In a list of the world's best tours, National Geographic recommends "Southern China Explorer: Shanghai to Shangri-La" from REI Adventures. This two-week tour takes travelers hiking on Huang Shan (Yellow Mountain) and cycling through the countryside. It visits villages, a traditional Chinese concert by the Naxi Orchestra, and a Tibetan monastery. The tours ends in Zhongidan, or "Shrangi-Li," the inspiration for James Hilton's utopia in Lost Horizon.
REI Adventures provides the bicycles and meals are included in the price. Travelers may pay extra for single accommodation or let the tour assign them a roommate for lower rates. REI Adventures advises physical conditioning for three months prior to the tour, as hiking can be strenuous; however, on cycling days, travelers may choose to ride in a vehicle in lieu of the bike rides.
REI Adventures
PO Box 1938
Sumner, WA 98390
United States
1-800-622-2236
rei.com/adventures
For those who want an extensive tour of China without the physical exertion, China Highlights recommends the China Relaxation Tour in its list of its top 10 China tours. This is an 11-day tour that begins with a tour of Beijing, with trips to the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall of China. Next, the tour takes travelers to palaces, museums and other historical sites in Xian, Yichang, the Ghost City of Fengdu County and Shanghai. A highlight is a cruise on the Yangtze River.
China Highlights offers refunds for any reason before departure. The company also affords tourists the opportunity to customize their tours by adding activities. Tourists may also create individual itineraries.
China Highlights
No. 11 Binjiang Road, Guilin
GX541002
P.R. China
1-800-268-2918
chinahighlights.com
National Geographic recommends Spirit of China Family Action Adventure by Kensington Tours as one of the best Asia tours. It is a 14-day tour based on a tour that actor Blair Underwood and his family took. It visits Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Longsheng, Yangshuo and Shanghai, with private tour guides. The tour includes activities to please everyone in the family, including cooking classes, rock climbing, cycling, Kung Fu shows and Tai Chi lessons.
The tour price includes private car transportation with an English-speaking driver, meals, entrance fees to sites on the itinerary, and flights that are part of the tour.
Kensington Tours
2207 Concord Pike, #645
Wilmington, DE 19803
United States
888-903-2001
kensingtontours.com
