Tailor-Made China: Xian, Chengdu & the Yangtze

The diversity and cultural richness of China is exemplified by urban centres such as the historic capital of Beijing and the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Cities connected by high-speed rail showcase China as a technological and economic behemoth, while vast forested landscapes misted peaks tell tales of early Chinese dynasties and their legends. On top of megacities, China is home to UNESCO sites like the shimmering lakes of Jiuzhaigou, the astonishing Terracotta Army, and – of course – the Great Wall. To top it all off, China boasts around 225 national parks, many of which can be admired during a boat trip along the Yangtze River.

In addition to stays in Beijing, Shanghai and Xian, this 13-day China travel itinerary includes a three-night Yangtze River cruise, an encounter with pandas, and scenic high-speed train journeys. If you want to explore more Asian nations after your trip, you’re spoilt for choice; China is bordered 14 countries, including India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

China at a Glance

It goes without saying that the world’s most populous country is vast, but beyond the giant skyscraper-laden concrete jungles are historic sites and landscapes that tell the story of the world’s oldest continuous civilisation. From the Great Wall that meanders mountain peaks to lush green forests and the beaches of Hainan, China’s natural and humanmade landmarks are as astonishing as they are diverse. And that diversity is reflected in the nation’s culture, cuisine, and even climate, which ranges from subtropical to alpine. In general, the best time to visit is either spring (April and May) or autumn (September), avoiding the crowdy summer high season and the price hikes that accompany it. Chinese New Year is exceptionally busy and usually falls around February.

On the mainland of China, homosexuality has been legal since the 1990s, but the Chinese government unfortunately does not champion LGBTQ+ rights. On the contrary, China’s censorship laws often cover LGBTQ+ content, and the government refuses to recognise same-sex couples. Gay people are even banned from becoming social media influencers. Due to the ‘hush hush’ around topics like politics and LGBTQ+ rights, many people keep their sexual orientation and gender identities private. You might want to avoid public displays of affection, but don’t assume the attitudes of the locals reflect the government. Feel free to book a double room, particularly in big cities, where gay scenes are easily found.

You will likely need to obtain a visa to enter China; only a handful of countries such as Singapore, Japan and Brunei can enter visa-free. Also, keep in mind that the internet is censored – many websites and social media platforms like Facebook can only be accessed with a VPN. Given that English is not widely spoken outside of major cities, it’s best to keep a written record of your hotel name on you during your stay.