trip ideas
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the china travel company
Inspiring your China travelsTrip Ideas Brochure
All text and images © copyright The China Travel Company 2008-13E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 020 8816 8399Designed by Headseast Ltd.
Disclaimer: Although we take every care to ensure that the contents of this guide are correct we cannot guarantee that the information contained
within is accurate and we disclaim all liability arising from its use
“A journey of a thousands miles must begin with a single step.”
Lao Tzu 老子 604 BC, Zhou Dynasty
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© The China Travel company
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BEIJING
HARBIN
PINGYAO
XIAN
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LANZHOU
JIAYUGUAN
DUNHUANG
TURPANKASHGAR
LHASA
GYANTSE
SHIGATSE
EVEREST
KATHMANDU
SHANGRI LA
LIJIANGGUILIN
YANGSHUO
HAINAN
HONG KONG
HUANGSHANHANGZHOU
SUZHOU
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SHANGHAIYANGTZE RIVERCHENGDU
EMEISHAN
LUOYANG
URUMQI
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Christine & Chris Lloyd-Staples
introduction
Beijing Chengdu Emeishan Hainan Islandhangzhou harbinHong Kong Huangshan Lijiang Luoyang Pingyao Shanghai Shangri La Silk Road Suzhou Tibet Xian Yangshuo Yangtze Zhangjiajie
HotelsTransportentertainmentcuisinerecommended Routes
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introduction
SO, WHY CHINA?
China is an ancient civilisation going through immense change. It is a country of vast deserts, snowcapped peaks, lush jungles, high altitude grasslands, vibrant cultures, mighty rivers and buzzing metropolises pulsing with the energy of a population playing the biggest game of catch-up the world has ever seen.
Rubbing shoulders with temples are the towering skyscrapers of new China and yet set against them are street hawkers and old men in Mao suites, ordinary people practicing calligraphy or tai chi. China is where the old world sits in the same time and place as the new one being hurriedly created.
China offers timeless culture in areas little changed by market reforms. It offers world class sights such as the Great Wall and Terra Cotta army and it also offers the traveller new experiences that have been hidden from the world for decades. China has so many destinations little known outside of its borders that even 30 years of opening up has yet to introduce them fully to the rest of the world.
It is our passion at The China Travel Company to show you both the well known of today as well as the sites of tomorrow. We hope you can join us on our continuing China adventure.
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beijinG北京
Beijing is not only the capital of the PRC but also one of it ’s premiere attractions for the traveller. Considered to be rapidly becoming one of the 21st Century world cities it also hosts a wealth of historical sites and thankfully, much of the historical side has survived the construction boom of the last decade. In short, Beijing has it all - rich historical sights, modern masterpieces, fantastic cuisine and a vibrant culture with one foot in the past and the other firmly striding into the future.
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★ MUST SEEGreat Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square.
★ BEST EXPERIENCERiding through the ancient residential Hutongs on a cycle rickshaw.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELDouble Happiness Courtyard Hotel for its friendly staff and slice of old Beijing charm.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Usually the start of a trip 3 days is ideal continuing on to Xian, Pingyao or Luoyang.
Chengdu
成都With a population topping 13 million and growing (the fi,h most populous city in China) Chengdu is the capital of mountainous Sichuan province and the place to come to to see Giant Pandas. The city does have charm beyond Pandas though, the people are friendly and the food excellent making Chengdu and easy place to spend a few days. It is also a natural base for exploring more of Sichuan including nearby Leshan and Emeishan as well as the further afield Jiuzhaigou.
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★ MUST SEEIt really has the be the gorgeous Giant Pandas at the Research & Breeding Centre.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEHolding a baby panda (usually possible) or the wonderful spicy food of Sichuan.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe BuddhaZen has long been a favourite for us - fantastic design and location.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSOne or two nights is the usual stay before continuing to Lijiang, Guilin or the Yangtze.
Emeishan
峨嵋山
Emeishan is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China and now a UNESCO world heritage site and is 150km south of Chengdu. The mountain is 3,099m high so warm clothing is needed year round. It is studded with temples and criss-crossed with tracks and if you have clear weather the views from the temples can be enchanting. It is possible to see Emeishan in a day but longer is preferable as the most serene spots are also the ones off the beaten track.
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★ MUST SEEThe sunrise if the weather permits but this is a big mountain full of other sights.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEThe contrast between the rugged summit and lush, sub tropical foothills - all in a day!
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThere is only one to consider on the summit, the venerable Jinding Grand.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSOne night on the mountain summit hotel and combine with Leshan’s Giant Buddha.
harbin哈尔滨
Deep in Manchuria, Harbin - the capital of Heilongjiang province - has strong connections with Russia and this can be seen in much of the old architecture in the centre of the city not to mention the Siberian Tiger Park on the outskirts. These days Russia’s biggest influence is in the internationally renown Snow and Ice Festival where the art of ice and snow sculpture is taken to ever increasing extremes and, if you can cope with the cold, is one of China’s most visual spectaculars.
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★ MUST SEEThe Snow & Ice Festival held each January to February and THE reason to visit Harbin.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEThe neon lit ice world at night - one of China’s most extraordinary things to see.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe oddly named “Modern Hotel” - one of Harbin’s oldest and Russian in style.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSYou need two days for the Festival. Usually arrive from Beijing and depart to Xian.
hangzhou
杭州At first glance Hangzhou looks like a huge modern urban expanse like so many east coast Chinese cities but it has one trump card, the stunning West Lake, the legendary beauty of which has been praised and written about for centuries. A few days exploring the West Lake area and National Park are highly rewarding taking time to relax in the many gardens and pavilions. Less than one hour by bullet train from Shanghai the ancient pagodas and lake views are unlikely to disappoint.
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★ MUST SEEThe West Lake for refined Chinese culture through its temples and classical gardens.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEHiring a bicycle and spending a leisurely day riding around the lake.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe exclusive Xi Zi Hotel, a stunning oasis with lovely grounds its own lake frontage.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSEasily reached from Shanghai by bullet train we recommend at full day here.
Hainan
海南Hainan is o,en referred to as China’s Hawaii - at least on the Mainland. In a short space of time it has gone from provincial backwater to a top tourist destination and it ’s largely about the beaches and tropical climate. While much of the rest of China shivers through the winter it is still warm here and so the crowds flock. It is not quite Thailand but it is not a bad effort and is worth tagging on at the end of a winter trip for a taste of summer warmth.
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★ MUST SEEThe beach an there are some lovely beaches here to see with Sanya having the better.
★ BEST EXPERIENCERelaxing by the pool a,er a trip through China - adds good balance to a holiday.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe Mandarin Oriental is the best but we like the Horizon Resort & Spa for families.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSHainan can be quite expensive as most resorts are 5*. Minimum stay is 3 nights.
Hong Kong
香港Hong Kong is still a mecca for travellers and for good reason. Still distinct from Mainland China this city state is o,en a start or end point for a trip to China. Aside from having one of the worlds most impressive skylines (pictured above) Hong Kong also offers fine food, vibrant nightlife, world class shopping and tranquil islands dotted with timeless temples and fishing harbours. All this but a stone’s throw from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
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★ MUST SEEThe peak at night and Victoria Harbour from the Star Ferry. Both Superb value!
★ BEST EXPERIENCETake a ferry to Lamma Island and enjoy delicious seafood in a harbour restaurant.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe Salisbury YMCA for a fantastic Kowloon location, good standards and fair value.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSA great way to end a China trip allow 2 nights. Usually visited a,er Guilin.
Huangshan
黄山Catch this mountain in the right weather conditions you will come away like many an ancient Chinese poet and painter feeling you have seen one of China’s top sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Huangshan offers you the scenery seen in so many traditional Chinese paintings with the tops of peaks seemingly floating above cloud seas. Much of the mountain area is accessible thanks to up to 60,000 stone steps although some of the paths are not for those who have issues with heights!
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★ MUST SEEThe sunrise which, if the weather Gods allow, is one of the best in China.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEWandering the well maintained trail system at your own pace.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe old Beihai Hotel still has the best location and feel to it.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSSpend 2 nights and make sure they are on the summit of the mountain, not the base.
Lijiang丽江市
Lijiang is a stunning old UNESCO World Heritage recognised city of cobbled streets and tiled roofs set against the magnificent backdrop of the 5,596m thirteen peaked Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. All this wrapped up in one destination means Lijiang is crowded with visitors year round but it still has what it takes with quiet streets off the main tourist paths and continues to be an unmissable part of any Yunnan itinerary.
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★ MUST SEEBlack Dragon Pool and its view of the Jade Snow Dragon Mountain on a clear day.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEWandering the old city ’s back streets and just seeing what you will come across.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe Zen Garden Hotel - good location, boutique charm and very old Lijiang.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALS2 days minimum stay but you could stay longer for day trips outside the city.
Luoyang
洛阳Luoyang is home to one of the three most famous ancient sculptural sites in China. The Longmen Grottoes contain a staggering 100,000 Buddhist statues along a 1km long cliff face. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the carvings date back almost 2,900 years and remain one of China’s most impressive sites. The other major draw here is the Shaolin Monastery complex up in the nearby Song mountains which is usually visited as a day tour from Luoyang. A very worthwhile stop.
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★ MUST SEEThe Longmen Grottoes showcasing some of the finest Buddhist sculpture in China.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEA couple of hours of martial arts tuition at the famed Shaolin Monastery.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELChristian’s Hotel - an especially welcome hotel addition to Luoyang - a favourite.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSUsually visited by train between Beijing and Xian for 2 days and 1 night.
Pingyao
平遥Pingyao is a Ming Dynasty city with the only complete city wall of that era le, in China. Centuries ago it was the centre of Chinese banking and this wealth has le, an abundance of Ming architecture from houses to temples giving the most complete example of what a Ming city would have looked like. Pingyao also holds an International Photography Festival every September which draws in entries from all over the world providing a stark contrast with the history Pingyao exudes.
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★ MUST SEEThe City Walls which are the only original complete walls le, in China.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEFor photography enthusiasts the Photo Festival held each September is fantastic.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe Hong Shan Yi for it combination of traditional Chinese style and high standards.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSNeeds to be visited by train as there is no airport. You will want at least 1 full day.
Shanghai
上海Shanghai aims to be a vision of China’s future and is hurtling towards it ’s goal of being China’s financial capital and eclipsing its rival Hong Kong. There are few cities in China that are such a testament to China’s phenomenal growth of the last few decades and what it perhaps lacks in historical sites it more than makes up with its sheer energy and dynamism giving you a taste of the New China that is making it ’s mark on the world stage.
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★ MUST SEEThe Bund and the view across the Huangpu River of the futuristic Pudong skyline.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEA drink at the Hyatt ’s 87th floor Cloud 9 bar in amongst Pudong’s skyscrapers.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe Astor House for old colonial charm or Les Suites orient for cutting edge Shanghai.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSUsually the start or finish of a trip allow 2 days - or more if you want to visit Suzhou.
Shangri La
中甸县
Shangri La (also known as Zhongdian) is where Yunnan meets Tibet and it is essentially a Tibetan town high up in the mountains of Yunnan. Its relative remoteness has kept the tourist hoards at bay and it is easy to find peace and quiet outside the town in the lush countryside. In 2001 the local government tried a novel method of cashing in on tourism by renaming the town Shangri-La although the local Tibetans still call it Gyeltang or Gyalthang.
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★ MUST SEEThe Songzanlin Lamasery and especially the view from the top.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEA slice of Tibet in friendly Yunnan - soak up the unique atmosphere, culture and scenery.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe Songstam Retreat which is so good we wouldn’t use anywhere else.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALS2 days 2 nights is a basic stay usually fitted in between Lijiang and Chengdu or Kunming.
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Silk RoadAncient trade
route from kashgar to
xian
A large section of this ancient trade route from Europe to China passes through west and central China. Highlights include Kashgar, Turpan, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Lanzhou and, of course Xian. A trip along this route is very much of the beaten track and you will see a very different China than that usually experienced on a China trip. If the Silk Road captures your imagination as it does ours we think it is one of the great overland journeys and should not be missed.
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★ MUST SEEThe fort at Jiayuguan steeped in history and hugely symbolic as the old gateway of China.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEWandering the still very raw and real markets of far flung Kashgar.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELWe like the Chinibagh Hotel in Kashgar in the grounds of the former British consulate.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSThe Silk Road is a trip in itself taking a minimum of a week but longer is better.
Suzhou苏州
Suzhou is perhaps the most famous of the water towns that dot Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces surrounding Shanghai. Suzhou is all serene canals and classical Chinese gardens only 30 minutes by high speed train from downtown Shanghai. The old city is now surrounded by an increasingly ambitious new Suzhou but it ’s office and apartment towers are still a world away from ancient Suzhou which is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the East.
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★ MUST SEEAt least one of the famous classical gardens such as the Humble Administrator ’s.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEA lazy float through the canals that criss cross the old city & taking in everyday life.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe Garden Hotel (5* version) for it ’s comfort and great location.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSUsually visited as a day trip from nearby Shanghai but worth and overnight if time.
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Tibet藏区
The high altitude land of Tibet is o,en a trip in itself but also the perfect complement to travel in Russia and particularly Mongolia that shares many traditions with the Tibetans. The Capital, Lhasa, is an astonishing city and a must see in China. Further afield, the road trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp is one of the world’s great overland journeys and any trip to Tibet is a real adventure well worth the time, expense and considerable bureaucracy required!
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★ MUST SEEThe wow factor of Lhasa’s Potala Palace or the best view of Everest from base camp.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEWalking one of the Koras that surround all important temples throughout Tibet.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe Dhood Gu for a superb location and traditional decor. Potala view rooms are best.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSA minimum of 4 nights and that is just for Lhasa - Travel Permit & planning required.
Xi’an西安
Many centuries ago Xian was once the fabled Chang An - a thriving city of Emperors, soldiers, art and culture and the capital of the Tang Dynasty, regarded as a golden period in Chinese history. It was also one of the world’s great trading cities being both the beginning and end of the fabled Silk Road. It is all this history that people come to see today and Xian still has much in evidence of this glorious past, including one of China’s most famous sights - the breathtaking Terra cotta Army.
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★ MUST SEEIt has to be the Terra Cotta Army, one of China and indeed the World’s great sights.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEWandering the markets and restaurants of the Muslim Quarter for feel of the Silk Road.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe Grand Noble for the combination of great location and high standards.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSArrive by the good overnight train from Beijing and depart by plane on to Chengdu.
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Yangshuo
阳朔县
Not so many years back Yangshuo was a sleepy fishing village in the countryside outside of Guilin. Nowadays, although retaining much of it ’s charm, it is most firmly on the top 10 list of places to visit in China. Yangshuo is usually reached by the scenically stunning cruise down the Li River. The surrounding limestone karst scenery is as breathtaking as the life along the river banks is fascinating. The town itself is the perfect place to take all of this in with it ’s relaxed atmosphere.
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★ MUST SEEThe scenery, best seen from the river itself or by a day biking the countryside.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEGentle bamboo ra,ing with a beer in hand along the Yulong River.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe wonderful Yangshuo Mountain Retreat wins hands down but you must book early.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSSpend at least 2 nights relaxing here and there is no need to pre-book tours here.
Yangtze
江长The Yangtze is Asia’s longest river and the third longest in the world. A cruise along part of it offers the spectacular Three Gorges whose sheer height seems little effected by the rising waters of the dam of the same name. The dam itself seems almost as monumental and passing through it ’s great locks has become an unforgettable part of any Yangtze river cruise. There are several stops along the river to visit historical sights making this one of China’s premiere attractions.
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★ MUST SEEThe Three Gorges Dam for the sheer scale and audacity of the engineering project.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEWatching the majestic gorges pass by as you relax on the cruise ship.
★ FAVOURITE BOATThe Victoria Line has some of the best run boats we have come across.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSAlmost all cruises are 3 nights and are best started in Chongqing heading downstream.
Zhangjiajie
张家界
Zhangjiajie is a region of extraordinary scenery with 243 peaks surrounded by over 3000 karst upthrusts, a concentration not seen anywhere elsewhere in the world. Inspiring Chinese painters and poets for centuries in 1990 it was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. To add to the scenic splendour is the gravity defying “glass road” on Tianmen Mountain and the spectacular Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Cave system. Little visited by non-Chinese tourists yet one of China’s true highlights.
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★ MUST SEETianmen Mountain for it ’s views, amazing cable car and gravity defying pathways.
★ BEST EXPERIENCEThe glass walkway on Tianmen Mountain - not for those with a fear of heights though.
★ FAVOURITE HOTELThe Qinghe Jinjiang or Pullman Hotels, both resort style and comfortable.
★ TRAVEL ESSENTIALSTwo days is the ideal amount of time to see the main sights continuing on to Shanghai.
Making the right hotel selection for your trip is vital in ensuring the trip goes smoothly and a great hotel selection can really enhance the overall enjoyment of your trip! There is a bewildering number of hotels in China but only a relatively small number which are either foreign traveller friendly or used to dealing with the foreign tourists. What look like good hotels may not be in suitable locations. Then there is the added concern in China of inconsistent star rating with many 4 and 5* hotels not living up to their ratings in reality.
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★ TRADITIONAL STYLEFew and far between we spend a lot of time seeking out the best Chinese traditional style hotels and try to include at least one in an itinerary as it really adds to the trip.
★ MODERN STYLEMost hotels in China fall into this category and most trips will have at least one carefully chosen one.
★ BOUTIQUE STYLEStill rare in China but the options are getting better and we o,en use boutique hotels where they are available.
★ LOCATION, LOCATION !Chinese cities are huge so being in the right area is essential and something we pay particular attention to.
accommodation
A trip with a good variety of transport is all part of a superb China experience so on most trips we will try to include different modes. Of course, if you have a preference just let us know and we can focus on that.
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★ SLEEPER TRAINSWe try to include at least one overnight train journey on our China trips as we feel that they are an essential and exciting part of any China trip and they help lower costs and are o,en an efficient use of time.
★ BULLET TRAINSChina has been expanding its bullet train routes at an extraordinary pace in recent years. What used to be an overnight train trip can o,en be done in a matter of hours with total travel time becoming comparable to flying the same route.
★ PLANESChina is a huge country and for most people getting between the main destinations will involve flying. Most of China’s airports are recently built and the aircra, fleets consist of new Boeings and Airbuses with high safety standards.
★ BOATSThere are two popular cruise routes in China, the three night Yangtze River Cruises and the day cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo which passes through some of China’s most beautiful and iconic scenery.
transport
Click to visit our China
Planning Guide!
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
No trip to China is complete without a visit to at least one show and there are plenty to choose from throughout the country. We can book in advance for you or you can book on arrival in each destination.
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★ CHINESE ACROBATSFamous and easy to experience in both Beijing and Shanghai - a must!
★ MARTIAL ARTSThe best Kung Fu shows are in Beijing although smaller shows are also held at the famous Shaolin monastery near Luoyang.
★ CHINESE OPERAThere are two different styles, Peking Opera from Beijing which is not everyone’s cup of tea or Sichuan Opera from Chengdu which is as much about spectacle as singing and is the more popular of the two.
★ EPIC SHOWSThe Tang Dynasty Show in Xian, Impression Liu Sanjie in Yangshuo and Impression Lijiang held on Lijiang’s Jade Snow Dragon Mountain are the best.
★ WESTERN MUSICMajor Chinese cities have been building world class opera, ballet and theatre venues in recent years and are attracting top talent at lower ticket prices than in the West. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong are all good options.
entertainment
The Chinese are obsessed by food and for good reason. Each province has its own cuisine o,en dictated by the food crops the area has traditionally produced.
Whether it is the lamb and dumpling dishes of Northern China, the kebabs and noodles of the West, the spice and fire of Sichuan and Central China, the seafood of coastal provinces especially southern China or the delicate flavours of southwest China there is something for everyone and the food is o,en the surprise highlight of a first trip to China.
You will have plenty of opportunity to sample different styles and the best way to do so is follow the locals example - have an open mind and give everything a try!
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★ Beijing - Peking Duck★ Xian - Dumplings★ Chengdu - Spicy Dishes★ Silk Road - Lamb Kebabs★ Hong Kong - Dim Sum★ Harbin - Hot Pot★ Tibet - Yak Steak★ Shanghai - Steamed Buns★ Yangshuo - Drunk Duck★ Hangzhou - Steamed Fish★ Lijiang - Noodles
cuisine
Recommended routes
➤ This classic journey covers a fantastic range of experiences in this remote area of Asia.Heading east along the Silk Road you will be stopping at oases, towns and cities along this legendary route - Turpan, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, and Lanzhou. You will see deserted desert cities, Buddhist Grottoes, towering sand dunes and remote forts.Onto Tibet for stunning temple, monastery and palace architecture, to the extraordinary high altitude scenery culminating in mount Everest before descending into the Kathmandu valley which offers a complete change of scenery and culture.
Urumqi - Turpan - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Lanzhou - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest - Kathmandu SILK ROAD & TIBET EXPLORER
Click here to view the full itinerary
➤ A two week trip through China designed to get beneath the surface of this large and complex country whilst also covering many of the main highlights China offers.The trip starts in Beijing, home to the Great Wall and Forbidden City but which also has its soul tucked away in its ancient Hutongs and parks. An overnight train takes you onto Luoyang, the jumping off point for the sprawling martial arts complex of Shaolin Si and the stunning buddhist Grottoes at Longmen.Onto Xian to see the extraordinary ranks of the Terra Cotta warriors before a flight to Chengdu, the best place in the world to get up close and learn about the Giant Pandas. Heading further south you reach Guilin and Yangshuo with their stunning classical Chinese scenery before finishing in cosmopolitan and vibrant Hong Kong.
Beijing - Luoyang - Xian - Chengdu - Guilin - Yangshuo - Hong KongESSENCE OF CHINA
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➤ This trip covers many of the must see highlights of China but also allows you to dip into the less visited wonders of lovely Yunnan province in China’s South West. You start in China’s ancient Capital of Beijing, home to the Great Wall and Forbidden City before moving on to Xian to see the extraordinary ranks of the Terra Cotta Warriors and vast city walls. Your next stop is Chengdu, the best place in the world to see Giant Pandas before a flight to Lijiang famous for its old town in turn dominated by the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain which looms over this area of Yunnan province. An overnight train to Kunming known for its greenery and the bizarre rock formations of the Stone Forest. Rivers cruises and more beautiful scenery await you at Guilin and Yangshuo with the trip finishing in Shanghai with it’s futuristic neon.
Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Lijiang - Kunming - Guilin - Yangshuo - ShanghaiEXPERIENCE CHINA
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SHANGHAI
HONG KONG
BEIJING
XIANLUOYANG
CHENGDU
YANGSHUO
BEIJING
XIAN
CHENGDU
LIJIANG
KUNMINGYANGSHUO
URUMQI
TURPANDUNHUANG
JIAYUGUANLANZHOU
LHASAGYANTSEEVEREST
KATHMANDU
➤ A fantastic trip covering what we consider the top ten places to visit in China! You will see an extraordinary variety of scenery, culture and sights in just over 3 weeks.Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City, Xian’s Terra Cotta Warriors, Lhasa’s Potala Palace, Chengdu’s Giant Pandas, the Three Gorges along the Yangtze River, Shanghai’s Bund, stunning Mount Huangshan, Hangzhou’s sublime West Lake, Guilin and Yangshuo's timeless scenery and Hong Kong’s amazing cityscape are all covered in this all encompassing trip we have put together to cover the best of what China has to offer the traveller. An unforgettable feast for the senses and a fabulous journey through the Middle Kingdom!
Beijing - Xian - Lhasa - Chengdu - Yangtze - Shanghai - Huangshan - Hangzhou - Guilin - Yangshuo - Hong KongCHINA TOP TEN
Recommended routes
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➤ A fantastic trip through China covering some of the highlights and some of the off the beaten track gems this amazing country offers the traveller. Starting in China’s capital Beijing, a vast city home to some of China’s most famous sights including the Great Wall and Forbidden City the trip moves on to less well know Luoyang with its Shaolin Temple complex and the stunning Longmen Grottoes.A 21st century bullet train takes you from Luoyang to the ancient Tang dynasty capital of Xian and it’s extraordinary Terra Cotta Warriors, another of China’s must see sights. Onto Hangzhou, a famous centre of Chinese culture and its sublime West Lake.Next is the breathtaking mountain scenery of Huangshan before sharp contrast is provided by the neon lights and buzz of China’s new financial capital of Shanghai where this trip ends.
Beijing - Luoyang - Xian - Hangzhou - Huangshan - ShanghaiMARTIAL ARTS & MOUNTAINS
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➤ A classic trip through China covering both the main highlights this country offers with the off the beaten track gem of Pingyao. The trip starts in Beijing, an ancient city full of amazing sights including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. An overnight train takes you onto Pingyao, China’s best preserved and wonderfully evocative Ming Dynasty city.Xian, former capital of the Tang Dynasty, a golden period in China’s long history that left us with one of the world’s most famous sights, the Terra Cotta army is next. From Xian you continue to Chengdu, home of the Giant Panda before flying on to Guilin for the stunning Li River trip to Yangshuo passing through some of China’s most beautiful scenery. Yangshuo is an ideal spot to relax for a few days before flying onto much faster paced Shanghai, China’s financial capital and a city hurtling into the future at breakneck speed. Here you finish a trip packed full with experience and variety.
Beijing - Pingyao - Xian - Chengdu - Guilin - Yangshuo - ShanghaiCLASSIC CHINA
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HUANGSHAN
BEIJINGXIAN
CHENGDU
HANGZHOU
YANGSHUO
LHASA YANGTZE
PINGYAO
LUOYANG
HONG KONG
BEIJINGXIAN
HUANGSHAN
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
HANGZHOU
BEIJINGXIAN
CHENGDU
YANGSHUO
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