China. Holders of an Irish or UK passport can obtain entry permits upon arrival in Dubai. Non Irish & UK citizens should check requirements.
Vaccinations & Health
Vaccinations may be required before your departure - please consult with your GP or Tropical Medical Bureau. Larger cities in China may at times experience poor air quality. If you have a respiratory condition it is advisable to discuss this with your medical practitioner prior to booking your holiday.
Airport
The airport in Beijing is located 28km northeast of the city.
Climate
China’s spring is mostly dry. In July and August the weather turns hot and humid. Autumn is the nicest time of the year with many warm, clear days and usually little wind. Dubai has a hot, sunny desert climate. Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm. At other times, sunhat, sun glasses and sun block are recommended.
Food & Drink
Chinese food eaten in China is much fresher and more unusual than you would get in your local takeaway. Peking duck, Cantonese beef soup, fried rice, and pork noodles are just some of the specialities served here and this is a fantastic opportunity to try tasty regional dishes as you travel. If you prefer to stick to more familiar dishes, there is an abundance of western restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai. Dubai is a fantastic place to sample Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as offering countless international dining options. Breads and slow cooked meats are staple, with hummus, tabbouleh and other delicious accompaniments served alongside. Desserts are flavoured with rose water, nuts and dried fruits.
Average Prices for Region
China - €1 = approx 7.5 ¥ Coffee: 27 ¥ Beer: 11 ¥ Glass of wine: 13 ¥ Meal: 28 ¥ Soft Drink: 4 ¥ Bottled Water: 4.50 ¥ Dubai Coffee: 15.30 AED Beer: 35.00 AED Glass of wine: 35.00AED Main course: 25.00AED Soft Drink: 1.50AED Bottled Water: 1.06AED €1 = 4.17 AED
Packing List
Your valid passport Sunscreen A 220v plug adaptor A small backpack A sun hat Comfortable shoes Camera Insect repellent
Recommended Reading
Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah Empress Orchid by Anchee Min Empire of the Sun by J.G. Ballard Carte Blanche by Jeffrey Deaver Dubai, the Story of the World’s Fastest City by Jim Krane Hello Dubai by Joe Bennett

Day 1 - Travel to China

Morning

Travel to China

Depart for Beijing and begin this trip of a lifetime.

Day 2 - Arrive in Beijing

Morning

Arrive in Beijing

Upon arrival in Beijing you will be met by our local representative before being transferred to your hotel.

Day 3 - Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City & Qianmen St

Morning

Tiananmen Square

After breakfast on day 3 you will visit Tiananmen Square and the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City. Tiananmen Square is one of the largest squares in the world and has been the site of many historic rallies and protests. The square is home to many important buildings and monuments and is separated from the Forbidden City by Tiananmen Gate. The Forbidden City was the Chinese Imperial Palace during the Ming Dynasty and served as the home of emperors for almost 500 years. It is now under the charge of the Palace Museum and houses a huge collection of porcelain, paintings, jewels and sculptures. Impressive imperial gardens and some important shrines surround the site.

Afternoon

Qianmen Street

In the afternoon you will visit Qianmen Street, which is one of the oldest pedestrian streets in China. This ornate shopping street has a mix of Chinese and Western shops and eateries, the most famous of which is Quanjude Chinese Restaurant, which sells over 2 million of its trademark Peking Roast Duck every year.

Day 4 - Great Wall, Jade Factory & Sacred Way

Morning

The Great Wall

Day 4 will begin with a trip the Great Wall, a Wonder of the World, which is a highlight for many on this holiday. It dates back to the 7th century BC in certain sections and was built to protect the first unified Kingdom of China. It stretches for over 20,000 miles and you will have an opportunity to walk along part of it with guide assistance.

Afternoon

Jade Factory & Sacred Way

After lunch you will visit to the Jade Factory, where you will see jewellery and sculptures with jade stones being carved. You will then finish your day at the Sacred Way. This walkway is part of the Ming Tombs complex, which contains the tombs of thirteen emperors. The road is lined with eighteen pairs of stone statues and an impressive gateway.

Day 5 - Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo & Olympic Village

Morning

Summer Palace & Beijing Zoo

You will start day 5 with a visit to see the Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo and the Olympic Village. Featuring extensive gardens, the Summer Palace is located on the edge of a lake, and was once the destination of choice for vacationing emperors and empresses. After you will travel to Beijing Zoo to see Ming Dynasty architecture and an impressive collection of animals including the native pandas.

Afternoon

Olympic Village

In the afternoon you will visit the site of the 2008 Olympics. Here you will view the unique Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube, which were among the most eye-catching structures built for the games. There will be free time to enjoy some shopping or sightseeing at your leisure in the evening.

Day 6 - Lama Temple, Sanlitun Village & Temple of Heaven

Morning

Lama Temple & Hutong Rickshaw Tour

In the morning you will take a trip to the Lama or Yonghe Temple, which is a monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. It contains a 26 metre tall wooden statue of the Maitreya Buddha and unique bronze statues of the Buddhas of the Three Ages. After you will be taken on a rickshaw tour of an old town hutong area, which contains narrow streets and ornate houses and gardens.

Afternoon

Sanlitun Village & Temple of Heaven

After lunch you will have time for shopping at the Sanlitun Village shopping centre, which is a huge complex of shops and restaurants. After you will visit the Temple of Heaven, which is a complex of religious buildings symbolising the relationship between earth and heaven. Originally, it functioned as a vast stage for solemn rites and rituals. All of the buildings in the park, including the Round Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, represent conversations between the gods and mortals.

Day 7 - Transfer to Xi'an

Morning

Transfer to Xi'an

On day 7 you will transfer from Beijing to Xi’an on a high-speed train, stopping at two places of interest en-route. First you will visit the Old City Wall of the Ming Dynasty where you will see the towers and defensive fortifications, which protected Xi’an. Afterwards you will visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, which is an ancient 7th century Buddhist example of the iconic Chinese building.

Afternoon

Arrive Xi'an

After checking into your hotel in Xi'an you will have the afternoon at leisure.

Day 8 - Terracotta Army

Morning

Terracotta Army

On this full day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site you will see a remarkable collection of life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses, arranged in battle formations. These figures were buried with the emperor Qin Shi Huang in 210–209 BC, to protect him in his afterlife. They were hidden until 1974 when they were discovered by local farmers and are now a must-see attraction for many who visit China. There will be some free time in the afternoon to spend at your leisure.

Afternoon

At Leisure

After lunch, you will have free time for shopping and sightseeing.

Day 9 - At Leisure

Full Day

At Leisure

You will be free to spend today at your own pace in Xi’an. Why not visit the Muslim Quarter, which is full of narrow alleys of shops and restaurants. We would also recommend the Han Yang Lin Mausoleum, which showcases exhibits from the Han Dynasty. There is a unique glass floor, where you view the underground exhibition hall below. The Han Yang Lin Mausoleum is located about 20km north of the city.

Day 10 - Travel to Shanghai

Morning

Travel to Shanghai

Depart by internal flight from Xi’an to Shanghai, for a two-night stay. You will then travel on the world's fastest train (Maglev) to Shanghai city centre, where you will take a lift to the top of Jinmao Tower or the Oriental Pearl Tower to get fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding city.

Afternoon

At Leisure

Check into your hotel, afternoon at leisure.

Day 11 - Shanghai City Tour

Shanghai City Tour

Morning

This half-day excursion will introduce you to fascinating Old Shanghai, including beautiful Yu Garden, the old town of Shanghai, the bustling Xintiandi Street and Shikumen Open House Museum.

Afternoon

At Leisure

The afternoon can be enjoyed at your own leisure. Why not shop for some last-minute souvenirs in one of the huge shopping malls dotted around the city or photograph some of the fantastic architecture in this modern metropolis. We also recommend a visit to the Shanghai Museum, which is often regarded as the best museum in China.

Day 12 - Travel to Dubai

Morning

Travel to Dubai

Morning transfer to Shanghai airport with guide assistance for your flight to Dubai.

Afternoon

Arrival in Dubai

Upon arrival in Dubai you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. *Please note that your extension in Dubai is based on an individual rather than a group format. Guide services are not included.

Day 13 & 14 – At Leisure

Full Day

At Leisure

You will have two full days to enjoy an independent stay in Dubai, a cosmopolitan city where the traditional and contemporary meet. You could visit Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai’s largest mosque, or Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city. Or you could relax on the beach - after getting lost in the Dubai Mall, which features over 1,200 retail stores !

Day 15 – Return Home

Afternoon

Return Home

Afternoon transfer to Dubai Airport for your flight home.

* Please note that the order of your excursions on the itinerary above is provisional and subject to change

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Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai including Dubai extension

Practical Information for this holiday

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Trip Itinerary - Day by day

Day 1 - Travel to China

Travel to China

Day 2 - Arrive in Beijing

Arrive in Beijing

Day 3 - Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City & Qianmen St

Tiananmen Square

Qianmen Street

Day 4 - Great Wall, Jade Factory & Sacred Way

The Great Wall

Jade Factory & Sacred Way

Day 5 - Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo & Olympic Village

Summer Palace & Beijing Zoo

Olympic Village

Day 6 - Lama Temple, Sanlitun Village & Temple of Heaven

Lama Temple & Hutong Rickshaw Tour

Sanlitun Village & Temple of Heaven

Day 7 - Transfer to Xi'an

Transfer to Xi'an

Arrive Xi'an

Day 8 - Terracotta Army

Terracotta Army

At Leisure

Day 9 - At Leisure

At Leisure

Day 10 - Travel to Shanghai

Travel to Shanghai

At Leisure

Day 11 - Shanghai City Tour

Morning

At Leisure

Day 12 - Travel to Dubai

Travel to Dubai

Arrival in Dubai

Day 13 & 14 – At Leisure

At Leisure

Day 15 – Return Home

Return Home

Customer reviews

Hotel & accommodation available for this trip

The Legendale Hotel Beijing 5

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Hilton Hotel Xi'an 5

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Metropolo Hotel Classiq Shanghai Bund Circle 5

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Marina Byblos Hotel Dubai 4

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Wyndham Dubai Marina 4 Star

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