Accommodation

All accommodations in double and twin share rooms with private facilities. Hotel (8 nights), Overnight train (1 night) Shanghai Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels, a 4-Star Hotel (2 nights) Beijing Chongwenmen Hotel, a 3-star hotel (2 nights) Xi’an Forest City Hotel, a 3-star hotel (2 nights) Ibis Chengdu Temple of Marquis, a 3-star hotel (2 nights) Overnight Soft Sleeper train from Beijing to Xi’an (1 night) Travelling with Truly China Travel is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible. When travelling with us in China you may find yourself staying in a: Overnight Sleeper Train Your overnight journey will give you plenty of time to finally learn how to play mah-jong, mingle with the locals or simply relax and watch the scenery whiz by. Monastery Enjoy the simpler things in life, waking up to the sound of monks chanting amongst peaceful mountain scenery. Staying in a monastery is truly an unforgettable experience. Special Information Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room, a Single Supplement for Adult, Senior and Youth/Student to have your own room is bookable on this trip, with the exception of the overnight train, subject to availability. If you wish to arrive a few days early in Beijing, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Transport

All transportation during the tour is included; High speed train (Shanghai-Beijing, Xian - Chengdu), 2nd class, and an overnight Train (Beijing - Xi’an), Soft Sleeper. Truly China Travel believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Truly China Travel uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun. Depending on which trip you’re on while in China, you may find yourself travelling by: Bicycle Cycling through China is a great way to see the country from ground level. Whether you’re pedalling through the hutongs or the countryside, you’ll see the sights and get to meet locals along the way. High-speed train Speed across China in a super fast bullet train. It’s one of the most effective ways to cover long distances in a short time. You can also book an extra arrival transfer on the first day and extra departure transfer on the last day through us.

Others

Private bus and entrance tickets for the excursions: Yuyuan Garden and Old Shanghai street walking tour in Shanghai; Shanghai - Dumpling cooking class; Tian’anmen Square & Forbidden City in Beijing; Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing; Muslim Quarter walking tour in Xian; Terracotta Army in Xian; Chengdu - Market Visit and Sichuan Cooking Class; Chengdu - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.

Meals

There are 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners included, breakfasts normally are Chinese and Western buffet, lunches and dinners are local specialty dishes. VEGETARIANS & VEGANS: Vegetarians in China certainly won’t go hungry as there are always plenty of meat free options on menus including vegetable, tofu and egg dishes. Your tour guide can advise on some local favourites. Dairy is uncommon in Chinese cooking, although in some regions like Tibet, Xinjiang and Yunnan you will find milk products as part of the local cuisine. Vegans should also have few problems finding tasty meals in most locations. Nearly all cities will have vegetarian restaurants, often near to temples or monasteries that specialise in Buddhist cuisine. DIETARY NEEDS: Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may wish to supplement inclusions with their own supplies from markets or supermarkets. Please note that some dietary requirements, such as Gluten Free, will be uncommon in China and you may need to explain to your tour guide what you can and can’t eat as well as research common dishes before you travel. ALLERGIES: For those suffering from particular food allergies, your tour guide will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic and research suitable local foods before travelling.

Guide

English speaking tour guides in each destination, except on the trains; All Truly China group trips are accompanied by one of our tour guides. The aim of the tour guide is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your guide will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Truly China Travel we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your guide can recommend a scenic spot guide service in most of the main scenic spot of your trip.

Not included:

Others

International flight and departure tax; Arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure transfer on Day 10; Excluded lunches and dinners; Other optional excursions and entrance tickets; Tips to drivers and tour guides; Other personal expenses; Travel insurance; Visa to China.

Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won’t be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

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Day 1 Shanghai (Arrival)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Shanghai (Arrival)

Nimen Hao! Welcome to China. Blending 21st-century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai pulses with the beat of new China. Your adventure begins with a meeting at 6 pm this evening. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. Settle into your hotel then get a feel for this vibrant city and its bright lights, fevered trade and frenetic pace. The evening is free for your first exploration of the city – perhaps get a taste of Shanghai’s eclectic food scene, which draws influence from far beyond China’s walls. As a cutting-edge global city, the food of Shanghai is an exciting blend of traditional and international flavours. Given Shanghai’s location on the East China Sea, as well as the region’s extensive network of rivers, lakes and canals, both seafood and freshwater produce are also common.
Day 2 Shanghai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Shanghai

This morning is free for you to explore. Perhaps drop into Shanghai First Food, established in 1952 this is the largest comprehensive food store in the world and sells more than ten thousand brands of fresh and dried foods from all over the country and the world. Alternatively, visit the Propaganda Museum for a fascinating look at China’s revolutionary past, get a bird’s eye view of the city from the Pearl Tower’s observation decks, wander the Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar, barter in markets, or stroll through modern Pudong. In the afternoon, try your hand at making Shanghai’s famous dumplings. Chomp on potstickers and slurp up the juice from Shanghai’s famous soup dumplings during a cooking class with a local chef, who will teach you how to create the perfect xiao long bao, which will be also your early dinner for the night. Tonight, maybe scope out the city’s buzzing nightlife at a local bar for your final night on this Chinese food adventure. Hairy crab is the city’s most notable delicacy, though it’s only available in winter between the months of September and November. Join your leader for a walking tour that will take you to historical Shanghai. At the Bund you can get a taste of 1920s Shanghai; its spectacular array of art deco style buildings, formerly belonging to Western banks, line what was once the most important financial street in Asia. Wander the narrow winding lanes (nongtangs) of old Shanghai, where you can get a real glimpse into the locals’ daily life. Explore the European-influenced French Concession, the area of Shanghai once designated for the French, where tree-lined avenues and Tudor mansions still retain an air of the ’Paris of the East’. To celebrate your arrival, why not join your leader for a drink at a rooftop bar overlooking the bright lights of this exhilarating city (not included). This rest of the evening is free for your own Shanghai food adventure. There are endless options in Shanghai, with a restaurant scene bursting with international flavours as well as one of the most vibrant street food scenes in China. Your tour leader will have plenty of suggestions for the best places to suit any taste or budget.
Day 3 Shanghai To Beijing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Shanghai To Beijing

In the afternoon, catch a bullet train to Beijing. The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places that give an insight into the nation’s ancient past, as well as sights that showcase China’s contemporary culture. Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm this evening. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. Settle into your hotel and then maybe head out to explore the Beijing Streets – with your hotel located centrally, a walk in any direction will unveil all sorts of wonderful surprises.
Day 4 Beijing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Beijing

Beijing is an intriguing modern city with an ancient heart. Numerous emperors brought accomplished chefs from around China to the Forbidden City in Beijing to prepare elaborate feasts for the imperial family and court officials, and today these regional flavours can still be found in many of Beijing’s celebrated dishes. After checking into your hotel, head to the narrow alleyways of Beijing’s historic hutong neighbourhoods. Explore one of the Hutong markets and see steaming fresh tofu and freshly made dumplings while learning about the key ingredients and spices used in Northern Chinese cooking. Make your way to the centre of the city – Tian’anmen Square.From here you will enter the enormous Forbidden City. Built more than 500 years ago and off-limits to commoners for almost all that time, it’s a truly amazing place. As you explore the great halls and courtyards you’ll be able to appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Dinner tonight is a real crowd pleaser. You haven’t tasted real Peking duck until you’ve eaten it in a Beijing kaoyadian (roast duck restaurant). Often referred to as ‘capital city cuisine’, the food of Beijing has been strongly influenced by its imperial heritage and Peking duck has been a dish on the royal menu since the 1300s.
Day 5 Beijing To Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Beijing To Xi’An

This morning you’ll drive out to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall (approximately 2 hours drive from Beijing) and spend some time exploring, taking photos and learning the history of this mighty site (and sight). An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the ’barbarians’ of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it’s still without a doubt one of the country’s most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. You’ll often feel like you have the place to yourself as you take your time strolling along the wall, which snakes through the hills almost endlessly into the distance. Please note that the wall is quite steep in places so make sure you have some appropriate footwear for this activity. It’s up to you how far you walk once up on the wall. Return to Beijing by mid afternoon. For more intrepid foodies, join your leader for a walking tour of Wangfujing Night Market. Occasionally referred to as one of the world’s wildest food markets, food here ranges from mouth-watering to a little confronting: from lamb kebabs to chòu dòufu (stinky tofu), and cicadas to centipedes. Or perhaps enjoy dinner at Ghost Street, home to over 150 food businesses representing flavours from around the country. In the evening, catch a night train to Xi’an.

Special Information

To ascend to the Great Wall by foot takes approximately 1 hour from our arrival point. Alternatively, you can take a cable car. The cable car costs CNY100 one-way and CNY120 return.
Day 6 Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Xi’An

Arrive in Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China. Once the imperial centre of China for 2,000 years, Xi’an is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many interesting historical sites and noted for its distinctive food culture. The food in Xi’an is marked by the strong salty flavours of Shaanxi cuisine, and has been influenced by the significant Muslim population, which is evident in the city’s nut and pastry shops and the prevalence of snacks such as kebabs and flatbreads. Serving portions are notably generous and every dish has a story – from ’Old Ma Family’s mutton’ to ’Old Liu Family’s Hulutou’. Other hallmarks of Xi’an cuisine are the prominence of noodles and dumplings as accompaniments to many classic dishes, as well as snacks and soups served at numerous food stalls that line the city streets. One thing is certain about any trip to Xi’an: you won’t leave hungry. After you arrive (approximately midday) you’ll have a brief orientation walk then some free time to explore. For dinner you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Muslim Quarter to discover why Xi’an in considered the ’snack capital’ of China. Go on a unique food crawl that will have you tasting some of the city’s best: beef or lamb kebabs, cold noodles, a sumptuous lamb soup and steaming dumplings.
Day 7 Xi’An To Chengdu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Xi’An To Chengdu

Wake early to try local Xi’an breakfast specialties such as ba bao zhou (eight treasure rice porridge) and hula soup (pancakes and pepper soup with meatballs and vegetables). Then, journey out into the countryside surrounding Xi’an (approximately 2 hours) and visit what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. You’ll learn all about this incredible archaeological find, discovered in 1976 by farmers digging a well, after being buried for 2,000 years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots (originally all painted) were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Three main pits are open for you to view, where over 6,000 warriors – each individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, and even facial expressions – stand in battle formation. The scale is incredibly impressive. For lunch you will have the opportunity to visit a local farmer-owned restaurant. With free time in Xi’an, maybe walk the city walls (the most complete in China) or explore the Drum and Bell Towers. In the late afternoon, catch a bullet train to Chengdu. Chengdu, an officially recognised UNESCO City of Gastronomy, is the capital of the Sichuan province and where we begin this Real Food Adventure. It might be one of China’s biggest cities, but Chengdu has preserved plenty of its traditional flavour and visitors can still find famous teahouses, numerous markets and some of the most interesting food in China.
Day 8 Chengdu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chengdu

Sichuan province is a must-visit for those interested in getting to the heart of Chinese cuisine. It is perhaps best recognised for its fiery quality and the tingling, tongue-numbing sensation produced by its most famous ingredient, Sichuan pepper. Although only introduced to the region in the past few centuries, Sichuan pepper quickly gained a stronghold in local dishes. Start you adventure with a visit to the markets with a local chef to learn about the building blocks of Sichuan cuisine and to collect ingredients. Next, learn to whip up some classic Sichuan dishes in a cooking class. After feasting on your creations over lunch, take a walking tour through the centre of Chengdu. Visit Tianfu Square, where a giant statue of Chairman Mao stands tall. Relax in one of the most popular parks in Chengdu, People’s Park, where you can experience the amazing Chengdu tea culture, an essential part of people’s daily life. Sit on a bamboo chair in the park, sip some tea and enjoy casual chitchat alongside the locals. Also try your hand at mahjong, badminton, or even join in singing and dancing. Don’t be surprised if somebody comes up to you with an offer of cleaning your ears! In the evening, if you’re still hungry, why not taste more Chengdu specialities on Jinli Street. This street is famous for its historic atmosphere, bustling businesses and most of all its local snacks. Enjoy sticky rice cakes with sesame sauce, spicy chicken on a stick, sweet rice jelly, fried beef pancakes and, for the more adventurous, spicy rabbits heads.
Day 9 Chengdu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chengdu

Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, where you’re able to witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing endangered species. There are only around 1,000 pandas left in the world and 80% of them are found in the mountains in Sichuan. The facility was set up 30 years ago to help conserve this animal, and there are more than 80 giant and red pandas living at the base. The pandas have over 600 acres of parkland to live in, and you can get up close and learn more about these majestic creatures. Watch them play, eat bamboo and climb the trees. If you’re lucky enough you might even get to see newborns taking their first steps in the nursery (July-September). After it, enjoy your lunch with one of the country’s most renowned dishes - an authentic Sichuan hotpot. Known in Sichuan as ’huo guo’ (which roughly translates to ’fire pot’), huo guo is thought to date back more than 1000 years, originating from a meal enjoyed by boatmen working on the Yangtze River in the nearby city of Chongqing. Consisting of a communal pot of spiced broth, everyone can select their own ingredients to be cooked up in this delicious hot liquid.
Day 10 Chengdu (Departure)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chengdu (Departure)

Your Real Food Adventure China comes to an end this morning. There are no activities on the final day and you are free to leave your accommodation at any time.

Kindly Reminder: the check out time normally is 12:00. If you have booked an airport transfer through Truly China Travel, please confirm the pick up time with your tour leader in advance.

10 days tour

Chinese Cuisine & Culture

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Chinese Cuisine & Culture

Shanghai (Arrival)

Shanghai

Shanghai To Beijing

Beijing

Beijing To Xi’An

Xi’An

Xi’An To Chengdu

Chengdu

Chengdu

Chengdu (Departure)

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