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Ancient Town Tours

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Ancient Town Tours

We believe that a quick and smart way to learn about a country’s culture and history is not only to read a history book or to make frequent visits to a museum of it, but also to visit its ancient towns and cities. Everyone knows in China there are eight Ancient Cities, which are Xi’an, Luoyang, Beijing, Kaifeng, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Anyang and Zhengzhou. Besides these large cities, from south to north, east to west of China, as gems here and there, there are also a large number of smaller towns/villages which played an important role in the history and owns lots of cultural and historical relics. The water town of Zhouzhuang near Shanghai, Hui style villages near Huangshan, Yangshuo and Daxu near Guilin, Pingyao in central Shanxi, Dali and Lijiang in northwest Yunnan, etc., each of them has different charms while all present China’s rich historical heritage.

Our China Ancient Town Tours are designed for those who have interests in learning about the ancient history of Chinese civilization. During these tours, you may stay in small guesthouses, “intrude” into an old local community, call at a local family, listen to some anecdotes from an aged man with white long beard…. Traveling with our China Ancient Town Tours, you not only sightsee, but experience China’s grass-root units and more…

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What customers say about us?

We believe that hearing directly from those who've experienced our private China tours is the best way to understand what we offer. It's not just about seeing the sights; it's about the whole journey, from planning to execution. We value all feedback and use it to constantly improve our tours.

  • Ms. Caligaris
    Ms. Caligaris
    Australian

    I would like to say thank you for the wonderful trip you planned for us. We loved every part of it and must compliment you on your wonderful organization, excellent guides and drivers and how smoothly everything went. We have recommended CET to anyone who has expressed interest in a trip to China and we know that without your organization we would not have had the wonderful time we did. We were able to enjoy the whole trip knowing that we would be taken care of and the standard of the guides and drivers was all we could ask for. Our trip to China will be remembered forever Once again thank you for your efforts and organization with our trip to your fascinating and hospitable country.

    Date of experience: 03/05/2018-22/05/2018
  • Jenny and Bevan
    Jenny and Bevan
    Australia

    We had an amazing trip, thank you so much for all your hard work in putting together our itinerary. All the guides were wonderful and their knowledge was incredible. They could not do enough for us and were always punctual, polite and fun.The hotels were very well chosen, great locations, rooms were beautiful and food was abundant.

    We even had an upgrade on arrival in Bejing which was a lovely way to start our holiday.  By the time Peter had finished with us in Bejing, I think I knew all there was to know about the Emperors and Dynasties. What would have helped would have been a “Time Line” brochure, so we could refer to which period was being talked about and where each Emperor fit in as there was so much to remember. Although we had a very full itinerary, I would have liked to see the Silk Road Markets in Bejing, I hear they are very interesting.The terracotta Soldiers in Xien were far more impressive than I had thought they would be. Grace was such a lovely Guide and obviously very proud of her job and what she has to show her guests.While we were in Guilin Amber suggested we take the chair lift to the top of a mountain and view Guilin from there.  I am so glad we did, it was amazing.

    Bevan came back down on the chairlift and I decided to take the louge with Amber, it was so much fun, even for someone my age (54).As we were a little early for the acrobatic show in Shanghai, Colin very kindly took us to a wonderful shopping precinct close by to the theatre, this was very much appreciated and I believe should be added to the itinerary. Colin also suggested we take the night cruise which we loved, Shangahi is so beautiful at night and what a great way to see it. The “Mag Lev” train to the airport was fantastic, my husband had always wanted to do this and was not disappointed, I think this should be offered as an extra when selling Shanghai.

    All our drivers were fantastic. We felt safe at all times even though the traffic in China was very different to what we are used to. The only thing that would
    have been nice was to return to a cool vehicle, although this was not always possible I am sure.

    The only thing that I was sometimes disappointed with was the choice of lunch venues. We chose your company because it was for small groups or in our case, only two people, and in some places we were in large dining rooms with large groups of tourists. I am sure these places are chosen for their locations and the food which was served which was wonderful.
     
    We had a most wonderful holiday and I will most certainly recommend China Expedition Tours to everyone.  I do hope we can visit China again very soon.
     
    Kindest regards
    Jenny and Bevan 

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    Date of experience: 19/08/2017-03/09/2017
  • Aurelia e Mario Bignami
    Aurelia e Mario Bignami
    Italy

    Dear Mrs. Chanel,

    We were really pleased with the whole trip that You organised for us.

    All aspects were studied very well and we had the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes and to know and love China. All the guides were good and prepared; we remember with special affection Nancy that we had in Shangri-la and who really loved us.

    Nancy anticipated of one day the visit to the Jade Mountain Snow and in this way we could see the spectacle of minorities that will not forget for life.

    The visits to Guillin were exceptional and Lizzie was really good at explaining. The rice fields of Longji were an exciting experience because they are the demonstration of the secular ability of the Chinese people to adapt to the environment even in the most difficult areas.

    The dinner at Your house was a demonstration of friendship that we will not forget and we wish you every luck for your Husband and for Your very good and polite daughter.

    Shanghai was amazing and Luisa guided us with great advice in a huge but extraordinarily friendly and organized city.

    My wife who speaks very little English has always found herself at ease; all the accommodations we tried were well above European standards and especially made us appreciate the China of small villages and ordinary people.

    We gave Your references to all our friends and our 3 daughters encouraging everyone to live this experience because in fact we know little here in Europe of the reality of this great country and only through direct experience is possible to understand a civilisation that thousands of years of history and much to teach us.

    We hope to come again and visit the center and north of China that surely reserve us new reasons for wonder and joy.

    Dear Mrs Chanel,

    Still many thanks for everything You have done for us.

    Aurelia e Mario Bignami

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    Date of experience: 01/11/2024-14/11/2024
  • David and Miriam
    David and Miriam
    United States

    We finally have some free time on our last night in China to thank you for so much. It is with a mixture of joy and sadness that we come to the end of our journey to China. We have become more than just business partners putting together an itinerary for a trip; we've become friends.

    Our first thank you is for the wonderful dinner we had at your place last week. It was one of the highlights of a trip that had so many. We enjoyed the food, meeting Heather, taking a walk around your neighborhood, and having the opportunity to "catch up" on things.

    We also want to thank you for the hard work you put in making the arrangements for us, especially the accommodations for Miriam--the motorized chair (which was a godsend), the walk-in showers in each hotel, easy access to the many sites we saw, including the Great Wall.

    All of the guides--David, Richard, Alex and David, and Stacy--were all great. They were all excellent and in a few days we became very comfortable with each one. It was sad to part ways with them. Alex and David said they want to visit us in Florida.

    Also, all of the drivers were outstanding, though we'll never get used to how the cars and motorcycle weave in and out of traffic.

    Finally: this is not good bye. On occasion we will write to you, not on business, but on a personal note.

    Be well, enjoy living in such a wonderful country. Our fondest wish is for our governments and people to learn to live together in peace and friendship.

    Yours always,

    David and Miriam

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    Date of experience: 01/09/2024-14/09/2024
  • Sherrie and Gary Blundell
    Sherrie and Gary Blundell
    the U.S

    Dear Monica,

    Thanks for an extremely well organised tour.It was fantastic to have somebody there to meet us at every airport and to have a seat as planned at every airport.
     
    All our guides were very helpful and spoke good English.
     
    Our favourite was Zoe from xi'an .  She was very flexible and knowledgeable. 
     
    The best hotel was the new world hotel in Xi'an.
     
    The homestay in Guilin was amazing, we couldn't believe the views. Guilin is a beautiful city and our hotel room provided views of the river.  Unfortunately the hostess could not speak English and the host was away on business.  Amber stayed with us until quite late to ensure we were comfortable.  Amber spoke the best English of all our guides.
     
    We saw an incredible acrobatic show in shanghai and would like to thank Tony for changing us to the Circus World show.  We had wonderful seats in the middle of the stage. I think this was the best  show we saw.  The Yangshou river light show was good but 280yuan per person was a little expensive.  It would be good to make you customers aware to the optional tours and how much they cost so that they can plan their time and budget appropriately.
     
    The only disappointment was the Yangtse River Cruise.  We paid for a room to accommodate 3 people.  On arrival we were taken to the room and told that we could squeeze a bed into the room but we should upgrade.  I had to agree, we could not fit into the room if we had another bed in there. A double room was not appropriate for a family of three.  So we had no alternative to upgrade to an Executive room with plenty of room to accommodate 3people.  This room was extremely comfortable but cost 990yuan extra.  We would have preferred to have paid for the correct room first.
     
    As we did not have accommodation vouchers we did not know what was booked so had to believe them that the booked room was inadequate. Lunch was not included on the last day of the cruise as indicated on the itinerary.  The food and service on the cruise was not 5 star and they were regularly trying to upsell us.   Morning Tea and afternoon tea were not included and coffee was extra except at breakfast.  On a 5 star ship you would not have to pay for anything except alcoholic drinks.
     
    Our room in Shanghai was too small to fit our luggage and 3 beds.  Once again we could have upgraded for 100yuan a night. This is definitely something you should consider in the future. We would prefer to pay a little extra to be comfortable but would prefer to be offered this in advance, not on the day of arrival.
     
     
    Regards

    Sherrie and Gary Blundell

    Date of experience: 23/09/2017-08/10/2017
  • Joe Thong Nguyen
    Joe Thong Nguyen
    United States

    Our group of 4, last 21 days was a life time experience of exploring the culture, history, differences cuisines of many ethnic of North, Southeast, South, breathing scenery is a given, architecture as old as 900+ years & still live in and passing generations to generations…and, last through all the battles during the 3 kingdoms, and many many surprises that take time to digest .

    That being said, regardless how long the planning (1 year 1/2) in addition to hundreds of YouTube - without Chanel Tang patients during the planning process & her team to make sure everything is OK from woke up with me at 5:00 am climbing the mountain as raining & thick foggy to take us to hotel at midnight, make sure we are safe. - we will not experience it. A huge thanks to China Expedition Tour & big kudo to her team. I am highly suggest to take the private tour. It is not cheap, or too expensive - very much a self expeditions with a local expert who knows where, when for photo, change to do list on-the-fly depending on weather, etc.…last but not least was treated like VIP.

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    Date of experience: 01/03/2025-22/03/2025

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