China Encompassed

All content by Intrepid

22 days (ex Hong Kong)

Destinations visited: China, Běijīng, Hong Kong, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,510

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Description

Bright lights and big cities, rural retreats and water towns, bike riding and boat cruising, the Great Wall and giant pandas - this China Encompassed trip has all bases covered. From the sights of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Xi'an and Beijing to the simple beauty of Fenghuang, Hangzhou and the Three Gorges, discover the history and culture of China. Meet the local people, dine on traditional cuisine and delve into a country just waiting to be explored.

Highlights

Walk an ancient path along China's Great Wall.
See the fearsome Terracotta Warriors.
Travel to Beijing to discover the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Grab a moment of tranquillity in a water town.
Uncover history and culture on a visit to Shanghai.
Hop aboard a boat tour through the Three Gorges.
Experience the bright lights of buzzing Hong Kong.
Cycle along the magnificent West Lake of Hangzhou.
Meet the gentle giant panda.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Hong Kong

Arrive in lively Hong Kong and search out a bargain in the markets and shopping malls or head to Victoria Peak for fabulous views over the city.

Days 3-4 Fenghuang

Leaving the bustle of Hong Kong behind, it's time to step back in time to the ancient town of Fenghuang. Visit a nearby village and trek to a waterfall.

Days 5-8 Yangzi River

Take a scenic train ride and arrive on the shores of the Yangzi River. Soak up the striking beauty of the Three Gorges on a river cruise and learn about the dam project.

Days 9-10 Chengdu

Home to giant pandas, a Tang dynasty monastery and delicious Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu is the perfect place to meet locals and get a taste of China. After an eye-opening walking tour, set off to experience all this enchanting town has to offer.

Days 11-12 Hangzhou

Travel to Hangzhou and cycle around the picturesque West Lake. Afterwards, relax with some local Dragon Well tea or pay a visit to the Silk Museum to see how this traditional fabric is produced.

Days 13-15 Shanghai

A city of contradictions, Shanghai blends 21st-century architecture with old-world character. Perhaps stroll the Bund with its spectacular array of art-deco style buildings and admire the view across the river of Pudong and the iconic Pearl Tower.

Day 16 Water Town

Explore the cobblestone streets and canals of a tranquil water town outside Shanghai.

Days 17-19 Xi'an

Complete with horses and chariots, the army of Terracotta Warriors is a sight to behold. Walk the walls of Xi'an and soak up the city's garden culture where locals practise tai chi and ballroom dancing.

Days 20-22 Beijing & Great Wall

Spend a day walking along the ancient Great Wall of China. Finally, travel to Beijing and discover the impressive Forbidden City. Stroll across the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square and be amazed by the contortions of Chinese acrobats.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nts), Overnight boat (4 nts), Overnight sleeper train (3 nts), Guesthouse (2 nts)

Transport

Metro, Train, Cruise ship, Boat, Private Bus, Plane, Bicycle, Taxi, Overnight sleeper train

Budget

Allow USD $350 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,510

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