Special October 27, 2026 FAM departure: English & Spanish speaking tour leader from Toronto, complimentary gift + upgrade package worth over CAD $500.
This is a special familiarization (FAM) departure of our Beijing & Jiangnan tour, with extras that no other date offers:
Begin in the historic capital of Beijing with Tiananmen Square, the China Jade Exhibition Hall and the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall, then ride the high-speed train south into Jiangnan, the water-town heartland of the Yangtze delta.
In Wuxi, stroll the shores of Li Lake and visit the Pearl Exhibition Hall and the Purple Clay Museum. Suzhou brings the UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden and a silk workshop; Hangzhou offers a walk along West Lake, Longjing tea at Meijiawu and the City Balcony on the Qiantang River.
The tour ends in Shanghai with a free day of your own — join the optional city day tour, or explore at your own pace.
Optional extras (Forbidden City with the Yongle Palace banquet show, the panda house and hutong tour, the Summer Palace with a Peking Duck feast, the Temple of Heaven, the Grand Canal cruise, the Songcheng Romance and ERA shows) are priced in CAD per person and paid to the tour leader inadvance.
This video is general destination footage shown for inspiration and reference only. It is not specific to this tour, and the scenes shown may not be part of this itinerary.
Depart Toronto on your international flight to Beijing, China. Overnight on board.
Welcome to Beijing, China! Our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in, where you may settle in and refresh yourself.
In the morning, visit Tiananmen Square, the world’s second-largest public square, followed by the Palace Museum. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palace Museum ranks among the largest and best-preserved imperial palace complexes remaining in the world. For lunch, savour authentic Peking Duck, a time-honoured local delicacy with distinctive flavours.
In the afternoon, optional excursion: Temple of Heaven & Hutong Experience (USD 89 per person, not included). Visit the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven, a symbol of ancient Chinese culture. Then ride traditional rickshaws through old Beijing hutongs and step into a local family’s home for an immersive glimpse of traditional Beijing neighbourhood life. Dinner features a special welcome imperial banquet (seats in Rows 3-4).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Chunhuiyuan Resort or equivalent
En route to the Great Wall, stop at one of Asia’s major jade exhibition halls to learn about jade culture in China. Today’s highlight is the magnificent Great Wall of China, the most iconic symbol of China’s long-standing history. Climb this grand wall stretching about 5,955 kilometres (3,700 miles) and enjoy sweeping mountain vistas. Admire fine stone relics and ancient beacon towers standing atop mountain ridges, as the wall winds across rugged terrain, showcasing the grandeur of this historic landmark. A picnic-style lunch is included, allowing you to explore this architectural wonder at your own pace and soak in breathtaking scenery. On the return journey, drive past the two landmark venues of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games: the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube, to appreciate modern Chinese architectural design.
Optional activity: Beijing Zoo-Panda House & Capital Museum (USD 65 per person, not included).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Chunhuiyuan Resort or equivalent
After breakfast, visit a traditional Chinese medicine centre to gain insights into TCM principles, including acupuncture and herbal medicine. Then board a high-speed train bound for Wuxi. The journey covers 1,300 km and takes approximately 5.5 hours. Upon arrival in Wuxi, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. You may rest freely for the evening. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: THE HOTEL V or equivalent
Business hotel opened in 2020 in Liangxi District, the old city centre of Wuxi, a short walk from Yangming metro station: 118 rooms with queen or twin beds, a restaurant with buffet breakfast, conference rooms, a lobby delivery robot and on-site parking. Wuxi railway station is about 10 km, Shuofang airport 14 km.
See the hotel › 9 photos
Holiday Inn Express opened in 2024 in the Jiulicang commercial centre of Xishan District, 1.4 km from Wuxi East high-speed railway station and 300 m from Yingyuehu metro station: 115 bright rooms, the brand's free Express Start buffet breakfast, a fitness room, two meeting rooms, self-service laundry and delivery robots.
See the hotel › 10 photosIn the morning, tour a freshwater pearl processing factory and learn about natural pearl cultivation. Visit Lihu Park, a tranquil lakeside park with lush vegetation and peaceful walking paths, ideal for strolling and photography. In the afternoon, travel to Suzhou.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the well-known local restaurant Songhelou.
Optional excursion: Grand Canal Cruise (USD 50 per person, not included). Drift along the waterway and observe local life along this historic golden water route.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express SUZHOU BAY by IHG or equivalent
In the morning, explore the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pinnacle of classical Chinese garden design. Known as the “Venice of the East”, Suzhou charms visitors with its network of waterways. Afterwards visit the Silk Museum and trace the complete production process from silkworm cocoons to luxurious silk fabrics. Depart for Hangzhou in the afternoon (215 km, approx. 2.5-hour drive). Marco Polo praised Hangzhou as “the most splendid and luxurious city in the world”.
Evening optional performance: Impression West Lake (USD 90 per person, not included). This audio-visual spectacular uses music, lighting and water-screen special effects to bring timeless legends of West Lake to life.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mehood Lite Hotel (Hangzhou New World E-sports Center Subway Station Branch) or equivalent
Cruise on West Lake in the early morning, admiring its misty beauty, wooded hills and numerous historic sites. Afterwards head to the Longjing Tea Plantation for an authentic tea-tasting experience and learn how this famous green tea is produced. Continue by road to Shanghai (175 km, approx. 2.5-hour drive). This bustling metropolis blends towering modern skyscrapers with historic charm. Stroll along the Bund, a one-mile riverside promenade lined with world-class historic buildings offering sweeping views over the Huangpu River.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Artyzen Habitat Taopu Shanghai or equivalent (upgraded 5-diamond standard)
In the morning, visit the Shanghai History Museum, home to an extensive collection of precious ancient Chinese artworks.
Optional sightseeing: Shanghai Highlights — City God Temple & Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck (USD 50 per person, not included). Wander the lively City God Temple quarter featuring ancient-style architecture, local markets and authentic street food. Ascend the Jin Mao Tower for panoramic city views, experiencing the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity.
Evening optional show: Acrobatic Spectacle ERA-Intersection of Time (USD 60 per person, not included) for a thrilling stage performance.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Artyzen Habitat Taopu Shanghai or equivalent
Private transfer will take you to the international airport for your return-home flight. You may also choose to extend your trip to discover more destinations across China. We hope your journey through China leaves you with unforgettable memories! Meals: Breakfast
7 hand-picked hotels over 9 nights of this itinerary. Open any property for photos, video, a full introduction and what's on site.
Hot-spring resort by the Wenyu River in Shunyi, north-east Beijing, with 598 rooms, in-room hot-spring baths, outdoor hot-spring pools, gardens, spa and restaurants, about 11 km from Beijing Capital Airport.
See the hotel › 9 photosBusiness hotel opened in 2020 in Liangxi District, the old city centre of Wuxi, a short walk from Yangming metro station: 118 rooms with queen or twin beds, a restaurant with buffet breakfast, conference rooms, a lobby delivery robot and on-site parking. Wuxi railway station is about 10 km, Shuofang airport 14 km.
See the hotel › 9 photosHoliday Inn Express opened in 2024 in the Jiulicang commercial centre of Xishan District, 1.4 km from Wuxi East high-speed railway station and 300 m from Yingyuehu metro station: 115 bright rooms, the brand's free Express Start buffet breakfast, a fitness room, two meeting rooms, self-service laundry and delivery robots.
See the hotel › 10 photos
High-rise Holiday Inn Express opened in 2023 beside the Wujiang sports centre in Suzhou Bay, the East Taihu Lake resort district south of the old city: 160 rooms including themed family rooms, free Express Start breakfast, a fitness room and meeting rooms, with the MIXC and Aegean Place malls nearby and Tongli water town a short drive.
See the hotel › 11 photos
Small smart-tech business hotel opened in 2024 in Sandun, north-west Hangzhou, beside Jindi Plaza and Metro Line 2 (Jinjiadu station): 66 rooms with whole-room smart controls, motorised curtains, air purifiers and smart toilets, a breakfast restaurant, gym, meeting room, self-service laundry and underground parking. Xixi wetland and Lingyin Temple are 15–20 minutes away.
See the hotel › 9 photos
19-storey, 240-room hotel opened in 2018 in the commercial centre of Jiading New Town, north-west Shanghai, next to Baiyin Road station on Metro Line 11: stylish queen and twin rooms, a restaurant and coffee bar, three multi-function meeting rooms, a gym, self-service laundry and parking. Jiading's Baolong Plaza, Yuanxiang Lake and the Poly Grand Theatre are within walking distance; the F1 circuit is a short drive.
See the hotel › 12 photos
Design-led lifestyle hotel in the Taopu Smart City district of Putuo, Shanghai, with 212 rooms, the Townsquare restaurant and social hub, a 24-hour gym, yoga room and an amphitheatre with a vertical garden.
See the hotel › 8 photosWhere a day says “or similar”, a comparable property of the same standard may be used on some departures. Room photos are representative; the room category is set by your booked package.
Tips and gratuities for the tour guide, driver and local guides — mandatory, paid upon booking (US $140 / CAD $200 per person).
Professional English and Spanish speaking tour leader from Toronto, with the group for the whole trip
Complimentary gift and special upgrade package valued at over CAD $500 per person
Airport-hotel-airport transfers
8 nights accommodation in 4-5 star hotels
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
One-way high-speed train from Beijing to Wuxi
Sightseeing as per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
8 daily breakfasts,
English-speaking tour guide
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Travel Insurance or any protection plans
Tips and gratuities: US $140 (200 CAD) per person (paid upon booking)
Personal expenses such as laundry service, souvenirs and telephone calls
Lunches and dinners that are not in itinerary.
International airfare from other cities
Any other items not mentioned in the inclusions
Temple of Heaven & Hutong Experience (USD 89 per person, not included)
Beijing Zoo-Panda House & Capital Museum (USD 65 per person, not included)
Grand Canal Cruise (USD 50 per person, not included).
Evening optional performance: Impression West Lake (USD 90 per person, not included)
City God Temple & Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck (USD 50 per person, not included).
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Reserve online and pay the CAD $300 per-person deposit right away (unless a different amount is stated for this tour) — that secures your booking. We then confirm availability, usually within 24 hours, and update your booking status — if we cannot confirm your reservation, your deposit is refunded in full. The balance is due 30 days before departure. The deposit option applies to bookings made more than 60 days before departure — within 60 days of departure, full payment is required at booking.
Price adjustments (Travel Industry Act, 2002 — O. Reg. 26/05): increases resulting from retail sales or federal tax changes excepted, if the total price rises by more than 7% you may cancel for a full refund — and no price increase is permitted after you have paid in full.
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Air-inclusive package · plus Gratuities $200 (mandatory, per person)
Per person · double occupancy · 27 Oct 2026 departure
Price notes
Prices shown are the air-inclusive package. Gratuities $200 per person is mandatory and is added at checkout.
Return airfare included, economy class.
Maplelux Holidays serves travel agencies. Choose how you would like to continue.
Chun Hui Yuan Resort is a garden-style hot-spring resort in Shunyi District on the north-eastern edge of Beijing, beside the Wenyu River. The thermal water rises from about 2,100 m underground and feeds both the outdoor hot-spring pools and the large stone bathtubs in the guest rooms.
The resort has 598 rooms spread across several buildings in landscaped grounds, with Chinese restaurants (Peking duck among the specialities), a spa and massage centre, a fitness room, children's activities and conference facilities. Beijing Capital International Airport is around 11 km away, which makes it a convenient stop before an early flight.
THE HOTEL V (Shuguang Wei Hotel) is a 118-room business hotel that opened in 2020 on Liangdong Road in Liangxi District, south of Wuxi's historic centre. Rooms are modern and light — standard, superior and deluxe queen or twin rooms and a deluxe suite — with a work desk, smart TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, kettle and a bathroom with a walk-in shower (some deluxe rooms have a bathtub).
The ground-floor restaurant serves a Chinese and Western buffet breakfast and is open through the day for coffee and light meals.
A conference hall and boardroom-style meeting rooms, a lobby delivery robot for room service, luggage storage and free on-site parking.
Yangming station on Metro Line 1 is a few minutes' walk; Nanchan Temple, the Grand Canal cultural park and Wuxi's old town are 3–4 km. Wuxi railway station is about 10 km and Shuofang airport about 14 km.
Holiday Inn Express Wuxi East Station is a new-build (2024) select-service hotel in Anzhen, on the eastern edge of Wuxi where the high-speed rail station sits. Its 115 rooms follow the current Holiday Inn Express design: king or Hollywood-twin beds, blackout curtains, a work desk, high-speed Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV, with a mini-fridge in most categories and accessible rooms available.
The Express Start breakfast — a Chinese and Western buffet with hot dishes, eggs, congee, noodles, breads and fruit — is included in the room rate and served in the ground-floor Great Room, which stays open as a lounge through the day.
Fitness room with cardio equipment, two meeting rooms, a self-service laundry, delivery robots to the rooms and on-site parking.
1.4 km from Wuxi East railway station and 300 m from Yingyuehu station on Metro Line 2; Wuxi Shuofang airport is 9.5 km. The Hongdou Wanhua City and Cuipinghui malls are within 2 km, and Jiulihe Wetland Park is a short drive.
Holiday Inn Express Suzhou Bay is a 2023 tower hotel in the Binfenhui complex next to the Wujiang Sports Center, on the shore of East Taihu Lake in Suzhou Bay. Its 160 rooms — superior queen and twin rooms, high-floor and extra-space kings, a studio suite and dinosaur- and pet-themed family rooms with tent beds — have blackout curtains, a work desk, mini-fridge, smart TV and fast Wi-Fi; many look over the lake or the new town.
The Express Start buffet breakfast (Chinese and Western hot dishes, congee, noodles, breads, fruit and coffee) is included and served in the Great Room, which doubles as an all-day lounge.
Fitness room, meeting rooms for up to boardroom and classroom layouts, self-service laundry, luggage storage and parking; the adjacent sports centre and lakeside promenade are open to guests.
Suzhou Bay Golden Beach, the Digital Art Museum and Yuehu Terrace are on the lakeshore nearby; the MIXC, Aegean Place and Wuyue Plaza malls are within a short drive, Tongli ancient town about 15 km and Suzhou's old city and railway station roughly 30 km.
Pinrui Hotel is a 66-room hotel that opened in 2024 in the Jindi Plaza development in Sandun, Xihu District — the tech-park side of Hangzhou, north-west of West Lake. Rooms (queen, twin, family and suites) are fitted out as "smart" rooms: voice and panel control of lighting and curtains, a temperature-controlled fridge, humidifier, air purifier and smart toilet, plus a work desk, minibar or tea bar and fast Wi-Fi.
A breakfast restaurant on the ground floor serves a Chinese buffet with Hangzhou dishes, noodles, congee and fruit; room delivery is handled by robots.
Gym with treadmills and weights, a meeting room, self-service washing machines and dryers, a lobby lounge and underground parking.
Jindi Plaza and the Hangzhou North MixC mall are next door; Jinjiadu station on Metro Line 2 links to the city centre. Xixi National Wetland Park and Lingyin Temple are about 10 km, West Lake 12 km, Hangzhou West railway station 12 km and Hangzhou East station 20 km.
Meixu Huweiguan Hotel is a 19-storey business hotel opened in 2018 on Yongsheng Road, at the heart of Jiading New Town in Shanghai's north-western Jiading District. Its 240 rooms come in several series — comfort and superior queen and twin rooms, the "Wei" grand rooms with latex mattresses and pillows, the "Guan" rooms with 270° city views and a bird-cage chair, family and connecting rooms — with quality toiletries, cotton bedding, smart TVs and fast Wi-Fi.
The restaurant serves a Chinese and Western buffet breakfast and à-la-carte meals through the day; there is a coffee bar and lounge in the lobby and an outdoor terrace.
Fitness room, three multi-function meeting rooms and a banquet hall, self-service laundry, luggage storage and on-site parking.
Baiyin Road station on Metro Line 11 is next to the hotel (about 45 minutes to central Shanghai); Baolong Plaza, Wanda Plaza, Yuanxiang Lake park and the Poly Grand Theatre are all within a kilometre. The Shanghai International Circuit is about 6 km, Hongqiao airport and railway station about 25 km and the Bund roughly 35 km.
Artyzen Habitat Taopu Shanghai is a lifestyle hotel by Artyzen Hospitality Group in the Taopu Smart City development in Putuo District, a former industrial quarter of north-west Shanghai that has been rebuilt as a technology and creative hub. The design references the area's industrial past and sustainability themes run through its artwork.
Its 212 rooms come in five categories including corner-view suites. Townsquare, the all-day restaurant, doubles as a social space for food and drinks; there is a 24-hour gym, a yoga room, self-service laundry, meeting studios and a Roman-style amphitheatre with an indoor cascading garden.