China Tour Packages

The classic route links Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City), Xi'an (Terracotta Army), Shanghai and the scenic karst landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, with Chengdu's pandas a popular add.

The currency is the Chinese yuan / renminbi (CNY). Mandarin Chinese; English is limited outside tourism, so guides are invaluable. On our China tours we arrange your transport, guides and accommodation, and can advise on visas and the best route for your interests. Carry a little local cash for markets and tips, pack for the season, and travel with an open mind.

China is one of the world's largest countries, spanning coastal megacities, the Tibetan plateau, deserts, rice-terraced south-west and the industrial heartland, laced by the Yangtze and Yellow rivers.

China spans many climates, from subtropical in the south to bitter continental winters in the north, with a broadly temperate east where most travellers go.

The best times to visit most of China are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), with mild, pleasant weather and clearer skies than the hot, humid summer or cold winter.

China's culture spans five thousand years, from Confucian philosophy and imperial dynasties to calligraphy, tea, martial arts and a rich culinary tradition, alongside a fast-moving modern society.

The classic route links Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City), Xi'an (Terracotta Army), Shanghai and the scenic karst landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, with Chengdu's pandas a popular add.

Whether you are drawn by culture, scenery, wildlife, food or simply the chance to relax, our China packages combine the signature highlights with quieter corners most visitors miss.

Some of the best things to do in China:

• Walk the Great Wall
• Explore the Forbidden City
• Stand before the Terracotta Army
• Cruise the Li River through the karst peaks
• See giant pandas in Chengdu
• Take in the Shanghai skyline from the Bund

The best times to visit most of China are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), with mild, pleasant weather and clearer skies than the hot, humid summer or cold winter.

The places most worth your time in China:

• The Great Wall — the iconic fortification near Beijing
• Forbidden City, Beijing — the vast imperial palace
• Terracotta Army, Xi'an — thousands of ancient warriors
• Guilin & Yangshuo — dreamlike karst peaks and rivers
• Shanghai — the futuristic skyline and the Bund
• Chengdu — giant pandas and Sichuan cuisine

Chinese cuisine is vast and regional, from delicate Cantonese dim sum to fiery Sichuan hotpot and the ceremony of Peking duck.

Dishes to try: Peking duck, dumplings (jiaozi), dim sum, Sichuan hotpot, noodles, regional specialities. We are happy to steer you toward the best local food and to cater for any dietary needs — just let us know in advance.

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is the great celebration of the year, alongside the Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Most visitors need a visa arranged in advance, though visa-free transit and regional schemes exist for some nationalities. Rules change from time to time, so always confirm the current requirement for your own passport before booking. If you travel with us, we will guide you through exactly what you need.

A little courtesy goes a long way in China. Carry your passport, download offline maps and translation, be aware that some Western apps are blocked, and respect local sensitivities around politics and photography of officials.

Do respect local traditions, carry small change for tips and markets, and stay hydrated. Don't drink tap water unless it is confirmed safe, flash valuables in crowded areas, or over-pack your schedule — the best trips here are unhurried ones.