China Holidays 2022/23
Immerse yourself in millennia of fascinating history and culture, marvel at breath-taking and diverse scenery – much of it unlike anything else on earth, visit dazzling cities and iconic landmarks, see enchanting scenery, mystical temples and golden palaces. Visit the instantly lovable pandas and classics such as the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors and the Yangtze River. All this and so much more awaits on a trip to China.
Beijing alone has many must-see sights, including the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, a vast complex of ornate courtyards and splendid halls that celebrates China’s rich dynastic heritage.
Further afield there’s Shanghai, one of the most futuristic and pulsating cities in Asia, and the instantly recognisable Yunnan Stone Forest, a spectacular collection of limestone peaks, pillars and stalagmites. You can follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo along the Silk Road, journey to the roof of the world that is Tibet or take a river cruise on the Yangtze and the Three Gorges Dam, a modern-day wonder that claims to be the world’s largest power station. Not as well known as the Yangtze but no less impressive is the Li River, where you can cruise past jagged peaks and lush scenery that has inspired artists and poets for centuries. And no visit to China is complete without seeing part of the Great Wall, the 4,000 mile-long fortification built to stave off invaders.
The Terracotta Warriors at Xian have to be seen to be believed. Discovered only as recently as 1974, over 10,000 have been discovered so far, but this ‘live’ excavation site is bound to give up more secrets in the years to come. China’s other famous residents are Giant Pandas, with Chengdu – their ‘home town’ – being the best place to see them.
With a dazzling array of itineraries available, let our experts help you create the perfect holiday to China.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
China is subject to huge variations in weather. Winters in the North (November to February) can be very cold and hit freezing conditions, whereas Summers can become very hot (June to August). In the central areas the winters tend to be wetter and the summers longer and more humid.
LANGUAGE:
The official language is Mandarin but many dialects are spoken. English is spoken in hotels and key tourist locations but less in rural areas.
CURRENCY:
Renminbi or Yuan.
FLIGHT INFORMATION:
Direct airlines include Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. Cathay Pacific has great connections via Hong Kong.
FLYING TIME FROM UK:
Approx. 10 hours (Beijing); 11 hours (Shanghai).
