China Tours & Trip Packages

China Tours & Trips

386 China trips. Tours from 153 tour companies. 1,343 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

34 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Terra Cotta Warriors
Essential Yangtze
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4.5/5 Excellent
80 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chongqing, Great Wall of China, Shanghai, Terra Cotta Warriors, Three Gorges Dam, Tiananmen Square, Xian, Yichang

Highlights

  • Relax in the tranquility of the Yu Garden
  • Witness Shanghai's diverse architecture with a Huangpu River Cruise
  • Cruise on the mighty Yangtze River past the magnificent Three Gorges
  • Come face to face with the Chongqing Giant Pandas
  • Walk the expanses of Xian city wall for views over old Xian
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Oct 2019 - We have just returned from a 26 day 'Wendy Wu - Grand Tour of China' which was absolutely EXCELLENT!!! Our China holiday gave us an insight into a beautiful country, rich in history and tradition. We were extremely impressed with its clean and safe modern cities filled with beautiful helpful people. Our National Guide was Sam Gao who was very professional, his expert knowledge of history and facts on every city and region we visited was interesting and educational. Sam, together with the local guides, made the tour fun and a very enjoyable experience. The many activities, evening shows, meals and hotels were brilliant, and we had so much fun with the other members of our tour group. Thank you Wendy Wu & Sam, this was a fantastic holiday with fond memories that we will remember forever, and we will be recommending this Wendy Wu tour to all our friends. John & Elena"

Trip dates & details
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In Pursuit of Pandas
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4.5/5 Excellent
80 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chengdu, Gobi Desert, Great Wall of China, Terra Cotta Warriors, Tiananmen Square, Xian

Highlights

  • Wander along the incredible Great Wall of China
  • Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors
  • Survey Xian from its ancient city ramparts
  • Step back into China's dynastic past at the Imperial Forbidden City
  • Visit the world famous Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Oct 2019 - We have just returned from a 26 day 'Wendy Wu - Grand Tour of China' which was absolutely EXCELLENT!!! Our China holiday gave us an insight into a beautiful country, rich in history and tradition. We were extremely impressed with its clean and safe modern cities filled with beautiful helpful people. Our National Guide was Sam Gao who was very professional, his expert knowledge of history and facts on every city and region we visited was interesting and educational. Sam, together with the local guides, made the tour fun and a very enjoyable experience. The many activities, evening shows, meals and hotels were brilliant, and we had so much fun with the other members of our tour group. Thank you Wendy Wu & Sam, this was a fantastic holiday with fond memories that we will remember forever, and we will be recommending this Wendy Wu tour to all our friends. John & Elena"

Trip dates & details
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Imperial Jewels of China
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4.7/5 Excellent
41 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Beijing, Great Wall of China, Shanghai, Terra Cotta Warriors, The Forbidden City, Three Gorges, Xian

Highlights

  • Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai, imperial treasures like the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, and cruise the wildly beautiful Three Gorges region of the legendary Yangtze.
  • Visit the Great wall of China and explore its winding pathways and marvel
  • Visit Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 along the Yangtze.
  • See Old Shanghai and travel along the elegant Bund, stopping to admire some of its historic buildings and city views.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Most of the people on this 17-day river cruise was quite elderly and infirm. Therefore the complimentary excursions were painfully slow walking. Local guides mostly told stories of their own upbringing and the conflicts they lived through. There was not much history on any of the excursions; and none of the buildings we saw gave us an opportunity to go inside, even the paid excursions. The accommodations were excellent, except that we paid for the best veranda but could not sit on our veranda because for the first 5 days our ship was packed tight next to another Viking ship. Food was good, except for dinners which were quite mediocre and never captured the flavor of the local foods."

Trip dates & details
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Roof of the world
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4.7/5 Excellent
41 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chongqing, Lhasa, Shanghai, Terra Cotta Warriors, The Forbidden City, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Tiananmen Square, Wuhan, Yangtze River

Highlights

  • Experience 6-day Yangtze River cruise in veranda stateroom
  • Visit 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Culture Curriculum: Enjoy tea with a Tibetan family; attend lectures on the Yangtze River, Mao Zedong & China’s current affairs; practice tai chi every morning aboard.
  • Enjoy a concert of the Hubei Bells
  • Learn a few Chinese words
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Most of the people on this 17-day river cruise was quite elderly and infirm. Therefore the complimentary excursions were painfully slow walking. Local guides mostly told stories of their own upbringing and the conflicts they lived through. There was not much history on any of the excursions; and none of the buildings we saw gave us an opportunity to go inside, even the paid excursions. The accommodations were excellent, except that we paid for the best veranda but could not sit on our veranda because for the first 5 days our ship was packed tight next to another Viking ship. Food was good, except for dinners which were quite mediocre and never captured the flavor of the local foods."

Trip dates & details
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China Family Adventure
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Great Wall of China, Shanghai, Terra Cotta Warriors, Tiananmen Square, Xian

Highlights

  • Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and create your own Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local expert.
  • Take a bicycle ride along Xi’an’s old city walls.
  • Climb watchtowers on a less-visited part of the Great Wall and have lunch on the observation deck of Shanghai’s iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
  • Join local masters to learn Chinese cooking or tai chi, kung fu, or traditional kite-making.

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
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China Special Value Tour
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3.8/5 Great
18 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Great Wall of China, Guilin, Shanghai, Suzhou, Terra Cotta Warriors, The Forbidden City, Xian

Highlights

  • Explore Beijing, China's political and cultural centre
  • Visit impressive Tiananmen Square and Tiananmen Square
  • Visit Xian's magnificent city wall and Wild Goose Pagoda
  • See the awesome Shanghai Museum - an ultra-modern repository for 5,000 years of history and culture

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I went on a Grand Tour of Italy with my husband and we had the trip of our lives. Senior Discovery Tours took care of everything so we just got to enjoy ourselves. Would highly reccomend!"

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China Sampler
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3.2/5 Average
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Great Wall of China, Shanghai, Suzhou, Terra Cotta Warriors, The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Xian

Highlights

  • With only 16 guests or fewer, you’ll have a better vantage and more time at the Terra Cotta Army.
  • Feel the ancient rhythms of Xian as you explore the Muslim market with an engaging, savvy resident.
  • Delve into the traditional ways of China when you meet tea farmers at their home near Hangzhou.
  • An intimate stroll along historic Pingjiang Road is the best way to appreciate the splendor of Suzhou’s centuries-old Song Dynasty architecture.

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Delighted by the experience."

Trip dates & details
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The Silk Road Aboard the Golden Eagle & Shangri-La Express
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By GeoEx
preferred
5/5 Excellent
19 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Moscow, Samarkand, Terra Cotta Warriors, Xian

Highlights

  • 4,000 miles along the Silk Road between Moscow and Beijing, with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
  • Ride camels in the Gobi Desert, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, and soak up Islamic architecture in Khiva
  • Opt for an abridged 13-day trip aboard the Golden Eagle from Moscow to Almaty (or reverse)

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"I have had a couple great travel experiences through GeoEx. My first trip, she helped book my travels to Ireland for my brothers wedding. She did a great job coordinating hotels with other family members and planning my entire trip including events, dinners, transportation, etc."

Trip dates & details
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34 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Terra Cotta Warriors
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2

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China Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
1,343  Reviews
See all China tour reviews
Excellent
881
Great
197
Average
14
Disappointing
2
Terrible
0
J

Jeanne Maniscalco

Apr 2024

Written on

Classic China

The China tour was amazing. Much to surprise and joy there was a good amount of walking. It’s helpful to keep in mind that visiting places like the Great Wall, Ter...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Classic China

Too short- 10 days minus 2 travel days, so this itinerary is just 8 days. Then travel days to different cities, you lost a day at the airport. A lot to see, a lot of...

A

Andrew

Oct 2015

Written on

Overall, the trip was excellent. This was

Overall, the trip was excellent. This was my first time with Intrepid but I have taken several similar trips (Tucan). The tour leader (Kris) was excellent and the ac...

A

Anne

Sep 2015

Written on

Emma was an excellent group leader- very

Emma was an excellent group leader- very friendly, helpful and polite. We really liked her suggested restaurant and activity recommendations and felt that they were ...

S

Steve

Sep 2015

Written on

Excellent Guide. Good Itinerary.

Excellent Guide. Good Itinerary.

Write a Review

China Tour Selection Trips

  • When choosing a tour to China, consider how much free time is allowed, especially in cities, where the chance to walk the streets and observe daily life can be an unforgettable experience.
  • Resident tour guides are your best resource for insights into modern Chinese life, and the best of them are bright, sophisticated, willing to answer your hard questions and eager to find out more about you.
  • Request or procure a multiple-entry 10-year China tourist visa (which became available late in 2014), making a return visit easier and cheaper.
  • Jet lag is a reality for most travelers to China. Try to fly in at least a day ahead, if possible, so that you can begin your tour at full strength.
  • Early spring and late fall are the best times to travel in most parts of China—less hot and crowded. Southern China is much warmer than the North in winter months.
  • Learning a few Chinese phrases can go a long ways in smoothing your way, even on a tour. Being able to say “Hello,” “Good-bye,” and “Thank you” opens doors, while “Yes,” “No,“ and “How much is this?” in Chinese make shopping (and fending off vendors) much easier.
  • After you’ve arrived…Credit cards will be all you need for most purchases, and ATMs are widely available in cities, but street markets and village shops usually require local currency.
  • If you’re venturing outside the main cities, be sure to carry tissues, hand sanitizers and other hygienic devices. China has modernized rapidly, but it is still a developing nation.
  • Most Chinese are frank and outgoing, rather than reserved. Few topics are taboo these days, especially among young people, but certain topics of conversation -- such as Tibet, the Dalai Lama, Hong Kong elections, abortion, Taiwan -- can be unfruitful.
  • Jokes and puns, however, are popular, as is Western pop culture, including music, films and designer clothes.
  • Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, since you’ll want to see as much as possible on foot.
  • Given the air pollution and dusty (sometimes unclean) conditions, choose serviceable outdoor attire by day. Touring China can be more a ramble through the outback than a stroll through a shopping mall.

Additional details

Tours to China usually visit the heavy hitters, such as the Great Wall, and major sites in Beijing. However, the benefit of going on a China tour is the opportunity to venture out to the countryside, get a glimpse of rural Chinese life, and the amazing ancient natural landscapes.

What to expect from a China Tour

Culturally, there are many nuances to Chinese life that will come to life as you travel through, and some things may be difficult to adapt to. Traveling on a tour in China will not only enhance your experience, it will help with the language barrier, and you’ll learn more about local life, bringing these many nuances to light in a safe and comfortable way.

History tours are a great way to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, but they can only go so far. Try to book a tour that visits local establishments and villages as well as cities.

Here are a few unexpected cultural differences you can expect on your first trip to China:

  • Toilet paper. The majority of public restrooms (with the exception of higher-end restaurants and hotels) don’t carry toilet paper, and so you may want to carry around your own packet, or some tissues.
  • Service. The expectation that you will be waited on hand and foot is a uniquely American ideal. In China, like many other places, service is not quite so good. On a similar note, the Chinese do not tip, and won’t expect them from you.
  • Spitting. You might be shocked the first time you see an old Chinese man hock a loogie onto the street, but the Chinese do not use tissues. In fact, they are equally disgusted by the way that we Westerners “keep” our mucus!
  • Small talk. In most Western cultures, having a conversation with a stranger about your marital status, economic status, or personal history can seem incredibly invasive; these topics are not off limits for the Chinese.

Affordable Asia & Traveling China on the Cheap

There are two general, competing views on traveling to China:

  1. Buying a flight to Asia is really expensive, and so is having a decent vacation in one of China’s crowded, rapidly expanding cities.
  2. Traveling Asia is really cheap, and China is no exception, from its abundant street food and mass production.

The truth actually lies somewhere in between. If you want to live life to the fullest in one of China’s premiere cities -- Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong -- eating like a king, and then resting your weary bones in a luxury hotel, you can expect to pay similar prices to any big Western city.

There are, however, ways to travel China affordably. Here are some of our recommendations:

  • Step outside the cities. As is the case any other country, prices in big cities (especially touristy ones!) are significantly higher than anywhere else
  • Public transportation. China not only has a cheap and effective taxi system within its cities, but an effective and very affordable rail system. If you plan to travel within the country, a ticket on a sleeper train will not only save you the cost of a hotel room, it will be at least half the price of a flight!
  • Check your credit card fees. This rule stands for all international travel -- make sure you are using a credit card with minimal, or no, international fees when making payments. Or sign up for WeChat, which is the most common method of payment in China, and only uses your phone.
  • Eat like the locals. Not only is this food likely to better, and is guaranteed to be authentic, eating Chinese food in China is much cheaper than eating any other foreign food. When in Rome! Another tip if you are eating a single portion of food, ask for your meal “xiao pan.” This will cut the size of meal, and reduce the price as well.

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