Explore China

Visiting: China

Explore China

Gain an insight into rural life in the Sichuan province, Trek through tea terraces, Set foot on the iconic Great Wall of China, See rare and endangered giant pandas, Experience modern China in Shanghai, Practise kung-fu moves in Shaolin, Stand among the ancient Terracotta Warriors

Looking for adventure? Visit China and explore the country from Shanghai to Beijing on an adventure that offers more excitement than you can poke a chopstick at. Head from cosmopolitan Shanghai to Luoyang where Shaolin monks practise kung-fu. From here, continue through Luoyang and Xi'an, the starting point of the Silk Road, and then on to the stunning Sichuan countryside for glimpses of rural life. Our final stop is Beijing with a memorable walk along the Great Wall of China. Visit grottoes, mix with monks and hike to hilltop villages on this exploration of China.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Join your leader for a walking tour of historical Shanghai including the Bund with its spectacular array of art-deco style buildings, the narrow winding lanes of the Nongtang or the European influenced French Concession.

The French Concession is the area of Shanghai once designated for the French, consisting of today's Luwan and Xuhui Districts. Luwan's Huaihai Road is a busy shopping street and is also home to both Xintiandi and Tian Zi Fang, extremely popular shopping and dining spots for tourists. The area's tree-lined avenues and their many Tudor mansions still retain an air of the 'Paris of the East'.

Some other great experiences in this vibrant city include:

Visit the Propaganda Museum for a fascinating look at China's revolutionary past.

Get a bird's eye view of the city from the Pearl Tower's observation decks.

A cruise on the Huangpu River offers excellent views of old and new Shanghai.

Board the overnight train to Xi'an (approx 16 hours)

Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face to face with the country and its people as it's the main form of transport for locals. We use hard sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys. These are not as rough as they sound - compartments are open-plan, clean, with padded three-tiered berths (6 to a compartment). Sheets, pillows and a blanket are provided. We recommend bringing your own sleeping sheet as the quality/cleanliness of sheets may not be what you are used to. Safe hot drinking water is always available for making coffee, tea or instant meals. It is a good idea to bring a mug, spoon, knife and fork if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train (as these are not provided in cabins) Basic bathroom facilities are situated at the end of each carriage with toilets and washbasins As toilet paper isn't always available it's advised to carry some of your own, keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available three times a day, and there are often snacks available on the train along the way. You may wish to purchase extra snacks of your choice before the journey to supplement food available on the train.

Included Activities

•Informal Chinese language lesson

•Walking tour

Optional Activities

•Acrobats show, Shanghai - CNY150.00

•Cruise on the Huangpu River, Shanghai - CNY45.00

•French Concession, Shanghai - Free

•Jing'an Temple, Shanghai - CNY20.00

•Maglev train round trip, Shanghai - CNY100.00

•Oriental Pearl Tower viewing deck, Shanghai - CNY150.00

•Propaganda Museum, Shanghai - CNY20.00

•Shanghai Museum, Shanghai - Free

•Shikumen Open House Museum, Shanghai - CNY20.00

•Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Join your leader for a walking tour of historical Shanghai including the Bund with its spectacular array of art-deco style buildings, the narrow winding lanes of the Nongtang or the European influenced French Concession.

The French Concession is the area of Shanghai once designated for the French, consisting of today's Luwan and Xuhui Districts. Luwan's Huaihai Road is a busy shopping street and is also home to both Xintiandi and Tian Zi Fang, extremely popular shopping and dining spots for tourists. The area's tree-lined avenues and their many Tudor mansions still retain an air of the 'Paris of the East'.

Some other great experiences in this vibrant city include:

Visit the Propaganda Museum for a fascinating look at China's revolutionary past.

Get a bird's eye view of the city from the Pearl Tower's observation decks.

A cruise on the Huangpu River offers excellent views of old and new Shanghai.

Board the overnight train to Xi'an (approx 16 hours)

Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face to face with the country and its people as it's the main form of transport for locals. We use hard sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys. These are not as rough as they sound - compartments are open-plan, clean, with padded three-tiered berths (6 to a compartment). Sheets, pillows and a blanket are provided. We recommend bringing your own sleeping sheet as the quality/cleanliness of sheets may not be what you are used to. Safe hot drinking water is always available for making coffee, tea or instant meals. It is a good idea to bring a mug, spoon, knife and fork if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train (as these are not provided in cabins) Basic bathroom facilities are situated at the end of each carriage with toilets and washbasins As toilet paper isn't always available it's advised to carry some of your own, keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available three times a day, and there are often snacks available on the train along the way. You may wish to purchase extra snacks of your choice before the journey to supplement food available on the train.

Included Activities

•Informal Chinese language lesson

•Walking tour

Optional Activities

•Acrobats show, Shanghai - CNY150.00

•Cruise on the Huangpu River, Shanghai - CNY45.00

•French Concession, Shanghai - Free

•Jing'an Temple, Shanghai - CNY20.00

•Maglev train round trip, Shanghai - CNY100.00

•Oriental Pearl Tower viewing deck, Shanghai - CNY150.00

•Propaganda Museum, Shanghai - CNY20.00

•Shanghai Museum, Shanghai - Free

•Shikumen Open House Museum, Shanghai - CNY20.00

•Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Join your leader for a walking tour of historical Shanghai including the Bund with its spectacular array of art-deco style buildings, the narrow winding lanes of the Nongtang or the European influenced French Concession.

The French Concession is the area of Shanghai once designated for the French, consisting of today's Luwan and Xuhui Districts. Luwan's Huaihai Road is a busy shopping street and is also home to both Xintiandi and Tian Zi Fang, extremely popular shopping and dining spots for tourists. The area's tree-lined avenues and their many Tudor mansions still retain an air of the 'Paris of the East'.

Some other great experiences in this vibrant city include:

Visit the Propaganda Museum for a fascinating look at China's revolutionary past.

Get a bird's eye view of the city from the Pearl Tower's observation decks.

A cruise on the Huangpu River offers excellent views of old and new Shanghai.

Board the overnight train to Xi'an (approx 16 hours)

Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face to face with the country and its people as it's the main form of transport for locals. We use hard sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys. These are not as rough as they sound - compartments are open-plan, clean, with padded three-tiered berths (6 to a compartment). Sheets, pillows and a blanket are provided. We recommend bringing your own sleeping sheet as the quality/cleanliness of sheets may not be what you are used to. Safe hot drinking water is always available for making coffee, tea or instant meals. It is a good idea to bring a mug, spoon, knife and fork if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train (as these are not provided in cabins) Basic bathroom facilities are situated at the end of each carriage with toilets and washbasins As toilet paper isn't always available it's advised to carry some of your own, keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available three times a day, and there are often snacks available on the train along the way. You may wish to purchase extra snacks of your choice before the journey to supplement food available on the train.

Included Activities

•Informal Chinese language lesson

•Walking tour

Optional Activities

•Acrobats show, Shanghai - CNY150.00

•Cruise on the Huangpu River, Shanghai - CNY45.00

•French Concession, Shanghai - Free

•Jing'an Temple, Shanghai - CNY20.00

•Maglev train round trip, Shanghai - CNY100.00

•Oriental Pearl Tower viewing deck, Shanghai - CNY150.00

•Propaganda Museum, Shanghai - CNY20.00

•Shanghai Museum, Shanghai - Free

•Shikumen Open House Museum, Shanghai - CNY20.00

•Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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We travel by private bus (4hrs) after arriving our overnight train journey to Lanzhou.

Xiahe has been described as "one of the most enchanting places to visit in China". Certainly it has a wonderful tranquil atmosphere and a beautiful setting. Many Tibetans come here on pilgrimage - and the combination of the many monasteries, saffron-robed monks, fluttering prayer flags and spectacular scenery make this small town feel very like Tibet as well. Indeed, in all but name, you are in Tibet; Xiahe is right up on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau and the population here is over 45% Tibetan.

Labrang monastery is one of the 6 major monasteries of Yellow Sect in Tibetan Buddhism, and one of the most important in Amdo Tibetan area. With a 300 year history, the monastery has become the best lamastery school in the world with the most complete collection of Tibetan Buddhism classics. Visit this monastery with your local guide, tap into this mysterious yet mind opening religion, greet the monks and experience the mesmerising chanting if you are lucky

Included Activities

•Labrang Monastery

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nts)

 

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We travel by private bus (4hrs) after arriving our overnight train journey to Lanzhou.

Xiahe has been described as "one of the most enchanting places to visit in China". Certainly it has a wonderful tranquil atmosphere and a beautiful setting. Many Tibetans come here on pilgrimage - and the combination of the many monasteries, saffron-robed monks, fluttering prayer flags and spectacular scenery make this small town feel very like Tibet as well. Indeed, in all but name, you are in Tibet; Xiahe is right up on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau and the population here is over 45% Tibetan.

Labrang monastery is one of the 6 major monasteries of Yellow Sect in Tibetan Buddhism, and one of the most important in Amdo Tibetan area. With a 300 year history, the monastery has become the best lamastery school in the world with the most complete collection of Tibetan Buddhism classics. Visit this monastery with your local guide, tap into this mysterious yet mind opening religion, greet the monks and experience the mesmerising chanting if you are lucky

Included Activities

•Labrang Monastery

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nts)

 

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We travel by private bus from Xiahe to Tongren (approx 3 hours), making an optional visit to a Tibetan village en route.

Smaller in scale and less famed compared to Labrang Monastery, Longwu monastery is more like a forgotten jewel hiding in a small village. Peaceful and tranquil, this 600 year monastery of yellow sect has partially survived the destruction during the cultural revolution. Although never restored to its former glory as the political and religious centre in Tongren, Longwu monastery has maintained its authentic religious atmosphere.

Included Activities

•Longwu Monastery, Entrance, Tongren

•Tibetan village visit, tongren

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We travel by private bus from Tongren to Xining (approx 2.5 hours). On the way you will stop at Kanbula National Park.  The draw card here is it's Danxia scenery. There are established trails within the National Park on which you will take a short trek (approx 2 hours)

Visit a local artist in Wutun Village, famous for producing one of the major art forms in Tibetan Buddhism - Thangka. During the visit, you will have a chance to see how the artisans create the paintings for Thangka.

Board an overnight train to Beijing (approx 23 hours)

Included Activities

•Kanbula National Park

•Thangka Artist Visit in Wutun Village

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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We travel by private bus from Tongren to Xining (approx 2.5 hours). On the way you will stop at Kanbula National Park.  The draw card here is it's Danxia scenery. There are established trails within the National Park on which you will take a short trek (approx 2 hours)

Visit a local artist in Wutun Village, famous for producing one of the major art forms in Tibetan Buddhism - Thangka. During the visit, you will have a chance to see how the artisans create the paintings for Thangka.

Board an overnight train to Beijing (approx 23 hours)

Included Activities

•Kanbula National Park

•Thangka Artist Visit in Wutun Village

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation's ancient past as well as sights that showcase China's contemporary culture.

The Forbidden City is the former home to China's imperial rulers. Take a guided tour of the palaces, buildings and seemingly never-ending grand courtyards.

Explore Tiananmen Square - the largest downtown square in the world. It covers an area of 44 hectares, big enough to hold one million people. From the Gate of Heavenly Peace in the north to the southern Front Gate, it measures 880 metres, and from the Museum of Chinese History in the east to the Great Hall of the People in the west, it's about 500 metres.

An incredible piece of engineering, the Great Wall stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most remarkable achievements, and an iconic destination.

On our trek we walk over some steep, remote terrain (approx 5km or 3-4 hrs walking depending on fitness). Some parts of the wall are unrestored so you'll need to concentrate hard to keep your footing. A great idea is to bring a picnic lunch with your from Beijing to enjoy atop the wall during one of our rest breaks. You'll need reasonable fitness and walking shoes with good support and grip for this activity. There are many steps and slopes on the way so be prepared for a tough climb in sections. The views and experience though are a real highlight for all our travellers.

Due to the excessive heat in the summer months (Jun-Aug), the Great Wall excursion may be altered to provide a shorter, less strenuous trek. Your leader will advise you of any changes at the group meeting.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Included Activities

•Forbidden City

•Jinshanling Great Wall trekking

•Tiananmen Square

Optional Activities

•Acrobat show, Beijing - CNY250.00

•Beijing Art and Architecture full day tour, Beijing - CNY590.00

•Beijing by Bike full day tour, Beijing - CNY480.00

•Beijing Opera, Beijing - CNY200.00

•Beijing Zoo (including Aquarium), Beijing - CNY130.00

•Kung fu show, Beijing - CNY180.00

•Lama Temple, Beijing - CNY30.00

•Peking duck dinner, Beijing - CNY80.00

•Summer Palace, Beijing - CNY40.00

•Temple of Heaven, Beijing - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation's ancient past as well as sights that showcase China's contemporary culture.

The Forbidden City is the former home to China's imperial rulers. Take a guided tour of the palaces, buildings and seemingly never-ending grand courtyards.

Explore Tiananmen Square - the largest downtown square in the world. It covers an area of 44 hectares, big enough to hold one million people. From the Gate of Heavenly Peace in the north to the southern Front Gate, it measures 880 metres, and from the Museum of Chinese History in the east to the Great Hall of the People in the west, it's about 500 metres.

An incredible piece of engineering, the Great Wall stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most remarkable achievements, and an iconic destination.

On our trek we walk over some steep, remote terrain (approx 5km or 3-4 hrs walking depending on fitness). Some parts of the wall are unrestored so you'll need to concentrate hard to keep your footing. A great idea is to bring a picnic lunch with your from Beijing to enjoy atop the wall during one of our rest breaks. You'll need reasonable fitness and walking shoes with good support and grip for this activity. There are many steps and slopes on the way so be prepared for a tough climb in sections. The views and experience though are a real highlight for all our travellers.

Due to the excessive heat in the summer months (Jun-Aug), the Great Wall excursion may be altered to provide a shorter, less strenuous trek. Your leader will advise you of any changes at the group meeting.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Included Activities

•Forbidden City

•Jinshanling Great Wall trekking

•Tiananmen Square

Optional Activities

•Acrobat show, Beijing - CNY250.00

•Beijing Art and Architecture full day tour, Beijing - CNY590.00

•Beijing by Bike full day tour, Beijing - CNY480.00

•Beijing Opera, Beijing - CNY200.00

•Beijing Zoo (including Aquarium), Beijing - CNY130.00

•Kung fu show, Beijing - CNY180.00

•Lama Temple, Beijing - CNY30.00

•Peking duck dinner, Beijing - CNY80.00

•Summer Palace, Beijing - CNY40.00

•Temple of Heaven, Beijing - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation's ancient past as well as sights that showcase China's contemporary culture.

The Forbidden City is the former home to China's imperial rulers. Take a guided tour of the palaces, buildings and seemingly never-ending grand courtyards.

Explore Tiananmen Square - the largest downtown square in the world. It covers an area of 44 hectares, big enough to hold one million people. From the Gate of Heavenly Peace in the north to the southern Front Gate, it measures 880 metres, and from the Museum of Chinese History in the east to the Great Hall of the People in the west, it's about 500 metres.

An incredible piece of engineering, the Great Wall stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most remarkable achievements, and an iconic destination.

On our trek we walk over some steep, remote terrain (approx 5km or 3-4 hrs walking depending on fitness). Some parts of the wall are unrestored so you'll need to concentrate hard to keep your footing. A great idea is to bring a picnic lunch with your from Beijing to enjoy atop the wall during one of our rest breaks. You'll need reasonable fitness and walking shoes with good support and grip for this activity. There are many steps and slopes on the way so be prepared for a tough climb in sections. The views and experience though are a real highlight for all our travellers.

Due to the excessive heat in the summer months (Jun-Aug), the Great Wall excursion may be altered to provide a shorter, less strenuous trek. Your leader will advise you of any changes at the group meeting.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Included Activities

•Forbidden City

•Jinshanling Great Wall trekking

•Tiananmen Square

Optional Activities

•Acrobat show, Beijing - CNY250.00

•Beijing Art and Architecture full day tour, Beijing - CNY590.00

•Beijing by Bike full day tour, Beijing - CNY480.00

•Beijing Opera, Beijing - CNY200.00

•Beijing Zoo (including Aquarium), Beijing - CNY130.00

•Kung fu show, Beijing - CNY180.00

•Lama Temple, Beijing - CNY30.00

•Peking duck dinner, Beijing - CNY80.00

•Summer Palace, Beijing - CNY40.00

•Temple of Heaven, Beijing - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation's ancient past as well as sights that showcase China's contemporary culture.

The Forbidden City is the former home to China's imperial rulers. Take a guided tour of the palaces, buildings and seemingly never-ending grand courtyards.

Explore Tiananmen Square - the largest downtown square in the world. It covers an area of 44 hectares, big enough to hold one million people. From the Gate of Heavenly Peace in the north to the southern Front Gate, it measures 880 metres, and from the Museum of Chinese History in the east to the Great Hall of the People in the west, it's about 500 metres.

An incredible piece of engineering, the Great Wall stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most remarkable achievements, and an iconic destination.

On our trek we walk over some steep, remote terrain (approx 5km or 3-4 hrs walking depending on fitness). Some parts of the wall are unrestored so you'll need to concentrate hard to keep your footing. A great idea is to bring a picnic lunch with your from Beijing to enjoy atop the wall during one of our rest breaks. You'll need reasonable fitness and walking shoes with good support and grip for this activity. There are many steps and slopes on the way so be prepared for a tough climb in sections. The views and experience though are a real highlight for all our travellers.

Due to the excessive heat in the summer months (Jun-Aug), the Great Wall excursion may be altered to provide a shorter, less strenuous trek. Your leader will advise you of any changes at the group meeting.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Included Activities

•Forbidden City

•Jinshanling Great Wall trekking

•Tiananmen Square

Optional Activities

•Acrobat show, Beijing - CNY250.00

•Beijing Art and Architecture full day tour, Beijing - CNY590.00

•Beijing by Bike full day tour, Beijing - CNY480.00

•Beijing Opera, Beijing - CNY200.00

•Beijing Zoo (including Aquarium), Beijing - CNY130.00

•Kung fu show, Beijing - CNY180.00

•Lama Temple, Beijing - CNY30.00

•Peking duck dinner, Beijing - CNY80.00

•Summer Palace, Beijing - CNY40.00

•Temple of Heaven, Beijing - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner