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We are the leading specialist in China travel, and our superb range of itineraries to China takes you into the heart of this fascinating country. Walk the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors or cruise along the Yangtze River on many of our China cultural tours. Stroll through classical Chinese gardens or quaint water towns, visit Giant Pandas, admire breathtaking lakes and mountains, journey across China along the Silk Road or take the ‘roof of the world’ train from Beijing to Tibet. Your tour to China will be filled with iconic images and unique experiences when you travel with CTS Horizons.
Travel to China with CTS Horizons, the world's leading China specialist!
DiscoverBrowse our collection of private journeys, for independent travellers.
DiscoverA range of tours with a special theme, including festivals and expeditions.
DiscoverWe are the leading specialist in travel to China. Our superb range of tours to China takes you into the heart of this fascinating country.
Walk the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors or cruise along the Yangtze River on many of our tours to China. Stroll through classical Chinese gardens or quaint water towns, visit Giant Pandas, admire breath-taking lakes and mountains, journey across China along the Silk Road or take the ‘Roof of the World’ train to Tibet. Your tour to china will be filled with iconic images and unique experiences when you travel with CTS Horizons.
Beijing, the capital of China, is a fast-changing and modern city with a rich history. The city has so much to offer including the 15th Century Forbidden City, so called because it was off limits for 500 years. The colourful and intricate Temple of Heaven, the vast Tiananmen Square, and the delightful Summer Palace with its long corridor and marble boat are also must see attractions. The Great Wall is reached from Beijing, which must be at the top of any traveller’s wish list to china. We also recommend exploring the traditional hutongs, the quiet back lanes, alleys and courtyards, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Other highlights of this imperial city include experiencing a traditional Peking Duck dinner and attending a colourful and elaborate Beijing Opera performance.
XIAN
China’s ancient capital, Xian, is best known for the incredible sight of the Terracotta Warriors, a collection of around 7,000 individually crafted warriors and horses, each with different features and built to guard the tomb of the emperor Qin Shi Huang. The site is one of the greatest archaeological finds of the last century and was discovered in 1974 by a farmer who was digging a well, and is said to date back to 200BC. Xian also has more to offer including walking along the Ming City Wall, the fascinating Hanyanling Museum where the Han ‘Lady Warriors’ are displayed, the Grand Mosque, interesting Muslim quarter and the Big wild Goose Pagoda.SHANGHAI
China’s largest city, cosmopolitan Shanghai, is a modern city with its dazzling skyscrapers of the Pudong financial district mingling with the elegant European architecture of the Bund, and the flashing neon of its busy night-time streets. The Huangpu River, a tributary of the Yangtze, cuts through the city with the Bund on one side looking across to the prosperous Pudong district. The city boomed in the early 20th century transforming into one of the major ports in the East and with heavy western influences it became known as the ‘Paris of the East’. There is much to see in Shanghai, explore the elegant Yuyuan Garden, visit the excellent Shanghai Museum, ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for bird’s eye views and enjoy a cruise along the Huangpu River at night to admire the illuminated panorama.
CHENGDU
GUILIN AND YANGSHUO
Guilin is famous for its stunning limestone karst peaks and magical landscapes which have inspired some of the most famous Chinese poetry and paintings. Take the Li River cruise to Yangshuo and enjoy the serene beauty of the unfolding panorama before you. Explore the local countryside and the lovely Yulong River, visit a local farmer’s house and the extraordinary Silver Cave. We highly recommend attending the spectacular son et lumiere show in Yangshuo, performed on the river by a cast of 600.
YANGTZE RIVER
KEY FACTS
Time Zone: | GMT + 8 hours |
Flying time: | Approx 10 hours |
Population: | 1.3 billion |
Currency: | Yuan (Renminbi) |
Capital: | Beijing |
Language: | Mandarin Chinese |
Visa: | Visa required (obtained in advance) for UK passport holders |
Vaccinations: | Recommended, seek advice from GP |
KEY PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2015
1 Jan – New Year’s Day, 19 Feb – Chinese New Year, 18-24 Feb - Spring Festival, 1 May – Labour Day, 1-3 May – Labour Day Holiday, 20 Jun – Dragon Boat Festival, 27 Sep – Mid Autumn Festival, 1 Oct – National Day, 1-7 Oct – National Day Holiday.
CLIMATE
China is a vast country, so its weather and climate vary from region to region. Generally, the north is dry and cold during winter; humid and often rainy in the central and southern parts during July and August, and temperate year-round in the south-west. From November to March it is bitterly cold in the northern areas and along the Yangtze River, so warm winter clothing is necessary. Most regions are very hot in the summer months (from June to August), except in the mountainous regions where it is chilly in the morning and at night, but pleasant throughout the day. Spring and autumn are quite mild.
The ideal time to visit China is April-May and September-October, as the weather is generally warm and reasonably dry. Although very cold during the winter months in China it can be considered a good time to travel as the sights are quieter, prices are lower and there are often clear blue skies.
If you have a particular itinerary in mind our specialist advisors will be very pleased to help you design it completely in accordance with your own requirements.
Our experts travel up and down China to discover the most interesting and intriguing places to visit.
A great journey through China, offering an in-depth exploration.
See Itineraryfrom £3800
12 days visiting Beijing, Xian and a fabulous Yangtze Cruise.
See Itineraryfrom £2095
A journey through Shandong to discover the roots of Confucianism and Chinese spirituality.
See Itineraryfrom £2520
from £2650
Explore two of China’s most fascinating regions - Sichuan and Guizhou.
See Itineraryfrom £2750
A picturesque Journey through Chinese traditional waterways
See Itineraryfrom £1380
A fascinating exploration of Chinese arts, porcelain tradition and ancient history
See Itineraryfrom £1900pp x6p
An epic journey for those who yearn to discover the Himalayas.
See Itineraryfrom £3695
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