PAX On Location: From Terracotta Warriors to tea fields – Exploring China’s diversity with TripOppo

Part two. Click here for part one.

China isn’t a one-dimensional destination. From the ancient ranks of Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors to the tea fields of Hangzhou, the silk traditions of Suzhou and Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, the second half of the TripOppo China FAM trip revealed a destination of striking contrasts.

Those contrasts also provide a glimpse into how China can be packaged for clients with very different interests and how working with an experienced tour operator can help guide first-time visitors through a country that may initially seem unfamiliar.

“TripOppo and their selected tour guides have lifted the veil of ignorance from my eyes!” says Lise Palermo, Direct Travel, Toronto Downtown.

From ancient history to modern China

Arriving in Xi’an by bullet train from Beijing, the group was welcomed by TripOppo tour guide, Rita – Jia Wang, who would accompany the group during the two days spent in the city.

Born and raised in Xi’an, Wang offered a local perspective on a city with more than 2,000 years of history. Once the capital of 13 Chinese dynasties, Xi’an played an important role in the country’s political, cultural and commercial development, particularly as the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

Today, it is a modern city with an extensive public transportation network, including a subway system, while its historic centre remains surrounded by the ancient city wall.

The city’s most famous attraction, however, lies outside its historic centre.

Discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, the Terracotta Warriors are among the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20^th century. The life-sized clay army was created to accompany China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, into the afterlife, with thousands of warriors, horses and chariots forming part of the vast burial complex.

Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the archaeological site offers visitors a remarkable look into China’s imperial history, military organization and craftsmanship during the Qin Dynasty.

Beyond its historical attractions, Xi’an also offered an opportunity to experience a different side of Chinese culture after dark. The group visited Grand Tang Everbright City, a pedestrian district known for its illuminated architecture, cultural performances, entertainment and lively atmosphere.

A change of pace in Hangzhou

From Xi’an, the group continued to Hangzhou, trading historical significance for a slower-paced experience centred on nature, scenery and tea culture. Joining us for the latter part of the FAM was TripOppo tour guide, Will - Wei Xiang, who accompanied the group through Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai.

One of China’s most celebrated scenic destinations, Hangzhou is known for West Lake, a UNESCO-listed site recognized for its cultural landscape, historic temples, pagodas, gardens and traditional causeways.

The group also visited the Dragon Well Tea Plantation to learn more about one of China’s best-known teas and the traditions surrounding its cultivation and preparation. The tea-tasting experience offered a closer look at the importance of tea in Chinese culture and the craftsmanship behind its production.

Discovering the silk traditions of Suzhou

The next stop was Suzhou, a city celebrated for its classical gardens, canals and long-standing silk industry.

Often referred to as the “Venice of the East”, Suzhou is known for its traditional waterways and historic gardens, several of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The group visited a silk museum, learning about the history of silk production, its importance to China’s cultural and commercial heritage, and establishing China’s reputation for fine craftsmanship behind the finished product.

Shanghai: A modern finish

The final destination was Shanghai, where the group experienced yet another side of China. Most chose the optional, but highly recommended Huangpu River Night Cruise, offering a front-row view of the illuminated skyline and the striking contrast between historic waterfront architecture and futuristic skyscrapers.

The next day, the group visited the Shanghai History Museum, tracing the city’s evolution from its ancient and imperial past to its role as an international financial and commercial centre. The group also explored Shanghai City God Temple Plaza, Nanjing Road and the Bund.

Having already spent 12 days exploring China on a FAM with a different tour operator, Ursula Gut of The Travel Agent Next Door in Calgary joined the TripOppo FAM with an extended perspective on the destination, having spent 21 days in the country overall.

“China is far more modern than you might imagine. China infrastructure rivals, or in some areas surpasses, anything in the West. China has the world’s most advanced high-speed rail network, and the bullet trains are smooth, clean and remarkably punctual.

The major cities feel like stepping into the future: modern, exceptionally clean, beautifully landscaped, and incredibly safe to explore, even at night.

Shanghai, in particular, completely took me by surprise.”

Connecting Canada to Asia

Joining the group in Suzhou for the final portion of the FAM was Deejay Lee, partner, specialty sales, Air Canada, who shared updates on the airline’s growing network in Asia. Direct Vancouver-Guangzhou service is planned to begin in May 2027, adding to existing flights from Vancouver to Beijing and Shanghai, as well as daily Toronto-Shanghai service. Air Canada’s Vancouver-Sapporo route is also scheduled to begin in December 2026, providing another option for Canadian travellers exploring Asia.

Lee says travel advisors have an important role to play in making China more accessible to Canadian travellers.

“Travel advisors can help overcome concerns around language, transportation, mobile payments and itinerary planning by providing practical guidance before departure. FAM trips are especially valuable because when advisors experience China firsthand, they can return with greater confidence and share authentic experiences with their clients.”

Making China more accessible with TripOppo

While the destination provided the highlights, having an experienced tour operator coordinating the journey was an important part of the experience.

According to Oscar Chui, sales manager, Toronto, the company’s focus is on offering competitive pricing, flexible payment arrangements and responsive service, while providing itineraries that can be adapted to the needs of different groups.

Chui says TripOppo’s China bookings have doubled compared to the previous year, with the company anticipating further growth in 2027 and 2028.

He attributes the increased interest to three key factors.

“First, China offers unbeatable value. The food is cheap, the hotels are big and affordable. Taxis are cheap. With the same amount of money you spend elsewhere, you can get so much more in China.

Second, China is ancient and modern. You can learn about ancient history and culture, climb the Great Wall during the day and then go back to your hotel with a large shopping mall complex to go shopping. It’s vibrant and lively.

Third, it’s safe. You can feel safe and secure walking the streets of China without worrying about pick pockets or being robbed.”

Groups

TripOppo offers guaranteed departures and medium-sized group tours, both value and premium options. The primary distinction between the two is the hotel category, with four-star accommodations in the value options, and five-star properties in the premium offering.

The company can also customize itineraries for private groups, while offering advisors the flexibility to work with either net or gross pricing arrangements. A French-speaking guide can also be arranged.

For Paul Dumouchel of PD Travel, Trevello Travel Group, that combination of value, service and itinerary planning is one of the reasons he continues to work with the operator.

Having joined the China FAM trip immediately following a group trip to Japan with TripOppo, Dumouchel is an established supporter of the company.

“I’ve used TripOppo four times in the last four years with different clients. Two of them large groups, one of 24, and the other one of 18. And I would recommend TripOppo for someone looking for good value,” he says.

“Their itineraries are well designed. The hotels we stay at are always very spacious although not as central as I would like them but there are locations that we can connect through subways. Their tour guides do a great job and you receive great value for the price you’re paying.”

Palermo also highlighted the range of experiences incorporated into the China itinerary.

“The itinerary that was put together for us, in my mind, captured the important details essential for a first time experience. Included between well-known monuments, I enjoyed learning about jade, Traditional Chinese Medicine, high speed train to Xi’an, night life walk through the Grand Tang Everbright City, Dragon Well Tea Plantation, numerous Chinese gardens, silk museum and of course, Shanghai in the night and the day.”

Travel Tips to Know Before Travelling to China

For Canadians considering a trip to China, a little preparation before departure can make the experience easier.

Book attractions and tickets in advance. Many major attractions have reservation requirements and passport details are often needed. Popular attractions may sell out so advance purchase is highly recommended.

Bring your passport everywhere. Many attraction reservations and admission tickets are linked to your passport details and the document may be required for identity verification. 

Plan ahead for connectivity. Internet access and staying connected can require additional preparation in China. Travellers should research eSIMs and roaming options before departure and understand that some familiar websites and apps may be restricted. Anyone planning to use a VPN should research and arrange an appropriate option before travelling rather than waiting until arrival.

Set up mobile payments before leaving Canada. Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used for everyday transactions in China. Visitors should download the relevant apps, register and complete the identity verification before departure, and check that their international bank card is supported. Having some backup payment options is also advisable.

Kimberley Frank, Expedia Cruises, Newmarket/Aurora adds, “Research the Alipay app. I watched YouTube on reasons why Alipay may not work, have added service fees, doesn’t accept AMEX, etc. And have a good eSIM with plenty of data, WeChat for ordering food, and a translation app.”

Be prepared for language differences. English is not widely spoken in everyday settings throughout much of China, so having a translation app available can be extremely helpful. Keeping hotel names and addresses saved in Chinese can make navigating taxis and transfers easier.

Be prepared for public washrooms. While modern hotels, airports and major attractions may offer Western-style toilets, travellers may encounter squat toilets at some public facilities. Carrying a small packet of tissues or toilet paper and hand sanitizer is recommended as they aren’t always provided.

Frank suggests researching YouTube videos on the squat toilet experience may be helpful.

Understand domestic transportation requirements. High-speed trains make travelling between major cities efficient and comfortable, but passengers should allow time for station security checks and boarding procedures. For domestic flights, travellers should also be aware of restrictions on portable power banks. Approved power banks must meet applicable Chinese aviation requirements, including the required CCC certification marking. Lighters are prohibited on domestic flights and may also be restricted at certain attraction sites.

For the group travelling to China, the experience reinforced that China could offer far more than a single destination or sightseeing experience. With the right itinerary, local expertise and preparation, clients can discover a country where ancient history, traditional culture and modern city life come together in one journey.

Gut sums up the experience for travel advisors and shares, “I think China is an incredible rewarding destination for travellers who are open-minded, adventurous, and willing to embrace the unexpected. The more curious and flexible you are, the more you’ll get out of the experience.”

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