China Tour & Trip Reviews

What to Look For in China Tour Reviews

Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.

Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country - however in China it’s a bit of a different story.

Negative or lower rated reviews for China tours often bring up the culture shock - though most have a positive word to say about their tour guide and the trip itinerary in general. So in the case of China reviews, the tour itself may have been enjoyable but the country was different than expected.

As you read China reviews, consider that China - while a wonderful country with amazing history and people - can be very challenging for travelers, particularly western travelers.

The language barrier is one of the primary reasons that traveling with a local guide is essential in China. They are invaluable for keeping things calm in the often crowded and confusing areas you visit, make sure you find things to eat that you’ll enjoy, and can also help you experience more rural countryside regions, that would be extremely difficult to navigate independently if you don’t speak the language.

That said, while most guides in China speak english, sometimes their accent will be thick and difficult to understand. This can be quite frustrating for some and possibly lead to a lower review score. Be sure to take this into account as you read China tour reviews.

Accommodations in China may also be quite different in terms of comfort level, depending on where in the country you’re traveling, and the tour style. Many China tours feature overnight trains, which can be quite an experience - not always super comfortable.

Homestays and local hotels are very common on China tour itineraries, and these too aren’t every travelers cup of tea. Be prepared with an open mind and adventurous spirit, ready to learn about a very different culture from your own.

If you want a professional take on traveling in China, see the Travelstride China Guide »