For many western travellers, arriving in China for the first time is akin to stepping into another world. Although the country boasts the world's oldest civilisation and retains many ancient customs and traditions, China's major cities are dazzlingly futuristic, teeming with colour and life. Nevertheless, historical and cultural highlights from earlier eras are abundant, and whilst westerners may have learned about landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors from guide books or the internet, nothing can compare with the extraordinary experience of seeing them at first hand.
The third-largest country in the world, it seems every inch of China is packed with unforgettable sights, from exquisite ancient temples and pagodas to crowded, neon-lit cityscapes, snow-capped mountain ranges to endless rice-paddies. Yet China's remarkable urban and rural beauty is only part of the country's endless allure; there's also a rich cultural and artistic legacy to explore, sumptuous cuisine to be sampled and a seemingly limitless fund of unique attractions, experiences and activities to enjoy.
Take an adventure through China's ancient and modern wonders. Travel from bustling Beijing, with its Great Wall, to ancient Xi'an and its Terracotta Warriors, cruising the Yangtze River en-route.
… see more13 days from £2,195 pp
View tour details >China is both vast and utterly beguiling, and offers a lifetime's worth of unforgettable sights and experiences. The perfect introduction to China, an escorted tour with Rail Discoveries offers an itinerary that showcases the country's diverse natural beauty, taking in many of its cultural and historic highlights and providing fascinating guided tours of important cities.
With comfortable air, coach and rail travel taken care of and quality accommodation pre-arranged, our guests may explore and enjoy the best that China has to offer on a range of exciting excursions or at their leisure. In the safe hands of our expert Tour Manager, everything is provided to ensure a wonderful and memorable China experience.
By Katie Shaw
5 March 2018
There are many powerful reasons to travel; immersing yourself in the rich culture of an unknown country, expanding your perspectives, pausing to appreciate the natural beauty of the world we live in, and disconnecting from our often monotonous day to day routines.
Read more
By Persephone Hallow
5 July 2017
China has an abundance of history, dating back centuries. From age-old inventions, including fireworks, sophisticated methods of navigation at sea, and sublime ancient architecture that has come to be revered throughout the modern world, Chinese innovation is as old as its extremely long past, so a short history here is often hard to come by. However, with rail travel being a relatively modern phenomenon (especially in the broad scope of some 5,000 years of Chinese history), our favourite method of travel is one area which can be described briefly – and here we have our take, in 4 snapshots.
Read more
By Sukie Chapman
26 April 2017
Going on holiday is something most people look forward to well in advance of actually departing, but many of us also think ‘if only I could just be there, without all the travelling’, there are plenty of people though who’s dread of the trip itself can really dampen any pre-holiday excitement.
Read more
By Persephone Hallow
25 April 2017
Visitors flock to China to explore its multitude of attractions, and to experience an entirely different outlook on life, that stands in stark contrast to the typical western worldview.
Read more