Beijing Travel
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ExploreTraveling to China is like stepping into a living tapestry of profound history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural wonders. This ultimate China travel planning guide from Asia Odyssey Travel will be your trusted companion, helping you navigate through the vastness of the world's most populous country with ease and inspiration.
As a rapidly developing online travel agency based in China, Asia Odyssey Travel has a local team in numerous destinations, providing you with first-hand travel information. We have meticulously curated a series of top articles to assist you in planning your trip across China. Discover the must-visit destinations, top attractions, and best things to do in this captivating country. Each destination is accompanied by a wealth of travel articles, ensuring that your visit is smooth and enjoyable.
Our China travel guide and articles cover a wide range of topics, from obtaining the right visas to packing tips for diverse climates. Be well-prepared for every aspect of your China tour and make the most of your time in China. The vastness of this country is only matched by its irresistible allure. Each destination you explore promises to create memories that will last a lifetime. Let China's rich tapestry of experiences unfold before you, and prepare to be captivated by its wonders.
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Want to know how long to spend in China? We've created 9 different China Itinerary options, ranging from 5 days to 1 month. Each route is carefully planned to help you see the best of China in your available time. We'll show you where to go and how to make the most of your trip.
How many days to spend in Beijing for a tour? The ideal length of time to explore in Beijing depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. However, to get a good feel for the city and see the major attractions, we would recommend to spend at least 2-4 full days in Beijing.
During this time, you can visit iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven, discover historic neighborhoods like the Hutongs, sample delicious food (such as Beijing Duck & dumplings) at local eateries and markets, and experience the vibrant culture and nightlife of the city. Of course, there are many other interesting sites to explore in and around Beijing, such as the Confucius Temple (Guozijian), Lama Temple (Yonghegong), and the Olympic Park (Birds' Nest & Water Cube), among others.
When you have 5 or more days, you can travel to another city like Xian by high speed train after touring Beijing.
The Great Wall of China is a vast and complex system of fortifications that stretches across several Chinese provinces. While some of the most popular and well-known sections of the wall are located near Beijing, there are many other sections of the wall that are worth visiting and can be accessed from other cities. Here are the places to visit the Great Wall of China:
1.Great Wall of Beijing: The most popular and well-known sections of the wall are located near Beijing, such as the Mutianyu Great Wall, Jingshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, and Badaling Great Wall.
2. Great Wall of Shanhaiguan: This section of the Great Wall is located in Qinhuangdao, a coastal city in Hebei province. It is known for its unique architecture and stunning coastal views.
3. Great Wall of Jiayuguan: This section of the Great Wall is located in Jiayuguan, a city in Gansu province. It is known for its western-style fortifications and desert landscapes.
4. Great Wall of Dunhuang: This section of the Great Wall is located in Dunhuang, a city in Gansu province. It is known for its colorful murals and stunning desert landscapes.
5. Great Wall of Henan Province: There are several sections of the Great Wall located in Henan province, including the Yuntai Mountain section and the Yinxu section, which is known for its ancient ruins.
6. Great Wall of Inner Mongolia: There are several sections of the Great Wall located in Inner Mongolia, including the Hulunbuir Grassland section and the Hohhot section, which is known for its unique architecture.
Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum Layout
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, which houses the main pits containing the warriors, is divided into three sections: Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3.
Pit 1: The largest and most impressive of the three pits, Pit 1, houses the main army formation, with over 6,000 figures (2,000 are currently on display). The pit covers an area of approximately 14,260 square meters, equivalent to the size of an airplane hangar.
Pit 2: This pit is notable for its complex layout and variety of military figures, including standing and kneeling archers, cavalry, charioteers, and infantry. Despite being smaller than Pit 1, Pit 2 offers a richer diversity of the army, providing further insights into ancient military strategy and the mysteries of the army array.
Pit 3: Known as the command center, Pit 3 is the smallest but considered the most important pit due to its perceived role as the army's "headquarters."
Our Recommended Visiting Route: Pit 1 – Pit 3 – Pit 2 - Exhibition Hall
Begin with Pit 1 as it's the largest and most stunning, offering a grand first impression. Spend ample time here observing the soldiers' intricate details and formations. Next, move on to Pit 3, where you will see the army's "headquarters." Then, proceed to Pit 2, where you will encounter a more diverse array of military figures. Finally, conclude your visit at the Exhibition Hall, where you can marvel at the history of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses.
Suggested Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
The Longji Rice Terraces are primarily inhabited by the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minority groups. These two ethnic groups have a long history in the region and have played a significant role in the cultivation and preservation of terraces.
The Zhuang people are the largest ethnic minority group in China and have a strong presence in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where the Longji Rice Terraces are located. They have their own unique language, culture, and traditions, and are known for their agricultural practices and skilled craftsmanship.
The Yao people, also known as the Mien or Iu Mien, are another ethnic minority group that resides in the Longji Rice Terrace area. They have their own distinct language, customs, and clothing, and are known for their expertise in herbal medicine and traditional embroidery.
Visitors to the Longji Rice Terraces have the opportunity to interact with the local Zhuang people in Ping’an Village and Yao people in Dazhai Village and Huangluo Yao Village, learn about their cultural heritage, and appreciate their contributions to the preservation of the terraces. The ethnic minority villages in the area offer insights into their traditional way of life, including their unique architecture, festivals, and traditional clothing.
The number of days you need in Guilin depends on your travel preferences and the depth of exploration you desire. Usually, it is suggested to spend at least 2 days in Guilin and Yangshuo to experience the main highlights. It allows you to visit popular attractions such as the Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and explore the picturesque Yangshuo countryside.
However, if you wish to delve deeper into the region and immerse yourself in its natural beauty, culture, and activities, it is recommended to allocate 3 to 6 days or more. You can have in-depth exploration of attractions like the Longji Rice Terraces, Yangshuo's karst landscape, Xingping Town on the bank of the Li River, ethnic minority villages, cycling or hiking adventures, and leisurely river cruises.
You can check more on: How to Plan a Guilin Tour | Ultimate Guilin Planning Guide >>
Zhangjiajie is a small city but has many things to see and do. Travelers are highly recommended to spend at least 3 days in Zhangjiajie, and most of them prefer to spend 4 days, while some may even plan for 5 days in this Avatar destination.
The number of days to spend in Zhangjiajie depends on your interests and the activities you wish to engage in. However, to fully explore the highlights of Zhangjiajie and its surrounding areas, a recommended duration is around 3 to 5 days. This timeframe allows you to visit popular attractions such as the Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountains (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Wulingyuan), Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, and Tianmen Mountain.
Within 2 to 3 days, you can immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscapes of both Wulingyuan (world heritage) and Tianmen Mountain. Within 4 to 5 days, you can also explore other nearby attractions, such as the glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and the charming Fenghuang Ancient Town. Of course, if you have more time available, you can extend your stay to further immerse yourself in the region's beauty and delve deeper into the local culture.
A Yangtze River Cruise can last from 4 to 11 days, the most common options are 4-5 night cruises between Chongqing to Yichang that cover key attractions such as the Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam.
Chongqing to Yichang Downstream: 4 Days and 3 Nights
Yichang to Chongqing Upstream: 5 Days and 4 Nights
Wuhan to Shanghai Downstream: 7 Days and 6 Nights
Shanghai to Wuhan Upstream: 7 Days and 6 Nights
Chongqing to Shanghai Downstream: 11 Days and 10 Nights
Shanghai to Chongqing Upstream: 11 Days and 10 Nights
The number of days you should spend in Shanghai depends on your interests, the activities you plan to undertake, and the pace at which you prefer to explore the city. However, a suggested duration for a well-rounded visit to Shanghai is around 1 to 5 days. This time frame allows you to experience the city's major attractions, delve into its rich culture, and also have some time for day trips to nearby destinations. Contact us to tailor your Shanghai Tour according to your interests and the experiences you seek.
Here's a sample itinerary to give you an idea:
Day 1: Explore the Bund, visit Shanghai Museum, wander along Nanjing Road, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city center. In the evening, take a Huangpu River cruise to admire the illuminated skyline.
Day 2: Discover the traditional side of Shanghai by visiting Yu Garden, City God Temple, and exploring the charming alleys of Tianzifang or Xintiandi. Indulge in local cuisine and experience Shanghai's vibrant street food scene.
Day 3: Take a day trip to a nearby water town such as Suzhou or Zhouzhuang, where you can experience the classical gardens, historic architecture, and tranquil canals.
Day 4: Visit modern landmarks like the Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center to gain insight into the city's futuristic development. Explore the trendy district of Jing'an or French Concession for shopping and dining.
Day 5: If you have an extra day, consider another day trip to Hangzhou to visit the stunning West Lake, and Lingyin Temple, and experience the famous Longjing tea culture.
Of course, you can adjust this itinerary based on your preferences and the specific attractions you wish to prioritize. Shanghaihas a lot to offer, including museums, art galleries, markets, parks, and a vibrant nightlife scene. So, the more time you have, the more you can explore and immerse yourself in the city's diverse offerings.
Hong Kong offers a range of attractions worth exploring, including Victoria Peak (太平山顶), Hong Kong Disneyland (迪士尼), Ocean Park (海洋公园), Tian Tan Buddha (天坛大佛), Hong Kong Museum of History (香港历史博物馆), Avenue of Stars (星光大道), and the bustling markets like Temple Street Night Market (庙街夜市) and Ladies' Market (女人街).
George
Romania
I did a 2-week tour in China, in Dec24/Jan25 and I was very pleased with Asia Odyssey. They handled everything very professionally, from the good accommodations to the great tour guides we had. I totally recommend this company for China tours.
Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu/Sichuan, Guilin/Yangshuo, YangtzeRiver
Date of Experience: Jan 01, 2025
Tour Customized by: Catherine
You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour
Ilwad
Australia
Tour name: Line B2, 8 days Lhasa-Yamdroktso-Shigaste-Mt.Everest tour.
Key people: Bob (local Tibetan tour guide), Catherine Wang (travel consultant), Mr. Yu. Jian (driver).
This tour was sublime, a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! From the very start, I was met with grace and incredible kindness. The driver assigned to me by the company was Susan and greeted me with a smile on her face, as well as the traditional Tibetan scarf she delicately placed around my neck. She then kindly offered to take some photos of me outside of the airport and offered me some water as we drove to the first accommodation in Lhasa. She then sent me a few locations within the city to explore, for shopping and food and shared her experience of living in the region for over a decade.
The following day we met our tour guide Bob, who to date has been my favourite tour guide. He was nothing short of incredible. Not only did he translate everything from Tibetan to Mandarin and English, making the tour accessible to all of us, but went above and beyond for all of us. Whether it was taking extra photos from awkward angles as the photographer to answering our follow-up questions or even giving us his own recommendations i.e. where to rent the traditional Tibetan clothes or shop for souvenirs. He was incredibly knowledgeable and humble- a true mix of wisdom and personal insight. I found his personal experiences and insight made the tour feel more authentic, especially as he had been doing this since 2009. His great anecdotes and true appreciation of the Tibetan culture, as well as his uplifting attitude and great sense of humour made the trip that much more special. Especially on the days when we were on the road for up to 7 hours, as we began the travel towards Everest Base Camp (EBC).
In terms of the people I met on the tour, it was truly a mixed bag in the best way possible! As I was a 22-year-old solo solo-female traveler you might expect that I would want to be around a similar company. In contrast, I had the best time ever with a wildly different demographic！ From middle-aged interracial married couples to retired solo travelers and other solo travelers, my group was made up of people from different neighbouring countries each with their own experiences of travel. As someone who is learning Chinese this was perfect for improving my linguistic skills however most could also speak English so there were no language barriers either.
The people in my group were lovely, kind and interesting characters. Each with open-minds and curiousity about the Tibetan culture. Having people from different walks of life and experiences in my group turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Even with our different backgrounds, we shared laughter, food and stories. I am grateful to have been in the same group as them for those 8 days- it was a true pleasure. Also, the nature of the tour meant that we overlapped with different groups based on both of our itineraries, meaning that we mixed with others for the first few days of the tour. This was a great way to also meet others as some were also staying at the same hotel as us.
The driver Mr. Yu Jian was also incredible. He so kindly brought our luggage in and out of the vehicles and always waited for us patiently in the mornings. Even when we (I) were running late, losing track of the timings and rushing outside with a hastily prepared buffet breakfast to go.
In terms of the tour, my personal highlights were of course seeing EBC and Everest in person, however, the in-betweens were just as remarkable. The 108 zig-zags we had to endure on the way to EBC, the petrol station stops where we’d stretch our legs and interact with the locals (often trying to sell us things) and growing closer and closer to the enchanting Everest. Being able to see the surreal landscape views of Tibet, both in Lhasa and outside, was awe-inducing. As I flew in on 25/03, I was met with the mountainscape being submerged with snow. By the time we made it to EBC, the snow had mostly melted but the rugged mountain view perfectly complemented the seemingly endless holy Yamdrok Lake. It was a nature lover’s paradise through and through, especially with the domesticated and wild animals across the area.
I also thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the locals. They met me with such curiosity, warmth and open-mindedness. I was touched to be perhaps the first black European person they met, and hope that they left our interactions with a new perspective. The first meal I had in Tibet was also sublime (I will put a picture below of the dish and a screenshot of the location I went to, recommended to me by my first driver). There was also a traditional Tibetan musical performance shortly after I had finished my meal, also recommended to me by Susan which began around 8pm!
My favourite monastery we visited was also the Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse, which we visited on our penultimate day in Tibet. We went on a Sunday which meant that not many tourists, if any, were there. Especially the tour took place during the off-season (End of March/Early April). As such it was an immersive experience being able to calmly walk through the monastery. With a history dating back to 1447, I felt like I connected to this the most, with there being living trees on the site that had been first planted over 400 years ago! Even seeing locals re-paint some of the religious paintings and the monks ready to enter for their evening classes gave a sense of serenity. It was a wonderful way to end the trip. Also, I would like to highlight seeing the Yamdrok Lake’s deep shades of turquoise from many angles (extraordinary), trying yak meat for the first time (different and at times tasty), seeing the Karola glacier (even when the rest of the landscape was snowless), seeing monks’ daily debates at Sera Monastery, of course climbing and seeing Polata Palace (tip: bring a 50 RMB note with you to take the famed picture outside Polata Palace- a fellow tour member loaned me his, thanks Yuki!), as well as Jokhang Temple and the Tibetan incense making where the activity leader wrote us, upon our request, a sign in the Tibetan language with anything i.e. our name or quotes. Seeing the stars on the first day of the new moon in the village just outside of Everest was also phenomenal (tip: walk 5-10 minutes in the opposite direction of heading into town to escape the light pollution for a better view, we only stayed out for 15 minutes just around midnight due to fatigue but if you really commit to it and maybe even venture further out and perhaps later on in the night around the new moon phase you will be stunned out what will find in the starry night sky.. hopefully the milky way!).
I would also like to give a warm mention to the hotel workers in the first hotel we stayed in Lhasa as they were incredibly kind to me. They were curious to know what my story was and where I had travelled as well as catering to my needs in the mornings (i.e. morning coffee etc.). Though they won’t see this, the woman working at the Tibetan clothes’ rental who helped me take pictures on my phone and conversed with me was also very kind! Even the shopkeeper who gave me a freebie after I bought some goods from his store was patient with me as I perused through the shops looking for instant noodles. Overall, I was met with such kindness from the very start of the trip until the very end!
Regarding altitude sickness, if you are worried about the high altitude, I bought Diamox , also known as Acetazolamide, (250mg per tablet) and got a prescription from a pharmacist. I took 1 tablet the day before I flew into Lhasa (during my layover in Kunming, Yunnan) and took another tablet for the next two days, waiting 24 hours between each 250mg dose. I adjusted well to the altitude and only took another one when we were heading to higher altitudes (particularly the mountain pass that is higher than EBC and the day of EBC). In total, I took 4 tablets on 4 days (the day before landing in Lhasa, days 1 and 2 of the tour as well as day 4 of the tour). I stopped taking it after EBC day and was fine throughout the trip. The tour will provide you with one free bottle of oxygen, as well as an emergency tank of oxygen in the shuttle bus. For reference I didn’t finish the bottle of oxygen throughout the trip but bought a spare one from the supermarket down the road from the hotel in Lhasa and the quality was great for only a few more RMB (lasted the entire trip). With a lot of water for hydration and taking it easy, alongside deep breaths, I think this tour is accessible to anyone without any underlying health conditions.
Finally, I would like to thank my tour agent Catherine Wang who has supported me throughout this trip! From when I first sent an email back in December 2024 to inquire about this tour until present she has supported me and provided me with updates throughout this process. Although I sent persistent emails (regarding the Shigatse earthquake and permit process/progress update) she always kept me in the loop. Even during the trip she had sent me an email to ask how it was going. Thank you very much for your patience and hard work, this trip has been the trip of a lifetime!
TLDR: I would 1000% recommend this trip and tour. All the little moments and cherished memories I have made will last a lifetime. Thank you to Bob, Mr. Yu Jian, Catherine, Susan, my tour group members and all the others who have made this trip so special. I am beyond grateful.
Destination(s): Tibet
Date of Experience: Oct 07, 2024
Tour Customized by: Catherine
You May be Interested in This Tour: 8 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Shigatse Group Tour with Everest Base Camp
Siew Chor
Australia
Liz was prompt with her helpful response. We appreciate her help.
Destination(s): Beijing
Date of Experience: Oct 07, 2024
Tour Customized by: Liz
You May be Interested in This Tour: 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall
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