Where to Go

Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Great Wall—make the most of your visit by combining a trek along remote lengths of the Wall with rural camping or homestay in a local village

Explore China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings at Beijing’s imposing Forbidden City, the world’s largest palatial complex

Spend a day among the tranquil lakes, splendid temples, pavilions and imperial gardens of Beijing’s Summer Palace, the epitome of classical Chinese garden design

Take a hike through Yunnan province’s spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world

Head to Xian to witness the surreal sight of the 8,000+ life-sized, life-like sculptures of the Terracotta Army

Cruise through the Yangtze River’s breathtaking Three Gorges

Immerse yourself in the ancient city of Lhasa, the gateway to stunning rural Tibet and the heart and soul of Tibetan culture

Marvel at the heavily forested, mist-enshrouded granite peaks of Huángshan

Traverse the Chinese section of the ancient trading route, the Silk Road

Trek to the remote Kangshung Face of Earth’s highest peak, Mount Everest

Join the Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing for an epic journey to Russia via Mongolia

Make a pilgrimage to Tibet’s sacred Mount Kailas during the Saga Dawa festival

Pummel your senses in the super-modern, non-stop party metropolis of Shanghai

Watch Shaolin monks demonstrate kung fu, take a martial arts class or just enjoy the hypnotic sight of hordes of locals practicing tai chi and qigong in parks and public squares

Eat your way around this food-lovers paradise, sampling each of China’s eight regional culinary traditions

Weather

China experiences a rather broad temperature range throughout the year. In late summer, early autumn trips (August to September) expect warm to hot days with temperatures up to 25-30°C (78-87F) and a slight chance of rain.

During October the days are mild and dry, from 15-20°C (60-69F), and nights are cooler. In late October there is increasingly a cooler (but not cold) westerly wind, which lowers temperatures, particularly at night. The days, however, remain mild.

Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces, where we cycle, is China's most southerly province and experiences a rather broad temperature range throughout the year. On summer trips (Jun to Sep) expect hot, humid days with temperatures up to 33°C (91F) and a small chance of some rain - although daytime temperatures in the hills further north in Guangdong Province should be milder. During October, the days are mild, from 15-26°C (60-79F) and nights are cooler. Some rain is also possible at this time.

On winter trips (Nov-Feb) there will be quite cool days of 12-15°C (54-60F) and cold nights - upon occasion night temperatures can fall to below freezing in the north of Guangdong.

In Beijing the winter (Nov-Feb) temperatures can drop below -10°C (2-3 F) and you will need thermal underwear, a heavy coat, hat, gloves, etc. There may be snow in the capital during December and January - don't be put off as it can be a plus, there are many less tourists and the city looks spectacular clothed in white!

In summer the days may be hot, up to 30°C (86 F) but it is more likely to be quite pleasant. Rain can occur at any time but is more likely in spring, March-May. We suggest you pack a waterproof jacket with hood for all departures.