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This is the China journey you have always dreamed of. Travelling the length of this magnificent country by rail, watch the landscape transform outside your window as China's remarkable high-speed network carries you swiftly and comfortably between the sights that have inspired travellers for centuries: the Terracotta Army of Xian, the karst scenery of Guilin, the imperial architecture of Beijing and the extraordinary peaks of Zhangjiajie.
But it is our two hidden gems unique to this tour that travellers talk about long after they return home. Huangshan's sacred granite peaks have moved poets and painters for thousands of years, and waking to a sunrise above the clouds here is something truly unforgettable. Then there is Zhaoxing, one of China's most beautiful Dong minority villages, a place where ancient traditions, a warm welcome and a pace of life far removed from the cities will capture your heart completely.
Our Discover China by Rail tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Spend a night unlike any other atop Huangshan, China's most celebrated mountain
Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples
Discover the rice terraces surrounding the remote ethnic village of Zhaoxing
See the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
A living tradition of the Guizhou mountain villages, batik reflects techniques passed down through generations. Traditionally coloured blue and white, you’ll get to wax, dye, dewax and dry your material, decorating it as you wish, to create a special souvenir to take home with you.
A centuries-old practice of Chinese medicine, reflexology works on the simple belief that points on the feet connect to every part of the body. You'll experience a soothing sequence of pressure and massage across the sole, arch and heel, leaving you feeling grounded and restored.
Bolted to the face of a towering sandstone cliff, the Bailong Elevator is as dramatic as the landscape it unlocks. Ride hundreds of metres skyward through the mist of Zhangjiajie to emerge above the treetops, where the iconic stone pillars of one of China's most otherworldly landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see.
As it is so huge, China is a country made for train travel. With the world’s biggest and busiest rail networks, and the longest high-speed network, AND the world’s highest rail line, trains are a simple and fast way to deliver you right into the hidden corners of this vast nation. Modern and comfortable, travelling by train here gives more opportunity to see some of the huge variety of landscapes that China boasts and to interact with locals and fellow travellers alike.
China’s high-speed rail network runs to about 45,000 kilometres of track, with trains speeding along at a top speed of 350 kilometres per hour (217 mph). Sleek and sophisticated in appearance and nearly always on time, these bullet trains connect over 200 cities all over the country, and come in three categories, G, D and C.
G trains are the fastest, running during the day, while D is second-fastest and offers overnight facilities like soft sleeper carriages. C trains run between neighbouring cities. All of these trains are air-conditioned, provide free boiled and cold water, have both Western and squat toilets available and have a dining car and café/bar for drinks.
Seats are all forward facing and are wider, softer and plusher with more legroom than your average airline seat. They are also reclinable so you can sit back and watch the landscapes fly by the window or if you’re on one of the newer trains (G category) browse the internet with the train’s Wi-Fi.We take several journeys onboard high-speed trains on our China by Rail and Silk Road Explorer tours.
Although they don’t reach the speeds of their high-speed counterparts, China’s regular train services are just as effective of moving people around the country but tend to be older and with lower quality facilities which is reflected in the price.
Generally air-conditioned, washbasins and boiled water is available at the end of each coach and there is a dining car serving freshly cooked food. There are toilets onboard, but they tend to be squat only. They also come in three categories – Z, T and K – Z being non-stop express trains that operate long distances between cities, running up to 160 kph (99mph), T being express trains with limited tops and K being fast trains that make the most stops of the three.
Regular trains are more likely to offer sleeper services with two classes, soft and hard. Soft sleepers offer compartments with a closing door, with four berths, two on each side, with a pillow and sheet provided, plus an individual reading light – we use this class of carriage on our Tibetan Railroad tour.
This tour is perfect for rail travel enthusiasts seeking an all-encompassing exploration of China's major attractions, with delightful detours to the hidden gems of Zhaoxing Dong village and the Yellow Mountain.
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today’s explorations include the Yu Garden, a silk mill, and the quaint old town before admiring the colonial architecture along the Bund. Then board the super-fast Maglev train, one of only a few in the world, and be whisked along at top speeds of up to 300 km/h. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
Board the bullet train to Huangshan City, then take a cable car to the summit of Mount Huang, commonly known as Yellow Mountain, for an overnight stay at the mountain top. Soak up the magnificent views of the ragged peaks, rock formations, thousand-year-old pine trees and ever-changing mist that have inspired local artists for centuries. Spend the afternoon exploring this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site
Wake before dawn to fully appreciate the beauty of Mount Huang’s mesmeric landscapes (and mists!) in the red and orange hues of sunrise. This afternoon, head back down the mountain by cable car and visit the atmospheric town of Tunxi. Wander narrow cobbled streets lined with pretty little shops selling anything from local snacks and tea to paintbrushes, cultural relics and intricate wood carvings.
Travel to Hongcun, a 900-year-old UNESCO-listed village, known for its striking, well-preserved Hui-style architecture. Discover more about its fascinating shape and its water systems before a cooking class in which you’ll learn to make pouch dumplings, a local delicacy.
Board a bullet train to Changsha. A city with a three millennia long history and a thoroughly modern look and feel, Changsha exudes an energetic and friendly vibe. This evening, stroll through the bustling night markets, where the air is thick with the aromas of sizzling street food.
Visit the fascinating Yuelu Academy, a longtime hub of learning at the foot of Mount Yuelu. Later, travel to Zhangjiajie National Park by road and prepare to be awestruck by its otherworldly landscapes.
Today you’ll explore the breathtaking Yuanjiajie, renowned for its towering pillars and misty valleys. Ride the remarkable Bailong glass elevator; embedded into a cliff face, the elevator shoots up a 326-metre mountain side in as little as two minutes! Soak up the amazing views of the ‘First Bridge under the Sun’ and Hallelujah Mountain. Continue your explorations at Emperor Mountain, before descending by cable car.
Soar up to the heights of Tianmen Mountain by scenic cable car where you can marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed ‘Heaven’s Door’, standing atop a 999-step staircase above you. For the brave, take a thrilling walk on a glass skywalk, the ‘Walk of Faith’.
Board a bullet train to Guilin, departing one spectacularly scenic area to arrive in another.
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Disembark and wander Yangshuo’s cobbled streets and vibrant markets. Later, relax with a Chinese reflexology massage.
This morning, explore the bucolic landscapes around Yangshuo, where limestone karst cliffs and pinnacles tower over a patchwork of paddy fields. This afternoon is yours to spend as you wish.
Return to Guilin by road and board a bullet train to Zhaoxing. This large and well-preserved Dong village, considered one of the most beautiful villages in China, gives a fascinating glimpse into the life and culture of this ethnic minority people. You’ll be welcomed into the village with a special ceremony before having a free afternoon to explore, then see the town lit up at night.
Travel to the top of a remarkable set of stepped rice terraces close to Zhaoxing. Take a walk through the terraces to different vantage points, admiring their engineering and, depending on the time of year, their vibrant colour or moody reflections of the sky above. This afternoon enjoy a batik workshop, a local living tradition, and create something special to take home.
Board a bullet train to Chengdu. Chengdu is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, where teahouses, spicy cuisine, and a relaxed pace of life create an inviting and culturally rich urban landscape.
Visit Chengdu’s famous Panda Conservation Base to see and learn about these celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Take the bullet train to Xian, the starting point of the fabled Silk Road with a history spanning 3,100 years.
One of the 20th century’s greatest archaeological discoveries, the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors stand ready for battle around the, as yet unexcavated, tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Spend the morning viewing their ranks then visit a workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Stroll the beautifully preserved city walls that encircle Xian’s old town, pausing for a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Board a train to Beijing, China’s historic capital city.
Start the day in the vast and emblematic Tiananmen Square, before delving into the imperial treasure trove of the Forbidden City and its 250-acre maze of halls, palaces and gardens, filled with priceless artefacts. Take a step back in time as you stroll through the warren-like hutongs, Beijing’s historic neighbourhoods, and discover what it is like to live in these traditional areas. Later, dine on delicious local delicacy, Peking duck.
Just outside of Beijing, a true bucket-list sight snakes its way across the landscape – the Great Wall of China. Today you’ll get to walk on this iconic structure, climbing to one of its many watchtowers if you’re feeling energetic. Visit a jade factory, then spend the afternoon wandering the gardens of the Summer Palace.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Our tours feature hand-picked properties selected for their comfort, modern amenities and convenient location for sightseeing. We occasionally include a stay in a guesthouse or lodge where we feel the character of the property will enhance your tour, or to allow access to a more unique and memorable location. Here is a taster of the type of hotels you will be staying in on your tour.
The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.
Places Visited: UK - Shanghai (2N) - Mount Huang (1N) - Huangshan City (2N) - Changsha (1N) - Zhangjiajie (3N) - Guilin (1N) - Yangshuo (2N) - Zhaoxing (2N) - Chengdu (1N) - Xian (2N) - Beijing (3N)
Make the most of your time away. Whether you want to delve deeper into a destination, discover somewhere completely new, or simply unwind on a beautiful beach, we've created a range of ways to help you stay a little longer and see a little more.
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Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.
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