It’s often difficult to get one’s head around China’s mammoth size, history and scope. But that’s not the case on one of our innovative Small Group Journeys, where you’ll discover everything from remote sections of the Great Wall to back alley hutongs in Beijing, from the bustle along Shanghai’s Bund to an amazing dumpling dinner in Xian.
Quite simply, China is immense. With a country of this scale it can be difficult to know where to start, and once you’ve started, a challenge to make sense of the thousands of years of history, complex culture and rapid rate of change. You could spend years in China and still only scrape the surface. But at the same time, many travellers want more than just a snapshot – which is why we created the China Panorama.
Arrive in Beijing and explore her fascinating backstreets by rickshaw, where you will get to meet a local family for lunch in their home and see an age-old ritual at the Drum Tower. A picnic at the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a wander through the Forbidden City and Summer Palace, and a visit to the 2008 Olympic Games sites are sure to fascinate, as is a walk through the Wanfujing Night Market.
Days 5 - 6 ~ Xian
The Terracotta Warriors are Xian’s crowning glory, but you will also make memories in the colourful Muslim Quarter and pagodas, and enjoy delicious regional cuisine. Take some time atop the ancient city walls and see the Big Goose Pagoda, as well as Calligraphy Street.
Day 7 ~ Guilin & Longsheng
The Terracotta Warriors are Xian’s crowning glory, but you will also make memories in the colourful Muslim Quarter and pagodas, and enjoy delicious regional cuisine. Take some time atop the ancient city walls and see the Big Goose Pagoda, as well as Calligraphy Street.
Days 8 - 9 ~ Yangshuo
Cruise the picturesque Li River. You can cycle through Yangshuo’s verdant rice paddies and absorb this quaint town’s atmosphere and culture as well. You will have plenty of free time to soak up your surrounds. Perhaps, chose to attend a Tai Chi lesson with a local master to get an understanding of this centuries-old tradition.
Days 10 - 14 ~ Shanghai & Zhujiajiao
In Shanghai experience the regal Bund on a walking tour, as well as ultra-modern Pudong. The Old Quarter has thankfully been preserved and offers you a glimpse into the China of old. Prepare to be amazed by an acrobatics performance, and relax into a day-trip to the canal town of Zhujiajiao. Depart on day 14.
Checklist & How we Travel
Inclusions:
13 nights hotel accommodation and 1 overnight train (soft sleeper four-berth shared cabin),
Flights as specified, all road transport by air-conditioned vehicles.
All sightseeing as specified (including entrance fees).
Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven travellers.
Local English-speaking guides throughout.
Arrival and departure transfers.
Breakfast daily and two lunches.
Tour Q&A
Q: I’ve never travelled on a group tour before. Is group travel for me? A: Our deluxe Small Group Journeys are not conventional group tours. You will be travelling with a maximum of 15 travellers, staying in some of Asia’s finest and most atmospheric hotels whilst immersing yourself in the culture and everyday lives of the people. They are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like-minded travellers – and an enjoyable, memorable holiday. We shun mass tourism and all of its trappings – and we believe our signature style of travel will appeal to those who want a total experience of their chosen destination.
Q: Who will I be travelling with? A: Our travellers are of all ages and from all walks of life. What they share is a true passion for travel in Asia – a desire to savour the cuisine, meet the people and connect with the lives and cultures of these extraordinary places. Most travel to Asia from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Q: How fit do I have to be to join the tour? A: The China Panorama is graded Easy to Moderate and is suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility. This tour involves one overnight train trip and walking tours through major cities. All travellers on our deluxe Small Group Journeys must complete a Fitness Form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Be sure to pack a positive attitude and a desire to experience Asia and her people first hand. Download the tour dossier for comprehensive information on the China Panorama deluxe journey. Click here for full description of journey grading.
Q: What happens if I’m a single traveller? A: Our groups are a combination of single travellers, couples and friends. Single travellers must pay a supplement for a single room on our deluxe Small Group Journeys. Whether travelling alone or with a companion, you will go home with a true sense of the country you have visited and, quite possibly, a brand new set of friends.
Q: Can I bring the kids? A: The minimum age on all our deluxe Small Group Journeys is 12 years old. For families with younger children, we can create a tailormade and well-paced trip to suit your needs and requirements. The sites, sounds, smells and adventures that Asia has to offer make it an ideal destination for family travel. Click here to see some of our suggested tailormade family itineraries – designed to give your family a true experience of the essence of Asia.
Q: What are the visa requirements? A: All foreigners entering China require a visa. Travellers need a tourist visa which must be obtained from a Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad before arrival and is valid for all international points of entry into China.
Q: What kinds of hotels will I be staying in? A: Stay in luxurious rooms in some of China’s finest hotels, including Beijing’s plush Grand Hyatt, Xian’s slick Howard Johnson Plaza, Guilin’s impressively designed Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, Yangshuo’s relaxing Paradise Resort and the stylish Westin in downtown Shanghai. We choose our accommodation on the basis that they too represent the essence of Asia. Our deluxe accommodation will become a real part of your experience, and you are sure to be impressed. Our combination of atmospheric accommodation with cultural engagement will give you a truly memorable holiday experience.
Q: Who will accompany our group? A: You will be escorted by one of our expert Western tour leaders (minimum seven travellers) as well as an English-speaking local guide – a combination which gives you the highest level of service possible. Our local guides are uniquely placed to share personal insights that simply can’t be provided by outsiders or guidebooks. Our Western leaders call Asia home and have a network of friends and experiences to share with you. They are also able to fully appreciate your interests and needs and ensure these are being met. You will be inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for the region. We believe our combination of local and Western tour leaders provides for the best travel experience. The feedback from our travellers over the years confirms the same.
Q: Are arrival and departure transfers included? A: Arrival and departure transfers on the days of tour commencement and conclusion are included in the price of the tour. Upon arrival at Beijing airport you will be met by one of our Essence of Asia representatives and transferred to your hotel. If you require a transfer outside these days you will need to book and pay for additional transfers.
Q: What kinds of transport are used on the China Panorama? A: For road journeys and inner-city touring, air-conditioned cars, mini-buses, or coasters are used. These vehicles are modern, well-maintained, safe vehicles – ideal for small group travel. There is one night on a sleeper train (soft sleeper four berth cabins, based on two people sharing) and there are several domestic flights within China.
Q: Are entrance fees included in the tour cost? A: Yes, entrance fees are included in the cost of all of our deluxe Small Group Journeys.
Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour? A: Chinese cuisine incorporates a number of styles with each region having its own distinctive flavours. We have included some memorable gastronomic experiences on our deluxe China Small Group Journeys, from feasting on Beijing’s famous roast duck to sampling a delicious dumpling banquet in Xian. Western cuisine is now available in most places we visit, including the hotels we stay in. We endeavour to select restaurants for both their great variety of cuisine as well as their atmosphere. Choose from a selection of seafood, chicken, beef, pork, duck and vegetable dishes. Vegetarians will find a reasonable selection of fresh foods available, and should specify their dietary requirements when booking. Breakfast is included each day on our tours and is usually a mix of Western buffet, continental and Chinese styles, though more remote areas tend to provide more local dishes. We do not include all meals in your tour cost, giving you the freedom to taste as much local flavour as and when you like. Our group leaders have a wealth of knowledge of restaurants from the mainstream to the unusual. Some of the best culinary experiences are found in local eateries, old stalwarts and brand new innovative establishments not found in guidebooks. Let us share them with you.
Q: How much money will I spend per day touring? A: Approximately $15US per person for day-to-day living. China is a country that offers great value for your money. For around $15US you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day. You will notice a major price difference for food between the major cities and provincial towns. Eating Western food will add to your food bill.
Q: How is your company different to others offering small group travel? A: We don’t know of any company that offers the combination of well thought out itineraries, atmospheric accommodation, insightful Western and local leaders and value for money. We have had a base in the region for over 13 years ensuring that we keep abreast of the changes in the region and can offer 24-hour support to our travellers. If you’re shopping around, ask about your accommodation, transport and the tour leaders and guides who will take care of you during your journey. Check to see how many nights you will spend in each city. Rather than rushing through a destination, we believe that spending quality time in each place enhances your overall experience. We don’t cut any corners!
