16 Days Leisurely China Train Tour
Destination:Beijing, Hangzhou, Huangshan, Nanjing, Qufu, Shanghai, Suzhou, Taian
Tour Code: CTT13
Tour Duration: 16 Days
- Tour overview:
- Showcasing China’s scenic highlights and historic relics, as well as Chinese cultural aspects such as traditional Chinese gardens and Dragon Well Tea, this China train tour will take you to places you have only dreamed of. You will visit temples of incredible beauty, such as Confucius’s home, the imperial palaces of Beijing, traditional gardens in Suzhou, and so much more. You will travel between destinations on soft sleeper cabins on Chinese trains, and watch the beauty of China pass by your window.
Day by Day Itinerary
Tour Summary
Reviews
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
Day 1
Beijing Arrival
Transport via: Flight on your own arrangement
Upon your arrival you will be greeted by our local guide and then transferred to your hotel by a private air-conditioned car. For the rest of the day you will enjoy some leisure time.
Day 2
Beijing (B, L)
Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City
This morning our tour will begin with a visit of the Temple of Heaven, which was completed in 1420, and expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty Emperors. It was the place where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. With the three blue-tiled cone-shaped roofs, a unique wooden and blue-tiled structure built without a nail, it has become a worldwide symbol of Beijing.
After lunch, we will go on our city tour to visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolical heart of China and gathering place for the masses. It is the biggest public square in the world, which can hold one million people.
From here we will walk across the Golden River Bridge to visit the Forbidden City and experience the ancient Emperor's daily life. For 5 centuries Chinese emperors carried out their administration here. With almost 10,000 rooms, it was the centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties, a massive complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens where 24 emperors used to live. Forbidden City was the largest palace in the world, and in the past it was indeed a forbidden place for commoners. Your tour here will include private access to the Emperor's palace.
Day 3
Beijing (B, L)
Sightseeing: Mutianyu Great Wall, Hutong Tour
After experiencing the royal lifestyle, today we will be transferred to the surrounding countryside of Beijing and visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, the pride of China and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Whereas Genghis Khan contemplated it as a military obstacle, Richard Nixon described it as one of humankind's greatest achievements. You will be able to climb and walk on the sections of the 2,000 years old ancient wall, admiring the splendid mountain views. Bring a jacket and layer- although it is breezy, the climbing is tough. So be in a good shape!
We will experience a unique Hutong tour by taking a rickshaw this afternoon. Hutongs are a kind of ancient city alley or lane and are very typical for Beijing. Most of them can be found close to the Forbidden City, and many were built during the three dynasties of Yuan, Ming and Qing. Today, the Hutong is a living museum of Beijing history showing the traditional lifestyle of Beijing people.
Day 4
Beijing / Qufu (B, L)
Transport via: Overnight Train K51 (23:06pm-07:36am+1) on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Summer Palace.
This morning will start the tour with the visit to the Summer Palace. Equally famous as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is called 'Yiheyuan' (Garden of Nurtured Harmony) in Chinese. Until nowadays, it is the best preserved and the largest imperial garden in China. You will regret it if you leave Beijing without having visited this grand imperial garden.
Later that day you will be transferred to railway station to take overnight train to Qufu.
Day 5
Qufu (B, L)
Sightseeing: Confucian Temple, Confucian Mansion, Confucian family graveyard.
Arrive Qufu this morning, you will be met at railway station and transferred to your hotel to have breakfast and a short rest.
Today we will learn the Confucian culture with the visit to Confucian Temple, Confucian Mansion and Confucian family graveyard. They are called Three Confucians, which are now one of the four extant great architectural complexes in China.
Among many preserved Confucian temples of different dynasties all over China, the Confucian Temple in Qufu is the largest and earliest one. It represents the culture and history of Confucianism. Confucian Mansion: It is also called Yanshenggong Mansion, a large house consisting of 463 halls, rooms, towers and houses, covering an area of 13.3 hectares-the largest landlord manor in China's history. The courtyard is divided into three family temples. The main building in the center was first used as a government office then changed to dwelling house later. Confucian family graveyard: It is the graveyard of the Confucian family and has a history of more than 2340 years. There are about ten thousand tombs inside the graveyard .Also many stone steles, lanes and pavilions can be found here.
Day 6
Qufu / Taian (B, L)
Transport via: Private car arranged by us
Sightseeing: Dai Temple. Mountain Tai
After breakfast, we will drive to Mount Tai Tourist Attraction. Take Car & Vehicle to the Top of the mountain. Mountain Tai, Covering an area of 426 square kilometers with the highest peak 1,545 meters above sea level; the majestic Mt. Tai is one of the China's national parks and the first of the Five Sacred Mountain in China.
Have a visit to the Dai Temple. First built in Han Dynasty, it is the largest and most completed ancient building complex of Mount Tai. Emperors of the past dynasties held celebrations in the temple to worship heaven and earth, and sacrificed to the God of the mountain. Besides, it was also the first stop for the pilgrims on their way to the Tai Mountain.
Day 7
Taian / Nanjing (B)
Transfer via: Train D29 (11:44am-16:26pm) on our arrangement
Free at leisure this morning until be met and transfer to train station and head for Nanjing. Known as the Capital City of Ten Dynasties in China's history, Nanjing has many places of historic interests.
After your arrival in Nanjing, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our local guide. For the rest of that day you can enjoy some leisure time.
Day 8
Nanjing (B, L)
Sightseeing: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Yangtze River Bridge, Nanjing City Wall, Zhonghua City Gate, The Confucius Temple
Today we will start our tour by visiting Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Sun Yat-Sen, leader of the 1911 Revolution that toppled the Qing Dynasty and ushered in the first republic in China's history, died in 1925.The mausoleum offers beautiful scenery and architecture.
Then we will proceed to the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge. It was the first double deck and double track highway and railway bridge designed and constructed by Chinese people themselves. The upper highway bridge is 4589 meters long and the lower railway bridge is 6772 meters long. Each arch of the main bridge spans 160 meters.
After a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant, we will jaunt to Nanjing City Wall and the Zhonghua City Gate. It is the best preserved Chinese ancient castle, and the biggest and most splendid city gate of Nanjing. The gate was built from 1366 to 1386 and is made of huge bricks and special cement which is extraordinarily strong.
Afterwards our guide will accompany you to Confucius Temple. Consisting of 3 architectural complexes, Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) was originally built in 1034. Enjoy yourself here, since the entire area around the temple consists of a series of tourist shops, snack bars, restaurants and entertainment arcades all being decorated in "Ming" and "Qing" style.
Day 9
Nanjing / Suzhou (B, L)
Transfer via: soft seat train on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Humble Administrator's Garden, Tiger Hill
This morning, you will be escorted to the railway station to take the express train to Suzhou. Suzhou is praised as the "Oriental Venice" and called "paradise on earth" along with Hangzhou.
Upon your arrival in Suzhou, our guide will meet you and escort you to a local restaurant to have lunch. In the afternoon you will visit Humble Administrator's Garden, the largest classical garden in Suzhou and one of the four most famous ones in China. Originally built in 1513 AD, it consists of three parts with different types of buildings around streams and ponds.
Then we will move on to Tiger Hill (Huqiu). Tiger Hill is the most famous sight in Suzhou city, enjoying the reputation of "The first scenic spot in Wu area" by its imposing beauty; This includes Leisure Spring, Testing Sword Rock, Third Spring, Broken-Pillar-Hall and Mountain Villa Wrapped in Emerald Green etc. With only 36 meters of height and an area of 20hectares, you might think it is an artificial hill, but its history can be traced back to 2500 years ago. The Tiger Hill Pagoda in the park is the landmark of Suzhou city.
Day 10
Suzhou / Hangzhou (B, L)
Transfer via: soft seat train on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Rickshaw Tour, Lingering Garden, No.1 Silk Factory
Today we will start off with a special Rickshaw Tour. Being driven through the old streets and Hutongs of Suzhou, you will see local people's life.
The arrangement will be made to visit the No.1 Silk Factory in Suzhou, as this city is also famous for its silk production. In the factory you can see how silk is made from the silk worm to the final woven cloth.
Finally we visit the Lingering Garden, one of the four most famous gardens in China. The garden is celebrated for its artistic way of handling the spaces between various architectural forms and garden courts. With pavilions, terraces, grotesque rocks, clear streams and rare vegetations, the corridors are able to separate the garden into several courtyards with distinct styles. The scenery of gardens within a garden is really attractive and makes tourists linger in this renowned Jiangnan Garden.
Afternoon, you will be transferred to the railway station and take the train to Hangzhou. An old Chinese saying goes, "There is heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below." Centuries ago, Marco Polo called Hangzhou the most enchanting city in the world. Upon your arrival in Hangzhou, our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. For the rest of the day you can discover the city on your own.
Day 11
Hangzhou (B, L)
Sightseeing: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Peak Flying from Afar, Pagoda of Six Harmonies, Dragon Well Tea Plantation
Today you will experience the beautiful West Lake. We will take a cruise boat across the lake to see the 3 pagodas in the lake. The West Lake is the most famous tourist spot of Hangzhou. Graceful mountains surround it on three sides. It has a charming scenery and many cultural relics and historic sites.
Then we will visit Lingyin Temple (Soul's Retreat Temple) including the FeiLai Feng from Afar. Close to the West Lake, the main hall in Lingyin Temple is about 34 meters (111 feet) tall - incredibly high for a one-storey building. In the center of the hall there is a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, which was carved from 24 pieces of camphor wood. The temple was named Lingyin Temple for its extremely beautiful environment which is serene and suitable for "Soul's Retreat".
After having lunch at local restaurant, we will drive to the Six Harmonies Pagoda, highly erected by the Qiantang River and in the south of the West Lake. It is a perfect symbol of brick-and-wood structure built in the ancient China and was built in 970 AD in the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127) to press down the evil of the river tidal bore in Qiantang River.
Dragon Well Tea is well known worldwide, so you will be guided to the Dragon Well Tea Plantation to discover the history of Chinese tea and the tea ceremony. The water of dragon well is sweet and good taste. The green tea here enjoys very high reputation since Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D) for its four special features: green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste and smooth even appearance. Finally you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 12
Hangzhou to Yellow Mountain (B)
Transfer via: Express Bus on our arrangement
In the morning you will have some leisure time until you will be met by your guide and transferred to the express bus station to take the bus to Huangshan.
Huangshan City is a region with a long history and splendid culture. Among all notable mountains in China, Mount Huangshan, located in the south of Anhui province, is probably the most famous one. Together with the Yellow River, the Yangtze River and the Great Wall, Mt. Huangshan has become one of the great symbols of China. Mt. Huangshan boasts not only because of its magnificence but also its abundant resources and great variety of zoological species, for which it has been listed as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site. After your arrival in Huangshan, you will be met and transferred to the hotel, to enjoy some leisure time for the rest of the day.
Day 13
Yellow Mountain (B, L, D)
Sightseeing: Mt. Huangshan
In the morning, you will be transferred to the foot of Mt. Huangshan, take cable car to the top of it and make a tour to North Sea Scenic Area and other peaks. You will stay this night on top of the mountain.
Mt. Huangshan, known as "the loveliest mountain in China", is famous for its magnificent scenery made up of many granite peaks and rocks emerging out of clouds. Its landscape features "four wonders" of imposing peaks, spectacular rocks, odd-shaped pines, and a sea of clouds. Mount Huangshan boasts 72 peaks, more than 1,000 meters above sea level, with three main peaks rising majestically. The famous Welcoming Guests (Yingke) Pine (1,500 years old) and See-Guest-Off Pine have become a symbol of being faithful, unyielding and hospitable.
Day 14
Yellow Mountain / Shanghai (B, L)
Transfer via: Overnight train on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Shexian Paifang, Ancient Street, Ink Stone Factory
This morning, you will be free for your own leisure activities, and then take a cable car down from the Mt. Huangshan. Afterwards we will visit Shexian for the unique Paifang architecture. Paifang is an archway usually made of fine wood or stone, as memorial and decoration. Shexian county is famous as the "the Town of Paifang" and has thousands of arches scattered around it. It is the best place to explore the social culture of China's feudal society.
Our next stop will be the Ancient Street. Located in the center of Huangshan, the Ancient Street was built 700 years ago in the Song dynasty. Its total length is about 1.5 km and the sides of the street are laid with slab stones. There are hundreds of old but well preserved shops, evoking a bygone era with buildings which are simple and elegant. Today, it is a commercial walking street.
After lunch, we will spent some time in the Ink Stone Factory. Ink Stone is the most important part of the "Four Treasures of the Study". Because of its solid texture, ink stone can be handed down from ancient times. The Ink Stone Factory in Hangshan is one of the most famous ink stone factories in China, where you can see the whole working process.
Finally, you will be transferred to the railway station and take overnight train to Shanghai.
Day 15
Shanghai (B, L)
Sightseeing: The Bund, Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Arrive at Shanghai railway station in the morning. Be met and transferred to your hotel for breakfast and a short rest.
Let's start today's activities with a visit to the Bund to take a walk along the waterfront and experience the smells, sights and sounds of the old "Wall Street"" in Shanghai. Actually, some people say that the Bund is like "an exhibition of buildings". Finally we will walk along the famous pedestrian street-Nanjing Road, known as "China's No.1 Shopping Street".
Then we will take a stroll through the lovely Yuyuan Garden, one of the best Suzhou-style garden in southern China, which has many scenic courtyards decorated with baroque rockery, pools and flora, all connected by corridors and passageways. Afterwards, you will get an insight into Shanghai's local life on the Yuyuan Market – taste a pot of tea, shop for unique souvenirs and get a feeling for Old Shanghai.
Follow us to the Jade Buddha Temple. It is famous for its two rare statues of Buddha carved out of a single piece of white jade. One is a 1,000kg, 1.9 meter-high figure carved from Burmese jade brought to China in 1882, and the other is a sleeping Buddha; The temple receives thousands of visitors and worshipers every day. If you're lucky, you can watch the monks serving a ceremony in a side room.
After lunch you will visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, the highest TV tower in Asia and the world's third highest, creating a picture of 'twin dragons playing with pearls'. Like the Statue of Liberty in New York, Sydney Opera House and Eiffel Tower in Paris it has become Shanghai's symbolic architecture. The evening will be free for your own activities.
Day 16
Shanghai Departure (B)
Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
The rest of the day is your own, until our guide escorts you to the airport for your next destination.
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
| Tour Dates | Destinations | Services Provided | Meals Included | ||||||||||||||
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| Day 1 |
Beijing
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Be met and transferred to your hotel.
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| Day 2 |
Beijing
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Full day visit The Temple of Heaven , Tiananmen Square , Forbidden City .
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| Day 3 |
Beijing
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Full day visit Mutianyu Great Wall , Hutong Tours in Rickshaw .
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| Day 4 |
Beijing/Qufu
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Visit Summer Palace .Later this day you will be transferred to railway station to take overnight train to Qufu. |
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| Day 5 |
Qufu
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Arrive in Qufu this morning, visit Temple, Mansion and Cemetery of Confucius / San Kong .
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| Day 6 |
Qufu/Taian
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After breakfast, we will drive to Mount Tai Tourist Attraction. Take Car & Vehicle to the Top of the Mountain. Visit Dai Temple/Daimiao .
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| Day 7 |
Taian/Nanjing
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Free at leisure this morning until be met and transfer to train station and head for Nanjing. After your arrival in Nanjing, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our local guide. Free at leisure the rest of the day.
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| Day 8 |
Nanjing
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Full day visit Dr.Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum ,Yangtze River Bridge, Nanjing City Wall, Zhonghua City Gate, Confucius Temple ( Fuzimiao ) .
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| Day 9 |
Nanjing/Suzhou
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In the morning, you will be transferred to the railway station and take express train to Suzhou. Arrive in Suzhou, be met and visit Humble Administrator's Garden and Tiger Hill .
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| Day 10 |
Suzhou/Hangzhou
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Have a special Rickshaw Tour, visit Lingering Garden (Garden to linger in) ,Afternoon be transferred to railway station and take train to Hangzhou. Arrive in Hangzhou, be met and transferred to the hotel, free at the rest of the day.
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| Day 11 |
Hangzhou
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Today visit West Lake , Ling Yin Temple (Temple of Soul's Retreat) (Temple of Soul's Retreat), Six Harmonies Pagoda , Dragon Well Tea Plantation .
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| Day 12 |
Hangzhou/Huangshan
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Free at leisure until to be met and transferred to the express bus station and take bus to Huangshan. Arrive in Huangshan, be met and transferred to the hotel, free at the rest of the day.
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| Day 13 |
Huangshan
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In the morning, be transferred to the foot of Yellow Mountain ,take cable car to the top of Yellow Mountain, tour to North Sea Scenic Area and other peaks. Stay overnight on top of the mountain.
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| Day 14 |
Huangshan/Shanghai
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Free at leisure, take cable car down from the Yellow Mountain .Then visit Shexian, the Ancient Street, the Ink Stone Factory. Then be transferred to railway station for overnight train to Shanghai. |
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| Day 15 |
Shanghai
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Arrive in Shanghai this morning, be met and transferred to your hotel. Then visit The Bund , Yuyuan Garden , Jade Buddha Temple , Oriental Pearl TV Tower .
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| Day 16 |
Shanghai
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Free at leisure until transferred to the airport for next city. |
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-NOTE:
1. Normally hotels allow a maximum of 3 adults per room with an extra bed, at extra charge. Some hotels will allow three adults and a small child.
2. Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
3. More people more discounts. Please enquire for more details.
Price Includes
A. Entrance fees：To scenic spots as listed above in the itinerary.B. Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
C. Private Transfers: Among airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in the above cities by the private air conditioned vehicle.
D. Guide and Driver: As outlined in the itinerary, a well selected English-speaking guide and driver will accompany you throughout the entire tour in that city. They do not fly with you from one city to another.
E. Hotels: Hotel Based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
F. Luggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
G. Service Charge & Government Taxes.
H. Travel insurance in mainland China during the above travel period.
I. Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
What a wonderful tour trip I and my wife had in China. Thanks to Visitourchina, a professional Tour Agency that helped to plan and execute this trip for us. Our trip was customized by careful selection of the cities and what exactly to see in those cities. Guangzhou, Guilin and Beijing you were so amazing. Our memories cant forget that experience of walking on that terrifying but safe Gulong Canyon glass bridge, the Reed Flute Cave in Guilin left us mouth agape as it was the first to see such kind of huge and beautiful cave. The boat cruise in Li River and its wonderful mountainous scenery showed us how nature can be so beautiful. Beijing gave us a glimpse of China history and that was a mesmerizing moment for us. The Forbiden city, the Temple of Heaven and the famous Mutianyu Great wall all displayed the wonderful ancient masterpieces in architectural designs. Kudos to Visitourchina, your responses and actions to our inquiries and requests were so quick, the logistics were to the point. We recommend Visitourchina to everyone who is visiting China, you will not go wrong.
- Booking Code:VOC-20240526
- Tour Starting Date:Sunday, 26 May 2024
- Client's information:Hyton, Malawi
We had a great time. Thanks for everything! We did a two-day excursion with Lily in Guilin, starting with the Li River cruise, the bamboo canoe ride, and the second day we went up to the rice fields in the mountains: the experience was magnificent, the landscapes were beautiful, and the organization and coordination from both the agency and Lily was excellent: from the moment we arrived in Guilin, they warmly welcomed us at the airport and helped us organize everything, including some hotel details such as breakfast and check-in. Lily knows a lot, making our stay and knowledge of the place much easier and more pleasant, and the walks are very complete, organizing all the details, explaining local customs and stories, always accompanied and very well informed. 100% recommendable
- Booking Code:VOC-20240519
- Tour Starting Date:Sunday, 19 May 2024
- Client's information:Marco and Jesica,Spain
Thank you Lisa for arranging! Will recommend you to our friends!Thank you our tour guide Jack in Huangshan, he’s very polite and professional, and he He took great photos for us. We enjoyed his accompany a lot.
- Booking Code:VOC-20240408
- Tour Starting Date:Monday, 8 April 2024
- Client's information:Ann, Singapore
MY DEAR Lisa, VISIT OUR CHINA, Thank you immensely for providing Mona as my tour guide. It was truly an unforgettable experience!!!!!!! Her knowledge and passion for the Guilin city were truly awe-inspiring and I enjoyed every minute of it. I learned so much and was amused at each every stop on the tour exploring classical Guilin. My exceptional memory was when she arranged for me to travel to Yangshuo through Li River. Her enthusiasm for this long but an extremely beautiful scenic travel through the river by a cruise and its breathtaking picturesque scenes were absolutely stunning and I really amused getting to learn her command on the topic. I also really appreciate all the time she spent walking me around Yangshuo and showing me it’s beautiful landscape Thank you again, and if I ever get the chance to come back to Guilin. I will certainly be calling on you for another tour !!!!!!! Very sincerely your, S. K. Humayun
- Booking Code:VOC-20240309
- Tour Starting Date:Saturday, 9 March 2024
- Client's information:Hyumayun, Pakistan
Lisa's assistance with my pre-trip preparations was absolutely outstanding! Her suggestions were exceptional, and her attention to detail was remarkable. She crafted a customized itinerary that perfectly suited my preferences and provided valuable insights and tips. Lisa's responsiveness and dedication to ensuring a memorable travel experience were commendable. I highly recommend Lisa to anyone seeking expert guidance for their next adventure. Thank you, Lisa, for your exceptional service!
- Booking Code:VOC-20231225
- Tour Starting Date:Monday, 25 December 2023
- Client's information:Ann, Singapore
I did a solo trip to Huangshan mountain near Shanghai and I cannot recommend this company enough! Lisa from Visit Our China was very helpful and she offered a customized experience based on what I needed which included my private tour, helping to book accommodation and hotel pick up and drop off from the train station. I was a little nervous to travel alone here, but she took care of everything and answered every question I had. Would highly recommend!
- Booking Code:VOC-20230908
- Tour Starting Date:Friday, 8 September 2023
- Client's information:Alex, United States
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