Transformative China Tours & Trip Packages

Transformative China Tours & Trips

630 Transformative trips. Tours from 209 tour companies. 1,509 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

25 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
China
China Express
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
1/5 Terrible
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square

Highlights

  • Trek along the great wall
  • Visit the forbidden city in beijing and the canal town of suzhou
  • Experience a local meal and the terracotta warriors in xi'an
  • Witness an exciting acrobatic performance in shanghai

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
China Experience
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Yangshuo, Yangtze River, Yichang

Highlights

  • This is one of our most comprehensive trips in China, covering huge distances and taking in key destinations from north to south with plenty of variety in experiences and sights along the way
  • Zip through the country from north to south on its efficient high-speed rail network.
  • Take through the iconic scenery of the Yangzi River as you meander through the dramatic Three Gorges on a three-day cruise
  • No matter how many guide books you have read, nothing truly prepares you for the grandeur and immensity of historic sights like the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Leshan Big Buddha and the Terracotta Army. However, the country's modern man-made sights refuse to beoutdone, and you can see the modern equivalence of those ancient feats in the skyline of Hong Kong and the Yangzi River's Three Gorges Hydroelectric dam
  • Get up close to giant pandas in Chengdu and learn about the preservation work required for this ancient species.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
China Highlights
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Great Wall of China, Shanghai

Highlights

  • Take on one of the most popular trips in China, packed full of experiences that will give you a great insight into China in just a short time.
  • Be dazzled by Shanghai’s neon lights and the stunning night skyline. Then, get a peek into what life was like in ancient times with a visit to the incredibly scenic Huishan Ancient Town and one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese gardens – Jichang Garden.
  • Spend the night in a charming, family-run guesthouse near the Great Wall of China – a great opportunity to experience local life – and take the chance for a short sunset hike over one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in Beijing with a local leader who knows all the history, tips and tricks for this fascinating and historic area.
  • Witness the incredible sight of the Terracotta Army – buried for over 2000 years, this fantastic historical wonder is an excellent example of the genius and artistic prowess of man.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
North China Getaway
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Huangshan, Shanghai

Highlights

  • China is a land of contrasts. From soaking up the bright city lights of Shanghai’s waterfront to exploring the unearthed Terracotta Warriors outside of Xi’an, you’ll get to see it all for yourself!
  • Spend two nights at the base of the Great Wall in a locally run guesthouse, and follow in the footsteps of soldiers from hundreds of years ago when you trek the lesser-visited Gubeikou to Jinshanling section.
  • This adventure offers plenty of opportunity to get active among the wonders of China. Explore city laneways on walking tours, climb the steps of the Yellow Mountain, trek the Great Wall and cycle countryside lanes in Hongcun.
  • Two overnight trains means you'll maximise your time in each destination, get to know your fellow travellers over a game of mahjong, and have a real sense of the vast size of the country.
  • We’re all about authentic experiences, so go local every step of the way with an experienced local leader, public transport, and family-run guesthouses and lodgings wherever possible.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chengdu, Kathmandu, Lhasa, Potala Palace, Shigatse, Tibet

Highlights

  • Like everything else it does, China’s ancient history is on a grand scale – see it first-hand, with time to explore and walk the epic Great Wall’s Mutianyu section.
  • Sit back and relax on one of the world’s greatest train journeys – a marathon 45-hour ride to the literal Roof of the World, passing by incredibly mountainous and remote terrain, and the occasional grazing yak!
  • Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture, from the spiritual side – explored on monastery visits, pilgrim trails and a monk-led meditation session – to traditional daily life, experienced at a momo-making class and Tibetan family home.
  • Climb phenomenal mountain passes and thrilling peaks on your scenic overland journey to see the mightiest of them all – Mt Everest – and visit the world’s highest monastery on your way!
  • With a Tibetan leader by your side, it’s a great opportunity to gain true local insight and understanding of the Tibetan culture and the modern life on the plateau .

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Imperial China and Japan Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Beijing, Kyoto, Shanghai, Tokyo, Xian

Highlights

  • Explore contemporary imperial Beijing
  • Visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City and hutong
  • Enjoy a taste of Beijing roasted duck
  • Visit the terracotta army in ancient capital, Xian
  • Explore the modern futuristic Shanghai
Show more

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! They SCAMMED ME AND MY FAMILY OUT OF 5,000 US Dollars!!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Moscow Ulan-Bator and Beijing Trans-Siberian Railway Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.8/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Beijing, Moscow, Ulaanbaatar

Highlights

  • The ultimate train journey that covers 2 continents, 7 time zones and countless views of mountain, lake and steppe scenery.
  • For travelers seeking for luxurious experience, there is option of the outstanding Golden Eagles services of the train.
  • Meet people of different cultures and countries in a train can be the most interesting things ever in a journey.
  • Visit Moscow for the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, extraordinary metro system and Bolshoi Ballet.
  • Visit Irkutsk and Lake Baikal, the oldest, deepest and one of the largest lakes in the world.
Show more

Themes

Climbing & Mountaineering, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative, Photography

What travelers are saying

"DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! They SCAMMED ME AND MY FAMILY OUT OF 5,000 US Dollars!!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
China and Hong Kong
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
3.8/5 Great
18 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chongqing, Great Wall of China, Guilin, Shanghai, The Forbidden City, Three Gorges, Tiananmen Square

Highlights

  • Explore fascinating Shanghai
  • Visit the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao.
  • Opportunity in deluxe ship for our Yangtze River Cruise.
  • See the historic Chongqing
  • Enjoy scenic boat trip down the Li River
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, 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!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
25 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
China
...

1

2

...

Transformative Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
1,509  Reviews
See all Transformative tour reviews
Excellent
1,188
Great
316
Average
1
Disappointing
2
Terrible
10
L

Lex

Jan 2021

Written on

Thanks to Exotic Voyages, my mother and I had an excellent first time experience in Thailand.

Thanks to Exotic Voyages, my mother and I had an excellent first time experience in Thailand. Thuy took care of everything for us so there was no need to think about...

S

Stefani

Jan 2021

Written on

Every step of our trip was flawlessly planned and executed

I wanted to visit Vietnam for decades, and I finally made it happen with the help of Exotic Voyages. I am so pleased that we decided to book everything through EV, a...

C

Cameron

Jan 2021

Written on

We had the most amazing time in Vietnam and that is all due to the planning and thoughtfulness put into coordinating our adventure

We had the most amazing time in Vietnam and that is all due to the planning and thoughtfulness put into coordinating our adventure, by Diep and Exotic Voyages! From ...

A

AshTed1

Jan 2021

Written on

We had an amazing 2 weeks traveling all throughout Thailand.

My now husband and I used Exotic Voyages to plan our honeymoon adventure in Thailand. From start to finish, Linh Nguyen went above and beyond to help us plan our per...

T

Tan

Jan 2021

Written on

This was the first time we visited Vietnam after departing 38 year ago.

This was the first time we visited Vietnam after departing 38 year ago. Our grownup kids have never been to Vietnam so this is a trip everyone is looking forward to....

Write a Review

Transformative Tour Selection Trips

  • Transformative travel may sound like a lofty term, but it really is one of the best ways to describe certain tours. Keep an open mind!
  • These kinds of tours are often challenging emotionally. You may find yourself in the midst of poverty, or learn about some devastating effects on local wildlife due to human activity.
  • Discovering and learning about different cultural perspectives is a key component of transformative travel. Ask a lot of questions and listen closely - you may be surprised as your perspective begins to shift.
  • Being out in nature is another key component on transformative tours. Reconnect with your soul on a fundamental level through outdoor meditation and invigorating activity.
  • The world today is very individual focused. Particularly younger people are used to maintaining their own world from their palm - across social media platforms and other apps. Transformative travel will present you with the unique opportunity to challenge this way of life and participate in a community atmosphere off the internet - both with your tour companions and with the people you meet.

Additional details

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 630 trips to Transformative and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!