Classic China - 11 days

11 days by plane from Zagreb

Group departures: 11.11. - 21.11.2026.; 18.02. - 28.02., 05.03. - 15.03., 12.04. -22.04., 07.05. - 17.05.2027.

Airline taxes included in the price! First Minute discount 70 € for bookings up to 60 days before departure or until capacity is filled at the first minute price!

1. ZAGREB – ISTANBUL – BEIJING

Meeting of passengers at Zagreb Airport two hours before flight departure. Flight to Istanbul departs at 20:20 on flight TK1056 (Turkish Airlines). Arrival in Istanbul at 23:40 local time. Continue flight to Beijing at 01:30 on flight TK88 (Turkish Airlines). Overnight flight with meals served on board.

*Departures for 2027 include a connection in Munich. More detailed flight information can be found in the flight information for each departure.

2. BEIJING

Arrival in Beijing at 15:35 local time. After customs formalities and baggage collection, transfer to the hotel and check-in. After a rest, departure for dinner at a local restaurant and a visit to the most famous shopping street in Beijing, and in all of China - Wangfujing, a modern street with numerous brand stores in the Dongcheng district that dazzles with displays of world-famous brands. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

3. BEIJING – THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA – BEIJING

Breakfast. Departure for a full-day excursion to the Great Wall of China. The wall is 8,852 kilometers long, 10 to 16 meters high, 8 meters wide and represents by far the largest construction and defensive fortification in the world, and since 1987 it has been protected by UNESCO. On the return to Beijing, visit the Ming Dynasty tombs and a walk along the Sacred Way with giant marble statues of animals and people guarding the imperial burial area of the mentioned dynasty. Followed by a panoramic view of the Olympic Park and the "Water Cube", the arena where many swimming records "fell" in 2008 and which today has been turned into an entertainment water park, and a view of the National Stadium (from outside), known as the "Bird's Nest", which hosted the opening and closing of the Olympic Games. Dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

4. BEIJING

After breakfast we set off to tour the Hutongs where the traditional spirit of Beijing can best be felt. The narrow, winding streets between rows of single-story houses are called Hutong; this was once the classic way of life for residents, and today they mostly house shops, souvenir stores and restaurants. Most have disappeared and been replaced by modern buildings, but the remaining hutong districts are now a tourist attraction of the city. For sightseeing we will use rickshaws and panoramic vehicles so you can see as much as possible and get to know the way of life from the city's past. In the afternoon, tour the Summer Palace by Kunming Lake with the largest and best-preserved imperial park in China, also known as the "Museum of Royal Gardens" because it greatly influenced Chinese horticulture and is considered a masterpiece of Chinese park design. Here you can leisurely stroll among ancient pavilions, palaces, temples and bridges that form a harmonious whole with the lake and Longevity Hill. There is also the famous Long Corridor, a covered promenade with 273 rooms stretching about 700 meters, which represents the epitome of top architecture. Return to the city. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight.

5. BEIJING – XI’AN

Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel. Departure for a full-day tour of Beijing starting with a visit to the Temple of Heaven from 1420, which with its three-tiered roof made of blue tiles has become a symbol of Beijing. Then, visit Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. Followed by a tour of the Forbidden City, the ancient imperial palace from the Ming and Qing dynasties. This architectural masterpiece is divided into three parts and surrounded by high purple walls. On the vast area of 183 hectares there are numerous palaces, pavilions, courtyards, gardens and treasuries. Transfer to the airport and check-in for the flight to Xi'an. Flight departs at 16:55 on flight MU2114 (China Eastern Airlines). Upon arrival in Xi'an at 19:15, organized transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

6. XI’AN

Breakfast at the hotel. Then we travel by bus to the outskirts of Xi'an to the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Xi'an became known worldwide when an archaeological excavation in 1974 uncovered more than 8,000 terracotta warriors in battle formation and life-size horses guarding the burial area and the eternal rest of the emperor about whom many legends and stories exist. Each figure is unique and there are no two alike. This site of the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor who unified China, is today, alongside the Great Wall, the largest Chinese tourist attraction. Upon return to Xi'an in the afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda surrounded by a Buddhist sanctuary and a modern replica of the Tang dynasty city. Then visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the largest mosque in China and the dynamic city bazaar where old and new collide in an incredible way. Dinner at a local restaurant. Optional (for a surcharge), after dinner there is a possibility to attend the Tang Dynasty Culture Show. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

7. XI’AN – HANGZHOU

Breakfast and after check-out from the hotel, organized transfer to the airport. Flight to Hangzhou, a city located south of Shanghai. When Marco Polo traveled through Hangzhou in the 13th century, he described it as one of the most beautiful places in the world because of its shore rich in temples and pavilions. On the city tour we will take a boat on the beautiful West Lake, which is included on the World Cultural Heritage list, one of the most beautiful lakes in China, visit the Lingyin Temple and tour the plantation of the world's best green tea. After dinner at a local restaurant return to the hotel. Overnight.

8. HANGZHOU – SUZHOU – LILI SHANGHAI

After breakfast check-out from the hotel. Bus ride north towards Suzhou, about 180 km away. It is often called the "Venice of the East" or "Chinese Venice" because of numerous stone bridges over the Yangtze's canals. The city, founded as early as 514 BC, is also known for many pagodas and beautiful gardens which have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Visit the Master of the Nets Garden, a classical Chinese garden in Suzhou covering 5,450 m2 and considered the most beautiful garden of southern China. We then go to the old town of Lili located on the canals. With its picturesque canals, old bridges and traditional architecture it is a true wonder that combines architecture and nature in perfect harmony. The town is full of small canals and bridges connecting different parts of the city, creating picturesque scenes reminiscent of old China. During the visit, we will have the opportunity to ride boats on the Grand Canal, enjoying the beauties surrounding this unique water system. After the tour, we continue to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai check-in and accommodation at the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight.

9. SHANGHAI

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the most famous shopping street Nanjing Road, 1 km long, a popular shopping area where you will have free time for shopping. Continue to the Bund Boulevard, a symbol of old and new Shanghai, a 4 km long promenade along the Huangpu River featuring 52 buildings built in various architectural styles - from Gothic, through Renaissance and Baroque, to Chinese style. In the evening, a 1-hour boat cruise on the Huangpu River follows, offering a fascinating view of the Bund and futuristic Pudong. Pudong is located on the eastern bank of the river and is home to the Lujiazui financial and commercial zone and the famous Oriental Pearl Tower. Dinner at a local restaurant. Optional (for a surcharge) possibility to attend a fascinating Acrobatics show. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

10. SHANGHAI – ISTANBUL

Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel. Continued tour of the old part of Shanghai: the Yuyuan Gardens (Mandarin Yu Gardens) – built during the Ming and Qing dynasties and representing the most classical garden of Shanghai. Followed by a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple (a reclining Buddha statue weighing 1 ton and 1.9 m high made of white jade), and a drive to the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world (the first is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai). It has 128 floors and is 632 meters high. Nearby are other notable skyscrapers such as the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Followed by a visit to the French Concession, a popular part of the city with numerous cafés and restaurants. Free time for coffee and a walk. Then dinner at a local restaurant after which we proceed by bus to the airport. Passengers who wish to try the super-fast Maglev train, which using electromagnetic technology levitates above the tracks and can reach speeds up to 500 km/h, will have the opportunity to get from the city to Shanghai airport in just 8 minutes. Check-in for the flight to Istanbul and departure on flight TK27 (Turkish Airlines) at 22:50. Overnight flight with meals served on board.

11. ISTANBUL – ZAGREB

Arrival in Istanbul is scheduled for 06:05 local time. Continue travel to Zagreb on flight TK1053 (Turkish Airlines) at 08:15. Arrival in Zagreb at 08:35 Croatian time.

Price includes

• air transportation in economy class on the route Zagreb – Beijing – Shanghai – Zagreb
• airline taxes
• domestic flight in China on the route Beijing - Xi'an
• domestic flight in China on the route Xi'an – Hangzhou
• includes 1 piece of checked luggage per person (each suitcase up to 23 kg) + 1 piece of hand luggage (up to 8 kg, dimensions 55x40x23 cm) – all flights
• 8 overnight stays with breakfast in 4* hotels in Beijing, Xi'an, Hangzhou and Shanghai
• dinners in local restaurants
• Peking duck dinner in Beijing
• sightseeing and excursions with local guides according to the program
• excursion to the Great Wall of China
• group transfers according to the program
• entrance fees: Summer Imperial Palace, Ming Dynasty Tomb, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Terracotta Army, Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, boat ride on West Lake Hangzhou, Lingyin Temple, boat ride on the canals in Suzhou, Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Gardens in Shanghai
• Maglev train ride in Shanghai
• tour leader in Croatian language
• guarantee deposit and travel organization costs

Price does not include

• supplement for a single room 330 €;
• tips for the guide and driver 50 € (payment on site to the tour leader)
• additional meals, services and excursions not listed in the travel program
• travel insurance (recommended)

Optional excursions and activities

• Tang Dynasty Show Xi'an 40 €
• Shanghai Tower - ascent to the top: 40 €
• Shanghai Acrobatics show 45 €
• Rickshaw ride and Hutong tour (Beijing) 35 € - payment on site

Notes and useful information

From 20 November 2025 all foreign nationals are required to complete a digital "Arrival card" in advance before entering China. The form can be filled out no earlier than three days before arrival via the official website of the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

This change replaces the previous paper form and enables a faster and simpler entry procedure into the country.

Link for filling out via website: Arrival Card Filling

Link for filling out via mobile devices: Arrival Card Filling

Official name: People's Republic of China

Geographical location: East Asia

Area: 9,596,960 km2

Population: about 1,343,000,000

Capital: Beijing, about 20,693,000 inhabitants

Language: Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese

Religion: atheists 60%, Taoists and Buddhists 30%, others 10%

Time difference: +8 hours in winter / +7 hours in summer

Currency: Chinese yuan (CNY), 1 EUR = about 7.73 CNY

Shopping: silk, tea, wine and alcoholic beverages, antiques, traditional herbal medicinal preparations, jade items, porcelain. Haggling is common.

Food: meat, seafood, vegetables, rice and noodles and many spices. Each region has characteristic ways of preparing food: Chaozhou (boiled meat and vegetables), Shanghai (freshwater crabs, fried eels), Szechuan (very spicy and hot food).

Electric voltage: 220V/240V (adapter required)

Vaccination: not required

Visa: Not required. Citizens of the Republic of Croatia holding ordinary passports can enter the PRC for tourism without a visa for a period of up to 30 days.

Mobile networks: A1, T-Mobile and Telemach partners

Country calling code: +86

Useful website: www.cnto.org

Climate: due to the vast area and complex topography, there is no single climate in China and thus no ideal time to visit. In the north the climate resembles neighboring Siberia, while in the south it is hot and humid almost all year round. The northeast has hot, dry summers, pleasant autumns and rather cold, mostly dry winters. Springs are mild but can be rainy. The central coast has occasional rains at any time of the year, hot and humid summers and cold winters. The south has considerable precipitation, long subtropical summers and mild winters. Generally, spring (March – April) and autumn (September – October) are the most pleasant times to visit.

CROATIAN DIPLOMATIC MISSION IN PRC Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the PRC (covers Mongolia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
Phone: +86 10 6532 6242
Address: Villa 5-2 Qijiayuan Diplomatic Compound No. 9 Jianguomenwai Street Chaoyang District 100600 Beijing P.R. of CHINA
Email: croemb.beijing@mvep.hr
Embassy office hours: • Monday - Friday: 9:00 - 17:00
Consular office hours of the Embassy (for clients): • Monday - Friday: 9:00 - 12:00
E-mail: crocons.beijing@mvep.hr
Emergency phone for Croatian citizens (for extraordinary situations and emergencies outside office hours): 0086 185 1112 5463

Minimum number of passengers required for the arrangement to take place: 20

• single room supplement 330 €

• tips for the guide and driver 50 € (payment on site to the tour leader)

Optional activities:

Tang Dynasty Show Xi'an 40 €

Shanghai Tower - ascent to the top: 40 €

Shanghai Acrobatics show 45 €

Rickshaw ride and Hutong tour (Beijing) 35 € - payment on site

From 20 November 2025 all foreign nationals are required to complete a digital "Arrival card" in advance before entering China. The form can be filled out no earlier than three days before arrival via the official website of the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

This change replaces the previous paper form and enables a faster and simpler entry procedure into the country.

Link for filling out via website: Arrival Card Filling

Link for filling out via mobile devices: Arrival Card Filling

Important notes

- Hotel classification in China corresponds to the official hotel categorization in the country being visited and may differ from European standards.

- Please check travel safety information for individual countries at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs or on their website: www.mvep.hr

- The travel organizer reserves the right to change the travel program as well as flight departure times (when required by circumstances during the trip), but guarantees that the program will be executed in full. Due to the long distances covered by bus during the trip, minor deviations in the order of services provided may occur; the agency reserves the right to change the itinerary order depending on the opening hours of the visited sites.

- In case of a change in the prices of calculation elements by more than 1.5%, the travel organizer reserves the right to change the tour price.

- The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after entry into the country. When booking the trip, a copy of the passport must be provided to the sales point. The passenger is solely responsible for travel documents (passport, airline ticket).

Price includes:

• air transportation in economy class on the route Zagreb – Beijing – Shanghai – Zagreb
• airline taxes
• domestic flight in China on the route Beijing - Xi'an
• domestic flight in China on the route Xi'an – Hangzhou
• includes 1 piece of checked luggage per person (each suitcase up to 23 kg) + 1 piece of hand luggage (up to 8 kg, dimensions 55x40x23 cm) – all flights
• 8 overnight stays with breakfast in 4* hotels in Beijing, Xi'an, Hangzhou and Shanghai
• dinners in local restaurants
• Peking duck dinner in Beijing
• sightseeing and excursions with local guides according to the program
• excursion to the Great Wall of China
• group transfers according to the program
• entrance fees: Summer Imperial Palace, Ming Dynasty Tomb, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Terracotta Army, Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, boat ride on West Lake Hangzhou, Lingyin Temple, boat ride on the canals in Suzhou, Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Gardens in Shanghai
• Maglev train ride in Shanghai
• tour leader in Croatian language
• guarantee deposit and travel organization costs