Australian travellers are being encouraged to explore lesser visited parts of China through five new itineraries spanning the Silk Road, regional cuisine, winter landscapes and active touring.
World Expeditions has expanded its China program as domestic tourism places increasing pressure on some of the country’s best known attractions, creating opportunities for travellers to look beyond traditional routes.
Among the new additions is a seven-day Western Silk Road journey from Chengdu to Jiayuguan, travelling through Gansu to Rainbow Danxia, Buddhist grottoes and the Qilian Mountains before reaching Jiayuguan Fort. Departures begin in October, priced from $3,390 per person.
A 12-day Premium China itinerary combines Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors, Great Wall and Chengdu with Furong Ancient Town and Zhangjiajie. It also includes first class rail travel, day walks, a dumpling class and tai chi, with departures in April and October 2027 from $6,990.
Winter travel is the focus of an eight-day Shanxi itinerary covering the Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and Pingyao, along with the frozen landscape around Hukou Waterfall. Departures run from December to February, starting at $3,490.
A longer 17-day Silk Road journey travels from Beijing and Xi’an through Xiahe, Dunhuang and the edge of the Gobi Desert before continuing to Turpan and Kashgar. Prices start from $6,490 per person.
Food takes centre stage on the 15-day Flavours of China itinerary, which explores seven regional cuisines using high speed rail rather than internal flights. Markets, tea houses and cooking experiences are combined with visits to Beijing, Chengdu and the Great Wall.
Sue Badyari, World Expeditions CEO, said recent travel through China reinforced the appeal of slower and more active journeys.
“What struck me most was what happens when you get beyond the headline sights,” Ms Badyari said.
“Travelling on foot or by bike slows everything down. You meet the people, eat in small local restaurants and experience landscapes and traditions you’d simply pass by on a conventional itinerary.”
