When people ask me about my favourite holidays, they’re often surprised by one of my answers…
China.
I first travelled to China in 2014. We were young, travelling on a budget and looking for somewhere unique, exciting and packed with bucket-list experiences.
China ticked every box.
Five years later, I had the opportunity to return and experience the country in a completely different way — this time by small-ship cruise.
Across my two trips, I’ve walked the Great Wall, seen the Terracotta Warriors, explored Beijing and Shanghai, eaten some of the best food of my life and, of course, managed to squeeze in a couple of Disney parks along the way!
China remains one of the most fascinating countries I’ve visited.
For our first China holiday, we joined a G Adventures small-group tour.
It was a fantastic way to experience the country. Having transport, accommodation and logistics organised took away much of the stress, while travelling with a guide gave us a better understanding of China’s history and culture.
For anyone travelling to China for the first time, an organised small-group tour or private guide is something I’d definitely consider.
Our adventure began in Beijing, where we explored Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the beautiful Summer Palace.
But one of the biggest highlights of our entire China holiday was walking the Great Wall of China.
We took the cable car to the top before walking along one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Getting back down was another story…
Instead of taking the cable car, we jumped on the alpine toboggan!
Equal parts exciting and terrifying, it’s still one of those travel memories we talk about today.
My advice? Allow plenty of time for the Great Wall rather than squeezing it into an already busy sightseeing day — and wear comfortable shoes!
We travelled in July during one of Beijing’s hottest months, so if I had my time again, I’d choose spring or autumn for more comfortable sightseeing.
From Beijing, we travelled to Xi’an to see the world-famous Terracotta Warriors.
Seeing thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses and chariots that had remained buried for more than 2,000 years was a genuine wow moment.
The sheer scale is difficult to appreciate until you’re standing there looking across the excavation pits — photos really don’t do it justice!
If you have extra time in Xi’an, the ancient City Wall and Muslim Quarter are also worth adding to your China itinerary.
Then came Shanghai.
Vibrant, modern and full of energy, Shanghai felt completely different again.
The Bund was one of my favourite places to experience the city. From the waterfront you can see two sides of Shanghai at once — the historic architecture of The Bund and, directly across the river, the modern Pudong skyline.
Shanghai really comes alive after dark too. We enjoyed rooftop bars overlooking the city, fantastic food and even a night of karaoke.
Let’s just say we came home with some very funny stories!
More than a decade later, China is still one of the best holidays we’ve ever had for food.
Peking duck, handmade dumplings, fresh noodles and spicy green beans with chilli were just some of our favourites.
Eating our way through China completely changed Chinese food for us.
Australian Chinese food has never quite tasted the same since!
After finishing our mainland China tour, we spent a few nights exploring Hong Kong.
Hong Kong had a completely different energy — colourful, busy and fast-paced, with skyscrapers, bustling streets, shopping and incredible food.
Some of my highlights included taking the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak, exploring around Tsim Sha Tsui and Victoria Harbour and, naturally, eating plenty of dumplings and dim sum.
We also stayed at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and visited Hong Kong Disneyland — the first Disney park I ever visited and the one that started my love for all things Disney.
It was a fantastic way to finish our first China adventure.
Five years later, I returned to China in 2019 — this time aboard Windstar’s Star Legend, sailing from Hong Kong to Beijing.
Having worked for Windstar at the time, I knew the product really well, so finally experiencing it as a guest was pretty special.
With only around 200 guests onboard, I loved the intimate small-ship cruising experience. The service was personal, the suites were spacious and the atmosphere was relaxed.
One of the biggest advantages of cruising China on a smaller ship was where we could dock.
Shanghai was the perfect example. We arrived to an incredible view of The Bund and the city skyline, and being so close meant we could start exploring without spending hours travelling in from a cruise terminal farther away.
After a full day of sightseeing, we returned to the ship and relaxed in the hot tub while taking in the lights of Shanghai.
Pretty spectacular!
The deck barbecue was another highlight. Dining outside under the stars as we sailed away from Shanghai was one of those moments that reminded me why I love small-ship cruising.
My second visit also gave me the chance to visit Shanghai Disneyland and tick another Disney park off my list!
Having travelled to China twice, there are a few things I’d recommend knowing before you go:
Consider an organised tour. For first-time visitors, having someone take care of transport, tickets and logistics can make travelling around China much easier.
Don’t try to see everything. China is enormous. Give yourself enough time in each destination rather than trying to fit too much into your itinerary.
Prepare your phone before you leave. Internet access, apps and payment systems can work differently in China, so research what you’ll need before travelling.
Expect some language barriers. Having your hotel name, address and important destinations available in Chinese can be very helpful.
Choose when you travel carefully. After experiencing Beijing in July, I’d favour spring or autumn for sightseeing.
Carry tissues. Public toilets don’t always have toilet paper available. A small tip, but one you may thank me for later!
Check current entry requirements. Visa and entry requirements can change, so always check the latest information before travelling.
Absolutely.
When we first chose China back in 2014, I don’t think I realised just how much I would end up loving it.
Across my two visits, I’ve walked the Great Wall, seen the Terracotta Warriors, eaten some of the best food of my life, explored enormous modern cities and experienced China both by land and small-ship cruise.
There is still so much more I’d love to see.
Would I go back for a third visit? Without hesitation.
If there’s one thing I hope my travels have shown, it’s that a China holiday offers so much more than many people expect.
Not sure whether to join a China tour, travel privately, combine Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, add Hong Kong or experience part of the country by cruise?
Having travelled through China on both a small-group tour and small-ship cruise, I can help you find the option that suits the way you like to travel.
Whether you’re dreaming of the Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai, Hong Kong or a small-ship cruise through Asia, I’d love to help you plan it.
Could China be your next great adventure?
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