China

Trips to unique places in China and cultural experiences

From mighty rivers to sprawling megacities, there are 5000 years of history to explore across China. Travel Agency CARTER breaks boundaries by providing immersive cultural experiences, from exploring the ancient routes of the Silk Road to discovering hidden villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the most enigmatic country with ancient wisdom, scenic landscapes and interesting people. We invite you to experience the soul of each place, from watching artisans handcraft shoes in Yunnan to picking organic vegetables on a local farm in Fujian. Sometimes it might be a game of ping-pong in the park, a private performance of Peking Opera or even a private lunch on the Great Wall of China. From the aromas of street woks to the bustling markets in remote mountain villages, from hiking the remote mountain trails along the Yangtze River to tasting sophisticated tea cocktails in Shanghai, reflecting the fusion of heritage and modern creativity.

Feel the soft September sunlight of Shanxi, where the chestnut leaves of the autumn season will delight you along the less traveled road to the ancient cobblestone city of Pingyao. At the end of your incredible journey through China, you will discover the culinary secrets of Shanghai; from Michelin-starred fine dining to hidden spots known only to locals. Your individual trips tours and tailor-made holidays in China z CARTER will never be boring or standard.

Expeditions to China

China is a distant and intriguing country. For centuries, China was almost inaccessible to Europeans and only persistent merchants managed to reach their destination to obtain precious porcelain or silk. Living in an enclave created a belief in the superiority of Chinese culture and prevented the Chinese from assimilating with the rest of the world. The result of this attitude is a unique social system, interesting traditions and amazing monuments.

It was only the 20th century transformation as a result of economic reforms that opened China to the world, resulting in an increased number of tourists visiting this country from year to year. The intensive development of tourist infrastructure - air, road and hotel - makes it an increasingly accessible destination for enthusiasts of the most expensive travel.

Carter Office invites you on an extraordinary journey during which you will have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China. For which, a clear contrast will be the modernity in huge metropolises. During your stay in Asia, you will not miss the amazing landscapes, delicious Chinese cuisine and, above all, the view of the cuddly Pandas.

What is worth seeing in China?

The contemporary showcase of the Middle Kingdom are two metropolises - Beijing and Shanghai. These are windows to the world, places that are the entry point into China.

Beijing itself offers visitors a number of top attractions. These include, among others: Tiananmen Square, also known as Tiananmen Square, known for historical events, the Forbidden City, a huge palace complex which was their seat during the reign of Chinese emperors and a place inaccessible to ordinary people, or the Hutong district, known for its traditional houses and streets. In Beijing you will also find the charming Summer Palace, located on Lake Kunming, and the Olympic Park, where the arena of the 2008 Olympic Games is located - the so-called Bird's Nest. Near Beijing there is the famous Great Wall of China - one of the most recognizable Chinese structures in the world, which stretches for almost 6000 km. A real must-do is to taste the famous Peking duck.

Modern Shanghai, in turn, is a symbol of Chinese development. Tourists visiting it want to see, above all, the famous promenade overlooking the city - the Bund, the characteristic Oriental Pearl Tower, or a treat for shopaholics - Nanking Street. Let's also not forget about the shows of the famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. Suzhou, which lies on the Great Lake, is also close to Shanghai. The city is famous for its large number of parks and canals, which is why it is sometimes called the "Venice of the East". Here you can visit the Garden of the Humble Administrator - the largest in the city, founded in the early 16th century, which is a national monument, the Garden of Dwelling, and one of the oldest, founded in the 12th century, the Garden of the Master of the Net.

China is not only these two metropolises, it is also the distant Xian - which in the past was the place where the Silk Road began. From here, caravans of merchants and travelers set off to the West to return with precious goods. The capital of Shaanxi Province is also one of the most important cities in Chinese history, the seat of 73 emperors from 13 dynasties. Visitors to Xian can also meet the 8 imperial soldiers who formed around the tomb of the first emperor of China, forming his own, infamous Terracotta Army. Xian is also a Muslim district full of shops and the Grand Mosque there.

Another attraction in the Middle Kingdom is the Yangtze River, which you can cross on board the luxurious Sanctuary ship. A several-day cruise is the perfect opportunity to see life in the Chinese provinces up close. During the cruise you can admire, among others: a number of Chinese cities and towns and, above all, the gigantic Three Gorges Dam.

When traveling to mainland China, it is worth including two cities - countries - Macau and Hong Kong in your program. The first one is the Asian Las Vegas. Once a Portuguese colony, now one of the world's main gambling centers.

Hong Kong, in turn, was dependent on the British Empire and handed over to China at the end of the 20th century. This capital of finance is full of contrasts, it is also a real melting pot of cultures and interesting tourist attractions such as Victoria Hill or the Tian Tan Buddha Statue on Lantau Island.

A trip to China with Carter is a guarantee of a successful trip.

China - Customized Tours for the Demanding Traveler

China is a fascinating country that captivates with its history, culture and modern achievements. For discerning travelers looking for unique experiences, individual sightseeing tours are the perfect solution. Traveling in a way that suits your personal preferences, you can discover both the most famous attractions and less-frequented corners of the Middle Kingdom.

Why is it worth choosing an individual tour with a travel agency? CARTER?

Customized China Tour with a Boutique Travel Agency CARTER allows for complete freedom and tailoring the program to your own expectations. This is an ideal solution for travelers who value comfort, unique experiences and the ability to explore the country at their own pace. This type of travel offers:

• Flexible schedule – possibility to adjust the route, duration of stay and attractions to your own preferences,
• Exclusive experiences – access to luxury hotels, private guides and unique attractions,
• Individual approach – the ability to adjust transport, tour theme and sightseeing style to your own preferences.

The most interesting tour routes in China

1. Classical China – Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai

For those visiting China for the first time, the classic itinerary includes:

• Peking – The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven,
• Xi'an – Terracotta Army, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda,
• Shanghai – modern city panorama, the Bund, Yu Gardens.

2. Spiritual China – Tibet and Sichuan

For those seeking spiritual experiences, the ideal choice will be a tour of:

• Lhasa – Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery,
• Sichuan – panda reserve in Chengdu, Buddhist temples in Leshan and Emei Shan.

3. Natural wonders – Yunnan and Zhangjiajie

Nature lovers can delight in:

• zhangjiajie – mountains reminiscent of the landscape from the movie “Avatar”,
• Yunnan – Yuanyang rice terraces, Lijiang ancient city, Erhai Lake.

4. Modern China – Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Sanya (Hainan Island)

Travelers who want to see the modern face of China can visit Hong Kong  (futuristic skyscrapers, luxury shopping), Makau (casinos and colonial architecture), Shenzhen (the technological center of China) and a tropical island Hainan (Chinese Hawaii, famous for its white beaches).

Luxurious amenities and exclusive attractions

Customized tours for discerning travelers offer not only unique itineraries, but also the highest level of comfort and luxury. Some of the most popular amenities include:

• Luxury hotels – exclusive properties in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong,
• Private guides – local experts sharing their knowledge about culture and history,
• Unique attractions – balloon flights over Guilin, cruises on the Yangtze River, calligraphy lessons and culinary workshops.

Practical tips for traveling to China

When planning an individual sightseeing tour, it is worth remembering a few key aspects:

• Visa and documents – most travelers need a visa to enter China,
• Best time to travel – spring and autumn are the best times of the year to visit,
• Safety and health – it is worth having insurance and checking the required vaccinations.