China holiday
| country: | China |
| location: | Sichuan, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | Weekly Monday departures throughout the year |
| price: | From £1340 (21 days) ex flights. Local payment US $450. Optional single supplement £555. We can arrange flights from UK. Jul 15 - Sep 15 08 (Beijing Olympics) from £1570. All departure dates are guaranteed |
read 2 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Yangzi River, Three Gorges, Chengdu, giant pandas, Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai, Beijing, Great Wall
Discover all the beauty and wonders of fascinating China, a nation that is known as one of the oldest and greatest on earth. The depth of China's character has arisen through its extraordinary evolution from the ancient realm of the emperors, through the turbulent years of the revolution and into its more recent modernisation as it plunged into the 21st Century. This comfortable trip explores the vibrant cities, stunning countryside, vast history, ancient archaeological sites and a captivating culture that make up this rapidly evolving land.
Discover all the beauty and wonders of fascinating China, a nation that is known as one of the oldest and greatest on earth. The depth of China's character has arisen through its extraordinary evolution from the ancient realm of the emperors, through the turbulent years of the revolution and into its more recent modernisation as it plunged into the 21st Century. This comfortable trip explores the vibrant cities, stunning countryside, vast history, ancient archaeological sites and a captivating culture that make up this rapidly evolving land.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1-2: | Hong Kong. Old world China meets thriving modern metropolis in the streets of Hong Kong. See the views from Victoria Peak, cruise the harbour on the Star Ferry or discover that Hong Kong's reputation as a shopper's dream is well earned! |
| Day 3-4: | Yangshuo. Cross the border to mainland China and travel to the storybook landscapes of Yangshuo. This is the perfect place to embrace the beauty of the Middle Kingdom. Cycle through paddy fields or hike along the spectacular Li River as it winds around thousands of limestone mountains. There is free time to take in a cooking or calligraphy class. |
| Day 5-6: | Chengdu. See the conservation efforts being made at the Giant Panda Reserve. This is a rare opportunity to see these beautiful endangered creatures. End the day with Chengdu's other specialties, a delicious spicy Sichuan hot pot and a night at the local opera. |
| Day 7-10: | Yangzi River. Steeped in legend, the Yangzi River is the lifeblood of millions. We spend two nights cruising the beautiful Three Gorges and take the time to tour the controversial dam construction site. |
| Day 11-12: | Xi'an. The former imperial capital of Xi'an is home to the amazing 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors. Xi'an offers many other things to do - watch the locals performing tai chi along the city walls, explore the bustling Muslim Quarter and dine on a traditional dumpling banquet. |
| Day 13-14: | Hangzhou. This beautiful city is renowned for its lake, temples, tea and food. Take the opportunity to try the local specialities at a lakeside restaurant and enjoy the wonderful scenery. |
| Day 15-17: | Shanghai. The grand architectural styles of the Bund are worlds away from the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Pudong. Visit the impressive Shanghai Museum and . Don't miss a performance of the gravity defying Shanghai Acrobats. |
| Day 18-21: | Beijing. This fabulous capital begs discovery. Wander the huge expanse of Tiananmen Square, see the grandiose Forbidden City and peaceful Temple of Heaven and escape the city to view the indulgent Summer Palace. A highlight is surely a stroll along the Great Wall, originally constructed to protect the Chinese empires from the Mongolian 'barbarians' of the north. A succulent Beijing Duck feast is a fitting way to celebrate your experience of Grand China. |
travellers' tales
The walk along the Great Wall was terrific. Also the cycle ride in the country and Terracotta army of course were the highlights. (more)
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip you are joined by a leader and many local guides along the way who are always eager to share their country and culture, and help you break down barriers in your interactions with local people.
During our stay in Xian, you will have the opportunity to visit Huiling, a Chinese-run charity which provides support and education for young adults with disabilities. Lunch is provided and the students are always very excited to perform some traditional dances and show off their skills. We show our support for conservation in China by an included visit to the Giant Panda Reserve in Chengdu, where all money received from entrance tickets is put towards conservation of this endangered species through research, breeding, rescue and education. There are also plenty of opportunities to visit markets, whether to shop for a cooking class, bargain for a souvenir, or taste a local delicacy at a night market. These times give you a great opportunity to interact with the locals and enjoy the smells and colours of the country. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |