Great Tour But Some Logistics Need Improvement
To be honest, I couldn’t fault the guides, drivers, or most of the tour organization we experienced in both the UK and China. However, some arrangements could be refined. The brochure depicts direct flights into Shanghai and out of Beijing, but this was misleading. Instead, we flew via Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific, requiring a security check and navigating across the airport within an hour. While manageable if flights run on time, we missed our connection back to Heathrow on the return journey due to tight scheduling, leading to a rerouted flight to Manchester. There, we faced another delay of 11 hours due to "weather" and ground crew disorganization by British Airways. Adding to the inconvenience, family members were seated apart and we had to apply for refunds on our chosen seats.
In China, initial hiccups included miscommunication about the meeting point with our guide and learning, only upon arrival, that a National Guide accompanies groups over a certain size. For our group of six, local guides at each destination were helpful and punctual but had to part with us after security checks, leaving us to manage on our own—a potential challenge for less experienced travelers.
Our time in Shanghai was lovely, as described in the brochure. We also opted for the additional night river cruise, which was worth the 300 yuan. However, the early 3:00 AM wake-up the next morning for a flight to Chichang left us jet-lagged, sleep-deprived, and exhausted. Instead of rest, the day involved visiting a museum and hours of free time before boarding the river cruise ship at 6 PM. This could have been better planned to allow for a more restful day.
The remainder of the tour was enjoyable, well-organized, and lived up to our expectations. The hotels were comfortable and meals, predominantly Chinese cuisine, were delicious and plentiful. Breakfast provided a mix of Western and local dishes, while lunches and dinners involved sharing preordered plates with the group. Guides were accommodating with dietary preferences, and beverages like beer were inexpensive (though diet or sugar-free soft drinks were scarce). Free bottled water was consistently provided, with daily allocations even on the cruise.
Overall, it was a great holiday. However, the return flight issues somewhat marred the experience, and traveling during the Chinese school holidays in August meant it was busier than ideal. Choosing a quieter period would have been preferable.
· *Tips:**
· Confirm if your holiday includes direct flights; otherwise, check airport transfer times.
· Only carry power banks with a CCC logo and QR code, as others may be confiscated.
· Get a VPN-based internet package before traveling for access to blocked Google apps and Gmail.
· Avoid taking aerosols (even under 120ml), as they could be confiscated at railway stations.
· Pack lightly; formal wear wasn’t needed, even on the river cruise.
· Use porter services on trains to ensure your bags are loaded for around 30 yuan per piece.
· Familiarize yourself with itinerary notes on expenses, tipping, and other details.
· Be aware that Alipay is more widely accepted than credit cards; download it beforehand.
· Bring a strong insect repellent with DEET as it may be difficult to find locally.
· Be mindful of group schedules and punctuality; trains are very strict about departure times and require advanced passport checks.