China Travel Insights

Culture & Trekking Trip to the Ethnic Minority Villages of Southwest China - 11 Days

Dive deep into China on an 11-day discovery tour that will take you from Hong Kong's modern streets to rural villages home to ethnic tribespeople. Marvel at the panoramic views from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong before catching a train to the verdant countryside, where you'll hike along terraced rice paddies and explore ancient caves. Spend the remainder of the trip engaging in immersive cultural exchange as you hop between the traditional villages of China's ethnic minority communities.

Chinese Culture & Minority Villages Tour - 13 Days

Spend almost two weeks traversing China on a journey from major cities to small tribal villages. Get to know the distinct spirit of Hong Kong before heading to the Guilin countryside and its green rice paddies and tranquil rivers. Learn about the customs of the ethnic minority Yao, Dong, and Biasha people, then, travel to the ancient city of Xi'an (home to the legendary Terracotta Army), where you'll practice your calligraphy skills before capping the trip with sightseeing in Beijing and a stroll on the Great Wall.

Authentic China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo & Shanghai - 11 Days

See some of China's most important cultural sites on this immersive 11-day tour. Start in the imperial capitals of Beijing and Xi'an, discovering the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Warriors. Step off the beaten path to cruise the Li River and visit the local market in Yangshuo, then end in the gleaming metropolis of Shanghai. Highlights along the way include learning to cook bamboo rice in an Indigenous village and crafting your own traditional fan under the tutelage of a local artisan.

Family Tour of China: Ancient Cities, Cultural Excursions & Outdoor Fun - 13 Days

Full of immersive sightseeing tours and interactive experiences, this 13-day China itinerary is perfect for families with curious tweens and teens. Start in Beijing, where you'll visit the famed Tiananmen Square and take a day trip to walk along the Great Wall. Then, you're off to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Army archaeological site and learn the art of calligraphy. See giant pandas in Chengdu, then end in Shanghai, witnessing a dizzying acrobat show and cruising the Venice-like waterways of Zhujiajiao.

Experience China's Former Silk Road: From Xi'an to Kashgar – 15 Days

In 15 days, you'll discover seven ancient cities along China's former Silk Road. Start in Xi'an with a cooking class and visit to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, then explore the rock-cut Buddhist caves in Lanzhou. Spend a day admiring the colorful mountains in Zhangye National Geopark before taking a train to Jiayuguan, your gateway to the Hexi Corridor. Wander through the ancient ruins of Gaochang, learn about the Karez Irrigation System, and visit China's largest mosque before ending in Kashgar.

Landscapes of China: Hong Kong, Guilin, Zhangjiajie & Shanghai - 11 Days

This 11-day adventure connects the dots between two of China's largest metropolises, showcasing the country's rural heartland in between. Start in historic Hong Kong before shrugging off the city for the countryside as you explore the riverine landscapes of Guilin and the soaring karst mountains of Zhangjiajie. After outdoor fun like river cruises and forest hikes, you'll end the trip in Shanghai for a peek at its bustling cityscapes with a side of delicious foodie treats.

Family Fun in China: World Wonders, Ancient Temples & Cultural Highlights - 11 Days

This 11-day family tour showcases the best of China's ancient history, rich culture, and natural wonders. Start in the capital city of Beijing, where you'll sample Peking duck, see the famed Tiananmen Square, and walk the towering paths of the Great Wall. Then, you're off to Xi'an to try delicious street food in the Muslim Quarter and discover the wonders of the Terracotta Army. See the Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, cruise the scenic Li River, and end with some high-flying fun at a Shanghai acrobat show.

Culinary Adventure Through China: Hong Kong to Beijing - 13 Days

Embark on a foodie's dream tour of China that celebrates ancient flavors ranging from spicy to savory and everything in between. Over 13 days, you'll travel across the country, from Hong Kong to Beijing, sampling street food, taking cooking classes, and snacking on famous dishes like fiery hot pot, plump dim sum, and succulent roast duck. But food isn't the only joy here—you'll also tour Beijing's imperial city, marvel at the famed Terracotta Warriors, and take a memorable stroll on the Great Wall of China.

Silk Road Journey in China's Xinjiang Region from Turpan to Hotan - 15 Days

Travel to the furthest reaches of China on an in-depth exploration of Xinjiang, an autonomous region located in the country's northwest. Follow the old Silk Road route as you browse the bazaars in the capital of Urumqi, see the largest mosque in China in Kashgar, and marvel at the ancient ruins an Uyghur culture in Turpan. Among many other adventures, you'll stop in at a factory in the ancient city of Hotan to see the millennium-old tradition of silk-making and spend a few hours with a local family.

City Highlights & Natural Wonders in South & East China - 15 Days

Nature lovers will thrive on this 15-day tour of China's natural wonders, starting with a city break in Beijing. Walk along the Great Wall and see ancient city sights, then fly to Xi'an to marvel at the Terracotta Army. A breathtaking six days in Zhangjiajie's limestone mountains comes next with Li River excursions, visits to Guilin's Longji Rice Terraces, and a thrilling walk across the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. You'll conclude by trading towering peaks for city skyscrapers with two nights in cosmopolitan Shanghai.

Culture & History Highlights Tour of China's Cities & Shanxi Province -15 Days

Dive into China's rich culture and history with this 15-day tour that starts in the capital city, Beijing. Discover the Ming and Qing dynasties in the Forbidden City, hike along the Great Wall, and see hanging temples and ancient castles in Datong and Pingyao. In Xi'an, you'll stroll the one-time starting point of the Silk Road and sample mouth-watering street food in the Muslim Quarter. Your trip of a lifetime concludes with a highlights tour of Shanghai and a tea plantation tour in verdant Hangzhou.

Along the Great Silk Road: Xi'an to Kashgar - 12 Days

One of the most famous trade routes in world history is undoubtedly the ancient Silk Road, established over 2,000 years ago and bridged East and West. Over 12 days, you'll follow in the footsteps of this history, traveling the Silk Road from its beginning point in China's ancient city of Xi'an west into the arid desert region of Xinjiang and oasis cities like Turpan and Kashgar. Along the way, you'll see the Terracotta Army, visit Buddhist temples, ride camels through the desert, and more.

Cultural & Scenic Wonders of Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa & Shanghai - 14 Days

Discover China's rich culture, history, and scenery during this two-week exploration of four iconic cities. Start in Beijing for tours of Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall of China. Then, take a bullet train to Xi'an, where the Terracotta Army and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda await. Fly to Lhasa in Tibet to visit ancient monasteries in the breathtaking Himalaya mountains, then finish in cosmopolitan Shanghai to experience the city's enticing blend of ancient and modern sights.

Best of East & South China's Culture & Natural Wonders: Beijing to Shanghai - 14 Days

Immerse yourself in China's iconic natural wonders on this two-week tour, starting with a city break in Beijing. Visit iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace before transferring to Xi'an to discover the Terracotta Army. Continue to Zhangjiajie's ethereal landscapes and test your courage on the infamous Glass Bridge. Then, admire the karst mountains and terraced rice fields in Guilin and Yangshuo, concluding your journey in Shanghai, where modernity meets tradition.

Ultimate China & Yangtze River Cruise: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu & Shanghai - 13 Days

Explore China's rich cultural, historical, and natural landmarks on this 13-day tour. Start in the capital, Bejing, and see highlights, including the Changling Tomb, before hiking a portion of the Great Wall. Catch the bullet train to Xi'an and discover the Terracotta Army, then bond with the giant pandas at Chengdu. Settle in for a multiday cruise along the Yangtze River and finish with a highlights tour of Shanghai.

Active Family Adventure in Southwestern China: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La - 9 Days

This fun-filled family tour showcases the best of southwestern China. Start in Kunming, the largest city of the Yunnan province, where you'll stroll the shores of Dianchi Lake and visit the vast limestone formations of Naigu Stone Forest. Then, you're off to Dali to bike along Erhai Lake. See ancient architecture and meet a Naxi shaman in Lijiang, visit the legendary Leaping Tiger Gorge, and end in mythical Shangri-La, strolling the Old Town and practicing the art of making a sacred "thangka" tapestry.

Active Chinese Adventure in Beijing & Inner Mongolia - 12 Days

Travel off the beaten track on this 12-day active adventure in Beijing and Inner Mongolia. Spend four days exploring China's capital, then transfer to Ulanqab to experience the Huitengxile Grassland and the Wulanhada Volcano Geopark. Stay in a yurt, ride a horse through the grasslands, and trek to the rim of a volcanic crater before summiting Daqing Mountain. Other highlights include visiting Badakar Monastery, off-roading in the Kubuqi Desert, and discovering the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan.

Experience China's Former Silk Road: Xi'an to Kashgar - 12 Days

Discover five ancient Silk Road cities on this fascinating 12-day journey across China. Kick off at the start of the infamous trade route, Xi'an, known for its Terracotta Army. Then, head to Jiayuguan to explore the Jiayu Pass and a portion of the Great Wall of China, followed by the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves and Gobi Desert. From here, admire the Flaming Mountains and ancient ruins in Turpan before ending your trip in Kashgar, where you'll meet a local Uyghur family and tour historic Islamic landmarks.

China's Ultimate Art & Culture Tour: Beijing to Hangzhou - 12 Days

Creative types will love this 12-day tour exploring China's art and culture scene. Start in Beijing with a mask painting class and an exploration of the 798 Art Zone, based in former military factories. Then, head to Xi'an, where you can learn Chinese calligraphy and watch a shadow puppet show. Spend a day discovering Suzhou's beautiful gardens before you head to the M50 Art District in Shanghai. Your final stop is Hangzhou, which has three art museums, including one dedicated to the craft of umbrella-making.

Best of China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Shanghai - 12 Days

Spend 12 days discovering four iconic cities in China, starting in the capital, Beijing. Enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner, trek a portion of the Great Wall, and cruise across Kunming Lake before flying to Xi'an. Here, you can walk along the ancient city walls and admire the artistry of the Terracotta Army. Then, the Reed Flute Cave, Longji Rice Terraces, and tranquil Li River await your discovery in the Guanxi region. End with a highlights tour of Shanghai, where you'll see a mix of historic and modern highlights.

China Highlights & Yangtze River Cruise: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai - 11 Days

From the Imperial capital of Beijing to the glittering skyline of Shanghai, you'll journey across China by plane, train, and ship on this 11-day adventure that loops in most of the country's most popular sights. Walk the halls of the Forbidden City, hike a portion of the Great Wall, and witness thousands of stone soldiers at the Terracotta Warrior Museum before settling in for a multiday cruise up the Yangtze River toward Shanghai.

Culture & Nature Tour of China's Yunnan Province - 8 Days

Dive into the cultural and natural landscapes of China's Yunnan province on this immersive eight-day tour. You'll visit ancient towns, explore Buddhist temples, and wander through karst forests, all while connecting with the local people's customs and beliefs. Discover the legends and dance of the Yi in Kunming, mingle with the Bai in Xizhou, make a Naxi baba pancake with a family in Lijiang, learn to write characters from a dongba (shaman) in Baisha, and sit down with a Buddhist lama in Shangri-La.

Chinese Culture, Religion & History Tour of Beijing & Shandong Province - 9 Days

Delve deep into Chinese culture on this immersive, nine-day tour, visiting temples, palaces, and shrines. Sample succulent Peking duck and explore the Forbidden City in Beijing before hiking along the iconic Great Wall. See a spring-fed lake in beautiful Jinan, Shandong province's capital, then transfer to Tai'an to ascend Mount Taishan, China's most sacred mountain. Visit the hometown of Confucius and explore European influences in Qingdao before discovering the tenets of Taoism on Mount Laoshan.

Food Tour of Hong Kong & Macau - 6 Days

Immerse yourself in the foodie paradises of Hong Kong and Macau on this tempting six-day tour. Savor the culinary fusion of their Asian/colonial pasts, beginning with the tasty dim sum dishes of Hong Kong and a street food tour in Kowloon. Discover Lantau Island’s lush landscape, Big Buddha, and freshest seafood before heading to Macau to explore the city’s Baroque architecture and indulge in Portuguese and Chinese-inspired dishes.

Food Tour of Hong Kong, Macau & the Pearl River Delta - 9 Days

Explore the confluent flavors of East and West on this nine-day food tour through Hong Kong, Macau, and the cities of the Pearl River Delta. From Hong Kong's favorite tradition of yum cha to Portuguese custard tarts in Macau and seafood congee in the Pearl Delta, foodies will revel in the blend of tastes and cultures. Hop on a tram up Victoria Peak for incredible Hong Kong views, wander the cobblestones of Macau, ride a boat through the canals of Fengjian, and roam a Ming-era garden in Shunde.

Hike China's Great Wall from Coast to Summit – 9 Days

Fulfill your dreams of hiking along the Great Wall of China on this nine-day adventure. From Qinhuangdao, where the Wall meets the Bohai Sea, you'll hike across mountain passes, through watchtowers, over "wild" unrestored sections, and past lakes and dense forests, ending in mountainous Shixiaguan. Walk in the footsteps of Ming Dynasty warriors as you immerse yourself in the history of the Great Wall with your expert guide on this once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience along China's historic icon.

Discover China's Yunnan Province - 8 Days

Explore the many wonders of China's Yunnan province on this eight-day adventure. Wander among karst giants in the Stone Forest near Kunming, learn about the local Bai people in Zhoucheng and Xizhou, and make specialties such as Yunnan ghost chicken at a cooking class in Dali. Then, head to Lijiang to see the mountains reflected in the famous Black Dragon Pool before ending your trip with a cable car ride up the epic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and a hike through the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Trek Along the Great Wall of China – 6 Days

Spend six days hiking along China's most enduring symbol, the Great Wall, on this bucket-list adventure. Begin in Beijing with a classic Peking duck dinner, then start your multiday trek at the ancient section of Gubeikou. Enjoy sunrise over the Wall, walk through watchtowers, hike along original and restored sections, and savor the endless views across the mountains from this ancient military fortification. After your first step, you'll understand why the Great Wall is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Discover China's Great Wall, Terracotta Army & Pandas: Beijing, Xi'an & Chengdu - 9 Days

Discover quintessential China on this nine-day journey through Beijing, Xi'an, and Chengdu. In the capital, tour the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, savor a Peking duck dinner, and take a day trip to the Great Wall of China. Witness the warriors of the Terracotta Army near Xi'an and walk or cycle along its ancient city walls, then head to the Sichuan province to experience the sights and tastes of Chengdu and meet the adorable pandas at a nearby research center.

Discover Shanghai & Huangshan Mountain - 6 Days

Experience China's soaring peaks and skyscrapers on this six-day getaway that takes you from the bright lights of vibrant Shanghai to the otherworldly serenity of awe-inspiring Huangshan Mountain. You'll travel by train between them, stopping to explore the traditional heritage villages of Honcun and Xidi before spending the night on Huangshan Mountain for hiking and spectacular sunset views. Then, return to Shanghai to wander the grand promenades, ancient alleys, and beautiful gardens.

Foodie Tour of China's Golden Triangle: Shanghai, Xi'an & Beijing - 8 Days

Dive into the varied and exciting cuisine of China's Golden Triangle on this eight-day trip for food lovers. Sample traditional benbang flavors in Shanghai's waterfront district, fly to Xi'an for a cooking lesson in a local home and witness the incredible Terracotta Warriors up close. Taste specialties in Xi'an's ancient Muslim Quarter, then train to the capital for a classic Peking duck dinner and explore the flavors of Beijing's hutongs before capping off your trip with a hike along the iconic Great Wall of China.

Highlights of China: Beijing, Xi'an & Guilin - 8 Days

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and ancient history of legendary China during this comprehensive eight-day highlights tour. Settle into Beijing, where you'll try Peking duck, see the Forbidden City, and walk along the Great Wall. Fly down to Xi'an to see the world-famous Terracotta Army, then switch to natural wonders, such as the epic rock formations on the Li River, in the southern town of Giulin.

Cultural Discovery in Beijing & Xi'an - 6 Days

Hit the ground running on this short but immersive cultural exploration of China that begins in Beijing, the evocative capital. Discover the artifacts and architecture at the Forbidden City, and meet locals in the ancient, winding hutongs. Spend a day hiking along the famous Great Wall before taking a train down to the ancient capital of Xi'an, where you'll visit the world-renowned Terracotta Army, learn the art of calligraphy, and walk along one of the oldest city walls in China.

1 Week in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With strategic planning you can cover China´s highlights, like Beijing, Xi´an, and Shanghai, in a week. In those three cities alone you´ll find the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, and Yu Garden, a centuries-old green space. Or, if you´re thristing for an off-the-beaten path adventure, consider a sampan ride down the Li River or head to Yunnan, near Tibet, for nature excursions to mystical mountain peaks. Consult the itineraries below to find out which journey is right for you.

Discover China, Hong Kong and Macau - 12 Days

Take a great trip to China and experience the country's most famous attractions. Trek the Great Wall, explore the world's largest palace, the Forbidden City, view the amazing 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors, and visit Hong Kong and Macau on this comprehensive trip.

Family Trip to Beijing and Shanghai - 8 Days

This week-long tour, designed for families with children, covers the most famous cities in China: Beijing and Shanghai. Explore the treasures of the labyrinthian Forbidden City, hike the Mutianyu section of the iconic Great Wall, visit the Summer Palace by boat, and enjoy panoramic city views from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Cap it off with a true family favorite: an epic day at Shanghai Disneyland.

Discover the Best of China: Beijing to Shanghai - 14 Days

Experience China's most famous attractions on this two-week tour. Trek the Great Wall, explore the world's largest palace, view the 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors, admire pandas at Chengdu Panda Base, and visit the countryside in Guilin and Yangshuo. You'll end the trip in Shanghai, a mesmerizing modern metropolis.

Classic China Family Trip: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, & More - 15 Days

Take your kids to China, a nation of ancient history and modern wonders. Your family will be immersed in Chinese culture and visit the country's most famous sights, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors. This tour also includes family-friendly activities for families to learn and experience China's treasures.

Explore the Province of Yunnan - 7 Days

Explore the beauty of Yunnan Province on this week-long trip, starting in the capital city of Kunming with hikes through karst landscapes and a visit to Yuantong Temple. Then transfer to the old walled city of Dali and explore the ancient old towns of Shaxi where you'll learn about the local Bai population. End your trip in Lijiang with hikes up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and through Tiger Leaping Gorge, stopping to admire the famous scene at Black Dragon Pool.

Explore China's Ethnic Villages - 5 Days

This tour of China's Guizhou province leads you through its incredibly-preserved ethnic villages, where you'll learn about these distinct cultures and traditions, viewing untouched architecture and enjoying pristine nature. You'll start in the city of Guiyang with a night tour, followed by the exploration of traditional Kaili Miao villages with their distinct clothing and architecture. Enjoy the beauty of Gaoyao's terraced rice fields before ending the trip with visits to the ethnic villages of Basha Miao and Zhaoxing Dong, where you'll discover unique traditions.

Hong Kong and Macau Family Trip - 5 Days

Discover the best of Hong Kong on this family trip, starting with a  bus tour of the city, a ride up the gondola to Victoria Peak, and an evening at Stanely Market. Spend two days riding roller coasters, playing games, and learning about marine life at Hong Kong's Disneyland and Ocean Park. End your trip with a day in Macau, complete with a ferry ride and a visit to the Venetian Resort.

Discover China's Highlights: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai - 11 Days

This comprehensive China trip offers something for everyone. Experience China's most famous attractions, from trekking the Great Wall to witnessing the Terracotta Warriors to enjoying a boat trip to Zhuajiajiao Water Town to admiring cute pandas at Chengdu Panda Base. Your trip starts in Beijing, the Chinese capital, and continues on to Xi'an, the ancient Tang Dynasty capital, and Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, concluding in the modern metropolis of Shanghai.

Splendor of the Great Wall - 8 Days

Zig-zagging more than 3,852 miles (6,200 km) through deserts, plains, hills, and oceans, the Great Wall is a breathtaking wonder. Make your dream of hiking the Great Wall come true with this itinerary that is perfect for active travelers. Beginning and ending in Beijing, you will discover the classic hiking sections of the Great Wall from Huanghuacheng to Jinshanling, which offer breathtaking panoramas of the countryside. The trip concludes with a tour of Beijing, China's capital city that is steeped in history yet rapidly transforming into a modern wonder.

10 Days in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In 10 days you can see China's highlights plus embark on an active adventure, like cycling around rural villages in Guangxi. If you're a history buff, consider a greatest hits tour of Beijing's Forbidden City, a hike along the Great Wall, and a visit to the Terracotta Army in Xi'an. To go off the beaten path, combine the highlights with a cruise down the Yangtze River—and if you're really adventurous, travel from Beijing to Tibet and continue on to Mt. Everest.

2 Weeks in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks you can plan a diverse vacation that covers every major area China, plus the Tibetan Plateau. A highlights tour would include the historic sights of ancient capitals like Beijing, Xi'an, and Luoyang. A more rounded itinerary would feature not only historic sights like the Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, and Terracotta Army, but you could spend time with giant pandas in Chengdu and experience Tibetan culture in Lhasa. The five itineraries below offer all these options and many more.

Discover China: Yunnan & Western Sichuan - 14 Days

This two-week tour focuses mainly on western China and covers some of the most off-the-beaten-path locales in Sichuan province and the Tibetan Plateau. It's an itinerary packed with outdoor adventure as you'll visit high-altitude villages, ancient Buddhist temples, and unspoiled national parks. Excursions to the mountain paradise of Shangri-La, the biological reserve of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the peaks of Mount Siguniang are just a few of the many highlights of this unforgettable trip.

Essential China: Hong Kong, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, & Guilin - 10 Days

This grand China adventure kicks off in Hong Kong with day trips around the city plus a jaunt to Macau, known as the "Las Vegas of Asia." Then it's off to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, where you'll visit a giant panda breeding center before heading to Zhangjiajie and its famous towering sandstone cliffs. The trip culminates with a boat ride down the Li River in the tranquil southern region of Yangshuo.

Hike the Great Wall of China - 5 Days

The Great Wall of China is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and an integral part of China's historical legacy. But rather than see it on a mere day trip, you'll spend a few days hiking various sections of the wall along with an expert guide. During the tour, you'll walk the ramparts along restored sections and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture as you chat with villagers and sample local cuisine—you can even camp near the wall if weather permits.

Highlights of Xi'an - 5 Days

Xian was one of the original historical capitals of China for over 1,000 years. Over five days you'll discover its secrets and highlights, such as the ancient City Walls and of course the thousands of clay statues that comprise the Terracotta Army. You'll cap the adventure with a trip to Luoyang where you'll see thousands of Buddhist rock carvings that date to the 5th century.

Shanghai & Suzhou Highlights - 5 Days

In five days you can experience the highlights of Shanghai plus take a day trip to one of the most romantic cities in the region: Suzhou. First, you'll tour Shanghai's historic gardens and old neighborhoods, like the French Concession quarter, which is now a Bohemian enclave. Then you're off to Suzhou and adjacent Tongli, a town on a canal so beautiful it's known as the "Venice of Asia."