China expedition overview

China is one of Asia's most unusual and compelling destinations. Situated in eastern Asia, bounded by the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Tibetan plateau in the west, China is the third largest country in the world. China is a country of rich cultural heritage, spectacular scenery and great contrasts. More accessible than ever before, visitors join the few westerners who have experienced both the modern and ancient faces of this alluring destination.

Known as the 'Middle Kingdom', China has a long and dramatic history and offers an endless diversity of cultural treasures. It is likely that the expedition explore the low-lying trails of the southern provinces offering beautiful mountainous regions, snow capped peaks, jade green lakes, sacred mountains and lush forest. The beautiful rice terraced landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo in Guangxi can also be explored, discovering village life in its traditional form.

Expedition highlights

• Test your bargaining skills in the in the various bustling markets around China.
• Visit the pandas at feeding time.
• Sample traditional local delicacies and practise your chopstick skills!
• Glide down the Li River on a bamboo raft.
• Try the local cuisine in Chengdu – the home of the spiciest hot pot you will ever taste!

Things to know

• Take a pack of cards on the overnight trains - the locals will readily teach you new games!
• Mandarin is spoken in most of China, Cantonese in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
• China is big enough to span five time zones but is the largest country in the world to insist on having one.
• Pandas are the property of China even if they are born in another country!