Review for Grand Tour of China
Grand Tour of China - April 2025
This was an exceptional tour, with a wide variety of sight seeing to suit all tastes - cultural, natural, historical, shopping and so much more.
Our group of 15 ranged from early 50's to 80 and all managed the level of activity because there were options at each site based on ability. That said there are quite a few steps wherever you go in China.
We really felt that we'd been able to experience the culture (and sub cultures of each province) on this tour and it very much lived up to expectations. If you can take the time out to do this - absolutely would recommend.
It was very well organised and our national guide - Ryan - was brilliant, and the local guides (one in each location) added local flavour and information.
Some hints & tips if you're thinking about booking this trip
* Flights - If you can, upgrade to Premium Economy, it's worth it for the long flight. Also, check the flight times you're provided and make sure they're suitable. We ended up with a midnight flight home, and the tour officially finishes at breakfast on the last day, so we arranged a visit to the zoo ourselves, but otherwise we would have been hanging around at the hotel until collection at 7pm
* Packing - get out what you think you need then reduce by at least a third. All the hotels have laundry service and one even had self-service free washers/dryers and detergent provided. It's very casual, and sometimes you go straight to dinner from touring so you don't need clothes to change for dinner. If you can pack in a medium case (instead of large) you'll find it easier when you're moving around between locations, and packing cubes are a god send.
* Internal transfers - these were smooth, flights, trains and coaches. Train stations in China are like airport terminals, you're scanned on the way in (and your bags are too). Also don't get caught out like we did - on trains you're not allowed any pressurised containers over 150ml (and they will pick you up on it), so think deodorant, hair spray, shaving gel - travel size is best
* Staying connected - we used an unlimited data e-sim from Holafly, £60 each for 30 days. Worked like a dream. Some others used VPNs but these were patchy. Without either of these, even with hotel wifi you won't be able to connect to Google, What's App, Facebook etc
* Food & drink - We never went hungry. Breakfasts are mainly asian, but also some western options (fried/boiled eggs, toast, croissants). Lunch and dinner are all chinese, family service. You will eat a lot of rice, noddles. There was lots of fresh veg as well, and a fish eating veggie in our group was well catered for. There is limited choice for drinks, most of our group had local beers (about £1.50 on average per 500ml bottle), soft drinks you could have coke or sprite (or coconut milk/water). These again were about £1 for a 330ml can. Don't expect diet alternatives.
* Mindset - don't think of this as a "holiday" that is restful. Think of it as an adventure. Some days we walked over 20,000 steps, other days only 4,500. Some mornings we met in reception as early as 7am, others not til 9.30am. One flight meant leaving the hotel at 4.30am (as it was the only flight from that city to the next - one flight a day)! Temperatures ranged from early 30's to mid teens, and we were blessed with only two drizzly days. Some locations have high humidity. You also need to be ready to be considered unusual - a spectacle - by the locals. Not all the places visit have lots of western tourists. I don't think I've had my photo taken by as many people in my entire life as I did in these 4 weeks. From school children in a museum being fascinated with us, to adults in the street wanting selfies (or trying to take them on the sly) - go with the flow and you'll enjoy it.
* Crowds - some of the places we visit are very crowded (partly due to the increase in domestic tourism in China), and they don't have the same culture of queuing/patience as we might have in the UK. They travel in large groups, and are often very noisy (large tour groups using loud speakers), Our guides and the timings we had for visits made the most of trying to avoid this, but you do need to think differently when in a crowd if you want to get to "the front" to see something!
* Optional extras - the night tour in Xian is an absolute MUST, we did some of the evening shows and not others depending on how tired we were. If you're a train fan, the optional trip on the MagLev in Shanghai was worth it.
May 11, 2025
Review for Grand Tour of China
Fantastic tour of China. Well organised and delivered. Activity level was however higher than expected. The national tour guide Ryan was extremely professional and warm
Across the Great Wall, journeys unfold,
With Ryan, the guide, stories bravely bold.
Through ancient pagodas, and rivers so wide,
A tapestry woven, where wonders reside.
From bustling markets, to temples serene,
His knowledge profound, a captivating scene.
With whispered history, and tales of the past,
He paints vivid pictures, that forever will last.
The Terracotta Army, a silent parade,
Ryan's insights unveiled, a wisdom displayed.
The Forbidden City, a splendor so grand,
His expertise shines, across every land.
He leads with a smile, and a spirit so free,
Unveiling the secrets of history.
Through bustling streets, and whispering breeze,
Ryan, the guide, in China's embrace, he leads.
With each turning page, and each step on the way,
Ryan's passion ignites, and shines ever bright.
A master storyteller, guiding the way,
Across mountains and plains, in the light of the day.
From Shanghai's high towers, to Xi'an's old charm,
Ryan's guiding hand, brings smile and charm.
A tour de force, woven with wit and with grace,
Ryan's the greatest, in China's embrace.
May 03, 2025
Review for China Delights
Unbelievable experience! Terrific organisation from Wendy Wu, diverse itinerary and an incredible set of guides headed by the National Guide Jason. Who was magnificent throughout
May 02, 2025
Review for A China Experience
Lots to see in 8 days!
Guides are superb
No way could you do this itinerary independently in the same time frame
Hotels very good
Wendy Wu takes care of everything- my second tour as a solo traveller
May 01, 2025
Booking Experience for China & Tibet Discovery
Have only just booked our tour, but so far the responses and service has been excellent. I hope and expect that the next contacts will be as good.
Apr 30, 2025
Review for Ancient China
Astonishing sights; great guide.
Apr 29, 2025
Review for Gems of China
What an amazing holiday and Hoffman our guide is a man who loves his country/job and the company he work for he gave %110 in everything he did. Please do no miss out on the shows as they are amazing pictures or words do not do The Three KIngdoms and the fairy Fox we done every one on the Wendy Wu team.
Apr 29, 2025
Booking Experience for China Delights
The booking form is clear and helpful. The online brochures are excellent and gave me all the information I needed to decide which tour would be the most suitable.
Apr 29, 2025
Review for Gems of China
It surpassed my expectations. Everything happened exactly as it was outlined in my initial itinerary and very well organised.
No time wasted as there was so much to see and do. Our National ****** Jacky (Chan!) was superb in his professionalism, knowledge of his country as indeed were the local ******* especially Amanda in Zhangjiajie.
A magnificent experience from start to finish!
Apr 28, 2025
Review for In Pursuit of Pandas
This was a great tour, and I cannot recommend it enough. It was my first time on a tour, and I am so glad that I chose Wendy Wu. Everyone was looked after so well on the tour from start to finish by our tour tour guide, Alison. I got to see all the great sites of China with a fantastic group of people and made many great memories that will last a lifetime…
Apr 27, 2025
Review for Gems of China
Excellent tour with Wendy Wu. Saw so much and went to so many places. Was busy!!! Fabulous trip, especially pandas at Chengdu and Zhangjiajie
Tour guide was excellent too, well organised , fun and looked after us all from start to finish.
Looking forward to my next trip
Apr 27, 2025
Review for Wonders of China
This was a faultless tour, superbly organised by Wendy Wu, with excellent tour leaders and itinerary.
I would unhesitatingly recommend this tour to anyone wishing to experience some of China's most iconic sights in a comfortable and stress-free way in the company of like-minded people.
Apr 26, 2025