China Journeys are well known for their innovative holiday packages. The latest product to emerge from this UK tour operator is equally creative, being an extension from Beijing with 2 nights in a homestay near Jinan in rural Shandong Province. This adds another dimension to a visit to China, complementing the more usual round of sites and activities.
The package begins with a fast train from the capital to Jinan, the provincial capital of Shandong. A private transfer then takes the guest(s) out into the countryside to one of a number of homestays within the local initiative.
Once settled in their temporary new home guests are free to explore the local area. Their hosts may offer other activities intended to support the main purpose which is to experience the real China at first hand. These may include a visit to the local market or perhaps even a bit of helping out in the fields.
The holiday package gains added value by the inclusion of local Buddies. These take care of arrangements and also act as translators:
Ian Ford, Director of China Journeys, says:
?? "Having been on a number of homestays in China in my time I know that one of the biggest issues is communication. We generally only ever had one guide per group and so few ever got to ask their hosts the questions that they really wanted."
With one Buddy for each homestay the language barrier becomes significantly less of an issue.
Beyond Beijing: Shandong Homestay can be booked as a stand-alone trip or in combination with any of the other holidays in China on offer. Prices start at £475 for the land-only arrangements.
Due to the size and configuration of typical homestays this currently only operates for one or two people at a time. Dates are flexible though subject to availability.
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