trip naar china

The best of China: 14 places you won’t want to miss

Feb 21, 2024 • 5 min read

From vibrant cities to jaw-dropping natural wonders like Zhangjiajie, here are the places in China you won’t want to miss © siraphat / Shutterstock

In  China , antiquity and heritage meet 21st-century innovation and lighting-fast development.

This is a country packed with highlights – so many that it might be hard to craft a manageable itinerary. Start by immersing yourself in one of China's gigantic, sprawling cities – which contain plenty of frantic energy, but hidden pockets of serenity, too. Take a break from the crush by soaking up China's natural scenery – think jagged peaks and pine forests draped in a sea of mist that look like they've been lifted straight from one of the country's masterpiece scroll paintings. As one of the world's most ancient civilizations, China also offers wonderful opportunities to explore astounding relics from its millennia of history. 

Don't know where to start? Whether you dream of gilded temples, boisterous urban environments, fabulous food or the wonders of the Great Wall, here are our picks of the best places to visit in China.

One of the world's greatest cities and China's absolute can't-miss destination, Beijing is home to many of China's big-ticket attractions: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square , the Summer Palace and more. But its appeal goes well beyond blockbuster sights. Get lost among its labyrinth of traditional hutongs (alleyways), marvel at its cutting-edge modern architecture, feast on Peking duck and a million other dishes from across the country, check out the local indie music scene, admire Ming-dynasty ceramics, drop by a traditional teahouse or enjoy a boisterous evening sampling the local baijiu  (sorghum wine).

2. Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang

Along the ancient Silk Road, the atmospheric frontier town of Dunhuang is home to one of the world's most important collections of Buddhist art. Among more than 490 Buddhist caves in the area, the mural and statue-filled Mogao Grottoes represent perhaps the zenith of Buddhist artistry in China.

3. Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan

One of China's most famous treks, this 22km (14-mile)  hiking trail winds through a World Heritage-listed gorge in Yunnan that is one of Asia's most striking landscapes. Framed by spectacular snow-capped mountains and the scenic Jinshajiang River, the natural monument plunges to depths of 3900m (12,795ft), making it one of the deepest gorges in the world.

4. Le Shan, Sichuan

Standing at the confluence of two rivers, the monumental 1200-year old Buddha image  at Le Shan is carved directly into the rock face. World Heritage–listed, the extraordinary monument stands 71m (233ft) tall and 28m (92ft) wide, making it the largest ancient Buddha in the world. Whether you're spiritually included or not, coming face to face with this sculpture is quite a moving experience.

5. Shanghai

Glitzy, elegant, historic and cosmopolitan: everything you've heard about Shanghai is true. Just take a stroll through the French Concession or along the Bund , and you'll see for yourself. From the grand display of 1920s architecture to the city's sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars to the sci-fi neon-lit skyscrapers across the bay, Shanghai is the past and future China brought to vivid life.

6. The Great Wall

Snaking through China's majestic mountainous terrain, the spectacular  Great Wall is the nation's most iconic landmark. Built over two millennia, this awe-inspiring, 21,196km-long (13,170-mile-long) fortification is a true marvel of human accomplishment. In fact, it's not one wall but many, stretching from the east coast all the way to the far western desert. The most easily accessible stretches can be reached by car from Beijing.

With its charming teahouses, lively nightlife and fiery Sichuan food, Chengdu is one of China's most popular cities for travelers. But most folk visit here for one reason: pandas. And while you'd be very lucky to spot one in the wild, sightings are guaranteed at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base . Other draws of this inland regional capital include temples, pavilions and museums devoted to the culture of the ancient Shu kingdom.

8. Karst peaks, Guilin

Spanning the distance from Guilin to Yangshou , the picture-perfect karst-limestone peaks offer an extraordinary backdrop to the scenic Li River and rice paddies. Grab a bicycle or board a raft to tour this beautiful countryside, passing farmers and water buffalo along the way.

9. Guangzhou

This vibrant and dynamic  megacity is one of China's most fascinating hubs. You'll find an intriguing mix of old and new in a city where skyscrapers nudge the clouds, and monks shuffle around 1500-year-old Buddhist temples. But it's the Cantonese cuisine that lures in many, with some of the finest dim sum in all of China.

10. Longji Rice Terraces, Guangxi

You'll find rice paddies all over China – but few are as spectacular as the ones in Longji , built against a backdrop of lush mountains. Walks here lead to viewpoints overlooking sculpted, iridescent green terraces with swirling patterns resembling the contours of a giant thumbprint.

11. Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an

Unearthed in Xi'an by unsuspecting rural workers in 1974, this enigmatic army of life-sized statues remains of the world's most remarkable archaeological finds. Dating back 2200 years, they were built to protect the underground tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Needless to say, meeting the warriors face to face is an experience you'll never forget.

12. Xi'an

In a country where cities seemingly spring up overnight, this is one of the oldest and grandest. Known to most for its extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an is also remarkable in its own right – notably as the beginning of the Silk Road, a trade route with a legacy that remains intact within its atmospheric Muslim Quarter .

13. Zhangjiajie

Rising dramatically from the subtropical forests of northwest Hunan , the pinnacle rock formations of  Zhangjiajie inspired the scenery in the film Avatar (2009). Take it all in as you walk over a vertiginous glass-bottom suspension bridge floating 300m (984ft) above ground. If that's not daring enough, you can bungee jump off it, too.

14. Forbidden City, Beijing

Among China's imperial sights, none can compare in size, grandeur or mystique to Beijing's Forbidden City . Built between 1406 and 1420, this sprawling palace was off-limits for 500 years until the overthrow of the last Qing emperor in 1911. Today, it's very much open to the public, attracting nearly 20 million visitors each year. Despite the crowds, its massive scale remains humbling.

This article was first published Oct 20, 2021 and updated Feb 21, 2024.

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China Itinerary: The Perfect Two Week Itinerary in China

China, the second largest country in the world, is one of the most diverse and contrasting destinations on the planet. Ancient traditions and complex history are sharply contrasted with the modern and futuristic architecture and transport. China can be loud and chaotic, and also rustic and remote. Having travelled extensively through the country, it really is like nowhere I’ve even been. And planning our China itinerary was one of the biggest challenges.

The country is vast, with so many stunning national parks and natural wonders, bustling cities and ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s certainly overwhelming to work out where to include in your China itinerary.

I travelled around China with my Dad, which was incredible. Despite the extreme July temperatures we faced, we kept up with each other and were definitely on the same page when it came to deciding where to go and what to do.

So here’s my suggested China itinerary. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who are keen to absorb as much as possible in two weeks. This itinerary will take in the bustling metropolises of Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, home to an awesome panda sanctuary. Away from the cities, it will take in Suzhou, known as the ‘Venice of the Orient’ and the magical riverside town of Yangshuo. It will also visit the otherworldly landscapes of Zhanjiaje National Park and the dizzying heights of Tianmen Mountain.

Let’s jump in!

China Itinerary: Essential Information

Visa requirements for china.

First things first, how to travel to China!

Most nationalities need a visa to enter China, including those from the US, the UK, EU and Canada. It’s most likely you need to visit your nearest Chinese embassy to get this.

In the UK, the Chinese embassies are located in Manchester and London . Check the latest on China entry requirements on the FCO website here.

Top tip: Your passport needs to be in good condition in order to apply for visa. Mine had water damage from 5 years prior, and was rejected. Luckily, I had enough time to apply for another one!

Some countries’s citizens are exempt from needing Chinese visas, including Singapore and Japan. Definitely check the most up to date information at your relevant country’s travel advice page.

How to get to China

There are a large number of international airports in China, with many offering direct flights to the UK. However, for tourism purposes, it makes most sense to land into Beijing Airport (PEK) which is the capital of China. Alternatively, you could land into Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG).

Other airports with direct routes to the UK, and other major international destinations include Chengdu and Guangzhou.

For this itinerary, I suggest flying into Beijing and departing from Chengdu. We found this straight forward to book with British Airways, who offers direct flights for both of these airports.

Other airports serving the main airports in China including:

• China Southern
• China Airways
• China Eastern
• United Airlines
• American Airlines

Getting around China

China is vast, but fortunately, well connected. Flying is the most efficient and convenient way to travel around China, and the domestic network is very comprehensive.

The main airlines covering domestic routes include:

• Shanghai Airlines
• Sichuan Airlines
• Shenzhen Airlines

To explore the country, we used a mixture of domestic flights and train travel to ensure an authentic experience. I’ve flown on Air China, Shanghai Airlines, China Southern and China Eastern. I can definitely recommend all these airlines for a safe and comfortable flight, but they can all be a little delayed sometimes.

Train travel

Trains in China are awesome – especially the high speed trains, many of which reach speeds of up to 400mph. I recommend including several trains throughout a China itinerary for the experience. It can also be more convenient as the stations are typically closer to the town/city centre than airports.

Whilst the train experience is often air conditioned and comfortable, the ticket purchasing experience is not.

You can book the tickets in advance online , but there’s two challenges here. Firstly, the official website is nearly entirely in Chinese. Then, there are tiny subtle differences in the language that can mean you book the wrong station. For example, Suzhou and Suzhou. One is the popular town consisting of beautiful waterways near Shanghai, and the other is in the middle of nowhere. But their names are the same.

Furthermore, the tickets either need to be collected at the station, or be delivered to a Chinese address. For many travellers this wouldn’t be feasible.

After making the above mistake, we chose to arrange the rest of our train tickets at the train station the day before. Some of the train stations in China are massive, particularly Beijing and Shanghai. So we found this to be a great way to familiarise ourselves with the station beforehand and without bags.

The high-speed trains in China aren’t cheap, but are efficient, comfortable and an exciting experience. You definitely pay a premium for business class too.

If you’re travelling around China on a budget, then consider opting for the older trains which still operate. They’re a fraction of the cost.

The Seat61 guide is the ultimate resource for booking all train travel in China.

The Maglev train

This train serves Shanghai’s Longyang Road Station to Pudong International Airport (PVG). It’s an 8 minute journey, covering 30km at a top speed of 430km/h (267mi/h).

The unique element of this train is that it runs on magnetic levitation and Shanghai is the only place in the world to have this kind of train.

The Maglev train reaches its ultra-high speeds by using magnets’ opposite poles on the railway track to create levitation. In fact, it is the world’s fastest train!

Fares for the Maglev train in Shanghai are CNY50 (approx. £5.75/USD$7) which is more expensive than subway the whole way. But for the unique experience of travelling by maglev train, I highly recommend!

You can buy tickets at a machine at Longyang Road Station, and the train departs every 15-20 minutes.

Travelling by bus is the cheapest way to get around China, but definitely the slowest. In a two week trip, I wouldn’t recommend opting for buses as it will highly impact the time you can spend in each place.

Furthermore, bus stations (particularly the one in Beijing) are huge and confusing, with few signs in English. It could easily become a stressful experience with luggage if you’re running late.

Buses within the cities are often modern, clean and frequent, but again the language barrier can prove challenging on the bus system.

The subway is an extremely efficient way to get around, and it nearly always has the station name translated into English. Subway trains are modern, clean and fast and easy to navigate for first time visitors.

We used the subway extensively in Beijing and Shanghai and found it to be excellent. And despite the sheer number of people using it, they manage to scan every bag and every person before you head underground on the escalator. Very impressive!

Like many cities around the world, you need a rechargeable smart card which you can buy from a machine or a cashier. The fares are super cheap (normally around 2-5 CNY) which is 20-50p or USD$0.30-0.70).

Taxis are plentiful and generally quite cheap. The drivers rarely speak English, even in Beijing or Shanghai so always take a business card from your hotel with the address on it.

We found some taxi drivers to be somewhat unwilling to take us as foreign tourists. We’re still unsure why, but one driver even refused to take us from the bus stop to the Great Wall of China, despite us pointing at a picture of it in a guidebook.

When is the best time to travel to China?

As China is such a vast country, spanning five different time zones and dozens of different climate zones, deciding when to go very much depends on what you’re planning to see and do, and personal preferences.

Generally, the best times to visit are during the transition seasons of spring (April and May) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the temperatures are warm but comfortable. Best of all, the crowds are lower!

The summer months, particularly July and August can be scorching hot, with extreme humidity and heavy rainfall. The crowds can also be high during this time.

I wouldn’t necessarily say avoid visiting during these months. But I’d prepare for extreme heat and humidity. I went in July and although we experienced a heatwave with daily temperatures in excess of 45c (113 degrees), we had an amazing time.

A key time to avoid visiting is during the Chinese New Year, which depending on the lunar calendar, tends to fall in January or February each year. Lasting around 10 days, this is a major holiday period for Chinese people and everywhere gets seriously busy.

Visiting China in the winter means much of the country is very cold, particularly Beijing. However, if you want to see the Great Wall of China covered in snow, then this is a great time to visit!

Other useful information

It’s a well known fact that China is very strict on internet and social media use. Internet use is heavily controlled and sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram are blocked. However, the way around this is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). You can set this up in your home country before arriving. Some of the best VPN apps for your phone or laptop are:

This guide here on the best VPNs in China may be useful, as well as this detailed guide to the best Apps in China .

In terms of WiFi on the go, I found it could be quite hit and miss. I would generally recommend a local prepaid SIM if you want to stay connected whilst travelling in China. You can arrange this in arrivals at the airport, as you need ID and you’d already have your passport on you.

You can arrange a 30-day SIM card to be delivered to your hotel using this service, which I highly recommend.

Food in China

Everyone in the world knows something about Chinese food. Whether it’s the familiarity of your local takeaway, or the much discussed fact that the Chinese eat meats such as dog.

I’m pleased to report that I found it fairly easy to avoid unusual meats I didn’t want to eat. You can avoid going to the markets that sell and prepare these meats, and you can opt for the vegetarian option on menus.

We often selected chicken with our meals, and as much as we certainly hope we only ate chicken, we can’t ever be 100% sure.

If you are very unwilling to eat anything too foreign, it’s best to politely refuse any gestures from locals to eat at their homes. This could happen, and if it does, you may run the risk of being presented with a meat you don’t want to eat.

You could join a foodie tour, such as this small-group Lonely Planet food in Beijing tour with a local guide. This is a great way to get to grips with the cuisine, with the guidance of a local!

We found a good mix of international and Chinese restaurants all over China. In some more rural places, such as Zhangjiajie, there was a short street of restaurants, so we picked one and hoped for the best. In other places, such as Chengdu or the other big cities, there is a great variety of restaurants.

Yangshuo, the penultimate place in my China itinerary is famous for mangos during the summer months. This charming town is packed with smoothie stands, so you can enjoy the most fresh and delicious mango drinks all day long.

Food is generally really affordable throughout China, but at major tourist attractions, such as the Great Wall of China, we found the food to be extortionate.

We also found beer was readily available throughout China, even in cafes during the day.

Language in China

One of the most challenging aspects of travelling in China is the language barrier.

The official language of China is Mandarin, which differs to Hong Kong, where the main language is Cantonese. There are also hundreds of dialects throughout the country. We quickly found out that actually, speaking English is quite uncommon, even in the big cities. In more rural areas such as Zhangjiajie, it was rare.

Unfortunately, we found more local people who didn’t want to try and help us than those that did. I don’t want to say this is a poor reflection of the Chinese people, but few people wanted to let us even attempt Mandarin using the translations from our guidebooks.

We also found entire receipts passed to us in Mandarin, and to be honest, we had no idea what they said or what the amount came to.

Overall, I would say China is the most challenging place I have travelled around. With so little written in English, and often little help from locals, there were times we spent totally lost and wandering around.

Google Translate app has definitely helped things along, you just need to find someone who’s willing to stop and help you.

Cultural customs

Although China isn’t conservative like the Middle East, I do recommend dressing without bearing too much skin if you’re a woman. I wore shorts and a t-shirt most days and this was fine.

In terms of the Chinese people, it depended where we were as to our interactions. At a colourful night fair in Yangshuo, a local family thrust their baby into my arms and crowded round me for a photo and were so friendly, despite the language barrier.

But in Zhangjiajie, we couldn’t get a single local to stop and help us with the walking routes on a map. In Ghangzhou, we had our only really bad experience where some airport taxi drivers were nasty verbally. They even put their middle fingers up when we asked how much to a hotel.

On the other hand, we had some wonderful experiences where despite the total language barrier, a train station steward patiently helped us when we had got on the train to the wrong Suzhou. He allowed me to type into Google Translate to ask questions and responded back by typing in my phone. Another man at an airport hotel which was fully booked in Ghangzou arranged for a friend to pick us up and take us to a hotel in town, for a very good rate.

You will also notice things like spitting in the street and throat hacking, but it isn’t normally as bad as you might have expected.

Travel independently or join a tour?

Joining a tour to explore China can be a great idea, especially to help you navigate the very tricky language barrier. With a local guide leading the way, it can be a great way to visit all of the top places without getting too lost or stuck along the way. You also have the added benefit of a wealth of local knowledge, particularly around the dinner table or at cultural attractions.

We travelled independently, which made for an exhausting but rewarding experience. It allowed us to also make last minute changes, such as deciding to forfeit a night in Guilin and add an extra night in Yangshuo, as it was so amazing. We were also able to add in down time when we needed to, or upgrade hotels when we urgently needed an extra good shower.

So it is definitely down to personal preference, and if you’re looking to travel around China solo, it may be nice to join a tour. We didn’t often see that many other Western tourists along our way.

Alternatively, you could travel around China independently, and joining guided tours to complement this. For example, the Great Wall of China is actually a bit of a headache to get to on local bus and taxi, and this is a great example of an activity best done as a tour.

Ultimate China 2 Week Itinerary

So let’s go! This China itinerary is aimed at first-time visitors who want to take in some of the country’s best known destinations, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu as well as lesser known charming corners. I’ve picked Zhangjiajie for its incredible landscape and scenic routes, as well as Yangshuo, my personal favourite place in China. However, I’ve also included some alternative destinations in China to visit.

I suggest using a mixture of trains and planes to keep the travel times lower, but this China itinerary will still be fast-paced and action-packed!

If you’d prefer to slow this itinerary down, I recommend removing one destination and spending longer in other places.

Here’s an overview of the route:

• Beijing: Day 1-3 (including a day trip to the Great Wall of China)

Suzhou: Day 4

Shanghai: day 5-6, zhangjiajie: day 7-8, tianmen mountain: day 9, yangshuo: day 10-12, chengdu: day 12-14.

Beijing: Day 1-2

The capital of China and an ancient city dating back over 3,000 years. Today, Beijing is a city of extreme scale and size, both traditional and technologically advanced.

For one, it is the world’s most populous capital city with almost 21 million residents, but the second most populous city in China (after Shanghai). Beijing is also home to the world’s busiest and longest subway, as well as the second busiest airport in the world.

To put simply, Beijing is both vast and hectic, but also organised and contained. That being said, as a tourist, the main sites to see are in a fairly concentrated area in the heart of Beijing. It is easy enough to see the key tourist attractions over the course of two days, complemented by a day trip to the Great Wall of China . So let’s dive in on what there is to see in Beijing in three days.

Forbidden City

This was the first attraction in Beijing that I visited after landing at Peking airport, and I found it fascinating, despite the poor weather we endured that day.

Visiting the Forbidden City was a great crash course in Chinese history, as this imperial palace has served as the home of Chinese emperors for almost 500 years. The whole complex is vast, but due to the extreme July heat and some impending jetlag, we managed to explore the highlights of the Forbidden City in a full afternoon.

Arriving at lunchtime, (which I wouldn’t normally recommend for a key tourist attraction), actually worked in our favour and we got through the line to buy tickets quite quickly.

However, if you are visiting in the morning for a full day, I would strongly recommend booking a guided tour which includes skip-the-line access too.

Tiananmen Square

Opposite the Forbidden City is the famous Tiananmen Square. Take in the huge Mao Portrait over the entrance to the Forbidden City. This has been the setting for many protests, particularly those in 1989 pushing for democracy. There is no entry fee here, and you may find yourself here several times throughout your visit, as it is located above a central and convenient subway station.

If you visit at dawn or dusk, you’ll have the opportunity to see the huge national flag raised or lowered by the guard, which is a great spectacle.

Jingshan Park

Located behind the Forbidden City is Jingshan Park, a former private imperial garden. There is no entry fee here either and you’ll regularly see locals practicing tai chi or walking in small groups.

Inside, there is also a small hill to climb for excellent 360 degree views of the city and the recently restored Shouhuang Temple, which was originally built in 1749.

This excellent tour here takes in the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Jingshan Park with a local English-speaking tour guide over a half day.

Explore the Hutongs

Hutongs are older-style residential areas based around a network of traditional alleyways. There are several sprawling hutongs throughout Beijing, but some are more geared towards tourists.

We loved spending a half day exploring Nanluogo Xiang . It’s packed with boutique stores, cafes and restaurants, that is equally popular with locals and tourists. You’ll see lots of young cool Beijing locals and plenty of interesting fashion.

Nanluogo Xiang is the home of hip cocktails bars tucked away in hidden courtyards, alongside locals gossiping and catching up over xiangqi , a version of Chinese chess.

Another hutong area worth visiting is Wudaoying Hutong which is quieter and offers a more authentic experience.

These are easily self-explored, but you can join a local rickshaw driver for a guided tour which is awesome or a small group cycling tour .

Eat at the Wangfujing Street Market

We loved this market, although we stumbled upon it by accident as our hotel was very close. Turns out, this is one of the best places to go to in the evening in Beijing. The street food section is an curious array of insects and seafood on sticks, but there are some more normal options too, such as delicious fruit salads.

This market is loud and chaotic but a great way to feel part of local life.

Make sure to also try the famous Peking duck at a local restaurant such as Sheng Yong Xiang.

This awesome evening foodie tour by tuk tuk takes in the best of the Beijing food scene, from peking duck to street food and locally brewed beer.

Visiting the Beijing Olympic Park

As a huge fan of the Olympics, this was a must for me. Seeing the Bird’s Nest stadium was awesome, and this is now a popular area for locals to spend their evenings amongst the fountains and enjoying the light display.

You can also see the Water Cube venue, which came back into use for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

You can visit the Olympic Park and the nearby Beijing Zoo with this excellent tour here .

798 Art District

This neighbourhood is home to the burgeoning artistic scene in Beijing, and there are dozens of world-class art galleries here to peruse. Located within a former factory complex, this area has been transformed to house exhibitions from local artists, to world-famous artists.

Where to stay in Beijing

There are a huge number of places to stay in Beijing, covering all budgets and preferences. I’ve popped some suggestions here:

Budget hotels:

For those looking for great value, but authentic stays, one option is to stay in a small guesthouse along one of the narrow alleys of a hutong. My suggestion for this would be The Orchid , in the local hutong of Gulou, where a double room starts from £91 (USD$111).

Another option is LeZai Hotel located in Shajing hutong, where rates start at about £40 per night (USD$40).

Mid-range hotels:

We chose to stay in the Crowne Plaza Wangfujing for its excellent location and comfortable stay, and would highly recommend.

The Hotel Eclat offers amazing bang for buck, with 20 of the rooms offering private pools in the heart of the city. The rooms are also themed so book ahead for greater variety to choose from. Rooms start from £147 per night (USD$180).

Luxury hotels:

PuXuan , also in Wangfujing and opened just last year. It has a fabulous spa and excellent views across the city. Double rooms start from £215 per night (USD$263)

Or for the ultimate luxury stay, consider the Rosewood Beijing where double rooms start from £225 per night (USD$276).

Great Wall of China: Day 3

The iconic Great Wall of China is highly likely to be top of your list of things to do and see in China. And for good reason. It’s an incredible day trip, and one I’d love to go back to do again. We chose to do it our trip entirely by public transport, which was quite fiddly however we were some of the first to arrive and therefore had an incredible experience of being some of the few people on the wall.

How to get to the Great Wall of China

There are several points where you can see the Great Wall of China – after all, it is over 13,000 miles long!

The area of Badaling is the closest to Beijing’s city centre, and unsurprisingly is the busiest section. It’s also very touristy.

Mutianyu is a little further, and although it is still really popular, it is far less busy than Badaling. There’s also the added bonus of a cable car to head up to the Great Wall, and the thrill of a luge to descend again.

If you want to see the Great Wall with far less crowds, the sections you should consider are Jiankou, Simatai, Gubeikou, Jinshanling and Huanghuacheng. These take a little longer to get to, but a return trip can still be done in a day. You could also take a day trip to these sections:

• Badaling Great Wall and Ming Tombs Coach Tour from Beijing
• Beijing: Jinshanling Great Wall Group Tour with Lunch
• Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town Transfer with Ticket
• Mutianyu Great Wall Full-Day Group Tour
• Great Wall Hiking: Small Group to Jinshanling and Simatai
• Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Small Group Hike
• Ming Tombs Underground Palace & Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour

We chose to go to the Mutianyu section. Although we followed instructions to the bus station and onwards, we actually found it a very frustrating journey. The route is:

• Take the subway to Dongzhimen 东直门 Station.
• From here, head to ground level and to the Dongzhimen Bus Station (Jiaotongju 交通局) to take the #916 to Huairou 怀柔
• Take a taxi on the street to Mutianyu 慕田峪

So this sounds wonderfully straight forward, I know.. I wish it had been though.

We got to the Dongzhimen Bus Station fine, but spent probably 30 minutes or more on a wild goose chase around the station looking for the right bus stop. We asked locals and were sent in so many different directions. However, we eventually boarded and carefully watched for 怀柔 (Huairou) to come up on the electronic board at the front of the bus, so we knew when to disembark.

When we finally got to Huairou, we had a far harder job getting a taxi than we expected. We actually found a local hospital and waited to jump into a taxi there instead, but once in it, our taxi driver really struggled to understand where we wanted to go. Despite us pointing to a very clear picture of the Great Wall of China (that was displayed in his taxi..).

Somehow, we made it to Mutianyu fine, and fortunately were some of the first people to arrive that day. We were there well before the tourist buses. You can buy tickets on the day as the gates, before proceeding through to the tourist village. Naturally, there’s every kind of souvenir under the sun to buy.

There is a cable car to take you from the tourist village at Mutianyu to the actual Great Wall which was awesome. The views were phenomenal. At the top, we explored in both directions, but there’s only so far you can go, as some of the wall has crumbled and the path has been destroyed.

Arriving early is definitely the way to go, as well as going on a midweek day. The proof is in my photos!

When we were ready to head down, we joined a short queue for the luge (like a toboggan on a metal shute). I highly recommend doing this – it was thrilling and a totally unexpected highlight of our day.

Back in the tourist village, we stopped for a very overpriced lunch before navigating the bus system back to Beijing city centre.

It’s time to leave the hustle and bustle of Beijing. Suzhou is a logical next stop as it is on the train route between Beijing and Shanghai.

This beautiful town is made up of waterways and is referred to as the ‘Venice of the Orient’. I personally thought it was a little bit like Hoi An in Vietnam.

I would recommend a full day and night in Suzhou, so you can explore this beautiful town in light and darkness, when all the red lanterns are lit up. You could alternatively visit as a day trip from Shanghai , but it means coming back on yourself if you travelled there from Beijing.

When leaving Beijing, ensure you have the correct Suzhou on your ticket so you don’t repeat the mistake we made (see travelling by train above).

Just under half of this city’s area is covered by water, including streams, ponds and waterways. The city dates back more than 2,500 years, with the traditional design of the city still preserved today.

The best things to do in Suzhou are centred around boat rides on the Shantang River or exploring one of the 60 beautifully kept gardens, with the Humble Administrator’s Garden being my favourite. It dates back to 1509 and was built under the rule of the Ming Dynasty. The entrance fee is CNY90 (£10/USD$12.50).

Suzhou is also a wonderful place to soak up day-to-day life by stopping by local teahouses, sampling the local Jiangsu Style dishes or buying some of the best silk products in the world.

I recommend staying in the Holiday Inn Express Suzhou New District .

Wow, Shanghai. What a city. Shanghai is China’s largest city and is positioned on the Yangtze River Delta. It serves as the economic and trade centre in China, and is one of the key economies in Asia.

People say you either love or hate Shanghai. I really liked it and preferred it to Beijing. Although I enjoyed my time in Beijing, and particularly all the sightseeing, I did find the city felt rather grey.

Shanghai on the other hand is full of colour and light, and there is a real a buzz and energy around this cosmopolitan city.

Whilst there are less historic attractions in Shanghai, the city is considered one of the cultural hubs in China with a world renowned opera and popular cuisine.

A really nice way to see the city is on a hop-on hop-off bus tour , which will give you live commentary from a guide on board as you drive around the city.

Visit the Bund and Modern Shanghai

The Bund is a wide promenade along the river, where visitors can experience stunning panoramic views of the city. On one side is the futuristic skyline, comprising some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world and the dazzling Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Did you know, you can go to the top of this awesome building? Buy your skip-the-line ticket to its viewing platform here .

On the other side, behind the promenade are beautiful colonial buildings, offering a true contrast of old and new.

Book a half-day Bund sightseeing tour here.

Explore the French Quarter

One of the oldest parts of Shanghai is the Former French Concession (FFC), an area known for its unique architecture blending European style with old-style Chinese homes, called Shikumen.

This area is big (almost 8km wide), and stretches west from the Bund. One of my favourite aspects of the French Quarter are the beautiful tree-lined avenues, which also provide some much needed shade. There’s also countless cafes, bars, restaurants, boutique stores, art galleries and antique stores to browse, and even some hip breweries. This area is popular with expats in Shanghai and also with tourists.

In my opinion, one of the most beautiful streets is Wukang Lu, which has cafes with plentiful outdoor seating and is very charming. Other highlights of the FCC include Fuxing Lu, which is full of cool art galleries or Wulumuqi Road, which has some awesome antique stores.

The French Concession can easily be explored on a self-guided tour using a paper map, but it’s also an excellent idea to consider a guided tour to learn more about the history of the area. Here’s a few suggestions:

• Craft Beer Tasting in Former French Concession
• Evening Walking Food Tour in the FFC
• Half-Day Old Shanghai Small Group Bike Tour (Day & Night)
• Shanghai French Concession 2-Hour Walking Tour
• Shanghai 3-Hour Afternoon Tea Tasting and Dessert Tour
• 3.5-Hour Old Shanghai City Tour

Find zen in Shanghai’s Gardens and Temples

Shanghai, like most cities in China has countless gardens, each housing traditional Chinese buildings or classic temples.

Some of the gardens are like finding an oasis in the heart of the city, and one of the best is Yu Yuan (Happiness Garden). Another highlight is visiting the serene Jade Buddha Temple, surrounded by peaceful Chinese Gardens.

Arrange a 2-hour walking tour of the beautiful Yu Yuan gardens here.

Where to stay in Shanghai

If your budget can stretch to a stay in one of the hotels lining the Bund, then this certainly would make for an incredible stay. Not only is this close to many of the main attractions in Shanghai, but is an amazing opportunity to sleep in one of the beautiful buildings.

We stayed in the InterContinental Shanghai Pudong , which is an amazing luxury stay near the main train station, which is also an excellent location. Make sure to read my review of the Intercontinental Shanghai Pudong here .

Here are my suggestions of the best hotels in Shanghai, covering all budgets:

Affordable: Shanghai Fish Inn East Nanjing Road . At around £11 per night, this is a great value stay, in an excellent location with some very good reviews. Also, the Bund Riverside View also has some great reviews (from £26 per night).

Mid-range: The Radisson Blu Shanghai New World Hotel (£64 per night) or the Ji Hotel (£63) a night for comfortable stays, with a few extra amenities.

Luxury: There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in Shanghai. As well as the Intercontinental Shanghai Pudong , these are some of the best:

• Waldorf Astoria
• The Peninsula
• Mandarin Oriental Pudong
• The Ritz Carlton Pudong

We knew with our two weeks in China that we wouldn’t want to spend the whole time visiting different cities. We researched for hours to decide which natural wonder or national park to visit in China.

Zhangjiajie was chosen in the end for its otherworldly landscape, which are huge towering karst pillars, some of which reach dizzying heights of over 1,000m. This national park is also said to have been the inspiration for the popular movie ‘Avatar’, although this has led to a huge increase of daily tourists to the park.

Zhangjiajie is actually China’s first designated national forest park (awarded in 1982), and it clear to see why. Spread across 30sqkm within the wider Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Hunan Province, days in Zhangjiajie national park can easily be spent exploring and hiking through this magnificent natural wonder.

We flew from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie, so this section of the trip could easily be switched for another national park in China, if you prefer.

Hiking in the national park

Our days in Zhangjiajie were some of our most challenging, as it was very hard to know where to go and how to do it. For example, the maps have very little English on them, and a lot of the routes are inaccurate. There are also shuttle buses to jump on, but these were not clear which route they were going to and as mentioned, few people were keen to stop and help us. The queuing system was also hectic with a bit of pushing and shoving.

In the end, we spent two full days hiking in Zhangjiajie. We chose to start early and make long full days of exploring. At the entrance were always huge Chinese groups waiting to start walking and they always had a guide with a flag on a stick and a huge speakerphone. We just felt we had to get away from the sheer number of people and noise quite quickly. It would take just 10 minutes to be in complete peace and quiet. Honestly, despite trying to use the map/incorrect signage and work out the shuttle bus systems, we never really knew where we were going.

But somehow, we managed to hike nearly 35km each day, plus more than 50,000 steps and saw all of the amazing sites. The temperature was around 35c in July, and it was definitely exhausting work as most the paths are staircases. It can be very tiring and taxing on the legs, especially in the heat. But there are plenty of local stalls on the paths selling food, snacks, water, ice lollies etc, so you don’t need to carry too much with you.

On the second day, we did end up finding a cablecar to take us all the way back to the entrance which saved our legs, but cost a little extra. There is also a huge elevator (lift), called the Bailong Elevator. It’s said to be the longest outdoor elevator in the world, stretching nearly 330m up the cliffside. We considered it for a while, but at 72 CNY (£8.50/USD$10) each way, we chose to walk. I don’t think we fully appreciated the extent of walking we were set to do in Zhangjiajie National park, but it was sure worth it – especially to avoid the crowds.

There is also the world-famous glass bridge at Zhangjiajie National Park. We didn’t do this, but you can read a full guide to the bridge walk here .

You can definitely arrange day tours to Zhangjiajie in advance, which could be a good idea if you don’t do well with getting lost or confused! Here are a few ideas:

• 3-Day Tour to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (from Zhangjiajie city)
• Full-Day Private Tour of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Ticket with Glass Bridge and Cruise

Or, if you don’t fancy walking, you can pay for a lift on one of these seats carried by local guides (when they’re not napping!).

Entrance fee

The entrance fee to Zhangjiajie national park is CNY245 (£28/USD$35). Although the ticket covers you for unlimited entry over 3 days, you’re likely to only use it for a couple of days. The entry fee, together with the elevator ticket can make it a more expensive few days. But, I really do believe it’s well worth the cost and the landscape is like nowhere else on the planet.

Which routes to take?

Our favourite day was following the Golden Whip Stream trail. It took us straight away from the crowds, and pass trickling streams, crystal clear lakes and along the base of the huge towering cliffs. The path was flat for the first few kms, going over stunning bridges before ascending steeply into the mountains. Choosing to hike means you’ll also see far fewer people on the route, but we did see a few elderly Chinese locals actually speed past us in both directions which was quite disconcerting!

Where to stay in Zhangjiajie National park

You can’t actually stay in the park, but the main accommodation area is in the nearby town of Wulingyuan. From here, it’s a 20 minute walk to the park entrance.

I would really make sure to pick a comfortable hotel here, even though you’ll only be in the hotel to sleep. You’re likely to come back from the hiking so exhausted, hot and sweaty, you’ll want a proper shower and a comfortable bed.

My top suggestions would be:

• Pullman Zhangjiajie (£48 per night)
• Crown Plaza Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan (£71 per night)
• Whispering Mountains Boutique Hotel (£29 per night)

This beautiful mountain is located back in Zhangjiajie and is well worth visiting during your time in the area. It is not in Zhangjiajie National Park.

We managed to visit Tianmen Mountain as a full day outing, before heading onto the airport in the evening. So therefore we didn’t need to stay in Zhangjiajie overnight. We simply took a taxi arranged by our hotel in Wulingyuan back to Zhangjiajie early in the morning, which took around 40 minutes. Then we left our bags at a local hotel right by the cable car ticket office (for a small cost), before collecting them at the end of the day and before going to the airport. The cable car ticket office is very close to the bus station and train station, so this works really well.

Although left luggage is not a formal service they offer, they were happy to do so and others had done the same thing.

Tianmen Mountain is also known as ‘Heaven’s Door Mountain’, due to the huge opening at its summit. It’s the largest hole of its kind, almost like a giant doorway at the top of the mountain. Known as the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, there are 999 stairs up to this huge hole, and it’s a challenging climb!

The main things to do at Tianmen Mountain is to enjoy the journey to the summit (an adventure in itself), as well admire the stunning views from the top. There’s a cliff edge walkway, which winds its way around 1.6km along the cliff face with a drop of more than 1,400m. The railing is pretty sturdy, but this is not for those with a fear of heights! This one has a solid floor, but there are two other glass walkways for those looking for a thrill!

There are two options to ascend to the summit: take the world’s longest cable car or one of the world’s most precarious drives – with 99 hairpin bends! If you are prone to car sickness, I do not recommend doing this drive!

We chose to jump in a minibus for the drive up (doing this road downhill seemed way too scary), and then take the cable car for the descent. The cable car is very steep, and covers 7kms in about 30 minutes.

The cable car starts at 7.30am in the summer months (8am in winter) and I strongly recommend getting there at least 30 mins before this opens. The lines can get very long and the Chinese tour groups join en masse, making it very noisy and chaotic.

My favourite place on this China itinerary! We initially planned to do one night in Yangshuo, and one night in Guilin. But upon arrival, we were just so blown away by Yangshuo, we decided to cancel visiting Guilin.

Yangshuo is like a South East Asia backpacking town, but in China. It is charming, quaint and a wonder to explore, but the best bit is the humour of the locals. At some point, someone must have decided to place a giant stuffed teddy bear at a bar stool at the front of their restaurant. And before long, all other venues in Yangshuo followed suit. So now as you explore the pretty town, nearly every bar or restaurant has an oversized bear sitting at the front! Sometimes he has his big paw wrapped around a beer glass or he might be sitting at a table waiting for you to join. We even saw one bear with his head in his paws. He must have had too much to drink…

Aside from the local humour, and the charming laneways, Yangshuo has a lot to offer. The mesmerising Li River winds through both Guilin and Yangshuo. It is flanked on both sides by towering limestone karst mountains, and teeny villages.

Days in Yangshuo can be spent exploring the beautiful countryside and calming riverside settings backed by the magnificent karst scenery. We chose to hire bikes to cycle alongside the river to rice terraces. It was a lovely, relaxing day where we jumped in the river to cool off.

In the evenings, make sure to head back to the river at sunset to watch the local fisherman . The age-old technique uses their beautiful cormorant birds who assist them in the fishing.

We explored ourselves but we did get quite lost at times along the river and amongst the karst towers. One idea would be to join a guided hiking tour with a local English-speaking guide . Not only can you take in the scenery whilst following them, but they will share interesting facts about the area.

If you end up being short on time you can visit Yangshuo from Guilin on a full day guided tour along the Li River .

Longji Rice Terraces

An iconic image of China is of course, the rice terraces located a few hours from Guilin. Construction of the Longji Rices Terraces started back in the late 1200s during the Yuan Dynasty. However, they were not completed until the Qing Dynasty in the early 1500s.

We chose not to visit after deciding to spend more of our time in Yangshuo, but these are highly impressive and often a highlight on visitors’ itineraries in China.

A day at the Longji Rices Terraces can be spent hiking along the maze of trails between the terraces. There are stunning viewpoints along the way.

If staying in Yangshuo, it’s likely to be easier to join a tour to the Longji Rices Terraces to take care of the logistics and planning.

Where to stay in Yangshuo

As a huge fan of the Banyan Tree group, I highly recommend staying at Banyan Tree Yangshuo (£226 per night) for the best luxury stay in Yangshuo.

Other great options covering all budgets in Yangshuo include:

• Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
• The Bamboo Leaf Yangshuo
• Yangshuo 11 Hostel

Another city we loved in China was Chengdu. Famed as the home of spicy Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu is also the place to go in China to see pandas!

Together with the Great Wall, seeing the pandas in Chengdu was one of things I was most excited about. It was an incredible day out, and even better than I expected. Chengdu itself is also a great city to spend some time in too, with some awesome shopping and markets.

Chengdu Panda Reserve

Where do I start! This is one of the best things to do in China, and in my opinion, totally unmissable.

The panda centre is easy to get to from Chengdu . Simply jump on bus #198 or #198A from the Chengdu zoo stop in the city. Or grab a taxi for CNY 50, which takes 30 minutes from the heart of Chengdu, depending on traffic. Or arrange a 4-hour private your with drop-off and pick-up here .

Ensure to arrive early in the morning in order to see the pandas at their most active. They’re lazy creatures and after spending the morning tumbling, rolling around and chomping on bamboo, they often snooze for the rest of the day. The park opens at 7.30am and ticket entry is CNY 58 (£7/USD$8.50) per person, with children under 1.3m free.

The panda reserve in Chengdu is awesome, and you can easily spend a full day here. There are plenty of huge enclosures to see the pandas, and they have lots of climbing frames and toys. My favourite part was the baby enclosure, were we even saw tiny baby pandas in an incubator!

If you want to interact and hold pandas, you can visit as a volunteer for the day. However, it is rather expensive and we didn’t do this. You can book this online here , and it is approximately £285 per person for the full day interaction.

Explore Chunxi Lu

This 1km long pedestrianised shopping street is a must-visit in Chengdu. From authentic antiques and local goods, to boutique stores, there are 700 shops to tackle. Make sure to also visit the six storey Chunxi Road Market too.

An evening foodie and beer tour is a great way to explore Chunxi Lu.

Leshan Buddha

Leshan, which is a 1.5hr bullet train ride from Chengdu, is home to the world’s largest carved stone Buddha in the world. You can visit this as a day trip yourself on one of the tourist buses, or book onto a local tour such as this one .

The sheer size of the Buddha is overwhelming, as he stretches more than 71m into the sky.

Where to stay in Chengdu

As with the other big cities in China, there’s a huge number of places to stay in Chengdu. You can definitely find some excellent value hotels in Chengdu. Here’s my pick of the best:

• The Temple House (from £188 per night)
• Crowne Plaza City Centre (from £47 per night)
• InterContinental Century City Chengdu (from £76 per night)
• Shangri-La Chengdu (from £79 per night)
• Renaissance Chengdu (from £46 per night)

Other Places to Visit in China

In my opinion, this suggested two week China itinerary covers a number of the key highlights. If you have 3 weeks in China or longer, or if Zhangjiajie or Yangshuo do not appeal perhaps, then you could consider the below destinations:

Xi’an was once known as the gateway to the Silk Road, today it is best known for the Terracotta Warriors. There are over 8,000 life-size statues who were created during the reign of China’s first emperor to guard his tomb. Another highlight in Xi’an is to explore the old city walls and enjoy the view across the city and of everyday life.

You can book your train ticket easily online using this tour service from Beijing to Xi’an here.

Mt. Hua Shan is a great place to visit for thrill-seekers, and visiting here can be easily done as a day trip from Xi’an. The infamous Hua Shan plank walk is located here, where you side step along a plank fixed to the side of a cliff. This is considered the world’s most dangerous hike and supposedly over 100 people have died here. If anything, the mountains themselves are worth visiting even if you don’t do the plank walk and you can ascend to the summit of Hua Shan by cable car. You can visit all five peaks which each having stunning views and provide glimpses of the Yellow River below on several different hiking routes.

Jiuzhaigou and the Jiuzhai Valley National Park

Located north of Chengdu in Sichuan is this magnificent world of crystal clear alpine lakes, stunning cascades and ancient forests. At the heart of the national park is the multi-coloured, striking Five Flower Lake.

There is a limit of 5,000 people per day to this national park, so it could be a good idea to join a tour from Chengdu or to arrive very early.

The national park is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

To get to the national park, you need to fly to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu (or other cities in China). As it is located high in the mountains, there is no train here but there are long distance buses going from cities around China to Jiuzhaigou.

You can also arrange this excellent 4-day tour in advance from Chengdu taking in both Jiuzhaigou and Tibet.

Two weeks in China

So there’s my guide to two week China itinerary for a first-time traveller. As you can see, there are some amazing experiences on offer in this China itinerary and that’s just selecting a handful of places to see in China.

There are countless destinations to visit in China, but we picked each of our places for very distinct reasons. Beijing and Shanghai to visit the two biggest cities in China, both of which are packed with history and culture. Zhangjiajie and Yangshuo to explore rural China and enjoy some outdoor adventures, and then Chengdu for the pandas, of course!

And Suzhou and Tianmen Mountain were included in our China itinerary as they slotted in nicely to our plans.

I hope this proves useful in planning for your trip to China!

Feel free to drop me a line if you would like any further advice on anything to do with travel in China. And if you’ve enjoyed this guide, then please do share using the below links!

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This visit to China was entirely paid for by myself, and there was no involvement from the tourism board or a hotel. This is an independent guide.

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Hi, thankyou so much for sharing your trip. your blog is amazing also all the pictures makes me want to visit there very soon. your blog is very helpful 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing your 2 week Itinerary!

It’s made me super eager to get back to Beijing as I loved it so much and would love to explore more and see how things are now. You’ve included some amazing`ing sounding ideas which I’d love to do!

China is really one of the most beautiful country filled with lots of modern and historical attractions. I had a chance to visit China with tourist group from Abu Dhabi and we had a great stay their, we especially liked the Great China Wall. I am planing to visit again with next group.

Hi, Thanks for the detailed explanation and tips. I’ve been reading a lot about the country and your posting is the most helpful and inspiring. I am planning to travel solo to China next November starting in Shanghai and ending in Beijing, for two weeks. is it safe for a solo female to travel around China? Thanks again

Great tour. Thanks so much. We are planning for May 2024.

Quick question: How did you get from Zhangjiajie to Yangshuo or Guilin? I did some research and it’s not easy by train or plane.

Sorry for the late reply! I flew between the two, with a stopover in Guangzhou – it wasn’t overly easy! Landed in Guilin and travelled by bus to Yangshuo!

Great Itinerary!!!

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The Ultimate China Travel Guide: Unlocking China’s Splendors

China, a country of immense beauty and captivating diversity, is a destination that promises to leave you with an indelible impression on every traveler. With its rich tapestry of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and modern marvels, this vast nation offers something for every type of adventurer.

In this blog, I will share with you the ultimate China Travel Guide to assist you in uncovering the most unforgettable experiences that this extraordinary country has to offer.

Find the best time to visit China, plan your trip, explore top destinations, and budget for your adventure to make the most out of your trip to China!

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

The Ultimate China Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to China

A trip to China can be an exciting adventure, as it offers you a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and historical marvels. However, to make the most of your journey and avoid unnecessary hiccups, thorough planning is essential.

But why should you put so much effort on planning this trip? Thorough planning is essential for a successful trip to diverse China as it:

• It maximizes your overall experience.
• It eases communication with locals.
• Planning simplifies the visa application process.
• It helps in optimizing your budget for the trip.
• It also allows customization of your visit to match your interests.

Step-by-Step Guide on Trip Planning

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip to China effectively:

Determine Your Travel Goals: Identify the regions and attractions you want to explore, whether it’s the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army, or the bustling streets of Beijing.

Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your trip and allocate funds for different expenses such as flights, accommodations, food, and activities accordingly.

Check Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, China’s visa requirements may vary. Research and apply for the appropriate visa well in advance.

Choose the Best Time to Visit: China experiences different climates in different regions. Consider the weather and your preferred travel dates when deciding the best time to visit.

Book Flights: Search for flights to China, compare prices, and book your tickets. Major international airports like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are common entry points.

Accommodation: Research and book your accommodations, considering your budget and preferred location. Options range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Create an Itinerary: Plan your daily activities and sightseeing. Include popular attractions, local experiences, and time for relaxation.

Learn About Local Culture: Familiarize yourself with Chinese customs and etiquette, which can enhance your travel experience.

Pack Smart: Pack suitable clothing and essential items for your trip, considering the weather and activities.

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on travel advisories and any specific travel restrictions or health-related guidelines related to China, especially if you’re traveling during unusual times.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for your adventure in China and can focus on immersing yourself in the country’s wonders!

Tips on Visas, Flights, and Accommodations

• Visas: Check the Chinese embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date visa requirements. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
• Flights: Use flight comparison websites or apps to find the best deals on airfare. Be flexible with your travel dates to potentially score lower prices.
• Accommodations: Consider booking your accommodations through trusted platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com , or directly through hotels’ websites. Read reviews and select lodgings that cater to your preferences.

Best Time to Visit and Travel Restrictions

Here is a complete guide covering all the seasons:

Spring in China

Spring in China is a beautiful time to visit, with landscapes bursting into bloom. The weather is mild and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. This makes it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and visiting temples and gardens!

Some of the best places to visit in China during the spring include:

• Beijing : The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, and the Temple of Heaven are all must-see attractions in Beijing. During the spring, the city’s parks and gardens are also in full bloom.
• Shanghai : Shanghai is a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors. In the spring, you can enjoy the city’s many parks and gardens, visit the Bund waterfront, or take a boat trip on the Huangpu River.
• Xi’an : Xi’an is home to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most amazing archaeological discoveries of all time. In the spring, you can also visit the city’s many temples and mosques, or take a day trip to Mount Huashan, a sacred mountain known for its challenging hiking trails.
• Guilin : Guilin is known for its stunning scenery, including limestone karsts, rivers, and lakes. In the spring, you can take a boat cruise on the Li River to see the karsts up close, or visit the nearby town of Yangshuo for its laid-back atmosphere and scenic bike trails.

Summer in China

Summer in China can be hot and humid, especially in the south. Average temperatures range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, with high humidity levels. However, there are still many things to see and do in China during the summer, such as visiting beaches, hiking in the mountains, and attending festivals!

Some of the best places to visit in China during the summer include:

• Sanya : Sanya is a popular beach resort town in southern China. In the summer, you can enjoy the city’s many beaches, go swimming, snorkeling, or diving.
• Lijiang : Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ancient town. In the summer, you can enjoy the town’s many canals and bridges, or take a day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
• Harbin : Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang province in northeastern China. It is known for its cold winters and its annual International Ice and Snow Festival.

Autumn in China

Autumn is another beautiful time to visit China. The weather is mild and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The leaves on the trees turn red and yellow, creating stunning scenery throughout the country.

Some of the best places to visit in China during the autumn include:

• Beijing : The Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven are especially beautiful in the autumn, when the leaves on the trees turn red and yellow.
• Jiuzhaigou National Park : Jiuzhaigou National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning lakes, waterfalls, and forests. In the autumn, the park’s leaves turn red and yellow, creating a magical landscape.
• Huangshan Mountain : Huangshan Mountain is a sacred mountain in Anhui province. It is known for its towering granite peaks, pine trees, and clouds. In the autumn, the mountain’s leaves turn red and yellow, creating a breathtaking sight.

Winter in China

Winter in China can be very cold, especially in the north. Average temperatures range from -10 to 5 degrees Celsius, with snowfall common in many parts of the country. However, there are still many things to see and do in China during the winter, such as skiing, visiting hot springs, and attending festivals!

Some of the best places to visit in China during the winter include:

• Harbin : Harbin is known for its cold winters and its annual International Ice and Snow Festival. During the festival, you can see giant ice sculptures, snow castles, and ice slides.
• Yabuli Ski Resort : Yabuli Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in China. It is located in Heilongjiang province and offers a variety of ski trails for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
• Guilin : Guilin is also a popular winter destination, as the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists than in the summer.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit China, you are sure to have a memorable experience!

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in China

1. the great wall of china.

First on this list is The Great Wall of China , an architectural marvel that is etched into history. It beckons you to embark on an awe-inspiring journey through time. Located in northern China, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.

You must visit here to experience the majestic allure of China’s rich history and resilience. Visiting this iconic structure allows you to walk in the footsteps of emperors and soldiers, offering a profound connection to the nation’s past.

The main attractions you must visit along the Great Wall include popular sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling, each with its unique features and scenic vistas. You can hike along the wall, explore watchtowers, and capture breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape!

Best Time To Visit The Great Wall of China: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes burst with color. To avoid the crowds, consider weekdays and early mornings for a more serene experience.

2. The Terracotta Army

Next is the Terracotta Army , an archaeological wonder nestled in Xi’an that invites you to delve into the fascinating world of ancient history and artistic mastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to the power and legacy of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang!

You must visit here to view this testament to human ingenuity and artistry. It’s an ancient marvel that showcases the craftsmanship of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, created over two millennia ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin. A visit offers you a rare glimpse into the depths of China’s rich imperial history!

The main attractions you should visit within the site include the three massive pits containing the Terracotta Army, each revealing different aspects of the ancient soldiers’ roles and weaponry.

Best Time To Visit The Terracotta Army: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and the site is less crowded. Arrive early in the morning to make the most of your visit and avoid the midday rush.

3. The Forbidden City

Another amazing place to visit in China is The Forbidden City , a UNESCO World Heritage site that beckons you to embark on a journey through the heart of imperial China. Located in the heart of Beijing, this historic palace complex is a must-visit destination if you seek a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese history.

You must visit Forbidden City because it is an unparalleled repository of Chinese culture and heritage. As the former imperial palace for over five centuries, it offers you a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur and opulence of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The main attractions within the Forbidden City you must visit include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Imperial Garden. Don’t miss the Palace Museum, which houses countless treasures, or the awe-inspiring Meridian Gate!

Best Time To Visit The Forbidden City: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild, and the gardens are in full bloom. Avoid the peak summer and winter months to enjoy a more comfortable experience.

4. The Li River Scenic Area

The next best place to visit in China is The Li River Scenic Area . Here, You get to explore an enchanting natural landscape that has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Located in the Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, this destination beckons you to experience the sublime beauty of the region.

You must visit here to experience the otherworldly karst landscape, where picturesque limestone peaks rise dramatically from the water’s edge. As you drift along the river on a leisurely cruise, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery straight out of a traditional Chinese painting.

The main attractions you must not miss within the Li River Scenic Area include the unique karst formations such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Nine Horses Mountain, and the Yellow Cloth Shoal. The charming town of Yangshuo, with its vibrant street markets, is another highlight you must explore.

Best Time To Visit The Li River Scenic Area: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is at its most picturesque. The lush greenery of spring and the golden hues of autumn enhance the region’s natural beauty.

5. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Next place on this list is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park which is a natural wonder that invites you to step into a realm of surreal landscapes and captivating beauty.  Located in Hunan Province, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers!

If you love nature, you must visit here to explore its towering sandstone pillars and lush greenery, which served as inspiration for the breathtaking landscapes in the movie “Avatar.” It offers an otherworldly experience that feels like a journey through a fantasy world!

The main attractions within the park you can explore include the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, the mesmerizing Tianzi Mountain, and the awe-inspiring Golden Whip Stream. The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world’s highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge, is also a thrilling addition to your visit.

Best Time To Visit The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is comfortable, and the landscape is at its most vibrant. To avoid crowds, aim for weekdays and early mornings.

6. Potala Palace

The Potala Palace , a UNESCO World Heritage site in Lhasa, Tibet, invites you to embark on a spiritual and architectural journey like no other. Perched on the Red Hill, this iconic palace is a testament to Tibetan culture, history, and the enduring legacy of Buddhism.

You must visit here to explore this symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and a reflection of Tibet’s rich heritage. It’s not only an architectural masterpiece but also a pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. Visiting here is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet!

The main attractions within the Potala Palace include the White Palace, the Red Palace, and the sacred chapels and shrines. The murals, sculptures, and ancient artifacts provide you a glimpse into Tibetan history and artistry.

Best Time To Visit The Potala Palace: The best time to visit is during the spring or early autumn when the weather is relatively mild, and the skies are clear. Be aware that the palace has limited daily visitor slots, so it’s advisable to book your tickets well in advance.

7. Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum

The next amazing place to visit in China is the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum . Located in Xi’an, China, it is an archaeological wonder that invites you to journey back in time to the ancient Chinese empire. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to the First Emperor’s grandeur and the rich history of the Qin Dynasty.

You must visit here as this museum is home to the renowned Terracotta Army, an army of life-sized clay soldiers and horses that were buried alongside the First Emperor to protect him in the afterlife. It’s also a remarkable display of ancient craftsmanship and an extraordinary historical artifact.

The main attraction within the museum is, of course, the Terracotta Army, but it also includes various other artifacts and exhibits that provide you insights into the life and times of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition Hall is a must-see addition.

Best Time To Visit Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is comfortable, and the crowds are less overwhelming. Be sure to arrive early to avoid the peak visitor hours.

8. The Bund

The Bund , a historic waterfront promenade in Shanghai, is another gorgeous place for you to experience the city’s rich past and vibrant present. This iconic destination is a testament to Shanghai’s evolution from a trading port to a modern metropolis.

You must visit here to experience this captivating juxtaposition of old and new. On one side, you’ll find a collection of colonial-era buildings showcasing European architecture, while on the other, you’ll be greeted by the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong.

The main attractions along The Bund you can visit  include the Peace Hotel, Customs House, and the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, which takes you beneath the river to Pudong. The area comes to life at night when the buildings are illuminated, creating a breathtaking urban spectacle!

Best Time To Visit The Bund: The best time to visit is in the evening, as the Bund truly comes alive with its dazzling lights and stunning skyline views. The months of spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploring this iconic waterfront.

9. Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha is another perfect place to visit in China. Located near Leshan City in Sichuan, It is a monumental masterpiece of ancient art and engineering that calls you to explore its serene majesty. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a captivating symbol of Buddhism’s enduring influence and a testament to human ingenuity.

You must visit here to see the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, standing at a towering 71 meters (233 feet) in height. Carved into the cliffside during the Tang Dynasty, it’s not just a testament to religious devotion but also an incredible engineering marvel. Visiting here offers a profound sense of reverence and appreciation for both history and culture!

The main attraction is, of course, the Giant Buddha itself, which you can explore from various vantage points, including a boat ride on the river. The surrounding area also includes temples, shrines, and stunning natural scenery, providing a well-rounded experience.

Best Time To Visit Leshan Giant Buddha: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are relatively smaller. Plan your visit in the morning to avoid the midday rush.

10. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

The last, but certainly not the least, best place to visit in China is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding , nestled in the heart of Sichuan. It offers you a unique opportunity for panda enthusiasts and nature lovers to witness the world’s most beloved endangered species up close. This renowned research facility is a sanctuary for giant pandas and is dedicated to their conservation and breeding.

You must visit here and get a rare chance to observe giant pandas in a semi-wild environment. As the leading center for panda research and breeding, it plays a crucial role in preserving these iconic creatures. Your visit not only supports their conservation but also offers a remarkable educational experience!

Of course, The main attraction is the giant pandas themselves. You can watch them roam, play, and even eat bamboo, which is their favorite food. The base is also home to other wildlife species, including red pandas, which adds to the experience.

Best Time To Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: The best time to visit is during the morning when the pandas are most active and before the crowds arrive. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons, as the weather is comfortable, and the pandas are often more active.

The Best Part of China to Visit

China, a diverse and culturally rich country, offers a range of regions for you to discover, tailored to your preferences as a traveler.

• Coastal Cities:
• Shanghai : A modern hub where you can enjoy shopping and vibrant nightlife.
• Beijing : Immerse yourself in history at the Forbidden City and Great Wall.
• Hong Kong : Experience a unique blend of eastern and western influences in this bustling city.
• Scenic Natural Landscapes:
• Guilin : Delight in picturesque karst landscapes and explore ancient villages.
• Zhangjiajie : Hike among the breathtaking “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.”
• Jiuzhaigou Valley: Find serenity in crystal-clear lakes and cascading waterfalls.
• Historical and Cultural Sites:
• Xi’an : Discover the Terracotta Army and walk along the ancient city wall.
• Chengdu : Experience history, culture, and savor delicious Sichuan cuisine.
• Pingyao : Step back in time in a well-preserved walled city from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
• Ethnic Minority Regions:
• Yunnan : Immerse yourself in unique cultural experiences and explore ethnic diversity.
• Tibet : Embark on a spiritual and adventurous journey to discover Tibetan culture and high-altitude landscapes.

In conclusion, the best part of China for you to explore depends on your specific interests as a traveler.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit China

The cost of visiting China can vary widely depending on your travel style, preferences, and the cities you plan to explore. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a trip to China:

• Accommodation: Accommodation costs vary from budget to luxury options. In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, a mid-range hotel might cost $80 to $100 per night, while luxury hotels can exceed $200. Budget travelers can find hostels or guesthouses for $30 to $50 per night.
• Food: Chinese cuisine is diverse and budget-friendly. Street food and local restaurants offer affordable meals for as little as $5, while dining in upscale restaurants can cost $20 or more. A daily food budget can range from $15 to $40, depending on your preferences.
• Transportation: Transportation in China is efficient and budget-friendly. Subway and bus rides are usually under $1, while long-distance bullet train tickets range from $50 to $200. Domestic flights cost $100 to $300, but consider economical high-speed trains for city-to-city travel when budgeting.
• Activities: Entrance fees to popular tourist sites vary, with some costing $10 to $30, and others being free. Cultural activities, shows, and guided tours may add to your expenses. Budget an extra $10 to $30 per day for activities.

Budgeting tips:

• Opt for local street food and eateries to save on food costs.
• Consider using public transportation and walking to explore cities.
• Plan your trip during the shoulder seasons to find better deals on accommodation and flights.
• Purchase a local SIM card or use Wi-Fi to avoid international data roaming charges.

China offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets, from affordable backpacking to luxurious travel. Careful planning and research can help you make the most of your budget and have a memorable experience in this diverse and culturally rich country.

China offers everyone a wide array of attractions, each steeped in history and culture. Planning a trip to China involves thoughtful consideration of expenses and preferences. From choosing accommodations to savoring the diverse culinary scene and utilizing efficient transportation, you can personalize their experiences to match their budgets and interests.

With all the incredible wonders and experiences China has to offer, doesn’t the charm of this country call out to you?

If you enjoyed reading about ways to make the most of your China trip, do check out our other travel inspiration blogs. If you have your own adventurous stories to share, we would love to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What are five fun things to do in china.

Five fun things to do in China include exploring the Great Wall, visiting the Terracotta Army, enjoying traditional tea ceremonies, experiencing vibrant street markets, and trying authentic Chinese cuisine.

Is China cheap or expensive?

China’s cost can vary, but it’s generally considered an affordable travel destination, offering both budget and luxury options.

What is China unique for?

China is unique for its rich history, diverse cultures, stunning natural landscapes, and the Great Wall, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

Is China tourist friendly?

China is generally tourist-friendly, with many English-speaking services and a growing tourism infrastructure.

Who visited China the most?

China’s most visited by tourists from within Asia, with countries like South Korea, Japan, and the United States also contributing significant numbers.

What is a popular activity in China?

A popular activity in China is practicing Tai Chi in parks, a traditional martial art that promotes health and relaxation.

What is China’s favorite food?

Popular Chinese foods include dishes like Peking duck, dumplings, and various regional cuisines, with rice and noodles being staples.

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China Tours & Trips

China, Asia's largest country, swings between the stunning modern vibes of Beijing and Shanghai and the centuries old culture and traditions of Tibet . Take a walk on the Great Wall of China , have a river cruise on Yangtze river with one of our adventures or visit Yunnan and fall in love with this country.

250+ China tour packages with 457 reviews

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China Express

Great fun packed itinerary and wonderful leading by the guide Howard from Xian. Amazing, just go.

8-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

The tour really maximized our time by having all the tickets for the most popular sites booked beforehand so we were only waiting a couple of minutes to pick up the tickets versus hours if you were to book them yourself. In addition the food and hotel options were all of a very high quality. While I felt all the big attractions were a small bit of a let down; being way too packed with tourists, it was the more cultural activities (tea ceremony, visits with local families, kung fu show) which I have to admit before travelling sounded a bit gimmicky were actually the ones that will stay with me the longest. The tour guides and transportation were all of a very high standard too so I would highly recommend this trip.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai

All the guides were very nice. To call this a no shopping tour is misleading. Several times we were put in shopping situations that were not mentioned in the description or were sprung on us in transit.

China Delights Small Group Tour

This is a great tour that packs a lot in. Time flies as you see so much although you won't spend long at many of the sites. My favourite bits of the itinerary were: - The Great Wall at Mutianyu (Beijing) we took the chair lift option which meant we could ride the toboggan back down. - Terracotta Warriors (Xian) half day - Li River Cruise (Guilin) - Huangpu River Cruise (Shanghai) which luckily turned into an evening cruise as we couldn't get on the earlier one. Those are the highlights but there are so many other things such as the Tang Dynasty Dancing and Dumpling Dinner and Summer Palace in Beijng and Reed Flute Caves in Guilin. In particular Guilin so picturesque and Shanghai so modern. We were lucky with our first two guides, Tina (Beijing) and Celine (Xian) who were both excellent. Autumn in Guilin and Mindy in Shanghai were good too. Autumn stayed with us to help us find and order food in the evenings so a couple of long shifts for her. Celine helped arrange a birthday cake for one of our younger travellers. Included meals were excellent. Full banquets usually in local restaurants but we really enjoyed the home cooked lunch as well. Food was plentyful. We even enjoyed the set meal box on the cruise. Hotels were generally of a good standard. Check-in at The Great Wall Hotel in Beijing was really slow though and trying to find a table for breakfast was difficult and located a fair distance away from where the restaurants are (need to get the subway to reach them) The hotel in Guilin was the worst one, the rooms being some distance away from the lift and lobby and small bathrooms. The hotel in Shanghai was excellent. It was nice touch that we got framed photo souvenirs of our trip from Beijing although I think both myself and my sister should have received one each as we paid for single supplements. Some feedback I'd give would be that they need to let us know about the optional night tours that are available on the website/ itinerary before we come out so that we can budget properly. There was a night visit for the Big Goose Pagoda in Xian with the musical fountain light show which we would have liked to have gone to didn't go to due to the weather. We found that the night cruise in Guilin was expensive as the premium we paid for the guide to buy the tickets and come onboard with us was excessive. We could have just walked to the ticket office and bought the tickets ourselves. The night tour of Shanghai was just as expensive but at least that included a coach to drive us around as well as the guide. Having said that, we could have used the subway and got around ourselves and because it started so late, we didn't see much. It is worth going up Jin Mao Tower. Overall, we had a great time on this trip and would recommend Travel China Guide.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

China Highlights (5 destinations)

The Essence of Guilin

Excellent tour! Very well organised, includes everything that is necessary and I felt treated like a VIP guest all the time! My guide - Yunhua - bent over and backwards to make my trip unforgettable and he also arranged with great efficiency all the extra activities I was asking for (last minute)

11 Days China Natural Wonders Small Group

Would recommend to anyone looking to travel to China. TCT looked after us very well, collected from airports and stations without issues, helped us check in etc. The guides were excellent, and very helpful. The itinerary was well put together, fitted a lot in without being exhausting. Just a couple of hotels could have been better, would recommend to the company to use a different hotel in Beijing and Zgangjijie.

Looking for tours beyond just China?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including China.

Great Wall & Warriors - 10 days

Just did the Great Wall and Warriors tour in China. It was an Wonderful experience. Enjoyed it very much the service was great. Would definitely recommend this tour. Feng our tour guide was awesome

China Express - 8 days

This is a well planned and well-run trip. On The Go's partner in China has all the details planned out well in advance and their guides are prepared and very knowledgeable. On arrival to the airport, I was met by my guide in the airport who gave us a brief welcome and introduction to China, he also provided us with timing and familiarisation document so we knew what to expect from the next 6 days. We then took our complimentary transfer to the hotel. The hotel we were in was by the Olympic park so there was plenty to see and do after we arrived. Day 2, we met early and headed out. Our guide Leo was Chinese but his English was fantastic and very easy to understand. He kept us in the loop about what to expect, our timings and even gave the toilets star ratings - essentially helping us out on which ones had 'western' style toilets and which were squat loos. This was of invaluable help to many of the ladies on the tour- its a small touch but made travelling easier! He also taught us some very basic Chinese as most people do not speak English. Only small things like hello, how are you and thank you. But again, they help you navigate the country a little easier and its always polite to know how to say Thank You in the local language. Our guide also helped us with what to order when we arrived at restaurants so that we got to sample the best of the local area (each area in China is famous for a different dish). If you are not a fan of Rice and Noodles there are very little options for alternatives so if you have a specific dietary requirement remember to let them know in advance and possibly bring some snacks with you too. There is a lot to see and do in Beijing and whilst the Beijing days are very busy, you get a lot out of them, you get to see the most famous sites, sample local food, have a hilariously funny and enjoyable rickshaw ride (possibly my tour highlight!). We opted to not do the Pearl market (which is not full of pearls but rather a local clothing & goods market) and instead headed across the road was a really nice park and temple. Our guide showed us how to get the entrance and recommended the visit and he was absolutely right. If your a fan of a bargain the Pearl Market is amazing - but after a busy couple of days we rather enjoyed the slower pace of temple life. We visited two sections of the wall and the guides local knowledge proved invaluable here again. He advised us on the first section we visited, which way was the quieter way to go so you could enjoy the wall without masses of crowds, and again the next day ensured we were up and out early to get to the wall for opening time so we could enjoy almost private access to the wall. After about 2 hours the place was rammed with people, and we were all very happy with the early start to get the most out of the wall. The overnight train - whilst not being the most comfortable, was clean, we wree provided with linen and slippers and there are facilities with western toilets. There is also a hot water machine which our guide used to make us all a cup of Jasmine tea in the morning. On arrival into Xi'an we went for early check-in at our hotel so we could all freshen up, then went out to visit the wonderful city of Xi'an. Across from the hotel is a great tea market that I highly recommend. As its local nobody hassles you and if you need help, the locals are super friendly and will do their best to help you. The ride around the city walls was good fun, but there is also a walking option for those who are not bike confident. When we departed our trip some of the group were headed to Chengdu, some to Shanghai on longer versions of this trip. We were catching a flight so the tour company arranged another guide to collect us and take us to the airport. She then helped us check in and navigate security, acting as a translator for us. This was a service above and beyond what I was expecting as I had expected only to be picked up by a taxi and dropped off. This personalised service was fantastic and made the whole process easier. Normally I am a solo traveller, and I've been all over the world, but i couldn't recommend this tour enough. We got so much out of only a few days and we did so much more by being part of a group- from Tea experiences to skipping long queues it was worth every penny. Additionally, many tourists sites have minimal signage in English so having a guide with you means you get an explanation of what you are looking at, the context and the history which made the experience much more enriching.

Wild Yunnan 8D: Kunming-Dali-Lijiang- Shangri-La

Since we were traveling in an unpopular travel time, we had our own private tour guide. Our guide, Nancy, was also our driver for Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La. The whole itinerary was very good scheduled and not to packed, so we had time to stroll around the cities by ourselves as well. We were very happy overall and will definitely recommend this tour

Great Wall to Great Cities: Beijing to Shanghai China Journey

I was very impressed with the accounting for optional activities, and with the knowledge of the guides.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Great itinerary and travel between all the destinations was well managed and pain free. The accommodation was a lower standard as this is a lower budget tour but all of the locations allowed for easy access to the local attractions. All of the hotels/hostels were clean and air conditioned, we were more interested in the sights anyway! Our guide was the best and balanced knowledge with ensuring the group had fun, she was happy to change plans and arrange alternatives if any or all of the group wished to do different things. A really great group of people added up to a fantastic, memorable trip that I would happily recommend to anyone wanting the 'Real China' trip.

Hong Kong to Chengdu Express: 9-Day Chinese Journey

Wished I could have done the whole tour - loved that it was so flexible

Incredible Zhangjiajie

7 Days Lhasa To Shigatse and Namtso Group Tour

I love this trip so much! It is a lifetime experience I will never forget. The guide was very caring. I was a little dizzy on the first day. The guide constantly asked about my condition. He was also humorous and knowledgeable on Tibetan Buddhism and history. We learned a lot along the way. At EBC, we were so lucky to have good weather. When we look out from the window of the nomad tent, breathtaking! I see the starry sky! With the good arrangement and accompaniment, our trip has become more meaningful and wonderful. Thanks for everything. I highly recommend it to our friends.

What people love about China Tours

As a couple surprised by an fantastic individual tour by three very articulate guides and proficient drivers around Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Learnt not only about history but culture and language today. Felt very safe even when venturing out alone around cities without guides. Our only issue was we could not get internet to connect but that is going to be more us being technophobic. However so supported by guides that not required.

This tour is the greatest China esperience! All guides go above and beyond to immerse you in the ancient China history, local culture, natural wonders. Absolutely professional and courteous service, best accomodations, balanced time and activities for perfect vacation. Special thanks to TravelChinaGuide agent Emily - helping all the way in planning the tour. Highly recommended tour and TravelChinaGuide team, especially for the first-time visitors to China.

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How to Plan Your First China Trip 2024

Until November 30th, 2024 , ordinary passport holders of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malaysia can enjoy a 15-day visa-free entry to China.  

You can start planning your trip to China now! We will provide you with a flexible, tailor-made private tour of China . 

Thinking of traveling to China?

China, with its long history and unique culture, maybe a must-visit place for you. The numerous destinations, vast geography, and unintelligible language make trip planning appear challenging. Is this true? Not at all!

Our 11 easy-to-follow tips, based on our 25+ years of experience in custom travel, will help you create the perfect itinerary with ease. So, if you want to plan your first China trip effortlessly and make the most of your vacation, read on!

• 1. Determine Your Travel Duration
• 2. Choose How Long to Spend

3. Decide on the Travel Season

4. consider budget and affordability.

• 5. Consider Travel Type

6. Research China Visa Policy

7. get to/around china.

• 8. Know How to Access Your Money
• 9. Organise Travel Insurance
• 10. Stay Safe and Healthy
• 11. Pack for China Trip

12. Travelling with Kids to China

1. determine your travel duration in china.

Considering your time constraints, it is recommended to choose 2-3 cities for a more immersive travel experience, allowing you to explore the culture and attractions of China in depth.

After years of experience and feedback from our travelers, we have found that the best destinations for a first-time trip to China are Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai . The classic three-city tour takes about 8 days. Click to check the itinerary of the  8-Day Classic China Tour

If you have an additional 3 to 4 days , we recommend visiting one of the following cities: Guilin, Chengdu, or Zhangjiajie.

1) Take a Classic China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai

Beijing  – China's capital and a major gateway to the country.

Start your trip in the capital city, Beijing. Explore the historic Forbidden City, walk along the Great Wall of China, and visit the Temple of Heaven. Don't miss the ancient alleyways of Hutong and the impressive Summer Palace.

To cover the city's highlights, you would need about 3-4 days.

Xi'an – the place to go if you are interested in history.

Discover why Qin Shi Huang built the marvelous Terracotta Warriors, one of the world's most significant archaeological discoveries. Explore the city's well-preserved city walls, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and sample delicious local dishes.

With so much to see, you could spend 2 days here and it's only a 4-6 hour high-speed train ride from Beijing.

Shanghai – China's biggest and most prosperous city. 

Explore Shanghai's blend of history and modernity with a 1-2 day tour and extend your itinerary for 2-8 days to nearby Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Huangshan for more culture-rich experiences.

Want to start planning your private China tour now? Click on the  tailor-made tour to arrange your unique trip. 

2) Extend Your Trip to Guilin, Chengdu or Zhangjiajie

Guilin – the perfect destination to immerse yourself in natural picturesque landscapes, ethnic culture, and rural scenery.

Take a Li River Cruise to Yangshuo and soak in the stunning scenery. Cycle around the picturesque Yangshuo countryside, hike the Longji Terraced Fields and try exciting outdoor activities like Ferrata, Drifting, Kayaking, and more.

You can easily spend 3-4 days enjoying Guilin and its surroundings.

Chengdu – the home of the Giant Panda and famous Sichuan cuisine.

You have a chance to get close to the fluffy Pandas, marvel at the towering Leshan Giant Buddha, and pray at the Golden Summit of Mount Emei. Don't miss authentic Sichuan dishes like kung pao chicken and spicy hotpot.

You can enjoy all these experiences and more in Chengdu, which typically requires around 2-4 days to fully explore.

Zhangjiajie — offers a wonderland of natural landscapes and exciting outdoor activities perfect for a 3-4 day trip.

Take a cable car up to the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, walk through the thrilling Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, and trek the 999 steps up to Tianmen Mountain.

If you are interested in exploring other parts of China, such as Lhasa for Tibetan culture, Yangtze River for the Three Gorges Dam, and Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-la for a diverse range of minority cultures and history, don't hesitate to contact us.

We can organize a custom tour that is tailored specifically to your needs and preferences.

2. Choose How Long to Spend in China

Evaluate how much time you have for your trip. China's vast size means you may need to prioritize certain areas if you have limited time. For a first-time visit, it's recommended to allocate at least one week to explore this fascinating country.

For 7-10 days , we suggest visiting China's "Golden Triangle," which includes Beijing for 3-4 days, Xi'an for 2 days, and Shanghai for 1-2 days. You can refer to our 8-Day Classic China Tour  for more information.

If you have 11-16 days , you can discover more of China, such as the beautiful Guilin, charming Chengdu, wonderful Yangtze, etc. Check out our carefully selected  13-Day China Adventure Tour , and 16-Day Panoramic Impression of China .

If you want to get more inspiration, please contact us about your requirements, including the length of your holiday. Our experienced travel specialists can design a travel plan tailor-made to your needs, ensuring a uniquely fulfilling experience.

The best time to travel to China depends on your interests, the region you want to visit, and also the time you have.

The most popular China tourist hotspots of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai are suitable to visit all year round .

Usually, spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) are the most comfortable and recommended times for a China tour. If you want to travel comfortably without too much sweating and not too much rain, that's the best time.

The summertime from July to August is hot in the afternoon in some places, but air conditioning and expert arrangements will help you to avoid the heat as much as possible. Meanwhile, there are various summer activities for you to experience.

During the winter from December to February (except the Chinese New Year and New Year's Day), there are fewer travelers with better prices. So you could enjoy the benefits of the 'low season'.

Check more detailed tips on the  Best Time to Go to China .

China is not the cheapest country to explore, but some good planning can save you a lot of money. Your budget will influence both your destination choice and the duration of your trip. Larger cities like Beijing and Shanghai tend to be more expensive, while rural areas may offer more affordable options. Research the cost of accommodations, transportation, and activities in different regions to make an informed decision.

Usually, international airfare is the largest cost item. The airfare from the US or Europe to China costs about US$1200 to US$4,000 for a direct economy round trip.

However, it is possible to save a lot if you get a great deal or take stopovers. We recommend you start to look for flights as soon as your travel date is fixed.

You can expect to spend about US$180–350 per person per day on a high-quality China tour based on 2 person group, including domestic flights/trains, 3/4/5-star hotels, attractions, meals, private tour guides, and vans.

China's peak tourist seasons typically take place during the first weeks of May and October summer holidays and Chinese New Year(around late January or early February ).

During these periods, the price differences between peak and low season can be quite significant, with hotels and airfares going up by anywhere from 30% to 50% or more.

To avoid higher costs during peak season, we suggest you book your travels at least two months in advance. If you book with us, we offer a guarantee of a 100% refund if you cancel your travel plans up to three weeks before departure.

5. Consider Traveling Independently or Taking a Guided Tour

Should you go to China with an organized tour through a tour agency, or make the tour arrangements yourself? It depends on your needs.

Take a Private Tour

A private tour is the best option for you if you want to have deeper experiences in China. 

A private guided tour is always to help you maximize your time  and ensure a worry-free and more enjoyable trip for you. 

If you're considering taking a private China tour, it's very important to choose a reliable and trustworthy travel agency, like ChinaTravel . We have 25 + years of experience in creating custom tours .

You can be guided as much or as little as you like. Our professional trip advisers will customize a tour  that suits your budget and interests, and local drivers and guides will make your trip a carefree and insightful experience.

Based on 91 reviews

LiPing best guide for Guilin

I visited Guilin for the first time in October 2023 and only had a 2-day window. Absolutely worth a packed full 2-day tour. And, LiPing with her love of this land and her enthusiasm, made a huge difference for me...

2 Day Private Tour Highlights Guilin, Li River Cruise and Yangshuo

I had a great experience during this private 2 days tour organized by Vanessa at China Travel and guided by Gary, a highly professional, friendly and knowledgeable guide...

4-star Li River cruise

It was fabulous and met my expectations. It was part of a 4-day private tour in Guilin. The local guide - Henry - was courteous, knowledgeable, professional, patient, and very flexible and accommodating...

david_kt_yu

Trusted, friendly, concise and highly recommended

We were on a 4 day trip to Guilin and Yangshuo covering the highlights. The tour guide, Ms Yang, gave us the highlight of our lives when we traveled to the cities...

Tour as A Group

Advantage: You can spend less money to see China's key sights and have more security.

Disadvantage: The downsides of this option are the lack of flexibility and the that you can only scratch the surface of Chinese culture.

Travel Independently

Advantages: If you are an adventurer or you have a great deal of time to plan an itinerary, you can do a lot of preparation to book transportation tickets, hotels, etc. 

Disadvantages: It is not easy for first-time visitors to have a smooth solo trip in China. In addition to a lot of hard work, study, planning, and bookings, once you are on the ground, you may waste time trying to get to places and end up seeing less.

There will also be numerous problems to overcome, such as an unfamiliar language and it is not always the cheapest option. 

Most people require a visa when traveling to China. We recommend that you apply for your Tourist Visa (L visa) one to two months before your departure date .

However, do not apply too early because China visas are usually valid for only three months from the date of issue.

Alternatively, you can take advantage of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy  or apply for a port visa, which makes it easier for you to take a China tour.

If you book with us, we will provide you with an invitation letter that you will need to apply for a tourist visa. Just contact us  about your tour needs.

Getting to China has become easier due to the increasing number of non-stop flights from several cities in the USA, Europe, Australia, Singapore, and other countries and regions. More routes to China will be added soon.

Keep in mind that booking your flight at the very last minute can be expensive.

To ensure the best travel experience, make sure you start booking your flights as early as possible and select the most suitable option for your needs, such as direct flights, flights with stopovers, and so on.

When traveling between cities in China, there are many options like flight and train, and the most “Chinese-style” way is to travel by high-speed train , which is fast, convenient, punctual, comfortable, and reasonably priced.

8. Know How to Access Your Money in China

The official currency of China is the Ren Min Bi, often called RMB or CNY (Chinese Yuan), and is used throughout the Chinese mainland. It is commonly referred to as kuai (pronounced kwai) by locals.

The exchange rate between the CNY and dollar and Euro is 1 USD = about 7 CNY, 1 Euro = about 8 CNY, which of course can change.

Download “Digital Money Pocket” – Alipay/WeChat Pay

Cash-free travel, sounds exciting? Chinese people nowadays pay bills via two very practical and convenient payment apps, Alipay/WeChat Pay.

You don't need to worry about how much cash to bring when traveling in China and taking your wallets out anymore – a smartphone can handle all shopping requirements.

From high-end restaurants to wet markets to street vendors, just show your Alipay/WeChat Pay QR code and pay the bills!

Use a Credit/Debit Card

Hotels, standard restaurants, and large shopping malls in big cities accept credit/debit cards.

But please be aware that many restaurants and mall shops will not accept plastic. They are rarely used here, so even if a company officially accepts a credit/debit card, it might not have working hardware for using it.

Prepare Chinese Cash

You may need cash for small purchases in China: taxis, small shops, restaurants, etc. You could withdraw from the ATMs in airports and big malls. 

9. Organise Your Travel Insurance for China

Travel Insurance will make your trip financially safer. It is not only for medical emergencies, but also for assisting in cases of lost baggage, trip delays, or interruptions because of snowstorms, heavy rains, and evacuations.

The price of insurance may seem expensive, but it could potentially save you a significant amount of money.

When purchasing insurance, pay attention to what is covered and to what amount. Choose a suitable one rather than just selecting the cheapest option.

10. Stay Safe and Healthy

Is China safe? Yes! China is a country with many places with good policing, tight gun control, and relatively few natural disasters and health risks.

Chinese people are friendly and trustworthy. However, crime, bad weather, and accidents do happen, so buying Travel Insurance is important.

Is Chinese food safe? If you go to reputable establishments, yes, but take care of street stalls and avoid less hygienic eateries.

Can I drink running water? No! Most tap water in China needs boiling (well) before drinking. In some areas avoid tap water altogether and buy bottled water.

11. Pack for Your China Trip

With only one week left, it's time to start packing. Make a checklist of items you need and pack according to your destination, especially if you are traveling with children.

The economy class seat on International flights generally allows 23kg per person while domestic flight in China limits it to 20kg per person.

Be sure to include important documents such as your passport and China visa, and pack luggage essentials such as a travel adapter and chargers.

Additionally, pack appropriate clothing for your destination. For example, T-shirts and sunglasses are suitable for summer, while a down jacket and sweater are necessary for winter.

Traveling with children requires patience and flexibility, so be prepared to adapt your plans based on their needs. Embrace the opportunity for your family to create lasting memories and experiences together in China.

Plan child-friendly activities : Research and include activities that are suitable for children. Look for interactive museums, parks, zoos, amusement parks, and cultural experiences that can engage and entertain them.

Choose family-friendly destinations : Consider destinations that offer suitable facilities and amenities for families. Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong have a range of child-friendly attractions and accommodations. It's also worth exploring smaller cities known for their family-friendly environments, such as Chengdu and Guilin.

Pack essential items : Pack appropriate clothing for the weather, sufficient diapers and baby supplies (if applicable), snacks, toys, books, and entertainment for the kids during the trip. Consider carrying a stroller or baby carrier for younger children.

Choose child-friendly accommodations : Look for hotels or vacation rentals that cater to families. Check for amenities like childproofing, cribs, high chairs, and play areas. Consider options that provide larger rooms or interconnected rooms to accommodate your family comfortably.

Recommended China Tours for 2024/2025

All of the itineraries on our website can be tailored further to fit your needs . You can easily add whatever interests you. They are hand-picked by us from many options and can be adjusted as we go along.

Below are some of our most popular tour packages. 

You can use them as a guide and a starting point. We are here to make your tour easier and more fun. We are ready! Are you?

• 8-Day Beijing - Xian - Shanghai Tour - classic Golden Triangle trip
• 11-Day Beijing - Xian - Guilin - Shanghai - Immerse in China history and Natural Landscape
• 13-Day Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Guilin - Yangshuo - Shanghai Tour - good for adventure and panda lovers
• 16-Day Beijing - Xian - Lhasa - Yangtze River - Shanghai Tour - to know Tibetean culture and natural landscape

Request a custom itinerary today and get one step closer to your personalized trip

Create Your Trip

Waar ben je naar op zoek?

Reizen naar China

Bij veel reisliefhebbers staat een China rondreis hoog op het verlanglijstje en dat is zeker niet vreemd. Door China reizen betekent in aanraking komen met overblijfselen en elementen uit een meer dan 4000 jaar oude beschaving , maar er zijn meerdere typeringen van toepassing op het land. Zo hebben de Chinezen de op een na grootste economie ter wereld, staat het vierde in de lijst van landen met de grootste oppervlakte en zelfs ruimschoots bovenaan als het gaat om inwonertallen. Dit alles maakt rondreizen door China een fascinerende belevenis. Wie besluit door China te reizen, zal hoe dan ook worden geconfronteerd met overblijfselen uit het roerige verleden van het door vele oorlogen geteisterde Oost-Aziatische land. Het beste voorbeeld daarvan is overduidelijk de Chinese Muur . Deze oorspronkelijke verdedigingswal is meer dan 6000 kilometer lang en heeft inclusief verdedigingsgroeven en natuurlijke grenzen zelfs een lengte van bijna 9000 (!) kilometer. Tijdens je rondreis door China valt er echter zo veel meer te bezichtigen dan alleen de Chinese Muur. Alleen al in de Chinese hoofdstad Peking (Beijing), kom je in aanraking met de meest indrukwekkende historische plaatsen. In dat kader mag een bezoek aan de Verboden Stad zeker niet ontbreken. Dat Beijing zich de laatste tientallen jaren razendsnel ontwikkeld heeft tot moderne metropool, blijkt uit de grote, eigentijdse winkelcentra en gigantische wolkenkrabbers. Koning Aap biedt ook reizen naar de minder bezochte provincies van China. Volgens veel kenners is de provincie Yunnan landschappelijk een van de mooiste van China. Denk hierbij aan uitgestrekte rijstterrassen, het onovertroffen ‘ Rode Aarde gebied ’, een vlakte met zandstenen ‘torens’ en spiegelende bergmeren. In het ' Verre Westen ' van China liggen de provincies Xinjiang, Gansu en Qinghai . Een dunbevolkt gebied, waar men in oasegebieden leeft van veeteelt en landbouw. In Xinjiang is de cultuur Turks-islamitisch. Het Tibetaans boeddhisme proef je in Gansu en Qinghai. In West-China stap je in de voetsporen van legendarische ontdekkingsreizigers als Marco Polo ! Een rondreis door China is gegarandeerd een onvergetelijke ervaring voor iedere reiziger. Bezoek het Verre Oosten en maak kennis met het land van de tegenstellingen!

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Customize Your China Tour 2024/2025

A customized tour means comfort, flexibility and value.

With our helpful China Tour DIY Tool , the perfect China tour of your own is only several steps away by telling us your arrival date , favorite destinations or the simple things to do , preferred traveling pace and your group information . You needn't spend a lot of time searching one tour from the hundreds of China tours collection because one of our travel experts will be your personal consultant who will create your preferred itinerary within 24 hours and send it to you with quotation, as well as keep in touch with you before and during the tour to take care of every detail of your days in China.

As a leading China travel agency, we have managed to help more than ten thousands of guests travel in China successfully with our tailor-made China tours since our establishment in 2011, including a lovely couple from Belgium who traveled with a well-paced and valuable 69 days China adventure which covered 35 great destinations in China . Even in the difficult pandemic years of 2020/2021/2022 when the in-bound tourism was suspended, we had helped thousands of clients especially expats in China to travel successfully in China, including Simona and Thomas who love natural landscape traveled two times to explore Silk Road and desert in Gansu and enjoy scenic vacation to Zhangjiajie/Guilin , French photographer Florian who had a memorable photography trip to remote Kanas of Xinjiang , and Jimmie family who came from the USA to visit exotic Lijiang and Shangri-la , etc. In 2024/2025, we believe everything will be better and better. It’s time to put your feet on the way... No matter where you want to go, what type of travelers you are, what kind of tour you need, we have got everything ready for you!

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

• Step 1: YOUR DESTINATIONS
• Step 2: YOUR TRIP DETAILS
• Step 3: YOUR GROUP INFO

Step 1 # Choose your favorite China destinations or let us know the place you want to go.

Here are some most popular China destinations listed for you to choose, with suggested travel days and recommended highlights you may not miss. While making your multi-destination trip in China, please pay attention to your planned travel duration with the days you may need in each city.

Suggested Travel Length 4 Days

Highlights: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace

Suggested Travel Length 2 Days

Highlights: Giant Panda Base, Wenshu Temple, Jinli Old Street

Highlights: Yungang Grottoes, Haning Temple, Nine Dragon Screen Wall

Highlights: Mogao Grottoes, Crescent Lake, Yumenguan Pass, Echoing Sand Mountains

Highlights: Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall, Yuexiu Park, Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family

Highlights: Li River, Yangshuo County, Longji Rice Terraces, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave

Highlights: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda

Highlights: Ice & Snow Festival, Sophia Church, Zhongyang Pedestrian Street

Suggested Travel Length 5 Days

Highlights: Huitengxile Grassland, Inner Mongolia Museum, Kubuqi Desert

Suggested Travel Length 3 Days

Highlights: Victoria Peak, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Stanley Market

Highlights: Yellow Mountain, Xidi & Hongcun Ancient Villages

Highlights: Huanglong National Park, Jiuzhaigou National Park

Highlights: Xijiang Miao Village, Kaili Ethnic Minority Museum

Suggested Travel Length 2-4 Days

Highlights: Id Kah Mosque, Karakul Lake, Kashgar Bazaar

Highlights: Stone Forest, Dongchuan Red Land, Western Hill

Suggested Travel Length 4-5 Days

Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka Park

Highlights: Lijiang Ancient Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery

Highlights: Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple

Highlights: Xiantong Temple, Tayuan Temple, Pusa Ding, Nanchan Temple

Highlights: Pingyao Ancient City, Jinci Temple, Qiao's Family Compound

Highlights: Qinghai Lake, Taer Monastery

Highlights: Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Yu Garden & Bazaar, the Bund

Highlights: Lingering Garden, Shantang Street, Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory, Suzhou Museum, Tongli Water Town

Highlights: Tianjin Eyes, Huangyaguan Great Wall, Porcelain House

Highlights: Golden Palace, Purple Clouds Palace, Wudang Martial Art show

Highlights: Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Gulangyu Island, South Putuo Temple,

Highlights: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Suggested Travel Length 4-9 Days

Highlights: Chongqing=Yichang, Chongqing=Shanghai, Chongqing=Wuhan cruises

Highlights: Laohuzui Rice Terrace, Duoyishu Rice Terrace, Bada Rice Terrace, Hani Village

Highlights: Zhangjiajie Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain

If you haven't found your favorite destinations, you can also let us know, or tell us your plan in below form:

Step 2 # Tell us more information about your China Tour Plan

Please offer as much as possible about your plan. We will do out best to match your travel style. Family tour, culture tour, photography, anniversary vacation, vegetarian tour... are all available.

• Family Vacation
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• Honey Moon & Anniversary
• Culture & History
• Landscape & Nature
• Culture & Hisotry
• Culinary Tour
• Cycling Excursion
• Hiking & Climbing
• Bullet Train Travel
• Cruise & Boating

Step 3 # Let us know Your Group Information

Please provide your group size and correct contact information so that we can reach you with our tailor-made itinerary and best quotation. Please note this enquiry is not a reservation, so no deposit is needed!

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China Tours

China, a mysterious and splendid country in East Asia, boasts countless ancient treasures, monumental marvels, mesmerizing landscapes, diverse ethnic groups, world-famous delicacies, and welcoming people that attract travelers from all over the world to come and explore!

From the magnificent Great Wall to the buried life-size Terracotta Warriors , ancient architecture such as city walls, pagodas, time-honored temples, and Giant Buddhas, China showcases the best highlights and amazing experiences like nowhere else. As you venture deep into the stunning cityscapes from Shanghai to Beijing , read vivid history while stepping into the ancient heart of Xian , float on the tranquil Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo with limestone Karst mountains, enjoy a relaxing river cruise on the Yangtze River, and experience the vast contrast while traveling in the land of holy Tibet , immersed in a world of Tibetan culture... you'll be struck by how diverse this land can be. Welcome to China - one of the world's oldest and most splendid cultures - all yours to explore.

With many offices operating in different destinations , Asia Odyssey Travel is a local travel agency based in China. We are here, ready to provide you with the best local service at reasonable prices! All China tours are flexible and can be customized based on your preferences and interests . Feel free to choose from our most recommended China tours for 2024 , China tours from popular gateway cities, or focus your interest on trip themes. Go your own way!

Take a China Group Tour at the Lowest Price 2024

If you're first-timers in China and seeking the best value, you can select from our 25 best China group tours , each offering unique experience in various destinations. Enjoy a discount of about 30% compared to a private tour. Rest assured that the same exceptional experience and the lowest price are guaranteed! Learn more >>

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China has glorious history, unique culture, many amazing masterpieces. On our tours to China, you should not miss the iconic attractions and must-visit spots including:

Terracotta Warriors , Marvel at the 8000 life-size Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987

The Bund, Stroll leisurely on the banks of Huangpu River on the Bund and catch the amazing skyline of the Pudong New Area

Giant Pandas , Meet the adorable pandas and newborn baby pandas at the real Hometown of Giant Pandas in Chengdu

The Yangtze River , the third-longest river in the world and enjoy relaxing cruise through the Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam

On our top China tours, you’ll visit some of the most popular landmarks, including:

The Great Wall of China, hike on the magnificent Great Wall and have a panoramic view with spectacular landscape

Forbidden City, Walk and explore in the largest imperial capital city still existing in China

Giant Pandas, Meet the adorable pandas and newborn baby pandas at the real Hometown of Giant Pandas in Chengdu

Potala Palace, Reach the Roof of the World and pay a holy visit to the Potala Palace comprising the White and Red Palaces built on the Red Mountain

If you want to escape to the nature with hiking and photography experience, you can come to the following places:

Guilin : Embrace the nature in Guilin with endless picturesque Karst landscape along the Li River and immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside of Yangshuo.

Zhangjiajie : Spend your memorable time exploring Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a magicla place dominated by more than 3000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks and personally see the Avatar Mountain in reality.

Huangshan : Get a good chance to discover the 4 wonders in Yellow Mountain which include the Pine Forest, Strange Stone, Cloud Sea, and Hot Spring.

Latest China Tours Reviews from Our Customers

I'm a Singaporean traveller who booked a private solo tour. I chanced upon AOT after I googled and decided to travel last min. My planner from AOT named Rita was very patient towards all my request and changes, she is knowledgeable and provided excellent advice for my 8 days trip arrangement from Shanghai, Zhangjiajie N Chongqing. Although there were very minor hiccups just like any overseas holiday, it was still a well planned trip.

I would like thank all my tour guides and drivers (师父) for looking after me so well. Special mention to Zhangjiajie Tour Guide named Ms Rita Wang, she looks after her client with her sincerest heart into the smallest details such as eating habits and my lifestyle. (Example: Turning A/C on knowing we Singaporeans can't live without A/C in car & also I don't even have to look at menu to order food becos she knows what I want to eat) Also thank you 杨师父 who tagged team with Rita, he is a very good skilled safe driver and knows how look after me during long haul journey drive inter cities.

I would strongly reccomended anyone who wants to travel to look for Rita or her colleagues from Asia Odyssey Travel.

Lastly, thank you to all whom I've crossed path during my trip. I'm grateful to all people in China for the warm hospitality. 感恩大家的招待和爱。

I left my heart in Zhangjiajie

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Zhangjiajie

Date of Experience: Apr 06, 2024

Tour Customized by: Rita

You May be Interested in This Tour: 11 Days China Scenic & Cultural Tour in Group (Shanghai Zhangjiajie Xian Beijing)

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai

Date of Experience: Mar 25, 2024

Tour Customized by: Rex

You May be Interested in This Tour: 8 Days Beijing Xian Shanghai Small Group Tour

HELEN HUANG

Date of Experience: Mar 20, 2024

Tour Customized by: Vincent

You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour

• Zoeken Waar kunnen wij u bij helpen? Zoeken

Reisadvies China

Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken

Geel: let op, er zijn risico’s

• U kunt naar China reizen, maar let op: de veiligheidssituatie is anders dan in Nederland. Bereid uw reis daarom goed voor.

Blijf op de hoogte van de veiligheidssituatie

• Bent u in China of gaat u er binnenkort heen? Registreer uw verblijf gratis via de Informatieservice van het ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken .
• Kies ‘Aanmelden + registratie bij ambassade’. Zo weet de Nederlandse ambassade dat u in het land bent. U krijgt een melding per e-mail als het reisadvies verandert. Ook krijgt u bij een calamiteit of crisis, via e-mail of sms, extra informatie over de veiligheidssituatie.
• Vertrekt u uit China? Geef dit zo snel mogelijk door via de Informatieservice van het ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken .

Let op! Reist u naar Hongkong, Macau of Taiwan? Lees dan het reisadvies voor Hongkong SAR , het reisadvies voor Macau SAR of het reisadvies voor Taiwan .

Verder in dit reisadvies

Reischecklist china.

Gebruik onderstaande checklist voor een goede voorbereiding van uw reis.

Reisdocument

• Neem een geldig paspoort mee waarmee u zich kunt identificeren.
• China erkent geen dubbele nationaliteit.
• Heeft u een Chinees en een Nederlands paspoort? De Chinese autoriteiten zien u alleen als een Chinees staatsburger.
• Heeft u consulaire hulp nodig de Nederlandse ambassade? De Chinese autoriteiten kunnen de Nederlandse ambassade verbieden om u te helpen.
• Heeft u afstand gedaan van de Chinese nationaliteit en reist u China in met een Nederlands paspoort? De Chinese autoriteiten kunnen u zien als een Chinees staatsburger.
• Neem altijd de documenten mee waaruit blijkt dat u afstand heeft gedaan van de Chinese nationaliteit, zoals de bevestiging van de Chinese autoriteiten.
• Houd rekening met verscherpte controles bij binnenkomst in het land. De autoriteiten kunnen uw paspoort inhouden of u voor onbepaalde tijd vasthouden. Dit kan ook gelden voor gezinsleden van Oeigoerse afkomst die niet de Nederlandse nationaliteit bezitten.
• Iedereen van 16 jaar en ouder moet in China een geldig identificatiebewijs kunnen laten zien.
• Draag altijd uw paspoort bij u met daarin, als u visumplichtig bent, uw geldige visum voor China.
• Reist u tussen 1 december 2023 en 30 november 2024 naar China voor een toeristische reis, zakelijk bezoek, familie- of vriendenbezoek of doorreis (transit) en duurt uw verblijf in China maximaal 15 dagen? Dan heeft u als Nederlandse reiziger geen visum nodig
• Heeft u vragen over het visumvrij reizen naar China of twijfelt u of u onder de regeling voor visumvrij reizen valt? Neem contact op met het visumaanvraagcentrum in Den Haag op telefoonnummer +317 02 62 91 50 of stuur een e-mail naar [email protected] .
• Reist u naar China met een ander reisdoel? Dan heeft u wel een visum nodig.
• Het is niet toegestaan om uw reisdoel tijdens uw reis te veranderen. Geef altijd uw primaire reisdoel aan.
• Blijft u langer dan 15 dagen in China? Dan heeft u ook een visum nodig, ongeacht uw reisdoel. U vraagt een visum aan bij het Chinese Visa Application Service Center (informatie in het Engels).

Registratie na aankomst​​​​​ in China

• Peking (informatie in het Engels)
• Shanghai (informatie in het Engels) 
• Guangzhou (informatie in het Chinees)
• Verblijft u in een hotel? Het hotel regelt de registratie voor u.
• Registreert u zich niet? U kunt in de problemen komen als u het land verlaat.

Reizen met kinderen

• Kinderen hebben ook een geldig paspoort en eventueel een visum nodig voor een reis naar China.
• Reist u alleen met kinderen jonger dan 18 jaar? Check welke documenten u nodig heeft en neem die mee. Zo voorkomt u lange wachttijden bij grenscontroles.

Corona-inreisvoorwaarden

• Voor China gelden geen corona-inreisvoorwaarden.
• Check op de website van de ANWB of u met uw Nederlandse rijbewijs een motorvoertuig mag huren en besturen, en of u ook een internationaal rijbewijs nodig heeft.

Reisverzekering

• Sluit altijd een goede reisverzekering af die extra medische kosten dekt van bijvoorbeeld ziekenhuisopname en repatriëring. Uw basiszorgverzekering vergoedt deze kosten niet altijd 100 procent.
• Gaat u een (extreme) sport beoefenen? Sluit een extra verzekering af.
• Zet het telefoonnummer van de alarmcentrale van uw reisverzekeraar in uw telefoon.
• Zorg dat u genoeg financiële middelen heeft voor onverwachte uitgaven, zoals extra kosten bij vertraging, hogere kosten voor verblijf en vervoer.
• Neem meerdere betaalmiddelen mee naar China, zoals een pinpas of creditcard(s) én contant geld. U kunt niet met alle bankpassen pinnen bij iedere Chinese bank.
• Contant geld wordt niet overal geaccepteerd, maar alleen digitaal (via de mobiele telefoon). Neem, als het kan, verschillende creditcards mee.
• Zet het telefoonnummer van uw bank in uw telefoon. U heeft het nodig als u uw bankpas wilt blokkeren in geval van verlies of diefstal.
• Controleer of uw bankpas geactiveerd is voor pinnen buiten Europa (Wereld).

Mobiele telefoon

• Check bij uw provider wat de kosten zijn van mobiel bellen en datagebruik buiten de EU. Het kan handig zijn om een buitenlandpakket aan te schaffen.

Maar let op!

• De autoriteiten in China controleren het internetverkeer in het land.
• Sociale media zoals Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube en Twitter zijn geblokkeerd.
• Ook sommige websites (waaronder die van de NOS en de BBC) en e-maildiensten, bijvoorbeeld Google en Gmail, zijn geblokkeerd.
• Het inloggen met een Virtueel Particulier Netwerk (VPN) kan in sommige gevallen een oplossing bieden.

Thuisblijvers

• Maak van thuisblijvers geen spoorzoekers en laat ze weten wat uw reisplannen zijn.
• Maak goede afspraken met het thuisfront over uw bereikbaarheid.
• Geef thuisblijvers een kopie van uw reisdocumenten, vaccinatieboekje, creditcard en verzekeringsgegevens. Bewaar deze kopieën zelf ook op een veilige plek online.
• Geef thuisblijvers ook het IMEI-nummer van uw telefoon: in geval van nood kan uw mobiele provider daarmee uw telefoon terugvinden of blokkeren. De makkelijkste manier om dit nummer te achterhalen: *#06# intoetsen op uw telefoon. Daarna verschijnt het nummer op uw scherm.
• Zet het telefoonnummer van uw contactpersoon in geval van nood als ICE-nummer in uw telefoon. De spoedeisende hulpdiensten kunnen op deze manier direct contact opnemen met uw contactpersoon.
• Lees hoe u een ICE-nummer instelt .

Niet meenemen naar Nederland

• Download de Reisapp van het ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken en Douane : u weet wat u wel en niet mee terug mag nemen naar Nederland (denk aan souvenirs, namaakartikelen, koralen en dierlijke producten).

Veiligheidsrisico’s

Geel: let op, er zijn risico's.

U kunt naar China reizen, maar let op: de veiligheidsrisico’s zijn anders dan in Nederland. Bereid uw reis daarom goed voor en let op.

Reizen naar Xinjiang

Reist u naar de regio Xinjiang?

Houd er rekening mee dat de Chinese autoriteiten u streng controleren, bijvoorbeeld door foto’s van u te nemen, uw persoons- en contactgegevens te noteren en uw mobiele telefoon en andere apparatuur op informatie te controleren.

Buitenlanders kunnen in China gearresteerd en vervolgd worden om onduidelijke of politieke redenen. Bijvoorbeeld omdat zij worden verdacht van spionage of het in gevaar brengen van de nationale veiligheid. De Nederlandse ambassade kan u niet of beperkt hulp bieden. Dit geldt vooral als u naast de Nederlandse ook de Chinese nationaliteit heeft of heeft gehad.

Strenge rechtspraak

Verdachten van een misdrijf en arrestanten worden in China anders behandeld dan in Nederland. Verdachten worden lang vastgehouden zonder dat ze officieel van een misdrijf zijn beschuldigd. De lokale autoriteiten kunnen iemand ook verbieden het land uit te reizen. Buitenlanders komen meestal niet op borgtocht vrij.

In China is het bezit, gebruik, smokkelen en verhandelen van drugs streng verboden. U riskeert een zware gevangenisstraf of de doodstraf.

De Chinese politie controleert actief op het gebruik van drugs in bijvoorbeeld nachtclubs, bars, op straat en bij mensen thuis. De politie voert drugstesten uit via een bloedtest, een urinetest of een haartest. Bij een positieve testuitslag maakt het niet uit of de drugs in China of in het buitenland (voor uw aankomst in China) zijn gebruikt. De straffen op drugsgebruik variëren van een boete, arrestatie en gevangenisstraf tot landuitzetting en een inreisverbod.

Prostitutie

Seks tegen betaling is strafbaar in China. U kunt worden gearresteerd en riskeert een boete of gevangenisstraf.

Reizen naar Tibet (Autonome Regio)

U heeft een speciale inreisvergunning nodig voor Tibet.

• Vraag de inreisvergunning aan via een reisorganisatie die gespecialiseerd is in reizen naar China.
• Houd er rekening mee dat de Chinese autoriteiten de vergunning soms niet afgeven.

Toegang tot Tibetaanse gebieden buiten de Autonome Regio

Reist u naar de Tibetaanse gebieden buiten de Autonome Regio (bijvoorbeeld Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu of Yunnan)?

• Houd er rekening mee dat de lokale autoriteiten u in deze gebieden uw identiteit en uw bagage kunnen controleren.
• U krijgt mogelijk geen toegang tot bepaalde steden of gebieden in de regio, als deze niet zijn opengesteld voor buitenlanders.

Demonstraties

Demonstraties komen in China voor. De Chinese autoriteiten handhaven de openbare orde streng en treden hard op. Buitenlanders kunnen als aanstichters van demonstraties worden gezien. Zij kunnen dan worden verdacht van het in gevaar brengen van de nationale veiligheid.

• Vermijd demonstraties en grote bijeenkomsten.
• Volg altijd de instructies van de lokale autoriteiten op.

Oplichting komt in China voor.

• Wees alert op Chinese jongeren die goed Engels spreken en zich als ‘gids’ aanbieden om met u toeristische plaatsen te bezoeken.
• Wees ook alert op personen die u per toeval ontmoet en u uitnodigen om naar een (thee)winkel, massagesalon of bar te gaan.
• U riskeert achteraf een hoge rekening, die u direct moet betalen. Bij weigering bestaat het risico dat u (gewelddadig) bedreigd wordt.

Zakelijke conflicten

Zakelijke conflicten die eindigen met geweld komen voor.

• Bent u hiervan slachtoffer geworden? Doe altijd aangifte bij de politie.

Foto’s maken

Fotografeer of film geen demonstraties, overheidsgebouwen, militaire objecten, het leger en/of de politie. Dit is verboden.

• De lokale autoriteiten verwijderen de gemaakte foto’s of film
• Uw apparaat wordt in beslag genomen.
• De lokale overheid kan u verdenken van spionage. U riskeert een gevangenisstraf.

Criminaliteit

De kans dat u in China te maken krijgt met criminaliteit is vergelijkbaar met die in Nederland. Houd rekening met zakkenrollers en diefstal, vooral op drukke plekken. Let goed op uw geld en uw bezittingen.

Bent u overvallen of beroofd? Of is u iets anders overkomen? Doe altijd aangifte bij de lokale autoriteiten.

Aardbevingen

China ligt in een aardbevingsgevoelig gebied. Vooral in het westen van het land bestaat de kans op zware aardbevingen.

• Volg de berichten in de lokale media.
• Informeer naar de situatie in het gebied waar u naartoe reist.
• Lees meer informatie op de website van het USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (informatie in het Engels).
• Volg altijd de adviezen van de lokale autoriteiten op.

Regenseizoen (moesson)

Vooral tussen februari en oktober valt in het zuidelijke gedeelte van China veel regen (moesson) die aardverschuivingen kan veroorzaken. Door de hevige regenval kunnen modderstromen ontstaan waardoor wegen en straten beschadigd en onbegaanbaar worden.

Vooral tussen juni en september zijn de temperaturen zeer hoog. In het zuidelijke deel van China is er dan ook een hoge luchtvochtigheid.

Reist u tijdens deze perioden?

• Volg het lokale nieuws over de weersomstandigheden in China op de website van het Chinees meteorologisch instituut (China Meteorological Administration) (informatie in het Engels).

Vooral tussen mei en november komen in de oostelijke en zuidelijke kuststreken tropische stormen voor (cyclonen, tyfoons of orkanen) die door zware regenval en stormvloeden overstromingen en schade kunnen aanrichten.

Reist u tijdens deze periode?

• Volg het lokale nieuws.
• Check de website Tropical Storm Risk en ; National Hurricane Center (informatie in het Engels).

Gezondheidszorg

In de grote steden bieden ziekenhuizen goede zorg. Ook internationale en privéklinieken zijn beschikbaar. Buiten de grote steden zijn de medische voorzieningen beperkt en is alleen basishulp mogelijk.

Voor medische basishulp kunt u ook naar een wijkgezondheidscentrum gaan, een zogenaamd “community health centre”.

Heeft u medische zorg nodig?

• Neem altijd uw paspoort mee als uw naar een ziekenhuis of een wijkgezondheidscentrum gaat.
• Houd er rekening mee dat u medische behandelingen meestal direct moet betalen. De rekeningen kunnen hoog zijn. De medische zorgkosten van internationale klinieken en privéklinieken in China zijn hoog.
• Sluit altijd een uitgebreide reisziektekosten- en repatriëringsverzekering af voor de duur van uw verblijf.

Reisvaccinaties

• Check ruim voor vertrek op de website van GGD Reisvaccinaties welke vaccinaties u nodig heeft voor China.
• U kunt (online) een vaccinatie-afspraak maken bij een GGD of bij een andere aanbieder van reisvaccinaties bij u in de buurt. Alle aanbieders vindt u op de website van het Landelijk Coördinatiecentrum Reizigersadvisering (LCR) .

Op reis kunt u ziek worden of last krijgen van gezondheidsklachten als diarree, bijtwonden of een zonnesteek. Download de app GGD reist mee . Daarin leest u onder andere wat u kunt doen in deze situaties.

Gebruikt u medicijnen?

• Neem voldoende mee vanuit Nederland, ook voor extra dagen. Neem een Europees Medisch Paspoort mee, waarin al uw medische gegevens staan.
• Check voor welke medicijnen u een verklaring nodig heeft om ze mee te mogen nemen naar China .
• Neem uw medicijnen altijd in de originele verpakking mee.

Luchtvervuiling

In grote steden is de lucht vervuild. Het niveau van vervuiling verschilt per stad.

Reist u met jonge kinderen of heeft u een aandoening aan de luchtwegen?

• Raadpleeg uw arts voordat u naar China reist.
• Beijing Air Pollution
• Ministry of Environmental Protection

Wegverkeer en verkeersveiligheid

Lees meer informatie over de verkeersveiligheid in China op de website van de ANWB .

Taxivervoer

• Neem altijd een officiële taxi, herkenbaar aan een taxibordje op een meter.
• Vraag altijd om het bonnetje als bewijs van uw ritprijs met het taxinummer.

Praktische informatie

• Lhbtiq+ personen (lesbiennes, homoseksuelen, biseksuelen, transgenders, intersekse personen, queers en personen die hun gender of seksualiteit anders benoemen) worden in China geaccepteerd.
• De Chinese wet accepteert een huwelijk of partnerschap tussen personen van hetzelfde geslacht niet.

In geval van nood

Lokale hulpdiensten.

Heeft u direct hulp nodig in China? Neem contact op met de lokale hulpdiensten:

• Algemeen alarmnummer: 110
• Ambulance: 120
• Brandweer: 119

De Chinese taal kan een probleem zijn

• Zorg dat u altijd contactgegevens in het Chinees en/of Engels bij u heeft van een contactpersoon of van uw hotel bij wie u (vertaal)hulp kunt vragen.

Wat moet u doen in een nood- of crisissituatie?

• Bent u in China en bent u in nood (zoals een ziekenhuisopname of diefstal)? Lees wat u kunt doen in geval van nood .
• Komt u in een crisissituatie terecht (zoals politieke onrust, een terroristische aanslag of natuurgeweld)? Lees wat u kunt doen in een crisissituatie .
• Laat uw familie/vrienden weten hoe het met u gaat. Volg altijd de aanwijzingen op van de lokale autoriteiten.
• Maakt u een georganiseerde reis? Houd contact met uw reisorganisatie.
• Heeft u hulp nodig? Neem contact op met uw reisverzekeraar of met de Nederlandse ambassade of het Nederlands consulaat-generaal.

Contactgegevens Nederlandse ambassade

Nederlandse ambassades en consulaten-generaal zijn 24 uur per dag, 7 dagen per week bereikbaar via het contactcenter van Nederland Wereldwijd op telefoonnummer +31 247 247 247 of via WhatsApp: +316 82 38 77 96 .

Bent u in China en heeft u een lokaal telefoonnummer? Bel het lokale nummer van de Nederlandse ambassade of het Nederlands consulaat-generaal. U betaalt dan het lokale tarief.

Nederlandse ambassade in China

Bekijk de contactgegevens van:

• de Nederlandse ambassade in Peking
• het Nederlands consulaat-generaal in Chongqing
• het Nederlands consulaat-generaal in Guangzhou
• het Nederlands consulaat-generaal in Shanghai

Registreren

• Registreer uw verblijf in China gratis via de Informatieservice van het ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken .

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China Tours, Trips & Vacation Packages

China, being the 4 th largest country in area in the World and the 4th most visited country by foreigners, provides so many reasons to spend time here. To mention a few, there is its incredibly diverse landscapes , its rich historical heritage with 5000 years of culture , its mouthwatering cuisine , its emergence into the modern world and its friendly people, all available on China tours. 

To understand China, it is necessary to look back at the influences of its long history. From the days of the feudal system came a united China under the first emperor to rule the complete country. This was followed by the many dynasties that ruled China up to as late as 1912 after which it became a republic followed by a Communist regime from 1949. 

About China

An interesting fact is that 50% of the country’s population lives in rural areas even though only 10% of the land is arable. China also has some of the most populated cities to be found anywhere. The official language is Mandarin although Cantonese is spoken widely in the southeast. 

Here are some other interesting facts about China. It is the oldest continuous civilization. There exist more than 50 different ethnic groups although 90% of the population is Han Chinese. China has the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites after Italy and Spain . There are 5 sacred mountains associated with Taoism and 4 with Buddhism. China has only one time zone spread over the whole country. It is called the “Middle Kingdom” as the Chinese once perceived their country as the centre of the world. Ice cream and pasta originated in China and were introduced to the western world by Marco Polo. The high-speed trains which travel from Beijing to Guangzhou and Shanghai reach a speed of up to 430 kilometres/268 miles per hour. Make these part of your China vacation.

China is also known for its martial arts, the practice of Tai Chi, its calligraphy and its scroll paintings. For shoppers, important items include porcelain, antique furniture, fine arts, jade, carpets and pearls.  

It is impossible to really sum up China in words. It is far preferable to visit the country and discover for oneself. A dilemma could be where to start and what to leave out on China tour packages.

Essential China: Beijing, Xian, Guilin & Shanghai

FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: The ideal locally hosted tour to visit four of China’s major destinations including Imperial Beijing, the ancient capital, Xian, scenic Guilin, and the modern futuristic Shanghai all in 10 days.

8 Trips Available

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China Signature: Beijing, Xian & Shanghai

China Rail Discovery: Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou & Shanghai

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Scenic China: Pingyao, Longsheng, Huangshan & More

Classic Tibet: Lhasa, Gyantse & Shigatse

Highlights of Beijing & the Great Wall

Signature Shanghai

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How to Plan A Trip to Beijing (Cost, Itinerary) 2024/2025

Planning on visiting Beijing? Whether you are spending one week in Beijing or just making a stop during your Asian trip, Beijing is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

This page would help you get inspiration and be prepared for your upcoming Beijing trip from local and professional insights.

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• Best Things to Do
• Trip Itinerary
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Famous Food
• How to Travel Around
• Travel Tips

The Best Things to Do in Beijing

Beijing is one of the most popular cities in the world, renowned for its rich cultural heritage . You should not miss the following things:

• Walk along or camp on the Great Wall : a must-do activity in Beijing. We recommend the Mutianyu section, which is the most child-friendly and not too crowded, or the wild Jingshanling/Jiankou section for hiking and camping.
• Explore the Forbidden City : the second most popular attraction in Beijing. It is hard to get an idea of the great size of the imperial palace until you are in it. Guided by our local guide, you could visit the hidden halls to learn about the secrets and story behind them.
• Savor the Summer Palace - a resort for the royal family, known as the "Museum of Royal Gardens". Wander where the royals relaxed in the warmer months.
• Discover the enchanting hutongs : Walk into a family's houses, explore the historical and cultural sites like temples and towers, and take a stroll.
• Experience other things, such as Beijing roast duck , a kung fu show , or an acrobatic show.

Things to Do Recommended for Family with Kids

• Enjoy an easy walk at Mutianyu Great Wall equipped with an advanced cable car, chairlift, and toboggan, or Camp on the Jiankou Wild Great Wall with a BBQ dinner.
• Take a rickshaw through hutongs and play with a Chinese yo-yo made of wood or bamboo in a hutong's courtyard
• Go on a treasure hunt in the National Museum of China
• Experience Modern Beijing — 'Smart' Restaurant Lunch and Beijing's New CBD Skyline

Things to Do Recommended for Couples

• Enjoy a stunning sunset at the Great Wall with a romantic picnic, a good witness for anniversaries or birthdays
• Taste fine rice wine in a hidden hutong. It's a private moment for the two of you.
• Enjoy the night cityscape on the Western Hills
• Go to the Place and express your love on "the Sky Screen"

Beijing Trip Itinerary: 4 Days Suggested

Four days are enough if you only want to see the essence of Beijing . A recommended itinerary is as follows:

• Day 1: Arrival and explore Wangfujing or Sanlitun
• Day 2: Discover the Forbidden City and the hutongs.
• Day 3: Hike the Great Wall and visit the Temple of Heaven.
• Day 4: Visit the Summer Palace and departure.

Click to see more details on our 4-Day Beijing Private Tour or 5-Day Beijing Family Tour

You could also learn more on our Top Beijing Itineraries: From 1 Day to 5 Days with Side Trips

Extended China Tours from Beijing

For first-timers to China, Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai are the most classic route that offers you a window to Old and New China. See our 8-Day China Golden Triangle Tour - Ideal for First-Timers

Another most chosen itinerary would be our 2-Week Beijing- Xi'an-Zhangjiajie-Guilin-Shanghai Tour , crafted to offer a delightful blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty.

For a family tour plan, you could refer to our 12-Day Beijing-Xi'an-Chengdu-Guilin/Yangshuo-Shanghai Tour , including pandas, cultural activities, outdoors, and iconic landmark visits.

If you are looking for a China winter tour, we recommend the combination of China, Xi'an, Harbin, and Shanghai, immersing yourself in a romantic and spectacular snow world. See our 8-Day Shanghai– Beijing– Harbin–Xi'an Tour .

Our travel experts are happy to tailor-make a Beijing tour according to your special interests and requirements.

Beijing Trip Costs

The reference price of a private Beijing tour for a group of 2-4 people is about USD 200 per day per person. (This doesn't include the cost of international flights).

A Beijing trip cost will vary according to your accommodation choice, type of transportation, dining, and other expenses.

Beijing lies in the top price band in the Chinese Mainland but is still below the Western city prices found in China's most expensive cities of Hong Kong and Macau.

We recommend booking 3 months in advance to ensure that you have more options and opportunities for comparison.

When booking with us, you'll receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to 3 weeks before departure ( more details here⇒ ).

Reference Prices for a Trip to Beijing

• International flights to Beijing: 800 to 1,300 USD for an economy round-trip flight from the USA (or Europe).
• Domestic travel to Beijing: 500 to 1,500 yuan (80–230 USD) for an economy one-way trip by plane; 400–1,000 yuan (60-150 USD) for a second-class one-way trip by high-speed train
• Cost of accommodation in Beijing: 3-star/economy (40–80 USD/per night); 4-star/boutique (80–200 USD/per night); 5-star/luxury (100–500 USD/per night). Hotel prices could increase by 50% to 100% during major holidays such as Labor Day (May 1-5) and National Day holiday (October 1-7).
• Cost of dining in Beijing: 1.50–5 USD for a snack like pancake; 5–15 USD per meal per person for a good restaurant; 30–60 USD for more expensive. See the top restaurants in Beijing with their prices and specialties for reference.
• Cost of transportation in Beijing: Metro fares are 3–8 yuan (0.50–1.20 USD), public buses are 1–5 yuan (0.10–0.70 USD), and taxis charge 13 yuan (2 USD) within three kilometers, and thereafter cost 2.3 yuan (0.3 USD) per kilometer.
• Cost of Beijing attraction tickets : tickets for most attractions in Beijing range from 30 to 100 yuan (5–15 USD). There are a few free attractions in Beijing such as Houhai , Tian'anmen Square , Tianning Temple, and the 798 Art Zone .

The Best Time to Visit Beijing

Beijing is approximately at the same latitude as Philadelphia in the U.S. (but drier in winter and wetter in summer) and Madrid in Spain (though colder in winter).

Although you could travel to Beijing throughout the year, autumn (September and October) is the most recommended season to visit, as the weather is usually quite temperate, and there are relatively few tourists .

The high season is from April to October . Pros: warm weather and long days; cons: crowds, heat, and high costs.

The low season is from November to March . Pros: less crowd and lower prices; cons: cold weather and short days.

We recommend that you book at least 3 months in advance if you plan to visit during these Chinese holidays:

• China's summer holiday season (July and August)
• Labor Day (May 1–3)
• National Day (October 1–7)
• Spring Festival (late January or early to mid-February)

Read more about Best Times to Visit Beijing, Travel Tips .

Take our private Beijing tour to enjoy a more comfortable trip. Your guide will help you skip the lines at the famous Forbidden City, lead you to explore a less crowded part of the Great Wall and keep you refreshed with ice water and air-conditioned private transport.

Where to Stay in Beijing

Beijing is a huge city with a vast range of accommodation options suiting every budget, including hotels, hostels, traditional hutong courtyards, guesthouses, and boutiques.

There are several areas you can consider when choosing your hotel:

• Qianmen Street area : best for first-timers and sightseeing travelers; near the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven
• Wangfujing Street area : best for first-timers and shopaholics; near the Forbidden City
• Hutong area : best for families with children and culture lovers; near Lama Temple and Drum Tower
• Sanlitun area : best for young people and night owls

If you want to experience old Beijing life, you can opt to stay in a traditional hutong courtyard .

Famous Food You Should Try in Beijing

Beijing has food from all over China as well as from many parts of the world. There are thousands of restaurants, including Chinese restaurants, Western restaurants, vegetarian restaurants, Muslim restaurants, and Asian restaurants.

There are quite a few dishes that are unique to Beijing, and one of the most famous specialties is roast duck . The famous roast duck chains of restaurants are Quanjude (全聚德) and Dadong (大董).

Your local guide can give you recommendations according to your tastes and requirements. He/she can help you to order dishes, giving you a hassle-free dining experience.

How to Travel around Beijing

It is very convenient to travel around Beijing. You can choose a subway, bus, or taxi according to your preference.

Beijing is China's No. 1 gateway city and it has two airports : Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport. Both airports have domestic flights to Beijing. Beijing Capital International Airport is closer to the downtown area .

Public Transportation

Although buses in Beijing are abundant, the subway has more and clearer English signage and is faster .

Beijing's subway lines can take you to most attractions within Beijing city, like the Forbidden City and Lama Temple. It is also an economical way to get around Beijing.

The Great Wall is located far from the downtown area. But you can still use public transport to get there, although it takes a long time. Learn more on How to Get to the Great Wall (Options & Costs) .

Taxis are also a useful option though they cost a bit more. It's hard to get a taxi during rush hours (7–9 am and 5–9 pm).

Private Transportation

Booking a private tour with your own driver and English-speaking guide is what we recommend, as it is the most hassle-free option to avoid traffic congestion and help you maximize your time.

Tips for a Beijing Trip

1. visa requirements: usually, foreigners need to apply for a visa before traveling to China. If you met the relevant qualifying criteria of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy , you could stay in Beijing for 144 hours without a visa.

2. Read some movies or books about China and Beijing. See 10 Movies to Watch Before Going to China .

3. Get your mobile phone plans in order . Make sure your SIM card is compatible with a Chinese network if you plan to use it. Read some information about Internet access in China .

4. Learn a few words in Chinese , such as "please", "hello", "thank you", and "excuse me". Strangers are more likely to show kindness when they make an attempt to speak in their local language.

If the above information is not enough for you to plan your Beijing tour, feel free to contact us . Our specialists will help you to maximize your travel experience by suggesting the optimal trip for the time you have available and the things you love to do.

Here are some popular Beijing itineraries for inspiration. They're able to be tailor-made down to the finest detail according to your tastes and interests.

• 4-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Night Tour
• 4-Day Emperor's Tour of Beijing without missing the must-sees
• The Golden Triangle — This 8-day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai itinerary, or variations of it, has been our most popular first-time China trip over the last 20 years.
• Check all our Beijing Tours for inspiration.
• 2-Week Private China Tour: Beijing–Xi'an–Lhasa-Shanghai
• 12-Day China Silk Road Tour from Xi'an to Kashgar
• 11-Day China Classic Tour
• 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
• 15 Best Places to Visit in China (2024)
• Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025)
• How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
• 8 Days in China: Top 15 Tours and Itineraries (2024/2025)
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
• China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in September 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in October 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in November 2024: Places to Go & Crowds
• China Weather in December 2024: Places to Go and Crowds

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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Russia's Putin says he plans to visit China in May

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Putin announces plans to visit China in May

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a cabinet meeting via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Putin said he plans to visit China in May, in what could become the first foreign trip for the Russian leader after he extended his rule by six more years in an election that offered voters little real choice. Putin’s inauguration is scheduled for May 7. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he plans to visit China in May, in what could become the first foreign trip for the Russian leader after he extended his rule by six more years in an election that offered voters little real choice.

Putin announced the plans for the visit at a congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in Moscow. He didn’t say when exactly it would take place and didn’t offer any other details.

Putin’s inauguration is scheduled for May 7, Russian lawmakers said earlier this week. Last month, the 71-year-old Russian leader secured his fifth term in office in a vote with no real opposition, extending his 24-year rule.

Russia’s growing economic and diplomatic isolation because of its war against Ukraine has made it increasingly reliant on China, its former rival for leadership of the Communist bloc during the Cold War.

According to a recent U.S. assessment , China has surged sales to Russia of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry for use in the conflict.

China has repeatedly said it isn’t providing Russia with arms or military assistance, although it has maintained robust economic connections with Moscow.

Beijing has not provided direct lethal military support for Russia and has sought to project itself as neutral in the Ukraine conflict. It has refused to condemn Moscow’s actions and declared in 2022 that it had a “no-limits” friendship with Russia. The country has denounced Western sanctions against Moscow, and accused NATO and the United States of provoking Putin’s invasion.

China has also proposed a peace plan that was largely dismissed by Ukraine’s allies, who insisted that Moscow must withdraw its forces from the neighboring country as a condition for peace.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine