China Tours & Trips
The Great Wall remains one of China's essential experiences where travelers can wander along ancient stone paths with views that seem to go on forever. In Xi'an, the Terracotta Warriors stop people in their tracks - row after row of life-sized clay soldiers, each one crafted with different expressions and details. The city's Muslim Quarter pulses with real local energy; you'll find yourself sharing tables with residents over steaming bowls of hand-pulled noodles and fresh lamb skewers hot off the grill. Out in Yangshuo, quiet country roads wind between dramatic limestone peaks and bright green rice fields - perfect for cycling at your own pace. Our local guides really bring everything to life with their personal connections to each place and stories passed down through generations. The evenings light up with regional performances that our travelers love, from Shanghai's gravity-defying acrobats to Chengdu's quick-change face masks, showing off China's deep artistic traditions.
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Maria • traveled in August, 2024
I also want to personally thank Thanh from Realistic Asia for all the hard work in making our vacation unforgettable. Having all the guides and extra support was comforting and helpful, especially since this was our first time in China. When we travel to Asia again, I would not hesitate to use Realistic Asia as our travel agency. Thank you again for all your help and support through this process. China was amazing and all the early work with securing a visa, hotel and flights were all worth it in the end. Thanks again for all your help and support. Maria and family
A Journey China With Yangtze River Cruise in 11 days- Private Tour - G
GILBERT • traveled in November, 2024
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
8-Day Private China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai - D
dean • traveled in September, 2025
Awesome tour great communication ,well organised .Our guides SiSi , Christa and Frank were excellent well informed and looked after our requests .Big thank you to Top China tours on awesome tour experience and would highly recommend tour anyone wanting to visit China
China Golden Triangle 8D Group Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
Table of contents
- The best China tour packages
- 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
A Journey China With Yangtze River Cruise in 11 days- Private Tour
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“China was amazing and all the early work with securing a visa, hotel and flights were all worth it in the end.”
Maria, traveled in August
China's finest sights await, from Beijing's Mutianyu Great Wall to the Forbidden City. The journey includes a Victoria ships Yangtze cruise, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, and Shanghai's Yu Garden. Luxurious stays at Crowne Plaza Beijing and Grand Central Shanghai.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Yangtze, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator Realistic Asia From $8,460
55% Off- NZ$3,807+$963 local paymentsYou save $4,653
11 Days China Natural Wonders Group Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organised. Highly recommanded.”
TUDOR, traveled in July
The 11-day route winds through Beijing's Forbidden City, Xi'an's ancient city walls, and Zhangjiajie's Tianmen Mountain. Small groups visit Mutianyu Great Wall and Shanghai's Yu Garden, enjoying 4-star accommodations and local cuisine.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Top China Travel From
55% Off- NZ$3,968
China Highlights
48 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He was very informative regarding all of the sites and incredibly accommdating. I will definitely be coming back to China and I credit this to Peter's fantastic guiding.”
James, traveled in January
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 $2,590
15% Off- NZ$2,202You save $389
Discover China's Silk Road - 11 Days Private Tour
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The drivers were punctual, the lodging was tidy, the staff was nice and friendly, and the meals were good.”
Tanya, traveled in September
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, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator Realistic Asia From $8,327
55% Off- NZ$3,747+$1,258 local paymentsYou save $4,580
China Golden Triangle 8D Group Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 8 Days/7 Nights Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai tour was fantastic! The itinerary was very well planned.”
Lakisha, traveled in September
China's wonders unfold over 8 days for around $1,500. The tour covers Mutianyu Great Wall with cable car access, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, and Shanghai's skyline from Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Four-star hotels, English guides, and city-to-city transport included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Top China Travel From
55% Off- NZ$2,500
8-Day Best of China Tour: Luxury Small Group & High-end Hotels, All Inclusive
27 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good organized! We've seen a lot in just 1 week.”
ManYee, traveled in November
China's monuments await, from Mutianyu Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors. The tour includes Beijing's Temple of Heaven, Tai Chi on Xi'an's City Wall, and Shanghai's Huangpu River cruise. Luxury hotels complement Beijing Opera shows and traditional dumpling feasts.
Duration 8 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TravelChinaGuide From $2,755
15% Off- NZ$2,342You save $413
The Essence of Guilin
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Sailing through the 2 rivers and 4 lakes in the downtown of Guilin was brilliant. Cycling through the scenic town and country side of Yangshuo was absolutely exciting.”
Sunny, traveled in November
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$1,706
China Highlights
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Really pleased that HK was added to the itinerary. It's an experience and an excellent introduction to China.”
Frances, traveled in April
Iconic landmarks unfold from Hong Kong's Victoria Peak to Beijing's Forbidden City. Sail the Li River past Yangshuo's limestone peaks, visit Xi'an's Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and walk the Mutianyu Great Wall. Features high-speed train travel and authentic local experiences across 5 major cities.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hong Kong, Guilin, Yangshuo, Xi'an, Beijing Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
15% Off- NZ$4,570
Lhasa Namtso Lake Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The stunning landscapes and rich traditions left me inspired and grateful.”
Zak, traveled in May
Sacred UNESCO sites and natural wonders define this 6-day Tibet adventure. Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa lead to Namtso Lake via Qinghai-Tibet railway views. Traditional life unfolds at Drepung Monastery and nomadic camps, with accommodations in Lhasa and Damxung.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lhasa Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, French, Spanish, Chinese Operator Nepal Social Treks From
15% Off- NZ$1,516
11-Day Best China Zhangjiajie Tour: Luxury Small Group & Quality Hotels
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was great to have everything organized. We saw so much in a short time.”
Margaret, traveled in June
This luxury China tour features 5-star hotels and zero shopping stops. Highlights include Mutianyu Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and Yu Garden. Special moments include Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theatre and local family visits.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TravelChinaGuide From $4,754
15% Off- NZ$4,041You save $713
Most popular destinations in China
More exciting destinations:
Travel China your way
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
China tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top China travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers521 tours- Couples640 tours
- Seniors (50+)366 tours
- Family571 tours
Best time to visit China
- 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 439 tours
- popular 493 tours
- 481 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.
- 588 tours
- 652 tours
- popular 674 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 630 tours
- 609 tours
- August 2026 627 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
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.
- popular 661 tours
- 655 tours
- 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 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 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
Melissa
Expert in China at TourRadar
Melissa 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.