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10 Easy Steps to Plan Your China Travel 2025

Planning a trip to China seems to be daunting. Well, China may really be long from your country. It has an entirely different system of society and culture. There are too many things to worry, food, hotels, tourist, flights, train… But here we want to say: take it easy. Planning a trip to China easy and raveling in China is easy either. Looking at it from another angle, it is wonderful that you're thinking of coming to China, a majestic country full of culture, history and natural wonders. You won’t regret a moment of your time in China because it will be a trip of once in a lifetime. Most importantly, you are not alone in China! You will be well taken care of by us from airport pickup, hotels to food, tour guide, etc.

Well there are some things you can do and learn about before your trip. The more prepared you are, the greater your chances of a memorable China trip that lives up to your expectations. Read following simple 10 easy steps which will help you organize a well-planned trip to China.

1. Decide Where to Go in China

China is one of the largest countries in the world with diverse options for travel. Classic culture tour, adventure, landscape sweeping, food tour…, which means you can travel to classic destinations, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai in an enjoyable way, or travel pretty far to experience exotic culture and nature in western China destinations, such as Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, etc., or go to spend several leisure day exploring romantic southern China destinations, such as Guilin, Hangzhou, etc. There may be certain things to do which is quite famous, and absolutely should be planned in your trip, such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Giant Panda, Li River, etc. You can browse the Top 15 Things to do in China. A another good way to check the Top 10 Most Popular Destinations in China to get inspirations. If you are interested in Chinese history and culture, you can also find out more sites in China UNESCO Site List.

Useful links

Top 10 China Destinations You can't Miss in 2025 Most Popular China City Tours 2025 Top 15 Things to Do for Your China Vacation 2025

Beijing Tian'anmen

Chengdu Giant Panda

2. Traveling Independently or with a Tour Package

Traveling independently is not very difficult in tourism-developed destinations, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, but not recommended if you want to explore remote southwestern, southern and northeastern destinations. Well, you should know visiting China independently will cost a lot of time because you have to spend much time for mapping, looking for hotels and navigating location. Sometimes it is more expensive than a tour package.

Traveling with a travel agency is strongly recommended if you want to explore the very essence of China with a comfortable and worry-free way. A good local tour operator, like China Discovery, usually provides valuable group tours as well as tailor-made tour packages. You will be saved from the cumbersome jobs of online researching of hotels, destinations, foods, etc.

Top 10 China Tour Packages Classic China Tours Rated by Real Travelers Recommended China Tours from Beijing Recommended China Tours from Shanghai

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3. Decide When to Go

Since China has four very distinct seasons, and the popular destinations are located in different regions of the territory, it is very important to travel destinations in different seasons. Since China is so large and diverse, you can always find suitable destinations to visit in each season, or each month. In the big metropolis, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Chengdu, the season doesn't matter as much as visiting natural destinations, because their best highlights are all conveniently located in or near the city downtown, and it is always very easy to book flights, trains and hotels. But some destinations are only recommended to be visited in specific seasons.

Generally speaking, Autumn is the best season to travel China when the weather is pleasant and scenery is finest. But it is also the busiest tourism peak season. To avoid the crowds, you can avoid traveling during the festivals, such as National Holiday, Middle Autumn Festival, etc. Find out your destinations here in Recommended Destinations to Visit in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

China Seasonal Destinations China Weather and Climate Best Time to Visit China

Great Wall in Autumn

Guilin in Summer

4. Get Your Travel Documents Ready

Before leaving for China, you have to get your passport and Chinese visa prepared in advance. Some cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, etc, have released visa-free policies, but they only allow a stay less 72 hours, and there are a lot of complicated procedures to deal with.

You’d better apply for Chinese visa at least six months before your trip. A multiple entry visa is recommended which allows you to enter China for many times. It is also useful for trips to Hong Kong or Macau with returns to China. You also have to have a valid passport with you. If you don’t have a passport, it usually will take at least four to six weeks from the time of application for you to receive one. Make sure your passport won’t get expired while you’re in China. If you want to visit Tibet, you will have to obtain a Tibet Entry Permit.

Chinese Visa Types Chinese Visa Application Chinese Visa Exemptions

Chinese Visa

5. Decide Your Trip Length and Create a Rough Itinerary

A China trip can be as short as a day tour, or as long as a panoramic trip of months. You decide the trip length, and the destinations decide how many days needed. A classic China tour, which covers Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai, will cost about 15~16 days. These destinations are usually visited by the first-timers. You can also add Yangtze River Cruise (4~5 days), Tibet (4~8days), Zhangjiajie (3~4days), Yellow Mountain (3~4days) to your trip if you have more days in China.

It is suggested to arrange the itinerary at a leisure pace so that you can have enough time to experience all the best highlights, and won’t get exhausted. If you already have done a lot of researches, you can create a rough itinerary on your own, then send to your travel agency to check availabilities. If you have no idea how to organize the destinations into an itinerary, you can feel free to let your travel consultant offer you a recommended itinerary.

Beijing Xian Tours Beijing Shanghai Tours Hong Kong Guilin Tours

Beijing Forbidden City

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6. Book Your Flights and Hotels

Once you work out an ideal itinerary and confirm with your travel agency, you can start to book flights and hotels. Early booking is recommended because the fares for flights and hotels are not fixed. The earlier you book, the greater prices you will enjoy. In some popular destinations, such as Huangshan, Lhasa, etc., the demands for hotels are quite high during the peak season. If you are flexible, you can arrange the flights and hotels on your own. But we suggest you let your travel agency book flights and hotels for you because they know which flights match your itinerary well, and which hotels have great service and amenities. Besides, the agencies always have better prices of flights and hotels.

China flights guide and tips Major Airports in China Major Airlines in China

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7. Traveling with Children

You can definitely travel in China with your kids, which can be fun, entertaining and educational. The profound culture, great history, amazing natural landscape, unique food and budget shopping make the Middle Kingdom the perfect destination for family travel. Besides, it is safe and easy to travel with children in China because most destinations are connected by fast flights, train or bus. There are many things to do for your family vacation - visiting the cute Giant Panda or even having a volunteering job, leisurely hiking the Great Wall, making new friends with local kids in the custom parks, entertaining in the amusement parks, taking Kungfu class, enjoying acrobatic show, etc. At the same time, don’t worry about the accommodation, dinning, transportation in China. Comfort, fun, experiences… all are acquirable if you plan the trip in advance well. Before leaving for China, make sure you have everything you absolutely need but haven’t over-packed, because you can find many of the necessary stuffs for kids or infants in China.

Top China tours for family with kids Family Friendly Activities in China Destinations for Family Travel

Visiting Terracotta Warriors in Xian

Hong Kong Disney Resort

8. Money and Currency in China

Renminbi (人民币) or RMB is the official currency of China. Chinese people often call yuan as “kuai”, both of the two pronunciations are used among China. For example, 1 yuan = 1 kuai. Notes are available for 1RMB, 10RMB, 20RMB, 50RMB, and 100RMB.

Most businesses in China only accept Chinese currency. But your travel agency usually accepts USD, EURO, GBP and AUD. You can change Chinese currency at airports, banks, ATMs, hotels and exchangers. During your travel in China, you are suggested to bring some cashes for daily payments of food, taxi, shopping, etc. Most ATMs in China allow you to withdraw Chinese money in big cities, such as Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai, etc.

Chinese Currency & Money Exchange Shopping in China How to make payment to China Discovery

RMB (100 Yuan)

Withdraw money at ATM

9. Start Packing and Review Your Medical Checklist

Pack light and only bring necessary stuffs because you can get most stuffs you want to buy in China. Besides, your baggage will definitely get fuller and heavier as there are too many interesting things you can shop in China.

Bring and keep your passport and Chinese visa well. Getting any of them will be a very serious problem in China. Just in case, you can duplicate several copies of them and keep the originals and the copies separately. Also remember to bring your bank card, credit card and confirmations of your bookings of flights, hotels, trains.

As for clothing, you should wear accordingly to specific season and destination. Check China Weather or ask your travel consultant for recommendations. Bring different sizes of bags to make a classified packing: large bags for clothing and some rarely used stuff before stepping off the plane; small bag for frequently used stuff and carry with you.

Before packing, you should understand there are some luggage restrictions entering China by air. Varying from different airlines, the restrictions can be hard to tell one by one.

What to Pack for China Travel Baggage Allowance for Entry & Exit China

Pack only necessary stuffs

10. Learn More about China

China is a quite different country from America, Australia, and Europe. There are many interesting things to read about China, such as festivals, food, history, facts, etc. Learning about Chinese culture will help you understand well about the things your tour guides explain to you during your trip.

Chinese Culture and History Tours 2025

Learn Chinese culture

Keep Reading

Chinese Visa Types & Application
China Weather & Climate
China Accommodation
China Transportation
What to Pack for China Travel
Top 10 China Destinations in 2024
Top 15 Things to Do for China Vacation
China High Speed Train travel 2024
China Travel in Different Seasons in 2024
China Facts

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Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

8 Days Best of China Tour (Flight/Bullet Train Covered)

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Guilin Li River Scenery on 20 RMB Chinese Note, Taken by Claire from UK in October 2021

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Our customer Heidy visited Mutianyu Great Wall

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Top Five Free Things to Do in Shanghai

Shanghai is increasingly becoming an expensive city. With certain Shanghai attractions charging over 200 yuan for a family of four, a day out in the city can be depressingly expensive. But it needn't be. This article will guide you to several brilliant things to do for free in Shanghai. Check out how to plan a day trip in Shanghai .

1. Visiting the Top Two Free Museums

Shanghai has lots of museums, including some museums which are free of charge. China Highlights recommends the top two museums which can be visited for free.

Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆) : It is one of China's best collections of ancient Chinese artifacts. The four-floor museum has collected more than 120,000 precious historical relics, including bronze ware, china ware, calligraphy works, paintings, jade articles, ancient coins, ancient furniture, and sculptures. You can easily spend a half day or more on learning about Chinese culture there.

Opening time : 9am–5pm (last entry 4pm)
Address : 201 Renmin Road, Shanghai (人民路201号)
Transportation : Take bus 46, 71, 112, 123, 145, 916, 925, or Tunnel Line 6 and get off at People's Square Station (人民广场)

Shanghai Natural History Museum (上海自然博物馆) : It can be a nice destination for a family with kids. The museum is one of China's largest museums of natural sciences, showing the history of ancient animals, human history, and the evolution of animals and plants, with specimens of animals and plants, mummies, fossils, models, unearthed historical relics, and ancient literature.

Opening hours : 9am–5pm (closed on Mondays)
Address : 260 Yan'an East Road, Huangpu District (黄浦区延安东路260号)
Transportation : Take subway line 2 to Yuyuan Garden (豫园), leave the station from Exit 3, and walk about 2 minutes to the museum.

2. Appreciating Chinese Artistic Works

Shanghai Art Palace (中华艺术宫) : It is a free museum, located in the China Pavilion of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. With 27 exhibition halls, the museum shows the origins and development of Chinese art, with plenty of art treasures (mainly oil paintings, printmaking, Chinese paintings, and sculptures). It is said that if you want to appreciate every exhibition there, at least one day is needed.

Note: Entry to the electronic edition of the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival (清明上河图) in Exhibition Hall 5 is 20 yuan (it is the only hall of China Art Palace with an entrance fee).
Opening hours : 9am–5pm (last entry: 4pm, closed on Monday)
Address : 161 Shangnan Road, Pudong New District (浦东新区上南路161号)
Transportation : Take subway line 8, and get off at Yaohua Road (耀华路).

50 Moganshan Road Contemporary Art Gallery : It is the place with the best contemporary artistic creations in Shanghai. A lot of modern Chinese artists thrive there by displaying their works, running their art businesseses, communicating and brainstorming with other artists, and meeting their audiences. It is said that more than 400 foreigners visit daily .

Opening hours : daily (approximately) 10am–6pm
Address : 50 Moganshan Road, Jing'an District (静安区莫干山路50号)

3. Leisurely Strolling the Best Streets

If you want to see Shanghai, there is no better way than by taking a leisurely strolling along the roads, especially those unique ones which have witnessed the changes in the city.

The Bund (外滩): On the south bank of the Huangpu River (the mother river of Shanghai), the Bund is representative of Shanghai. There are Shanghai's sky-scraping landmarks: Jinmao Tower , Oriental Pearl TV Tower , etc., and 52 unique buildings with retro architectural styles, like Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque.

Tianzifang (田子坊) : It is very popular with expats and tourists. You can appreciate 1930s architecture, strolling around to find your favorite arts and crafts, and enjoying some leisurely coffee time there.

Wukang Road (武康路) : Built in 1907, it is said that Wukang Road has concentrated within it Shanghai's 100 years of modern history. There are 14 excellent architectures and 37 historical sites.

Xintiandi (新天地) : It is a pedestrian street combining a traditional Shanghai style with modern elements. Shopping, catering, entertainment, retracing the roots of "old Shanghai" in the early 20th century, and experiencing the fashionable Shanghai of today are all available there.

4. Visiting Ancient Water Towns

Also Read The Top 10 Ancient Water Towns Near Shanghai

There are several ancient water towns around Shanghai. Some of them have free entry (but some attractions within the towns charge an entry fee). The scenery and the ancient atmosphere in these water towns are no worse than the commercialized ones with tickets costing over a hundred yuan.

Qibao Ancient Town (七宝古镇) : It is the nearest mini water town to central Shanghai, being accessible via subway (line 9) and public buses.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (朱家角古镇) : Like the picture shown on the left, this graceful ancient town is well-decorated with water ways, 36 ancient bridges, traditional Chinese-style residences, and a natural lake - Dianshan Lake.

Fengjing Ancient Town (枫泾古镇) : It is the most well-preserved ancient water town in Shanghai Prefecture. Architecture with hundreds of years of history is easy to come across there.

5. A Personal Experience of Chinese Culture: Shanghai's Parks

Shanghai has lots of parks. Most of the parks are free of charge (only about 10 parks aren't; they usually charge over fifty yuan).

Parks are great places to get a close look at and take part in Chinese culture, especially the life-style of Shanghai people. Folks head to parks early for morning exercises: doing tai chi, dancing, sword dancing, and practicing erhu (a two-string bowed instrument), and various other unique Chinese-style morning activities.

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China Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

China is a country filled with micro-cultures, languages, cuisines, and ethnicities. Rapid change has attracted curious people from around the globe and there is a thriving expat scene for anyone looking to teach overseas.

While I dislike the pollution of many of the big cities, the countryside, the food, people, and the history you’ll discover here will leave you in awe and forever changed. This is a country with layers where everything is filled with meaning and history.

This travel guide to China can help you plan your visit to this gigantic country (there’s over a billion people here covering 9.5 million square kilometers) with advice on things to do, how to get around, stay safe, save money, and much, much more!

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Top 5 things to see and do in china.

1. Visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong is bustling metropolis that combines high rise buildings with traditional street markets and temples. You have a large expat population, good shopping, fantastic nightlife, and delicious food. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world and I never get tired of visiting!

2. Explore Shanghai

One of China’s largest, busiest, and most visited cities, Shanghai is like visiting the future — fast trains, lights everywhere, efficient organization, and a cosmopolitan vibe. I love Shanghai. To get a sense of historical China, head to the Old City and see the YuYuan Gardens. For some of the best shopping in China, head to Nanjing Road.

3. Wander Beijing

Visit Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, countless shopping malls, the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and of course, the Great Wall. There’s nothing like Beijing in the world, and, though horribly polluted and with awful air quality, it’s still a city you have to visit in order to understand modern China and its dynamism.

4. The Great Wall of China

Stretching over 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall offers both busy tourist sections as well as secluded ruins (you can even camp beside it in some areas). If you’re on a budget, you can take the public bus to the wall near Beijing. The bus is 12 CNY and admission to the wall is 40 CNY (45 CNY in the summer).

5. See Xi’An

Xi’an is one of the ancient capitals of China and home to the famed Terracotta Army (which is over 2,000 years old), city wall, and architecture of the Muslim quarters. Those three things are pretty much why everyone comes here but there’s also an incredible hike on Mount Hua if you’re looking for adventure.

Other Things to See and Do in China

1. tian’anmen square.

You’ve no doubt seen it in films and on TV, but it is hard to get an idea of the sheer size of this square until you’re standing square in the middle of it. There’s plenty to see here including the Tiananmen Tower, the Great Hall of the People, the People’s Heroes Monument, the National Museum and Mao Zedong’s mausoleum. While you are allowed to take photos in the square itself, you cannot use your camera in the mausoleum.

2. Gorge on food

China is a food lover’s paradise. Eating here will certainly put your take-out back home into perspective. In such a huge country, it’s no surprise that different areas have different culinary delights. It’s entirely possible to enjoy the four styles of Chinese cooking (Cantonese, Beijing, Shanghai, and Sichuan) while on your trip. For spicy food, head to Sichuan or Hunnan in Central China (be sure to try the hot pot while you’re there).

You’ll find more salty items like dried meats and pickled vegetables in the north (where fresh produce is less common) while in cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai you can pretty much find everything!

There are plenty of options for vegetarians in China as well, and even vegans can get by without too much difficulty.

3. Cruise the Li River

For a true sense of natural beauty, cruise down the Li River. The river is 272 miles long and has dozens of places to explore along the way. Some of the best photography spots can be found in Xiaolong, Laozhai Hill, and the karst mountains near Guilin. For tours, prices start at 500 CNY per person, depending on how long (or luxurious) of a cruise you want.

4. Visit the Forbidden City

This famous attraction in Beijing was the imperial palace from the time of the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty (1420-1912 CE). The “city” covers over 175 acres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcoming over 16 million visitors each year. Today, the Palace Museum holds artifacts from both dynasties and is a great place to learn about China’s history. The buildings, which cover over 180 acres, have been heavily renovated over the years but it’s still an epic complex worth visiting.

5. Travel (part of) the Silk Road

Dating back over 2,000 years, this unofficial route is a must-see for visitors looking to get off the main tourist trail. There is no “official” road to follow, but you can trace your way along the traditional route as far and wide as you’d like (the Silk Road originally spanned from Chang’an to Romend, Italy). Its total length was over 3,800 kilometers (2,400 miles), half of which was within Chinese territory. Be sure to see the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the ancient city of Turpan, and the Rainbow Mountains near Zhangye.

6. Explore Tibet

Also known as “the Roof of the World”, this area is perfect for adventurous travelers that are looking for unique attraction. Explore the snowy mountains, exotic customs, and Buddhism. Tibet has had tumultuous past, so during your visit, it’s wise not to bring up the Dali Lama. The region was annexed by China in the 1950s, forcing the Dalai Lama and his government into exile. Some 400,000 Tibetans were killed directly or indirectly by the occupation, with other estimates placing that number over 1 million. Avoid talking about the history and politics of the region as is it understandably a very sensitive subject for both sides. You’ll need a special permit to visit the region as well.

7. Potala Palace

This Tibetan palace was home to the Dalai Lamas up until 1959, when he was forced to flee or be killed. Established as a holy site in the 7th century, the many halls, temples, and courtyards have been constructed from wood and stone. The current building, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates to the 17th-century and has poured copper in its foundation to stabilize it against earthquakes.

8. Take in the Karst mountains

Illustrated on the back of the 20 yuan banknote, these mountains are a stunning sight to see in person. They’re huge! You can take a boat trip down the Li River, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the quieter backroads and take in the picturesque landscape. Prices begin around 20 CNY for a half day. Guilin is a great hopping-off place for this.

9. The Mogao Grottos of Dunhuang

Also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, these grottos are home to the largest, best-preserved, and richest Buddhist art in the world—the first cave was carved here in 366 AD. There are almost 500 individual temples here and it’s one of the main stops on the Silk Road if you are tracing the footsteps of Marco Polo.

10. Take a free walking tour

All of the major cities in the country offer various types of walking tours, many of which are free and last a few hours. If you want to learn about the history of China’s major cities, this is a great way to start! Whenever I land in a new city, this is how I kick off my trip as it helps me get the lay of the land. Free walking tours are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Xi’an, and many other cities around the country. Just Google “free walking tour in X” to find the companies that are available during your visit. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end (that’s how they get paid!).

11. Let loose in Macau

Macau is considered the “Las Vegas of Asia” and is a fun destination for anyone looking to splash out. Macau started as a Portuguese colony and remained one for over 300 years so the city has an interesting mix of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a “Special Administrative Region” which means it has a lot of autonomy from the mainland government It is also home to the highest bungee jump in the world, boasting a plunge of a whopping 233 meters (764 ft)! I don’t love the city as much as I do Hong Kong but you’ll find a lot of good food and architecture here. If you’re not here to gamble, you only really need one night here!

12. Visit the Pandas in Chengdu

Pandas are an endangered species and rare to see in the wild. If you want to get your fix while in China, head to the Panda Research Base in Chengdu. If you get there early you can beat the crowds and watch the pandas relax, eat, and sleep (that’s all they really do — but it’s still worth seeing!). Admission is 55 CNY per person.

13. Take a class

Calligraphy classes, cooking classes, tea ceremonies — you can find all sorts of amazing, culturally-enriching classes and lessons in all of the major cities in China. Some last an hour, some last multiple days, but no matter what you’re interested in you can find a class to teach you something new! Expect to pay between 300-900 CNY for a calligraphy class while cooking classes start at around 300 CNY per person. You’ll find the most options in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Viator.com is a great resource for finding classes near you. You can also use cookly.me to find cooking classes and prices all around the country as well.

China Travel Costs

Accommodation – Prices start at around 30 CNY for an 8-10 bed dorm in many of the smaller cities. Expect to pay closer to 85 CNY in Hong Kong and Beijing. For a private room, prices begin around 110 CNY though expect to pay almost double that in the larger cities. Hostels here are generally well equipped and have free Wi-Fi, drinking water, lockers, and even warm blankets in the winter! Hostels in cities will have western-style toilets, though in more remote parts of the country you may find squat toilets more common.

Budget hotels begin around 75 CNY per night for basic accommodations, with higher prices in Hong Kong. Budget hotels will usually include heat or AC, your own bathroom, a kettle, and TV (though you’ll only get Chinese stations). Keep in mind that any hotels offering free breakfast will likely be serving a Chinese breakfast (dumplings, rice congee, vegetables, etc.).

Airbnb is plentiful in China and can be found in all the major cities though it’s much less common in rural areas. Prices range from 175-750 CNY depending on the city and the type of apartment.

There are plenty of campgrounds around the country. Expect to pay around 20 CNY per night for a basic plot. Wild camping is a grey area; it’s both legal and illegal at the same time to allow local authorities the final say. I would avoid wild camping and stick to official campgrounds as to avoid any problems.

Food – Food in China is cheap. I mean, really cheap. A meal from a street vendor usually goes for around 7-14 CNY. For this, you might get noodles, rice, pork buns, or soup. A full meal in a sit-down restaurant will cost between 15-54 CNY plus the fee for a bowl of rice and clean bowls (yes, these cost extra!), which is often around 4 CNY. If you stick to the local food, you’ll find it hard to go broke. You could spend less than 70 CNY for an entire day’s worth of food.

In western China, southwestern China, and the interior, food is much cheaper than in the big cities and you can eat for under 35 CNY per day — about half the costs of the big cities as long as you stick to street food/local restaurants.

For Western food, you can expect to pay much higher prices for food that will be a disappointment compared to home — especially if you’re outside of the more Westernized cities like Hong Kong. A western-style sandwich or fast food meal can run about 40 CNY and a cup of coffee can be similarly-priced to back home — sometimes more!

Vegetarians and even vegans will be able to get by relatively easily in the cities with a little planning as China’s history with Buddhism has made the country quite veg-friendly.

Since food is so cheap, there’s no need to self-cater or cook your own meals. You are better off eating the street food and at the restaurants. Moreover, many hostels don’t have kitchen facilities for you to use even if you did go grocery shopping. Therefore, self-catering is not something I recommend. The food is cheap and plentiful, so enjoy it! If you will be buying your own groceries, expect to spend between 250-400 CNY depending on your diet.

Activities – In general, sights are affordable in China — even popular attractions such as the Great Wall or the Forbidden City are under 68 CNY. While the Great Wall never kept out invaders, it’s beautiful and is only 45 CNY, the Forbidden City is 60 CNY (40 CNY if you visit between November and March). Smaller temples, activities, and sights are much more reasonably priced and cost under 20 CNY.

While attractions and temples are less than 70 CNY, prices for hikes and outdoor activities tend to be more expensive, often costing around 200 CNY. For example, a trip to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain costs around 200 CNY, a visit to the Jiuzhai Valley is also 200 CNY (as much as 2,000 CNY if you want to go as part of a tour) and a three-day pass to the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian province is 140 CNY while admission to the Yellow Mountains in Anhui province is 190 CNY. You’ll still need to pay for transportation to these places as well.

Backpacking China Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit China? Here are some suggested budgets you can use to help you plan, based on your individual style of traveling. Keep in mind that if you’re staying in cities like Hong Kong, Beijing, or Shanghai you should expect to spend at least 20% more.

On a backpacker’s budget, you should plan to spend between 215-285 ($30-50 USD) per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating fast food occasionally but mainly cooking your own meals, using public transportation, and participating in basic activities like visiting museums.

On a mid-range budget of 645-1,000 CNY ($90-140 USD) per day, you can stay in budget hotels, take buses between destinations, eat fast food, and do more excursions.

For a luxury budget of 1,500 CNY ($210 USD) per day, you can afford to stay in nice hotels, take the high-speed train, do some guided tours, and eat out for every meal.

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

China Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Given the size of China as well as its general affordability thanks to cheap food and accommodation, there are plenty of ways to save money when you visit here. Here are some of the best ways to save money during your next trip:

Use sleeper trains – Use sleeper trains (doorless compartments with bunks) to travel overnight since distances between cities can be quite large. Spending a night on the train will save you paying an extra night of accommodation. Lower bunks are less expensive, so purchase a few days in advance to take advantage of these savings. Some stations have ticket offices for foreigners if you need help navigating your options.
Ask for Xiao Pan – If eating alone, ask for “xiao pan”. These are small portions and work out at 70% of the size and price of a normal dish.
Hard Seats – Travel on the “hard seats” on trains or buses. These are the cheapest and most basic seats but are not “hard” as the name would lead you to believe (they’re just regular seats).
Take a walking tour – Free walking tours are available in most Chinese cities. They generally last a couple of hours and are a great way to get the lay of the land and learn some of the local history.
Avoid Golden Week – Golden Week is the busiest holiday of the year and is a time when the entire country is off. Held at the start of October, prices will rise, transportation is booked out weeks in advance, and the large cities are essentially gridlocked. Avoid visiting during this time. (Or, at the very least, avoid the big cities!)
Stick to public transportation – You can get pretty much anywhere in all the major cities by bus or subway — and it’s super affordable. Do as the locals do if you want to save money.
Buy water jugs – Instead of buying bottled water every day (as the tap water is not potable), bring a reusable water bottle and buy the biggest jugs you can find. They are only around 15 CNY and will last weeks. If you’re not staying that long, get your fellow travelers to chip in. You’ll save money and prevent more single-use plastic from ending up in a landfill. Conversely, bring a LifeStraw or SteriPen to purify your own water.

Where To Stay in China

Hostels are common all across China. Here are my recommended places to stay in the country:

Hong Kong Hostel (Hong Kong)
Kelly’s Courtyard (Beijing)

How to Get Around China

While most cities in China are great to discover on foot, the pollution can be quite hard on the body for extended periods. Be sure to check the air quality every morning before heading out.

Bus – Buses are generally cheaper than trains when it comes to intercity travel so they are your best bet for short distances (anything under 8-10 hours). For example, the 9-hour ride from Beijing to Anshan is around 220 CNY while the train is between going to be at least 350 CNY (and the train only saves you 90 minutes). The two-hour bus ride from Beijing to Tianjin is around 80 CNY while the trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou is 3 hours and costs around 120 CY.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – For long-distance travel around the country, trains are an affordable and often unique choice. On a high-speed train, the ticket from Beijing to Shanghai is around 555 CNY for 2nd class, around 935 CNY for 1st class, and around 1,800 CNY for a VIP seat. The journey takes around 4.5 hours.

For the full-day train that takes between 14-22 hours, a soft sleeper ticket is 525 CNY while a superior sleeper is 880 CNY. You can also get a regular hard sleeper seat for just 180 CNY but 22 hours in a seat is asking a lot!

The 5-6 journey ride from Beijing to Xi’an will cost 515 CNY for a second-class seat, 825 CNY for a first-class seat, and 1,630 CNY for a VIP ticket.

For overnight trains, keep in mind that the lower bunk is usually cheaper as it is closer to the noise. Top bunks will be more expensive, though they occasionally have very little space to offer (even though you pay more); it is not uncommon to be unable to sit all the way up. But you do get more privacy, which is worth it in my opinion!

Flying – There are plenty of regional carriers in China when it comes to flights. In fact, there are over 30 domestic airlines in the country! Some of the larger ones are Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Southwest Airlines. Just keep in mind that many flights rarely leave on time, so be mindful of your connections when booking!

Round-trip flights from Beijing to Shanghai can cost as little as 1,150 CNY for the two-hour journey.

From Beijing to Hong Kong will cost at least 900 CNY and take just under four hours. Xi’an to Shanghai will cost at least 950 CNY and take just over two hours. Beijing to Taipei will cost around 1,600 CNY and take just over three hours.

Car Rental – China does not recognize the International Driving Permit, making it virtually impossible to rent a car here unless you apply for a Chinese license. I don’t advise renting a car here.

When to Go to China

Since China is such a large country, climate and temperature change drastically from region to region. Sub-tropical Hong Kong is going to have much different weather than the steppes of Inner Mongolia or the mountain ranges of Tibet and Western China.

Summers in China (June-August) is the peak time to visit, though it also the hottest time. Temperatures will soar into the 30s (87-92 F) and can get quite humid. The pollution and air quality can also be ongoing concerns during this time. Expect inflated prices and larger crowds during these months.

September-October is a great time to visit China, as long as you can dodge the hectic Golden Week holiday in early October. The weather will cool to just under 20C (68 F), which is much more pleasant for hiking and exploring.

Traveling to China in the winter is rare, unless you’re heading to Hong Kong where the weather is still pleasant at 20C (68 F). Places like the Great Wall are occasionally closed due to weather, and regions like Tibet can drop to -13 C (9F) overnight. That being said, China has a fun winter festival called the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival where you’ll find huge, record-breaking ice sculptures.

How to Stay Safe in China

China is quite safe for travelers owing to its heavy crack down on crime and the fact that it is a full-on surveillance state. However, there are still a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to stay safe during your visit.

For starters, watch what you eat. Sanitation standards are not exactly the most stringent here, so always use hand sanitizer before you eat and make sure you only go to restaurants that appear clean. Street food — while delicious — can also cause some upset so be prepared. You may need some time to adjust to the local cuisine upon arrival.

Petty theft is rare, though you should still take precautions. Don’t flash your valuables or leave them in unsecured pockets. Most petty thefts occur when travelers don’t pay attention to their things. Don’t be one of those travelers!

As a tourist, you’ll also likely get ripped off here and there. Expect to see inflated prices often, so be sure to ask your hostel/hotel staff for price estimates in advance if you need to go to a market. While commercial supermarkets and shops won’t be an issue, local markets and small stores might try to fleece you. Be firm and barter hard when you have to.

As for scams, they are unfortunately common here. The most common is when someone approaches you and asks to practice their English with you (they are usually a “student.” You’ll head to a café, have some tea and food, and then you’ll be stuck with the bill. As a general rule, if folks ask you to practice English with them just politely decline.

Traffic in China can also be a bit of challenge. Pedestrians don’t have the right of way, so always look both ways before crossing. When in doubt, stick to the locals and follow their lead. They know what to do!

China cracks down on drug use very hard, dishing out hard labor and death penalties to anyone caught with large amounts of drugs. You may also get extorted by the police for a bribe if you’re caught with drugs, so it’s generally a good idea to avoid all drugs while you’re here.

When you’re here, you’ll also want to avoid talking politics — especially when it comes to regions like Tibet and Hong Kong. Information about these regions is highly censored and political discussions are highly monitored online. Play it safe and avoid talking politics.

Lastly, try to avoid using illegal taxis. Marked taxis will use a meter and have set prices, so stick to them (or use the ride-sharing app DiDi). When looking for a cab you’ll likely get approached by illegal taxis. Avoid them if you can unless you’re comfortable negotiating a fare and taking an illegal ride (which I don’t recommend).

Worried about travel scams? Read about these 14 major travel scams to avoid .

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

China Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

China Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on China travel and continue planning your trip:

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do in 4 (or More) Days

My Favorite Restaurants in Hong Kong

What Hitchhiking Solo as a Female in China Taught Me

7 Lessons Learned from 3 Months in China

How to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

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Free walking tour near Shanghai

Others cities to visit after shanghai, find other guruwalks in shanghai, where are you traveling to.

Shanghai City Free Walking Tour

4-4.5 Hours
By Booking Only

The best way to get to know the city upon your arrival!

Discover Shanghai from its humble origins as a fishing village and hear the stories behind how it evolved to become one of the most exciting and cosmopolitan places in the world in the 21st century! In 4-4.5 hours, our tour will walk you through all the most highlighted spots in downtown Shanghai, introduce you to the history, culture, art, architecture, and gastronomy of this fascinating and vibrant city.

Meeting Time

10:00 AM Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday;

2:00 PM Every Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

*Look for our YELLOW umbrella to find us! *Suggest arriving 5-10 min earlier. *By booking only.

Meeting Point

People’s Square Metro Station (line 1/2/8), Exit 3.

It is in front of the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Address: Corner of Renmin Ave. & Mid Xizhang Rd (Chinese: 人民广场地铁站3号出口; 上海城市规划展览馆门口, 西藏中路与人民大道交叉口）

Ending Point

Yuyuan Garden Bazaar. Close to Yuyuan Garden Metro Station on line 10/14

(Chinese：豫园，近10/14号线豫园地铁站）

Where you can eat, shop, and do more sightseeing on your own!

Things to Bring

◆ Comfortable shoes for walking!

◆ Money to tip your guide at the end of the tour!

(Recommended tips:

200-250 RMB / 25-30 USD or Euro)

◆ A curious heart to learn and explore!

Tour Highlights

People's Square
City Hall of Shanghai
People's Park
The Shanghai marriage market
The old red-light district
East Nanjing Road pedestrian street
Local food street for a snack break
The Bund area
The biggest clock in Asia
The best-fried dumpling in town tasting
The first Cathedral in the French concession
Yuyuan Garden Bazzar

Sounds like fun?

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Being a tip-based tour, simply pay what you feel the tour worth at its conclusion. This guarantees our local guides will provide you the best tour experience every time!

(Recommended tips: 200-250 RMB / 25-30 USD or Euro)

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China shanghai free & easy – summary itinerary for 4 days 3 nights.

Shanghai is the most populous city in China with total population of 24 million people and now there may be more. When you come to visit Shanghai, you need to know this is the city of World Finance so expect a a lot skyscrapers and crowded with people especially when you are in the train station during peak hour.

It is also a fusion of modern and ancient. Modern attractions would be The Bund, Iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. The Ancient would be Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple and City God Temple.

Things in Shanghai is not cheap at all, expect the things & food cost around similar price in Singapore. In fact, it is the most expensive city in China.

I have included the top attractions in Shanghai which you should not missed. In Shanghai it is best to use public transport such as metro train or even taxi. Taxi is quite safe and the meter works well and no scammed! As you know Shanghai is the international city and people who lives in Shanghai is very cultured.

Click on each link to get an in-depth on how to go about Shanghai.

Part 1- How to get around in Shanghai Free and Easy

Where to stay : The Hongta Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai, China
The Hongta Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai, China – Hotel Review

Activities :

Taxi in Shanghai
Circular Pedestrian Bridge in Lujiazui, Shanghai
Disney store in Lujiazui
Night View of Oriental Pearl Tower
Night view from Lujiazui
Shanghai Metro
A must try cuisine in Shanghai – Xiaolongbao
Huang Pu River
China Pavilion in Expo
Expo Axis -world’s largest membrane construction
Shanghai Lupu Bridge
Shanghai Ferry

Part 2 -Exploring the ancient and modern side of Shangai in a day

Hutong/胡同 in Shanghai
Yu yuan Garden
Chenghuangmiao/城隍庙 – City God Temple of Shanghai
Local Cosmetic – Xue Hua Gao
Big Rabbit Candy
Traditional Door Knob
Gamble on Rocks
Lujiazui – Modern Shanghai
Shanghai World Financial Center
Shanghai Tower
Jin Mao Tower
BASE Jumping from Jin Mao Tower
Mobike – Rental bike system in Shanghai City
Jinke Road Station/ 金科路站

Part 3 – Eat, Shop, See in Shanghai

Bicycle Kingdom
Haibao/ 海宝 – Shanghai expo 2010 Mascot
People Square/人民广场
Good eighth company on Nanjing road
Ode to the Eighth Company/八连颂 – by Mao Zedong
Meat Skewers in Nanjing Walking street – Chuan /串儿
Mountain hawthorn/ 山楂Shanzha
Moon cake with meat
Chinese Bacon/腊肉
Old Shanghai Yogurt Drink
People’s Park /人民公园
Dinner – must try – steam sticky rice with salted duck
Hotel Review for Hongta Hotel Shanghai
Pudong Airport

Other places in China you may be interested :

Summary Itinerary for Xi’an, Shaanxi province China
Summary Itinerary for Guangxi For Nature Lover
Summary Itinerary for Yunnan China

I have affiliate program with the following booking website, so please click at your preference booking website here to check the hotels or airbnb you like to stay for your China Shanghai trip.

Booking Resources :

Booking.com

Shanghai Travel Youtube

China Guangxi Summary Itinerary for Nature Lovers

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Sounds fun! I really hope to visit Shanghai one day. I want more than four days but even that is enough to start with

Shanghai is one of those beautiful places you’ll never run out of options with. Whether it be good food, wonderful sights or just a nice and simple quality vacation time, it’s there.

You make Shanghai sound gorgeous! I can’t believe 24 million people live there, wow what a statistic. I like that you shared some free transport details too. Great job.

Shanghai sounds so amazing, I would love to visit Shanghai, it is so on top on my bucket list for Asia. The itinerary sounds great, love the pictures. The compilation of all the sights is so helpful, it looks like a lot for 4 days 🙂

I’d love to visit Shanghai one day! Thank you for this list of what to see and do – all while staying in budget.

I have always wanted to go to Shanghai! I’m so glad you put together your recommendations for a trip. Amazing this could all be done in less than a week. Such gorgeous sights!

Shanghai is definitely a destination in my bucket list (there are so many!) This is an excellent itinerary and I will be pinning it to have it in mind!

I consider visiting China a very high priority, it is absolutely a must see. Shanghai off course is one of the reasons for this. This just revitalizes my desire.

Shanghai is always a good place to start in China, you get to see the modern and the old side of China!

I wanna visit Shanghai someday! Lately I’ve been following an American-Chinese blogger and she is showing so much about Shanghai! Thank you for sharing this, will bookmark it for future reference! <3

It’s my dream to be able to travel to China (Shanghai and Beijing) one day for work aka filming over there! Having your itinerary give me a better idea of what’s going on there!

This is such a beautiful post. I’ve heard so many amazing things about Shanghai and you really helped me explore the city, the food and culture with this post. I love the pictures you added to all the different parts of this write up. Fantastic and mesmerising. Thanks so much for sharing x

I really hope to visit Shanghai one day. It’s been on my travel list for years, but the super long flight makes it difficult to plan. Although having seen this amazing list of things to do, I might need to start pushing that trip a bit harder.

Wowza! 24 million people in this little area and I can see it in four days? Thanks so much for the highlights as they will give me a place to start having never been. You are an amazing jet setter & I want to come! Xo, Evelyn, PathofPresence

Shanghai sounds like an amazing place to visit – thanks for sharing your recommendations of things to see and do – such a big city could easily become overwhelming without such tips 🙂

So many options here I may need a month to see it all . I would particularly be interested in the shopping and I love your tips to get around for free/ cheap

Wow this place looks amazing. So many things to see and do

Shanghai is such a beautiful city! I love you just made an itinerary for anyone visiting. It will definately come in handy.

Shanghhai is on my bucket list cant wait to visit this looks like such a visually pleasing city with heaps of fun

12D Yunnan Itinerary: China’s Best Kept Secret — Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la

Few people realise how gorgeous this region of China is. Here’s our 12-day Yunnan itinerary with scenic views comparable to Switzerland!

First published on: 6 Dec 2019

When I think of China, I think of Beijing , Shanghai , and maybe even Guangzhou. Yunnan was not even in my subconscious, let alone on my list of must-travels. But after an exhilarating 12 days around the province, I fell in love with every single city we hit.

I fell in love with the people of Kunming, the nightlife of Dali and the antiquated mystique of Shangri-la. Lijiang even took it to the next level with its iconic snow-capped wonder, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and (in)famous 28-bend hike of the Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Yet, we found that not many people from all over the world flock to this region. Even though that is a plus point to many, we believe it would be such a shame if we didn’t share this not-so-little secret with the rest of the world!

So before this itinerary hits the houses of many, we recommend that you start planning your Yunnan adventure to see some of the most beautiful sights in the world. Here’s our 12-day Yunnan itinerary for China’s best secrets.

Pre-trip Essentials

Kunming train station - Kunming Things to Do

Getting Around: The best way to get around is with the apps Didi and Baidu , their local Uber/Grab, and navigation map respectively.

Connectivity: Stay connected with an eSIM . Make sure to download VPN apps before leaving Singapore to access Facebook, Whatsapp, Telegram, Instagram, etc.

Transport: Book your high-speed rail between Kunming to Dali and Lijiang to Kunming early as these run out fast. In Yunnan, bus tickets can only be bought from the bus station the bus leaves from and you can look at the bus timing schedule here to plan your itinerary for the day.

Day 1 – 2: Kunming (昆明)

Our first stop in this Yunnan itinerary is Kunming, Yunnan’s capital — known for its pleasant weather and blooming flowers all year round. Kunming was actually the gateway to the famous Silk Road and is still considered today as China’s transportation hub connecting Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la.

Weather in Kunming: Temperatures average 15°C all year round. January is the coldest at 8°C and July’s the hottest at 25°C.

Accommodation in Kunming: There are several comfortable yet affordable stays within the city of Kunming.

Green Lake Park (翠湖公园)

This park is absolutely gorgeous, with always-blooming flowers and clear waters reflecting the magnificent bridges. It’s also the perfect place to absorb the Kunming culture! Every Sunday, locals from all walks of life adorn traditional costumes and gather at the park to dance, sing and have fun.

They even welcome foreigners. But beware, the dance steps are not easy at all (It’s like an eastern hoedown where everyone knows the steps and you are like what is going on).

Opening hours: 7AM – 11PM How to get there: 8min walk from Huashan West Rd stn on Line 5 of Kunming Metro ( Baidu Map )

Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村)

Yunnan Nationalities Village – Yunnan Itinerary

Yunnan is home to 26 different ethnic minorities scattered all around the province, and obviously, the best way to understand a place is to understand its people. It’s almost impossible to visit every single tribe around Yunnan at once unless you’re at the Yunnan Nationalities Village .

Each tribe in this park offered us an insight into their life back in their hometowns — adorned in their traditional garment, performing tunes of their tribe and taking us around the rebuilt replicas of their homes. We were even lucky enough to get invited to have a meal with the people of the Pumi tribe.

The park is huge, so make sure you allocate enough time to see as many tribes as you want (around an hour per tribe). A faster way to get around is by renting a four-wheel bike (100RMB).

*Pro-tip: Check the timetable at the entrance of the Yunnan Village for the performance timings around the compound and alter your itinerary accordingly.

Entrance fee: 90RMB (45RMB for students) Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM How to get there: Take bus line No. 44, 73 or A1 to Yunnan Nationalities Village Station ( Baidu Map )

Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Scenic Region Day Trip (石林)

Epic or what? This 400sq km-wide area of towering limestones (all natural!) was considered the “First Wonder of the World” to the Chinese. I mean, can we question that?

Exploring the Stone Forest itself is like experiencing a giant storybook too. For example, there’s an “Ashima rock” that tells the tale of a beautiful girl who was kidnapped and forced to marry an evil man. Thankfully, her lover saves her, but she eventually gets washed away by a flood and turned into a rock.

40 minutes by bus from the Stone Forest lies the Jiuxiang Caves , the largest cave group system in China with over 100 karst caves. Here you’ll get to explore a bat cave, a lying dragon cave, a grand lion hall and a fairy field, among others.

And of course, my personal favourite — a karaoke system in the middle of the entire trail playing classic 90s English songs and Chinese hits. Why is there a karaoke system in the middle of an ancient cave? I can only say China never ceases to surprise us.

Stone Forest Entrance fee: 130RMB per pax Cost of bus ride: 34RMB (1.5hrs) Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM How to get there: Take Line 3 of the metro to East Coach Station. Then, take a bus to Stone Forest ( Baidu Map ).

Jiuxiang Cave Cost: 90RMB + 30RMB (chairlift). The chairlift is optional but we do recommend it because it saves a lot of time. It transported us to the starting point within 10 minutes instead of having to walk back through the trail which would take an hour. Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM How to get there: Ask the locals to direct you to the right bus ( Baidu Map )

Cross Bridge Rice Noodles at Jianxinyuan (建新园)

Cross Bridge Rice Noodles – Yunnan Itinerary

This Yunnan delicacy can be found all over Kunming, with Jianxinyuan being the most famous chain. The noodles are served separately from the soup so they don’t turn soggy, and the boiling-hot broth has a layer of oil to retain the heat. The ingredients are then mixed on the spot upon serving, allowing everything to cook in the broth.

Cost: ~20RMB Opening hours: 8AM – 10PM Address: No.195 Baoshan Street, Wuhua District, Kunming 650021, China ( Baidu Map )

Read also : 16 Things to Do in Kunming — The Unexplored Gem in China

Day 3 – 4: Dali (大理市)

Getting from Kunming to Dali: Take a high-speed rail from Kunming Railway Station To Dali Station (2.5hrs)

Next in this Yunnan itinerary — Dali! Just 2.5 hours away by train from Kunming, Dali is sandwiched between Erhai Lake and the mountains which means you’ll be greeted with stunning panoramic views everywhere you turn.

Weather in Dali: Temperatures range from 18 – 25°C in (June) and from 4 – 17°C in winter (January).

Accommodation in Dali: We stayed at The Lily Pad Inn which was only a 15-minute walk from Dali Ancient City.

Dali Ancient City (大理古城)

Roaming the streets of Dali Ancient City gave me the perfect snapshot of Dali, from the beautifully decorated streets to its delicious food.

Don’t miss this street with beautifully decorated umbrellas for that Insta-worthy photo!

How to get there: Take bus 3 from Dali Railway Station to Dali Ancient Town, journey is about 1hr ( Baidu Map )

Bad Monkey Bar (坏猴子酒吧)

Dali Ancient City is the only ancient city in this Yunnan itinerary with a lively nightlife. So if you plan on partying it up, this is your stop! When you’re done exploring, chug some local craft beer at Bad Monkey Bar . There’s India pale ale, stout, wheat and amber ale to choose from 40RMB each.

Bad Monkey Bar's Band – Yunnan Itinerary

We have to give a special mention to the live music because it really added to the ambience — and the band was singing English songs too.

Opening hours: 9AM – 3AM Address: 73-75 Renmin Road, Dali Old Town, Dali, Yunnan 671003 ( Baidu Map )

Three Pagodas (崇圣寺三塔)

Built 1,800 years ago, the majestic Three Pagodas play an important role in China’s history as it’s a symbol of the development of Buddhism in China. But wait, there’s more!

Behind the Three Pagodas is the Chongsheng Temple that was built in the 10th Century, and is one of the largest Buddhist centres in China. It comprises eight terraces, nine sections and 11 levels across 4km leading to the Cangshan Mountain .

Entrance fee: 75RMB (37RMB for students) Opening hours: 7AM – 6:30PM How to get there: Take the Three Pagodas Line in downtown Dali from Dali Railway Station or Xiaguan to the Three Pagodas Scenic Area in Chongsheng ( Baidu Map )

Erhai Lake (洱海)

Erhai is one of the seven biggest freshwater lakes in China. The ‘Er’ actually means ‘ear’ which is also the shape of the sea! It is essential to the daily life of the locals because it is an ideal spot for them to fish. With the backdrop of the vast scenic lake and the opportunity to learn about the life of a local, this serves as the best place to have a relaxing afternoon picnic.

How to get there: From the South Gate of the Ancient Town, take bus C2 and alight at Caicun Dock. Then, walk for 10 minutes to the lake. ( Baidu Map )

Yunnan Wild Mushroom Rice Noodles (云南野生菌米线)

Wild Mushroom Rice Noodle – Yunnan Itinerary

Yunnan is home to hundreds of different edible mushrooms so eating here is a quintessential Yunnan experience. I really recommend you make time in your itinerary to hit this spot as it was the best meal I had in Yunnan!

The rice noodles came with supremely delicious and fresh mushrooms (morels, porcini, matsutake). We left the restaurant caressing our happy stomachs, satisfied with the recommendation from our hostel host.

Cost: 32RMB per bowl Opening hours: 11AM – 10.30PM How to get there: The restaurant is in Dali Ancient Town. Facing Bad Monkey Bar , turn left. The restaurant is about 10 minutes away down the same street on the left, beside a bubble tea store.

Day 5 – 9: Lijiang (丽江)

Getting from Dali to Lijiang: Take the 2.5hrs high-speed rail from Dali Station To Lijiang Station.

You don’t need to travel to Europe to get sights like these. Arguably the main highlight in Yunnan, Lijiang is a must-have in your itinerary if you’re looking for amazing nature views and hikes, from gorges to snow mountains!

Weather in Lijiang: Wear layered clothing as the temperature throughout the day fluctuates drastically. Temperatures peak at 20°C from June to September, down to 0°C in from December to February.

Accommodation in Lijiang: October Inn Hostel was located 10 minutes away from Lijiang Ancient City.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山)

Photo credit: Freepik

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain consists of 13 snow-capped peaks and several glaciers, and till date, no one has reached the summit! Anyone who tried either died or was forced to give up. But don’t worry, the boardwalk goes to a height of 4,680m and is very safe.

But before that, to fully enjoy the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and its surrounding attractions, we recommend getting the package ticket that also includes entrance to the Blue Moon Valley and Impression Lijiang Show (directed by Zhang Yimou!).

There are several layers to this experience:

(1) Explore the Surroundings: Head over to the Blue Moon Valley first, which is an enormous lake at the foot of the mountain. Stroll along the lake for views of waterfalls and wild yaks.

(2) Take the cable car up the mountain: There are three different cable cars that go up to various heights. The highest one goes to the Glacier Park at 4,506m high. From the station, there’s a 100m boardwalk, which is the highest a tourist can go! We recommend booking the 11AM cable car for the best views (the morning fog clears up then).

You’ll want to get your tickets early. Either book through a tour or get a local (like hostel staff) to book for you via WeChat or AliPay. Only 10,000 tickets are released daily at 7AM and they’re snagged fast (This only applies to the Big Cable Car).

If you happen to miss the tickets for Big Cable Car, you can still admire the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at the foot or mid-levels. You just have to purchase entrance tickets (100RMB) and tickets for the smaller chairlifts (60RMB to the Yak Meadow, 55RMB to the Spruce Meadow) separately on the day of your visit itself.

*Pro-tip: Don’t forget to layer up. If you didn’t bring enough clothes, you can rent a jacket from the base for 50RMB. Also, get your oxygen cans from Lijiang City as it’s much cheaper than on the snow mountain. It’s easy to get altitude sickness here, so walk slowly, and carry an oxygen can for good measure — one tank to two people should suffice.

(3) Catch the Impression Lijiang Show: Located at the base of the attraction, the Impression Lijiang Show is an outdoor singing and dancing performance demonstrating the tradition and lifestyle of the local ethnic people. With 500 people in the cast and the spectacular Jade Snow Mountain as the backdrop, this performance truly encapsulated the beauty of Yunnan!

Showtimes: 12:40PM, 2:50PM Cost: 420RMB (incl. chairlift, Blue Moon Valley and Impression Lijiang show) Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM How to get there: Hail a private car along the Mao Ze Dong Hong Tai Yang Square (红太阳广场) that takes you directly there (400RMB). Alternatively, take the no. 7 minivan leaving from the Red Sun Square , right opposite the statue of Mao Zedong (30RMB).

Old Town of Lijiang (丽江古城)

The Old Town of Lijiang is known for its organised bridges and orderly system of waterways throughout the town. This design was actually due to the fact that this town was once a confluence for trade along The Tea Horse Caravan Trail.

Yak butter milk ice cream is a must-try when in Yunnan.

We had spent many nights in Lijiang, so we became rather familiar with the streets. We even stumbled upon this lookout point that eventually became our hangout spot to watch the sunset. At the foot of Da Yan Hua Lane (大研花巷), there are stairs that will lead up to this lookout point. Ask the locals for help locating this lane!

Opening hours: Most shops close by 10PM How to get there: The Old Town of Lijiang is serviced by several public buses in Lijiang, but we took Didi as it’s cheaper and more efficient. ( Baidu Map )

Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭)

The Black Dragon Pool is a refreshing change of pace from the city. Stroll around the compound with a view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at the back, and explore the Buddhist temple on site.

Entrance Fee: 50RMB Opening Hours: 7AM – 9:30PM How to get there: Take bus 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 20, or 28 to Heilongtan (Jade Spring Park), or walk 15mins from Old Town of Lijiang ( Baidu Map )

2D1N Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike (虎跳峡)

I had always fantasised about the Swiss Alps , but its lesser-known sibling hides in the depths of Yunnan. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world, it measures 16km long and is 3900m deep from the Jinsha River to the Haba Mountain.

Conquering the infamous 28 bends over its hiking path is no easy task, but is definitely very doable. For someone who is of average fitness, this would serve as a medium-intensity hike. No pain no gain, and the views of the beautiful Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain were definitely a very worthy gain! But do make sure to prep sufficiently for the hike, with snacks and loads of water.

We started our hike a little ahead of Qiaotou. 3 hours in, we stopped for lunch at Mama Naxi Guesthouse (~25RMB/pax), a common stop for Tiger Leaping Gorge hikers serving simple home-cooked Chinese food like eggs and tomatoes, and even butter milk tea using yak milk.

We took another four hours after lunch to complete the 28 bends and the rest of the hike before we reached our accommodation for the night at Tea Horse Guest House . Sleep early because you’ll want to catch the sunrise at 6AM (otherwise, sleeping in till 9AM is fine too)!

The second-day hike was way easier because it was not crowded, and we spent the entire time hiking at the cliff’s edge. We finished the hike in 5 to 6 hours and stopped by Tina’s Guest House for food along the way down. From here, the only bus back to Lijiang departs at 3:30PM daily so don’t miss it. Depending on your Yunnan itinerary, there’s also a bus towards Shangri-la that departs from Tina’s Guest House at 3:30PM.

Entrance fee: 45RMB (22.5RMB for students under 24) Opening hours: 24hrs How to get there: We got our host at October Inn Hostel to arrange a bus to pick us up at 7AM and drop us at Qiaotou Bridge, which took 1.5hrs. Your trail will start slightly beyond that point (ask the locals for directions).

Naxi Snacks Store

This unassuming store in Lijiang Old Town can be easily missed if you’re not discerning, but it serves up really good food like blood sausage (22RMB) and chickpea noodles (6RMB).

Blood sausage served with fried vegetables drizzled with homemade chili powder .

The main ingredient in blood sausage is pig’s blood which made me a little squeamish. But it was actually very crispy and tasty. It tastes more like a stuffed potato chip. The chickpea noodles are served cold with chili oil, parsley, peanuts, and beansprout in the bowl which all mix together perfectly.

Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM Address: 88 Wuyi Street, Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China, 674100 ( Baidu Map )

Day 10 – 12: Shangri-la (香格里拉)

Getting from Lijiang to Shangri-la: Take a 3.5-hour bus from Lijiang Bus Station (62RMB).

The streets of Shangri-la enchanted us with an antiquated mystique, from unique Tibetan-styled streets to grand monasteries.

Weather in Shangri-la: It’s the coldest place in this Yunnan itinerary. Temperatures average 19°C from June to August, and -2°C from December to February.

Accommodation in Shangri-la: Shangajoy Seasons Inn is located a walking distance away from the Dukezong. They had helpful staff that booked us tours and showed us around!

Balagezong Scenic Area (巴拉格宗风景区)

Balagezong was truly breathtaking with its towering mountains, unimaginably fresh air and waters so blue I was sure the saturation was tampered with (it’s not, lah). We explored a magnificent Buddhist temple, a glass walkway perched on the mountains, had a delicious Tibetan lunch and a scenic 2.5km walk through the Balagezong Grand Canyon .

The glass walkway stop was my favourite part of the day trip! Not being the best with heights, having to walk a pathway that allowed me to see 3,000m down to my death was not very comforting. But the views down were so stunning that a little heart palpitation was a worthy cost to bear.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, this stop also offers a zip-lining activity through the canyon (120RMB).

Cost: 290RMB for tour incl. round trip transport, transport within the scenic area and entrance fees (ask hostel staff to help book a tour). Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM How to get there: Shuttle buses depart daily around 9AM from Shangri-La’s Dukezong Ancient Town, and leave Balagezong from 4PM – 5PM. ( Baidu Map )

Songzanlin Lamasery (松赞林寺)

Songzanlin is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, covering 30 hectares. The 5th Dalai Lama chose this site in 1679, and it has since grown into the most important monastery in the community of Yunnan.

At the entrance, you can board a bus that takes you directly to the monastery, or you can alternatively walk 30 minutes to the monastery around the lake. We recommend walking if you can because the serene stroll through the park allows immaculate views of the Lamasery.

Entrance fee: 115RMB (62RMB for students under 24) Opening hours: 6AM – 6PM Address: Niwang Rd, Shangri-La, Deqen, Yunnan, China ( Baidu Map )

Napahai Lake (纳帕海)

The Napahai Natural Lake Reserve alone is 90% of Singapore’s size at 660km sq wide. The best way to explore the entire lake is to rent a car and drive along the entire coastline. Trust me, the views are worth it!

*Pro-tip: Napahai Lake and Songzalin Lamasery are nearby so we recommend hiring a private car and visiting both in one day.

How to get there: 214 West Side of West Inner Ring Road, Shangri-La, China ( Baidu Map )

Dukezong (獨克宗)

Dukezong is a Tibetan town located in the heart of Shangri-la. Unlike the other ancient towns, the Tibetan culture colours each narrow street with gilded prayer halls, pagodas and Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags.

The Prayer Wheel is one of the main attractions of the Ancient Town. Spin the prayer wheel three times and good luck and fortune will fall upon you. It’s the tallest of its kind in the world at 21m high, making it virtually impossible for one person to spin it alone. Rally up your pals to spin it together!

Opening Hours: Most shops close by 10:30PM How to get there: Dukezong is within walking distance from Shangri-La Town ( Baidu Map )

Tibetan Hotpot (藏式火锅)

After a whole day of exploring around Shangri-La, we treated ourselves to a hearty Tibetan hotpot at a restaurant in Dukezong Ancient Town.

The hot pot was really shiok especially in the cold Shangri-la weather. There was an array of fresh vegetables and meat to choose from — from bean sprouts to Chinese kale, and black goat meat to yak beef balls, we were really spoilt for choice.

Eventually, we settled on the black goat meat since it’s the local Shangri-la delicacy. And boy oh boy, was it a good choice! The meat cooked really quickly and it just melted in our mouths. We ordered the spicy miso and mushroom soup which complimented all the ingredients really well.

Heading back to Kunming

Since our return flight back to Singapore was from Kunming, we took a 13-hour sleeper bus (223RMB) from Shangri-la back to Kunming . Bus tickets can only be purchased at the ticketing counter of the bus station.

Alternatively, you can take the bus to Lijiang (62RMB), then take the high-speed rail (~S$42) from Lijiang to Kunming in under 6.5 hours.

China’s Best-Kept Secret

Before coming on this trip, I knew next to nothing about Yunnan, let alone that it is home to so many beautiful attractions and scenic landscapes!

But after 12 days of hiking magnificent gorges, scaling snow-capped mountains and exploring ancient towns, Yunnan definitely made my list of the top three countries I have travelled to, with Slovenia and Spain sharing the title.

It now feels like I am in on this not-so-little secret that the entire of Yunnan was hiding away from the rest of the world. You can thank us later for this Yunnan itinerary. But for now, get ready for your next adventure!

Read also: 9 Reasons Why Yunnan Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List

Checking out other parts of China? Here are some more ideas: – 2-Week China Itinerary — Rail Adventure Across Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou – 12D Central China Itinerary to Ancient Gems & Undiscovered Sights — Things to do in Wuhan, Changsha & Zhangjiajie – Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to China: 14 Exciting Things To Do In Beijing – 25 Exciting Things to Do in Shanghai — First Timer’s Guide From Must-Dos to Hidden Gems – 5D4N Suzhou and Hangzhou Itinerary — Beauty of Tiger Hill, West Lake and More – 19 Reasons to Visit China’s Most Underrated Cities — Wuhan, Changsha & Zhangjiajie – 11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Hainan Island For Your Next Resort Holiday

We hope this Yunnan itinerary was useful in planning your next adventure. If we missed out anything in our Yunnan itinerary, do let us know in the comments.

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30 comments.

I agree! Yunnan is amazing! And those places are the most touristy part of Yunnan, there’s more but it’s better to rent a car and explore yourself. Thanks for this article, i founded it very useful! I stayed in NAXIs guesthouse too, love the food! Oh and Kunming’s weather the hottest month gets about 25 not 18…

Thanks Karla for your comments, article’s been corrected 🙂 Yes we’ll want to try self-driving too the next time we visit Yunnan:)

Hello, did you self drive in China? Understood that international license is not accepted and a china temporary driving license is required when you arrive in China. Would love to know the procedure to obtain the china driving license. Thanks!

Hi there! No, we did not self-drive in China. The transport system and ride-hailing are quite convenient and reliable, and we could get around with ease.

Amazing itinerary, thanks for sharing with us

Hello, the high speed rail URL is not working for me. How else do we check and book for the trains? Any changes since this article was written? Thanks

Hi Hendri, thanks for pointing out! We’re also in the midst of updating all our China content. You can get the high speed rail tickets from this website too: https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html Hope this helps 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing the information, everything is very detailed, you did a thorough job just like locals.

Thank you for sharing this itinerary. Am planning a DIY trip but bringing my parents in their sixties. Reasonably fit to walk but I ll skip the hike and Shangri la. Any tips to take note with elderly in mind ? My plan is to fly in Kunming 3d2N ,train to Dali stay in Erhai 5d4n then train to Lijiang 6d5n before training back to Kunming onward back Sg. When based in Dali & Lijiang , am planning to do day tours etc. Any advise will be much appreciated.

Hi Angel, sorry I must have missed out on your question! Kunming, Dali, Lijiang are all pretty elderly-friendly. If you’ve not yet bought tickets to attractions, do check at the counters if they have discounted tickets for older folks! Some major attractions have tickets at half-price for students and adults above 60. If you and your parents speak Mandarin, you’ll have no problems at all getting around. Have a fantastic trip! 🙂

Thanks so much for this detailed write up and the super pics. It really helped me plan my own solo trip to Yunnan.

Hi, can share are toilets easily Available n how’s the cleanliness of toilets in the places mentioned in this itinerary? Thanks

Hi thanks for this question! There are public toilets that are well-maintained at most tourist attractions such as Yunnan Nationalities Village, Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Scenic Region, Three Pagodas, etc. However, do not expect them to be very clean. At more rural areas such as the Ancient Towns, Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike, and Shangri-La, public restrooms are as basic as door-less cubicles with a drain. And always always bring along your own tissues. Hope this helps 🙂

Hi Edelyn! I just booked airticket to Kunming! Any other important travel or hotel or train or food tips, beside what was written above? Btw how come u never consider internal flight instead of train for your trip? Thanks much!

Hi Bean, hope the article was useful in your trip planning! To answer your question of why not internal flights — We had budget considerations, and also wanted to experience an overnight bus for the first time, so that was what we chose 🙂

Hi Edelyn, pls share with me how u guys booked the Balagezong Scenic Area (巴拉格宗风景区 tour? I am unable to find a day trip tour that can take in foreigners such as the qunar website. Also is it easy to get high altitude sickness? I have a 12yo. Thanks a lot!

Hi Bean, we booked the Balagezong Scenic Area (巴拉格宗风景区) tour through the hostel we stayed at in Shangri-la. Almost every hotel/inn/hostel in Shangri-la can arrange tours for guests, you’ll just have to ask them!

Hi! I am planning for a trip coming March 2024 to Yunnan. Can I check for those attractions that are not as accessible from the towns, did you all book for the private charter in Singapore or did you all only book the private charters via the Hostels/Hotels when you are there? I am unable to find reasonably priced charters online, most cost $100 to $200/PAX for a day charter online…Saw that your Bagalezong tour was only 290RMB which is much more economical.

Hi Jan! We did most of our bookings when we’re in China, either with the help of the hostel/hotel staff or via DiDi (their car hailing app). Our Balagezong tour was booked via our inn, and I recommend you to do that too! Hope this helps 🙂

Hello, your itinerary and explanation is really helpful. May i ask, if i cant speak and read mandarin, do you think this itinerary is doable? Thank you

Hi Monica, thanks for the question. Honestly, it’ll be tough for visitors who don’t read Mandarin Chinese at all, especially at places away from the city. You can probably overcome the language barrier by using translation apps, or asking the friendly locals you meet – younger Chinese are able to converse in simple English. And with adequate pre-trip planning and preparation, I’m sure you’ll be able to enjoy Yunnan as much as we did! 🙂

Thanks for sharing your itinerary, we are planning a trip in June and this will be helpful. If you don’t mind sharing, how much did this trip cost you? I am not sure how much to budget. I will be traveling with my husband and 9 yo son.

Hi Teresa! TBH we can’t quite remember but it should be about S$2.5k excl. flights. However our trip was back in 2019, so costs of things would have changed a bit, so do take note! 🙂

Hi, do you think October is a good month to visit yunnan? Wondering if there’s alternative for non-hikers to not hike as much haha, jade snow dragon mountain board walk sounds manageable. But Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike, is it ok to skip this?

Hi! October is a great time to visit Yunnan, in fact, we did our trip in late October too! The weather is cooling with nice sunlight so photos will still look great! It gets cold in the night, so do bring along a good jacket/wind breaker.

If you’re a non-hiker, you can skip Tiger Leaping Gorge for sure. Lijiang is a very beautiful town with plenty to see and explore — Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town, Black Dragon Pool Park, etc. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can take a full day too if you’re catching the Impression Lijiang show.

Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi may I ask for the 2D1N Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike, do you need to hire a local tour guide along? Would you lost your way easily if you hike alone?

Hi there! Paths are clear so as long as you don’t stray from the paths, it shouldn’t be a problem 🙂

Hi, which month would you recommend to enjoy the best parts of autumn in Yunnan?

Hey Amos! It’s typically Oct to Nov, but as with all seasons, it varies form year to year so it’s best to check ahead of time 🙂

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Panoramic View of Guilin Li River on top of Xingping Laozhai Mountain

Picture yourself hiking along the wild Great Wall, trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge, or walking amid picturesque Yangshuo countryside, etc. We provide a variety of Hiking, Trekking, Walking and Camping tours in China.

16-day China Walking Adventure Tour

Great Wall of China Tours

The Great Wall of China is a must-visit destination for most first China tours. Our Great Wall of China tours offer customizable options for exploring different sections of the Great Wall of China.

16-day China Great Wall Panorama Tour

China Train Tours

There is no better way to experience China's transformation than to take a high-speed train travel in China, which is more punctual, money saving, and eco-friendly with spacious seating. Or enjoy a scenic train tour to Tibet with awe-inspiring landscape.

14-day China History Tour on Train

China Ethnic Tours

We offer authentic and fulfilling travel experiences to the enigmatical remote mountainous areas of China, to discover diverse and unique ethnic cultures, primitive villages, wild landscape, mysterious traditional way of life, and much more.

15-day Yunnan and Guizhou Getaway Tour

China Vegetarian Tours

Easy Tour China has been operating vegetarian tours in China for 20+ years. Please rest assure that our experienced China travel consultant will arrange truly vegetarian meals for you to ensure a smooth and sound China vacation.

13-day China Discovery for Vegetarians

China Tours from Beijing

Beijing is an inspiring city with a wealth of historical wonders and cultural sites, and a good start of your China holidays. You can take the domestic flights, trains and buses from Beijing to other China destinations like Xi’an, Shanghai, Hong Kong, etc.

11-day China Golden Triangle with Yangtze Cruise

China Tours from Shanghai

Shanghai is the first city in China that "the West meets East". Never miss its stunning modern landmarks and old quaint corners. Connected with the world by international flights, Shanghai is a perfect destination to start your China trips, with easy access to other cities in China.

16-day China Discovery Tour

China Tours from Chengdu

Baby Panda at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda

Chengdu, the hometown of cuddlesome giant pandas, is a major transportation hub in Southwest China, and also the main gateway to Tibet. Its convenient 72-hour visa-free transit policy also benefits citizens from over 40 countries globally.

15-day Sichuan+Yangtze Combo

China Tours from Hongkong

China Tours from Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most dynamic cities with amazing mixed cultures, and an important hub in East Asia. Start your China tour from Hong Kong, you can transfer to Macau, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing easily.

10-day Essence of China

China Tours for Family from Australia to Guilin Tea Plantation

China Tours from Australia

China Tours for Family from Australia to Guilin

Travel to China from Australia with family, kids, partner or friends, and view the Great Wall, visit Forbidden City inside out, see the over 2000-year-old Terracotta Warriors still guard Xian City, or go further afield and explore Yangshuo countryside, Suzhou gardens…

China Tours for Canadian Traveler to Xi'an

China Tours from Canada

On an Easy Tour China private tour for Canadian travelers, uncover the many sides of this enduring destination, from its history, culture, nature and traditions, and enjoy the real local life experience and fascinating people encounters.

13-day Private Guided China & Tibet Tour

China Tours from UK

We offer our British guests a wide selection of escorted China tours to Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Zhangjiajie and other popular or out-of-the-way destinations, for immersive cultural activities, culinary adventures, and unique insider experiences.

11-day Real China Discovery from Ancient Fantasy to Modern Tale

China Tours for Family from USA to Great Wall

China Tours from USA

Our private China tours from USA promise best travel experience, culinary delights, and encounters that provide real insight into every place. If luxury is your style, we’ll make your vacation in China make no comprise on comfort wherever you visit.

11-day Best of China Luxury Discovery

Most Popular Destinations for China Tours

From imposing palaces and timeless temples to futuristic city skylines and rapid bullet trains, plus all types of landscape from snow mountains, glaciers, rolling hills, deserts, valleys, rivers…, China is a land of incredible contrast. The most popular tourist destinations in China are Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan and Hong Kong, which have everything for everyone and are considered the best places for the first-time China trip. You can contact us right now to customize your own China tour with the destinations that interest you.

Essential info and More Trip Ideas for China Tours

Looking for essential information for China tours planning and more trip ideas to explore the many layers of the diversity of China? Feel free to use our expertise knowledge on China travel guide about when to visit, top things to do, China visa, China travel tips, etc., and get inspired by our city packages, short holidays, China Asia tours and China tour ideas by month.

● China Visa
● Best Time to Visit China
● What to Pack
● Top China attractions
>>more travel guide in China

● Cheap China Tours
● China Short Breaks
● China Weekend Getaways
● China Group Tours
● China Bus Tours

● China Vietnam Tours
● China Cambodia Tours
● China Japan Tours
● China Thailand Tours
>>more Asia tours

● In September
● In December
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FAQs on China Tours

I'm a first-timer to China

Plan your first trip to China can be confusing and daunting. Fortunately, our China guide collects much information and advice on travelling in China, and offers a general impression on China's history, hotels, foods, climate and so forth. Also see " Travel Tips for First-time Visitors to China " for more useful tips. Furthermore, your travel consultant from Easy Tour China will work closely with you, craft and update the itinerary of your China trip, until it is perfect for you. For those taking the first China holiday, we recommend you 8-11 days to see the classical wonders of China. The tour should at least include Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, with the must-see sights such as the Great Wall, Terra-cotta Amy Museum. Our Golden Triangle Tour is an awesome choice for first-timers to China. If you have more days, allow yourself a trip to Guilin and Yangshuo for the breathtaking landscape or a Yangtze River cruise trip.

Most of the international travelers to China choose to enter mainland China from Hong Kong or start the China tours in Beijing or Shanghai. With the number of international flights to different China cities increasing each year, now you don't have to be restricted to those main hubs. Instead your China holiday with us can start from any city. You may fly directly to Chengdu for a panda tour, or Kunming for a Yunnan discovery tour.

Generally speaking, late April till early June and September till early November with pleasant weather are considered the best times for you to travel in China. For each specific destination, the "best time"may be different. We'll recommend you the best places for your month of visit. However, during the off-peak season, the hotel rates and travel cost are lower during the period.

For some popular destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and Guilin, we offer city day tour for you to explore the major sights of China. This is a cheap way to visit China, but the group tours lack flexibility, privacy and are relatively low-value. We advise you to take a customized China tour for a unique, authentic travel experience in China.

Even for experienced travelers, it may take a lot of time, energy and some ricks to arrange China trip on their own. For those traveling alone in China with a limited budget, we recommend our china highlight tour for solo travelers, which is made up of join-in bus tours in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. It is the cheapest and easiest way for your first trip to China. Besides you'll have much fun by exploring China with like-minded people.

I'm on my second (or third) trip to China

You must be in search of something new and looking for an in-depth China tour. Then we suggest you focus on one or two provinces to explore the regional culture and landscape. Or Focus on something that interests you - plan on a themed tour. For example a music tour to discover and experience the local traditional musical form in each area of China. Travel experts of Easy Tour China always desire to show you the different sides of China, its modernity and classics, wild outdoor and secret villages, the authentic local life style -- Therefore you can discover the real China.

The following is a set of sample ideas on second or third China tours, but you are not restricted to them.

Chengdu & Sichuan: The Panda Research Center with panda volunteer program, hidden villages and breathtaking landscape.

Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Shanghai for the ancient wonders and modern changes of China.

Tibet: mystery & pure land on earth. Chengdu is a popular and convenient gateway to the Tibetan plateau.

Southwest China including Guilin, Yunnan & Guizhou: picturesque rivers, terraced fields, Karst mountains, snow mountains, and diverse minority cultures.

Zhangjiajie: UNESCO named Zhangjiajie a World Heritage Site in 1992. Its stunning landscape of quartz and sandstone geomorphologic structure is rare on the planet.

The Silk Road: Today, travelers on China tours still come to this legendary old trading route in search of ancient landmarks, lost cities, mysterious ruins and landscape of desert.

Sure. Our Multi-country Asia Tours connect China with other popular Asia destinations, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Thailand, Korea, Japan, etc. All of the tours can be customized, thus please feel free to give your ideas and suggestions to your travel consultant.

Dinner arranged by own.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery is the largest Starbucks in the world. The Roastery features in-house roasting.

Huaihai Road. With numerous modern buildings and fashionable branded merchandise, it is acknowledged as the most beautiful and romantic shopping street all over Shanghai.

Tianzi Fang is a tourist shopping and cafe area in Shanghai in the Old French Quarter. There are crafts shops, and less-expensive bars, and cafes.

Wukang Road.

Dinner arranged by own

If customers choose to visit Disneyland, the Shanghai city tour will be forfeited. Customers can make own arrangement or participate optional tour.

Optional tour- Shanghai Disneyland (min 6pax to go): entrance ticket + 2 -way transfer

Weekday: RMB600/pax; Weekend RMB900/pax; prices are subject to confirm during major holidays’ period.

Free at own leisure.Transfer to airport for flight back to Singapore. We hope you have enjoyed your vacation with CTC Travel.

Excellent ( Based on 24 reviews )

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in China

Find the right fully guided tour for you in China. There are 292 trips to choose from, that range from 2 days in length, up to 35 days. The month with the most departures is October, making it the most popular time to visit China.

250+ Fully Guided tour packages in China with 381 reviews

In-depth Cultural
Christmas & New Year

China Express

A fast paced tour for sure. A great way to experience Chinese people, culture, history and many awesome attractions. On the negative side - a bit too much walking with luggage, on/off public transport for me. Overall experience was still amazing and I would highly recommend.

$8-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi\'an and Shanghai Tour$

8-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

I love the tour very much, but in Xi’an we losed my husband, my sister and my cousin for 2 hours, finally the Tour Lady found them..., for me the Tour Guide must stop to check all of the tourists all the time. In Shanghai, it was raining all day, they canceled the boat ride which is very bad for us.. We spent lots of money to see nothing. All else, Everything is excellent. Thanks

10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

$11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi\'an, Guilin and Shanghai Tour$

11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai

This tour is the greatest China esperience! All guides go above and beyond to immerse you in the ancient China history, local culture, natural wonders. Absolutely professional and courteous service, best accomodations, balanced time and activities for perfect vacation. Special thanks to TravelChinaGuide agent Emily - helping all the way in planning the tour. Highly recommended tour and TravelChinaGuide team, especially for the first-time visitors to China.

11 Days China Natural Wonders Small Group

Would recommend to anyone looking to travel to China. TCT looked after us very well, collected from airports and stations without issues, helped us check in etc. The guides were excellent, and very helpful. The itinerary was well put together, fitted a lot in without being exhausting. Just a couple of hotels could have been better, would recommend to the company to use a different hotel in Beijing and Zgangjijie.

China Delights Small Group Tour

This is a great tour that packs a lot in. Time flies as you see so much although you won't spend long at many of the sites. My favourite bits of the itinerary were: - The Great Wall at Mutianyu (Beijing) we took the chair lift option which meant we could ride the toboggan back down. - Terracotta Warriors (Xian) half day - Li River Cruise (Guilin) - Huangpu River Cruise (Shanghai) which luckily turned into an evening cruise as we couldn't get on the earlier one. Those are the highlights but there are so many other things such as the Tang Dynasty Dancing and Dumpling Dinner and Summer Palace in Beijng and Reed Flute Caves in Guilin. In particular Guilin so picturesque and Shanghai so modern. We were lucky with our first two guides, Tina (Beijing) and Celine (Xian) who were both excellent. Autumn in Guilin and Mindy in Shanghai were good too. Autumn stayed with us to help us find and order food in the evenings so a couple of long shifts for her. Celine helped arrange a birthday cake for one of our younger travellers. Included meals were excellent. Full banquets usually in local restaurants but we really enjoyed the home cooked lunch as well. Food was plentyful. We even enjoyed the set meal box on the cruise. Hotels were generally of a good standard. Check-in at The Great Wall Hotel in Beijing was really slow though and trying to find a table for breakfast was difficult and located a fair distance away from where the restaurants are (need to get the subway to reach them) The hotel in Guilin was the worst one, the rooms being some distance away from the lift and lobby and small bathrooms. The hotel in Shanghai was excellent. It was nice touch that we got framed photo souvenirs of our trip from Beijing although I think both myself and my sister should have received one each as we paid for single supplements. Some feedback I'd give would be that they need to let us know about the optional night tours that are available on the website/ itinerary before we come out so that we can budget properly. There was a night visit for the Big Goose Pagoda in Xian with the musical fountain light show which we would have liked to have gone to didn't go to due to the weather. We found that the night cruise in Guilin was expensive as the premium we paid for the guide to buy the tickets and come onboard with us was excessive. We could have just walked to the ticket office and bought the tickets ourselves. The night tour of Shanghai was just as expensive but at least that included a coach to drive us around as well as the guide. Having said that, we could have used the subway and got around ourselves and because it started so late, we didn't see much. It is worth going up Jin Mao Tower. Overall, we had a great time on this trip and would recommend Travel China Guide.

Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Train & Rail
Sightseeing

China Highlights (5 destinations)

The Essence of Guilin

The trip was well planned, managed and the pace whilst punchy meant we got to see all the key areas of Guilin, China and immerse ourselves in the culture. I would highly recommend using Truly China Travel

Great Wall & Warriors - 10 days

An enjoyable journey to the most iconic sights of China.

China Express - 8 days

This is a well planned and well-run trip. On The Go's partner in China has all the details planned out well in advance and their guides are prepared and very knowledgeable. On arrival to the airport, I was met by my guide in the airport who gave us a brief welcome and introduction to China, he also provided us with timing and familiarisation document so we knew what to expect from the next 6 days. We then took our complimentary transfer to the hotel. The hotel we were in was by the Olympic park so there was plenty to see and do after we arrived. Day 2, we met early and headed out. Our guide Leo was Chinese but his English was fantastic and very easy to understand. He kept us in the loop about what to expect, our timings and even gave the toilets star ratings - essentially helping us out on which ones had 'western' style toilets and which were squat loos. This was of invaluable help to many of the ladies on the tour- its a small touch but made travelling easier! He also taught us some very basic Chinese as most people do not speak English. Only small things like hello, how are you and thank you. But again, they help you navigate the country a little easier and its always polite to know how to say Thank You in the local language. Our guide also helped us with what to order when we arrived at restaurants so that we got to sample the best of the local area (each area in China is famous for a different dish). If you are not a fan of Rice and Noodles there are very little options for alternatives so if you have a specific dietary requirement remember to let them know in advance and possibly bring some snacks with you too. There is a lot to see and do in Beijing and whilst the Beijing days are very busy, you get a lot out of them, you get to see the most famous sites, sample local food, have a hilariously funny and enjoyable rickshaw ride (possibly my tour highlight!). We opted to not do the Pearl market (which is not full of pearls but rather a local clothing & goods market) and instead headed across the road was a really nice park and temple. Our guide showed us how to get the entrance and recommended the visit and he was absolutely right. If your a fan of a bargain the Pearl Market is amazing - but after a busy couple of days we rather enjoyed the slower pace of temple life. We visited two sections of the wall and the guides local knowledge proved invaluable here again. He advised us on the first section we visited, which way was the quieter way to go so you could enjoy the wall without masses of crowds, and again the next day ensured we were up and out early to get to the wall for opening time so we could enjoy almost private access to the wall. After about 2 hours the place was rammed with people, and we were all very happy with the early start to get the most out of the wall. The overnight train - whilst not being the most comfortable, was clean, we wree provided with linen and slippers and there are facilities with western toilets. There is also a hot water machine which our guide used to make us all a cup of Jasmine tea in the morning. On arrival into Xi'an we went for early check-in at our hotel so we could all freshen up, then went out to visit the wonderful city of Xi'an. Across from the hotel is a great tea market that I highly recommend. As its local nobody hassles you and if you need help, the locals are super friendly and will do their best to help you. The ride around the city walls was good fun, but there is also a walking option for those who are not bike confident. When we departed our trip some of the group were headed to Chengdu, some to Shanghai on longer versions of this trip. We were catching a flight so the tour company arranged another guide to collect us and take us to the airport. She then helped us check in and navigate security, acting as a translator for us. This was a service above and beyond what I was expecting as I had expected only to be picked up by a taxi and dropped off. This personalised service was fantastic and made the whole process easier. Normally I am a solo traveller, and I've been all over the world, but i couldn't recommend this tour enough. We got so much out of only a few days and we did so much more by being part of a group- from Tea experiences to skipping long queues it was worth every penny. Additionally, many tourists sites have minimal signage in English so having a guide with you means you get an explanation of what you are looking at, the context and the history which made the experience much more enriching.

We were so fortunate to have Qin as our guide on this tour. She took us to so many places, that we would likely not have found on our own. I was particularly impressed by the fact she was able to order us the local delicacies of every place we visited - I have never eaten so much delicious food. Qin's hometown of Yangshuo was the highlight for me, as not only was it absolutely beautiful, but her personal connections with the city and it's people, made it an extra special experience. As a group, we concluded that the bike ride Qin took us on along the river, should be included in the cost, rather than as an additional activity, as it was truly one of the most breathtaking rides we'd ever been on. Qin was very accomodating, even organising a private bus on our day trip to the Terracotta Warriors, to ensure we would have the best experience by maximising our time there. Plus if we ever had any free time, she always had suggestions or recommendations of things we could do (in addition to what was listed). It is worth pointing out that the trip does include extensive travelling, both at night and during the day, and it would be worth including the approximate travel times for each trip for the purposes of transparency. While the trip says 12 days, the first and the last are not counted, and it would be fair to say we lost an additional two days with travelling. Given the amount of ground we covered, this is to be expected, but the details of this travel could be included more clearly in the trip summary (prior to attending the trip). Although it is covered in the notes received once you have booked the trip, it is certainly worth making note (perhaps like the fitness rating) that the trip, given China's air quality, may provided difficult for certain people, such as asthmatics, including myself. While I had medication with me which I was taking regularly, I still found the air pollution caused significant challenges and it was something I could not quite comprehend until having to breathe through it. Overall, a great trip, and one that I am glad I got to experience with the absolutely wonderful Qin as my guide.

Best of China Small Group Tour

Great Wall to Great Cities: Beijing to Shanghai China Journey

I took their Beijing tour back a few years ago and loved it!! I still can't believe I saw so much of China in just 3 weeks! The hostels were actually really nice, and the experiences were incredible. Guides were all super friendly and had fun recommendations. When meals weren't provided, we'd get a group dinner together which was super fun. At times I was the most exhausted I've ever been, but the guides were super motivated and kept the energy up. I know people who have gone on more expensive tours of China and didn't get to do the cool stuff we did like camping on the great wall of china or training with shaolin warriors.

5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Hong Kong to Chengdu Express: 9-Day Chinese Journey

I will use tourrader again

Food & Culinary

Chinese Cuisine & Culture

I saw a lot and the chosen destinations were very interesting. The organization was also great. Everything went smoothly and on time. All the tour guides were extremely friendly, well informed and very keen to fulfill all wishes. The hotels were clean and well maintained. The hotels were centrally located for exploring on your own. I felt very well looked after, learned a lot about China and can only recommend this trip.

Spiritual and Modern China

What people love about fully guided tours in china.

Great fun packed itinerary and wonderful leading by the guide Howard from Xian. Amazing, just go.

As a couple surprised by an fantastic individual tour by three very articulate guides and proficient drivers around Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Learnt not only about history but culture and language today. Felt very safe even when venturing out alone around cities without guides. Our only issue was we could not get internet to connect but that is going to be more us being technophobic. However so supported by guides that not required.

Regions in China

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