Shanghai Loop: Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an Chengdu & Beyond

Traveler Reviews

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  Anna

  September 30th, 2025
  The itinerary provided is great, covering most of the highlights of China and many once in a lifetime opportunities....
  The itinerary provided is great, covering most of the highlights of China and many once in a lifetime opportunities. I also really enjoyed getting to know the history and the friendly Chinese people. However, the price does not match the experience provided. Most of the accommodation costs around 70 yuan per night (about $8), yet the overall tour price is significantly higher. You are often asked to take the metro with all your luggage when sharing taxis would cost less. Meals are not included, and very few activities are covered. When the company books activities for you, they are often much more expensive than if you arranged them yourself. For example, I paid 420 yuan ($60) for a rock climbing activity when the same package was offered elsewhere for 250–350 yuan ($25). I also got my nails polished (no extensions or designs) and was charged 360 yuan, while similar services in the area were priced at around 200 yuan. The guides were hardworking and helpful, but their English proficiency varied a lot, ranging from okay to very difficult to understand. The “vegetarian” meal options frequently included animal, which led to me getting sick several times during the trip. The sleeping bag provided for the Great Wall camping was wet, which made it difficult to sleep. The tour pace felt rushed and, at times, poorly planned. For instance, it didn’t make sense to start with Great Wall camping, leaving everyone exhausted before arriving in Beijing. Similarly, doing a cooking class in Yangzhou instead of Sichuan (famous for its cuisine) seemed like a missed opportunity. Even accounting for accommodation, transport, and guides, I estimate the company spends around 150 yuan per day per person (roughly $20), while charging upwards of 600 yuan ($80). There’s also only 18 days of accommodation provided when you factor in the two night trains and camping. Not to mention what they make on up charging for add ons. Expect to pay 350 yuan ($50) per day on top of this for food and activities. Paying $130 a day using public transportation and staying in hostels in a country as cheap as China was unjustifiable. I was able to book 5 star hotels for $50 so you are paying a huge premium to be uncomfortable. I understand that this is a budget tour and that the company needs to make a profit, but I believe Dragon Trip could offer much better value and service without cutting so many corners. I hope Dragon Trip takes the feedback and improves.Show more
  Traveled in September 2025
  

  Reply from: The Dragon Trip

  Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed review of your 22-day China adventure. We’re sorry to hear that parts of the trip didn’t meet your expectations. We’re pleased you enjoyed the itinerary itself, including the cultural highlights and your interactions with local people. We fully recognise the value of your observations regarding logistics, meal arrangements, and activity pricing some of which were priced due to you being the only participant and including transport to these activities such as rock climbing. We have reviewed your comments in detail with our China operations team and Adventure Leaders. To clarify a few points: Optional activities such as rock climbing and nail services are never mandatory. Travellers are free to arrange these independently if preferred, though we recommend trusted local suppliers that have been safety-checked and used by our groups over many years. Cooking classes take place in Yangshuo because the Chengdu itinerary is already full and the majority of guests find the non-spicy cuisine more suitable; however, your suggestion has been noted for future program reviews. Accommodation standards vary across destinations, but we prioritise clean, comfortable, and safety-approved hostels that offer a sociable environment for our groups. Vegetarian meal options are normally well-handled, and we’re sorry to hear about your experience; we will reinforce our expectations with local partners. We do understand that group travel of this style of balancing budget, safety, and cultural immersion may not be the right fit for everyone. Still, we value your insights, which help us continue refining our tours. Thank you again for travelling with The Dragon Trip and for sharing your reflections and we hope to see you on another Dragon Trip in the near future. If you would like to reach out to our team with further feedback, or want to discuss any of these issues further, please do so at info@thedragontrip.com.

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  Gideon

  November 15th, 2019
  The tour was incredible it far passed expection. If your thinking of going to China you should 100% go and with the...
  The tour was incredible it far passed expection. If your thinking of going to China you should 100% go and with the dragon trip. All the guides couldn't be more helpful and everything was organised perfectlyShow more
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  Traveled in October 2019
  

  Reply from: The Dragon Trip

  Thanks for such a fab review Gideon. We are so pleased that you had such a good trip. Love the pic of the panda.

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  A

  July 16th, 2018
  I'm dissapointed. I will never go!
  Traveled in May 2018
  

  Reply from: The Dragon Trip

  I'm really sorry to hear that you're disappointed. Your feedback matters a lot to us, and we'd love to understand more about your experience to see if there's anything we can do to help or improve. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us so that we can address your concerns and hopefully make things right. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we're here to assist in any way we can.

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  Lolita

  November 8th, 2017
  I completed my Beijing to Beijing tour with gained confidence to a country where a language is never spoken except...
  I completed my Beijing to Beijing tour with gained confidence to a country where a language is never spoken except for few phrases. The various cities visited, explored and wandered were all done in a timely manner as scheduled. The Adventure Leaders in its visited cities are good, worked hard to achieve our dream goals. In Chengdu, I wrote a thankful message to Xiao "Though tired, we are delighted for your kind friendly knowledgeable leadership, Xiao. Here is the latest photo in the sleeper train of your last memorable Dragon Trippers. Thank you as we found you or you found us. I'm glad I belong to a team who supported me along the way in carrying my luggage whenever escalator is not available. They look after me, their Lola." I was baptised with a new name as I boarded the van in Yangshou, "Lola" and I'm known with the whole team in my new name. They are good well mannered friendly smiling people. One of the members, Jessica Spedding, created in Facebook "Best Dragon Trip Group To Ever Grace China". With the itemised hot spots and interesting activities to visit, it makes easier and enjoyable a visit to China. My only complain is the pollution and people spit anywhere and everywhere. Health and sanitation needs to be addressed. Show more
  Traveled in October 2017
  

  Reply from: The Dragon Trip

  Hi Lolita, thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback :)

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  Jordan

  October 10th, 2016
  The tour was really insightful and had a great mixture of culture and fun. The tour guides were all great and very...
  The tour was really insightful and had a great mixture of culture and fun. The tour guides were all great and very helpful. When I first arrived in Shanghai I was quite overwhelmed by the culture shock but I was soon put at ease. The group sizes are great as well and really allow you to make close bonds! I ended up travelling Australia with some now life long friends. I really recommend Dragon Trip. However, be prepared to spend extra on activities. So make sure you have extra spending money as it would be a shame to miss out! Highlights for me- definitely camping on the Great Wall! An amazing experience few are lucky enough to have!!Show more
  Traveled in April 2016
  

  Reply from: The Dragon Trip

  Hi Jordan, we are so pleased that you had such an amazing experience :) thank you for taking the time to review your trip!

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  Samuel

  August 21st, 2016
  Everything was well run and explained with helpful tips for each city and location. All the hostels where...
  Everything was well run and explained with helpful tips for each city and location. All the hostels where surprisingly clean and nice places to stay !Show more
  Traveled in May 2016
  

  Reply from: The Dragon Trip

  Hi Samuel, we appreciate you taking the time to give your feedback :)

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  Rozy

  August 10th, 2016
  I did three tours on my trip around Asia and the dragon trip was definitely the best value for money, and the tour I...
  I did three tours on my trip around Asia and the dragon trip was definitely the best value for money, and the tour I enjoyed the most! The people were amazing, and most of the tour guides were absolutely brilliant. The concept is really good as each tour guide is an expert in their area. I do however, feel that there are areas that could be made better. I did the Beijing to Beijing loop, and this meant that my travel buddy and myself were alone at the very beginning of the tour, grew to 4 people in Shanghai and then 22 in Yangshou. I would definitely recommend this loop if you're shorter on time, but I feel like it should be coordinated so you join onto a larger group and follow them round until their tour ends. Additionally, the only change I would suggest on the itinerary comes on arrival into Beijing. Two minibuses picked us up from our overnight train and took us to the Leo Hostel, so that we could shower in preparation for going to the Great Wall. This day involved a lot of waiting around as we were all ready in a couple of hours, but still had to wait. I feel it would make more sense to go straight to the hotel at the Great Wall, so we can check in there, shower and nap, and then get straight to the wall. I would just like to mention the guides Mulan, Lei Lei, Sasha and Monica who were absolutely brilliant!Show more
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  Traveled in March 2016
  

  Reply from: The Dragon Trip

  Hi Rozy, thank you for wonderful feedback :)

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  Andreas

  August 9th, 2016
  Awesome people. Well organised and most of the guides are very kind and helpful. I would do it again :)
  Traveled in September 2014
  

  Reply from: The Dragon Trip

  Hi Andrea, thank you for your feedback. Our guides are a very important part of our trips and we are happy to hear that they were of such great help!

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  Maddi

  August 9th, 2016
  Had an amazing time on the China trip. Everything is organised for you so no worrying about trains/buses/hostels...
  Had an amazing time on the China trip. Everything is organised for you so no worrying about trains/buses/hostels while you're travelling. Good size group and you fit so much in during the month I really feel like we made the most of it! Would definitely go with Dragon Trip again! Show more
  Traveled in August 2015
  

  Reply from: The Dragon Trip

  Thank you Maddi for your feedback. We hope to see you again soon :)

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  Jordan

  August 9th, 2016
  You cannot do what this tour offers on your own in the time allotted. You hit every must see adventure on your Asia...
  You cannot do what this tour offers on your own in the time allotted. You hit every must see adventure on your Asia bucket list. Highly recommend this once in a lifetime opportunity! Show more
  Traveled in July 2014
  

  Reply from: The Dragon Trip

  Hi Jordan, thank you for your fantastic review :)

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