China

Chinese civilization stretches back until at least the 3rd millennium bc, the country being ruled by a series of dynasties until the Qing (or Manchu) dynasty was overthrown by Sun Yat-sen in 1911; China was proclaimed a republic the following year. After World War II, the Kuomintang government of Chiang Kai-shek was overthrown by the Communists under Mao Zedong, and the People's Republic of China was declared in 1949. Market-oriented reforms were introduced in the last quarter of the twentieth century.

China is a different world. Unless you have a couple of years and unlimited patience, it's best to follow an itinerary here, such as following the Silk Road, sailing down the Yangzi River, or exploring the Dr Seuss landscape of Guangxi Province.

Best Itineraries To Follow:

Prices are final prices with tax included.

The Discovery of China
  • Beijing - Xian - Shanghai
  • 9 days, Escorted, All Inclusive Package
  • $1499
Best of China (Presidents' Choice)
  • Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai
  • 11 days, Escorted, All Inclusive Package
  • $1799
Best of China & Yangtze River
  • Beijing, Yichang, Yangtze River Cruise, Three Gorges, Chongqing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai
  • 15 days, Escorted, All Inclusive Package
  • $2599
The Middle Kingdom
  • Beijing, Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai
  • 8 Days, Escorted, All Inclusive Package
  • $1399
China Comprehensive
  • Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai, Tongli, Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Shanghai
  • 15 days, Escorted, All Inclusive Package
  • $2299
Silk Road
  • Beijing, Urumqi, Turpan, Duhuang, Lanzhou, Xian, Beijing
  • 13 days, Escorted, All Inclusive Package
  • $2699
Best of China & Tibet
  • Beijing, Xian, Lhasa, Shanghai
  • 11 days, Escorted, All Inclusive Package
  • $1999
Yangtze River Classic
  • Beijing, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, Three Gorges Dam, Shanghai
  • 10 days, Escorted, All Inclusive Package
  • $1999
Best National Parks of China
  • Guangzhou, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Leshan Giant Buddha, Jiuzhaigou, Yellow Dragon Mountain, Giant Panda Breeding Base, Hangzhou, Yellow Mountain, Shanghai
  • 14 days, Escorted, All Inclusive Package - $2799
Splendid Yunnan & Hong Kong
  • Guangzhou, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Hong Kong
  • 11 days, Escorted, All Inclusive Package
  • $1899

When To Go

You can basically visit China at anytime of the year. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit China, but the higher altitude areas of Tibet, Qinghai and Western Sichuan are best visited in high summer (June-September). Daytime temperatures range from 20�C to 30�C (68�F-86�F) in these seasons, but it can still be bitterly cold at night. If you are going to the south of China, winter (December-Feburary) is the cheapest time, and it is not too cold there.