We spent an unforgettable 18 days in China wi...
China
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May 2 - May 18, 2025

We spent an unforgettable 18 days in China with thanks to Lisa and KimKim, as well as our exceptional guides along the way. Queena, Johnson, Shirlene, Jason, Faye, and Ran. We never experienced the common stress of travel (making it to the train station/airport on time or coordinating transportation, activities, etc.). Instead, we were always taken care of and we simply enjoyed our adventure to the fullest. We would highly recommend Lisa, KimKim, and all of our individual guides to anyone who is traveling to China. We hope to return soon to China and will certainly use their services again.
Hotel Reviews
Extremely charming lodge owned and operated by very welcoming local family. Wonderful location and absolutely stunning views from the bedrooms and common areas. Felt right at home instantly and would love to return.
Activity Reviews

The trains across the country are always comfortable and on time. The journey was very picturesque and we found some time to relax.

We learned a great deal about tea and tea production. It was truly special to make our own tea from picking the leaves to drying and toasting them. The tea plantation is very nice and also serves great food at its restaurant. We were treated to several local teas and bought plenty to bring home.

Stunning scenery and a pleasant journey. The boat is spacious and comfortable, and serves good tea, coffee, and food.

A must-do for Beijing. We were unfortunate to visit at one of the busiest days in the year but still had a great experience at the temple and surrounding park.

The well-preserved ancient city wall was our favorite part of Xi'an. At night the lanterns and houses light up to create a magical atmosphere. We cycled all the way around the city wall in 1 hour at a leisurely pace and would highly recommend the activity. I would have preferred solo bicycles but was able to fulfill my wife's dream of riding a tandem bike...

We really loved the bike trails through the village, surrounded by mountains, rivers, farms, and gardens. The ride is easy and beautiful. We would have been happy to bike around the area for a couple of hours more.


We love to experience new local foods when traveling and this was certainly a highlight. We found it much better than the Beijing-style hotpot. Extremely rich in flavor. Shirlene taught us how to hotpot properly!

Perhaps our favorite activity of our entire trip. The rice terraces and surrounding villages are a gem to be discovered in the mountains. We walked several trails through the fields and villages, each one more beautiful than the last.

Tiananmen square is incredibly impressive and contrasts modern Chinese power with historical/imperial power on the other side of the gates to the Forbidden City. It's fascinating to see the past and the present connect in such a beautiful way.

After a few peaceful days in the countryside, we were a bit skeptical of returning to a big city such as Shanghai, but it was great to find a smaller place outside the city that wasn't too overwhelming. Zhujiajiao certainly lives up to the title of the "Venice of China".

A truly authentic experience in one of the best local restaurants in Beijing. It was difficult to secure a table and we had to wait for a few hours, but it was absolutely worth it.

The museum and archaeological site are located in the serene countryside outside of Xi'an. It was fascinating to learn, in such detail, about the first emperor of China and what remains to be discovered around his burial site.

The bridge is certainly a sight to see, but the real beauty lies in the canyon below along the river. Unlike the bridge, which was very crowded, the walking path in the canyon was hardly touched. We discovered true beauty and peacefulness here.

Beautiful sites in the city. Perfect for one day in Shanghai.

The Great Wall and Changling Tomb are a great stop for a tour in Beijing, not only to see the impressive sites, but also to escape the big city and enjoy more serene landscapes and tranquility.

A logical first stop of any tour in Xi'an. Conveniently located in the center of the old city. Plenty of options for delicious street food.

We were very impressed by Chengdu's laid-back vibe and lively charm. Local people playing music, dancing, and drinking tea in People's park, and the Wenshu monastery was both peaceful and beautiful. Great food in both areas.



Excellent dining experience. Delicious dumplings in a beautiful theater. The show does a great job of replicating Tang dynasty music, fashion, and stories while using lights, screens, and modern technology.


One of the most beautiful places we have ever seen in our lives. Truly captivating and breathtaking.

Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your detailed and wonderful review. It truly means a lot to us. We’ll continue striving to create the most suitable travel experiences for each of our travelers. We’re also deeply grateful for your understanding, patience, and support for both Odynovo and Kimkim. We hope to see you again on your next journey!
Best Regards
Lisa