China Small Group Tours
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10 best China small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaChina travel expert at TourRadar
- 6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour: Explore Tibet's religion, cultural gems, and captivating landscapes
- 6 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Group Tour
- 8 Days Beijing Xian Shanghai Small Group Tour
- 5 Days Lhasa & Yamdrotso Lake Group Tour
- 8 Days Lhasa Shigatse and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour
- China Express
- Discover China's Silk Road - 11 Days Private Tour
- 8 Days Tour Shanghai / Xian / Beijing
- China Central City Tour in 6 days
- 11-Day China Group Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai
6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour: Explore Tibet's religion, cultural gems, and captivating landscapes
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The hotel has no air conditioning and I was arranged a room at the south side which was a boiler room.”
Ivy, traveled in June
Duration 6 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse Age Range 7 to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Tibet Vista From
- NZ$1,354
6 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Group Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I have arrived home safe and sound and wanted to let you know that we had a FANTASTIC time in Tibet.”
dmitri712, traveled in October
Local English-speaking guides lead intimate group tours through Tibet, costing approx. $160 per day. Sacred sites like Jokhang Temple and Pelkor Chöde Monastery become more accessible. Morning pickups at 9:30 AM provide relaxed starts, with oxygen tanks available for high-altitude comfort.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse Age Range 2 to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Great Tibet Tour From
- NZ$1,543
Duration 8 days Destinations Beijing, Xiangfan, Shanghai Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Expeditions Gateways From $8,133
50% Off- NZ$4,067You save $4,066
5 Days Lhasa & Yamdrotso Lake Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The scenery of Namtso Lake left a deep impression on us, the lake is very clear, the snow mountain is very majestic.”
OliverA, traveled in July
Cultural treasures of Lhasa unfold at approx. $170 per day. The tour features Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Drepung Monastery with English-speaking guides. Oxygen tanks and daily mineral water ensure comfort at high altitudes. Airport transfers and daily breakfast included.
Duration 5 days Destinations Lhasa, Yamdroktso Lake Age Range 2 to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Great Tibet Tour From
50% Off- NZ$1,354
8 Days Lhasa Shigatse and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“He also tried to offer a range of options to keep the majority of the group happy.”
Ellen, traveled in June
Duration 8 days Destinations Lhasa, Shannan, Gyantse, Shigatse, Namtso Lake Age Range 7 to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Tibet Vista From
50% Off- NZ$1,778
China Express
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Is not luxury, but it gets better as you are moving.”
May, traveled in March
Small groups of 12-15 adventurers share intimate moments at the Mutianyu Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors. Local experiences range from Beijing's metro rides to Shanghai's Bund explorations with an expert CEO guide.
Duration 8 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,439
12% Off- NZ$2,146You save $292
Discover China's Silk Road - 11 Days Private Tour
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was an exciting and memorable trip, allowing me to tick off highlights after highlights on a daily basis.”
ANDREW, traveled in December
Private guide and driver lead intimate groups throughout China. With 2-4 travelers typically, the tour offers exclusive access to Mutianyu Great Wall and Temple of Heaven. Personal attention extends to the Terracotta Warriors and Xi'an's Muslim Quarter.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Realistic Asia From $9,273
55% Off- NZ$4,173+$1,237 local paymentsYou save $5,100
8 Days Tour Shanghai / Xian / Beijing
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We really loved seeing the beauties, although they look very similar in core with other eastern Asian culture and architecture.”
Kimberly, traveled in March
Perfect for intimate exploration with English-speaking guides throughout Shanghai, Xi'an, and Beijing. Small groups ensure personalized attention at key sites like Yu Garden and Summer Palace. Private transportation and cultural insights enhance the experience at every destination.
Duration 8 days Destinations Shanghai, Xi'an, Beijing Age Range 6 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Chinese Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ChinaWayz From
55% Off- NZ$2,639
Duration 6 days Destinations Beijing, Shanghai Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Vietnam Tour Fun From $3,386
50% Off- NZ$1,693+$627 local paymentsYou save $1,693
11-Day China Group Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great accommodation, modern transport, all you can eat (and drink) provided meals.”
Craig, traveled in May
Small groups of 2-18 travelers receive dedicated attention at Temple of Heaven and Jinsha Museum. The intimate setting allows for home-cooked meals with local families in Beijing's hutongs and clay warrior making in Xi'an.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator TravelChinaGuide Tours From $4,134
15% Off- NZ$3,514You save $620
Reviews of Small Group tours to China
I traveled with my parents to Tibet for the first time. We all can only say great things by the tour guide given to us by this agency. We would recommend this agency to anyone traveling to Tibet. And our tour guide Lobsung was very special to us. He waited in the airport for us after our flight was delayed due to weather. We where all exhausted, I'm sure he must have been too, but he greeted us very kindly. He was extremely accomodating to us and was constantly there to help us with anything. He is an excellent tour guide!
6 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Group Tour
- 5 Days Lhasa & Yamdrotso Lake Group Tour
I had the 6 Days Lhasa & Namtso Lake Group Tour with my mom this time, she is 70 years old. Our driver and guide were very caring for her, I very appreciate them. We like the hotel in Lhasa very much, The bed is very comfortable, so my mother got a good rest. The scenery of Namtso Lake left a deep impression on us, the lake is very clear, the snow mountain is very majestic. I can't imagine that there would be such a huge lake at such a high altitude. We are home now and often flips through those photos. Our Tibet journey was really good! Thank you all!
- 8 Days Lhasa Shigatse and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour
Tenzin was helpful and informative throughout the trip. He also tried to offer a range of options to keep the majority of the group happy and was able to organise alternatives.
What our customers ask about China Small Group Tours
What type of accommodation can I expect on a small group tour in China?
Small group tours provide comfortable lodging in 4-5 star hotels that are centrally located. Guests can expect properties like the Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong in Beijing the Crowne Plaza in Xi'an and the Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World. A recent TourRadar traveler noted: "The accommodation was excellent throughout with sumptuous breakfasts and great central locations."
What unique experiences are offered on small group tours in China?
These tours give travelers access to local homes traditional tea ceremonies and cultural demonstrations. In Xi'an visitors can make dumplings with local families join private Tai Chi lessons and get special access at the Terracotta Warriors site. The tours include stays at upscale hotels such as the Crowne Plaza Xi'an and Radisson Blu Shanghai New World. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We particularly enjoyed having informed and caring guides and authentic local experiences like our fabulous lunch meal in Shanghai."
How does transportation work on small group tours in China?
Transportation includes private coaches high-speed trains and flights between major cities. Groups take the bullet train from Beijing to Xi'an which takes 5 hours and fly to destinations like Zhangjiajie. The smaller group size means comfortable travel in private vehicles including trips to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Travelers report: "Everything was well coordinated with seamless transfers between various parts of the tour."
What meals are included on small group tours in China?
Tours generally cover daily hotel breakfasts authentic Chinese lunches at selected local restaurants and special dining events like the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show in Xi'an. Welcome lunches often valued at 150 USD per person and farewell dinners featuring regional dishes are common inclusions. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The authentic meals were a highlight especially experiencing local cuisine with our small group."
How does pricing compare between small group and large group tours in China?
Small group tours cost between USD 150-300 daily while larger groups range from USD 80-150. The higher rates reflect perks like exclusive hotels including the Sunworld Hotel in Beijing or Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel in Xi'an private transport focused guide attention and flexible scheduling. TourRadar data shows small group tours average USD 284 per day.
What is the typical small group size for tours in China?
Groups usually consist of 2-18 travelers creating a more personal experience. TravelChinaGuide's tours keep numbers low to ensure quality time at major sites like the Terracotta Warriors and Great Wall. A TourRadar participant shared: "I liked the small group size. It made visiting places like the Forbidden City much more manageable and intimate." This format allows for special activities like visiting Beijing hutong families and dumpling-making sessions at Xi'an's Tang Paradise Hotel.