Call us on 020 7636 7906
email us on info@culturaltours.co.uk
Download our booking form
View our online brochure

China

Shanghai and Beijing are the main gateways and are filled with a combination of historic and fascinating sites combined with an ever growing futuristic cityscape all waiting to be explored:  In Beijing Stroll through the Forbidden City, walk the length of Tian An Man Square, take a leisurely trek along some of the less crowded sections of the Great Wall of China and enjoy a fun filled trishaw ride through the narrow hutongs of old Beijing.  In Shanghai one should spend time simply taking a stroll along the Bund and enjoy just being with the local people, a perfect chance to make new friends, explore the French Concession with its new fashionable boutiques, café bars and fine restaurants, and maybe even take a day trip to nearby Suzhou with its wealth of elegant gardens and ancient canals. But if you really want to find the true heart and soul of China, you must include a visit to the countryside and discover the small towns, unspoiled rural villages and timeless landscapes, it is only then that you can begin to really understand the true China and her people.

The landscapes of China are truly inspiring, cruise along the Guilin's Li River with its weird shaped limestone hills that have inspired Chinese paintings for centuries and be moved by the beauty of the Rice Terraces of Longji as they elegantly cascade down the lush green hillsides for as far as the eye can see.  It is the home of the mighty Yangtze River and what better way to enjoy this remarkable river than by taking a Yangtze River Cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges. China also has its share of beautiful mountain scenery like the sacred Mt Emei and Mt Huangshan with their magical fairytale vistas and unique spiritual ambiance, as you watch the golden sunrise cast its warm glow over the landscape, there will be no words that you can find to describe the beauty that is bestowed before you.  A perfect ending to any journey would be a few days in the stunning island resort of Sanya, named the "Hawaii of China", it is an oasis of calm blessed with glorious sunshine and lush tropical surroundings.

China offers a kaleidoscope of culture, none more colourful and thrilling as found in Yunnan. Here you will discover the amalgamation of Tibetan, Burmese, Laotian, Indian, Vietnamese, and ethnic Chinese cultures; for those wanting to find the Old Face of China this province is a must to visit, full of wonderfully charming small towns and villages filled with people whose lifestyles have managed to remain unchanged for hundreds of years. 

China is such a vast country and we have only touched on just a few of the many wonderful places and treasures that it has to offer. Whatever the reason for making a visit to China, the journey is guaranteed to be a truly enlightening and unforgettable experience.

View Tours >

Search by map



When to go

China has a great diversity of climates. From bitterly cold winters to dry hot summers in the North and Semi-tropical summers and mild winters in the South. March to May and September to early November are the best times to visit China.

 

Flying time

London to Beijing is approximately 10 hours whilst to Shanghai and Hong Kong approximately 12 hours with direct flights operated by British Airways, Air China, Virgin Atlantic and Cathay Pacific Airways


Time difference

GMT+8. Despite the vast size of the country, Beijing time is standard throughout China.

 

Passport & Visa

Visa Required?

 

British Yes
USA  Yes
Other EU Yes

Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months for a single entry, 12 months for a double entry or six month multiple entry and 18 months for a 12 month multiple entry visa.

 

Health requirements

Diphtheria Yes
Hepatitis A Yes
Malaria Sometimes
Tetanus Yes
Typhoid Yes
Yellow Fever No*

 

Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where 'Sometimes' appears in the table above, precautions may be required depending on the season and region visited.