Journeys in China
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China Tours
China tours have so much to offer the visitor whether on a group tour or a unique tailor-made itinerary. The world famous cities of Beijing and Shanghai offer some of the world’s most famous sites such as the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China and also a glimpse at the 21st century with the Maglev train – the world’s fastest – which ushers you in to this modern megalapolis. See pandas in Chengdu, cruise the mighty River Yangtze, cross the Tibetan plateau by train to Lhasa, see the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, admire the beautiful limestone scenery of Yangshuo….the list just goes on.
"China is such a colossal country it can be difficult knowing where to start, so reading a guide book can be a great starting point in deciding the places you would like to include in your trip. The highlights for me are Beijing where you can witness the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City."
Paul Taylor
one of our Far East Experts
Call our Far East team on 0844 488 1123 or send us an enquiry
Things to do and see
WALKING THE GREAT WALL
China's Great Wall stretches across the northern part of the country and was built as a barrier against the Mongol hordes. In places it runs through spectacular mountain scenery, and there are an increasing number of people who want to do a trek along a section of this man-made wonder. Using Beijing as your base,we suggest a 2 day walk from Gubeikou to Simatai, with an overnight stay at an inn near Jinshanling. This involves approximately 5 hours walking each day, mostly on steps,which can be quite tiring, but you will be rewarded by magnificent views.....
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SHANGHAI
A bustling multi-cultural megalopolis at the mouth of the Yangtze, Shanghai is a fascinating mix of modern style and colonial heritage. A city of nearly 20 million, Shanghai has risen from post war austerity to become one of China’s most dynamic cities, with a style and vibrancy very much in keeping with its meteoric rise. A shoppers’ paradise and boasting some of the finest restaurants in China, Shanghai is fast asserting itself as the ‘Paris of the Orient’.....
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The Remote Southwest
The Province of Yunnan is home to a third of all China's ethnic minorities, whose rich cultures differ markedly from those of the northern Chinese. It is also a land of astonishing contrasts, from Himalayan snow peaks to tropical rainforests.....
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BEIJING
Beijing has been China’s political and cultural centre since the Mongol warlord Kublai Khan made it his capital in 1264. Few places can match Beijing’s vibrancy and sheer cultural splendour, a city of wide boulevards and narrow hutongs, it is home to the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, the evocative Tiananmen Square and the iconic Great Wall. Here the past, present and future all merge in an eclectic mass of history, humanity and bicycles.....
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XI’AN
China’s ancient capital and the starting point of the famous Silk Road, Xi’an’s imperial history spanned some 12 dynasties, covering a period of nearly 2,000 years. Today its worldwide renown is due mainly to the presence of the spectacular Army of Terracotta Warriors, but its city streets hide a wealth of other treasures that span the ages of Imperial rule. The more recently discovered Han Yang Ling Imperial Tombs are also a worthy inclusion.....
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GUILIN
The ancient and picturesque city of Guilin lies along the western banks of the Li River, nestling amongst the stunning limestone landscapes of China’s Guangxi Zhuang province, making it an ideal base from which to explore the timeless majesty of the region’s glorious canvas of verdant plains, lakes and rivers. With over two millennia of history and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, this is one of the most beautiful regions in China, its landscapes reputed to be the ’finest under heaven’ according to Chinese proverbs. Originally founded in 314 BC by the Qin Dynasty, the city’s fortunes grew with the construction of a canal that linked it with the Yangtze, its importance eventually seeing it become a provincial capital under the Mings.....
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The Silk Road
For centuries the fabled Silk Road represented the most important link between the great civilizations of the Orient and the Western World. European traders made the arduous journey across deserts and high mountain passes in search of riches, bringing back silks and exotic spices, as well as tales of a fabulous and sophisticated empire in the East. China in return imported not just wealth from the West but also new ideas and creeds in the form of Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.....
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HARBIN ICE FESTIVAL
This annual festival is China’s greatest showpiece for ice art and attracts visitors from all over the world, its location amidst the arctic climates of north eastern China, presenting a fitting venue for this month long celebration of exquisite talent and artistic ingenuity. Inspired by traditional Chinese folklore, as well as the iconic majesty of some of the world’s most universally recognised monuments, the festival is home to one of the world’s largest ice architecture parks, as well as the most expansive indoor ice and snow art museum on the planet. Harbin Ice Festival is held each year between early January and early February. Harbin is reached by flight from Beijing and we recommend a 3-night stay at the Shangri-La Hotel. Please ask our China specialists to create a Tailor Made itinerary.....
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YANGZHOU NEAR GUILIN
Yangzhou is a pleasant town, far less commercialised and more relaxed than nearby Guilin, and is therefore the ideal base from which to explore the Li River, the beautiful surrounding countryside and the nearby local villages. Many people find hiring a bicycle to be the perfect way of getting around, or you can take short boat trips.Yangzhou is a good place for souvenir shopping. Good buys include silk jackets and scroll paintings, at prices below those of Guilin and other tourist centres.You can explore at your own pace and you may wish to spend part of the evening watching the fascinating cormorant fisherman, or dining in one of Yangzhou`s numerous restaurants.....
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SUZHOU & THE WATER VILLAGES
Situated an hour by train from Shanghai is Suzhou, China’s very own Venice, famed for its picturesque canals, ancient stone bridges, pagodas and classical gardens filled with spectacular floral displays. Strategically located on a major trade route of China’s Grand Canal, Suzhou became an important centre for the silk industry, a craft still very much alive today. Suzhou can be visited as a day trip from Shanghai but an overnight stay provides the opportunity to explore the streets further when the day trippers have departed. Beyond Suzhou lie the beautiful water cities and towns of Nanjing, Wuzhen and Hangzhou, a combination of which presents a fascinating and rewarding experience.....
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DALI
Dali is located at over 6,000 ft in a beautiful valley bordering Tibet, and is home to the Bai minority peoples. It is an excellent base for visiting the attractions of the surrounding countryside – the Shibaoshan Grottoes, including the Stone Bell Temple with its superb Bai stone carvings, Zhonghe Temple perched on a mountaintop with panoramic views all around, and the picturesque Xizhou village. The morning market,where villagers in Bai dresses gather to buy and sell their produce, is worth seeing, as is a trip out to Zhoucheng village with its almost entirely Bai population. Dali is located on the western edge of Erhai Lake, part of the Mekong River system, and you can take a cruise on the lake to visit local fishing villages and explore the islands.....
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LIJIANG
Step back in time with a visit to Lijiang, with its narrow cobblestone streets, rickety wooden buildings, ancient canals and lively markets, designated as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. The town is the capital of Naxi people with a relatively small population of 250,000 but a richly textured culture. Old Lijiang has enjoyed a long history of over 800 years and unlike most of the old towns in China, there are no city walls due to a superstitious belief of an ancient local ruler that if encircled by walls, the town would be besieged. A popular excursion from Lijiang is to one of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge,where the river is so narrow that, legend tells us, a hunted tiger made his escape to the other side in a single bound. In some places there is a drop of 3,000 metres to the water below.....
Back to top >Places to stay
The Langham Hotel
The Langham Hotel, Shanghai, recaptures the golden age of Old Shanghai while offering every thoroughly modern luxury. Beyond the enchanting facade are 96 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites - each designed to recapture the glamour and grandeur of the era when Shanghai was famed as the Paris of the East.....
Shangri-La Hotel
The Shangri-La Hotel in Hangzhou stands on the north shore of the famous West Lake. Located five minutes from downtown, the hotel occupies 40 acres of rolling hills and lush greenery, overlooking the Solitary Hill Island and the graceful Xiling Bridge. Just across the hotel is the West Lake where popular recreational pursuits include boat cruises and cycling trips. Each of the Shangri-La Hotel's guest rooms and suites has been tastefully decorated and include private facilities, tea & coffee making facilities, Satellite/Cable Television and mini-bar. (www.shangri-la.com) ....
Mayfair Hotel
The Mayfair Hotel is a first class hotel, situated in the heart of the Chang Ning District of Shanghai, which has a very good range of facilities, including restaurants, shops, swimming pool, gym and sauna, full laundry services etc. All rooms are air-conditioned with IDD telephone, minibar, Satellite TV, voicemail system.....
Grand Castle ANA Hotel
The Grand Castle ANA Hotel Xian is a modern five star hotel 40 minutes by car from Xian International Airport. Centrally located facing the South Gate of the old city wall, the hotel's distinctive appearance, modelled on Xian's ancient Big Goose Pagoda, harmonizes with the surrounding square. (www.anahotelxian.com) ....
Prime Hotel
The Prime Hotel is conveniently located on the famous Wangfujing Avenue, and near to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Beihai Park. Each of the 400 guest rooms are spacious and include tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, mini bar and refrigerator. The hotel has 3 restaurants serving Chinese, International and a la carte cuisine. Hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna and Jacuzzi.....
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
The Sheraton Guilin Hotel is conveniently located near the city centre alongside the Li River. It has 430 well appointed rooms and Suites all with individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, private bathroom, television with satellite channels, IDD telephone, in-room safe and mini-bar. Hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool & fitness centre and several restaurants and bars. ....
Crowne Plaza Chengdu
The Crowne Plaza Chengdu is situated in the heart of city and 18 kilometers to Shuang Liu International Airport. The hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool, gym & fitness centre and all 434 guest rooms have private facilities, Tea/Coffee Making facilities, Mini Bar and refrigerator. The hotel has 4 restaurants including a coffee shop, Chinese and Japanese. ....
Guangzhou Hotel
The Guangzhou Hotel is located close to the famous Xidan commercial area. Each of the 251 rooms are well equipped with an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, television, IDD telephone and mini-bar. Hotel facilities include a swimming pool, gym, sauna, beauty salon and a gift shop. The hotel also has a bar, a Chinese restaurant and a coffee shop. ....
Bamboo Grove
The Bamboo Grove Hotel is located in the southeastern part of Suzhou, just 15 minutes walk from the Master of Nets Garden. All guestrooms are comfortably decorated and have air conditioning, mini-bar and en suite bathroom. Guest facilities include an indoor swimming pool, one main restaurant and café. ....
Guilin Bravo Hotel
The Guilin Bravo Hotel is conveniently located near the Banyan Lake Promenade in the historical part of the town and is within walking distance from most major sights. The 274 rooms all feature individually controlled air-conditioning, private bathroom, television with satellite channels, IDD telephone, coffee maker and a mini-bar. Facilities include a western style restaurant, two Chinese restaurants, two bars, a swimming pool and Health Centre.....
Mandarin Garden Hotel
The Mandarin Garden Hotel is located in the Qinhuai Scenic District. The hotel has 500 well appointed rooms, equipped with air conditioning and television. Hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, shopping arcade, restaurants serving Chinese and International cuisine and a coffee shop.....
Queli Hotel
The 3 star Queli Hotel is the best hotel in Qufu and is ideally located near to the Confucius Temple and the Kong mansions. The rooms are basic but comfortable, all have IDD telephone, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel has one restaurant offering Chinese cuisine – please note western breakfast is not served.....
Staff Favourites
Walking the Great Wall of China
Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Andaman Sea - from the enigmatic islands of Japan and through the vast heartland of China, to the golden beaches of Thailand and the verdant jungles of Indochina and Malaysia.... Read more
Back to top >Luxury Nile Cruising the Bales Way
Watch the inspirational video of life on board one of our exclusive and privately owned dahibiyya’s for a taste of Nile cruising at its most authentic and luxurious.