Experience the breadth of cultures, flavours and landscapes that make up the vast Middle Kingdom on one our most popular tours through China. Marvel at iconic attractions like the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors, then find a quieter side of the country with a cruise along the Yangzi River and a stay in a Buddhist monastery tucked into the mountains of Emei Shan. Discover a land of epic history, vibrant cultures and dramatic vistas on this 19-day China Experience.  
  • This is one of our most comprehensive trips in China, taking in key destinations from north to south with plenty of variety in experiences and sights along the way 
  • Travel by overnight train to get a sense of the vastness of this country, as well as zip between cities while you sleep easy on this high-speed rail network
  • Take through the iconic scenery of the Yangzi River as you meander through the dramatic Three Gorges Dam on a three-day cruise
  • No matter how many guide books you have read, nothing truly prepares you for the grandeur and immensity of historic sights like the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Leshan Big Buddha and the Terracotta Army. The country's modern man-made sights refuse to outdone, however, and you can see the modern equivalent of symbolic shows of power in the skyline of Shanghai and the Yangzi River hydroelectric dam 
  • Get up close to giant pandas in Chengdu and learn about their struggle for survival
  • Beyond adorable, endangered giant pandas, Chengdu is one of our favourite cities in China. Find out why our travellers end up falling in love with this emerging travel hotspot here: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/chengdu-china-travel-guide
  • Escape the cities to discover China's natural beauty. Trek up the misty peaks of Emei Shan for a stay in a monastery, waking to the sound of drums and prayers
  • Cycle through the Chinese countryside with backdrops that resemble paintings – the picturesque limestone karsts of Yangshuo, for example, grace the walls of conference rooms and Chinese embassy's around the world
  • Travel by overnight train to get a sense of the vastness of this country, as well as zip between cities on this high-speed rail network
  • Take through the iconic scenery of the Yangzi River as you meander through the dramatic Three Gorges on a three-day cruise
  • No matter how many guide books you have read, nothing truly prepares you for the grandeur and immensity of historic sights like the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Leshan Big Buddha and the Terracotta Army. However, the country's modern man-made sights refuse to be outdone, and you can see the modern equivalence of those ancient feats in the skyline of Hong Kong and the Yangzi River's Three Gorges Hydroelectric dam 
  • Escape the cities to discover China's natural beauty. Trek up the misty forests of Emei Shan for a stay in a monastery, waking to the sound of drums and prayers in the morning Buddhist ritual.
  • This is one of our most comprehensive trips in China, covering huge distances and taking in key destinations from north to south with plenty of variety in experiences and sights along the way 
  • Zip through the country from north to south on its efficient high-speed rail network.
  • Get up close to giant pandas in Chengdu and learn about the preservation work required for this ancient species.
  • HOTEL ROOMS:
  • Some travellers have reported that hotels/accommodation in this region tend to have harder bed mattresses than those they are used to at home. You may like to request an extra quilt or bedding from the hotels if you find this an issue.
  • SMOKING ROOMS:
  • Smoking is prevalent in China and hotels generally do not offer specific non-smoking rooms. Larger hotels with central air conditioning will sometimes transport the smell of smoke between rooms. While we ask our hotels to ensure our rooms are well cleaned and ventilated well before occupation in some cases this is not possible, and the smell of smoke may linger. Please speak to your leader about the possibility of changing rooms if you encounter this.
  • WIFI:
  • WiFi is often available in hotel reception areas and sometimes in rooms. Your leader will be able to advise on the best places to get connected.
  • EMEI MONASTERY STAY:
  • We stay at a monastery in Emei Shan. The standard of the monastery rooms is basic twin share accommodation with a shared bathroom and toilet inside the monastery. In high season, the monastery will accommodate a large number of pilgrims and travellers and the stay may not be as tranquil as you may expect. On occasion we will be accommodated at a nearby hotel or guesthouse if the monastery is overbooked.