Name: Best of China with Yangtze Cruise
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 5608.0 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (24 reviews)

China
Destination Guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real China in a way like no other. With 14 countries and the ocean touching its borders, the vast lands of China hold many opportunities for influence. Yet the country remains unique and complex, rotating to the hum of age-old customs and long-held beliefs. The most populous country in the world, we'll wander the streets of China with wide eyes and admiration, encountering people that have overcome political and social complexities that continue despite the country's remarkable economic power. We'll move from the Temple of Heaven to the Great Mosque of Xi'an to understand China's religious roots, before unwinding with a session of foot reflexology under the guise of participating in the local culture. From the Great Wall to the small villages, this country will delight with pinch-me moments and encounters that will reshape the way you think about life on Earth. City after city, dumpling after dumpling, China will stir the senses. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

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5 million happy guests and counting

China at a glance

Explore the Temple of Heaven, see the Great Mosque of Xi'an, relax with a session of foot reflexology, and savor tasty dumplings. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover the vast lands of China, from the Great Wall to the small villages.

Currency

Chinese yuan

Capital City

Beijing

Winter avg

-7°C

Language

Mandarin, Cantonese, Shanghainese

Summer avg

25°C

Good morning

Zǎoshang hǎo

Time Zone

GMT+8

Good evening

Wǎnshàng hǎo

"With one of the world's oldest civilisations, China is unlike anywhere else in the world. I love introducing our guests to China's ancient traditions and a wonderfully unique culture."

Travel Director

Journey to the Forbidden City

Take a trip back in time to the Ming dynasty era with a visit to Beijing's Forbidden City. True to its name, this city was once reserved for elite imperial families but is now a complex of palace museums open for all to enjoy. Peel back layers of the country's religious culture at the Taoist and Buddhist shrines.
Bound for the iconic Great Wall of China

Luscious green valleys sprawl either side of China's 21,000-kilometre Great Wall. Take in its enormity and admire the green valleys that sprawl across both sides. With nearly 3,000 years of history held within some of its stones, a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site will connect you with a time long forgotten.
Watch the Legend of Kung Fu Show

With a mythical history and graceful moves seeped in self-defence, Kung Fu is a fighting form that is widely appreciated. Take a trip to Beijing's Red Theatre to peel back the layers of Kung Fu through dance, acrobatics and choreography that will dazzle before your very eyes.
Journey through Zhujiajiao Water Town

Asia's answer to Venice, visit Zhujiajiao Water Town to soak up the serenity of a Chinese village with endless charm. Gondolas and terrace homes drip in red lanterns and arched bridges connect various portions of the town that floats. Spend time on land to see Zhujiajiao's ancient rice shops, spice stores and the Qing dynasty post office.
Enjoy a relaxing foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Centre

A heartland of alternative medicine, China boasts many health practises that have gained attention and following across the world. Sign up for a relaxing session of foot reflexology to unwind from long days exploring and to feel altered 'qi' life force energy within.

Our top 5 things to do in China

Tap into the legend of Kung Fu, admire 3,000 years of history in the Great Wall and unwind with a session of foot reflexology. These are just some of the things we'll do while uncovering the many layers of diversity in China.

Beijing
Temple of Heaven

Step back to the Imperial era at China's Temple of Heaven. Enter the Prayer for Good Harvests to admire the circular building's marble floor and elaborate roof, before spending time in the expansive manicured gardens. Here you walk in the footsteps of many Chinese emperors.
Xi'an
Great Mosque of Xi'an

Admire the 20 buildings and five courtyards of Xi'an, China's largest mosque. Spending some of its mid-years operating as a steel factory before being declared a protected cultural site, the Great Mosque of Xi'an is a symbol of China's cultural and political evolution.
Beijing
National Museum of China

Attracting nearly 9-million visitors every year, the National Museum of China is an ode to the country's deeply ingrained arts and history. Gaze upon intricate porcelain from the Qing Dynasty and be amazed by the world's most significant piece of bronze work, Simuwu Ding. The many layers of China can be peeled back within the walls of this museum.

Best museums in China

Distant dynasties and ethereal religious monuments draw millions of visitors from around the globe. Here are just a few of the museums that are part of our China travel packages.

Dumplings

World-famous Chinese dumplings are even more delicious when consumed in their country of origin. Try these little pockets of steamed dough stuffed with various fillings of shrimp, pork and herbs with numerous condiments to compliment.
Peking Duck

Taste the Imperial era in slices of seasoned crispy skin duck. Best wrapped in thin pancakes with hoisin sauce and greens, this Chinese specialty is delicious whether consumed in a busy street market or upmarket restaurant.
Shanghai Hairy Crab

A seasonal delicacy found in the city of Shanghai, hairy crab is a must-try when on a China vacation. Find it unexpectedly in vending machines, or indulge in the sea creature freshly steamed at a restaurant with a sugary rice vinegar sauce for dipping.

Best food in China

No matter how many encounters you've had with Chinese food, nothing can compare to the authenticity of eating it in China. From dumplings to duck, we'll share the very best that's on offer.

What to pack for China

An open mind

Steeped in tradition and running on a clockwork of formal customs, China often commands patience and an open mind from its visitors. In no time at all, it will be these different systems that you love most about the country.

Antibacterial wipes

Though China group tours with us will see you avoiding most messy situations, it's still handy to keep antibacterial wipes on standby for just in case. Nothing feels more hygienic than a quick freshen up before mealtime.

A film camera

China is a photographer's dream. Capture these ancient lands with creative depth by taking along a film camera. There's something special about the Great Wall and ancient temples through a film style lens.

A facemask

Though China is working hard to reduce its smog, some days often see the big cities enveloped in dense haze. Pack a mask, so it doesn't interfere with your plans to explore.

Extra bag space

China offers one of the world's most celebrated shopping holidays. Here, a sea of clothes, gadgets and accessories are sold off for a fraction of their price in other parts of the world. Allow space for your many inevitable purchases.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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