China

China: Private Tours to Explore the many Regions of this Endlessly Fascinating Country

China is …

an endless fascinating conundrum where timeless village life mixes with the cut and thrust of modern cities.
Where ancient temples and the teachings of Confucius, mix with the glory of wealth and prosperity in a heady mix of old and new.

Highlights of China

China is so Vast and there is so much to see that this is just a short list of the number of attractions this fascinating country has to offer.

The Great Wall of China – A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Wall is one of the most iconic landmarks. Mutianyu and Badaling sections are popular for their accessibility and scenic views, but there are areas where it is possible to encounter few tourists for those in the know.

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Beijing: This imperial palace served as the home of Chinese emperors for centuries. Explore its grand halls, courtyards, and the impressive Palace Museum. Don’t forget to also explore the old city Hutongs nearby on a rickshaw ride

The Summer Palace, Beijing: A beautiful imperial garden with a large lake, bridges, and pavilions, offering a serene escape from the city, and cherry blossom blooms in the spring.

The Terracotta Army, Xi’an: Thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses crafted to guard China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Other recent excavation sites are also of interest to the keen historian, along with the ancient city walls of Xi’an and old town area, part of the Great Silk Route.

The Li River and Karst Mountains, Guilin: Cruise along the Li River to witness the stunning karst landscapes, limestone peaks, and picturesque rural scenery.

The Potala Palace, Lhasa (Tibet): A symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, this palace is known for its breathtaking architecture and religious significance. However, for those who aren’t able to make the journey there is replica of the Palace at sleepy Cheng’de, a short train ride north of Beijing where the wooden summer palace is also worth a visit

The Yangtze River and Three Gorges: Cruise along the Yangtze River to witness the impressive Three Gorges and the dramatic landscapes surrounding China’s longest river. A visit to the Dam is well worth it to see the immense engineering project this was, in order to stem the annual flooding of the lower Yangtze.

Chongquing: at one end of the Yangtze cruises is a mega city famous for its spicy hot pots and lively night scene.

The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan): Famous for its peculiarly shaped granite peaks, ancient pine trees, hot springs, and captivating sunrise views.

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Known for its towering sandstone pillars, the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.”

The Bund, Shanghai: The historic waterfront area along the Huangpu River, lined with colonial-era buildings and offering spectacular views of the modern skyline in Pudong with the beautiful Oriental Pearl Tower.

The West Lake, Hangzhou: A picturesque lake surrounded by temples, pagodas, and tea plantations, known for its serene beauty.

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Get up close with giant pandas and learn about conservation efforts at this research facility in Sichuan province.

The Shaolin Temple, Henan: The birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu, this ancient temple is a center for martial arts and Buddhist culture.

The Jiuzhaigou Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks in the Min Mountains.

The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall: A solemn and important site commemorating the victims of the Nanjing Massacre during World War II.

Suzhou Ancient Cultural City of Canals and Classical Gardens: Take a gentle boat ride through the ‘Venice of the East’ past traditional buildings, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony or a music recital in the Garden of the Master of the Nets (one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site gardens). And visit the Silk Museum to learn about the centuries old production here, at the a terminus of the Silk Route.

These are just a few highlights, and there’s much more to explore in China, including its diverse regional cuisines, vibrant cities, and rich cultural traditions

Tours coming soon – we’ve 30 years experience of leading trips to China and know the best places to go for culture, cuisine and adventure.

Please contact us for ideas and to create a tailor made tour based on your time and interests.