Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

there were too many to name just one .

Thoughts on Group Leader

our group leader jenny lu was top class she never failed us and with a group of fifteen treated everyone with respect ,and went above and beyond her duties i cannot speak highly enough of her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

if you are hesitating about this holiday go for it ,but be prepared as it is full on.

Suggestions

we were a group of mixed ages and abilities ,but if you go with an open mind you will enjoy every minute of it and will go home home with some wonderful memories and hopefully a few new friends.

Most Inspirational Moment

The limestone mountains, thousands of them, covered in greenery in the Yangshou region were a revelation, breathtaking! We climbed up one of them, the Xianggong mountain - via a staircase! Also sailing through the lesser gorges on a smaller boat was one of those 'I can't believe I'm here' moments. On a lighter note, we enjoyed learning to play PROPER Mahjong on the boat, on a proper mechanical table.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jenny Lu was a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine, always full of smiles and energy and enthusiasm. She led us through the included and optional excursions and meals, and through the complicated travel arrangements and crowded stations with confidence and authority, and always readily pointed out a western toilet where available! We learned so much about living and working in China as well as the history and culture.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes mention about the need to be able to climb stairs, sometimes with luggage. This is true! If you take part in all the optional activities, there are even more stairs! Also getting your luggage on and off the train at some stations can be difficult, but help was usually at hand within the group or from porters. The temperature was unusually high for May, up to 31 degrees and extremely humid. My advice is, ignore the discomfort and embrace everything with an open mind and open heart!

Suggestions

The recommended amount of currency is very much on the low side. If you wish to enjoy everything on offer and if you are not strong willed when it comes to shopping, then you will need more, although it is easy to get some from the ATM. In larger shops e.g. the silk shop in Shanghai you can pay with a card.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to nominate one inspirational experience but walking on the Great Wall in the early morning before it was too crowded and with clear visibility has to be up there. Also seeing six baby pandas (pre-walking stage) fed, burped, washed and put out to play at the Chengdu Breeding Centre was just wonderful. Again an early start to avoid the crowds but so worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He really made the holiday. Very well organised, knowledgeable with a great sense of humour. He also fully understood where western and Chinese cultures would clash and pre explained situations to the group which helped enormously. We had a great group too who were up for the trip and wanted to enjoy themselves - no moaners here.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nothing can prepare you for the sheer size of this country and the numbers of people. It is an amazing power house of a country. with sights that I will remember for ever and a rate of development which is almost unbelievable. However, if you cannot cope with crowds and noise and want peace and quiet don't do this trip. Modern China isn't for you.

Suggestions

This is a cash economy. Apart from the modern chain stores in the big cities credit cards are rarely accepted. Think carefully about how many optional trips you may want to do - by enlarge they are very good and worth doing but you will need cash. It's cheaper to buy Yuan in UK than use in country ATMs.2F

Most Inspirational Moment

Its difficult to choose just one inspirational moment because there were many. Although my first sight of The Great Wall was awesome and will last in my memory for a long time. The Terracotta Army, The Pandas, beautiful scenery, beautiful river cruise, exciting overnight train journey, good food etc etc.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Dragon was absolutely brilliant and was very knowledgeable. We all agreed that he made a great contribution to our tour. He looked after all of us so well. Thanks Dragon

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pack too many clothes. Limit yourselves to the minimum weight because you have to carry your own cases (up flights of stairs in some situations). Read the notes !!!!

Suggestions

Bicycle ride through the countryside. Be aware that the countryside is so beautiful but part of the route is on the main road which can be a bit nerve racking.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was so many it is hard to pick which one to go for but if I had to pick one, it would be The Great Wall. Experience I will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dragon was one of the best group leaders I have had, helpful, always there when you needed him, friendly, and very knowledgeable.

Suggestions

Just to say Thank Exodus for a great Holiday

Most Inspirational Moment

No doubt for me, the 3 Gorges on the Yangtze River Cruise, this was a fascinating part of China, and I likened it to my experience of Milford Sound in South Island of New Zealand, (breathtaking) but this was unique to China, and I would describe it as a "moving" experience. When one considers how mighty the Yangtze is and how so many people lost their lives there in the floods, you really experience one of the great rivers in the world up close.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was a fine, very knowledgeable, and very personable young man. His guidance of us and acting as an translator when needed was exceptional, and unquestionable. Our group presented some challenges from time to time, however he handled himself with grace and diplomacy. And he had a wonderful sense of humour!! He certainly made my trip experience a memorable one.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you read up on what is expected on this tour. Although it is described as "Leisurely", there is a lot of activity and adventure (depending on your limitations). Our leader gracefully explained from the outset that Exodus tours are "different" from the run of the mill, and that was certainly what we got. So make sure you are fit and healthy, and ready for adventure, when you want it !! Personally I very much appreciated and enjoyed the level of walking and "other" activities, like climbing up into temples and walking on the Great Wall. And I am over 60.

Suggestions

This tour encompasses some of the most popular tourist attractions, so be prepared for crowds and crowds. However, I think any trip to China must see these things to truly appreciate China. (The Great Wall, The Pandas, The Terracotta Warriors and the regional cuisines, and the regional differences. I would have liked more time in Shanghai, but hey, thats a good reason to return to China one day in the future ! Also Just to say how appreciative I was of our Tour Leader, (Dragon) he was exceptional.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was so much and, of course, the obvious things were naturally going to be The Great Wall, The Pandas, The Terracotta Army etc. Then there were the marvellous views in the countryside which were breathtaking However, the trip we took opened our eyes to the way the Chinese people now have far more freedoms than we had previously imagined and for us this was a good thing although we were not so naive to think that it was like this everywhere. The three day cruise along the Yangtze river was wonderful and allowed us a brief respite to relax and then the vistis to Yangshuo, Tongli and Shanghai were fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Without a doubt the trip was made for us by our Tour Leader Alan Liu, (Hongbin Liu). His knowledge about the places we visited was astounding and this, coupled with his brilliant nature, great sense of humour and organisational capabilities made our trip that much more enjoyable. This man is such an asset to Exodus and if he were to ever stop working for the company he would be very sorely missed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are going to China with Exodus on the Imperial China and Yangtze River cruise trip then make sure you go on the one led by Alan Liu, you will not be disappointed. Be prepared for crowds of people in city centres, railway stations and popular tourist sites and be aware of the traffic. One assumes they must have road laws in China but absolutely no one appears to bother about them. Motor scooters, motor bikes and pedal cycles, of which there are many, come at you from all angles and don't for one minute think that the pavement is your sanctuary as they ride on them as well. Do be prepared to be blown away by the sights and sounds of this country, it has so much to offer and we would strongly recommend that you try and visit China at some stage in your life as you will not be disappointed. However, one other word of caution, the trip is rated as leisurely in the Exodus ratings and whilst it was not extremely strenuous, it was full on with some early starts and a lot of walking so be prepared.

Suggestions

The overall trip was excellent and if you are thinking of making a trip to far off places I would strongly recommend Exodus as a holiday tour company to book up with.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day we did something different, The Great Wall was amazing, The Pandas so adorable, The cruise had dramatic scenery, Yangshuo had us cycling through paddy fields and scaling the fantastic limestone peaks. Then of course the Terracotta warriors and the Forbidden City are also a must. Shanghai is as western as you get but has some breathtaking photo opportunities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alan (Hongbin Liu) was an amazing guide with excellent English, and keeping 10 westerners all together was no mean feat when you try to traverse what the call railways stations! Alan had a marvellous sense of humour and referred to us as his 'sleeping pandas' as we all tried to catch up on our sleep during the hectic schedule. He would share the history as was pertinent on each part of the trip and his powers of recollection were a joy to behold. He always accompanied us on the trips even if they were optional and was always ready with help and advice. He planned ahead always so that the weary travellers always had a coach waiting or a restaurant booked. Alan was at the top of his game and should be commended.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip can be a little exhausting and be prepared for early starts. You are on the go nearly all the time and adhere to a hectic schedule. Pack lightly as possible as you will need to hump suitcases up and down stairs at the stations or walk a way to meet the coach. The sleeper trains are a little dirty and uncomfortable so take a pillow case and possibly a silk sleeping bag liner. Also don't forget toilet tissue for anywhere. When out and about just be aware of what's around you as the traffic and driving is something you will not experience anywhere else. Electric (silent) scooters are a potential hazard as they drive in any direction anywhere including pavements. The rules of the road don't apply in China. You won't get much western food aside from toast or eggs for breakfast so embrace all the different variations of Chinese food available. Most hotels have Wi-Fi but it can be hit and miss and often Gmail doesn't work. We were able to barter with the staff on the cruise to get an upgrade on the cabin which was worthwhile. Out of the main city the Chinese don't see many westerners and often want a photo with you which they don't ask to do, so it can appear to be a little rude but generally we felt completely safe wherever we went, just be careful with belongings in crowded places.

Suggestions

An excellent fun packed trip and for our party just made all that better when we were struck lucky with Alan. If you are only ever going to visit China once then this is the trip you should do. It has opened our eyes to the diverse culture and the distorted view that we westerners have of China. My wife and I loved visiting the rural areas away from the cities and should we return then that's where we would like to do more exploring. Exodus should consider reviewing the overnight sleeper trains as there are bullet train options available. The train to Yangshuo was horrendous and very delayed, with the net effect we almost lost a day of our trip. In all we had 3 overnight sleepers and all were memorable for the wrong reasons.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many things. There were the most famous iconic things such as the Great Wall, the Terracotta Soldiers, the Pandas at Chengdhu etc but the scenery in the countryside is breathtaking and outstanding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour guide, Alan Liu, (Hongbin Liu), was inspirational. Without a doubt, all members of our group were in one voice when we say that without Alan the trip would not have had the same impact on us. He was so knowledgeable, nothing phased him, he was well organised and his sense of humour was second to none. Most importantly, he cared for the people he was responsible for on the trip If I were to make another journey to China I simply would not want to go with any other Tour Leader than Alan.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The rating for this trip is "Leisurely". Most in the group thought it a little more strenuous than leisurely. There is so much travelling due to the vast size of China and there were three overnight sleeper train journeys which sometimes required a very early morning start that left you feeling somewhat tired on arrival at your next destination. Be prepared for lots of crowds in towns and market areas, and also be aware of the traffic. It is manic. Don't for one minute think you are safe using a zebra crossing as cars and motor bikes assume that it is a target area for aiming at tourists.

Suggestions

This trip is an experience of a lifetime and one I am so glad that my wife and I did. The culture, the sights, the scenery, the food and the people all contributed to making this a memorable experience and one not to be missed. However, it is also important to have the right tour guide leading you and our tour guide, Alan Liu, (Hongbin Liu), was absolutely outstanding. He was so knowledgeable, informative, organised and unflappable and, most importantly, he cared for those members of the trip he was leading and advised us of the right places to eat and those to avoid, knowing what time and when to visit certain locations to avoid the crowds to get the best out of the trip. Without doubt, one of the best Tour Leaders around.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say - seeing lots of baby pandas, standing on great wall of china, beautiful day out in Yangshuo, Chinese cooking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Good humoured and good at keeping group together. Informative and very positive about China. Good choice of restaurants and food suggestions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a very busy trip. Have a few days rest before going back to work. There is a lot of walking - more than 10000 steps daily except for days on cruise. The 3 overnight train journeys are hard going and not particularly comfortable. The sheets do not appear to get changed- I would take a sheet sleeping back if doing this again. The staff came to make up beds on the second train - this involved folding duvets and putting them back on the beds - no change of sheets.

Suggestions

Trip would be better without 3 overnight train journeys. The third of these is the worst - after 3 days on the cruise to be back on a slow train that is not particularly clean or comfortable was hard going. There are alternative routes using bullet train which would avoid effectively loosing 2 days and leaving group feeling very tired. This train terminates at 4.30 am - but was late the day we travelled ( which I believe is not unusual). This train is slow, noisy and dirty. The trip already has 2 other overnight train journeys and this one would be better dropped from the trip. Very early flight to Shanghai also adds to fatigue - a later flight s available.