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Superb trip with plenty to see and do. The Great Wall is amazing, the Terracotta Warriors... Lynn Simpson, 2019 See more reviews
Peter Wong was a very good guide. He explained in detail the history of China from the early ages... Geraldine Kevill, 2019 See more reviews
Kris was an excellent guide with detailed knowledge on the Nation and people of China. Answered... Nigel Brereton, 2019 See more reviews
This was my first trip outside of Europe, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to step outside... Holly Creevy, 2019 See more reviews
This is not a restful trip. It is full on from the start but it gave us everything we wanted to... Fiona Galazin, 2019 See more reviews
Have low expectations and be positive was the motto of our guide. My own expectations were... Emma Sayer, 2018 See more reviews
We enjoyed our experience in China and came home with a better understanding of the Chinese... David Sarsiat, 2018 See more reviews
We have just returned from this busy and full on trip. As other reviews have said 'China is... Sandra Woodward, 2018 See more reviews
A very good and interesting holiday taking in all the fascinating places that China has to offer. Maggie Hatchard, 2018 See more reviews
Itinerary Expand all Beijing to Shanghai Day 1 Arrive Beijing After a transfer to our hotel in the centre of Beijing, a welcome briefing will be held in the evening, to give us an opportunity to meet our leader and the rest of our group. During dinner we will have the chance to try some authentic Chinese cuisine, which is quite different to the British take on Chinese food! During most meals a variety of dishes will be served for the group to share (frequently utilising the ingenious 'Lazy Susan' rotating table-piece) and our leader will help us select dishes depending on the groups' tastes. Dong Fang Hotel or similar Day 2 Sightseeing in Beijing The sightseeing in Beijing today will include the Forbidden City with its innumerable courtyards and temples as well as Tiananmen square, the largest square in the world and able to hold over a million people. We will take a walking tour of the cities hutongs (narrow alleys) to see what is left of old Beijing and its traditions. This afternoon is free to explore. Dong Fang Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Visit the Great Wall We leave the capital and head into the countryside to the Great Wall, an approx 2 hour journey to the north of the city. We go to one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall at Mutianyu which is an impressive sight, snaking across mountains and valleys into the distance. This section of the Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. The wall here is up to 8.5 metres high and 5 metres wide, and has 22 watchtowers on its 2,250-metre-long stretch. We will spend a few hours exploring the wall - please note that there are some steep steps to navigate and clients who suffer from vertigo may find it difficult, (there is an optional cable car). Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant on the way back to Beijing; we should expect some traditional northern Chinese cuisine involving vegetables (aubergine, lotus roots, mushrooms etc.), tofu, chicken and pork - and much more! There is the option of seeing an acrobatic or Kung Fu show or a trip to the opera this evening in Beijing. Dong Fang Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 4 Beijing; overnight train to Xi'an This morning we visit the Temple of Heaven followed by the Summer Palace where you can witness first hand how vast the exclusive playground of China's emperors and their concubines once was. In the evening we board an overnight train (approx. 12 hours) to the ancient city of Xi'an. It is recommended to purchase food before the train as there is a limited selection on board. The train itself is of a good standard, although please note that facilities such as washrooms and toilets are shared with other passengers and the cleanliness can never be guaranteed. Sleepers are four berth (bunks) and bedding is provided. Overnight train Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Morning walking tour of the Muslim quarter and mosque; free afternoon or optional cycle ride Xi'an is one of China's former capitals and one of the few cities in China to have retained its city walls, probably because they are so massive that no revolutionary was willing to tackle the huge task of removing them. Today, after an opportunity to try some local Chinese breakfast, we will embark on a walking tour, passing the Bell and Drum Plaza to the Muslim quarter, where we visit the Great Mosque. The Muslim quarter is a fascinating place to visit, especially in the evening when it comes alive with bustling bazaars and food stalls. This afternoon is free; it is possible to appreciate the sheer scale of the city walls; you can hire bikes and cycle along them. Skytel Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Day trip to visit the Terracotta Warriors Today we visit the famous Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin. Originally four armies were planned, at each point of the compass, life-size and lifelike. Three have been found and it is assumed the Emperor's successors decided enough was enough before the fourth was begun. The first pit excavated had an estimated 6,000 figures in its one army. The third pit has been opened to the public, which contains the 'command post' for the entire operation. This is one of China's great tourist attractions, and some people may find the sheer numbers of visitors rather overpowering. After our visit we will take our lunch at a local farmer's restaurant nearby with the opportunity to taste some fresh seasonal produce, home-made noodles and bread. The evening is free for further exploration in Xi'an. Perhaps your leader will take you to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square to witness a water and light show (free of charge). Skytel Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 7 Bullet train to Chengdu; afternoon sightseeing tour We transfer to the train station and catch a morning bullet train (duration approx. 4 hrs 15 mins) to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, arriving around lunch time / early afternoon. This area is recognised throughout China as being 'the spicy province', and it certainly lives up to its name! Major flavour combinations include garlic, star anise, chili peppers, and the ever-present Sichuanese peppercorn (hua jiao) which is used in many recipes. In the afternoon, your leader will take you on a walking tour (using public buses) through the lively parks and city centre square where you will get a taste of local life. Don't miss the options to join the locals in the atmospheric outdoor tea houses for a cuppa. Garden City Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 8 Sightseeing trip to Leshan Giant Buddha; return to Chengdu Today, we will visit one of the iconic UNESCO sites near Chengdu - the Leshan Giant Buddha. About 2-3 hours drive from Chengdu, this 71m tall Buddha carved out of the cliff face of the mountain is the biggest sitting Buddha in the world and took almost 100 years of hard work to finish about 1300 years ago. You will have 2 options of visiting the Buddha, either by boat on the river or by walking around it in the mountain. Be prepared for the crowds and long queues who come to worship this Giant Buddha if you walk. Your group leader can advise you on the best way to visit depending on the season. We return to Chengdu in the late afternoon. In the evening there is the opportunity to taste some of the legendary Sichuanese cuisine in the form of a Chengdu hotpot dinner. The typical flavours of this iconic dish are created with Sichuan pepper (hua jiao) and involve a certain amount of interaction as the food is cooked in a large hot pot by the diners themselves! For those not a fan of spice there are options to omit the peppers from the hot broth in which the food items are cooked.Garden City Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 9 Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre; to Chongqing, board cruise boat With an early start today we will visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Hopefully these intriguing and rare animals will be feeding, as this is when they're most active; otherwise we will have the opportunity to watch the Pandas indulge in their most common form of entertainment, sleeping! We then travel by train to Chongqing City (approx 3 hours), the embarkation point for our Yangtze River Cruise (after a 30 minute transfer to the dock). On arrival we will board our 4-star cruise boat and settle into our cabins. The boat accommodates approx 330 passengers. We will stay in twin berth cabin with en suite bathrooms.Cruise boat (China Goddess 2) Meals included: Breakfast Days 10-11 Two full days cruising the Yangtze River including the Three Gorges and the dam These two days are spent cruising on one of the world's great rivers as we head downstream through stunning scenery of towering cliffs and gorges. En route we pass many towns and villages that have sprung up along the banks of the river that supplies the lifeblood to the heart of China.To try to limit the impact of flooding, the Chinese government has undertaken a huge construction project with a massive dam being built. This has flooded the famous Three Gorges of Qutang, Wu and Xiling. A journey amidst these natural wonders is a must see for any visitor to China. The nights are spent on the boat and there is time for shore excursions on the way as the boat docks at some of smaller towns and villages, and the lesser gorges by smaller boats, depending upon water levels. The day-to-day schedule for the cruise and timings can change due to adverse weather conditions, river conditions and permission of navigation authorities. The details of onboard and shore activities will be explained in the briefing and the river guide will be able to give you more information after boarding. The cruise will cover what is commonly considered as the essence of the Three Gorges, but some parts of the gorge will be passed through the night. If water levels are ok we will cruise through a series of locks through the dam itself, but this cannnot be guaranteed as it depends on the weather and river traffic. Cruise boat (China Goddess 2) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 12 Disembark the cruise; high speed train to Wuhan Our cruise comes to an end this morning. We will be catching a bullet train after the cruise, so depending on train schedules we may not have time to completely finish the Third Gorge. After disembarking, we will take a look at the Three Gorges Dam and learn about the massive engineering project that took place here. We then drive to Yichang, have lunch and catch an afternoon bullet train (duration 2.5-3hrs) to Wuhan, the province's capital, where we spend the night. Wuhan Huatian Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 13 Bullet train to Guilin; drive to Yangshuo For those who wish to explore Wuhan, there's time for a quick orientation tour this morning before taking a short transfer back to the train station in time to catch a mid/late-morning high speed train to Guilin (duration approx. 5hrs). We travel the remainder of the way to Yangshuo by road, passing through stunning limestone scenery, to arrive in the evening. The surrounding countryside has changed little in centuries and is famous for its steep-sided karst mountains, which protrude upwards out of an otherwise flat landscape of paddy fields. Despite its small size, Yangshuo has quite a good tourist infrastructure due to its large transient population of backpackers and domestic tourists. Starway Hotel Xinfuan or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 14 Explore the local countryside by bike; meal with a local family This morning gives us the opportunity to appreciate the spectacular landscape on two wheels; as we take a bike and ride towards Moon Hill, one of the most famous in the area. The biking is at a leisurely pace, and there are plenty of stops to hydrate and appreciate the glorious scenery! Lunch is spent with a local family, giving us the opportunity to sample some new dishes and create friendships over food. Expect delicious dishes such as clay-pot taro, stir fried chicken and veggies, and traditional fried eggs. Please note that for anyone unable to or not wanting to cycle, your leader can arrange a taxi or minivan to take you on a scenic drive through the countryside to meet the group at the lunch stop (at your own expense). The afternoon is free to relax or enjoy one of the many optional activities Yangshuo has to offer. Starway Hotel Xinfuan or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 15 Yangshuo cookery class; free time to enjoy this laid back town and beautiful limestone scenery A leisurely day today: discover how to make some of China's most iconic dishes as we take a cooking class lead by a local host, before enjoying our home-made dishes for lunch. There will be some free time today as well, with optional excursions available for those who wish; enjoy a Chinese massage, or watch the Liu Sanjie Show (an outdoor performance set on a natural stage formed by the Li River and 12 peaks). If you prefer to just relax then this is the ideal setting - perhaps take a stroll around the market or just watch the world go by. Starway Hotel Xinfuan or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 16 To Guilin for flight to Shanghai; evening tour along the Bund In the morning we transfer to the airport at Guilin to fly to Shanghai; a city with a real international feel to it which will seem a world away from the countryside you have come from. In the evening we take a walking tour of the famous Bund area, to see the iconic buildings along the riverside lit up in all their glory. There will be the opportunity to visit the Jin Mao Tower (optional), which is the 18th tallest building in the world and boasts a spectacular view of Shanghai from the observation deck. Kingtown Hotel Plaza or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 17 Visit Xitang water town An early start (around 7am) to avoid the crowds at the ancient water town of Xitang; famous for its cobbled streets and bridges arching over the many canals. There are several well-preserved buildings from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties, and the town is a delightful place to explore on foot. We will take lunch here before the journey back to Shanghai (around 2 hours) where the evening will be free. Kingtown Hotel Plaza or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 18 Full day in Shanghai With a population of around twelve million Shanghai is yours to explore today. This morning we enjoy a visit to firstly the Shanghai museum, followed by the Yu Yuan garden; the rest of the day is free to explore. Though it no longer warrants the title 'Paris of the East', many of the vestiges of its colonial past are still apparent. It is worth strolling along Nanjing Road (Shanghai's 'Oxford Street') or visiting the Shanghai tower, (currently the tallest building in China and second tallest in the world, standing at 632m high) or Shanghai's smaller television tower to see some of the city's stunning architecture. Optional activities this evening include the Shanghai Acrobatic show, which comes highly recommended!Kingtown Hotel Plaza or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 19 End Shanghai For those on the group flight to London the flight is in the morning, with a same day arrival into London in the evening. Meals included: Breakfast
China Nearly all nationalities require a visa to enter China, which must be obtained prior to departure. The Chinese authorities now require a letter from Exodus, confirming all your accommodation details. Along with this, you need to supply a copy of your flight details, which are on your invoice if you have booked directly through Exodus. For further information see here. It is also essential that we have a clear copy of the details page of your passport. This is required to book certain ground services in China and we cannot confirm your details with our local partners until it has been received. This must be emailed as an electronic scan to [email protected] a minimum of 8 weeks prior to your trip. IMPORTANT: Please note that as of the 1st November 2018, all visa applicants aged between 14 and 70 will need to visit one of the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (appointment required) where biometric data will be taken as part of the visa application process.
China There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. If your trip visits Hong Kong, dengue fever is a known risk - this is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten: apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
Hotels, Boat & Train On this trip, you will spend 14 nights in comfortable hotels, 3 nights on a 4-star cruise boat with 2 berth air-conditioned cabins, all en suite, and 1 night on a 1st class sleeper train. Nearly all the hotels are locally rated as at least 3-star and wherever possible located as near to local attractions as possible. The overnight train is in the 'soft sleeper' cabins, which are 4-berth (bunk beds) private cabins. The train itself is of a good standard, although please note that facilities such as washrooms and toilets are shared with other passengers and the cleanliness can never be guaranteed - there is one Western style toilet and one Asian style squat toilet per carriage, plus a wash room for brushing your teeth, and a water heater for making tea/coffee or pot noodles. Bedding is provided but we recommend you consider taking a thin sleep sheet. Whilst we make every attempt to place passengers together in cabins, sometimes this is impossible, however, we will never place a solo traveller in a cabin by themselves (they will always be either with another passenger on the trip or with the leader). If you are travelling in a pair, it may be possible to upgrade to 'deluxe soft sleeper' 2-berth private cabins on the overnight train, please request this with Exodus in advance. This is subject to availability and only possible for clients travelling in pairs due to new regulations. The boat we used for Yangzte River Cruise is China Goddess Number 2, one of the newest cruises (rated as 4-star internationally, and 5-star locally) launched in November 2014. With the theme “Chinese Civilization, Three Gorges & Goddess Culture”, the cruise is like a moving Three Gorges culture exhibition centre. On the whole ship, passengers can enjoy not only the spectacular Three Gorges scenery, but also the culture and stories of the China Goddess. The ship features a sun deck with bar, a multi-functional lounge, spa, massage facilities and a fitness centre. It takes a maximum of 400 passengers. If you prefer to have your own room, it is possible to book single supplement subject to availability - please request this at the time of booking. The single supplement does not apply to the overnight trains.
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Reviewed May 2019 Lynn Simpson Trip: Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise Captivating China Superb trip with plenty to see and do. The Great Wall is amazing, the Terracotta Warriors fascinating as was the Han Yangling Mausoleum. The Shanghai Museum should really be included and not optional. The visit to the Giant Panda breeding research base was great. Plenty of exercise to work off the effects of the delicious food with walking the Wall, dancing in the park, cycling the walls at Xi’an and cycling through the stunning scenery of Yangshuo. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking the Great Wall Giant Panda breeding research base What did you think of your group leader? Peter was very knowledgable and organised. He always had a smile on his face. He organised a cake and celebrations for my husband’s birthday. Alan still talks about the longevity noodles. Thanks Peter. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Well worth the effort and hassle of getting a visa. Is there anything else you would like to add? Probably the most disappointing part of the trip was the visit to the Three Gorges Dam. Leave it out and add in the Shanghai Museum.
Reviewed May 2019 Geraldine Kevill Trip: Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise imperial china and yangsie river cruise Peter Wong was a very good guide. He explained in detail the history of China from the early ages until the present day. I found the trip very educational. The fastness of landscapes, with high rise flats, went on forever. The train stations were enormous and larger than most airports. The motorways didn't seem to have any traffic jams because they were gigantic, and they were numerous in number. The culture was interesting, and I enjoyed the operas and dance, and there belief in Buddha. The great wall was very impressive, and I really enjoyed walking it, for me it was the highlight of the trip. The terracotta worriers were amazing, and I also was captivated by the Pandas. The overall experience was mind blowing, but I would not like to live there. I would like to mention the cooking class. Would this class be better held later in the day, as most of us were very full up so soon after breakfast. I would like to thank all of those involved with the planning and organisation of this trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The great Wall What did you think of your group leader? very informative, he certainly knows his history. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? to have the cooking class later than so soon after breakfast. Is there anything else you would like to add? As I have already explained in the first section of the questionnaire. The group as a whole got along well, any problems that we encountered were soon solved by Peter.
Reviewed May 2019 Nigel Brereton Trip: Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise A great trip, who have interest and energy Kris was an excellent guide with detailed knowledge on the Nation and people of China. Answered questions with a easily to understand words. There is little rest save for travelling, trains, river cruise and Flight all went well. The trip notes mentioned long Station Platforms, this was true however due to Station location a walk of 700 to 900 meters was often required, many with large bags required help. The use of ATMs to obtain cash in Cities is available, however not in rural areas as much. Very few Business take European Cards, as cash is widely used. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? A number, the River Cruise, cycling in villages, seeing the old part which will soon be gone, with an excellent guide in all ways. What did you think of your group leader? An excellent guide in all ways. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Travel light, you may have to carry you bag up 2 flights of stairs and walk 900 meters to the Bus. Draw out cash in large centres. Listen to you guide and perhaps take notes. My bag was 14 kg, so not difficult, able to help others. Is there anything else you would like to add? If you want to see some of old China go soon.
Reviewed May 2019 Holly Creevy Trip: Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise So much included This was my first trip outside of Europe, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to step outside their travel comfort-zone and immerse themselves in a completely different culture. This particular itinerary is excellent, as you visit a wide array of landscapes and landmarks. An important consideration is that China is changing so fast. If you go now you can still see both the old and the new side-by-side, which is really interesting. It is also the sort of place where for all but the most intrepid I think it's necessary to go on an organised tour with a guide to translate/explain/direct everything and drivers to navigate the road system. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It's so hard to choose. I think it would have to be visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing. This was the very heart of a civilization, and I was amazed by the size of the complex and the richness of meaning behind all of its structures and components. What did you think of your group leader? Leon was incredible. He was exceptionally well organised and knowledgeable. He never seemed to tire and always had the energy to answer extra questions and arrange extra trips out. He made each person in the group feel valued as an individual, and always acted in a calm and professional manner. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? 1. In the words of a local guide, China is having a 'toilet revolution'! There are a surprisingly large number of public toilets available at frequent intervals, though bring your own loo roll and hand sanitiser. 2. Don't underestimate the VISA process. It is far more involved than for most countries, and UK travellers will have to visit a national centre to get their fingerprints taken. (From word of mouth in our group, the Edinburgh and Manchester centres were easier to deal with than the London centre, which is busier. I'm not sure about the Belfast centre). 3. Pack a range of clothing (in layers). As the distances travelled are huge, the climate will change a lot through the trip. 4. All the hotels we stayed in had both American-style and Australian-style plug sockets in the rooms, so either of those travel adaptors would be fine. 5. ATMs are available at frequent intervals throughout the trip, so although you will be expected to pay for most things in cash, you don't need to bring all of it in advance.
Reviewed May 2019 Fiona Galazin Trip: Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise Hints and tips This is not a restful trip. It is full on from the start but it gave us everything we wanted to see in China and our guide Kris made it very easy for us. She had a good sense of humour and warned us if there was anything she thought might be difficult for us. Be prepared for crowds. Most of the tourist sights are busy with Chinese tourists, especially the Terracotta Warriors and the Pandas at Chengdu. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It was a great holiday. The Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the pandas, the Three Gorges, Jangshuo and the Three Kingdoms show. Couldn’t pick one out. A possible improvement might be to take another overnight train rather than have the overnight stop in Wuhan. After visiting the dam we travelled for one and a half days on a series of trains and coaches whereas getting an overnight train would have been more restful. What did you think of your group leader? Kris was a great group leader - funny, patient, informative and took care of everybody. She is one of the best guides we have had and we have done quite a few Exodus holidays. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Travel light. I would suggest not more than 15KG and wheeled luggage. You will be moving around a lot. Take toilet roll and hand gel with you when outside the hotel. Pack a mug, spoon , tea bags and coffee as hot water is available on trains and at airports. Don't expect cold milk though, take powdered if you like your tea white - it wasn't always available except in better hotels. Laundry is cheap to do in Jangshuo. The Three Kingdoms show was fantastic. Can't comment on the others but the rest of the group thought all shows were good, especially the acrobatic show in Shanghai. Carry money and passport at all times. Take cash as credit cards can't be used when the group leader is organising meals etc. The trip notes were about right in terms of what you need for money. China is not as cheap as you might think. Shanghai was the only place we used credit cards and even then not everywhere. Luggage is X- rayed before you get on trains and flammables and sharp objects ( even scissors) may be confiscated. We got away with a penknife but one of our group had their aerosol deodorant confiscated. Keep power packs and camera batteries in hand luggage, even leaving Shanghai. They will get you to open your luggage even after you have handed it over at check in. You will need sunscreen and insect repellent. Trainers were fine, walking boots not needed, but you will be walking quite a lot. If you upgrade to first on the overnight train you will get your own loo and 2 in a cabin (£70 each). Some of the group thought this was definitely a plus. Accommodation on the boat was better than I expected ( not necessary to upgrade) but it is worth upgrading for the food as it means you will eating with a group of 30-40, rather than 300.
Reviewed November 2018 Emma Sayer Trip: Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise A great way to see all the great things in China Have low expectations and be positive was the motto of our guide. My own expectations were exceeded! We got to see so many great things What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Pandas! I booked this trip over any other because we go to visit the panda breeding centre. They are the most cuddliest and most adorable creatures. Whilst we were there we watched one get a bucket stuck on its head to one falling out of a tree. Yangshou with its Karst mountains! I love the countryside and this place was just stunning. We had rain most days we were there but the mist rolling across the mountains is just beautiful. A nice break from the busy crowds of the city too. The great Wall - Just wow! Even more breath taking in real life. What did you think of your group leader? Dragon was very efficient and organised. He told us what we needed to know and what was happening a few days before it happened. He made us aware of optional extras that we could partake it. The motto of the trip was to have low expectations and to be positive. Dragon would often give us the worst case scenario and prepare us for the worst which meant we were never disappointed or surprised. And most things actually proved to be okay or to exceed our new expectations. Dragon was very helpful and supportive. My luggage got misplaced on a different coach and after a few phone calls managed to get it back quickly and without fuss. There was also a problem with my passport number. The office had pre booked my train tickets with my old passport number and so wouldn't pass the security check but after the first incident, Dragon managed to sort extra tickets so this wasn't a problem further along the road. Although not forth coming with information, Dragon knew alot and would give you all the information that he could give. No problems with translation. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't drink the water. You don't need to cover your legs for temples and things. We were supplied with bike helmets for our bike ride and had the option to hire some at other places. So no need to take your own. Don't flush the loo roll. Walk the steps up to the great wall. It's tough but if only a few of you do it you get that section of the wall to yourself for a good hour before you see everyone else that comes via the cable cars. Great opportunity for solo photos too. Practise with chopsticks before you come - its great fun to learn before you come and sometimes forks can be hard to find. Good trainers will get you through this trip! Lots of walking. Don't upgrade on the boat. We saved £50 and got to eat with the locals. We couldn't speak to them directly but I enjoyed watching how they used their chopsticks. If you only pay for one extra activity, do the night show at the Li River, Worlds largest natural theatre. Breathtakingly beautiful! Make sure exodus send you the exodus luggage tags - helps porters know that your luggage is all the same. Take an extra SD card, your going to need it!! One your packed, take half the clothes and double your spending money! Is there anything else you would like to add? If you want to go to China just once and see as much as possible, this is the trip to do it. If your a solo person this is the trip for you. A large group of 16 means you never feel lonely but you can still do things on your own if you want too.
Reviewed October 2018 David Sarsiat Trip: Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise CHINA ADVENTURE We enjoyed our experience in China and came home with a better understanding of the Chinese people and culture. Unfortunately, when we continued our trip to Hong Kong we discovered that someone had taken most of our Hong Kong money (equivalent to $500 Canadian). We keep these funds locked in safe deposit boxes, so not sure how this could have happened. We would like others who go on this trip to keep any cash with them at all times. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Biking in the countryside. What did you think of your group leader? Very organized and factual. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Keep your valuables with you. Do not trust the safe deposit boxes.
Reviewed October 2018 Sandra Woodward Trip: Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise Imperial China and Yangtze River Cruise We have just returned from this busy and full on trip. As other reviews have said 'China is big!' We saw and experienced so much - from the different styles of food, transport and sites. Our guide was informative and shared lots of information regarding Chinese culture and history as well as the amazing development that has occurred during the last 20 years. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Realising just how far China has come and how far it plans to go. This is awe inspiring rather than inspirational. The infrastructure projects, buildings, size of cities, numbers of travellers/ tourists/people. Reading about it can't really prepare you for the reality. What did you think of your group leader? Dragon was extremely good at managing expectations and ensuring the whole group navigated the busy schedule. He was professional, funnyGo patient and very good at helping us make the most of the opportunities available. This included where to stand on the boat to get the best view, upgrading our dining option on the Yangtze cruise to avoid the scrum in the dining room. We enjoyed hearing his anecdotes of growing up and life in China. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for the crowds but don't let them put you off as the Chinese were always friendly, helpful and good natured. Take mosquito repellent and wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking but it is all manageable. Use the 'farmers' to carry your bag on to the cruise boat there are a lot of steep steps down to the river. Have an open mind and be willing to go with the flow. Foot massages were great (especially the ones on the cruise). Enjoy! Is there anything else you would like to add? We met lots of interesting travlleling companions and the group size of 16 worked well with a mix of couples and singles, so there were always people to hang out with if you wanted to. Go for it - you won't be disappointed
Reviewed September 2018 Sue Shaw Trip: Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise China and Yangtze Great trip ,great guide.so much going on!!! One of the best of 10 trips I have been on with exodus.Thank you Chris . What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Just loved the cycling 🚴♀️ trip to moon 🌒 Hill ,paddy fields,, noodles drying in the sun ,watching the river and rafts going by ,what’s not to love.So relaxing 😌 xx What did you think of your group leader? just really spot on ,thanks Chris. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for early starts and quick turn round but it’s a fabulous trip!!!! . Is there anything else you would like to add? This should be on everyone’s bucket list !!!! 😘
Reviewed August 2018 Maggie Hatchard Trip: Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise China in summer! A very good and interesting holiday taking in all the fascinating places that China has to offer. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the Terracotta Army was for me the most inspirational part of the trip. The size of the find and how much they still have to uncover, so much so that they are leaving a huge proportion to future generations to explore as they have so much to do already. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader Jane could t have been more helpful or considerate, she was a delight and went out of her way to help everyone making sure that we were all comfortable and supported. She was also very knowledgeable about every part of the trip. She will be truly missed. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? August is the Chinese school holidays and also the hottest time of the year so really crowded everywhere and extremely hot and humid. Think about going at a different time of the year! Is there anything else you would like to add? I throughly enjoyed the trip, we saw so much and experienced so much. All was well organised. Comfortable hotels and great food. Lots to see and do. And many many steps! Worst day was 45 flights of stairs! Wish I’d started counting the steps when I arrived. Lots of walking and half of them upor down or so it seemed! If you go in the summer take clothes that can be easily washed through, it’s very, very sweaty!
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