China Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best China tour packages
- What people love about China Tours
- Most popular destinations in China
- Travel China your way
- Best tour companies for China tours
- Best places to start your China tour
- Discover China tours for every budget
- China tours for every type of group
- Top China travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit China
- China travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our China travel experts
- What our customers ask about China Tours & Trips
The best China tour packages
Compiled by
NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar
China Highlights
47 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“China Highlights was the most amazing, memorable experience ever! It was definitely pretty exhausting but so worth it.”
Helen, traveled in April
From Shanghai's Bund to Beijing's Forbidden City, this tour costs around $1,800. The route takes you through Wuxi's Jichang Garden, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, with a sunset view at the Great Wall. Comfortable hotels and a local guesthouse serve as bases while traveling by bullet train.
Duration 8 days Destinations Shanghai, Xi'an, Beijing Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,545
15% Off- NZ$2,163You save $382
The Essence of Guilin
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It's been a great trip... We've couldn't have asked for a better Guilin tour.”
Harrison, traveled in June
A five-day adventure features Guilin's Two Rivers and Four Lakes night cruise, Longji Rice Terraces, and Li River sailing to Yangshuo. Four-star Bravo Hotel and New Century Hotel host you between tea ceremonies, bamboo rafting on Yulong River, and rural cycling.
Duration 5 days Destinations Guilin, Longsheng, Yangshuo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator Truly China Travel From
15% Off- NZ$1,730
8-Day Private China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The weather was comfortable. Autumn temperatures with the sun still shining. Not so crowded which was a bonus.”
GILBERT, traveled in November
Beijing's imperial legacy comes alive at the Forbidden City and Summer Palace, followed by Xi'an's magnificent Terracotta Warriors. Cultural immersion includes Beijing's hutong rickshaw rides and Xi'an's Muslim Quarter before concluding at Shanghai's historic Bund waterfront.
Duration 8 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Operator Realistic Asia From $6,368
55% Off- NZ$2,865+$577 local paymentsYou save $3,502
Discover China's Silk Road - 11 Days Private Tour
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic tour showcasing many of the different attractions and parts of this vast beautiful country.”
Carl, traveled in June
UNESCO treasures highlight this 11-day tour, featuring the Great Wall at Mutianyu and Terracotta Warriors. Premium hotels include Crowne Plaza Beijing and Sheraton Guilin. Ancient sites like Temple of Heaven pair with modern Shanghai Tower, guided in 9 languages.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator Realistic Asia From $8,445
55% Off- NZ$3,800+$1,276 local paymentsYou save $4,645
China's culinary scene comes alive at approx. $370 per day, with market tours alongside local chefs and cooking classes. The itinerary combines iconic sites like the Terracotta Warriors and Giant Panda Base with regional delicacies from Peking duck to Sichuan hotpot.
Duration 10 days Destinations Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Truly China Travel From
55% Off- NZ$6,203
What people love about China Tours
- China Highlights
Guide was great, very patient and knowledgeable about culture. He was respectful and knew a lot about Chinas culture and history. Main issue of the tour were other tour attendees which cant be controlled. I'd also reccomend intrepid nixing the water town day and spending the extra day either in shanghai/xian or beijing. I dont feel the water town added much value or interest to the trip. Overall excelletn trip - would do it again!
- 8-Day Private China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai
Our 8 day tour included visiting Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. We visited what we considered the “must see” sights. The weather was comfortable. Autumn temperatures with the sun still shining. Not so crowded which was a bonus. Our guides were excellent, friendly and helpful. They made us feel safe in what was to us a very different culture. Choosing to do a private tour worked very well for us as additional events could be organised easily. For example we went to an acrobatic show and a cultural show both of which added to our experience. Many thanks to Chris Thang and everyone who supported us before and throughout the tour. Gilbert and Janet
- Discover China's Silk Road - 11 Days Private Tour
The general preparation and organization were excellent. The drivers were punctual, the lodging was tidy, the staff was nice and friendly, and the meals were good. Ms. Evelyn, our travel consultant, kept us informed about schedules and provided daily updates through WhatsApp, eliminating any concerns. We would choose their services again.
Most popular destinations in China
Explore the breathtaking peaks of the Himalayas, trek along the historic Silk Road in Xinjiang, and savor the fiery flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Get up close with adorable pandas in Chengdu. Western China offers a dynamic blend of nature, history, and culture.
See all Western China toursThe limestone karst landscape around Guilin has been capturing Chinese artists' imagination for generations, and it's easy to see why. Our guided experiences receive consistently high marks, particularly for how they handle the natural attractions. The local guides are real gems - they don't just show you around, they dive deep into the geology, share historical context and explain cultural meanings. What works particularly well is how we mix the must-see spots with genuine local experiences that most tourists miss entirely. For the best conditions, plan your visit between March and November, with April through October being especially good for river activities and photos. Early risers get treated to misty morning views of the karsts, and we've found market days in the villages offer the richest cultural experiences.
See all Southern China toursTibet really gets under your skin - it's a place where spiritual and cultural experiences run deep. Our travelers tell us again and again how moved they are by visits to the grand Potala Palace, the sacred spaces of Jokhang Temple and the rich Buddhist heritage preserved at Drepung Monastery. Taking the Friendship Highway overland to Nepal is particularly special, with massive mountain views and genuine encounters with local communities along the way. What makes Tibet truly unique is how it combines crystal-clear high-altitude lakes, towering peaks and living Buddhist traditions that you can actually experience firsthand. Our customers often share their most powerful memories: joining morning prayers at Jokhang Temple, watching local festivals unfold and finding themselves completely immersed in Tibetan daily life.
See all Tibet toursFrom exploring the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, and the unmissable Forbidden City in Beijing to trekking iconic spots along the spectacular Great Wall of China, you’re in for a truly unique adventure.
See all Northern China tours
More exciting destinations:
Travel China your way
On a China river cruise, you'll glide past diverse landscapes, from rugged karsts to verdant rice paddies. Visit historic sites like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, savor local delicacies, and explore picturesque villages.
See all River Cruise toursOur multi-day Great Wall hikes go way beyond the usual tourist spots. You'll walk both restored and wild segments from Jinshanling to Simatai, where the wall follows mountain ridges in a zigzag pattern. Many of our travelers tell us that camping overnight on selected sections is their trip highlight - you get both sunset and sunrise views when weather allows. For those seeking a physical challenge, the Jiankou section offers the "Spider Wall" climbing parts, while easier routes stick to well-maintained areas like Mutianyu. Just pack extra layers for winter trips since guesthouses along the wall don't have heating, though the clear winter air makes for really good photos.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursLooking to mix exercise with real Chinese culture? Our Great Wall tours often include training sessions with actual Shaolin martial artists plus impressive kungfu shows. Down in Yangshuo, we've mapped out bike routes that wind through rice fields and past those distinctive limestone peaks - you'll stop to chat with farmers and cook traditional dishes. Sichuan tours combine panda visits with walks through tea farms and bamboo forests. What makes these trips work is how natural the mix feels - your morning might start with tai chi in a park alongside locals and finish learning traditional handicrafts in someone's home.
Take in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of China. There are 13 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 3 days up to 21 days. The most popular month for these tours is April.
See all Coach / Bus tours
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for China tours
Four solid tour companies stand out for China trips, but they each have their strengths and little quirks worth knowing about. Intrepid Travel's guides Owen, Jing and also Alan get lots of praise from our travelers - they really know their stuff and help everything run smoothly. The catch is their "Real China" tour sometimes misses the mark on cultural immersion, with some travelers wanting more depth. Truly China Travel gives you that VIP feel, and guides Daniel and Yunhua create some genuinely special moments. Though watch out for the hotels on their Guilin tour - they can be hit or miss depending on availability. If you're after reliability and excellent planning, Vincent at Bravo Indochina Tours has built quite a reputation for getting all the details right. Their sister company, Bravo Asia Tours, handles transfers really well and their guides share interesting local knowledge that goes beyond the usual tourist facts. I've noticed our travelers often mix and match these companies based on specific regions - maybe booking Truly China for Beijing and Xi'an, then switching to Intrepid for western China. It's perfectly fine to be strategic about which company you use where.
Best places to start your China tour
Beijing naturally leads the way for starting China trips, with 66 of our guests choosing the capital as their first stop. Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chengdu and also Lhasa each draw their own dedicated group of travelers, with Lhasa specifically attracting those curious about Tibetan culture. Looking at our booking data, you'll want to lock in your plans about 5.5 months ahead - that's 169 days before you plan to leave, which becomes especially important during the popular spring and fall seasons. April and May bring out the flowers and comfortable temperatures, while September and October offer clear skies that photographers really appreciate. Our travelers consistently tell us they feel at ease and welcomed throughout their trip, and many mention how smoothly China mixes its ancient sites with modern touches like the fast train network and easy mobile payments through WeChat and Alipay.
Discover China tours for every budget
Budget travelers really connect with tours that give them genuine local experiences. The Hong Kong to Chengdu journey lets you catch Victoria Peak's sunset colors, get hands-on with traditional cooking in Yangshuo and spend proper time with the giant pandas. Many people choose the Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai route where you'll sleep on the Great Wall, join locals for morning tai chi and bike along ancient walls. Our guests tell us these tours excel at cultural immersion; they love having flexibility and guides who help them figure out local transport and food options. The accommodations are simple but well-kept hostels near city centers, perfect for exploring on your own during free periods.
Luxury China tours focus on refined details and special access privileges. Several routes feature private Yangtze River vessels with personal balconies - ideal for taking in the Three Gorges views. You'll stay in sophisticated Guilin hotels with karst mountain panoramas and enjoy private Li River bamboo rafting. The schedules include nice perks like early entry to see the Terracotta Warriors before the crowds and private tai chi sessions in the Temple of Heaven. Our luxury guests often mention how their guides open doors to unique moments - dining in traditional courtyard homes with local families and also joining exclusive tea ceremonies in historic gardens.
China budget tours- China luxury tours
China tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
554 tours in ChinaGroup tours excel at building shared moments while maintaining flexibility. The Real China route gets consistent praise for mixing major landmarks with local life - you'll play mahjong in Chengdu's parks, learn cooking in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter and gather for hotpot feasts with your fellow travelers. Our customers like how guides balance planned activities with free time, so you can explore solo or join optional group activities. With 12-15 people per tour, there's good social energy while keeping things manageable for navigating busy streets and local markets.
Small Group
343 tours in ChinaSmall-group China tours blend cultural connections with insider access, keeping groups intimate at 12-15 travelers. The classic Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai route includes camping on peaceful sections of the Great Wall, dining with local families and learning mahjong in Beijing's hidden lakes district. Guides like Owen and Jing help guests navigate everything from street food discoveries in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter to hands-on dumpling workshops and also cooking sessions in Shanghai. The Hong Kong to Chengdu journey starts with Victoria Peak sunsets, then winds through mainland China, where travelers cycle past Yangshuo's karst mountains and join cooking classes in traditional homes. Our guides balance structured visits with free time, so you might spend mornings exploring the Terracotta Warriors before choosing between evening food walks or drinks with views across Shanghai's neon skyline. First-time visitors often tell us how these small groups make China feel more accessible, from morning tai chi sessions in neighborhood parks to finding secret teahouses tucked away in Chengdu's quiet lanes.
Private / Personalized
220 tours in ChinaPrivate tours offer full customization with expert guidance. The 14-day Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai routes let you set your own pace - maybe lingering to photograph the Forbidden City's intricate details or making unplanned stops at local markets. In Zhangjiajie, you can time your visits to dodge the crowds at the glass bridge and Avatar mountains. Our travelers mention how private guides make their trip better by finding impromptu local festivals, suggesting perfect photo times and also helping them discover regional dishes. These tours work particularly well for families, photography enthusiasts and anyone wanting their own pace for cultural discovery.
Top China travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 7-day Silk Road tour takes you from Kashgar to Dunhuang along China's historic trading paths. Starting in Kashgar's bustling old town markets, you'll head to Mt Tianshan's crystal-clear Heavenly Lake before exploring Turpan's clever underground water systems and the Buddhist art at Bezeklik. We've also got a popular Beijing and Xi'an weeklong route that includes cycling on Xi'an's city walls and visiting the famous warriors. Our travelers really like how the mornings are free for their own exploring, with guided afternoon visits to places like Chengdu's lively streets and local tea spots.
Ten days gives you time to really get to know China. Our Great Wall to Shanghai tour includes something special - camping overnight on a quiet wall section. Our guests often tell us watching sunset and sunrise from their private spot becomes their favorite memory. For wall enthusiasts, we've got a focused walking tour covering different sections, from the coastal "Old Dragon's Head" to the raw beauty of Jiankou. You'll sleep in local guesthouses and walk paths that most tourists never find. There's plenty of culture too - you might learn mahjong in Beijing's back lakes, try tea in Hangzhou's hillside gardens and float through Shanghai's bright evening waterways.
Two-week tours show you everything China has to offer. One unique route combines hands-on panda care in Dujiangyan with martial arts at Shaolin Temple - you'll help feed pandas, maintain their spaces and learn about protection efforts before heading north to practice kung fu with temple experts. Another full journey takes you from Beijing's royal sites to Zhangjiajie's towering sandstone peaks that Avatar copied for its floating mountains. You'll cross the world's longest glass bridge, walk through Guilin's rice terraces and bike among Yangshuo's limestone formations. Our customers especially value having free days built in, perfect for exploring Shanghai's French Concession or finding their own favorite Chengdu tea house.
Demographics
Our solo travelers really click with the China Highlights tour - it blends guided support with plenty of space to explore on your own. The mix works well: you'll take fast bullet trains between cities, share meals in local family homes near the Great Wall and discover Shanghai's buzzing neighborhoods with guides who know their stuff. People traveling alone tell us they love how the schedule balances the main attractions with genuine local moments, like trying street snacks in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter or learning about tea traditions in old courtyard houses. There's enough structure to make friends in your group but also free time to wander temple grounds or find that perfect dumpling spot you can call your own.
Couples gravitate toward these private China tours, which blend grand monuments with intimate experiences like camping overnight on secluded Great Wall sections, where you drift off under the stars and wake to pristine sunrise views. The routes weave together Beijing's charming hutong walks, private morning tai chi and evenings gliding along Shanghai's illuminated waterways. Many pairs choose the Yangtze River cruises, settling into private balcony cabins to watch the Three Gorges scenery unfold, paired with dinners in traditional courtyard homes. The experiences are designed for sharing - from learning xiaolongbao dumpling techniques in Shanghai's kitchens, participating in garden tea ceremonies and also cycling together past Yangshuo's dramatic karst peaks. These journeys balance the magnificent with the personal, so you might explore the vast Forbidden City before spending an afternoon in a local home, learning family cooking secrets passed down through generations.
The backpacker tours are a hit with young adults looking to dive deep into Chinese culture while staying active. Most kick off in Beijing where you'll camp right on the Great Wall - pretty cool to wake up to sunrise from your tent on those ancient stones. You'll pick up basic Mandarin phrases, cook with local families and bike through the impressive limestone peaks around Yangshuo. What works really well is how we mix scheduled activities with independent time; your morning might start at the Forbidden City before joining the group later for street food hunting or drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking Shanghai's bright lights. Our younger travelers say they really value having guides to help figure out local transport, point them to authentic food spots and get hands-on with Chinese traditions.
Our senior travelers prefer tours that take their time, especially for Great Wall visits and cultural sites. These routes slow things down so you can properly take in each place - whether that's examining the fine details of the Terracotta Warriors or understanding the design principles of traditional gardens. You'll stay at hotels picked for their good locations, travel comfortably between destinations and benefit from guides who know just when to visit popular spots to dodge the crowds. What works particularly well is having different activity options; some guests tackle the more challenging Wall sections while others explore gentler paths or nearby villages. Evenings often feature cultural shows ranging from acrobatics to the fascinating art of face-changing opera.
Family-focused China tours blend hands-on activities with cultural immersion that resonates across generations. You'll drift along the Yangtze River in well-appointed cabins with private viewing areas, where parents can relax while children explore the ship's open spaces. Popular itineraries combine the must-see highlights - like walking atop the Great Wall, discovering the Terracotta Warriors, and meeting giant pandas - with interactive experiences such as dumpling preparation and traditional paper art workshops. Our travelers often tell us how their children form connections during homestays, sharing games and picking up basic Mandarin expressions with local families. The daily rhythm suits family travel perfectly, with gentle morning tai chi sessions in local parks, followed by engaging afternoon visits to attractions like the Shanghai Science Museum or peaceful water town explorations by boat. Private tour options have become increasingly sought-after, as they allow families to adjust the pace according to their children's stamina and interests throughout the journey.
- Solo Travelers495 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples596 tours
- Seniors (50+)380 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family528 tours All tours for Family
Best time to visit China
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall consistently ranks as our travelers' favorite season, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring. The Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai route really comes into its own from September through October - you get exceptional Great Wall visibility and outdoor markets filled with harvest specialties. Guilin draws many guests in autumn when the rice terraces turn golden and the light hits just right for photos. Our travelers often mention how enjoyable it is to explore Pingyao's ancient streets and also wander through Shanghai's French Concession during these cooler months. The pandas stay quite active in fall, making Chengdu an excellent addition to any autumn itinerary.
- 556 tours
- popular 603 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter travel in China offers smart advantages for exploring culture and outdoor sites. Our travelers consistently highlight Guilin tours this time of year, as the clear winter atmosphere creates ideal conditions for capturing photos of the limestone peaks and taking Li River cruises. The multi-city routes linking Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and also Chengdu have become visitor favorites - you'll discover the Forbidden City, bike along Xi'an's city walls and explore Shanghai's French Concession with notably fewer tourists around. These winter journeys stand out for their seasonal adaptations, including early morning visits to see active giant pandas in Chengdu, followed by evening shows featuring face-changing opera and acrobatics. The Great Wall takes on a different character in winter, with crisp air providing excellent visibility, and our groups often find themselves alone on various sections. While temperatures certainly drop, visitors tell us the cool weather makes extended walks through historical areas more pleasant and rich with atmosphere.
- December 2025 popular 528 tours
- 458 tours
- 449 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring's mild weather creates perfect conditions for exploring China's key destinations. Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai connect naturally on our most-booked routes. The Great Wall camping tours really shine in April and May - you'll walk sections most visitors never see and catch incredible sunrises right from your camp on the wall. Shanghai's gardens burst into bloom this time of year, from the classical Yu Garden to the traditional water towns nearby. Our travelers often mention how comfortable the spring temperatures are for longer outdoor activities like cycling through Yangshuo's limestone peaks or exploring Xi'an's lively Muslim Quarter food scene. The pandas get quite active in spring too, which makes Chengdu visits extra special during these months.
- 547 tours
- 569 tours
- popular 594 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer tours adapt cleverly to the warmth by focusing on early mornings and evenings. In Beijing, we start before the crowds with tai chi in the Temple of Heaven's grounds and explore the Forbidden City before peak heat hits. Yangshuo becomes a natural summer choice where you can cool off on bamboo rafts along the Li River and duck into cave systems between the karst formations. The Yangtze River cruises prove especially popular, offering air-conditioned comfort while passing the Three Gorges. Our guides have perfected the timing of outdoor activities, and travelers regularly tell us how much they value this thoughtful scheduling during the warmer months.
- popular 545 tours
- 530 tours
- August 2026 544 tours
China travel guides - curated by our experts
China Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
Get inspired by China while learning everything you need to know to travel this Asian nation like a pro. Learn the basics, discover the highlights and more.
What is the best time to visit China in 2025/2026?
Uncover when the best time to visit China is for an unforgettable journey through its majestic landscapes, rich culture, and bustling cities. Plan your perfect Chinese adventure today.
Weather in China in 2025/2026
Discover the intricacies of the "Weather in China" with our comprehensive guide. Unearth the best time to visit, seasonal variations, regional differences, and more to plan your perfect adventure with TourRadar.
Contact our China travel experts
Tassanee
Expert in China at TourRadar
Tassanee is one of our seasoned China Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about China tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about China Tours & Trips
What Cultural Experiences Can You Join in China?
Get hands-on with Chinese culture right where the locals do it! You'll love joining early morning Tai Chi sessions at Beijing's Temple of Heaven Park where you can follow the flowing movements alongside regular practitioners. Want to try your hand at authentic Chinese cooking? Learn to make those amazing soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) in Shanghai or Chengdu where local chefs will show you all their secrets in intimate cooking classes. If you're curious about something really unique head into Beijing's Hutongs where you can actually meet cricket trainers and learn about the fascinating world of cricket fighting. Tea lovers won't want to miss Chengdu's traditional ceremonies especially at People's Park where you'll see how locals have been enjoying tea for centuries.
Where Can You Find China's Natural Wonders?
Looking to escape the cities? You've got to see the Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin they're absolutely breathtaking and you can get there easily by car or with a tour group. Over in Chengdu there's Mt. Emei where you can either hike up or take a cable car to the Golden Summit - wait till you see that massive 48-meter golden statue of Puxian it weighs an incredible 660 tons! For something more peaceful try the Nine Creeks area near Hangzhou's West Lake you can just hop on public transport and suddenly you're in this amazing tranquil forest.
What Are Some of China's Hidden Gems?
Want to dodge the tourist crowds? Check out the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall it's partially underwater and absolutely stunning especially when the yellow wildflowers are blooming that's actually how it got its nickname "Yellow Flower Great Wall." For adventure lovers the wild Jiankou section is incredible photographers love it because it's got this amazing unrestored look with fantastic mountain backdrops. The Eastern Qing Tombs near Zunhua are really special too they're way less crowded but just imagine 5 emperors 15 empresses and 136 concubines are all buried there!
How Do You Get Around in China?
Getting around China's actually pretty straightforward! The high-speed trains are amazing you can zip from Beijing to Xi'an in just over 5 hours instead of the old 11-hour journey. Book your tickets early though especially during busy seasons. In big cities like Beijing Shanghai and Xi'an the metro systems are super convenient and won't break the bank they run from early till late. For shorter trips just hop on local buses but remember to carry exact change they're great for getting to those out-of-the-way spots.