Our Team 
Our Tour Experts The Forbidden City
Lose yourself within the vast scarlet walls of the Forbidden City, home to two dynasties of imperial rule.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
China
Highlights of China including Yangtze Cruise
This classic holiday encompasses many of the highlights China has to offer, including Beijing and Xian as well as a Yangtze cruise and the beautiful karst limestone peaks of Guilin. A great first holiday to China with a fabulous mix of Chinese history and beautiful scenery.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Cruise the Yangtze
Glide through hidden tributaries witnessing rural Chinese life, beautiful scenery and 5,000 years of culture.
3Guilin and Yangshuo
Stay on the shores of the Li River surrounded by dramatic karst landscapes.
4Hong Kong
Explore fabulous shops, beaches and restaurants in atmospheric Hong Kong.
Why we like it
Anyone travelling to China for the first time, seeking an overview of this fascinating country, this is the perfect trip. Travel by air, train and boat combining highlights, from the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors and river landscapes where life remains unchanged. Cruise the Yangtze on board the extremely comfortable Yangzi Explorer while gaining an insight into China from the passionate and knowledgeable guides. Relax at the Banyan Tree amidst ancient karst scenery on the shores of the Li River before a high-speed train journey delivers you to Hong Kong to end your holiday amidst waterscapes, skyscrapers, shops and world class dining.
Explore our suggested itinerary
Keys:
Internal Flight
Boat Journey
Train Journey
- Day 1Beijing
- Day 2 - 3Beijing
- Day 4Beijing - Chongqing
- Day 5 - 6Yangtze River
- Day 7Yichang - Wuhan
- Day 8Wuhan - Xian
- Day 9Xian
- Day 10Xian - Guilin
- Day 11Guilin - Yangshuo
- Day 12Yangshuo
- Day 13Yangshuo - Guilin - Hong Kong
- Day 14Hong Kong
- Day 15Hong Kong
Walk on the Great Wall of China
Located to the north of Beijing the Great Wall of China was begun in the Warring States period (475 – 221) as a defence against invasion. It is the worlds largest military structure. Not one complete wall, but several structures, and although many of these sections have been linked, many still remain separate. To this end, it is almost impossible to calculate the actual length, and you may well be told a figure anywhere in between 2,400 to 5,000 kilometres.
Mutianyu is a quieter section of the wall and is surrounded by beautiful countryside best viewed from the wall itself as you walk along the ramparts.
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Why we recommend the Yangzi Explorer Ship
A cruise on the Yangtze River offers a wonderful chance to witness a China unchanged for thousands of years, alongside the incredible modern technology of sites such as the Three Gorges Project. The Yangzi Explorer has the highest staff to passenger ratio on the river plus the highest level of service and personal attention. During your three night cruise you will have access to some fascinating lectures and immersive masterclasses, from dumpling making to calligraphy and Chinese history.
Days can be spent relaxing with a Tai Chi lesson or spa treatment while off the ship there are visits to remote river communities, dramatic gorges and vast underground caverns, formally a top-secret nuclear base. The ship is also continuously striving to implement sustainable practices and give back to local Yangtze River communities.
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Terracotta Warriors Big and Small
Once the terminus of the Silk Road Xian is home to the world famous Terracotta Warriors. Stumbled upon by peasants digging a well in 1974, this 2,000 year old army of clay warriors is a fascinating record of artistic achievement and a grandiose expression of imperial power. As well as the terracotta warriors, this holiday includes a visit to the less known Han Jing Tomb and Museum. Discovered in the early 1990’s by road workers the terracotta figurines uncovered here are much less imposing but just as fascinating and far more varied.
They include male and female warriors, eunuchs, servants and various farm animals. A museum houses many of the artefacts and the tomb itself is still under excavation. Walk around the actual burial chambers (protected by glass) and possibly observe the ongoing excavations of the miniature warriors.
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Longsheng Rice Terraces
Three hours’ drive from Guilin, the village of Ping An is located on a hill high above the valley. The rice terraces here have been created over a period of more than 500 years by the Zhuang People, many of whom still wear their colourful traditional clothes. Explore the local village and the surrounding Longsheng rice terraces offering wonderful scenery. Visit in spring or autumn when the sun reflects on the water filled terraces fields or when blanketed in vibrant yellow at harvest time.
Let’s chat
Speak to our experts
Our team is waiting to help you tailor a trip that will leave you with stories for a lifetime. Call us on
01285 601 784A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £4,000 Per person
When to travel
China in January
Around Beijing and the mountainous areas such as Tibet, winter can get very cold, with some snow. However, there are also many crisp days with clear skies across the country.
China in February
Chinese New Year takes place in late January or Early February, and is the biggest event in the calendar. Fireworks and lanterns light up the night sky, but be aware that public transport and accommodation may be hard to come by.
China in March
The start of spring see temperatures rise across the country and fruit trees start to blossom. Although not as widespread as Japan, the blossoms in rural China can still be stunning.
China in April
The spring blossoms are in full swing, and the countryside is lush. The north and mountainous areas may still be chilly, but generally, spring is a good time to visit most places.
China in May
A very good time to visit many places in China. Southern regions are getting very warm, but there is an increased chance of rain. The northern and mountainous regions are pleasantly warm but lack the humidity of the summer.
China in June
A very good time to visit many places in China. Southern regions are getting very warm, but there is an increased chance of rain. The northern and mountainous regions are pleasantly warm but lack the humidity of the summer.
China in July
The ideal time to get out into the mountains of Tibet and Yunnan province. The alpine landscape is verdant and enjoys long hours of sunshine. Temperatures can be sweltering, especially in the south.
China in August
The hot weather prevails throughout the country as it is the peak of summer. Many places, especially in the south are unpleasantly hot and humid to travel. The mountains are the perfect place to escape the heat.
China in September
Temperatures decline gradually, but it is less humid and wet than summer in many regions. The mountains are still a good place to hike in, especially as snow has receded as far as possible. This makes it an excellent time for journeying along the Silk Road.
China in October
The majority of October is perfect for travelling, with widespread mild temperatures and little rain. However, it is worth avoiding the first week of October, as it is a national holiday.
China in November
This is the time to take in the beautiful autumn colours, especially in the northern and central regions. Snow may begin to fall in the north, but the tourist hotspots are much less busy as locals don’t tend to travel at this time.
China in December
It is cold in most of China at this time, but it is a great time to visit Beijing and surrounding areas. There are many cold and crisp days, and the tourist hotspots will be much quieter. Western China is bitterly cold though and Southern China is milder but damp.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary?
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