Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 39 reviews.

Ian Noon

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written June 2011
I've been to China twice before but this was my best trip yet. A great opportunity to see a lot of China in a relatively short space of time. Really enjoyable - the whole trip flew by so quickly.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Probably the pandas! It was great to see these creatures up close and see their personalities. I could have spent the whole today watching them.
Also really enjoyed Yangshuo and the bike rides / boat trips. It was great to get into the countryside and see some gorgeous scenery.
What did you think of your group leader?
Rocky was exceptional. Very patient and good humoured. Also has great organisational skills - the whole trip always ran very smoothly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Pack light! There will be times when you have to carry your luggage through train stations up and down steps with large crowds around you. Also, some of hotels don't have lifts. I recommend taking a backpack.
I would also bear in mind that seeing this much in a short space of time means a bit of hanging around at train stations and airports, as well as three overnight trains. Bring plenty to read.
There are quite a few optional extras. I wouldn't feel pressured into taking any of these up as it does eat into your budget - but I would recommend paying extra for a room with a balcony on the Yangtze river cruise as it made it much more comfortable for us.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Have fun! It's a great trip. We had a great group as well who we all got on with. I also really enjoyed the food - there's always a mix of food available with something for everyone - and everything is pretty comfortable.
Can't wait to go back for my 4th trip!
Lynn Walton

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written October 2010
This was a fantastic introduction to China, with a brilliant, informative leader and a great group. It's impossible to cover such a large country in such a short time but this gives a comprehensive overview to help plan a more in depth visit.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many highlights, from the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to the Impressive Golden Summit on Mount Emei, and the cute baby pandas (and their parents) and many others besides! But for me the contrasts in Shanghai of the Bund and Pudong with Old Shanghai were my favourite part.
Keith (Our guide) arranged a number of meals for us, other than those included, and found some wonderful venues to ensure we had so many different culinary experiences including his home-town speciality of Hotpot and these were a highlight in themselves!
What did you think of your group leader?
Keith (Zhang Ji) was a brilliant leader - we couldn't have asked for better.
He was informative regarding his Country's history and life in modern China and imparted his knowledge with a great sense of humour and integrity. He was always happy to put the group's needs and wishes first and took time to get to know each group member individually. He was great fun, but also took his position very seriously and when required handled potential problem efficiently and professionally in order to diffuse them.
I hope my next trip has another "Keith" as a leader, but I somehow doubt it as he is one of a kind!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take the rough with the smooth but travel light! The long train journeys are part of the overall experience but the space and stairs don't lend themselves to heavy luggage.
End of September is the National Holiday week and most sites are packed with Chinese tourists, which can lead to long queues and crowded places and busy roads. If you are prepared for this it can add to the fun but can also be a little daunting.
Overall it is a wonderful trip so don't hesitate to book your place now!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would have liked to have spent more time in Tongli - although possibly in alternative accommodation from the "Hostel". I would have been happy to forego a night on the cruise or in Yangshuo to accommodate this. The visit to the dam could have been omitted. I appreciate it is a marvellous piece of engineering and one they are proud of, justifiably so, but at the end of the day it is just concrete!
I had been looking forward to the possibility of a balloon ride in Yangshuo (I hadn't read the reviews!) and was disappointed that this is no longer feasible though I perfectly understood the reasoning behind it. My next plan was to spend the money on a "Panda Cuddle" but not being able to share the experience with my partner and have him take photos I felt the costs were extortionate, so gave that idea up too.
None of this actually detracted from a very special trip and one I'll remember for a very long time. Thanks so much to all concerned!
Paul Bateman

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written October 2010
An excellent holiday and one I would recommend to anyone.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The section of the Great Wall chosen by our group leader was brilliant - there were few people which allowed us to take some fantastic camera shots of long empty stretches of the wall. It had been raining and the clouds were low, which made it very atmospheric. Walking a mile or so along the Great Wall in those conditions was just incredible and inspirational.
Sitting on the outside deck of The Signal Tower, located on The Bund in Shanghai, drinking cocktails and marvelling at the incredible skyline and wondering if there is anything the Chinese can not achieve!
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent! Keith kept us all entertained during the trip and spent a great deal of time explaining the culture of China and the many changes that have occurred in the country in recent times. This was very much appreciated during our coach and train journeys and also during our daily briefings. Keith was a knowledgeable guide, tweaking the itinerary where necessary and suggesting things to do and see during our free time. His attention to detail ensured that everything ran smoothly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go with an open mind - the portrayal of China in the western media is different from reality.
Have fun - enjoy the sites, talk to the people and let them take your picture.
Trains - be prepared to slum it a little, that's all part of the experience!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was an incredible experience for me. Most of what we know about China comes from our own media and the reality is very different. Everyone we met was happy and friendly and everyday we encountered people who wanted to say hello and have their picture taken with us.
As a group tour you will be in the company of others that you have never met before. It is important to be part of that group, otherwise you will find yourself on the fringes looking in and wondering why everyone else is having a good time. On occasion issues or problems will arise and it is best to discuss them at the time rather than become an armchair critic afterwards.
Penny Bateman

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written October 2010
Probably the best holiday of my life
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It’s very difficult to pick out just one but what stood out equally with the big tourist sights for me were some of the “everyday” events: standing in Tiananmen Square (a real “pinch me” moment), playing ping-pong with some locals in Beijing; the produce market in Yangshuo (an eye-opener where all sorts of animals were being slaughtered and sold on the spot); witnessing a traditional Chinese funeral wake; sipping cocktails on the Bund in Shanghai after dark.
What did you think of your group leader?
Keith was a fantastic group leader. We taught him a new English phrase – “like herding cats” and he herded us exceptionally well! He was organised, fun, inspirational, interesting (and interested in us and our lives), and he never lost his cool. Only once - when we had 10 minutes to board a train and our luggage hadn’t arrived – did I suspect he was ever-so-slightly concerned. And I’ll never forget the karaoke night
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
China is big, noisy and crowded and you will see and smell things that challenge you (including the toilets) – embrace it all and you’ll get the most from the trip. We were on our tour during two public holidays. That meant many of the tourist areas were very busy. It only really once got too much – at the Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou - but even when it’s not so crowded you will feature in numerous Chinese family’s holiday snaps and have them practice their English on you (“hellooooo”). Be prepared for some early starts and long days – that’s the way the tour manages to pack so much in. And thanks to whoever recommended a sleeping bag liner for the third overnight train journey.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had the privilege of spending 3 weeks in the close company of some great people. We (with one exception – a person for whom the tour clearly wasn’t the right choice) gelled as a group pretty much straight away and this definitely added to the experience. China is changing very fast - I urge you to visit this amazing country as soon as possible.
Gabriella Galea Lauri

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written October 2010
An amazing organised trip, full of adventure, fun, color, culture, excitement and diversity. It took me quite long to confirm the holiday especially since I went alone, as normally I travel with friends or family. Please dont do that, feel safe with all the information provided on the trip notes & travellers reviews, I found them very helpful. The group was very welcoming & friendly, just very lucky that the 16 of us got on so well, I was adopted by almost all. Life is too short, so while reading my thoughts, just book the holiday of a lifetime!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
This question should be what WERE what WAS as there are so many, were do I start. If I really had to pick up just 1 I would say the bamboo rafting in the amazing scenic mountainous region of Yanghzuo enjoying the beautiful hues of greens, the trees, mountains and the waterfalls for the rafting experience. Please please please do not miss this adventure, it was extremely safe. All I could hear were the birds chirping, the raft against the floating water. Do buy some professional photos on the way while rafting! I was very excited to finally make it to The Great Wall of China and walk through the beacon towers, and watch towers, and up & down the steps. Pity it was foggy & smogy as the visibility was that great but still an exceptional wonderful lifetime experience. Its on that list of 10 things to do before one dies! ....and oh how sweet the Panda Sanctuary, the park and gardens surrounding the sancutary. I loved the baby pandas in the incubators with little pink towels for the female panda and blue towels for the male pandas. Make sure NOT to miss the Kung Fu Show in beijing, best performance in my lifetime, for music, props, stage mechanism, lighting and the storyline itself. Just put cash aside to do all the optional excursions recommended by the tour leader. The water performance in Yangzhuo was amazing especially the flood lights on the mountains. Another inspirational moment was taking the cable car up to Mt Emei, what a spectacular scene was awaiting us that of a multi faced golden buddha on elephants on top of the mountain, worth doing. The cruise on the 3 gorges is spectacular especially the lesser of the 3 gorges, very intimate, scenic, green and beautiful, every turn takes you to another wonderful scene. Make sure to do the rickshaw traditional ride and the bicycle rides in Yangzhuo in the colorful countryside amongst water buffalos. When in Tongli, which is the Venice of the East make sure to reserve time to the seclusion meditation garden, blissful! the Pearl Pagoda (make sure to dress up like an emperess or princess) and enjoy the Humble Adminsitrators Garden, a World Heritage Site, the bonsai garden is so pretty. Last not least make sure to take the night river cruise in Shanghai its so glamorous and dreamy! I loved the walk on the bund and make sure to have a peak at the Peace Hotel, amazing!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our tour leader Dragon, was the best tour leader I ever had in all my travels. Not only does he go the extra mile and out of his way, he goes into a depth of knowledge to share all the information about the evolution of their history, country, politics (when it was the right time to discuss) & culture. He was a very considerate and kind hearted leader who managed to handle even some difficulties that cropped up. He accompanied me to the pharmacy at least 3 times and even to hospital since I had a chest infection and to the police station as I had my cash stolen in Shanghai :(
Exodus please take my advice, look out for Dragon, make sure to invest in him as he is an exceptional tour leader, a good listener and very helpful and energetic. He even used to download my photos from my camera into my pen drive as I didnt have a lap top. Well done for a professional job done!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
My advice is to travel with an open mind. China is a very big country with a diverse culture, scenery & all. Before seeing the beautiful rice paddies, corn fields, tea plantations and lavender fields one has to put up with unsightly scenery too!
Try to travel with a medium luggage as there is quite alot of travelling between sleeper trains, flights, coaches etc ..... when one arrives at the train station there are NO lifts but one has to carry the luggage up & down the stairs. Take lots of fresh & clean wipes especially for the sleeper trains as there are no showers. I would even take a pillow case & bed sheet, as one particular sleeper train was quite dirty. Dont be over alarmed with what you read about gobbing and smoking (yes its unsightly but the highlights of China make up for this) Be prepared for humidity & pollution and a smokey environment, so if you are sensitive to all this, just take what is required like inhalers, anti histamines etc ....
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I wish my holiday was first a dream where I saw myself doing everything, and then made that dream a reality, as I would have made it more enjoyable, more special, more exciting, more challenging ..... I didnt miss anything except the day when I was unwell, so put enough money aside to do all the optional excursions other than what is on the program and do all the shows they were mind blowing, where do I start.
If anyone wants to write to me directly, please do so, my personal email address is [address removed for protection]
Nicola Dawson

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written October 2010
Totally amazing trip, but you're cramming an awful lot of a huge country into a short time, so be prepared for a punishing schedule. If you want a relaxing trip, don't pick this one! Can't believe how much we saw and did - China's a fantastic country - wish we could have stayed longer
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Pandas in Chengdu! I can't believe how all the other wonderful things we saw in China were totally eclipsed by the opportunity to hold a real panda! I know that's a very girly thing to say but it was an awesome experience - very emotional and a true once in a lifetime opportunity. Often when you actually see something you've seen so often in pictures and films it almost disappoints when you actually experience it for yourself, but China wasn't like that - it's even better than you could imagine. The great wall is immense - even more so than you would expect - we went on a beautiful clear day and the views were fantastic, and the teracotta warriors were just astounding - especially when you learn the detail of the story behind them - totally mad, only in China!
What did you think of your group leader?
Dragon was inspiring and really made the trip for us! He knew so much about China and was always keen to share his knowledge. It took some getting used to with the cultural barriers and also the political issues - there were a lot of things we couldn't ask in certain places but Dragon was always happy to discuss in private. Travelling in China could be very difficult, but even with all the difficulties caused by the military activity in China whilst we were there, Dragon made everything as easy as possible for the group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This isn't a relaxing trip! Fitting in this much in 3 weeks involves a lot of unpacking, repacking, travelling and not a lot of sleeping! Take a small suitcase - something you can carry easily by yourself, our tour leader ended up carrying several of the group's luggage as they weren't able to carry it themselves (sometimes over long distances and up and down stairs at stations). Also make sure you have an easy to carry day pack for overnight train journeys and the night in Tongli as you can't take your main luggage into the town.
On our first night, Dragon gave us some information about China and what to expect during the trip, one of the most useful phrases we learned was "This is China!" Every time we came across something totally alien or which seemed wrong or crazy, the group would remind us that "this is china" and just accept it! The food was a lot better than I expected, but some of the group had specific dietary issues which were quite difficult to manage and they often didn't have much choice to eat.
Make sure you budget for all the optional extras - you're unlikely to be here again so make the most of it and do all the extras you can. The £400 suggested in the trip notes is a little light - I spent nearly double this. Also don't take travellers cheques, they were difficult to cash. Also try to make sure you explore on your own as much as you can when there are no activities arranged - head into the back streets and away from the tourist areas to discover the real China - it hasn't changed as much as the brochures would have you believe! Try the real local food where you can from roadside stalls or cafes - it might look a bit odd and you might have to point at what others are eating as there are no menus, but it's a great adventure and you might even get something edible!
Above all, go with an open mind, and enjoy everything China has to offer. Have a brilliant trip
Geoff Wilkinson

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written September 2010
As you know – China is very big and very crowded. As a result this trip can seem, at times, like a cross between a marathon and an obstacle course. However, China also has so many “must see before you die” locations and Exodus manage to shoe-horn so many of these into this trip that any fatigue or discomfort experienced is adequately repaid. Though definitely a trip for the discerning traveller, this is not a trip for the fastidious tourist.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Apart from the "must sees" in which I would include the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and the Le Shan Buddha, one of the most memorable experiences was just wandering through the park in Yangshuo admiring the locals practising their tai chi and coming across one (very sober) gentleman relaxing under a tree and singing (very musically) to his heart's content.

What did you think of your group leader?
'Rocky' (Chou Tie Fung) did an excellent job; particularly considering the size of the group (18). Given the number of bus and train journeys, Rocky never lacked determination and commitment in getting us all to where we needed to be - even when the local bus drivers seemed to be conspiring against him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The trip includes four train journeys (three overnight). The stations can be very crowded and you will need to negotiate stairs (up and down) to access the relevant platforms. Opportunities will arise during these journeys for you to congratulate yourself on minimising the weight and volume of your luggage.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
China has a massive and pervasive tourist industry and there's a sense in which you are "consumed" by this the moment you step off the plane. Most of the main tourist sites have very visible mechanisms for regulating and controlling access which can create the sense that you are being herded.
Hawkers and souvenir vendors are quite pervasive in most tourist spots. Sometimes their approach can be quite determined. In Yangshuo, for example, being in the middle of one's breakfast was no deterrent.

On the whole, the accommodation throughout the trip is pretty good - except, perhaps, in Tongli - where the proprietors hold idiosyncratic views on cleanliness.
Unfortunately, you are already too late to see the Yangtze at its best. You won't fail to notice the effect which the three gorges dam has had on the river, or the waste-water from Chongqing (pop > 31 million) for that matter. After embarking at Chongqing, be prepared for the purser to offer you a range of cabin upgrades from "with a balcony" to "the presidential suite".
Most members of our group were persuaded to spend an extra £110 for a balcony.