Northern China Tours & Trips

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."