Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise

Our Clients’ Reviews

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Average Review Rating: from 39 reviews.

Jennifer Clark

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written April 2012
In three weeks we covered more of China and got closer to the Chinese people than I could have imagined.They were amazingly open and friendly. This despite our lack of common language. This China is changing so fast. Go there. Soon.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Too many to pick out just one. What was inspirational was the energy and resilience of the people. Life is still hard there. The contrast between rich, glitzy modern wealthy China and the poor majority is striking. Still, it is obvious too that in the hotels where we stayed, all Chinese, that there is emerging a middle class who can afford to travel around, much like in Europe. A few, then. The park in Beijing where all kinds of casual but organised groups of exercise and dance took place. Anyone can join in. Cookery school in Yangshuo also cycling out from Yangshuo. Communal meals around the " lazy Susan"' every day, always good. Trains. We happen to have done several overnight train journeys in Europe recently, and those in China are at least as comfortable and clean, some times a lot better, just to put them into context. Don't grumble about them! The third on the trip, admittedly was the least good, and the longest, but this class of train is about to be upgraded, might have been already. The other daytime trains on this trip are ultra modern, fast and comfortable. Nothing like our own domestic services. The light show in Yangshuo was astonishing. In general I would say, do as many of the optional activities as you can cram in. Nothing is expensive, some are a bit amateurish, but all are fascinating. Walking along the Bund in Shanghai, and out on the river in a boat. Simply stunning.
What did you think of your group leader?
Friendly and efficient. All our transfers were organised to make them as easy as possible for us. The train stations are intimidating places and the crowds boarding the trains are enormous, so without her guidance and help I doubt we would have managed to board at all sometimes. Full of knowledge about Chinese cuisine which she was anxious to share with us. As we were the oldest people in the group sho looked out for us and made sure we were keeping up and comfortable. When anyone was not feeling up to the mark she kept an eye on them and was sympathetic. Naturally sociable, often on the longer bus journeys, when she could see we were all flagging a bit she would start off some conversation, light heated or informative, which would lift the mood of the group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
My motto for this trip was TOO MUCH STUFF! Like you We had read the advice in these reviews and vowed to take the minimum amount. So I put out what I thought I needed, and then removed a lot of it. NOT NEARLY ENOUGH! We had been to T K Maxx and found the perfect cases, 4 wheeled "spinner" cases. You can guide them along with one finger, and we were grateful that we had them Other people in our group had much more stuff than we had, and in less suitable cases. You really want not to be always encumbered by your luggage. Drinking water, none of the tap water is drinkable. The local people do not drink it, so you will be able to buy bottled water everywhere, cheaply and easily. Many of the hotels provide a bottle a day each at no charge. Also most hotels provide a kettle, or a thermos and boiling water. Also there is a tap for boiling water in each railway carriage. Do use the tea bags in your hotel, they are good. I really can't seek the point of taking PG Tips to China. The tea is one of the best things you will get. Also you need milk for black tea. You might buy a Chinese tea cup with built in infused while you are there. I didn't and wished I had. In Tongli, I was very disappointed with the accommodation where we stayed. On reflection, if I had been prepared for just how basic it is, I would have been happier. The rooms are tiny and the facilities really simple, but is is clean. I hope they will have improved the breakfast by now. Money. There are ATMs everywhere and we had no difficulty using them. Laundry. Our guide kept us well informed about where the next one would be. In the first part of the trip that was helpful as we were constantly on the move.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a well organised tour which will enable you too see, close up, a snapshot of China in a country which is changing fast. I was astonished at the size of most cities, and that most of the development is so recent. The figure in the trip notes are very out of date. The largest city 3 months ago was Chongqing at 33 million. The unofficial figures must be much higher as many children do not appear in the statistics due to anomalies in the one child policy. When you travel along the Yangtze you will see enormous communities that have grown up just since the river level was raised. Although, when you look at a map of the country, our tour covers a tiny area, at the end you will feel that you have had a pretty good look at it. And, at the end you are in Shanghai, a fitting finale. ENJOY!
michael sell

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written October 2011
A very well organised and thought out tour, ensuring we saw all the major attractions, plus one or two others that had been requested!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There are so many! The Great wall, The Terraccotta Army, The Pandas, The Bullet train, the fun of the overnight sleeper trains...... the list is endless!
What did you think of your group leader?
Marks organisational skills were superb! He had everybody in the right place at the right time - and that was no mean feat! His local knowledge was very good, perhaps a little more general information along the way would be nice. Mark was a very helpful and friendly guide to us all and was never without his Panda on a pole, coining the phrase 'Follow the Panda'
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go with an open mind ready to enjoy and experience all that there is to offer!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We had an amazing holiday, the sights, the sounds, the smells and the people all adding to the experience. We were very lucky to have a really nice group of people to share these experiences with!
Roger Rosewarne

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written October 2011
A lot of this vast impressive country is packed into the 19 days on the ground. As an overview of the country visiting many of the main sites with smaller ones besides I think Exodus and Dragon our excellent leader have achieved their aims .
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Most people cannot pick just one.
The Obvious :- Beijing and the Forbidden City- Great Wall- Xi'an- Terracotta Warriors and museum- Pandas ( not forgetting the Red Pandas too )- Yangtse - Mt Emei- Karst country- Tongli- Shanghai Bund
Less Obvious :- Cycling the 13.7 km of the Xi'an city walls and looking down on a school choir giving a concert in the playgound- Cycling into the country at Yangshuo and the farmer's wife cooking us lunch- Being approached by students in Yangshuo to practise their English - Eating Sichuan hotpot in a local restaurant where we were the only westerners and the object of much curiosity- 'Calvin Klein' the vendor in Yangshuo ( only the 8th Oct group will get this one ! )- just meeting the locals with a smile.
What did you think of your group leader?
Dragon was one of the best leaders I have encountered in years of travelling. I think he read history at University and he was passionate about the history of his country past and present . He was so informative about life in China nowadays and during the lifetime of his parents under Mao, that his stories and anecdotes made the trip for me. I was speaking to an English couple on the boat who were with a large mainstream UK operator and were getting none of this.They were quite envious of our relationship with Dragon.
He was endlessly patient, ever helpful ,well organized and above all a thoroughly nice person .
We wish him well for his forthcoming wedding.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Dragon's informative handout at the start of the trip told us to embrace '' T I C ''
THIS IS CHINA ie ignore the pushing in, the smoking, the spitting, the crazy traffic , car horns, some of the toilets etc etc. After all this is only 3 weeks out of your life to enjoy a wonderful country so just remember TIC .
If you want 5 star luxury, can't embrace TIC and go with the flow, then this trip is not for you.
Pack lightly because there are many occasions when you have to carry your bag up stairs and through crowded stations. There is also limited space for the more corpulent cases under the bunks on the trains.
You may wish to bring a light sleeping bag liner and pillow case for the third and oldest sleeper train . . . although if you remember TIC, it was fun and part of the experience. Dont forget your pot noodles as all trains come with hot water boilers.
The suggested £400 spend is light. I spent around £550/600 but I suppose it does depend on how much beer you drink.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had a memorable time and would happily visit China again if Exodus want to sponsor me as Devon's Ambassador to China.
Only regret . . . . I didn't buy a Chairman Mao watch at a knock-down £3 from Calvin ! !
Kate Cassidy

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written September 2011
An absolute full on itinerary, giving not only a taste of China, but also the full flavour of it. A country so diverse, both modern and old. This was my fourth trip to the country, and it most definitely won't be my last.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Too many to note - the pandas in Chengdu, the scenery of Yangshou county (the Li River and Yu Long River), Shanghai with its imposing skyline, tallest building in China, Bund and frantic shopping areas - also returning to the Terracotta Warriors, which I had visited ten years ago - they still hold the magic they always did.
What did you think of your group leader?
Dragon was amazing - totally unflappable despite having to get 16 of us through numerous stations, on and off trains and from one place to another. He was very informative, knowledgeable and very approachable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This tour gives you everything you need from the China experience, and it will also make you want to return again and again to a very diverse, although imposing, country. It is full on, but bring an open mind with you, and you will be rewarded in the end.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I opted for not taking the Yangtze cruise, and did my own itinerary around Yangshou with a private guide. I would recommend perhaps extending at the end of the trip and trying something like this, as the experience was absolutely breathtaking.
John Cowburn

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written August 2011
If you've not been to China and don't know what to expect - then it will almost certainly be better than you thought! On the whole its clean, many parts are ultra-modern and the people are wonderful. The older parts have character and history.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Probably the Giant Buda on the summit of Mount Emei. It remains out of sight until you are almost at the summit, you turn a corner and 'Wow!' what a sight! Awesome!
What did you think of your group leader?
Dragon was excellent - we were treated to three weeks of Chinese history putting in context the sights we were seeing.
His organisational skills allowed us to visit some of the most popular tourist destinations without there being the massive crowds in our way - although this did entail some early mornings. He was mindful of the group's wishes and tried to be democratic with any decissions of choice and this worked very well with everyone seeing most of what they wished for.
His negotiating skills meant that we paid the best price for the optional extras and food and had the best seats in the various shows.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Many people warned of the third train ride but whilst it is old and, yes it is rather dirty, it passed through some of the best scenery with the added benefit of opening windows to get some great photos through. Very soon this train will be replaced by a high speed bullet train and that part of the fun will disappear.
This is a full on action packed trip so don't go expecting a relaxing time. You'll be up early and late to bed but will certainly have seen just about as much as you can see in the time available. Go expecting that regime and you will enjoy it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Beware that trip notes may be out of date, China is advancing so rapidly particularly with its transport system that the notes may be out of date and the journey times are much shorter than stated (no bad thing!)
As mentioned by previous travellers, the Yangtze boat crew will try and sell an upgrade - there really is no point as the best part of the boat is up on deck, you are only in the cabin for sleeping so there's no need for a balcony.
Beware if you are a single traveller who has opted to share - you may be asked to share with a total stranger on the boat.
Take insect repellent - you may need it on the river.
Don't pack too many clothes - its you who has to carry the bags on to trains, buses and aeroplanes.
Helen Champion

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written August 2011
It was a great trip - as the notes say it is intense as you do a lot in 3 weeks. However there is plenty of time to recover on the Yangtze Cruise and in Yangshuo. It was a fabulous way to discover China.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I so enjoyed visiting the Panda Breeding Centre at Chengdu and the scenery around Yangshuo.
What did you think of your group leader?
Rocky was a really good group leader. He worked quietly and tirelessly to ensure everything went smoothly. He built in enough time so there was no rush for trains (which even meant we could return to salvage someone's camera when they had forgotten it!) but not endless waiting around. Buses were always waiting for us at the alloted times so the trip was seamless.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You have to carry your bags some distance around stations, airports etc including up and down stairs, so ensure you have a bag that is easy to manoevere. Wheels or a backpack!
The first day in Bejing is intense - full on sightseeing for 6 hours with no real break so take snacks and eat a good breakfast. Water is always available to buy at the venues but I was glad I had not done a long haul flight the day before which all the others had (I flew in from Hong Kong).
Be like the Chinese and take an umbrella to shield you from the sun - they know what they are doing!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Enjoy the trip. It is not physically restful but it keeps your mind so engaged in what is going on your forget all about your day to day life so you get a great break mentally! It is indeed a discovery and there is no one better than Exodus for these trips. I highly recommend it.
Ruth Stevens

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written August 2011
Like nothing I've ever experienced before. Mixture of amazing experiences on a grand scale.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The outstanding beauty of the yangtze river. I didn't expect it to be and it wasn't something I was particularly looking forwards to compared to some of the other things on the trip but the views took my breath away. We also went to see a show which I thought was outstanding. It was an outside light production and took place on the water. Absolutely amazing.
What did you think of your group leader?
Group leader was lovely. Very good at his job and a lovely man.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The final trip on the sleeper train was a bit of a shock. It warns you of this on the trip notes but the first two we stayed on were really good standard so it was a bit of a shock when the last was what I was expecting from the first two. I'd been spoilt by luxury before hand. Also it says in the lonely planet that it's hard for veggie's in china. I didn't find this. I think there was one meal where I had mostly rice and not a lot else but the majority had beautiful vegetables to choose from. Certainly never went hungry.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I loved this trip. It was an amazing experience. It is tiring and you 'get on it' right from the start. The cruise is your proper chill time. The only thing I would say is although the trip is a tiring, fun filled experienced packed it is lacking in phsyical activities. There is biking one day and walking up to the great wall but generally just walking for sight seeing.