Touring China by train with Great Rail Journeys is an eye-opening experience - there is so much to take in that you won't want to miss a moment. It's no surprise that the world's longest established civilization should possess a wealth of stunning antiquities.
When we leave the city and journey by train into China's countryside a host of thrilling landscapes is revealed. From mist-shrouded mountain ranges to bamboo forests, lush green rice paddies to arid desert and even pristine white-sand beaches fringed by palm trees; China has natural beauty in abundance.
Possessing one of the largest, fastest, safest and most modern rail networks in the world, there is no more comfortable and enjoyable way to experience the magic and beauty of China than by train.
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Considered the greatest archaeological discovery, admire the remarkably well-preserved statues of warriors in Xi'an.
Set sail on a four-night scenic expedition on Asia's longest river aboard a luxury cruise ship with private balconies.
Known as the 'giant panda capital of the world', get close to these irresistible animals at a research centre in Chengdu.
Combining excellent value for money with an itinerary of exciting excursions that capture the essence of this captivating country, an escorted tour of China with Great Rail Journeys offers an unforgettable introduction to the 'Land of the Dragon'. We make your adventure in China as enjoyable and worry-free as possible. The cost of your rail holiday includes all flights and other travel costs, hotel accommodation and a generous selection of meals, a programme of sightseeing tours, excursions and activities and the services of our professional and knowledgeable Tour Manager throughout your visit.
As relaxing in good accommodation is an important aspect of your train holiday in China we take care to choose those hotels which score highly for the convenience of their location and the quality of service and guest facilities they provide. On many occasions we'll pick reputable family-run hotels for the additional value, service and informal atmosphere they offer.
With more than 1.5 billion inhabitants China is the world's most populated country but, occupying a land mass of almost ten million square kilometres in East Asia, it is also the world's third largest country. Historically, Chinese civilization is believed to have originated around five thousand years ago in the Shang Dynasty. The emperors of successive dynasties ruled China until the beginning of the twentieth century (with the exception of a brief period of Mongol rule between 1271 and 1368) when Chinese Nationalists ousted the Qing dynasty in 1912. A subsequent period of civil war between Chinese Communists and Nationalists lasting more twenty years culminated in victory for the Communists and in 1949, The People's Republic of China - the country's official title today - was established.
Due to its size, China has several different climatic zones, ranging from cold-temperate to tropical, in which rainfall and temperature vary significantly. Broadly speaking, the majority of China's provinces experience cold, dry winters and warm (sometimes hot) wet summers.
Food plays a fundamental role in Chinese culture. The addition of new recipes by successive dynasties throughout China's long history plus the emergence of cuisines unique to different regions has resulted in an almost limitless variety of dishes. Rice, noodles, dumplings or buns are the main constituent of a Chinese meal, whilst vegetables, meat or fish are considered 'accompaniments'. Chinese food is prepared in bite-sized pieces to be comfortably eaten with chopsticks. Popular Chinese dishes include Chow Mein; noodles stir fried with soy sauce and shredded beef, chicken or pork, seafood or egg; Wonton; a pastry wrapper filled with minced pork, fresh vegetables and seasonings, and cooked and served in a chicken soup and Kung Pao chicken; a spicy, stir-fried dish of chicken, vegetables, peanuts and chillies originating in the Sichuan province.
Western guests crossing China by train are often confused by the Chinese tipping culture. In the West tipping is a sign of gratitude but in China it is seen as charity. In almost all areas of China tipping is considered impolite and may cause offence. It is not uncommon for restaurants to enforce a no-tipping policy.
Historically, the use of knives and forks for dining was considered barbaric since in Chinese culture these items are considered as weapons, hence the use of chopsticks.
There has been much large scale development in China and rail travel is in the vanguard of this recent surge. China even operates the highest altitude rail service in the world with pressurised cabins to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
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