Trip Planning

For first-time visitors, 8-12 days covering 3-4 cities (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and optionally Chengdu or Guilin) is ideal. A 5-7 day trip can cover 2 cities. For regional exploration (Yunnan, Tibet, Silk Road), allow 10-14 days. A comprehensive Grand Tour covering 5+ regions needs 18-21 days. Factor in travel time between cities (4-5 hours by high-speed train). Less is more -- better to see fewer cities in depth than rush through many.

The Classic Golden Triangle -- Beijing (3-4 days), Xi'an (2 days), and Shanghai (2-3 days) -- is the most popular first-time itinerary. It covers the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and modern Shanghai in 8 days. Add Chengdu for pandas or Guilin for karst landscapes if you have 10+ days. High-speed rail connects all three cities efficiently.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather. Avoid Chinese National Day (October 1-7) and Spring Festival (late January/February) when domestic travel peaks and prices double. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid but good for northern and highland areas. Winter is ideal for Harbin Ice Festival and budget travel. Each region has its own optimal season.

Independent travel is possible in major cities with English signage and translation apps. However, a private tour offers significant advantages: English-speaking guides, pre-arranged logistics, no language barriers, and access to restricted areas like Tibet. For first-time visitors, a private tour for at least the first portion is recommended. Experienced travelers can go self-guided in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu.

Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season (June-August, October) and 1-2 months for shoulder season. This secures the best guides, hotel rooms, and train tickets. Tibet permits require 15-20 days. Visa processing takes 4-7 business days. Last-minute bookings (under 2 weeks) are possible but may have limited availability. Book high-speed train tickets 15 days before departure (when they go on sale).

Private tours include your own guide, driver, and vehicle -- no other travelers. You control the pace, schedule, and itinerary. Group tours share transportation and guides with 15-40 other tourists, follow fixed schedules, and often include mandatory shopping stops. All our tours are 100% private. Private tours cost more but offer dramatically better experiences for most Western travelers.

Yes. We specialize in custom itineraries. Start with one of our published routes and modify it, or tell us your interests and we will design from scratch. You can change destinations, duration, accommodation level, activities, and pace. Share your preferences through our trip planner or contact form. Within 24 hours, you receive a personalized day-by-day itinerary with pricing.

Essentials: comfortable walking shoes (lots of walking at sites), a VPN (download before arrival), power adapter (Type A or I), Alipay/WeChat Pay set up, photocopies of passport and visa, cash (USD/EUR) as backup, and a portable charger. For winter (December-February): down jacket, thermal layers, gloves, hat. For summer: light breathable clothing, umbrella, sunscreen. Pack light -- you can buy most things in China.

Yes. China is family-friendly with low crime rates, affordable food, and many kid-friendly attractions: pandas in Chengdu, Great Wall in Beijing, water towns near Shanghai, and amusement parks (Shanghai Disneyland, Universal Studios Beijing). Most hotels offer family rooms. Private tours are ideal for families -- flexible pace, dedicated guide, and kid-friendly meal arrangements. Bring snacks for picky eaters.

China is safe for solo travelers, including women. Major cities have good infrastructure for independent travel. Join group day tours to meet other travelers. Stay in hostels or boutique hotels for social interaction. WeChat groups and expat communities are active. For remote areas (Tibet, Silk Road), join an organized tour. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night.

With 5 days, focus on one or two cities. Beijing alone has enough for 4-5 days: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, hutongs, and Peking Duck. Alternatively, combine Shanghai (2 days) with a water town day trip and Suzhou or Hangzhou. For a themed trip, do Chengdu (pandas, food, Leshan Buddha). Do not attempt more than 2 cities in 5 days.

10 days allows 3-4 cities. Recommended: Beijing (3 days) -- Xi'an (2 days) -- Chengdu (2 days) -- Shanghai (3 days). Or: Beijing (3) -- Xi'an (2) -- Guilin/Yangshuo (3) -- Shanghai (2). Use high-speed rail between cities. This gives you imperial history, Terracotta Warriors, nature or pandas, and modern China. Book a private tour for seamless logistics.

14 days allows 4-5 destinations. Recommended: Beijing (3) -- Xi'an (2) -- Chengdu (2) -- Lijiang/Dali (3) -- Shanghai (3). Or for adventure: Beijing (3) -- Xi'an (2) -- Dunhuang (2) -- Zhangye (1) -- Shanghai (3). For nature lovers: Beijing (3) -- Jiuzhaigou (3) -- Chengdu (2) -- Guilin (3) -- Shanghai (3). A private tour is strongly recommended for complex multi-region itineraries.

Yes. Popular combinations include: China + Japan (fly Beijing to Tokyo), China + Vietnam (fly Nanning or Guangzhou to Hanoi), China + Thailand (fly Kunming or Chengdu to Bangkok), and China + Hong Kong/Macau (high-speed rail or short flight). Allow at least 7 days per country. Check visa requirements for each destination. Multi-country flights can be cheaper than individual tickets.

If you have 10+ days, adding Hong Kong (2-3 days) is worthwhile. Hong Kong offers a different flavor of China -- British colonial heritage, world-class dining, and stunning harbor views. Macau (1 day) has Portuguese architecture and casinos. A high-speed train from Shenzhen to Hong Kong takes 15 minutes. Note: Hong Kong and Macau have separate visa requirements from mainland China.

Budget travelers can do China for $50-80/day: hostels (40-80 RMB), street food and local restaurants (30-50 RMB/meal), public transport (metro 3-10 RMB), and free/cheap attractions. High-speed rail is affordable if booked early. Avoid peak season. Travel in shoulder season (March, November) for lower prices. Use Trip.com for hotel deals. A 10-day budget trip can cost $600-1,000 excluding international flights.

Luxury China travel ($500-1,000+/day) includes 5-star hotels (Aman, Peninsula, Banyan Tree), private guides and luxury vehicles, fine dining, helicopter tours of the Great Wall, private boat charters on the Li River, and exclusive access to cultural experiences. Shanghai and Beijing have world-class luxury hotels. The Amanfayun in Hangzhou and Banyan Tree in Lijiang offer stunning resort experiences. Contact us for luxury custom itineraries.

No. All foreign travelers to Tibet must be part of an organized tour with a licensed guide and driver, and carry a Tibet Travel Permit. Independent travel within Tibet is not permitted. You cannot take public buses or check into hotels independently. We arrange all permits, guides, and transportation. This is a Chinese government regulation, not a tour company policy.

The classic Silk Road route runs 14 days: Xi'an (2) -- Lanzhou (1) -- Zhangye (1) -- Jiayuguan (1) -- Dunhuang (2) -- Turpan (2) -- Urumqi (1) -- Kashgar (3). Highlights include the Terracotta Warriors, Rainbow Mountains, Mogao Caves, Flaming Mountains, and Kashgar's Sunday Bazaar. Travel by high-speed train and domestic flights. Best time: May-October. This is one of China's most rewarding journeys.

Top photography destinations: Great Wall at sunrise (Mutianyu or Jinshanling), Li River karst peaks (Xingping), Zhangjiajie sandstone pillars, Yuanyang rice terraces, Harbin Ice Festival at night, and Xinjiang's desert landscapes. Hire a private guide who understands photography needs (timing, locations). Bring extra batteries (cold drains them fast). Tripods are allowed at most sites. Avoid photographing military installations.

Yes. Mutianyu is the most popular section for day trips (1.5 hours each way), with a cable car up and toboggan slide down. Jinshanling is less crowded and better for photography (2 hours). Badaling is closest but most crowded. A private driver and guide make the trip seamless. Allow 5-7 hours total. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

The Yangtze River Cruise runs 4 nights from Chongqing to Yichang (or 3 nights reverse), passing through the Three Gorges. Ships range from budget (Victoria Cruises, $500-800) to luxury (Century Cruises, $1,200-2,000). Shore excursions include the Three Gorges Dam, Shennong Stream, and Ghost City of Fengdu. It is a relaxing break between city tours. Best combined with a Chengdu/Chongqing to Shanghai itinerary.

A food-focused itinerary could include: Beijing (Peking Duck, imperial cuisine), Xi'an (Muslim Quarter street food), Chengdu (Sichuan hot pot, cooking class), Guangzhou (dim sum, Cantonese cuisine), and Shanghai (xiaolongbao, international dining). Take a cooking class in Chengdu or Shanghai. Visit local markets early morning. Food tours are available in all major cities. Budget $50-100/day for food if eating at mid-range to upscale restaurants.

Chinese New Year is the most challenging time to travel. Prices double or triple, trains sell out weeks ahead, many shops close, and attractions are extremely crowded. However, the cultural experience is unparalleled: temple fairs, lion dances, fireworks, red decorations everywhere, and festive atmosphere. If you choose to visit during CNY, book 3+ months ahead, stay in one city, and embrace the chaos.

For travelers who have seen Beijing and Shanghai: Yuanyang rice terraces (Yunnan), Zhaoxing Dong village (Guizhou), Kanasi Lake (Xinjiang), Mount Wuyi (Fujian), Pingyao ancient city (Shanxi), Xiahe (Gansu), and the Tulou earth buildings (Fujian). These offer authentic experiences without mass tourism. A private tour is recommended as English infrastructure is limited. Best for return visitors or adventurous travelers.

Yes. The Trans-Mongolian Railway runs from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia, 30 hours) and continues to Moscow (Russia, 6 days total). Alternatively, fly Beijing to Ulaanbaatar (2 hours). The Manchuria route goes from Beijing to Harbin to Vladivostok. These require additional visas. A popular combination is 10 days in China + 5-7 days in Mongolia. Book through specialized operators.