Cháng'ān Grand Theatre Karakoram Exploratory with Tim Macartney…

Explore China

All content by Intrepid

15 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$2,245

Book now

Description

Looking for adventure? Visit China and explore the country from Shanghai to Beijing on an adventure that offers more excitement than you can poke a chopstick at. Head from cosmopolitan Shanghai to Luoyang where Shaolin monks practise kung-fu. From here, continue through Luoyang and Xi'an, the starting point of the Silk Road, and then on to the stunning Sichuan countryside for glimpses of rural life. Our final stop is Beijing with a memorable walk along the Great Wall of China. Visit grottoes, mix with monks and hike to hilltop villages on this exploration of China.

Highlights

Gain insight into rural life in the Sichuan province.
Trek through tea terraces.
Set foot on the iconic Great Wall of China.
See rare and endangered giant pandas.
Experience modern China in Shanghai.
Practise kung-fu moves in Shaolin.
Stand among the ancient Terracotta Warriors.

Itinerary

Days 1-3 Shanghai

Begin your China adventure by taking a walking tour to Shanghai's art deco delights. Stroll down the elegant Bund, discover the French Concession and visit the urban planning museum for a glimpse of Shanghai's future.

Day 4 Shaolin

Visit the legendary city of Shaolin and watch kung-fu students practise their moves at the famed Shaolin Temple. For those feeling game, there is the opportunity to attend a class and soak the wisdom of these ancient warriors.

Day 5 Luoyang

This former imperial capital is heavily linked with the introduction of Buddhism to China. See more than 100,000 images of Buddha carved into the side of a mountain at Longmen Grottoes. Later in the day, choose to visit the White Horse Temple or take an evening stroll around the Luoyang town square.

Days 6-8 Xi'an

Travel to Xi'an and visit the incredible underground necropolis of the First Emperor, guarded by an army of terracotta warriors. Ascend to the top of the Bell and Drum towers, escape the noise of the city in the peaceful Great Mosque and savour some local food from the markets in the Muslim Quarter.

Day 9 Chengdu

Explore Chengdu attractions and visit the Giant Panda Breeding Centre. Perhaps sample a vegetarian meal made from an ancient recipe at the Wenshu Monastery.

Days 10-11 Sichuan Countryside

Head to the mountains of the Sichuan province for a taste of ancient China. Help pick tea leaves, take a lesson in the game of mahjong and soak up the mountain scenery.

Days 12-15 Beijing

Explore some of China's most iconic sights, including the sprawling Forbidden City. In free time, feast on dumplings or rent a bike and cycle to the Temple of Heaven. A walk along the Great Wall of China is a fantastic finale to this adventure.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nts), Overnight sleeper train (2 nts), Guesthouse (2 nts)

Transport

Taxi, Private Bus, Bus, Overnight sleeper train, Plane

Budget

Allow USD $200 for meals not included.

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

from USD$2,245

Book now

Traveller reviews for Explore China (0)

To write a review sign in, register or

Recommend

Add your experience Your experience “ ”
Say more…
Write your review Your review

Tags

Good for…

Not good for…

Photo Upload

Add a photo

Note: when you submit posts to our site (including images), you’re giving us permission to reuse your material elsewhere and also to pass it to others for use. Full website terms here.