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.

Joanne Duggan

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written September 2010
Oh My Buddha this trip is Panda-tastic! Well thought out itinerary which covered as many as any Westerner's pre-conceived ideas of the classic sights of China as possible. China is a vast country and to show so much diversity from the old and quaint such as Tongli, the countryside of Yangshao to the modern country which is Shanghai in three weeks is quite an achievement. Well done Exodus.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It's impossible to pick out one particular moment, this trip had so many. My dream was to see the Giant Pandas so of course that was a highlight for me. Unexpected and charming highlights were playing table tennis with an old man on the street in Beijing, cycling on the city walls of Xi'an which I never thought I'd be capable of doing, being approached by charming young school children on the Bund in Shanghai who were courageous enough to practise their English on us, Shanghai itself and last but not least just the group of people and tour leader I was fortunate enough to travel with.
What did you think of your group leader?
Keith, our great, dear, illustrious leader - what can I say a legend in his own lifetime! In all honesty the best group leader I have ever had the pleassure of travelling with. This is for many reasons: he has the most fantastic, upbeat and fun personality of anyone I've ever met which didn't wane throughout the whole duration of the trip; he was incredibly patient with everyone, answering our queries or finding out information about optional activities; he got us from A to B in this mad, mesmerising country safely and efficiently and with good humour and he genuinely understood that we were on holiday and wanted to not only experience the country but have fun too. The chemistry between Keith and the group (or at least the majority of the group) not only came from a genuinely liking of each other, that feeling when you just 'click' with someone, but also a mutual respect. He seemed to genuinely understand and appreciate that we had great respect not only for him but also his country. He always took care to let us know how to get to places, how to get back to the hotel, when to take extra care of our belongings in crowded areas, when to bargain when shopping along with numerous other pieces of advice which ensured that we had a fun and safe trip. He managed our expectations very well especially with the final overnight train, the crowds of Chinese tourists at some of the sights and the traffic and length of journies. I can not speak highly enough of him, a true asset to Exodus.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
China is a vast country and the itinerary does cover a lot of ground. The first half of the trip is very demanding with lots of long journies but make the best of these. The overnight trains are as much fun as you make them. How many people can you get in one train compartment? We managed 12, enjoying a Chinese drinking game with our group leader. The last overnight train is challenging as it's the longest journey but also the train isn't as high a standard as the first two. Take a sheet sleeping bag and just be prepared to be a bit grotty! This train journey is followed by a 3 hour bus transfer so it's a long couple of days. I found though that however long and (sometimes) uncomfortable the journey you won't regret it when you get to the destination. Don't let the journies put you off - you won't want to miss China for anything.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Above all be prepared to accept and respect the diversity not only of China but of your fellow travellers in the group. It is unfortunate that there was one person in our group who didn't, couldn't (or wasn't prepared to try) to do this. Even 'his lady' was fun and spirited and willing to join in when she joined the group by herself and she was liked and respected by all and it's a shame we didn't have the opportunity to get to know her better. This trip is good value for money and the quality of the hotels were very good but it is an adventure company offering adventure trips and therefore a sense of adventure and sometimes 'roughing it' is expected. Exodus state this quite clearly in their literature and it is up to the individual to understand and know their own limits and expectations. Our group were also lucky enough to include an Exodus staff member who was a mine of information about some of the trips she had done before and I will pick her brains further about a trip to Africa I've had in mind for a while. It's a good idea for Exodus to send their staff on trips so that they are able to answer customer queries with the benefit of their own knowledge and experience. Finally, Exodus staff members on these tours are on holiday and as such should not be expected to suppress their personalities or be insulted in public by group members who resent the fact that the staff member has not paid for the tour. Presumably the the tours are part of their remuneration package. Who someone works for or what they have paid or haven't paid is irrelevant, they should be treated with same respect and common courtesy as anyone else.
In conclusion: don't even hestiate to do this tour, as I said at the beginning it's Panda-tastic!!!!!
Ammar Ajam-Oghli

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written August 2010
I wanted a holiday in China where I felt I could see the highlights and main attractions. I also wanted to use a 4 week block of holiday in a very effective way for a trip I would alwys remember. Thats exactly what this offered. It was hard work with early starts and long travels but exactly what I was after. I doubt you could do this better or at a truly more efective price if you tried it yourself.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
So many. I have travelled alot but China blew me away with its history and sights. Great Wall, Forbidden city and Terracota army is an absolute must.
What did you think of your group leader?
Langer was amazing. If you can get him as your guide do it.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bargain hard. Expect 25% of the first asking price. Trains are a little grotty. A thin liner to sleep in will make you happy. I went in August and it is extremely hot (never felt heat like it and I have been in Saudi and Dubai in the heat of summer)! Also carry at least a small umbrella always with thin light clothing that can dry easy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just that you wont regret it. Its a long holiday and a fair bit of money but memories that will last a lifetime. IF you like travel holidays you are likely to also meet alot of like minded people which is also good :)
Michael Holden

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written June 2010
A very interesting trip with lots of highlights and only one really bad experience .
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The WOW Factor ones
Beijing Summer Palace , Forbidden City
Xian Terracotta Warriors ; Chengdu Panda Reserve ; Yangshou River Cruise : Shanghai Megalev Train & Bund at night
What did you think of your group leader?
Very considerate , very enthuisastic about history ;
Both group & Leader need time to get to know each other
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The first part of trip is very intense , I recommend if you can arrive in Beijing at least 1 day before tour starts .
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had a concern that as I was over 60 & travelling alone these concerns were totally unjustified as the rest of the group made me very welcome and the age range of the group did not have any relevance . All the other members of the group had common attitudes .
The low light of the trip was the leg from Yichang (After Yangtse Cruise) to Yangshou a train journey of 16 hours in a very dirty & smelly train getting off at 05:00 then a 3 hour coach trip .
Elizabeth Horler

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written November 2009
This was a fantastic trip with a brilliant guide and a great group. It's action packed and exhausting but worth it as we managed to see and do so much in the time available - much more than I would have been able to do had I gone independently. China is a fascinating place and having a local guide made a huge difference. I would definitely recommend this trip as it was even better than I hoped.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
So many things were so great - the Great Wall (which we went to at a great location, with very few people and amazing views), which really is great, the Terracotta Army, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Yang Shou and many more.
What did you think of your group leader?
Zhang Ji (also known as Keith) was fantastic in every way. He was a brilliant leader but also great fun and had lots of interesting things to tell us. The trip was great anyway but he made it even better and it would not have been the same without such a good leader.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
My trip was from mid Sept to early Oct and even though we encountered a week of national holiday (which was crazy) the weather was fantastic everywhere we went, so comsider this time of year when booking. Of course it's also possible that we were just really lucky...
Do as many of the optional extras as possible, as they are usually really excellent (except the Cormorant show in Yang Shou - don't bother) so make sure you have enough cash for them. Expect some long journeys, expecially on the trains and take luggage with wheels!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you want to see lots in China and only have a few weeks do this trip as it covers so much in the time and is brilliant, but don't do it if you want a relaxed lazy holiday. Do the hot air balloon ride in Yang Shou if possible as it's such a stunning setting. The boat trip on the Yangtze River could be shorter but it was a good opportunity to relax for a couple of days and recharge the batteries. Hope that Zhang Ji is your guide as he's great.
Exodus Response
Exodus do not recommend balloon rides in Yangshou as they have not been checked by us on health and safety grounds. There was a fatal accident in October 2009 resulting in a number of deaths.
Nick Nikolsky - Trip Manager

- Exodus Staff
Mel Jones

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written September 2009
Having seen all the amazing sights whilst watching the Beijing olympics last summer, I thought I'd have some of that. Its a lot to get through over 3 weeks and it takes some time to go through where you have been in your mind after the trip, but it was worth every penny
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Walking to the top of Moon Hill in Yangshuo and over looking the fantastic karsk scenery, it took my breath away. The whole place seemed to have such a spirit. Also the limestone formations were all lit up during the light show, wow what a sight.
What did you think of your group leader?
I thought Dragon (Long Nu) did more than enough to cater for everybody's needs on the trip. We were even lucky to meet his mother and sister. He was caring, thoughtful and knew his history. Dragon was also good fun, we missed him big time on the boat cruise as we had local guides.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you have a bag with wheels as there can be quite a walk at the train stations. Be prepared for many hours on a coach and train. The overnight train to Guilin is pretty rough, hygiene is not the priority and take a sleeping bag inner for the trains and lots of wet wipes. Be prepared for really humid weather in Yangshuo and take clothing such as linen that dries easily.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
China is a must if you want to be immersed into a completely different culture. If you are lucky enough to have Dragon as your guide, you are going to have a memorable trip. Go for it!
Mark Woodger

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written August 2009
A good trip, covering a large quantity of the East side of China and visiting the main attractions. A large problem was with the weather of this season. We knew it would be rainy but it was a lot more than expected and did dampen a good portion of the trip, including The Great Wall, Emie Shan and Shanghai.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Terracotta warriors were spectacular (and indoors!), with a large portion on display as they would have been (minus paint) when produced, but also showing the various stages of reconstruction. The Panda Research Centre in Chengdu was also great, especially in the morning with the many babies all active.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader actually made this trip better than it normally would be due to his experience as a guide. He took us to places other than mentioned in the trip notes and so we didn't miss some very good parts of China and Chinese culture. However this did make the trip unexpectedly more expensive!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do not go to China during the rainy season if you can help it. It was disappointing to have so many days washed out and potentially dangerous (Two days after we travelled on the last sleeper train, 4 people were killed on the same train due to landslides). Do ask the guide to book the extra shows for you as the Legend of Kung Fu was great, as was the Acrobatic one in Shanghai. Be warned that the face changing show is like a poor talent show until the end where the face changing takes place - which was amazing.
Exodus Response
Dear Mr Woodger
Thank you very much for taking the time to write in with your feedback and I'm really glad to see that you enjoyed most of the trip.
Exodus have been operating trips in China during the rainy season in the south for many years, however this July was the worst for many years with torrential rains and floods in China with two typhoons simultaneously causing havoc right across Asia. The floods in this region - particularly China, Taiwan and Japan were in the news even in the UK and so unforunately you witnessed some exceptionally bad weather. Although southern China does get more precipitation during the annual rainy season this was the first time we have had to amend an itinerary due to flooding.

There is no ideal time to visit China due to its enormous size and differing geoprahical weather patterns, and whilst June through August is wet in the South, it is a good time to visit central and northern China in which this trip spends a lot of time. Spring and autumn are the best months for travel in Southern China. The benefits of travelling from June to August are that tourist sites in the south are less busy and you generally get wonderful weather in the North whilst there.
Thank you again for giving us your feedback and please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Nick (Trip Manager)

- Exodus Staff
angela costa

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Written August 2009
A good trip could have been a bit better organised with regards to transport and the trip notes were not that accurate however i enjoyed the trip and would use exodus again.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
seeing the terracotta army
What did you think of your group leader?
I thought that Dragon was fantastic tne best tour leader that i have so far he was well organised and informative and accomadated every on the trip
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It would of been nice to be acknowledge by exodus even if it was a thnkyou as i am a nurse i dealt with a medical emergency as a member of the group past out and fitted and i escourted the group member to hospital along with dragon. I am aware that i did not have to do that and it was my choice but still a thank you would of been nice.