Bonheur Chongqing Book City/Xinhua Bookstore

China Highlights

All content by Intrepid

9 days (ex Shanghai)

Destinations visited: China, Běijīng, Shànghǎi, 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$1,305

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Description

Get a taste of China on this short but culture-filled adventure. Travel from modern Shanghai to old Beijing and explore busy Xi'an, taking in iconic attractions such as the Great Wall of China and Terracotta Warriors along the way. Of course, there is time to delve beneath the surface, discovering gourmet delights and learning about Chinese lifestyles and traditions.

Highlights

Walk a section of China's Great Wall.
Stand in the centre of Tiananmen Square.
Visit Beijing's ornate Forbidden City.
Uncover the spirit of Shanghai.
Sip tea by a canal in a water town.
Salute the ancient Terracotta Warriors.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Shanghai

A fusion of ancient and modern, Shanghai is the vibrant pulse of new China. Enjoy free time to barter in busy markets, stroll through modern Pudong or scope out the buzzing nightlife at a local bar. The Shanghai Museum is home to one of the most impressive collections of artwork and bronze in China and is also worth a visit if time permits.

Day 3 Water Town

Step back in time and enjoy a day trip to one of Shanghai region's water towns. Chill out on the waterside, sip tea at a local teahouse or visit one of the local history museums. Get lost along the maze of tranquil cobblestone streets lined with traditional village buildings, a nice break from the chaos of modern Chinese cities. Why not glide along the canals and byways in a gondola for a real water town experience?

Days 4-6 Xi'an

Take an overnight train to Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province and the beginning the ancient Silk Road. This vibrant, modern city is full of things to do. Come face-to-face with the imposing Terracotta Warriors, a stoic army set out in battle formation, complete with horses and chariots. This incredible archaeological find had been buried for more than 2000 years, before being discovered in 1976. Leave the warriors behind for a lunch stop at Hui Ling, an Intrepid Foundation project that supports people in the area with intellectual disabilities.

Days 7-9 Beijing

Arrive in bustling Beijing and be immersed in a city of culture, modernity and chaos. Tour the city sights, including the massive Tiananmen Square – the largest city square in the world. Take the time to marvel at the Forbidden City's incredible amount of palaces and courtyards. No journey to China would be complete without a Great Wall experience, so spend a day exploring this ancient structure.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nts), Overnight sleeper train (2 nts)

Transport

Overnight sleeper train, Private Bus, Metro

Budget

Allow USD $150 for meals not included.

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

from USD$1,305

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