Reviews

Review 1

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The cycling day from Yangshuo

What did you think of your tour leader?

Truly brilliant and always ready to help with any extras

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

They photographed us as much as we photographed them.... Seriously, good interaction, all helping to open up what was once a very closed country

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not possible in 16 days, but we made a good attempt!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Pack a camping foam mattress -- hard Chinese beds are killers!

Reviewed by Terence Kennedy who travelled in October 2010

Review 2

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The tour has so many memorable moments but i think the sleeper trains are something we'll never forget! We loved Yangshuo - the atmosphere here, although a tourist area, was great and the scenery was spectactular. Of course the Great Wall and the Pandas were amazing - such a privilage to witness these.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader was great! friendly and approachable, willing to go out of his way to ensure that we had a great trip. Also offering sound, honest advice about the optional extras offered on the trip.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

We used lots of local transport and ate at local restaurants. We also used specific local guides for some excursions.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I think we did as much as possible.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

As the tour started we were presented with a little information pack that was great. It said that one phrase that we'd find our selves saying a lot would be 'This is China'. We certainly used this phrase a lot - it is unique and you have to view everything with an open mind! The best bit of advice would probably be - always carry some toilet roll in your pocket - you'll need it!

Reviewed by Sarah Rogers who travelled in July 2010

Review 3

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Walking on the quietest stretch of the Great Wall, A bit scarey but fantastic and two older Poms proved to the Aussie that they were fit enough to do it!!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Victor was great and very considerate to us as the oldest members of the group. His local knowledge and organisation was excellent. He could also cope with our different Western humour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

To the extent that we had local guides and spent money on food and souvenirs locally.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Loved the country areas, particularly Yangshuo where we felt we saw the real China. The cities , apart from the people and the old buildings, are beginning to look like all big cities. Would have liked more time in some of the cities though to see more - particulary Xian and Beijing where it was all at a bit of a gallop. Feel I understand a bit more what "China" means.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Don't take AM Xpress travellers cheques - it took an age to change them in banks and there are loads of ATMs which work fine with a Debit card. Resist the visa agencies advice to get too many visas if you are only passing through China. Transit does not require one.Add on extra days in Hong Kong and Beijing to see everything. Take plenty of snacks for train journeys. The supermarkets are quite confusing and instant pot noodles pall after a while! Be determined to keep your place in a queue - the locals will be. They really appreciate a few words in Chinese. We had a great group that ate together which meant we had lots of different dishes to try. Victor was excellent at ordering. Vegetarians did not always get protein. Have space in your luggage - the markets are very tempting. Laundry is easy to find so you can cut back on the clothes. Take a lap top if you want to keep in touch. Wifi available in a lot of hotels.

Reviewed by Alison Jones who travelled in May 2010