Southern China Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Southern China tour packages
- What people love about Southern China Tours
- Travel Southern China your way
- Best tour companies for Southern China tours
- Discover Southern China tours for every budget
- Southern China tours for every type of group
- Top Southern China travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Southern China
- Contact our Southern China travel experts
- What our customers ask about Southern China Tours & Trips
The best Southern China tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern China travel expert at TourRadar
Essence of Southwest China
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Tour was excellent. Better than expected. Great itinerary - a lot packed into a short time.”
SallyJaneStephenLaura, traveled in October
Kunming's temperate climate gives way to Yangshuo's limestone karsts in Southern China. Local markets and rural village cycling complement Li River cruises. Carefully selected accommodations like Yangshuo New Century Hotel enhance authentic regional cuisine experiences.
Duration 13 days Destinations Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, Yangshuo, Hong Kong Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Truly China Travel From $7,263
35% Off- NZ$4,721You save $2,542
China Minorities Adventure
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I found it very complete with numerous sites to enjoy.”
ParryMThomas, traveled in January
A cultural tapestry stretches from Hong Kong to Kunming. Mountain trails wind through Longji Rice Terraces, past Huangguoshu Waterfall, into ancient Lijiang. Nights are spent at upscale accommodations including 4-star Yangshuo New Century Hotel and authentic minority guesthouses.
Duration 18 days Destinations Hong Kong, Guilin, Yangshuo, Longsheng, Liuzhou, Zhaoxing, Kaili, Huangguoshu Waterfall, Guiyang, LijiangSee all destinations Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Truly China Travel From $7,318
35% Off- NZ$4,757You save $2,561
The northernmost frontier of Vietnam unfolds along the Chinese border, with stops at Lung Cu Flag Pole offering spectacular views into Southern China. This 5-day route reveals cross-border cultural influences at H'mong King Palace and Nam Dam village, where Dao people maintain traditional clay houses. The tour suits comfort-seeking travelers with easy physical demands.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Ha Giang, Dong Van Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Up Travel Vietnam From $1,027
12% Off- NZ$904You save $123
The legendary Ha Giang Loop unveils itself in a 4-day adventure from Hanoi for approx. $80/day. Twin Mountains peek through Quan Ba Heaven Gate, while H'mong King Palace and Ma Pi Leng Pass overlooking Nho Que River showcase dramatic landscapes. Traditional homestays in Ha Giang city and Dong Van Town include English-speaking guides sharing H'mong tribal culture.
Duration 4 days Destinations Hanoi, Ha Giang, Dong Van Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Up Travel Vietnam From $665
12% Off- NZ$585You save $80
11-Day Classic China Tour: Quality Small Group & 5-star Hotels
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very educational, cultural tour. Organization was perfect.”
Sabri, traveled in September
Southern China's limestone peaks stretch from Guilin to Yangshuo's countryside. A Li River cruise passes dramatic karst mountains, while Reed Flute Cave reveals illuminated chambers. Traditional farming villages provide cultural insights.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator TravelChinaGuide From $3,720
15% Off- NZ$3,162You save $558
What people love about Southern China Tours
Tour was excellent. Better than expected. Amy (the tour leader) was particularly good. Great itinerary - a lot packed into a short time.
Essence of Southwest China
- China Minorities Adventure
I found it very complete with numerous sites to enjoy.
It was a fantastic trip . The two girls Tina in Beijing and Celine In Xi’an were amazing . Very knowledgeable. We saw so much and it was an amazing place . The food was good and the hotels were 5 star really. The only thing is maybe we could just say stop for and hour at a couple of places were there was a market that we walked through where we could just look around by a souvenir or just sits down get a drink and soak up the atmosphere of the place . In Shanghai we could have had an hour to look around the French quarter and take it all in . We did not need to to the shops as that was the point but he Mosque in Xi’an would have been another spot we could have just sat had a drink or a quick look at sovereign whatever anyone wanted to do for an hour . Guilin was the same when we walked up the old street we needed to rest get a cold drink and icy pole as it was so hot the blind after the cruise. Just a note that maybe in Shanghai the day we arrive maybe an activity for the evening (A dinner some where ax a group) as he hotel is a fair way out of town and it took us a while to get in . Apart from that I would still recommended this 11 days . You saw all you need and more and the activities were really good . So thank you all. If you haven’t visited China yet I would recommend this tour . Loved it . Regards Vicky from Melbourne Australia
11-Day Classic China Tour: Quality Small Group & 5-star Hotels
Travel Southern China your way
The limestone karst landscapes of Southern China set up perfect conditions for mixing different activities each day. Our active tours through Guilin, Yangshuo and nearby areas let you cycle past rice paddies in the morning then switch to paddling down the Li River later that same day. Yangshuo's become a favorite spot with our travelers - you can join local tai chi sessions at sunrise or head up to Seven Fairies Peak tea plantation to see traditional cultivation methods firsthand. The Beijing to Shanghai 10-day route includes something special - you'll actually camp on unrestored sections of the Great Wall and wake up to watch the sunrise right from your tent (though we do move to local guesthouses when it gets cold). Moving south, our multi-day journeys through Kunming and Dali get great feedback from travelers who love how we balance physical challenges with genuine cultural experiences. You'll walk through Tibetan villages, explore old towns and climb up to spots like the Wangu Pagoda for wide views over Lijiang. For those looking for a proper workout, the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek covers 16km and climbs nearly 3900 meters while following the Yangzi River - it's demanding but the views are worth every step. Our guides really know how to mix things up: you might spend your morning learning about tea production on Xianggong hill, walk through ancient stone villages in the afternoon and finish with dinner on a rooftop overlooking Shanghai's lights. They'll also take you to places like the converted farmhouse where you'll learn to cook local dishes after cycling through quiet village roads.
Southern China really opens up when you start in Kunming and wind your way through to Shangri-La, where Tibetan influences mix with Chinese culture. Our travelers tell us they love how these tours balance structure with freedom - you'll get expert-led walks through Xizhou's traditional courtyards, tasting Bai snacks along the way, then have time to explore places like The Loft on your own, a former factory that's now home to local artists. For those up for a physical challenge, the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek takes two days through terrain that climbs to 3,900 meters above the Yangzi. The 4-6 hour daily hikes are adjusted based on the group and conditions, but you'll feel like you've earned those views.
Select from our extensive range of 84 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Southern China with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Southern China. We have 72 adventures that vary from 3 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Southern China tours
Travelers who've explored with Truly China Travel consistently mention how well everything flows together on their tours. The company's getting particularly good feedback about "The Essence of Guilin" - lots of our customers point out how Daniel stays on top of communication and really knows his stuff. The guides Anna and Green have made quite an impression too, with one person mentioning they felt like they got "VIP treatment" throughout the whole experience. For those looking to explore on two wheels, Mr Biker Saigon has built up a solid reputation with their Ha Giang Loop cycling tours in Northern Vietnam. They've figured out how to handle different cycling abilities on the same trip, which isn't easy - you'll find both casual riders and experienced cyclists giving them high marks. The support team stays close by while letting you tackle those mountain roads and rice terraces at your own pace. What stands out in both cases is how the companies handle the practical details - from quick responses to questions before the trip to making sure everything runs smoothly once you're there. The guides know when to share interesting local insights and when to step back and let travelers take it all in.
View operators
Discover Southern China tours for every budget
Looking for great value in Southern China? Our most popular route takes you through Ha Giang and North Vietnam over 9 days. You'll hike up to Heaven's Gate, make your way down to Nam Dam village and paddle kayaks on the Nho Que River. The local Dao families host you in their homes, giving you a real look at daily life. Another solid option runs through Guilin where you'll drift along the Li River before wandering Yangshuo's old streets. These budget-friendly tours mix the big sites like the Terracotta Warriors with hands-on experiences - you'll learn to cook local dishes and visit tea farmers at work.
Our luxury Southern China tours put Zhejiang's culture and landscapes front and center. You'll stay in excellent 4- and 5-star hotels while exploring Suzhou's Lingering Garden and Hangzhou's West Lake. Private drivers get you around smoothly, expert guides bring the history alive and nice touches like Pearl River evening cruises make it special. Our travelers really love the private tea ceremonies in Meijiawu village and taking boats through quiet water towns like Tongli and also Zhujiajiao.
Southern China budget tours- Southern China luxury tours
Southern China tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
96 tours in Southern ChinaExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Southern China. We have 96 adventures that vary from 3 days to 20 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
67 tours in Southern ChinaSouthern China opens up beautifully through small-group tours that connect cultural sites with natural wonders. The classic 11-day route between Beijing and Shanghai takes you through Guilin, where groups explore the Forbidden City and Great Wall before heading south to float down the Li River, between towering limestone peaks. Our travelers tell us how the smaller numbers allow guides to share rich details about local life, from tea ceremonies to building techniques. The Kunming to Shangri-La journey mixes active exploration with cultural encounters - you'll hike Tiger Leaping Gorge's challenging trails, master local recipes in farmhouse kitchens, pedal through Yangshuo's villages and pick tea leaves at Seven Fairies Peak plantation. Guides are skilled at adjusting the 4-6 hour daily walks in Tiger Leaping Gorge to match group abilities. In Guilin, intimate group sizes mean you can make impromptu stops at local homes, village markets and also traditional workshops between visits to Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill. Many of our guests point to simple, authentic moments as highlights - cooking with farm-fresh ingredients in local homes, watching cormorant fishermen demonstrate their ancient craft on the Li River and sharing tea with village families.
Private / Personalized
63 tours in Southern ChinaPrivate tours work brilliantly in Ha Giang where you can really go at your own pace. Stop for photos at Ma Pi Leng Pass whenever you want, take time watching village life unfold and tackle the Sky Path trek however suits you best. With your own guide and driver, you can combine Hanoi's history, Ha Long Bay's islands and Ha Giang's remote corners. Our customers tell us that having a private guide lets them connect more deeply with local culture, especially during homestays with minority communities.
Top Southern China travel itineraries to fit your plans
For quick Southern China trips, our 3-day tours focus on specific areas like Guangdong and also Guilin. The Gulong Canyon tour combines walks on glass bridges suspended 72 meters high with relaxing boat rides through Dongtian Rock Cave - it's particularly good for nature lovers. From Hanoi, you can take the Ha Giang Loop by Jeep to see incredible limestone formations and mountain passes, stopping at local villages and markets along the way. Shanghai tours blend old and new perspectives, taking you through traditional Shikumen alleyways to the modern Pudong financial area, finishing with a Huangpu River cruise.
Week-long trips give you proper time to soak in the region's variety. Many travelers choose the Ha Giang - Ba Be Lake combo, which starts in karst country before moving to Vietnam's biggest natural lake. The route mixes hiking through H'mong and Hoa villages with peaceful boat rides near limestone cliffs, and you'll sleep in traditional stilt houses while learning about local farming. Other routes connect Kunming to Shangri-La, where Chinese and also Tibetan influences meet.
Ten-day routes let you combine major Chinese highlights with southern spots. Several start in Beijing at the Great Wall before heading south to Guilin and also Yangshuo. You'll take a Li River cruise between limestone peaks and bike through rice fields. Some variations add Xi'an's Terra Cotta Warriors and Shanghai's modern cityscape. Our guests often mention how these longer trips mix cultural visits with natural settings - one day you're making dumplings with locals, the next you're walking through rice terraces.
Demographics
Solo travel really works well in Guilin, where our small-group tours give you space to explore at your own rhythm. Evening boat rides through the Two Rivers and Four Lakes let you take in Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Mountain without any rush - it's a highlight many of our solo guests mention. Another solid option runs through Yunnan from Kunming to Shangri-La. You'll connect with other travelers while keeping your independence, especially during the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek where you walk 4-6 hours daily at whatever pace suits you. The local guesthouses along the route add authenticity, and by the time you reach Shangri-La at 3,200 meters, you can wander the rebuilt Dukezong Ancient Town and often find yourself sharing yak butter tea with Tibetan families.
Empty section - insufficient couples tour data
The Ha Giang loop is a real favorite with our younger travelers, and it's clear why. You'll trek the Sky Path along limestone cliffs, kayak the green waters of Nho Que River and push yourself physically while learning about local life. After climbing to Heaven's Gate for valley views, you'll stay with Dao families in Nam Dam village - our travelers say this mix of activity and culture makes the trip special. Going north from Kunming to Shangri-La offers another great route. You'll trek Tiger Leaping Gorge, learn cooking in converted farmhouses, cycle through Yangshuo's karst landscape and even try tea picking at Seven Fairies Peak plantation. The homestays in traditional villages really round out the experience.
Senior travelers find themselves perfectly suited to Southern China's multi-city tours, which thoughtfully balance cultural experiences and relaxed pacing. The routes linking Beijing through Xi'an to Guilin and Yangshuo, let you discover the Terra Cotta Warriors and float down the Li River at a comfortable tempo. Morning tai chi by the river, traditional tea processing at Seven Fairies Peak plantation, and explorations of Yangshuo's countryside by car or easy bike rides showcase how guides adapt activities for older guests. You'll stay in quality 4- and 5-star hotels throughout, while knowledgeable local guides handle logistics and share cultural insights. Our guests often mention how much they value having both structured group activities and quiet time to wander independently. The journey typically includes stops at Suzhou's elegant Lingering Garden, peaceful water towns, and finishes with evening cruises along Shanghai's Huangpu River. Seniors appreciate the many chances to sit and observe - from watching cormorant fishing demonstrations on the Li River to enjoying traditional performances in restored heritage buildings. The itineraries naturally incorporate rest days, and travelers can choose which optional activities suit their interests.
- Solo Travelers139 tours
- Couples32 tours
- Seniors (50+)76 tours
Best time to visit Southern China
- Summer 2025
Summer paints Southern China in deep greens, and photographers on our tours make the most of it. Several routes blend Beijing and Xi'an's culture with Guilin's natural side. Cycling through Yangshuo's countryside is a favorite - you can stop at local homes and join cooking classes using ingredients from nearby farms. The Li River bustles with activity, and you'll spot fishermen working with their cormorant birds. It gets warm, but our guides know every shady rest spot and where to find the best cool drinks during city walks. The evenings really come alive too - our customers love watching Yangshuo's Liu Sanjie show or taking night boats through Guilin's lit-up lakes.
- 128 tours
- popular 133 tours
- 131 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn turns Longji's rice terraces to gold just before harvest, and the comfortable temps make it perfect for exploring. Our travelers choose this season for Tiger Leaping Gorge hikes and wandering Dali's old streets. The Li River runs crystal clear, making it a photographer's dream. Around Yangshuo, you can watch farmers bringing in crops and even join tea picking at Seven Fairies Peak. Many routes connect these countryside experiences with Beijing and Shanghai's attractions, letting you explore the Forbidden City and Yu Gardens without summer heat or winter's chill.
- 140 tours
- popular 144 tours
- 134 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Southern China's winter tours shine brightest around Guilin and Lijiang. The mountains wear their snow caps well, and Longji's rice terraces take on a special kind of quiet beauty when dusted white. Our travelers tell us they love having Tiger Leaping Gorge almost to themselves during these quieter months. A popular multi-day route links Beijing and Shanghai through Guilin, so you get the Forbidden City and Great Wall plus those distinctive Li River formations. The guides handle winter changes smoothly - when Xi'an's Tang Dynasty show takes its winter break from December to February, they've got excellent backup entertainment lined up. Winter also works perfectly for wandering Yunnan's old towns like Dali and Lijiang, where Jade Dragon Snow Mountain makes an impressive backdrop for photos.
- popular 122 tours
- 92 tours
- 87 tours
- Spring 2026
March through May is when Southern China really comes into its own. The Longji terraces transform into shimmering water mirrors as farmers prep their fields, and our travelers can't get enough of those misty morning views over the karst peaks during Li River cruises. Tiger Leaping Gorge trails firm up nicely after winter - just right for those 4-6 hour daily walks. Up in Vietnam's northern edges, the Ha Giang loop opens up beautifully too. Our customers particularly enjoy staying with Dao families and kayaking the clear waters of Nho Que River this time of year.
- popular 97 tours
- 91 tours
- 89 tours
Contact our Southern China travel experts
Kaitlyn
Expert in Southern China at TourRadar
Kaitlyn is one of our seasoned Southern China Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Southern China tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Southern China Tours & Trips
What cultural experiences can you join in Southern China?
Southern China offers so many ways to dive into local culture. Head to Shiqiao Miao Village in Guizhou where you'll see how the Dong people make traditional paper using techniques passed down through generations it's pretty amazing to watch. If you're feeling hands-on you can join a proper tea ceremony in Hangzhou (it's actually China's tea capital) or try making local dishes like baba rice cakes and cheese in Xizhou Yunnan. Over in Lung Tam Village you can even learn traditional weaving from the locals which is really cool.
What natural areas can you explore outside the cities?
There's some incredible landscapes to discover beyond the busy cities in Southern China. The Longji Rice Terraces are absolutely stunning you can get there pretty easily by car from Guilin. If you're up for an adventure take a boat through Tiger Leaping Gorge - just hop on a bus from Lijiang Yunnan to get there. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is another must-see with its unique sandstone formations you can reach it by high-speed train and then take a cable car up.
What are some less traveled routes worth checking out?
Want to get off the tourist track? The Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam is amazing travelers love it for the mountain views and genuine encounters with local communities especially the H'mong people you'll spot them by their distinctive clothing. Another great option is exploring the Dong villages in Sanjiang Guangxi they're connected by these beautiful "wind and rain" bridges. These routes really let you experience local life and see some incredible traditional architecture.
Which places are still authentic but not crowded?
If you're looking to avoid the crowds check out Zhaoxing it's this charming Dong minority town tucked away in a Guizhou valley. Even with its traditional wooden buildings wind and rain bridges and drum towers it still feels really authentic. Or head to Balagezong Scenic Area in Shangri-La Yunnan where you'll find impressive cliffs emerald waters and the peaceful Dongzhulin Temple it's perfect if you want a quiet escape in nature.
What local foods should you try and where?
The food scene in Southern China is incredible really diverse too. You've got to try Guilin rice noodles they're famous throughout the city. While Peking duck is technically from Beijing you can find amazing versions in specialized restaurants down south. In Yangshuo try local dishes at converted country houses or hit the night markets for some fantastic street food. And don't skip dim sum it's a Cantonese classic you'll find great options all over Hong Kong and Guangzhou.