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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 450 reviews

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China Express

I loved the tour - it's a very quick trip through China's main tourist attractions and there really isn't time for rest but that was perfect given the limited time I had. There was a problem with one member of the group who didn't speak English and had fairly severe medical issues - which would have been fine if it didn't impact the rest of the group - but they did, and I don't believe he should ever have been let on the trip. G Adventures should at least be asking people if they have a decent grasp of English and are medically fit for the trip. Otherwise it was great - had a brilliant time, and if you want to see China in a limited amount of time then this is a great way to do it.

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

Excellent tour! All the guides (Candy, Lily and Ocean) were excellent. They all had plenty of stories to tell about their cities and the places we visited. The included meals were simply amazing! With a lot of different Chinese food to try. The guides also took care of people with allergies of especial needs. I definitely recommend this tour if you want to see the main touristic attraction in Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai. We had time to visit, walk, and take pictures in all places.

• 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

The tour was excellent from A to Z. Our guides Kitty (Beijing), Lily (Xi'an), Monica (Guilin) and Mary (Shanghai) were knowledgeable, informative, caring and attentive. It was well curated, and we hit all the spots from modern to traditional to naturist. I have become taken by the country and wonderful people, and ive been singing its praises since I returned home. All in all an excellent and memorable trip. Five stars ????????????????????!

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.

• Sightseeing

The Essence of Guilin

Great introduction to Guilin and Yangshou. Daniel was excellent in helping to arrange everything beforehand and my guide (Anna) and driver (Huang) were accommodating, friendly and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended for a introduction of a beautiful part of China.

• Train & Rail

China Highlights (5 destinations)

Great Wall & Warriors - 10 days

A perfect taste of China!

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China Express - 8 days

I travelled with On the Go on the China Express tour and had an absolute blast! Normally I am the type of traveller to "go solo" and do my own thing and have my experiences that way. I must admit, I would never have seen half the things I would have compared to doing it with On the Go. Each day is brilliantly organised, you get to make friends with the people you travel with from all over the world, but there is not too many people that you feel like a sheep. China is the kind of country where have a local tour guide really enhances your whole holiday as well. Organising something as easy as a taxi yourself requires you to know Chinese, you cant just show them an address. You get to learn a lot more about the culture, history and see some really interesting places which are more local than what a guide book can tell you. I would highly recommend On the Go, my whole trip was flawless, the ground staff couldn't be more helpful and it was a great way to see one of the most interesting countries in the world without feeling overwhelmed.

Hong Kong to Chengdu Express: 9-Day Chinese Journey

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

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

We were so fortunate to have Qin as our guide on this tour. She took us to so many places, that we would likely not have found on our own. I was particularly impressed by the fact she was able to order us the local delicacies of every place we visited - I have never eaten so much delicious food. Qin's hometown of Yangshuo was the highlight for me, as not only was it absolutely beautiful, but her personal connections with the city and it's people, made it an extra special experience. As a group, we concluded that the bike ride Qin took us on along the river, should be included in the cost, rather than as an additional activity, as it was truly one of the most breathtaking rides we'd ever been on. Qin was very accomodating, even organising a private bus on our day trip to the Terracotta Warriors, to ensure we would have the best experience by maximising our time there. Plus if we ever had any free time, she always had suggestions or recommendations of things we could do (in addition to what was listed). It is worth pointing out that the trip does include extensive travelling, both at night and during the day, and it would be worth including the approximate travel times for each trip for the purposes of transparency. While the trip says 12 days, the first and the last are not counted, and it would be fair to say we lost an additional two days with travelling. Given the amount of ground we covered, this is to be expected, but the details of this travel could be included more clearly in the trip summary (prior to attending the trip). Although it is covered in the notes received once you have booked the trip, it is certainly worth making note (perhaps like the fitness rating) that the trip, given China's air quality, may provided difficult for certain people, such as asthmatics, including myself. While I had medication with me which I was taking regularly, I still found the air pollution caused significant challenges and it was something I could not quite comprehend until having to breathe through it. Overall, a great trip, and one that I am glad I got to experience with the absolutely wonderful Qin as my guide.

Best of China Small Group Tour

• Food & Culinary

Chinese Cuisine & Culture

I saw a lot and the chosen destinations were very interesting. The organization was also great. Everything went smoothly and on time. All the tour guides were extremely friendly, well informed and very keen to fulfill all wishes. The hotels were clean and well maintained. The hotels were centrally located for exploring on your own. I felt very well looked after, learned a lot about China and can only recommend this trip.

Great Wall to Great Cities: Beijing to Shanghai China Journey

I took their Beijing tour back a few years ago and loved it!! I still can't believe I saw so much of China in just 3 weeks! The hostels were actually really nice, and the experiences were incredible. Guides were all super friendly and had fun recommendations. When meals weren't provided, we'd get a group dinner together which was super fun. At times I was the most exhausted I've ever been, but the guides were super motivated and kept the energy up. I know people who have gone on more expensive tours of China and didn't get to do the cool stuff we did like camping on the great wall of china or training with shaolin warriors.

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

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

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

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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Beijing China Travel Brochure

The city of Beijing is one of the most captivating modern Chinese cities. With more than 3,000 years of history, the city is now the political, economic and cultural center of the nation. The city’s vibrant streets, winding alleyways, old temples, and bustling public markets make it a must-see destination for all travelers. Whether you are looking for a modern city escape or a traditional cultural experience, Beijing is the perfect place to go.

When preparing for a trip to Beijing, first-time travelers can find an abundance of information online. From information about attractions to the culture and customs, there is no shortage of excellent information available. Additionally, travelers can also find detailed Beijing China travel brochures available for download on various websites and travel-related blogs.

One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting Beijing is experiencing the local culture and customs. From time-honored traditions to famous landmarks, attractions in the city provide a unique and exciting experience for all travelers. The Great Wall of China is a must-see attraction, while the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven provide a glimpse into the past. Tourists can also take part in the age-old tea ceremony or explore the many markets to get a real taste of everyday Chinese culture.

To get a real insight into the city, travelers should not hesitate to explore further afield. Many of Beijing’s outer districts are home to ancient villages, untouched by the urbanization, or the lofty peaks of the Simian Mountains. Meanwhile, the rural outskirts of the capital offer picturesque countryside walks and hidden temples, giving visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Of course, a visit to Beijing would not be complete without sampling the city’s delicious cuisine. From popular street food to the traditional Peking Duck, Beijing has some of the most delicious food in the world. Local restaurants and cafes often serve up dishes created with unique recipes that have been passed down through generations. The most adventurous travelers should not shy away from trying something new, as the true flavors of Beijing can be found in the unique dishes offered in restaurants throughout the city.

Beijing is a vibrant and bustling city that is full of interesting sights and experiences. From traditional culture to the modern lifestyle, the city provides an unforgettable experience for travelers of all kinds. By taking the time to explore the city’s culture and customs, and sampling the delicious local cuisine, tourists can get a true taste of Beijing and create lasting memories.

Shopping in Beijing

One of the best things to do in Beijing is to explore the city’s amazing shopping scene. From luxury malls and department stores to small street markets and roadside stalls, there is something for everyone. Tourists can find the latest trendy fashion, high-end electronics, unique souvenirs, and much more. Meanwhile, those looking for a bargain should visit the many markets scattered throughout the city, where they can find everything from antiques to handmade crafts.

Shoppers should also visit Guanjiazhai Market, Beijing’s largest open-air market. This bustling bazaar is filled with hundreds of vendors selling everything from traditional Chinese garments to original artwork and handmade accessories. For an unforgettable shopping experience, travelers can also visit one of Beijing’s numerous traditional markets, located throughout the city.

The Wangfujing district is another must-visit for shopaholics. Located near Tiananmen Square, this high-end shopping area is home to countless international brands, as well as traditional Chinese shops and boutiques. Start your shopping trip at the Asia-Pacific Shopping Center, where you can find some of the best sales, discounts and coupons.

While shopping in Beijing, tourists should be aware of the fact that haggling is customary and expected. Prices can often be negotiated, particularly in the city’s traditional markets, so travelers should be prepared to put their haggling skills to the test.

Beijing is bursting with nightlife offerings, from traditional Chinese tea houses to glamorous bars and nightclubs. From the ancient hutongs to the bustling Sanlitun district, there are plenty of places to explore and discover after dark.

Sanlitun is the city’s vibrant entertainment hub and a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike. Here one can find a wide selection of bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as many Western-style pubs. The area also hosts numerous music and cultural events, making Sanlitun the perfect place to experience the city’s nightlife in all its glory.

Evening tea ceremonies are another popular attraction in Beijing. Tea houses are scattered throughout the city, providing visitors the opportunity to enjoy an ancient tradition in the comfort of a modern setting. The tea ceremonies are accompanied by traditional music, performances, and storytelling, for a truly unforgettable experience.

The Houhai district is also a great option for those seeking a more traditional Chinese night out. The area is home to some of Beijing’s oldest taverns, bars, and restaurants. Here visitors can sample local dishes and drinks, and even take part in Beijing’s traditional entertainment such as classic Chinese opera.

No matter what your taste, Beijing has no shortage of exciting activities and attractions to explore after dark. From modern bars and clubs to traditional tea ceremonies and live music, a night out in the city is sure to be a memorable one.

Nature in Beijing

Beijing is a bustling metropolis, but the city is also home to some of China’s most impressive and beautiful natural attractions. From the majestic Great Wall of China to vibrant lotus-filled lakes, tourists can find an abundance of outdoor experiences in and around the city.

One of the most popular outdoor destinations near Beijing is the Great Wall of China, which stretches for more than 8,800 kilometers. Visitors can explore the wall’s many sections, each of which offers a unique view of the ancient structure and its surrounding landscape. For a more tranquil experience, tourists can also explore the wall’s many paths and hiking trails.

Nearby is the Summer Palace, a sprawling imperial garden and palace complex originally designed for summer retreats of the Qing Dynasty Emperors. This stunning complex is filled with villas, temples, pagodas, and pavilions, as well as many picturesque gardens, making it a must-visit for tourists.

Beijing is also home to many stunning parks and nature reserves, such as the Damanao Nature Reserve and the Yuanyang Cuihu Park. Here, visitors can enjoy the tranquil beauty of nature and explore rare plant and animal species. Additionally, the city is also home to many traditional gardens, such as the Garden of the Master of the Net and the Temple of Longevity, which provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

No visit to Beijing would be complete without experiencing the city’s breathtaking natural attractions. From the world-famous Great Wall of China to the many lakes, parks, and gardens, tourists can find an array of outdoor activities to enjoy in the city.

Chinese Culture

Beijing is a vibrant cultural center, filled with fascinating sights and sounds. From traditional festivals and ceremonies to ancient architecture and cultural activities, there is no shortage of things to see and do.

The city is also home to many of China’s most famous landmarks and monuments, such as Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall of China, and the Temple of Heaven. Tourists can visit these iconic sites to learn more about China’s long and fascinating history. Additionally, there are also many museums and galleries located throughout the city, such as the National Museum of China, which offers comprehensive insight into the country’s culture and traditions.

Tourists should also not miss the city’s many traditional festivals and ceremonies. From the world-famous Beijing Opera to the ancient Chinese tradition of Qigong, visitors can experience China’s culture in all its glory. Moreover, the city is also home to many cultural activities, such as calligraphy classes, which are perfect for those looking to discover more about the country’s traditional customs.

For a truly unique experience, travelers can also explore some of Beijing’s ancient hutongs, or alleyways. These narrow streets are the epitome of traditional Chinese culture, filled with traditional shops, teahouses, and colorful markets. Exploring these narrow streets is an experience like no other and a great way to get a taste of the city’s ancient culture.

Beijing truly is a city that offers something for everyone. From incredible sights to interesting cultural offerings, the city is sure to provide travelers with a memorable experience. Whether you are interested in sightseeing or learning about Chinese culture, Beijing is the perfect destination for a timeless experience.

Bernice Sorrells

Bernice A. Sorrells is a freelance journalist and travel writer from the United States. She has written extensively about China, covering topics such as culture, history, politics, and economics. Bernice has traveled extensively throughout China, visiting many of its provinces and cities.

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Xi'an Travel Guide

Xi'an is characterized by and is proud of its ancient heritage , such as the world-renowned Terracotta Army. A visit to Xi'an is often at the top of a traveler's to-do list.

Often called the birthplace of Chinese civilization, Xi'an is the oldest of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, serving as the capital city of 13 dynasties spreading intermittently across a 1,100-year period from 221 BC.

Xi'an is located in North Central China. It is about 2 hours by air from Beijing and 2½ hours from Shanghai.

• Top Attractions & Places to Visit
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Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Xi'an

How to plan a trip to xi'an, top private xi'an tours.

These are the most popular Xi'an itineraries for visiting the classic sights. Similar itineraries never mean the same experience. Instead of just show you around, we create unique Xi'an experiences: interactions with local people and culture.

• Meet terracotta warriors from 2,200 years ago
• Make your own terracotta warriors in a cave dwelling
• Stand on the top of Mt Hua, Taoism's sacred mountain
• Unveil secrets of the Terracotta Army
• Explore top 3 things to do on tripadvisor in one day
• Taste local snacks and the flavor of life in the Muslim Quarter
• Admire the Terracotta Warriors
• Taste exotic atmosphere at Muslim Quarter
• Enjoy amazing sunset on the Great Wall
• Discover Shanghainese secret-recipe summer dishes
• Hike along the Great Wall.
• Challenge yourself on the Glass Bridge.

Explore China's ancient glory and its modernity with our top itinerary.

• The best choice for first-timers
• Discover the picturesque rural China
• The best choice for panda fans
• Be a panda keeper
• The best choice for nature lovers
• Witness the Hallelujah Mountains
• Top family itinerary
• Experience China's countryside life together
• The best choice for ones who have a Tibet dream
• Pay your respects at the pilgrim's holy palace.

Beijing Travel Guide by Month

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As China’s most populous city, and one of the largest in the world, Shanghai is alive with an energy quite unlike any other municipality in the Middle Kingdom.

Home to the world’s second tallest building, Shanghai's futuristic skyline is instantly recognizable. However, it is not only the innovative infrastructure that makes the city such a unique destination; Shanghai’s undeniably turbulent history has also left its mark on the metropolis, which boasts a unique blend of eastern and western culture.

Things to Do and Travel Advice

Shanghai visually and culturally represents the complicated relationship between China and the West. Having been subject to British, American, French, Italian, and Japanese influence throughout the years, the city’s history is inescapably tainted with war and oppression, and the results of this arrangement can be seen in its architecture and local culture.

Puxi (the area west of the Huangpu River) is Shanghai’s cultural heart. Here you will find the Bund , the city's famous waterfront promenade and the embodiment of colonial Shanghai. The Bund features dozens of beautiful old colonial buildings, including imposing banks and exquisite hotels. At night, an impressive display of China’s modern development presents itself on the other side of the river, with bright and colorful neon lights illuminating tightly packed skyscrapers. The best way to see both sides of the river is to simply take a stroll around or take one of the many sightseeing cruises that travel along the Huangpu River.

Pudong New Area (east of the Huangpu River) is the site of the city's iconic modern skyline and fast-paced financial district. Here, you can stroll amongst a veritable forest of skyscrapers, including the 632-meter Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world. At 546 meters, Shanghai Tower’s observation deck is not only the highest in the world, but you can also reach it via the world’s fastest elevator, traveling at a record-breaking 74 km/h! In Pudong New Area, you can also enjoy a leisurely drink among the clouds on the 87th floor of Jin Mao Tower, or gaze at pedestrians far below through the glass floors of the futuristic Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Although Shanghai’s skyline screams “modern,” the city is by no means lacking in more traditional Chinese elements. The famed Yuyuan Garden , home to classical Chinese rock gardens and mesmerizing landscaping, is a prime example of Shanghai’s rich Ming Dynasty heritage and offers a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

No visit to Shanghai is complete without exploring the tree-lined lanes and winding alleyways of the Former French Concession , yet another example of Shanghai’s unique intersection of cultures and influences. Today, the French Concession’s streets boast fantastic modern shopping and entertainment areas housed in old, colonial buildings with loads of European charm.

Within the French Concession, the zigzagging alleyways of Tianzifang, lined with traditional shikumen-style buildings, are populated with a fantastic combination of trendy cafes, art galleries, and quirky boutiques. Xintiandi, while more commercialized, is also home to several great shops and restaurants.

Shanghai is also a great launchpad for exploring the nearby ancient water towns of Tongli , Zhouzhuang , and Zhujiajiao . The residents of these charming villages use the local waterways like other cities use alleys, much like the Venetians (giving the water towns the collective nickname of the “Venice of the East”). Small boats transport visitors along the meandering rivers through the old low-rise houses and under arched step-bridges. Don’t miss the chance to dine on local dishes in one of the open-air restaurants along the banks of the canals.

For visitors who want to experience the best Shanghai has to offer, 1 or 2 days is usually enough to check off its highlight attractions. If you have more time for Shanghai, please check out more of the many available sights and activities here or simply ask us to tailor a tour for you.

Eating in Shanghai

Although technically the youngest of China’s eight major regional cuisines, Shanghai’s gastronomic history dates back 400 years. The defining characteristic of Shanghai food is balanced sweetness, and seafood is one of the staple ingredients. The city is home to a number of famous food streets, such as Huanghe Road (close to People's Park) and Qibao Old Food Street. If you tire of the local cuisine, you can find restaurants serving almost any cuisine from across the world.

Shanghai’s most iconic snack is xiaolongbao, also known as soup dumplings. Found all over China yet allegedly invented in Shanghai, these small dumplings are traditionally filled with pork and jellied pork broth, which melts into a flavorful soup during steaming.

Popular Nighttime Activities in Shanghai

From high-end rooftop bars to microbreweries, and everything in between, Shanghai has something to suit all nightlife tastes. Cocktails, in particular, are everywhere. This range of drinking options, coupled with the city’s multicultural food scene, makes for an exciting sensory experience.

The Lujiazui skyline and rooftop bars really were a match made in heaven. For the quintessential Shanghai experience, head to Bar Rouge, the famous rooftop bar that lives up to its reputation.

Make sure to head to the Bund during the evening hours to take in the stunning sight of Shanghai’s iconic skyline illuminated with bright lights. Another fascinating nighttime display is the array of colorful neon signs that light up Nanjing Road.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Shanghai experiences four distinct seasons, with a significant difference in temperature between the hottest part of summer and the depths of winter. In summer, temperatures can reach 90°F (mid-30°C). In the hottest months of July and August, humidity is around 80% and most of Shanghai's rainfall occurs during this period. In winter, temperatures can sometimes drop below freezing and conditions tend to be gray and dull, though no snowfall occurs. Spring (March to June) is perhaps the best time to travel to Shanghai, with moderate yet variable weather conditions. Autumn (September to November) also tends to be moderate, with sunny, dry weather. The odd typhoon can hit the city between July and September.

Transportation

As China’s largest city and business capital, Shanghai is very well connected to the rest of the country, and the world, by land and air. For this reason, Shanghai usually serves as the departure/arrival city on most China tours .

Flights: Pudong International Airport (PVG), located around 45 km from the city center, is Shanghai’s hub for international flights. The majority of domestic flights depart from Hongqiao Airport (SHA), which is closer to downtown and is served by Metro lines 2 and 10. A taxi to the airport will take about 50 minutes, depending on traffic. A flight to Beijing takes 1 hour 30 minutes, Guangzhou and Xi’an take roughly 2 hours, and Chengdu takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Trains: There are three main train stations in Shanghai, Shanghai Railway Station (trains to most major destinations depart from here), Shanghai South Railway Station, and Hongqiao Railway Station (the hub for Shanghai-Beijing high-speed trains). The high-speed train to Beijing takes roughly 5 hours and stops in Nanjing en route. Note that the Shanghai-Beijing flight route is notorious for delays so it is often more efficient to take the train, which usually runs on time.

Within Shanghai itself, the best way to navigate the city’s sometimes overwhelming streets is the Metro. The Metro connects all major areas and attractions, and the transport card you can purchase for the subway can, very conveniently, also be used to pay for taxis and buses (as well as in some convenience stores).

Shanghai Private Tours

• Shanghai Day Tour
• 4-Day Shanghai-Suzhou-Hangzhou Triangle Tour
• 3-Day Huangshan and Huizhou Village Tour from Shanghai
• Golden Triangle of China - 9 days Beijing, Xian, Shanghai tour
• The Classic China Tour - 13 days Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai tour
• Tale of Two Cities - 5 days Beijing, Shanghai tour
• Chengdu and Golden Triangle - 13-day Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai tour
• The Golden Triangle plus Zhangjiajie - 11-day Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai tour
• More tours in Shanghai...

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Being capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's political, economic, and cultural center. Located in north China, close to the port city of Tianjin and partially surrounded by Hebei Province, it also serves as the most important transportation hub and port of entry. As one of the six ancient cities in China, Beijing has been the heart and soul of politics throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore the city's ancient past and exciting modern development. Now it has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year.

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China's Main Tourist Attractions

Beijing is located in the North and is China's capital and its most modern city. This bustling city is home to over 21 million people, while remaining steeped in China's rich, royal past. China's two final dynasties (1368-1911) and 26 emperors have bestowed Beijing with the richest dynastic heritage in the world.

The Forbidden City (the Palace Museum) In the heart of the capital lies the Forbidden City, built during the Ming dynasty in 1406. The Forbidden City is actually a city-within-a-city; with 9999 rooms spread over 250 acres. During the Ming and Qing dynasty, 24 emperors made their home in the Forbidden City and forbade commoners from entering. The Emperor's Palace has been transformed into a museum that holds many treasures of the Imperial Family.

Tian An Men Square Known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace, it is located across the street from the main entrance to the Forbidden City.

The Temple of Heaven This masterpiece of Ming architecture is one of the most photographed buildings in the world due to its elegant beauty and symmetry. Built in 1420, it was the place where Ming and Qing emperors (Sons of Heaven) prayed to heaven for a good harvest. Music plays softly through the day in a 660-acre park surrounding the temple.

The Summer Palace Built in 1750, the Palace overlooks tranquil Kunming Lake. There you can stroll along corridors where royal families spent their summers hundreds of years ago.

The Ming Tombs Large stone animals and human figures line the famous Sacred Way, the entrance to the burial grounds. Set into the hillside is a complex of tombs of 13 emperors from the Ming dynasty.

The Hutongs A Hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typical of Beijing, where Hutongs run into the several thousand. Surrounding the Forbidden City, many were built during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming (1368-1628) and Qing (1644-1908) dynasties. In the prime of these dynasties the emperors, in order to establish supreme power for themselves, planned the city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette systems of the Zhou Dynasty. The main buildings in the Hutong were almost all quadrangles - a building complex formed by four houses around a quadrangular courtyard. The quadrangles varied in size and design according to the social status of the residents. The big quadrangles of high- ranking officials and wealthy merchants were specially built with roof beams and pillars all beautifully carved and painted, each with a front yard and back yard. However, the ordinary people's quadrangles were simply built with small gates and low houses. Hutongs, in fact, are passageways formed by many closely arranged quadrangles of different sizes. Today, one can enjoy a walking tour of some of the districts which still contain Hutongs.

Overlooking the Huangpu River, Shanghai is home to 16 million people and is one of China's largest, most cosmopolitan cities. It is a beautiful city mixing traditional Chinese and 21st century architecture. And at night, the city comes alive with lights which line highways, buildings and the Huangpu River. In the newly built rising Pudong, east of the Huangpu River, it has fast become home to multinational companies with operations in China and Asia .

The Bund Stretching about a 1.6 km along the Huangpu River, once known as the Wall Street of Asia, China's most famous waterfront is lined with 1930's-era buildings. One of the most elegant and famous of these is the Peace Hotel, recently remodeled. It towers over the harbour and offers wonderful views. The waterfront park along the Bund is a popular meeting place for Chinese and foreign visitors, as well as occasional performers. Early morning visitors will see young and old practicing Tai Chi, martial arts, and ballroom dancing. Side streets in the area have charming 20's and 30's style shops and restaurants.

Nanjing Road The ultimate shoppers' Mecca and Shanghai's "Fifth Avenue" offers China's greatest variety of retail stores, restaurants, sweets shops, gift boutiques, and cozy night clubs.

Temple of the Jade Buddha Two of China's most famous jade Buddhas are housed within these temple walls. Each figure is carved from a single piece of white jade, with one carved in a rarely found reclining position.

The Old Town It is easy to lose yourself in the narrow, winding alleys of Shanghai's Old Town. Stroll through the local bazaar and shop for traditional handicrafts, crossover the pond for lunch and tea in Huxinting Teahouse and then rest in the Garden of the Purple Clouds of Autumn and enjoy its classical Chinese landscaping.

Yu Yuan Gardens This 16th century garden is a maze of colourful pavilions, ponds, stone dragons, arching trees and flowers, surrounding the instantly recognizable zigzag bridge. It is one of China's finest examples of Ming Dynasty gardens and architecture.

Museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses This is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world with three exhibition halls, the largest of which is 180 metres by 60 metres, housing the continuing excavation of an army of 6,000 life size terra-cotta soldiers and horses that guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang Di, the first emperor of the unified China. It is a stunning exhibition of ancient artifacts that is well laid out and easy to view.

Shaanxi History Museum The museum, covering 60,000 square metres, was built in the Tang style of architecture with elegant galleries and courtyards. Its collections amount to over 115,000 relics representing the periods from 11th century BC to 907 AD.

The Xian City Wall The Xian City Wall is the largest, best-preserved ancient city wall in China.

The Small and Big Wild Goose Pagoda The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is 43.3 metres high while the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is 64 metres high. They were all built around 700 AD.

Guilin , a cultural city with a history of over 2,000 years, is world famous for its serene landscapes, mysterious limestone formations, mist covered hills and bamboo groves. The region boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and is one of the most photographed areas of China . The city of Guilin is located on the Li River, surrounded by the exotic geographic formations that seem to evoke a mystical feeling in all who travel here. Although it is a small, slow-paced town, Guilin has a highly developed tourism infrastructure. But it is the breathtaking beauty, peacefulness, and tranquility in such a magical setting that rewards those who visit Guilin. Be sure to bring your camera.

Li River The Li River, 160 km long, originates on Cat Hill, the main peak of Mount Yuecheng to the north of Guilin. With an elevation of 2141.5 metres, Cat hill is known as the "No.1 Peak in South China". A boat excursion down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo following an 83 km long belt of strange landforms, is like travelling along a traditional Chinese painting. You may be also in luck and seeing the ospreys catching fish on the river. Other places of interest include Folded Brocade Hill, Elephant Trunk Hill, Seven-Star Rock and Park and Green Lotus Peak.

Yangshuo 65 km to the southeast of Guilin, Yangshuo is a beautiful mountain city. Surrounded by 18 peaks, the city looks like a lotus flower in full bloom.

Guangzhou is full of reminders of its long and colourful history . Just as the Huai Sheng Mosque, oldest in China, attests to its early international trading in the city, so to the Guangzhou Foreign Trade Centre, which was the venue for the renowned Canton Trade Fair, symbolizes modern commerce. The Shamian Island in the Pearl River, once devoted to foreign concessions and now the setting for the luxurious White Swan Hotel, reminds one of the Opium War.

The mausoleum of the 72 Martyrs commemorates the struggle against the Qing dynasty and the Memorial Garden to the Martyrs of the Canton Uprising is tribute to heroes of the 1927 Revolt. Time permitting, sightseeing includes the early old city of Foshan to visit the 1000 year-old Ancestral Temple and celebrated crafts factories.

Kunming is the capital of Yunnan province situated in the very south of China. It has a delightful climate all year round and is encircled by mountains on the north, west and east sides. Being subtropical, it is often termed "The City of Eternal Spring" . Twenty two of China's minorities live in the province and add to the charm and colour of this region.

Situated in the province of Sichuan known for its spicy cuisine, Chengdu has a history of over 2000 years and has managed to preserve the atmosphere of how China might have been sometime in the past. The city is pleasantly laid out with broad streets and many public parks and can be easily explored on foot. The older part of the city has narrow streets lined with scores of small restaurants and two-story brown and white stucco buildings with balconies of sculptured wood. You can eat at one of the many tea houses and cafes. Chengdu is the best place in China to see Pandas . Located just 10 km (6miles) away from Chengdu, the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre imitates the Pandas' natural habitat in order that they might have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. Giant Pandas, lesser Pandas, black-necked cranes, white storks as well as over 20 species of rare animals are fed and bred there throughout the year. The giant Pandas are a Chinese national treasure. They are found only in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu Provinces. In total there are fewer than 1000, of which 80% are distributed within the territory of Sichuan province.

Chengde is a 4-hour train journey north of Beijing. It was the summer mountain resort for Emperor Kangxi who lived from 1703 to 1790. Known as the alternative to Lhasa , Tibet, Chengde is well worth a visit and is one of 24 historical cities protected by the Chinese government. One of the major attractions is the Imperial Summer Resort , which covers 5.6 million square metres in area., much larger than the Beijing Summer Palace. You will see the Palace and the Gardens, the latter being extremely beautiful. Another highlight of the city is the Outer Temples which are a mixture of Manchu, Mongolian, Tibetan and Han Chinese architecture, once housing 1000 Buddhist monks but now a museum.

THE SILK ROAD

Used by silk merchants from the second century AD until its decline in the 16th century, the Silk Road is open in parts to tourists eager to explore its heritage. This long string of caravan trails, oases, roads and mountain passes, stretched from northern China, through bleak and foreboding desert and mountainous terrain to the ports on either the Caspian Sea or Mediterranean Sea, and was the conduit for goods and ideas passing between ancient China and the West. The Mongols later used the Silk Road to bind their vast empire, as Marco Polo found when he travelled it in the 13th century.

The two main routes are split into the northern route and the southern route: the northern starting in China at  Xian, runs through the Gansu Corridor, Dunhuang, Jade Gate Pass to the neck of the Gobi desert, following the Tianshan mountains round the fringes of the Taklimakan desert to Kashgar and then on to Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and the Caspian Sea. The southern route runs with the northern until the Jade Gate Pass and then stretches round the southern edges of the Taklimakan desert to Kashgar and then over the Karakorum mountain into India.

The Silk Road was a major highway for the spread of Buddhism into East Asia , and later for the growth of Islam, and consequently a number of monasteries, grottos, stupas, minarets and other ruins dating back to the early centuries can still be seen along the way. Other attractions of the route are the diverse scenery, various minority peoples and romantic cities.

Within China the highlights are found in Xinjiang Province, including the Buddhist grottos at Dunhuang, ancient relics at Turpan, such as the ruins of the city of Jiaohe and the lively Sunday market at Kashgar.

YANGTZE RIVER

Coursing a distance of almost 4,000 miles, the mighty Yangtze River is the third-longest river in the world and home to more than 300 million people. To see the power and majesty of China's greatest river aboard a cruise ship is an unforgettable experience. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. As the ship passes through deep valleys of lush green hills and narrow canyons with sheer rock cliffs on either side, passengers become lost in a timelessness that has escaped the rest of the world.

A cruise down the Yangtze is an excellent way to see a large area of China in a short time. From spring through fall, dozens of comfortable cruise ships and ferries sail the waters of the Yangtze. Trips are usually taken on cruise ships with luxurious staterooms and fine-dining facilities. Cruises usually dock overnight at towns and villages along the way so that passengers will not miss any of the magnificent scenery. They also allow passengers an opportunity to disembark and explore a small river town for a few hours.

Although there are many cruising options between towns, many travellers opt for the voyage between Chongqing and Wuhan. This cruise is a memorable 850-mile trip that takes 4 days and 3 nights sailing down- stream, or 5 days and 4 nights cruising upstream from Wuhan, passing through the rugged and majestic section of the famous Three Gorges. Visitors often comment that they will never forget its breathtaking beauty. Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges are also popular sections that traverse several narrow and meandering passages, passing mist-laden canyons with an occasional pagoda perched on the side of a cliff with calligraphy carved out of a sheer rock face.

Another scenic side trip takes visitors on a smaller boat through the Three Little Gorges of the Daning River (or Shennongxi Stream), a tributary of the Yangtze. Shore excursions to the ancient towns of Wanxian, Shibaozhai, Fengdu, Yichang, and Jingzhou reveal both the richness of local history and the colorful life along the mighty Yangtze.

Lhasa This Himalayan city (population 600,000), the capital of Tibet, sits at an elevation of 12,000 ft/3,660 m. Visible from almost any point in Lhasa is the Potala Palace . Once the Dalai Lama's winter residence (he has been in exile in India since 1959), it is one of the world's architectural wonders -- the entire building, consisting of thousands of rooms, was created without the use of a single nail. Each of the 70 or so rooms that are open to the public has an atmosphere all its own. (Most are lit only by wicks stuck in yak butter.) The light reflects eerily off the gods, murals, and gold-plated figures. Allow four hours to explore this magnificent building; as with other great museums, it is better not to try to see everything in one day.

A good introduction to Lhasa is the Barkhor Bazaar, where you could spend hours just watching people. In the midst of the bazaar is the fabulous Jokhang, holiest of Tibetan Buddhist temples. It is filled by a steady stream of pilgrims who have come to pay respect to their gods, represented in the temple by an incredible array of devotional art. Be sure to wander around the second floor, and don't be shy about sticking your head into rooms where craftsmen are creating additional gods.

Other sights around Lhasa include Sera and Drepung Monasteries and the Summer Palace. The famed "sky burials" (where corpses are flayed, cut up and fed to the vultures) of Sera have caused increasingly aggressive confrontations between foreign tourists taking photos and domden (undertakers) trying to carry out their religious duties. You really need a strong stomach to observe this "attraction," and most people don't bother with it. Allow three or four days to see Lhasa. (You'll want to do nothing but rest on the first full day.)

Two other locations of interest are Shigatze and Gyantse . Shigatze literally means "fertile land" in Tibetan language. It is the second largest city in Tibet. It is also the official residence of the Panchen Lama who ranks next to the Dalai Lama in Tibet. The city, with a population of 609,228, has been the political, economical and religious center in Southern Tibet.

Gyantse means "peak of success" in Tibetan. With a population of 56,000, it is a small agricultural town and an important post along the ancient Tea and Horse Trading Route between Tibet, China and India . Gyantse is well known for its famous Tibetan Dzong (a fortress or an administrative building located on a hill top), and the monastery called the Pelkor. The local famous specialties are tapestries and wool blankets.

China and Tibet Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy to navigate travel information section dedicated to China.

Learn about the history and culture of China, the must-try food and drink , and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about China's nature and wildlife , weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our  globetrotting tips , as well as our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering China for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our China tours today!

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After your  China tour  consider taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting   India tours  and   Thailand vacation packages  plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

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Beijing Travel Guide 2024

Beijing is the capital city of the People’s Republic of China and the political, cultural and economic center of China. It has a glorious history which can be dated back three millennia. The most highlighting part is its great role of the ancient capital city since the past eight centuries. The city preserves the most magnificent imperial culture of China, including numerous historical architectures, relics, tradition, etc. Many world famous tourist sites are located in or near Beijing, such as Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, etc.

Why visit Beijing:

• City of World Heritage Sites - Beijing preserves seven World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Ming Dynasty Tombs and Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal), ranking first among all the cities around the world. Visiting these sites helps travelers to touch the best essence of ancient Chinese culture and history.
• Great Wall of China - Though the Great Wall sketches though more than a half territory of northern China, the best pieces which are regarded as the masterpiece are located in Beijing, such as Badaling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, etc.
• Transportation Hub of China - Beijing is the most important transportation hub of both the economy and tourism. It is mostly chosen as an international flight arrival city. Furthermore, the flights and trains radiate to most other regions of China, including the far western Xinjiang, Tibet, etc.

Travel News: Tourists from 53 countries (US, UK, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Australia...) are allowed to stay in Beijing for 144 hours without China visa after checking in customs in Beijing Capital International Airport.

Top Attractions

Beijing is one of the most popular travel destinations in China. The diverse experiences here attract millions of people to visit this ancient capital city each year. The imperial culture is the essence of Beijing. During its playing as the capital of more than 800 years, many brilliant imperial sites were created, and preserved well, such as Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, etc. There are many other places for you to explore, the most recommended is the Great Wall. Read more about All Beijing Attractions >>

It is the largest palace complex in the world, and used to be the imperial palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties for more than 600 years ...

The masterpiece of Great Wall of China with fabulous design, sublime surrounding landscape. Conveniently located 50km from Beijing city ...

In Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace was the private garden for the Emperors and his families to retreat during hot summer months ...

Built in Ming Dynasty, the Temple of Heaven is the largest architecture for sacrificial ceremony in the world which is featured in outstanding arrangement...

Beijing Hutong, connecting the quadrangle dwellings, is the pulse of old Beijing. It is the place where stories and memories are hidden...

Mutianyu is a less-crowded and well-preserved segment of Great Wall built in Ming Dynasty, lives up to all of your nice expectation about Great Wall of China ...

Featuring themes from Hollywood blockbusters, Universal Studios Beijing has recently become a must-hit place for Chinese and foreign tourists visiting Beijing...

Tiananmen Square is the heart of Beijing City and the largest center plaza in the world, known as the site for important national events...

More than 13 powerful emperors of Ming Dynasty were interred here. Experience the solemn architectures, listen to the legendary stories...

Juyongguan Great Wall is considered as the north gateway to Beijing. You can appreciate beautiful views, fine stone carvings, 14 watchtowers while hiking...

Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall is the only section of Great Wall in Beijing that is connected with a lake. It boasts both bold northern-frontier and gentle...

Right next to Gubei Water Town and it was served as a vital military base from the ancient time, and impresses a lot of visitors for its breathtaking scenery, especially at night...

Jiankou Great Wall is one of the most challenging wild sections next to Mutianyu section. It has impressed a lot visitors who had an adventurous hike here...

At the foot of Simatai Great Wall, Gubei Water Town is a theme resort of ancient northern architecture, built by a lake. Its beautiful nightscape attracts many visitors...

With over 1 million precious and rare artifacts, covering Chinese history from 1.7 million years ago till the present, National Museum of China is one of the largest museums...

798 Art District is a new landmark of art and culture in Beijing. Here is full of high-standard galleries, stylish boutiques, creatives sculptures and architectures...

Lama Temple, also called Yonghe Temple or Yonghe Lamasery, is the highest-standard Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing. The buildings are a combination of Han and Tibetan styles...

Jingshan Park, located in the central axes of Beijing and adjacent to Forbidden City, is old Beijing's highest point offering a fantastic panoramic view of Forbidden City...

Yandaixie Street, also called Yandaixiejie or Yandai Byway, is a 232m northeast-southwest Hutong in downtown Beijing. This oldest commercial street in Beijing is now lined with...

Nanluoguxiang is the most popular and one of the oldest Hutongs in Beijing with a history of more than 740 years. It looks like a fish bone with a 787m main street (Nanluoguxiang)...

Beijing Olympic Park, also called Olympic Green, is a spacious park built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. It contains 10 Olympic venues, 7 non-competitive venues, and a forest park...

Weather & When to Go

Beijing is featured in the temperate and continental monsoon climate. Weather differs in different season. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of -4 °C. Hottest month is July with average temperature of 26 °C.

September and October are the best months to visit Beijing. In autumn days, Beijing greets tourist with pleasant cool weather, better air condition and golden autumn landscape. But actually Beijing is suitable for travel all year around. You can explore different landscape and culture in different season. If you come between December and February, you have chance to witness constant temple fair and the jubilant Spring Festival.

Learn more about Beijing weather >>

Transportation

International Arrival

Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the most important arrival hubs for international flight arrivals. It runs flight schedules to most major cities in the world (except sub-Saharan Africa and sub-USA American).

Domestic Transfer

Beijing has built a developed domestic transportation system of air, train and highway. One can transfer between Beijing and all provincial cities and other major cities in China, such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Guilin, Lhasa, and so on, by flight, regular train or high speed train.

Recent years, taking high speed train traveling is becoming more and more popular. Beijing is fully connected by high speed rails with many other important cities. You can take the fastest bullet trains from Beijing to Shanghai, or experience the world longest High Speed rail from Beijing to Guangzhou. For travelers, the high speed trains from Beijing to Xi’an are very popular. Since the new Fuxing trains of higher speed and more advanced technologies are used for some trains from Beijing to Shanghai (6 trains during 09:00~15:00), from Shanghai to Beijing (6 trains during 07:00~19:00), from Beijing and Guangzhou (G65 at around 10:30), from Guangzhou to Beijing (G80 at around 12:10), and intercity trains from Beijing and Tianjin (19 trains during 06:00~22:40), and from Tianjin to Beijing (19 trains during 07:00~22:50), travelers can experience the truebred Chinese high speed train in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and some midway destinations like Wuhan, Changsha, Zhengzhou, etc. you could contact us for detailed time schedule.

Beijing has highly developed transportation system for inner-city travel. You can go to many major sights by subway, city bus or taxi.

Learn more about Beijing transportation

Accommodation

Beijing offers top-class also flexible choice of accommodation. There are many luxury international hotel brands satisfying who pursuit deluxe stay, such as Shangri-La, Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, etc. At the same time, many domestic hotels with local features are also recommended as your choices for their more budget price while pleasant service.

Most hotels are conveniently located in or nearby the city central area. You can easily transfer to the surrounding tourist sites easily.

Learn more about Beijing hotels >>

Useful Maps

Top help you learn better about Beijing's location, attractions, etc., we have collected following tourist maps which are latest, downloadable and printable. View more Beijing maps >>

Bejing Attractions Map

Other Popular Destinations in China

China is vast and diverse. You can choose your favorite destination among more than 70 tourist destination and regions. Following are 4 popular destinations you may get interested in. Check all destinations in China

Chinese Name: Beijing

Chinese Pinyin: Běi Jīng

English IPA: /'bei'dʒiŋ/

Population: 21.148 million

Language: Mandarin & Beijing Dialect

Tel Code: 010

Zip Code: 100000

Time Zone: (UTC+8)

Plan Your Beijing Tour

Usually, 2~6 days are needed to explore Beijing and surrounding. The city central area gathers most of highlights of Beijing, including Forbidden City, Temple Heaven, Hutongs and so on, which can be done in two days. Spend a full day out of the city to hike the Great Wall and discover the Tombs of Ming Dynasty.

From Beijing, you can easily extend your trip to close destinations, such as Pingyao, Chengdu, Xian, Datong, Tianjing, and Hohhot within short transfer. Beijing is usually the starting point of an in-depth China tour to other famous destinations, such as Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Lhasa, etc.

> Beijing Trip Planner

> Top Beijing Tour Packages

> Beijing Great Wall Tours

Travel with China Discovery

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable wonderful trips to Beijing for the past few years. Among them, a special team of over 50 VIPKID teachers from North America traveled with us to see their dear studends in China with amazing experience in Beijing and shared us their special travel story ! Travel with China Discovery to create your great China trip memories!

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5 Awesome Tips to Improve Your Chinese Travel Brochure Translation

Recently updated on February 21st, 2024 at 08:29 pm

Translation is closely related to culture, especially when translating special pieces of text containing culture-specific, culturally bound expressions. A good example is travel brochure translation targeting Chinese tourists.

Table of Contents

Translation of informative and persuasive texts, translation of culture-specific items, transliteration, literal translation, substitution, frequently asked questions, 2 key challenges of travel brochure translation.

Travel brochures have many features such as graphical design, pictures, or different fonts. Texts in these documents are not continuous but rather separated into sentences or paragraphs placed variously on the page. Individual paragraphs or expressions can be followed by pictures, graphics, tables, etc. The graphical structure of booklets establishes the meaning of the text.

These should be taken into account while translating.

Travel brochures should be translated in a way that portrays positive images with the aim of persuading their target audience. The idea can be simple but it should be communicated in a creative and memorable way so consumers are engaged enough to be able to see themselves using the product or the service. The story needs to be different and told in an interesting way to grab the attention of the receivers in an industry where the product is a service.

Therefore, tourism promotional materials with informative and persuasive texts are expected to appeal to the tourist via an attractive form.

Culture-specific items can be food, names of places, customs etc. Compiling these materials, the translators can face difficulties, as these publications of the tourism regions introduce the regions’ attractions (geographical locations, events, everyday life, traditions, and feasts) that are part of the source language culture.

Sometimes culture-specific items can be easily rendered into Chinese as in the case of topographical expressions; however, the translator has to cope with true dilemmas when they are faced with items from everyday life, historic events

5 Awesome Tips to Improve Travel Brochure Translation

In a market globalization age, tourist translations are expected to use accessible language and captivating messages tailored to the target audience’s requirements and needs. The translator is expected to recognize the properties of tourism language and have some sort of intercultural communicative competence to enhance semantic clarity.

It’s frequently used in translating brand names and technical terms.

It is considered mainly useful in translating the explanations of the products’ benefits and the how-to-use instructions mentioned in the travel brochures.

It’s a translation strategy used for several purposes including functional, promotional, linguistic, and illustration purposes.

It’s considered useful to fill the cultural gap. On the other hand, substitution results in using non-frequent lexical items such as those that are not circulated in the target culture.

In some cases, tourism translation service providers resort to it to avoid redundancy, cultural contradictions, or ambiguity. Omission is unjustifiable especially when it leads to the deletion of a functional word or a word that may positively affect the promotional message. In such cases, it becomes unjustified and it should be avoided.

What is Tourism Translation?

Travel and tourism translation is the process of translating travel-related documents that can help tourists make decisions while planning their trips. It includes travel brochures, maps, websites, books, etc.

What Are Examples of Culture-Specific Items?

Examples of culture-specific items are food, names of places, customs, festivals, ethnic clothing, religion, etc.

What Are the Top Languages in the Travel and Tourism Sector?

The main languages in the travel and tourism sector are English, Mandarin, Spanish, French, Germany, and Japanese.

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Translation Manager

Eva has 6 years of experience working as a News Editor and 5 years as a freelance copywriter. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and a master’s degree in applied Linguistics from the University of Melbourne.

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