china tours 2024

14 Days in China: Top 10 Tours and Itineraries (2024/2025)

The top 10 itineraries recommended below will show you China's highlights authentically in your 2 weeks in China.

These are provided as inspiration and a possible framework for your own tailor-made China tour. Tell us what you would like. Our dedicated one-to-one experts will customize any itinerary to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.

• 11-Day China Classic Tour
• 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
• 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Private Tour
• How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps
• How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
• 2-Week China Itineraries: Where to Go & Routes (2024)
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
• China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in September 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in October 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in November 2024: Places to Go & Crowds
• China Weather in December 2024: Places to Go and Crowds

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China Tours 2024

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• Easy Active
• Challenging
• Food & Wine
• River Cruises
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Cooking Classes
• Festival Visits
• Land & Sea Exploration
• Local Market Visits
• Urban Exploration
• Village Visits
• Whitewater Rafting
• Wildlife Viewing
• Hiking Enchanted China
• Visit a small Miao village
• Hike to waterfalls & along rivers
• Explore Fenghuang Ancient Town
• View Qinglong Cave Temple

Boundless China

• Visit the Panda Base
• Hike the Great Wall of China
• Visit the Terracotta Warriors
• Cruise the Yangtze River
• Tour the Three Gorges Dam
• Walk along the Golden Whip Stream
• Visit Guangzhou Tower
• Explore the Longsheng rice terraces
• Flavors of China
• Take a cooking class in Shanghai
• Meet and visit with a local family
• Learn how to prepare Chinese dishes
• Explore the Great Wall of China
• Great Wall, Dynasties, & Rivers
• Visit Leshan & the Giant Buddha
• View pandas early in the morning
• Explore Ping'an & the rice terraces
• Legendary Yunnan
• Walk along the Jade Trail
• Visit the bustling Xizhou market
• Climb Lion Hill for panoramic views
• Explore Nixi Pottery Village
• Essence of China
• Walk along the Great Wall
• Wander the countryside of Yangshuo
• Explore Longji Rice Terraces
• Explore the exhibits at Ocean Park
• Visit Tai-O Village
• Tour Wong Tai Sin Temple

Rural Landscapes

Explore shanghai.

• Visit the French Concession
• Tour Yuyuan Garden
• Explore Jade Buddha Temple
• Beautiful Beijing & the Wall
• Bike through the Hutong District
• Wander local art galleries
• Participate in a cooking class
• Explore Forbidden City

Wonders of Sichuan

• Explore World Heritage Sites
• Visit Sanxingdui Museum

Great Wall Trek

Dragon boat festival, historic xi'an, jinshanling great wall hike.

• Admire the Great Wall's Jinshanling
• Enjoy two days Great Wall hike
• Relax in a nearby hotel

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Best of China with Yangtze Cruise

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15 Day China Tour from Beijing to Shanghai with Yangtze Cruise

15 days, 1 country and 7 cities

Accommodation

14 Breakfasts, 1 Be My Guest, 7 Lunches, 3 Dinners, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Discover the cityscapes of Beijing and Shanghai, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors and the rare giant pandas of Chengdu on this mesmerizing encounter with China, which includes a leisurely cruise along the Yangtze River.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

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15 days itinerary trip from Beijing to Shanghai visiting 1 country and 7 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai

Visit the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, and the 'Bund' waterfront, Jade Buddha Temple and Jinmao Tower in Shanghai

See local people practicing T'ai Chi in the morning, the Three Gorges Dam and the Shanghai Acrobats

Cruise the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Flight from Beijing to Xi'an and Yichang to Shanghai.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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CLASSIC CHINA TOURS

Our Classic China Tours include all the must-see and must-do travel highlights - culture, history, food, landscape, cityscape in the most popular destinations. Beijing , Xian and Shanghai will show you the most essential parts of China from their time-honored past to the modern present. While taking an extension to Guilin , you will  indulge in the picturesque landscapes. A luxury and relaxing Yangtze River cruise tour and the visit to the Giant Panda Base in Chengdu , where you can get close to the cute pandas, are always popular with families...

With many years’ experience, we are always motivated by the initial goal "offer the highest quality of service to help every customer discover the real China". That’s why we have confidence to offer you CLASSIC China tours. You can select your favorite route from the three types of classic tours below or design it by yourself to satisfy your own interests. Just tell us your expectation, and we will fulfill your dreams to explore China in classic way!

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Classic China Tours . Rated by Real Travelers

With our decades' experience and thousands of feedbacks from our delighted customers, we together carefully selected 4 classic China tours from Top 10 China tours for all your newcomers here. These tours cover the best golden destinations in China, including Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong Kong in classic itineraries.

China Golden Triangle

8 Days Best of China Tour

It is most recommended for those who want to visit China for the first time with short days. Great contrast of China’s past and present is the best highlight of this tour. Besides, great accommodation and dinning make your trip more enjoyable.

Destinations : Beijing(4D) | Xian(2D) | Shanghai(2D)

Highlights : Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, The Bund, Yu Garden...

from $1,264 / private tour, flexible departure

First Touch of China

10 Days Classic China Tour from Beijing

This tour leads you to top 4 destinations you can’t miss. Experience the stunning diversity and contrasts of ancient tradition and modern fashion, discover the charm of ancient history, and get closer exploration some of the most beautiful scenery under heaven...

Destinations : Beijing(4D) | Xian(2D) | Guilin(2D) | Shanghai(2D)

Highlights : Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Li River, Yangshuo Town, The Bund...

from $1,742 / private tour, flexible departure

Travel China at Leisure

13 Days Classic China Tour with Yangtze Cruise

Want to explore China in a leisure way? This is the ideal trip. You will not only visit the Musts to Go – Beijing, Xian, etc, but also gain much fun and leisure time in Guilin. Furthermore, the relaxing cruise on the Yangtze River makes this trip memorable.

Destinations : Beijing(4D) | Xian(2D) | Guilin(2D) | Yangtze Cruise(3D) | Shanghai(2D)

Highlights : Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Li River, Yangtze River, the Bund...

from $2,253 / private tour, flexible departure

Encompassed China Highlights

17 Days China Paradise Tour with Tibet & Yangtze

This long vacation package almost sweeps all the best highlights of China in a single trip. It traverses China from north to south, west to east. The attractive diversity of China’s culture and nature embody fully without any reservation in this trip.

Destinations : Beijing(4D) | Xian(3D) | Lhasa(3D) | Chengdu(2D) | Yangtze Cruise(3D) | Shanghai(2D)

Highlights : Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Potala Palace, Giant Panda, Yangtze River, The Bund...

from $3,070 / private tour, flexible departure

Classic China Tours . Recommended by Travel Experts

To help you travel China in a valuable and enjoyable way, our travel experts selected some classic tour packages from our wide collection of tours. The eight top-rated tours designed with distinctive features get to the very heart and soul of China, taking you to explore the iconic sights with brilliant culture, amazing vistas, natural wonders, and legendary Kung Fu…

Glory of China

Experience China's glorious past in ancient capitals.

Trip at a Glance: Beijing (4 Days), Xian (2 Days)

Transport: by flight

Price: from $889

Tales of Two Cities

A high speed train takes from modern Shanghai to ancient Beijing.

Trip at a Glance: Shanghai (3 Days), Beijing (4 Days)

Transport: by high speed train

Price: from $964

Tradition & Moderness

From South, East to North, encounter the vibrant and ancient China.

Trip at a Glance: Hong Kong (2D), Shanghai (2D), Beijing (3D)

Price: from $1,486

Classic Tour from Shanghai

Experience stunning contrasts of ancient and modern.

Trip at a Glance: Shanghai (3D), Guilin (2D), Xian (2D), Beijing (3D)

Transport: by flight, high speed train

Price: from $1,716

Family Tour with Panda

Explore the hidden treasure, leisure lifestyle...

Trip at a Glance: Beijing (4D), Xian (2D), Chengdu (2D), Shanghai (2D)

Price: from $1,615

Relaxing China Tour

Tour China and Yangtze River in the most relaxing pace.

Trip at a Glance: Shanghai (2D), Yangtze (4D), Xian (2D), Beijing (4D)

Transport: by flight, cruise

Price: from $1,853

Kung Fu Panda Experience

Kung Fu and Giant Panda bring you legends of awesomeness.

Trip at a Glance: Beijing(4D), Luoyang(2D), Xian(2D), Chengdu(2D), Shanghai (2D)

Price: from $2,053

Lifetime Memories Tour

Lifetime memories in china.

Get lifetime memories in vast China!

Trip at a Glance: Hong Kong(2D), Beijing(3D), Xian(2D), Chengdu(1D), Yangtze(4D), Shanghai(2D)

Price: from $2,667

Classic Tours to Special Regions in China

Our classic China tours not only cover the hot destinations in China, but also take you to the most scenic regions like Sichuan (Land of Abundance), Yunnan (the minority kingdom), Tibet (the roof of the world) and Xinjiang (Ancient Silk Road) for more fun and adventures. Great value for money in 2024!

Places to visit: Chengdu / Leshan / Emei / Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou

from request

Places to visit: Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La

Places to visit: Chengdu / Lhasa / Shigatse / Mt.Everest / Shigatse / Lhasa

from $1,892

Places to Visit: Urumqi / Turpan / Kashgar / Urumqi

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

• Affordable and valuable price
• 100% tailor-made packages
• Highly rated customers reviews
• Efficient customer support

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“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”

“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”

Any questions, please email us at: [email protected] or call us at: 86-19138970032 (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. GMT+8)

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China Tours

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Our China tours vary from short and sweet city adventures to epic all-encompassing overland journeys. You are sure to find the right China tour for you among our selection of fully inclusive group tours, Deluxe tours and Immerse Yourself tours.

So which of our China tours is the right one for you?

China Tours ( 42 )

Wonders of China

• Fully Inclusive Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• Flights International flights and current taxes
• Physical Rating 1 i Walking, some steps and time on your feet.
• Walk on the Great Wall
• Watch giant pandas play
• Face the Terracotta Army
• Stay in rural Yangshuo
• Cruise the Yangtze River
• Admire Shanghai's bright lights

Majestic Yangtze

• Discover ancient Ciqikou

Magnificent China

• Stroll old gardens in Suzhou

A China Experience

• Find the past in Zhujiajiao
• Spend time in traditional hutongs
• Explore the Summer Palace

Glories of China

• Cruise the tranquil Li River
• Explore friendly Yangshuo
• Discover the Forbidden City

Grand Tour of China

• Discover old China in Dali
• Stroll the gardens in Suzhou

In Pursuit of Pandas

• Feast on Peking duck
• Travel on a bullet train

China Delights

• Cruise Hangzhou's West Lake
• Discover old gardens in Suzhou

China & Tibet Discovery

• Physical Rating 2 i Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
• Wander the Barkhor Circuit
• Explore the Potala Palace
• Three nights on the Yangtze

Classic China

• Discover the past in Lijiang
• Explore Tiger Leaping Gorge

Ancient China

• Marvel at the Hanging Temple
• Feel at peace in Wutaishan
• Witness Shaolin kung fu
• Stroll Pingyao's ancient streets

Silk Road Explorer

• Visit Kashgar Sunday Bazaar
• Admire Jiayu Fortress
• Explore Tibetan Xiahe
• See the Rainbow Mountains
• Discover Magao Grottoes
• Experience the Taklamakan Desert

Tibetan Wonders

• Physical Rating 4 i Extended walking. Physical activities on challenging terrain.
• Journey to Shangri-La
• Discover Shaxi ancient town
• Soak up mystical Lhasa
• Explore Tibet's temples
• Cross the Tibetan Plateau
• Gaze upon Mount Everest

Enchanting China

• Visit pandas in Chengdu
• See Shanghai like a local
• Explore the Temple of Heaven
• Face the Terracotta Warriors

Dreams of Nature

• Explore the Nine Villages Valley
• View Zhangjiajie's pinnacles
• Head to the top of Mount Emishan
• See pandas in Chengdu

Yunnan & Sichuan

• Physical Rating 3 i Longer walking and gentle paced physical activities.
• Glimpse the past in Lijiang
• Admire Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Cable car to Mount Emei
• Discover delightful Dali

China Explorer

• Hike the Great Wall
• Conquer Jinji Rope Bridge
• Cycle Xian's city wall
• Visit pandas in Dujiangyan

Ultimate China

• Gaze at the Warriors
• Visit the Stone Forest
• Explore Dali and Zhongdian
• Stay in mystical Lhasa

China: The Big One

• See charming Dali & Shaxi
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
• Discover Tiger Leaping Gorge

China by Rail

• Admire the scenery and beauty atop the Yellow Mountain
• See the spectacular architecture of Shanghai on a Huangpu River Cruise
• Walk the imperial landscape of the magnificent Forbidden City
• Get lost in Kunming's puzzling Stone Forest
• Wander the cobbled streets of Lijiang's Old Town
• Take in the breathtaking scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Ancient Empires of China & Japan

• Discover historic Beijing
• See the Terracotta Warriors
• Reflect in Hiroshima
• Admire Kyoto's temples
• Explore bustling Tokyo

Christmas in China

• Discover the imperial treasures of Beijing
• Explore the Great Wall of China
• Experience the spectacular Terracotta Warriors
• Spend time with the lovable Giant Pandas

China: Winter Wonderland

• Discover one of the world’s old and largest ice and snow festival’s
• Toast the New Year with champagne on the Great Wall
• Get up close to the Giant Pandas
• Discover Beijing's history in its narrow Hutongs
• Travel through diverse landscapes on high-speed trains
• Journey to the past with a vibrant Tang Dynasty performance

Tibetan Railroad

• Overnight on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world's highest train
• Stand in awe of Mt Everest
• Experience the spectacular Terracotta Warriors in Xian
• Discover the palaces, temples and monasteries of Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse
• Dine on delicious local Tibetan cuisine

China Marvels Private Tour

• Wander along the incredible Great Wall of China
• Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors
• Take a voyage on the mighty Yangtze for a glimpse of China past and present
• Get up close and personal with the Pandas of Chongqing
• Absorb the rural serenity of the Li River and Yangshuo
• Marvel at the sparkling city of Shanghai on a Huangpu River Cruise

Pandas & Yangtze Cruise Private Tour

• Discover Shanghai’s modern and colonial architecture on a Huangpu River Cruise
• Cruise the Yangtze River and see the manmade marvel of the Three Gorges Dam
• See the lovable Giant Pandas in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat
• Come face to face with Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Warriors
• Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven
• Wander along the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China

A Glimpse of China

• Soak up the old world charms of the sleepy Water Town of Zhujiajiao
• Survey Xian from its ancient city ramparts
• Step back into China's dynastic past at the Imperial Forbidden City

Great Wall Hike

• Physical Rating 5 i Long active days. Challenging terrain and activities.
• Stay in Gubei Watertown
• Walk the Jinshanling & Gubeikou sections of the Great Wall

Xian Short Stay

• Terracotta Warriors and Horses

Shanghai Short Stay

• Pudong area

Chengdu Short Stay

• Giant Pandas
• Dujiangyan Irrigation Project
• Leshan - Grand Buddha

Beijing Short Stay

• Summer Palace
• Tiananmen Square
• Temple of Heaven

Mt Huang Short Stay

• Cable car to summit of Mt Huang
• Explore Tunxi ancient town
• Travel on the bullet train

Guilin & Yangshuo Short Stay

• Admire the impressive Reed Flute Cave

Kunming & Lijiang Short Stay

• Tour the picturesque Stone Forest
• Visit Black Dragon Pool

Lhasa Short Stay

• Admire Jokhang Temple
• Visit the Sera Monastery

Chongqing, Dazu & Wulong Short Stay

• Admire Dazu's magnificent rock art
• Explore Wulong's dramatic nature
• Soak in relaxing natural hot springs

Zhangjiajie Short Stay

• Gaze on Zhangjiajie's pinnacles
• Admire peaceful Lake Baofeng
• Explore Mount Tianmen

Nine Villages Valley Short Stay

• Discover Jiuzhaigou National Park
• Explore Huanglong Valley

Beijing & Xian Short Stay

• Forbidden City
• Peking Duck
• Lama Temple
• Muslim Quarter

Suzhou & Hangzhou Short Stay

• Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden
• Cruise the Grand Canal
• Find your Buddhist side at the Temple of Inspired Seclusion

Harbin Ice Festival Short Stay

• Visit the spectacular Ice and Snow Festival, the largest in the world
• Watch brave swimmers dive into the icy waters of the Songhua River

China Tour Reviews

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China Tours in March 2025

• Apr '24
• May '24
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219 china trips in march 2025.

• In-depth Cultural

11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai

The tour was excellent from A to Z. Our guides Kitty (Beijing), Lily (Xi'an), Monica (Guilin) and Mary (Shanghai) were knowledgeable, informative, caring and attentive. It was well curated, and we hit all the spots from modern to traditional to naturist. I have become taken by the country and wonderful people, and ive been singing its praises since I returned home. All in all an excellent and memorable trip. Five stars ????????????????????!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

China Express - 8 days

Leo was brilliant with the right balance of history, geography and social skills

China Delights Small Group Tour

This is a great tour that packs a lot in. Time flies as you see so much although you won't spend long at many of the sites. My favourite bits of the itinerary were: - The Great Wall at Mutianyu (Beijing) we took the chair lift option which meant we could ride the toboggan back down. - Terracotta Warriors (Xian) half day - Li River Cruise (Guilin) - Huangpu River Cruise (Shanghai) which luckily turned into an evening cruise as we couldn't get on the earlier one. Those are the highlights but there are so many other things such as the Tang Dynasty Dancing and Dumpling Dinner and Summer Palace in Beijng and Reed Flute Caves in Guilin. In particular Guilin so picturesque and Shanghai so modern. We were lucky with our first two guides, Tina (Beijing) and Celine (Xian) who were both excellent. Autumn in Guilin and Mindy in Shanghai were good too. Autumn stayed with us to help us find and order food in the evenings so a couple of long shifts for her. Celine helped arrange a birthday cake for one of our younger travellers. Included meals were excellent. Full banquets usually in local restaurants but we really enjoyed the home cooked lunch as well. Food was plentyful. We even enjoyed the set meal box on the cruise. Hotels were generally of a good standard. Check-in at The Great Wall Hotel in Beijing was really slow though and trying to find a table for breakfast was difficult and located a fair distance away from where the restaurants are (need to get the subway to reach them) The hotel in Guilin was the worst one, the rooms being some distance away from the lift and lobby and small bathrooms. The hotel in Shanghai was excellent. It was nice touch that we got framed photo souvenirs of our trip from Beijing although I think both myself and my sister should have received one each as we paid for single supplements. Some feedback I'd give would be that they need to let us know about the optional night tours that are available on the website/ itinerary before we come out so that we can budget properly. There was a night visit for the Big Goose Pagoda in Xian with the musical fountain light show which we would have liked to have gone to didn't go to due to the weather. We found that the night cruise in Guilin was expensive as the premium we paid for the guide to buy the tickets and come onboard with us was excessive. We could have just walked to the ticket office and bought the tickets ourselves. The night tour of Shanghai was just as expensive but at least that included a coach to drive us around as well as the guide. Having said that, we could have used the subway and got around ourselves and because it started so late, we didn't see much. It is worth going up Jin Mao Tower. Overall, we had a great time on this trip and would recommend Travel China Guide.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

8-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

The tour was excellent in every way. The guides were extremely good and were able to change direction as required. Their english was extremely good.

Chengdu’s Natural Panda Paradise

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

China Highlights

Hong Kong to Chengdu Express: 9-Day Chinese Journey

I will use tourrader again

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Great Wall & Warriors - 10 days

An enjoyable journey to the most iconic sights of China.

The Essence of Guilin

Great experience from the first day to the last day. Tour guide George and driver Wang assisted in picking up and dropping off and was punctual throughout. Bravo hotel in Guilin and New Century hotel in Yangshuo was great located with many choices of buffet breakfasts, very nice room and comfortable bed. Sailing through the 2 rivers and 4 lakes in the downtown of Guilin was brilliant. Longji rice terraces hike was such beautiful picture scroll with stunning views at the top and Li river cruise were majestic, cycling through the scenic town and country side of Yangshuo was absolutely exciting. Overall a fantastic experience that I would recommend to everyone.

China Express

Great fun packed itinerary and wonderful leading by the guide Howard from Xian. Amazing, just go.

• Food & Culinary

Chinese Cuisine & Culture

I saw a lot and the chosen destinations were very interesting. The organization was also great. Everything went smoothly and on time. All the tour guides were extremely friendly, well informed and very keen to fulfill all wishes. The hotels were clean and well maintained. The hotels were centrally located for exploring on your own. I felt very well looked after, learned a lot about China and can only recommend this trip.

Explore China

11-Day China Group Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai

We had such a wonderful time on our 11-Day Tour in China. We went to Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Now I felt like Shanghai was a city that we would have been just fine exploring on our own but the first three we were so thankful to have a reliable tour group to get us from one location to the next and we were also able to avoid long ticket lines. This allowed us to see much more than we would have been able to without a tour. Our guides in Beijing and Xi’an were excellent. They were informative about the sights, and the culture and history of China. Every hotel we stayed at was super comfortable and offered breakfast. We were also offered lunch on most days. Our highlights were absolutely the Great Wall, the Terra-cotta Army, and Pandas!! We also enjoyed the Kung Fu show and all the beautiful architecture and gardens. We would highly recommend Travel China Guide as the tour group to use if you are planning a trip to China.

Best of China Small Group Tour

Classical China end Xian

What people love about china tours in march.

This tour is the greatest China esperience! All guides go above and beyond to immerse you in the ancient China history, local culture, natural wonders. Absolutely professional and courteous service, best accomodations, balanced time and activities for perfect vacation. Special thanks to TravelChinaGuide agent Emily - helping all the way in planning the tour. Highly recommended tour and TravelChinaGuide team, especially for the first-time visitors to China.

What an amazing tour of china, we visited the great wall twice, the forbidden city, terracotta warriors, overnight train from Beijing to Xian and tasted some wonderful local food with some night time entertainment. Would recommend this tour to anyone.

This is a great tour that packs a lot in. Time flies as you see so much although you won't spend long at many of the sites. My favourite bits of the itinerary were: - The Great Wall at Mutianyu (Beijing) we took the chair lift option which meant we could ride the toboggan back down. - Terracotta Warriors (Xian) half day - Li River Cruise (Guilin) - Huangpu River Cruise (Shanghai) which luckily turned into an evening cruise as we couldn't get on the earlier one. Those are the highlights but there are so many other things such as the Tang Dynasty Dancing and Dumpling Dinner and Summer Palace in Beijng and Reed Flute Caves in Guilin. In particular Guilin so picturesque and Shanghai so modern. We were lucky with our first two guides, Tina (Beijing) and Celine (Xian) who were both excellent. Autumn in Guilin and Mindy in Shanghai were good too. Autumn stayed with us to help us find and order food in the evenings so a couple of long shifts for her. Celine helped arrange a birthday cake for one of our younger travellers. Included meals were excellent. Full banquets usually in local restaurants but we really enjoyed the home cooked lunch as well. Food was plentyful. We even enjoyed the set meal box on the cruise. Hotels were generally of a good standard. Check-in at The Great Wall Hotel in Beijing was really slow though and trying to find a table for breakfast was difficult and located a fair distance away from where the restaurants are (need to get the subway to reach them) The hotel in Guilin was the worst one, the rooms being some distance away from the lift and lobby and small bathrooms. The hotel in Shanghai was excellent. It was nice touch that we got framed photo souvenirs of our trip from Beijing although I think both myself and my sister should have received one each as we paid for single supplements. Some feedback I'd give would be that they need to let us know about the optional night tours that are available on the website/ itinerary before we come out so that we can budget properly. There was a night visit for the Big Goose Pagoda in Xian with the musical fountain light show which we would have liked to have gone to didn't go to due to the weather. We found that the night cruise in Guilin was expensive as the premium we paid for the guide to buy the tickets and come onboard with us was excessive. We could have just walked to the ticket office and bought the tickets ourselves. The night tour of Shanghai was just as expensive but at least that included a coach to drive us around as well as the guide. Having said that, we could have used the subway and got around ourselves and because it started so late, we didn't see much. It is worth going up Jin Mao Tower. Overall, we had a great time on this trip and would recommend Travel China Guide.

Destinations

• Southern China March 2025 (43)
• Western China March 2025 (38)
• Great Wall of China March 2025 (18)
• Tibet March 2025 (14)
• Guangxi March 2025 (11)
• Northern China March 2025 (8)
• Silk Road March 2025 (5)
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• Sichuan March 2025 (4)
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• Yangtze March 2025 (10)
• Everest Base Camp March 2025 (6)
• Anhui March 2025 (4)

Regions in China

• Southern China (43)
• Western China (38)
• Great Wall of China (18)
• Guangxi (11)
• Northern China (8)
• Silk Road (5)
• Yangtze (10)
• Everest Base Camp (6)
• Spring 2024 tours (374)
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• Winter 2024 / 2025 tours (301)
• Spring 2025 tours (242)
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• China Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

China Tibet Tours | 30 Best China Tibet Tours 2024

China has a rich history spanning over 5,000 years, with countless cultural and architectural wonders left behind by various dynasties, emperors. China boasts 56 ethnic groups, each with its language, customs, and traditions. Meanwhile,  Tibet  also known as Roof of the World is a mystical and spiritual land nestled high in the Himalayas, with a blend of culture, religion, and tradition that has thrived for centuries. Tibet's other big draw is the elemental beauty of the highest plateau on Earth. A journey through China and Tibet allows you to experience the vast diversity of China . Whether it's walking along the Great Wall of China, joining pilgrims on a kora around a Tibetan monastery, or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery of both regions, you'll create memories that will last a lifetime. Asia Odyssey Travel  offers a wide range of  China Tibet Tour Packages  that cater to different types of travelers with varying budgets and travel styles. We can also design a customized itinerary for your personalized travel experience. What are the features of our different China Tibet Tour Packages? China Tibet Group Tours  - the most cost-effective way to travel by sharing the cost with a group Best China Tours with Tibet  - the most comfortable way to travel with a personal guide and private vehicle Explore Tibet from Popular Gateway Cities  - the most convenient way to travel from gateway cities Tailor-made Your China Tibet Trip  - the most personalized way to travel with a customized itinerary designed to suit your interests and preferences.

Recommended China Tibet Group Tours

15 Days China Impression Small Group Tour: Experience Classic China & Nature

14 Days China Group Tour from Shanghai with Holy Tibet Discovery

13 Days Essential China Group Tour with Lhasa & Chengdu Pandas

Best china tours with tibet.

If you're planning to explore China Tours with Tibet , we have carefully selected 3 of the best options for you, based on the feedback and real experiences of our previous customers. Our China Tours with Tibet offers the perfect combination of the most popular destinations and the mysterious Tibet. With our private tours, you can enjoy a seamless travel experience, with all logistics taken care of, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying your trip. You can also contact us to customize your trip.

13 Days Shanghai Tibet Xian Beijing Tour

17 Days China Highlights Tour with Holy Tibet Discovery & Chengdu Pandas

16 Days China Odyssey Tour with Golden Triangle Cities, Lhasa, Zhangjiajie & Pandas

Tour tibet from popular gateway cities in china.

Tibet is located in the remote and western parts of China. If you're unsure where to begin your journey, consider exploring Tibet from popular gateway cities  such as  Beijing ,  Shanghai ,  Chengdu ,  Xining ,  Xian ,  Chongqing , and  Hong Kong . These cities offer convenient access to Tibet and serve as excellent starting points for your journey. Flying is the most popular choice among travelers due to its speed and convenience while taking the train via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway provides stunning landscapes and unique train ride experiences. 

Tailor-made Your China Tibet Tour

China Tibet Travel FAQs - Plan Your China Tibet Trip Worry-Free

Good News! The wait is finally over - Gyirong Port (China Nepal Border) is open to tourism and ready to welcome you with open arms, in 2023. Currently, the Gyirong Port is used for tourism, while the Zhangmu Port is primarily used for freight (not for tourists).

The average elevation of the region is over 4,000 meters and altitude sickness is a common concern for travelers visiting Tibet. Not everybody will suffer from altitude sickness when traveling in Tibet and most visitors will be in good condition when they arrive.

The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and eat light meals that are high in carbohydrates. It is also recommended to take it easy for the first few days, avoiding strenuous activities and allowing time to adjust to the new altitude when arrive in Lhasa. Some travelers may also benefit from taking medication to prevent or treat altitude sickness.

If symptoms of altitude sickness persist or worsen, it is important to seek medical attention immediately . Many hotels and travel agencies in Tibet have oxygen supplies on hand to help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is important to consult with a doctor before traveling to Tibet, especially if you have a history of heart or lung problems, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions that may be affected by high altitude.

For a classic exploration from Lhasa to Mount Everest Base Camp , it is highly recommended to take our 8 Days Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Shigatse - Mount Everest - Lhasa tour .

Besides, if you plan to trek to the base camp, you will need to allow at least a few days for acclimatization before starting the trek. The trekking can take 4-5 days, depending on your pace and the route you take.

If you plan to visit other attractions in Tibet, such as Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse, or Mount Kailash, you will need to allow additional time, which may take around 8 to 15 days. The number of days required to visit Tibet Mount Everest depends on the route you take and the activities you plan to do. Please remember, all the tours can be customized to suit your preferences and needs.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway means the train journey from Xining to Lhasa which is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.Take the train from Xining to Tibet, you will passing through vast grasslands, snow-capped mountains, high-altitude lakes, yaks and herders’ tents, and barren deserts. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the journey for antelope, foxes, and Kiang, plus the occasional nomad.

There is even a popular song in China called “Take a train to Lhasa”. Listen to the beautiful songs during a train journey from Xining to Lhasa (about 21.5 hours by train) to appreciate the charming beauty of the Tibetan Plateau.

Xining is the starting point of the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway , annd it is convenient to reach Xining from other cities by air or bullet train . Furthermore, taking a Tibet train from Xining to Lhasa is the quickest way to experience the best Train Journey to Tibet . Therefore, Train Tickets from Xining to Lhasa are very popular, expecially during peak season, when the demand for train tickets can far exceeds the supply. However, we will manage to secure the ticket. Contact AOT Team ahead of the time, and we will try our best to ensure you a lifetime memory on your train journey to Tibet from Xining.

Tibet Tours with Travel Inspiration in 2024

• Lhasa Tours
• Shigatse Tours
• Mount Everest Tours
• Mount Kailash Tours
• Nyingchi Tours
• All Tibet Tours

• Top 10 Tibet Tours
• Tibet Private Tours
• Tibet Train Tours
• Tibet Trekking Tours
• Tibet Luxury Tours
• All Tibet Tours 2024

• Beijing Tibet Tours
• Shanghai Tibet Tours
• Xining Tibet Tours
• Chengdu Tibet Tours
• Xian Tibet Tours
• All China Tibet Tours

• Lhasa to Kathmandu Tours
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• Tibet Nepal Tours
• China Tibet Nepal Tours
• Tibet Nepal Bhutan Tours
• Himalaya Tours

China Tours & Vacations

Welcome to China – one of the world's oldest and most enduring cultures; all yours to explore.

The Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, the giant panda and the flowing Yangzi – China is home to some of the world’s most remarkable places. And as you venture deep into the cityscapes from  Shanghai to Beijing , float past Yangshuo's limestone karsts and explore the tranquil monasteries in  Emei Shan  and Lhasa, you’ll be struck by how diverse this land can be. The rich tapestries of history, the charm of local villagers, the diversity of regional culinary traditions and sublime natural beauty, all coming together to create an experience like nothing else. Welcome to China – one of the world’s oldest and most enduring cultures; all yours to explore.

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China at a glance

Capital city.

Beijing (population approximately 21.5 million)

Approximately 1.4 billion

Renminbi (CNY)

Mandarin, Cantonese and many other dialects

(GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type C (European 2-pin) Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)

Learn more about China

Culture and customs, from ancient cultures....

As one of the world's oldest cultures, China has so much history to observe, taste, admire and learn about. Ancient mythology and spirituality are infused throughout the traditional dance, art, music and literature of China, with many contemporary customs directly attributed to centuries-old traditions.

Much of Chinese philosophy is interwoven with interactions and relationships between people and things – the Five Elements theory of wood, fire, earth, metal and water; the yin and the yang; the Chinese Lunar Calendar and Zodiac – and underpin many rituals and customs still present in China.

Ancient cultures and ruling dynasties of China in times’ past are present in philosophy, religion (Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism) and customs (tai chi, fengshui, fortune-telling and tea ceremonies). Culturally, China has gifted the world everything from martial arts to mah-jong, and we all continue to enjoy the rich cuisine, delicate art and evocative dance.

...to modern times...

China’s cultural identity is dominated by the Han – the largest ethnic group in mainland China, accounting for approximately 92 per cent of Chinese citizens. There are, however, another 105 million people who identify as one of over 50 other ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang (southern China), Hui (northwest China), Uyghur (Central Asia) and Tibetan (Tibet autonomous region). Together, these ethnic groups have constructed a much more diverse China than new travellers may initially be aware of – all with unique customs, longstanding traditions and countless stories to tell. Over 800 million Chinese citizens speak Mandarin while many others use Cantonese, especially along the southeastern coastline. Although both languages may be considered very difficult to learn, it is important to learn at least a few phrases when travelling to show respect to the locals.

...and the balance of the two

While modern China is changing at a rapid pace, much of China still clings to age-old traditions and ways of life. This culture clash is particularly evident when visiting large cities like Beijing that are home to ancient hutongs alongside modern skyscrapers, time-worn temples and glorious World Heritage sites, all found within walking distance of each other. With centuries of dramatic history and ethnic identities key to uncovering the diversity of the country’s people, China remains one of the world's most fascinating places to travel.

History and government

Early history.

As one of the world's oldest civilisations, China has an intriguing history that spans thousands of years. The Yellow River is known as the Cradle of Chinese Civilisation as it is thought that what we now know as ‘China’ originated on the banks of this river.

China's early history is dominated by periods of dynastic rule, fragmentation and imperialist expansion, with each dynasty contributing something different to the history books. Construction of the Great Wall of China was thought to have started during the Qin Dynasty, with the Ming Dynasty enhancing the wall at a later stage. The Tang Dynasty is known as a time of prosperity and artistic expression, the Song Dynasty is famed for being a time of scientific and technological discovery, and Kublai Khan's Yuan Dynasty saw an overall population decline that has been attributed to everything from an administration error to the arrival of the Bubonic Plague.

Once the Yuan Dynasty was overthrown by the Ming Dynasty in 1368, population numbers began to increase again and urbanisation grew quite rapidly. Private enterprise flourished, with small-scale paper, silk and cotton trading providing trade income to the masses. The following period of rule known as the Qing Dynasty stretched from 1644 to 1911. This is generally seen as a time of rebellion and upheaval with the Taiping Rebellion, Nien Rebellion, Panthay Rebellion and Boxer Rebellion all testing the Qing's ability to rule. Thankfully, remnants of most of these periods of history can be found in China today.

Recent history

The Republic of China was formed in Nanjing in 1912 after a military uprising. Leadership changed hands many times throughout the following years until the People's Liberation Army succeeded in ousting the US-backed Chiang Kai-Shek after a long and bloody battle.

Mao Zedong became Chairman, or leader, of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and China's society was systematically converted to communism. Land reforms and the collectivisation of agriculture significantly altered the structure of society and daily life. Dramatic population, cultural and economic changes led to events that Western societies remember as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Mao's death in 1976 triggered leadership changes and economic reforms, the impact of which has rippled into the future.

More recently, China has seen  Hong Kong  and Macau returned from foreign rule and enjoyed a period of increased economic growth. The country basked in the international spotlight as the host city of the 2008 Summer Olympics and with a strengthening economy, wide-scale global influence and dominant rule by the Communist Party of China, China is now one of the world’s global superpowers.

For travellers, China’s rich and engaging history, especially through dynastic rule and its cultural philosophies, has created a country so fascinating, so layered and so rewarding to explore. Opening the first chapter of China’s history book begins the moment you arrive.

Eating and drinking

Whether it’s slurping down a bowl of noodles at a Silk Road street market, having a mouth-numbing Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu or waving down the dim sum trolley at a morning yum cha, you won’t go hungry in China.

Chinese cuisine focuses on colour, aroma and taste, and nearly every region and minority group has its own cooking style. Chinese cuisine has traditionally been broken down into eight major schools of cooking: Anhui, Cantonese, Fuijan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan and Zhejiang. They’re also grouped into northern, southern, western and eastern cooking styles.

Rich and hearty northern cuisine – flavoured with lots of salt, ginger, garlic and soy sauce – is what fed the emperors. Southern cuisine – particularly from the Cantonese school – is what you’ve likely sampled at your local Chinatown, such as dim sum. Western cuisine brings the heat thanks to ample use of Sichuan peppercorn and piping hot chilli peppers, and eastern cuisine tends to be sweeter in flavour and feature a wide variety of vegetables, shellfish, fish and other types of seafood.

Dishes to try in China

• Sichuan hot pot Taste a bit of Chinese history by dipping into a fiery Sichuan hot pot filled with meat, vegetables, noodles and chilli. While each region in China has different varieties, Sichuan lays claim to the spiciest.
• Cantonese dim sum (Yum Cha) Sitting down to a dim sum banquet is one of Hong Kong's great culinary experiences. Bamboo baskets of salty dumplings and pots of cleansing tea change hands in this traditional feast that will leave you feeling very full.
• Green tea China is home to one of the world's largest tea drinking cultures, with most locals sipping a few cups of tea daily. Green tea may have recently risen in popularity in Western societies, but it’s been used as a medicine in China for thousands of years.
• Peking duck This famous roast duck dish from Beijing dates back to Imperial China. It’s one of the best flavour combinations in the world: succulent slices of duck served between delicate pancakes with green onions and a sweet dark sauce.
• Street snacks A lot of  Asia’s  best food is found in markets, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and street-side stalls. Think baozi (steamed stuffed buns), jiaozi (dumplings), jianbing (fried chive pancakes), yang rou chan (lamb kebabs) and so much more. China may be famous for giant feasts served on a lazy susan, but don’t dismiss what can be found on a budget.

Learn more about Chinese food

Find out what to drink in China

Geography and environment

Located in east Asia along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, China is the third-largest nation in the world by total land area, behind  Russia  and  Canada . It shares its border with 14 countries including Russia, Kazakhstan and  Mongolia  in the north, and India, Laos and  Vietnam  in the south.

Soaring peaks, high plateaus and desert occupy the western half of this vast country. In the southwest, Mount Everest and the Himalayas form the border with  India ,  Nepal  and Bhutan. In the north, the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts stretch from west to east along the border with Mongolia. The terrain slopes into broad plains and deltas in the east. Two major rivers flow through central China – the Yellow River in the north and the Yangzi in the south – where rice paddies flourish.

China, as well as 16 other countries around the world, is known as ‘megadiverse’ – a grouped classification of biodiverse countries that contain over 70% of the world’s endemic flora and fauna. China itself is home to over 550 species of mammals, 1221 species of birds, 146,000 types of flora and 10,000 species of fungi.

Despite this, China has a series of challenges in terms of safeguarding its environment and biodiversity. China’s industry is booming and air pollution is on the rise. It has become the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitter and to deal with this, China has become the world’s leading investor in renewable energies and is making a big effort to reduce widespread air pollution in its major cities.

China has a multitude of different shopping experiences, from the massive malls of Beijing to the fashion boutiques of Shanghai and the small village markets that are dotted around the country.

In Beijing, your best bet for shopping is along Wangfujing Street for designer labels, Hongqiao Market for a wide range of pearls and Yaxiu Market for gifts and souvenirs. Nanjing Road and Xujiahui are Shanghai’s shopping hotspots and the eclectic Huaihai Road has been likened to Tokyo’s Harajuku fashion district, so that’s also worthwhile visiting.

Things to buy in China

• Silk As the home of this popular fabric, China’s silk is undoubtedly legendary. It’s been greatly admired by the world for centuries, so don’t leave China without picking some fabric, handmade clothing or a scarf or two.
• Chinese Calligraphy Art This beautiful art form has been practised in China for centuries. Buy an antique artwork or get a customised piece featuring your name made on the spot.
• Paper Cut Art This traditional art is a painstaking process that ultimately creates an intricately beautiful result. Associated with Chinese New Year, paper art souvenirs can be found all year round, with designs of flowers, animals and people the most common.
• Chinese Knots These traditional, decorative handicrafts are seen as a symbol of health and prosperity and make brilliant gifts for friends back home. The tassel-style gifts are said to ward off evil spirits and are often given as good luck charms during Chinese New Year celebrations.

It's a good idea to check with customs to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws, especially with food, plant or wood-related products.

Festivals and events

Festivals in China are an integral part of celebrating local cultures and traditions. They are a time for families to return home and gather for a day – or days – filled with food and festivities.

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)

The most important holiday in the country, Chinese New Year is such a big deal that it’s celebrated over 15 days. The main event is New Year’s Eve, when red decorations are hung all around and people travel home to celebrate. Children receive red envelopes stuffed with cash and fireworks and firecrackers go off at midnight. Lanterns, bracelets, cards and tokens are all coloured red as this is considered to be the colour of good fortune.

Lantern (Yuan Xiao) Festival

Though it marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival is a festival in its own right that takes place 15 days after Chinese New Year. It’s a fantastic time to be in China as the country lights up with colourful lanterns.

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

Ever wanted to visit a real-life winter wonderland? Then head to Harbin in January to see massive illuminated sculptures made of snow and ice. Past creations have included the Great Wall (which doubled as an awesome slide), the pyramids of  Egypt  and even a Disney castle.

Dragon Boat (Duanwu) Festival

Equal parts frantic dragon-boat racing and sticky-rice consumption, this three-day festival – meant to commemorate ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan – is celebrated all across China. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, people flock to waterways to feast on zongzi (rice dumplings) and realgar (or xionghuang) wine as they watch the colourful boats race.

Learn more about festivals in China

China travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit China?

From the rugged mountain interior of Emei Shan to the glittering coastal city of Shanghai, China is home to a diverse range of landscapes and climates. We recommend checking out our regional breakdown to help you figure out the best time to visit China.

Tourism is generally at its peak in summer, so if you’re not into crowds, you may want to avoid June, July and August. If you’d still like the weather to be somewhat warm, a shoulder season month like November or May might be best – you’ll usually only need a light jacket or fleece, but the bulk of the crowds are gone.

Do you need a visa for China?

Visitors from most nations are required to obtain a visa for trips to mainland China. Be sure to apply before leaving your home country – if you don’t, your applications might be denied.

For most travel plans, you will need a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days. Generally, a standard 30-day single-entry visa can be issued in four to five business days and at a higher cost for an express application. Once issued, the visa must be used within three months.

For immigration purposes, Hong Kong is not considered part of mainland China and most nationalities, including EU, Australian, US, Canadian and South African citizens, do not require a visa to visit for varying periods of stay.

Please check with your local embassy for specific requirements for Hong Kong and mainland China, as requirements and conditions continuously change. Check with your Chinese embassy or a registered Visa Application Service Centre about what you need to do to apply well before your departure date.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 20 March 2023

Is tipping customary in China?

Generally, tipping is not expected in mainland China, although leaving spare change at restaurants and giving a small amount to hospitality staff is becoming more commonplace (although not mandatory). For example, tipping porters and bartenders a small amount is no longer unusual. The culture of tipping is different in Hong Kong, where taxi drivers and restaurants will usually round up the bill, and service staff will generally expect a tip.

What is the internet access like in China?

Internet access is generally good in hotels and tourist areas, but it's limited in rural and remote areas. Some fast food chains, restaurants and cafes have free wi-fi available, but may require a Chinese phone number to receive the login code. The login prompts may also be in Chinese.

Chinese governments and authorities keep strong controls over internet access and many Western websites, including social media and news outlets, are censored. Sites and apps including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google products (YouTube, Maps, Gmail, Drive), WhatsApp, Snapchat and Dropbox, as well as many international news outlets, will not work.

You may wish to download the WeChat app during your visit, which is the country’s most popular method of communication. It’s like WhatsApp crossed with Facebook, kind of.

For many expats and travellers, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is used to limit this censorship. If you are insistent on using certain websites abroad, look into purchasing a reputable VPN – keep in mind most of the free ones, and some of the paid VPNs will not work. If you do decide to go down this route, still consider what you search for online or access while in China, as some of this content could land you in hot water with authorities if found out.

With all this in mind, you’ve got the opportunity to switch off and enjoy the sights around – that’s one way of looking at it!

Will my mobile phone work in China?

Mobile phone coverage is generally excellent in China's cities, and still very good in remote and rural areas.

If you have an unlocked phone, purchasing a local SIM on arrival is probably the cheapest and most reliable option to use your phone on the go.

If you wish to use global roaming while in China, be sure to contact your service provider to understand how much this will cost, as it's often extremely expensive.

What are the toilets like in China?

Squat toilets are most common in China, though Western-style flushable toilets can sometimes be found in modern hotels and restaurants. Be sure to carry your own toilet paper or tissue and hand sanitiser as these are rarely provided, especially in public places.

What will it cost for a ...?

China’s unit of currency is the Renminbi (CNY), or yuan. Prices here are approximate and shown in US dollars for ease of comparison:

• Subway ride = 0.50 USD
• Can of soft drink = 0.50-0.75 USD
• Bottle of beer = 1-1.50 USD
• Basic lunch = 2.10 USD
• Basic rice or noodle dinner = 3.50 USD
• Three-course dinner = 12 USD

Can I drink the water in China?

While water quality is improving, drinking tap water still isn't recommended in China due to the presence of pollution and natural contamination of water supplies.

For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available, often boiled to use for tea. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards widely accepted in China?

Major credit cards are accepted by large hotels, stores and restaurants, but may not be accepted by smaller vendors and market stalls. Be sure to always carry some cash in case credit cards are not an option.

What is ATM access like in China?

Travellers will be able to access ATMs in China's large cities and regional centres. Rural and remote areas will have less ATM access so ensure you have other payment methods before venturing out of the city. It's also important to note that not all Chinese ATMs will accept foreign cards.

For ease of getting cash out, use Bank of China or HSBC ATMs, which are widely accessible around the country. These are the most reliable. ICBC ATMs do function but can be unreliable in less-touristed areas.

What is the weather like in China?

China is huge – and so its weather is super diverse. Depending on what time of year you visit China and where you go, you can experience unrelenting heat and humidity in summer and thick snow cover throughout  winter .

China’s northern regions have hot and dry summers, while destinations on the eastern coastlines and in the south are more humid with a larger chance of monsoon rains and typhoons.

There’s a chance of snow across most of the country; however, this is much more likely in the northern reaches (Beijing and surrounds). Late winter and early spring can often bring a dust storm rolling in from the Gobi Desert to Beijing and northern China. Rainfall in Shanghai and the east coast is abundant between April and September but almost non-existent for large chunks of the year in Central and Western parts of the country.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in China?

• 1 January : New Year’s Day
• 4 February : Chinese New Year or Spring Festival (eve of the first lunar month)
• 5 April : Qingming Festival
• 1 May : Labour Day
• 7 June : Dragon Boat Festival
• 30 September : National Day

For a current list of public holidays in China, including those with moveable dates, go to timeanddate.com.

Is China a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Equal rights have a long way to go in China. The government heavily censors portrayals of same-sex relationships and, up until 2001, homosexuality was considered a mental illness. Same-sex couples are unable to marry or adopt in China, and discrimination laws and legal protections are not equal between LGBT and non-LGBT-identifying citizens.

That being said, China is a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ tourists who travel with discretion. Chinese people are generally tolerant and homophobic-related violence is incredibly rare. Low-key gay scenes/communities can be found in larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. While it’s common for friends of the same sex to hold hands, keep in mind any further displays of affection are frowned upon for both same-sex and heterosexual couples.

As with any public display or protest in China, there is much resistance from authorities and the government to any form of mass demonstration organised within China. Various events have been banned in recent years, not because they are promoting LGBTQIA+ rights, but because they are publicly promoting anything at all.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. For travellers who do not wish to share a room, most of our tours have the option to pay for an individual room.

Is China accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Accessibility varies in China depending on where you are. Things are improving every year but given the vast size of China and varying rates of growth, you may find old areas are a lot more difficult to travel through than modern cities. In Shanghai, for example, most  public transport  is wheelchair-friendly, as are a lot of the sights, whereas Beijing is a lot more difficult to navigate.

In Chinese culture, disability has traditionally been seen as something to overcome rather than something to accommodate, which has hampered efforts to improve both cultural acceptance and access. This is changing, which is fortunate not only for travellers, but also for the 80+ million Chinese people living with physical and mental limitations.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in China?

What you decide to pack and wear in China will depend on where you are and what time of year it is. The climate across China can vary a lot. Besides the usual lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes, you may want to consider packing a reusable dust mask as dust storms are common in certain regions across China.

Is it safe to travel to China?

China is generally a safe country to travel to, as long as you know where you’re going and stay alert. China is visited by travellers from all around the world and is of no danger to any person who understands local cultures and obeys local laws.

In saying this, China’s government does keep quite a tight lid on foreign influences, such as websites and news coverage, with internet censorship and public surveillance a common occurrence all over the country. Demonstrations and protests are prohibited in public places in China, and if you find yourself in one, or you take a photo or video of the event, this could land you in trouble.

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about Monday's weather forecast.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

• 2024 eclipse