Northern China Tours & Trips
Think northern China is all about Beijing? The region extends way beyond the capital. You've got the Great Wall, Beijing's Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors. Further out there's Datong's Yungang Grottoes, Pingyao's preserved ancient city, possibly Inner Mongolia's grasslands. Head to Harbin way up north for ice festival in winter. Northern China covers huge territory with millennia of history packed in.
- Choose from 45 Northern China tours
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Stephanie • traveled in April
This trip takes you from the hustle and bustle of Beijing to the serene beauty of the Tibetan Plateau! So much variety, the train ride was a highlight, getting to talk to locals and share stories and snacks was a truly incredible experience. Breathing the fresh mountain air and taking in the scenery, I will never forget it. Our Tibetan leader was the best part of our trip, wildly knowledgeable and funny to boot. I would do this trip again in an heartbeat.
Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland - S
Steph • traveled in April
Just back from hiking the Great Wall of China and it has been awesome. From start to finish Exodus and Jerry the local tour Manager have made sure everything was taken care of so we could enjoy this once in a lifetime trip, The weather early April was superb, crystal clear skies whilst hiking, great to stay in the local communities as well as experiencing Beijing,
Walking the Great Wall
The best Northern China tour packages
Compiled by

MelissaNorthern China travel expert at TourRadar
- Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland
- Walk the Great Wall of China
- Tailor-Made China Great Wall Tour, Daily Depart & Private Guide, All Inclusive
- Walk the Great Wall + Xian Extension
- Walking the Great Wall
- Essence Beijing Private Tour 4D: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, The Great Wall, Hutong...
- Black Myth: WuKong Highlights in Real Life 11D Expanding to Xi'an Private Tour
- China Silk Road Discovery: Lanzhou, Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang
- Inner Mongolia 5-Day Hohhot Explore Tour
- 6 days Hulunbuir Discovery With Reindeer Encounters (Private Guide and Driver) Family Tour Customizable
Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great trip to an incredibly special country.”
Duration 15 days Destinations Beijing Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$6,460
Walk the Great Wall of China
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole trip was amazing! Lucky there was another couple at the airport on the same trip and we made our way together.”
Olivia, traveled in April
The Forbidden City opens this journey before trekking northern Wall sections. The route includes Eastern Qing Tombs, Panjiakou reservoir where Wall meets water, and finishes among Jinshanling's historic watchtowers. Hikes span 2-10km across varied terrain.
Duration 10 days Destinations Beijing, Shanhaiguan, Zunhua, Tianjin, Jinshanling Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
- NZ$3,350
The majestic Mutianyu Great Wall and imperial Forbidden City headline this Beijing adventure. The Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Panda Hall at Beijing Zoo round out the journey. Centrally-located Mercure Beijing Downtown provides comfortable accommodation.
Duration 4 days Destinations Beijing Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TravelChinaGuide From
- NZ$1,359
Walk the Great Wall + Xian Extension
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trekking was worth it for the magical scenery of the Great Wall. The trip was more than I ever expected.”
Hayley, traveled in September
Duration 12 days Destinations Beijing, Shanhaiguan, Zunhua, Jinshanling, Xi'an Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
- NZ$4,150
Walking the Great Wall
85 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Great Wall was amazing and each stretch confirmed that the Wall is well worth the visit.”
Robert, traveled in October
The most dramatic Wall sections of Northern China await, from Mutianyu's grand watchtowers to Gubeikou's mountain ridges. Local guesthouses provide authentic Chinese hospitality, while Beijing's cultural treasures include the Forbidden City and historic hutongs.
Duration 9 days Destinations Beijing, Jinshanling Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$3,338
Beijing's UNESCO treasures shine, from the Forbidden City to Mutianyu Great Wall. Citadines Ritan or Crowne Plaza Chaoyang serve as base while visiting Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and traditional hutong neighborhoods.
Duration 4 days Destinations Beijing Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Top China Travel From
- NZ$1,206
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Datong, Taiyuan, Pingyao, Xi'an Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Top China Travel From
- NZ$4,280
Lanzhou to Dunhuang unfolds in 5-star comfort. UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, Jiayuguan Fort, and sacred Kumbum Monastery reveal ancient secrets. Natural wonders include Qinghai Lake, Rainbow Mountains, and Singing Sand Dunes, all with expert English guides.
Duration 9 days Destinations Lanzhou, Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Silk Road Trips From
- NZ$4,478
Hohhot's Five-Pagoda Temple and historic Zhaojun Tomb showcase Northern China's cultural richness. Traditional Mongolian life flourishes at Xilamuren Grassland, while desert adventures await at Xiangshawan. This five-day tour includes luxury accommodation and expert local guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hohhot Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Silk Road Trips From
- NZ$2,583
Duration 6 days Destinations Hailar Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $4,097
25% Off- NZ$3,073You save $1,024
What our customers ask about Northern China Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights of a general tour in Northern China?
Northern China's main attractions center around Beijing's Forbidden City and the Great Wall. The Yungang Grottoes in Datong house more than 51000 Buddhist statues while the Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye display distinctive red rock formations. Recent travelers point to the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang as particularly noteworthy with one TourRadar review stating "the incredible preservation of ancient Buddhist art and architecture made this stop unforgettable." The region also includes the preserved ancient city of Pingyao the Buddhist temples of Wutai Mountain and cultural experiences like staying in a traditional Mongolia Khan Yurt near Hohhot where grassland traditions remain strong.
When is the best time to visit Northern China for a general sightseeing tour?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) provide the most pleasant conditions for exploring Northern China with mild temperatures and clear weather. Summer brings intense heat and humidity particularly in Beijing where temperatures regularly reach above 30°C/86°F. Inner Mongolia's grasslands are most vibrant during summer months. Winter visits from November through March offer unique perspectives like snow-covered sections of the Great Wall. According to one traveler: "October was a perfect time to go as the weather was warm during the day rather than very hot which made walking much easier - and you get the benefit of the autumnal colors."
What types of accommodation can I expect on a general tour in Northern China?
Accommodations range from contemporary city hotels to traditional cultural lodgings. Beijing features established properties like the 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown while Pingyao specializes in historic courtyard guesthouses. Near the Mogao Caves Dunhuang offers reliable 3-star hotels and unique options include yurt stays in the Huitengxile Grasslands. A TourRadar guest noted: "The mix of accommodations really enhanced our experience - from the modern comfort of the Tinga Camp in Zhangye to the authentic atmosphere of traditional guesthouses in Pingyao's ancient city."
What kind of food experiences are included in Northern China general tours?
Food tours showcase Northern China's regional specialties from Beijing's Peking Duck to Shanxi's signature dumplings and authentic Mongolian barbecue. Most itineraries include daily breakfast and selected local lunches. Special experiences like dining at Mrs. Liu's homestay in Gubeikou provide authentic home cooking. A recent review states: "The food was hot plentiful and tasty. We had a veggie and gluten-free person in our group and our guide liaised with the guesthouses to ensure we were all well fed. The aubergine and tomato dish was a particular favorite!"
How long should I plan for a comprehensive general tour of Northern China?
Most Northern China tours run between 7 and 14 days. Popular options include the 9-day Silk Road Discovery covering Lanzhou Xining Zhangye and Dunhuang or the 8-day Shanxi Buddhist Sites tour. A TourRadar participant shared: "Our 8-day journey felt perfect - enough time to see major sites without rushing though you could easily spend two weeks exploring all the hidden gems." This duration allows visitors to experience key attractions while maintaining a comfortable pace.
What's the best way to get between destinations in Northern China?
Transportation in Northern China combines high-speed rail and private vehicles. Bullet trains connect major cities with Beijing to Hohhot taking 2.5 hours and Lanzhou to Zhangye requiring 3 hours. Private coaches handle remote routes such as the 5-hour desert drive from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang. One traveler noted: "The mix of high-speed trains and private transfers worked perfectly - comfortable and efficient while offering great views of the changing landscape."
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