This was posted 1 year 1 month 9 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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10 Days China Tour from SYD/MEL $888 Per Person Twin Share ($500 Solo Surcharge) @ TripADeal

2000
10 Days China Tour from SYD/MEL $888 Per Person Twin Share ($500 Solo Surcharge) @ TripADeal
Go to Deal
fratzhaus on 13/09/2024 - 08:10 tripadeal.com.au (6937 clicks)
Last edited 13/09/2024 - 11:55 by 1 other user

I went on this exact trip in May, and it was genuinely amazing. The trip is heavily subsidised by the China govt, which explains how they get away with the tiny cost.
You will need about min $1000 extra for the optional activities, tipping, and food.

I personally spent $2000 extra in total, but I bought a lot of things back.
I used Alipay almost exclusively which meant it was super easy to summarise every expense in the country and know where I was at.
Happy to answer questions too if people are concerned.

Reminder that the 15 day free visa makes this trip even cheaper and easier:
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/853959

Dates

2024
* 9th November

2025
* 28th February
* 4th March
* 6th March
* 8th March
* 10th March
* 14th March
* 15th May
* 19th May
* 21st May
* 22nd May
* 26th May
* 28th May + $50 P/P
* 2nd June + $50 P/P
* 4th June
* 10th June

Itinerary

Day 1
Australia (or New Zealand) – Beijing, China
Day 2
Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City (or Tiananmen Square & Temple of Heaven)
Day 3
Great Wall of China
Day 4
Beijing – Shanghai - Suzhou
Day 5
Suzhou – Wuxi
Day 6
Wuxi - Hangzhou
Day 7
Hangzhou - Shanghai
Day 8
Shanghai History Museum & Free Afternoon
Day 9
Shanghai, China – Australia (or New Zealand)
Day 10
Arrive Australia (or New Zealand)

Inclusions

"Explore Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi and Shanghai
Visit historic Tiananmen Square in Beijing
Step back in time at the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City or The Temple of Heaven (subject to availability)
Tick the Great Wall of China off your bucket list
Indulge in a delicious Peking Duck lunch experience
Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Hangzhou’s picturesque West Lake
Visit Lihu Park in Wuxi, a serene oasis nestled along the shores of Lake Lihu
Delve into the history of China at the Shanghai History Museum
Explore the Lingering Garden and a silk spinning factory in Suzhou
Visit a local Jade Museum and see incredible artisans at work
Learn about traditional Chinese medicine at ‘Tong Ren Tang’ in Beijing
Discover Longjing Tea at Meijiawu Tea Village with tastings"

Travel Airfare Asia China Instagrampost Tour

Related Stores

TripADeal
TripADeal

closed Comments

      • McMaferMur on 13/09/2024 - 09:51

        wow now i can go to sydney chinatown and feel like at home…. tap here tap there

        • xmagic on 13/09/2024 - 09:59

          It's not economical to use Alipay or WeChat Pay with international card outside of China. I use these apps to pay in Australia only because sometimes the forex rates are good and there are incentives to take advantage of. Pretty popular to visitors and international students, too, for the same reason.

          • humperdoo on 13/09/2024 - 10:15

            @xmagic: Also most shop owners are happy to charge you multiple 200rmb if you are getting something big as I think they sting you with a 3% fee once the cost goes over 200.

    • xmagic on 13/09/2024 - 09:30
      +1

      Also you can get WeChat Pay international version work with aussie cards no problem. Alipay, the international version, is comparatively more polished for non-chinese users, though.

      You should get both if you're travelling around China. Most places accept both, but in places that only accept one of them, Alipay is more popular in the south and WeChat Pay is more common to the north.

      • fratzhaus on 13/09/2024 - 09:43

        fair, this trip is more south, everywhere had Alipay, many did not have wechat

    • wots on 13/09/2024 - 12:11

      WeChat and alipay are both super easy to set up now: create account and link your card. Just came back from 2 weeks in China. Used WeChat 95% of the time. When WeChat gave me an error (no idea why) I used alipay.

  • Charon on 13/09/2024 - 09:27
    +7

    Went on this trip in May. Its honestly quite good for the price.

    Not sure if all the stores they took you to are all overpriced, but the silk and tea are actually quite well priced according to my Chinese friend.
    They are both premium items so they are expensive yes, but good value for the quality of the item.

    There are fair bit of optional tours but we opted out of most of it and just explored the city ourselves. Didi is quite cheap even at Beijing/Shanghai when the hotel location is 1h away from the city.

    • fratzhaus on 13/09/2024 - 09:29
      +2

      I'm booking again, and skipping most the optionals and doing exactly this.

  • BlackorRed on 13/09/2024 - 09:35

    I have 14 and 9 y.o kid, would they be accepted in this trip?

    • fratzhaus on 13/09/2024 - 09:41

      Others have found that it is 18+ only. Sorry :(

      • armageddeus on 13/09/2024 - 11:32
        +2

        Oh really, I rang the one of the tour operators and they said kids were welcomed with accompany adult. They just can't go on their own, hence the 18+

        • Save 50 Cent on 13/09/2024 - 13:45

          Well kids can’t go on their own anywhere overseas. You don’t see airplane tickets or holiday packages advertised as 18+. I know tripadeal trip to china is 18+. That is likely because kids will not buy silk and tea. Also, it would be very tiring for kids as this tour is full on with a long time on the bus.
          I wouldn’t recommend it for kids below 14 anyway as most activities would be too boring for them.

  • chillipaste on 13/09/2024 - 09:39

    Can you share how you used Alipay in China? Was it directly linked to your Australian card? No issues with payment? I understand Alipay can be used basically all across china, just like wechat/wepay

    So could you realistically only carry cash for tipping?

    • fratzhaus on 13/09/2024 - 09:40
      +2

      just with an aussie card, you can link it up.
      You can do it in AU right now if you'd like to see how it works.

      Tipping is just the bus fee - you can pay via alipay too.

    • xmagic on 13/09/2024 - 09:51
      +4

      I don't think you need to bring cash at all. Locals would prefer cashless over cash in almost all situations.

      I personally haven't seen (let alone use) cash for years when I back home for holidays. People often having hard time to give you change if you offer them a large banknote 😏.

      Also paying with QR code is a bit different from RFID contactless. But in general it's quite easy to understand - either you scan me (customer scans merchant's static QR code, and need to enter how much to pay, feels like paying cash) or I scan you (merchant uses POS terminal to scan customer's dynamic QR code on the app, feels like paying with a credit card).

  • Levathian on 13/09/2024 - 09:48

    $500+ surcharge from anywhere that isn’t Sydney or Melbourne, surely it’s cheaper to buy separate domestic flights and a hotel room for a night…

    Edit apparently not, wow domestic travel is expensive these days

    • fratzhaus on 13/09/2024 - 09:53

      I only put SYD/MEL in the title for that reason haha

    • Save 50 Cent on 13/09/2024 - 13:48

      Yeah not for two people return ticket plus a night in a decent hotel. $1000 for two is actually fair.

  • McMaferMur on 13/09/2024 - 09:50

    with there are dates in october next month.
    maybe different provider? it dont hink its exclusive to TripADeal, right?

    • fratzhaus on 13/09/2024 - 09:55

      The dates I put in the post are from Melbourne, there might be different dates for Sydney but I didn't think that'd be the case.

      Other providers provide very similar tours because of the govt subsidy, and the freelance tour guides basically have a routine and route on lock.
      They are different companies though, and have different (though similar) inclusions.

  • 0FoxGiven on 13/09/2024 - 09:51

    Has anybody gone on these kinda trips with a 4 year old? Would it be difficult because of too much walking required? Do the tour operators even allow it?

    Edit : Nevermind.. have to be 18years old at least

  • rooster7777 on 13/09/2024 - 09:57
    -4

    Do you get to be tourists behaving badly, like many videos of chinese tourists overseas?

    • TightAl on 13/09/2024 - 11:36
      +1

      Yep just like the ones in Bali

  • netjock on 13/09/2024 - 09:58

    Australians have 15 days visa free travel to travel. They could have just extended it a little. Looks like very hurried trip.

    • fratzhaus on 13/09/2024 - 10:02
      +1

      there is a 13 day trip inclusive of a terracotta knights trip, but its about 500 extra I think.

      • TheFreaK on 13/09/2024 - 13:16

        Link?

      • Squeezy on 13/09/2024 - 15:14

        the 2 for 1 Terracotta warriors deal is $2800-2900 for 2 people. The Surcharge from ADL was $400 extra pp back when we booked in April

  • oliman on 13/09/2024 - 10:10
    +1

    I want to travel alone on 4th of June 2025. Anyone want to travel on same date and share room with me (to save $500 extra for solo room requirement for single travellers)? If yes then PM me so we can book together for sharing room saving. Cheers.

  • cannedhams on 13/09/2024 - 10:19

    would it be viable to take kids on something like this?

  • oliman on 13/09/2024 - 10:23

    Anyone wants to travel alone and book a sharing room with me to save $500? 4th of June suits me.

    • brotherfranciz on 13/09/2024 - 13:08
      +3

      book a sharing room with me

      What? Not even a first date? You pay for dinner.

    • Save 50 Cent on 13/09/2024 - 13:50
      +3

      There is a facebook group with 50k members dedicated to this. ‘Tripadeal travel buddy’. You’ll have more luck there.

  • rvsure on 13/09/2024 - 10:24
    +1

    Op would finding food during the tours a problem for vegetarians?

    • fratzhaus on 13/09/2024 - 10:26
      +2

      I don't think you'll struggle too much.
      There were tofu dishes and the like available at many of the places.
      At worst, keep some packaged food from the supermarkets with you :)
      One of my friends I went with was Vegetarian and seemed to not have much issue.

    • V2L on 13/09/2024 - 10:28
      +1

      vegetarian is reasonably easy, if you are vegan that can be tough though

    • Oxenfree123 on 13/09/2024 - 16:29
      -4

      Last time I visited I stayed just outside Liaocheng near the Chiping District.

      Had some banging vegan meat. I believe it was imitation Golden Retriever in a stir-fry, might have been some variation of impossible meat but I'm not sure if that's available in China.

      It's a must if you're in the area.

  • HangryCakeStore on 13/09/2024 - 10:26
    +3

    I know alot of bogus western bots has a slight racist opinion whenever something Chinese related pops up,
    so for those silently reading this that know they can’t neg this deal, why you gotta be a fear mongering sheep? Are u any different 😂

  • kron on 13/09/2024 - 10:28
    +1

    I wish these offers were sometimes catered for solo travelers as well. Always a twin share condition attached.

    • rvsure on 13/09/2024 - 10:46
      +2

      Time to start a OZB page to pair like minded travellers to go on twin share tours like this.

      • whyisave on 13/09/2024 - 14:44

        OzPairgain

        • Meconium on 13/09/2024 - 15:20

          PlentyOzBargainers

    • V2L on 13/09/2024 - 10:48
      +1

      @oliman is looking for a partner
      blind date ozbargain tour style

      • whyisave on 13/09/2024 - 10:56

        Meet first at OzB meetup.

      • oliman on 13/09/2024 - 12:10
        +1

        yeah…you can refer me your girlfriend :)

    • jcft on 13/09/2024 - 12:50
      +2

      Trip a deal is a 3rd party booking agent for china tour
      Once you reach China - it's run by the China Tour
      If your a solo traveler and paid the $500 single supplement
      Its not a guarantee you get a single room -
      Ask TripADeal where it states - guarantee solo traveler - single room in its terms & conditions
      If China tour want to cut costs or hotel is over booked - not enough rooms, they will put you with stranger
      Then try complaining to TripADeal …. they never want to know about it.

      Always please - read comments from solo travelers who have gotten single room - tripadvisor.com

  • Oauiii on 13/09/2024 - 10:53

    is it a very fast paced group tour?

    • fratzhaus on 13/09/2024 - 11:03

      It is a fairly engaging trip, and there is little room for exploring unless you skip an optional activity to do so.

  • Cludo on 13/09/2024 - 11:01
    +1

    Appreciate all the info you've provided in this post, super interesting to read!
    China is a place on my list I'd like to visit some day, probably not in a structured tour like this, but you've provided great insight in the event that I do change my opinion.

    • fratzhaus on 13/09/2024 - 11:07
      +1

      I don't think I ever would have been brave enough to solo organise a China Tour myself, but doing this trip has given me that confidence.

      It's a great way to cheaply travel and experience the highlights, but if you're wanting a longer trip that lets you explore, then its fairly limited. The price point is tempting me to just skip all activities 2nd time round and explore the areas myself. The tour guides are generally okay if you ditch the bus so long as you make it back to the hotel via didi or something ready for the next day.

  • syswong on 13/09/2024 - 11:05
    -3

    Are these the ones they give a DJI to foreigners to make happy happy videos then CCP propaganda team upload to YouTube with zombie accounts?

    • Ozsaver88 on 13/09/2024 - 11:06
      -1

      I guess so because I can't think of a better use.

    • V2L on 13/09/2024 - 11:09
      +2

      I imagine they'd get paid more than forced shopping trips

  • Ozsaver88 on 13/09/2024 - 11:13
    -6

    Too risky considering the human rights record and abduction of journalists in China. I am not going to argue with these Chinese bots. Have a nice day and save your lives.

    • V2L on 13/09/2024 - 11:15
      +1

      careful those CCP bots kidnaps people overseas too, is it safe to go outside?

      • Ozsaver88 on 13/09/2024 - 11:28
        -3

        No, it is not safe to go outside in China. CCP might kidnap you for not defending the country and its image well.

    • Richcor on 14/09/2024 - 01:05
      +1

      You're a goose lol

  • talentmyj on 13/09/2024 - 11:20
    +4

    As a Chinese, I encourage everyone goes to this trip to feel the real China. The price is so cheap and I would book it if I have time to go back for traveling. If you want to ask me any questions, I can help as well

      • talentmyj on 13/09/2024 - 13:13
        +1

        wow yan liang lee. Taiwan is a province of China. I don't really care what you said about the rest. You can keep your hate about China.

        • Hangryuman on 13/09/2024 - 13:20
          -1

          No reason to hate- just waiting for West Taiwan to renounce their beliefs in failed communism and return to the fold.

        • Chumpmaster on 13/09/2024 - 13:40
          -3

          Real Chinese was erased by Mao through the cultural revolution and the great leap forward. If you want to see what a thriving Chinese culture looks like in a democracy, Taiwan is where you want to be.

          • V2L on 13/09/2024 - 13:57
            +1

            @Chumpmaster: Maoism is gone in all but name, even though CCP likes to pay homage to it. it's still a destination rich in culture/food and history/UNESCO heritage sites (which you just don't get in taiwan/HK). If you are scared of the big bad CCP I suppose you might feel more comfortable in Taiwan or Malaysia but it's a big chunk of the world and history you are missing

              • V2L on 13/09/2024 - 19:31
                +1

                @Chumpmaster: uh.. it's a star wars reference.. as in may4th be with you…
                sounds like you have your inherent biases too

        • yanlianglee on 13/09/2024 - 13:52
          -3

          I don't care what you think either. Taiwan is a proud country! Unlike China

          • T4y10r on 13/09/2024 - 18:31
            +2

            @yanlianglee: A proud country that doesn't allowed to have foreign embassies on its soil and their own abroad, you don't see that every day.

      • brotherfranciz on 13/09/2024 - 13:35
        +5

        This is simply not true.

        One example is the food (there are many examples but I think food is relatable for many people): China is a big country and every region has their own unique cuisine.

        Most of the Chinese food you eat in "overseas Chinese communities" is in fact southern Chinese cuisine e.g. Guangdong province (restaurants mainly run by Hong Kong migrants who speak Cantonese, which is a dialect of the Chinese language).

        You mention Malaysia - they have an entirely unique Malaysian Chinese cuisine that is very different to other Chinese cuisines.

        You would be missing out if you live in your shell and refuse to explore different parts of the world. I have my opinions on authentic northern Chinese cuisine (I'm used to the southern Chinese cuisine in Melbourne, so other Chinese cuisines and flavours seem weird), but at least I have tried it, and it adds to my life experience.

        Don't be afraid to explore and don't let social media and mainstream media colour your opinions before you visit.

        • xmagic on 13/09/2024 - 21:25

          I can't agree more! The variety of chinese food is the best way to demonstrate how big China really is and how complex the composition of the population and culture there, which is something that many people either don't realise or having hard time to grasp when they read maps or hear the 1bn number.

          Nothing is "authentic chinese" on its own while everything can be considered authentic chinese.

    • belongsinforums on 13/09/2024 - 16:23

      Lol a trip to tourist shops meant for domestic tourists in shanghai and hangzhou is hardly the real China. Great wall is the only good thing on the trip

  • sertse on 13/09/2024 - 11:20

    I've done a version of this tour ~5 years ago from HK as I am Canto. The tour is really good value, but you need to have the right mindset that it is a shopping subsided tour.

    You have to attend and listen but aren't forced to buy, and prices aren't outrageous at all especially if you think you'll be getting souvenirs anyway. I bought tea and a silk eye mask and which I actually used. Breakfasts are buffet style, noodles, bread or bacon/sausage and eggs.

    I might go it again in the future and skip most of the optionals for more independent travel time.

    The travel time is expected since you are cris-crossing large parts of the country.

  • nightqueen on 13/09/2024 - 12:10

    I have young kids, 4 and 2 year old. Is this tour suitable for them?

    • Playboi Carti on 13/09/2024 - 12:38
      +1

      No, but maybe in 16 years

    • TEER3X on 13/09/2024 - 18:34
      -1

      Don't travel until the youngest is at least 4 or 5.

    • klrrider1 on 25/09/2024 - 14:25

      From the TAD website:

      "• This travel offer is strictly valid for those 18 and over."

  • Duckie2hh on 13/09/2024 - 12:26

    Happy to answer questions too if people are concerned

    How often do you have to report back to CCP?

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