Day 1: Departure from KL
Meals Included: No Meals
Hotel: Beijing Taishun Business Hotel, City Inn Beijing Happy Valley or similar class
Activities: Board your MH or AirAsia flight departing for Beijing. Please be aware that our package does not include your return MH or AirAsia flight tickets to Beijing.
Remarks on hotel: if you have booked your own hotel, please inform us and we will give you a quotation without accommodation.
Day 2: Arrival in Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants.
Hotel: Beijing Taishun Business Hotel, City Inn Beijing Happy Valley or similar class
Activities: Airport pick-up, Bamboo Carbon Shop, Summer Palace, Salat at Madian Mosque, Acrobatic Show at night
Arrive at Beijing Capital Airport at midnight. Our experienced tour guide will meet and transfer you to hotel. We will start to explore Beijing from the world heritage site of Summer Palace. The Summer Palace integrates numerous traditional halls and pavilions into the Imperial Garden conceived by the Qing emperor Qianlong between 1750 and 1764 as the Garden of Clear Ripples. Using Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill as the basic framework, the Summer Palace combined political and administrative, residential, spiritual, and recreational functions within a landscape of lakes and mountains, in accordance with the Chinese philosophy of balancing the works of man with nature. The Summer Palace is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value. After dinner we will enjoy a fantastic acrobatic show.
Day 3: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants.
Hotel: Beijing Taishun Business Hotel, City Inn Beijing Happy Valley or similar class
Activities: Silk Store, Great Wall of China, Salat Prayer at Golden Palace Restaurant, Burning Cream Center
Today is the highlight of our China tour, the climbing of the world heritage site of the Great Wall. In 220 B.C., under Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of China, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defense system against invasions from the north. Construction of the great wall continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. It provides significant physical evidence of the far-sighted political strategic thinking and mighty military and national defense forces of central empires in ancient China, and is an outstanding example of the superb military architecture, technology and art of ancient China. The Great Wall embodies unparalleled significance as the national symbol for safeguarding the security of the country and its people.
Day 4: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants
Activities: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Salat at Niujie Mosque, Tea House, Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
In the morning we will visit the impressive Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City. Located in the center of Beijing, Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the world with a capacity of holding one million people. Named after the Tian'anmen gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) located to its North, separating it from the Forbidden City, the Tian'anmen Square has great cultural significance as it was the site of many important events in Chinese history such Chairman Mao's declaration of the establishment of the People's Republic of China on Oct, 01, 1949. As a result of a major expansion of Tiananmen Square in 1958, in its southern edge, the Monument to the People's Heroes has been erected, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China were erected on the western and eastern sides of the square. From Tian'anmen Square we will walk to the world heritage site of Forbidden City. Seat of supreme power for over five centuries (1416-1911), the Forbidden City with its landscaped gardens and many buildings (whose nearly 10,000 rooms contain furniture and 1.5 million works of art), constitutes a priceless testimony to Chinese civilization during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City was constructed between 1406 and 1420 and witnessed the enthronement of 14 Ming and 10 Qing emperors over the following 505 years. Transfer to the airport after dinner for your departure flight back home.
Booking Remarks
For reservation & questions, simply send an email to info@islamiChina.com. Please inform us: the tour code; the number of travelers; the date of arrival in China; your international flight number. For details of payment, please read our Terms & Conditions.
Prices are based on per person with double/triple occupancy From Nov 01, 2018 to Feb 28, 2019
1 Adult Traveler based on single room: USD708pp
2 Adult Travelers: USD408pp, Single Room Supplement: USD70
3 Adult Travelers: USD338pp, Single Room Supplement: USD70
4 Adult Travelers: USD298pp, Single Room Supplement: USD70
5 Adult Travelers: USD278pp, Single Room Supplement: USD70
6 Adult Travelers: USD238pp, Single Room Supplement: USD70
7 Adult Travelers: USD228pp, Single Room Supplement: USD70
8 Adult Travelers: USD218pp, Single Room Supplement: USD70
9 Adult Travelers: USD208pp, Single Room Supplement: USD70
Over 10 Adult Travelers: USD188pp, Single Room Supplement: USD70
Pricing Policy
Infants (under 2 years of age) traveling with parents: free of charge
Minors under 18 years old with bed: same price as the adult
Minors under 18 years old without bed: 75% of the adult price
What's Included
Hotel accommodations with daily Buffet Breakfast at hotel
Meals as specified (B for breakfast, L for lunch and D for dinner at local Halal restaurants)
Private air-conditioned car/van/coach for land transportation
Experienced English language speaking tour guide
All admission tickets to sightseeing places
All government taxes
What's Not Included
Optional tour & Insurance
International flights (MH & AirAsia airfare to Beijing and departing from Beijing)
Gratuities to service staffs (please refer to Travel Information)
Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, etc
Booking Remarks
For reservation and questions, simply send an email to info@islamiChina.com. Please inform us: the tour code; the number of travelers; the date of arrival in China; your international flight number. For details of payment, please read our Terms & Conditions.
Performing Salat at Beijing Niujie Mosque
Beijing Niujie mosque was originally built by Nasruddin, the son of an Arabic priest who came to China to preach the Islamic faith in 996 (Northern Song Dynasty). Major renovation projects were carried out in 1442, during the time of Emperor Kangxi (1662-1722) of the Qing Dynasty. Niujie Mosque is the largest and oldest mosque in Beijing. The buildings inside the mosque are symmetrically arranged. The main buildings include a Minaret which is in traditional Chinese style, the Prayer Hall, the Stele Pavilion, and so on. Many important cultural relics, such as steles from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and cupreous hollowware from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), are preserved in the mosque. Now Niujie area outside the mosque is the residential place for more than 13,000 Muslims in Beijing.
Performing Salat at Beijing Madian Mosque
Beijing Madian Mosque is one of the famous mosques in Beijing with a long history. The area of Madian became a place where Chinese speaking Hui Muslims inhabitated in the Ming Dynasty. It is recorded that the number of Hui Muslims in Madian area was more or less the same like in Niujie area (the place with Niujie Mosque, the largest Hui Muslim commnunity in Beijing). Due to the large Hui Muslim population in Madian area, the mosque was built here during Qing Dynasty Emperor Kangxi's reign (1661-1772). During the Culture Revolution (1966-1976), Madian Mosque was closed for religious service and it was turned into a factory and the prayer room became the workshop. In 1982, the factory was moved away and Madian Mosque was returned to the local Muslim community. However, the prayer room was no longer suitalbe for salat. Local Muslims raised money to rebuid the prayer room and lecture rooms. Covering an area of 3,800 square meters, the newly renovated Madian Mosque is in traditional Chinese courtyard.
Fine Dining at Local Restaurants with Halal Certificate
Breakfast will be both Western and Chinese buffet breakfast at hotel. Lunch & dinner will be at local Chinese Halal restaurants near sightseeing places. Please be assured that all lunch and dinner arranged by ICT will be at Halal restaurants. We don't arrange pork free meals. If you have special request for Indian, Pakistani, Indonesian, Turkish, Arabian or other cuisines, please advise us in advance and we will arrange accordingly. Please note that Indian, Pakistani, Indonesian, Turkish, Arabian restaurants are always more expensive than Chinese Halal meals. Halal restaurants arranged by ICT must have Halal certificate issued by related government offices.
Safe Transportation
ICT will provide private air-conditioned vehicle during tours with service of experienced drivers. For 2 travelers, we will arrange a private FAW Besturn B70 car; for 3-5 travelers we will arrange a private Refine MPV; for 6-9 travelers we will arrange Joylong 15 seater Van; for 10-15 travelers we will arrange Kinglong 21 seater bus; for 16-25 travelers we will arrange Kinglong 33 seater bus; for 26-35 travelers we will arrange Kinglong 45 seater bus.
Booking Remarks
For reservation and questions, simply send an email to info@islamiChina.com. Please inform us: the tour code; the number of travelers; the date of arrival in China; your international flight number. For details of payment, please read our Terms & Conditions.
Beijing Taishun Hotel
Add: 323 Zhoujiazhuang, Shibalidian, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel: +86-10-67486298
Well-positioned in Beijing's Chaoyang District, Taishun Hotel is the ideal point of departure for your excursions in Beijing. Taishun Hotel offers impeccable service and all the essential amenities to invigorate travelers. Car park, room service, tours, Wifi in public areas, restaurant are just a few of the facilities that set Taishun Hotel apart from other hotels in the city. This hotel offers 160 well appointed guest rooms. The complete list of recreational facilities is available at the hotel, including massage. Enjoy unparalleled services and a truly prestigious address at the Taishun Hotel. The great thing about this hotel is that there is a Halal restaurant in the hotel where local Muslim cuisine is served.
City Inn Beijing Happy Valley
Add: Weijiao Business Street, Xiaowuji North Road, East 4 Ring, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel: +86-10-67376688
Located in the Central Business District of Beijing, City Inn Beijing Happy Valley enjoys a commanding position in the restaurants, business, shopping hub of Beijing. The excitement of the city center is only 12.91 Km away. No less exceptional is the hotel's easy access to the city's myriad attractions and landmarks, such as Dongjiao Shichang Market, Ling Hang Guoji Building, Xizhao Temple. The facilities and services provided by City Inn Beijing Happy Valley ensure a pleasant stay for guests. Express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, car park, business center, restaurant are just a few of the facilities that set City Inn Beijing Happy Valley apart from other hotels in the city. Step into one of 224 inviting rooms and escape the stresses of the day with a wide range of amenities such as air conditioning, desk, mini bar, internet access – LAN (complimentary), internet access – LAN which can be found in some rooms. Besides, the hotel's host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay. With an ideal location and facilities to match, City Inn Beijing Happy Valley hits the spot in many ways.
1: Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Yes, you do need a China Visa. Foreign visitors can obtain individual or group visas from Chinese embassies and consulates, usually within a day or two. For individual travelers, single-entry visas are valid for entry within three months. For business people and other regular visitors there are multiple-entry visas good for six months at a time. Each visa is valid for a stay of 30 or 60 days, and can be extended while in China. Visitors should be sure to carry their passports while in China as they are needed to check into hotels, make plane or train reservations, exchange money or establish the holder's identity.
If you need Visa Invitation Letter from us, please inform us at least one month ahead of your arrival date in China. Usually, it will take us about one week to process the Visa Invitation Letter. If you need hotel confirmation to get China Visa, please also advise us in advance.
2: How strenuous is this trip?
This trip is moderate. The trip includes full days of activities, which start early in the morning and end in the evening. You may discuss the starting time with GCT tour guide who will be happy to listen to your advice. The longest walking is from Tian'anmen Square to Forbidden City and then to the parking place which will last for less than three hours covering about 2km.
As for the Great Wall of China, we are visiting Juyongguan or Badaling part. They are renovated and fairly easy to climb. However, some of the climb along the wall does get fairly steep. You may stop anytime and anywhere depending on your physical condition. Bring plenty of water; wear good hiking shoes or boots and appropriate clothing for the weather. Also wear a hat and/or sunscreen to protect you from the sun.
3. What about meals? Are they Halal?
Meals will be served as the itinerary specified. Breakfast will be both Western and Chinese buffet breakfast at hotel. Lunch & dinner will be at local Chinese Halal restaurants near sightseeing places. Please be assured that all lunch and dinner arranged by ICT will be at Halal restaurants. We don't arrange pork free meals. If you have special request for Indian, Pakistani, Indonesian, Turkish, Arabian or other cuisines, please advise us in advance and we will arrange accordingly. Please note that Indian, Pakistani, Indonesian, Turkish, Arabian restaurants are always more expensive than Chinese Halal meals. Halal restaurants arranged by ICT must have Halal certificate issued by related government offices. If you are eating at star rated hotels, food will be cooked with regular oils such as soil bean oil, peanut oil or canola oil. However, a lot of Chinese cooking at local restaurant is done in lard, so you have to be careful even when eating vegetarian meals if it is not in a Halal restaurant or a star rated hotel. Halal in Chinese language is Qing Zhen; Halal Restaurant is Qing Zhen Can Ting in Chinese; Halal Food in Chinese is Qing Zhen Shi Pin.
For guests with allergies, please bring all necessary medicines with you. Guests are highly encouraged to inform ICT ahead of time of specific allergies, such as to peanuts, fish, etc., so that our guides can ensure these items, including peanut oil, are not used in restaurant meals.
4. Where do we perform Salat? Is it at Masjid?
There are a total of over 40,000 mosques in China, ICT will arrange your solat at local mosques where you can pray together with Chinese Muslim brothers and sisters. ICT is very proud that China offers many of the historical mosques in the world with unique Chinese characteristics, such as the Niujie Mosque in Beijing which was built in 996, the Great Mosque in Xian which was built in 842, the Huaisheng Mosque built by Waqqas, Prophet Mohammed's uncle, around 650's.
5. What types of vehicles are used? What are the roads like during our trips?
Throughout the whole trip, GCT provides a private vehicle that is safe, comfortable and spacious and driven by experienced local drivers. In Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, all roads are well-paved and of good quality.
For 2 passengers, we use a private sedan car; for 3 to 6 passengers, we use a private MPV such as Hyundai Refine; for 7 to 10 passengers, we use a private Toyota Hiace; for 11 to 17 passengers, we use 21 seated King Long Bus; for more than 18 passengers, we use buses with 33 seats, 45 seats and 51 seats respectively based on the group size.
6. I heard that a deposit is needed when check in at hotels in China, is this true?
Yes, it is true. When you check in hotels in China, you are required to pay a deposit at the front desk though GCT has paid hotel for your accommodations. Deposit can be cash or you may pay the deposit with your credit card. This deposit is for your personal expenses at the hotel, such as mini bar, international phone calls, laundry and etc. Of course, the deposit will be refunded when you check out.
7. What is the tipping practice in China?
It is a common practice for visitors to tip the tour guide and driver in recognition of their good service. Our local guides and drivers do their utmost to make your trip smooth and pleasant. Gratuities are a way of showing your appreciation and also constitute a large part of their monthly income. We suggest $5 USD per person per day to both local guide and driver (you may tip them before you leave each city). Hotel Bellboys and luggage person will expect your tip for the delivery of your luggage, it is suggested that CNY5 for each delivery. It is not customary to leave tips at hotels or local restaurants as the bill usually includes a 10-15% service charge.
8. Is tap water drinkable in China?
Tap water at most hotels are not drinkable. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Bottled water is available everywhere and it is quite affordable. Almost all hotels provide drinking water in their rooms. Hot tea and hot water are provided with most meals.
9. What about electricity in China?
Electricity supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles throughout China. Plugs at hotel are normally two-pin flat (5 amp). Adaptors can be obtained from hotel housekeeping for free.
10. Can I use credit cards in China?
At present the Bank of China accepts Master, American Express, Visa, JCB, and Diners Club cards. Travelers may use these cards to draw cash over the exchange counters in China's banks, make purchases or pay bills at large department stores, restaurants and hotels in more than 100 major cities in China. A surcharge of 2% is always charged for card transactions.
11. What about the Chinese Currency?
RMB (Renminbi) is the sole legitimate currency of the People's Republic of China. The basic unit of RMB is yuan, (pronounced in local dialect as kuai), which is divided into 10 jiao (pronounced as mao), which is again divided into 10 fen. RMB paper notes include 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 yuan, and the smaller 1, 2 and 5 mao. There are also 1, 2, 5 yuan, 1, 2, 5 mao and 1, 2, 5fen coins.
You may change money at most four and five star hotels and at Bank of China. The exchange rate all over China is the same fixed by Bank of China. You should keep the form you fill in when changing money, because you will need to show it when you change RMB back into foreign currency.
12. What about counterfeit money?
Counterfeit money may be found in China and you may likely get counterfeit money as exchange from street vendors when you do shopping out on the street. Therefore, don't give big note money to street vendors. It is very common that shop and restaurant staff will carefully check your note when you pay. You may get counterfeit money outside the Summer Palace, outside the Forbidden City and in the street market outside the Great Mosque in Xian.
13. Can you give me some examples of tourist traps or scams when traveling in China?
Art Student or Students Practicing English
Be careful when you encounter a student in China who wants to practice English with you. Sometimes they are real students who want to improve their oral English. However, in most cases, they pretend to be a student who makes a living by taking you to art galleries, bars or coffee shop where you will likely be ripped off. Here is a short scam story: "When walking down the Wangfujing area, a girl, dressed in student suit, asked me if I wanted to go for a cup of coffee so that she could practice her English. Certainly, I had no excuse to refuse, and then she brought me into a café. The menu is incredibly expensive, a small beer for 100RMB. The bill finally was 1200RMB. That's extremely terrible." You may easily encounter a student on Downtown Beijing's Wangfujing Street, the Bell & Drum Tower Square in Xian and the Bund & Nanjing Road in Shanghai.
Tea House, Coffee Shop or Nightclub Scam
At many tourist areas, you may be approached by elegant female or gentleman who will give you a free Hutong tour or something else for free. He or she will tell you something interesting about their city, even the history and culture of the city. After a while chat, he or she will invite you to go for a rest at the nearby tea house, coffee shop or a Karaoke Bar. There is the scam, and you will be asked to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Picture-taking scam
Dressing up in traditional clothes for pictures at local tourist spots can be fun and memorable. It can also be expensive if you don’t clearly negotiate the price and know the price inclusions. Often they will tell you after you and a friend have posted that the price negotiated was per person. Or they will tell you the price is for only the smallest size print.