China Off the Beaten Track II (OBT-2) continues where OBT-1 left off. Join Imprint for this continuing unique and extraordinary journey. In recent years, many travelers have visited the Middle Kingdom, making it a popular destination on the tourist trail. However, China is far richer and more diverse than what the average tourist typically encounters.

On this tour, we will delve into the nation's hidden gems, from breathtaking national parks and scenic wonders to obscure palaces, monasteries, and temples that ignite the cultural imagination. Our China OBTs (Off-the-Beaten-Track tours) are among the most "sight-rich" itineraries we offer, rivaling even our Egypt tours.

Every stop on this journey is designed to be unfamiliar to Western travelers, enhancing the impact and increasing the enjoyment of this truly unique adventure. This is more than a tour; it's a journey of discovery – par excellence!

Join us as we unveil the immense treasure trove of lesser-known, but genuinely spectacular sights and experiences that China has to offer. Let's embark on this unforgettable expedition together!

• Huangshan & Huashan: Use cable cars to ascend these spectacular mountains for hiking and extraordinary vistas.
• Pingyao: Explore China’s best-preserved medieval village, over 1000 years old and a World Heritage Site.
• Henshan Hanging Monastery & Cangyan Shan Hanging Palace: Marvel at these gravity-defying architectural masterpieces; Henshan clings to a cliff, while Cangyan Shan spans a deep and narrow gorge.
• Picturesque Villages: Visit four traditional villages, including the World Heritage designated Hongcun and Xidi, followed by the water villages of Zhujiajiao with its iconic bridge and Tongli with its multiple bridges and classic gardens.
• Highlights of Beijing (extension): Hutongs, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven
• Great Wall (extension): Hike the Great Wall of China

Visa Requirements: Participants are REQUIRED to obtain a Visitor Visa prior to the trip at their own expense. 

Q: How do I obtain a visa for China?

A: You need a visitor visa before arrival. Apply online via the Chinese Online Visa Application  (COVA) and attend an in-person interview at a Chinese Embassy in the US (NYC, Washington DC, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles).

Registration and Deposit

Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?

A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a Manage Booking page where you can view all your trip details, your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance through Travelex. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.

Flight Information

Q: Are flights included?

A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included. Internal tour flights, when used, are included.

Q: What airport do I use to join/depart the tour?

A: The tour starts in Xian (XIY) on Oct 21 (late afternoon) and ends after breakfast in Shanghai (PVG) on Nov 2, 2025.

Q: If I'm extending to Beijing, which airport do I use to depart?

A: Either Beijing airport (PEK, PKX)

Q: Should I arrive early for the tour?

A: When you arrive is entirely up to you. Most Imprint travelers arrive 1 day early.

Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?

A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.

Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?

A: No, airport transfers are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter.

Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?

A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.

Q: When should I book my flight?

A: Avoid booking flights before Feb 21, 2025 unless you confirm the tour status.

Q: Do I need to check the tour status after Feb 21?

A: No, if you have not received a cancellation notice from Imprint by Feb 21, you may assume the tour is a go.

Early Pay Discount (EPD)

Q: How do I avail the Early Pay Discount (EPD)?

A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must register for the EPD price and pay in full by the designated date. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.

Pre-Departure Information

Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?

A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the tour end date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.

Terre Cotta Warriors

Q: If I want to see the Terre Cotta Warriors near Xian, how can I do that?

A: There is an optional "add-on" to visit the TCWs before the tour starts on Oct 21. If participating, please arrange to be available by 9:00AM, at the Bell Tower Hotel.

Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels

Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- and post-tour hotel bookings, how do I book non-tour hotel nights?

A: For pre-tour nights, book at Bell Tower Hotel. For post-tour nights, book at Shanghai Kingtown Plaza Hotel under Intrepid Travel China and Imprint Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start. If extending to Beijing, our hotel is Hotel Xinqiao.

Tour Hotels

Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?

A: On the China OBT Tour ITINERARY page on the Imprint website. 

Important Reminders

Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?

A:

• Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.

• If your passport will expire between now and 6 months beyond your intended departure from China, it is your sole responsibility to update your registration information in We Travel. You can use the link in your confirmation email to return to your account to make edits. Imprint Tours is not responsible for reminding you to update your information nor for any problems with booking delays, mistakes, or omissions due to incorrect passport data.

• Add reid@imprinttours.com to your email address book.

• Download & activate Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.

• Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal  or Credit Card fees.

Health and Safety

Q: What health precautions should I take?

A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for China. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns. This tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking tours and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.

Tour Member Expectations

Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?

A: Be flexible, independent, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.

Travel Insurance

Q: Why is travel insurance important?

A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness. We recommend Travelex.

In case you haven’t read our Terms and Conditions carefully, we would like to repeat the importance of purchasing trip insurance. We have partnered with Travelex, a leader in the travel insurance industry. We have chosen Travelex for their very high rating, their record and reliability of processing claims, and their excellent customer service. Travelex is proud to offer you a variety of travel protection plans to fit your travel needs. We understand your plans can change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it’s important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment.

Travel protection plans help provide coverage for:

- Trip Cancellation- Trip Interruption

- Emergency Medical Expenses

- Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains

- Travel Delay

- Baggage & Personal Effects

- Baggage Delay and more

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICES*: With a Travelex Travel Protection Plan, emergency assistance and travel services are just a phone call away from virtually anywhere in the world. For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, CLICK HERE or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0252.

Please Note:

Travelex Insurance Services plans are only available to U.S. Residents. To be eligible for a waiver of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the Ultimate protection plan must be purchased within 21 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit. However, plans can be purchased any time up until the day prior to departure.

*Travel Assistance Services are provided by the designated provider as listed in the policy. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Certain coverages not available in all states. 

Meeting; Dinner
We’ll gather in our Xian hotel for our get-acquainted meeting before enjoying dinner together. For those who wish, we have an optional excursion to see the Terre Cotta Warriors, departing at approximately 10:00AM this day.

Huashan
We initiate our sight-seeing agenda with a spectacular excursion to nearby Huashan. One of Taoism’s sacred mountains, Huashan never fails to elevate one’s spirit. A cable car will sweep us up to the first of five peaks, from which we can hike the circuit of the remaining four. The views are nothing less than spectacular.

Walking Tour

This morning we’ll have our first experience of a famous Chinese bullet train as we speed north to Datong. Upon arrival we’ll have a walking tour of the Old Town. Highlights include the Nine Dragon Screen and city walls.

Hanging Monastery; Yangung Caves

Today is a blockbuster sight day. Our morning destination is the Hanging Monastery. Clinging precariously to a cliff wall and supported by hundreds of “stilts”, this religious architecture is a wonder to behold. For our afternoon activity we’ll visit Yangung Caves. These rock-carved cave temples constitute some of China’s most significant Buddhist heritage and ancient art. More than 1500 years old, the 45 caves boast frescoes, stone-carved pagodas, Buddha statues, and other carvings.

Walking Tour

Your morning is free at leisure to relax or explore more of Datong. Then another bullet train journey takes us back south to Pingyao. After checking into our hotel we’ll have a walking tour of the Old Town. Purported to be China’s best preserved ancient walled town, Pingyao gives new meaning to the term charming. Like a living museum Pingyao will enchant with its narrow lanes begging to be explored, the impressive medieval walls and towered gates, photogenic temples, and stylish courtyards. 

Free morning; transportation day

Today commences with a free morning to continue your explorations of Pingyao. An afternoon train speeds us to Shijiazhuang. Tonight’s dinner is classic Chinese duck.

Cangyan Shan; Yujiacun

One of our favorite hidden gems highlights today’s sightseeing. Cangyan Shan, or the Hanging Palace, is a Sui dynasty structure that dramatically spans a narrow gorge. Afterward we’ll continue on to Yujiacun, or Stone Village. As the name suggests, this tiny village is constructed entirely of stone, right down to the furniture.

Huangshan

A morning bullet train speeds us south. Destination: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). The twisted peaks, serrated ridges, and granite towers give these mountains a distinctly otherworldly feel. Views are breathtaking and we’ll have the benefit of sunset and sunrise to revel in the natural beauty that surrounds. If we are lucky enough to be present when heavy fog rolls in below (a relatively common occurrence) we’ll be rewarded with an even more ethereal vista. 

Huangshan

Today is entirely free for you to explore the many beautiful trails and stunning views of Huangshan. Needless to say, a memorable sunrise rewards early risers. At the end of the day we’ll take the cable car down and be transferred to our Tunxi hotel.

Xidi; Hongcun; Bamboo Forest

Today we visit two traditional Anhui villages: Xidi and Hongcun. Both are World Heritage Sights and display the traditional Huizhou architectural style. We will also squeeze in a photo stop at the Bamboo Forest, made famous in the movie Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Then it’s back to our home for the night, amiable Tunxi.

Bund

A free morning is yours to relax or explore Tunxi. A midday train rockets us to Shanghai. After checking into the hotel we’ll enjoy an evening stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s colonial waterfront, with illuminated views of the impressive Pudong skyline.

Zhujiajiao; Tongli

Our last full day is water town day. A few miles west of Shanghai one finds a number of quaint, enchanting, time-warped villages laced with waterways. Photogenic bridges span the canals, adding to the enticing ambiance. We’ll visit two of the most alluring villages: Zhujiajiao and Tongli. We’ll return to Shanghai for our last dinner together.

Tour Over The tour concludes with breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfers.

Day 1 Beijing - Hutong Tour
For those extending to Beijing and the Great Wall (BGW), after breakfast we’ll take a morning flight from Shanghai to Beijing (flight included). Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll enjoy a Hutong walking tour. Hutongs are the narrow streets of Beijing’s Old Town. You’ll visit a local family and have a chance to learn paper cutting, a traditional art form.

Day 2 Beijing - Tiananmen Square; Forbidden City; Temple of Heaven
Today is a block-buster day as we visit the most iconic of Beijing’s destination sights. We’ll begin with Tiannanmen Square. This immense public space is bounded by the Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace), the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Passing through the Tiananmen Gate, we’ll enter the Forbidden City, or the Imperial Palace complex. Ming and Qing dynasty emperors resided and held court here for more than 500 years, until the 20th century. We’ll conclude our sight-seeing with a visit to the iconic Temple of Heaven and it’s surrounding park.

Day 3 Beijing - Great Wall
Today’s excursion takes us to a final bucket list sight: the Great Wall. We’ll visit Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved, best-known, and longest of the Great Wall sections. This Ming Dynasty segment showcases breathtaking natural scenery, remarkable architectural features, and numerous watchtowers. After returning to Beijing, we’ll gather for a final dinner together - classic Peking Duck.

Day 4 Extension over
The extension ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfers.

Beijing Xinqiao Hotel (3 nights) http://xinqiao.hotels-inbeijing.com/