Citizens from 38 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, France, Germany, Italy, and others, can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay until Dec. 31, 2025.
Additionally, citizens from 54 countries, such as the US, UK, Canada, and Russia, can benefit from a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit in China.
You can start planning your trip to China now! We will provide you with a flexible, tailor-made private tour of China.
With its rich history and vibrant culture, China is definitely worth a visit. While the vast geography and language barrier might seem daunting, don’t worry! Planning your first trip to China can be simple and enjoyable.
Our expert guide, crafted from over 25 years of experience in personalized travel, breaks it down into 7 easy steps. You’ll easily create the perfect itinerary and make the most of your vacation.
Ready to explore China with ease? Let's get started!
- 1. Choose Where to Visit in China
- 3. Consider When to Travel to China
- 5. Choose Your Travel Style in China
- 1. Choose Where to Visit in China
- 3. Consider When to Travel to China
- 5. Choose Your Travel Style in China
1. Choose Where to Visit in China for the First Time
For first-time visitors to China, we recommend focusing on 2-3 cities to enjoy a more immersive cultural and sightseeing experience. Based on extensive experience and traveler feedback, the top destinations for newcomers are Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.
This classic Golden Triangle Tour typically spans 8 days. Feel free to explore the detailed itinerary of the 8-Day Classic China Tour to Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.
If you have an extra 3 to 4 days, consider enhancing your experience by visiting Guilin, Chengdu, or Zhangjiajie.
Beijing – the Heart of Ancient and Modern China
Plan for about 3-4 days in this vibrant city to fully appreciate the cultural and natural wonders in Beijing.
Xi'an – a Must for History Enthusiasts
Xi’an, with its profound historical and cultural heritage, is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization.
As the starting point of the Silk Road, it served as a crucial hub for East-West cultural exchange. Known for its diverse local cuisine, Xi’an is the representative city of Shaanxi cuisine, one of China’s eight major culinary traditions.
Discover the marvel of the Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s most significant archaeological finds, commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Explore the well-preserved city walls, where you can enjoy a bicycle ride.
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, associated with the legendary Tang Monk, Xuanzang. Don’t miss to try some delicious local snacks at the Muslim Quarter.
You can spend 2 days in Xi’an, and it’s just a 4-6 hour high-speed train ride from Beijing.
Shanghai – China's Largest and Most Prosperous City
Shanghai is a vibrant international city and China’s economic powerhouse. As a fashion hub, it’s also a shopping paradise, home to many international brands.
Stroll along the Bund to admire historic buildings, then gaze at the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, where East meets West in a stunning blend. Shanghai beautifully mixes old and new.
If your schedule allows, you can extend your trip by 2-8 days to explore nearby cities like Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Huangshan.
Recommended Tour: 9-Day Elegant Water Town and Yellow Mountains Tour.
Guilin - Immerse in Beautiful Landscapes, Minority Culture, and Rural Life
Guilin offers a relaxed travel pace, perfect for nature lovers and families with children.
Immerse yourself in the stunning mountain and water scenery by taking the Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. Enjoy the picturesque rural landscapes in Yangshuo’s countryside and experience the vibrant minority cultures in Longji villages.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Guilin! Engage in a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling, rafting, climbing, and even helicopter tours.
You can easily spend 3-4 days exploring Guilin and its surroundings.
Chengdu – the Home of the Giant Panda and Sichuan Cuisine
Chengdu is a charming city known for its leisurely pace of life and rich cultural experiences. As the “Hometown of Giant Pandas,” it offers the chance to get up close with these adorable creatures. Renowned for its Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu boasts a variety of hotpots and snacks that are sure to delight your taste buds.
Whether you’re exploring nature or indulging in local flavors, Chengdu offers a unique experience for every visitor!
This classic Golden Triangle Tour typically spans 8 days. Feel free to explore the detailed itinerary of the 8-Day Classic China Tour to Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.
If you have an extra 3 to 4 days, consider enhancing your experience by visiting Guilin, Chengdu, or Zhangjiajie.
Zhangjiajie - Hallelujah Mountains and the Longest Glass Bridge
Zhangjiajie is a breathtaking destination renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. It served as the inspiration for the floating “Hallelujah Mountains” in the movie Avatar. The area is famous for its dramatic sandstone pillars, with the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park being a highlight.
Don’t miss the exhilarating experience of walking on the Glass Bridge, which offers panoramic views of the canyon below.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a nature lover, Zhangjiajie offers unforgettable experiences.
Plan for about 3-4 days in this vibrant city to fully appreciate the cultural and natural wonders in Beijing.
Recommended Tours:
The one-day coach tour will illustrate the best of Chengdu. You are not only getting an opportunity to see the lovely giant panda in Chengdu Panda Base, but also the
Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center is a big center, so there are about 50 adult pandas and baby pandas, and some red pandas living in the base.
Taste Local
Keeping a panda as a pet is impossible, but you can get really close to pandas and take care of them for a whole day by joining this program!
This
Have you seen the buildings that look like UFOs falling from the sky, and mushrooms growing from the ground? Have you heard of the Hakka people? Built as
2. Decide How Long to Spend in China
China is vast, with countless attractions to explore. It’s usually impossible to visit all the popular destinations in one trip. If this is your first time traveling to China, it’s best to start with a few classic cities. We recommend setting aside at least a week for your first visit.
For a one-week trip, consider exploring China’s “Golden Triangle”: spend 3-4 days in Beijing, 2 days in Xi’an, and 1-2 days in Shanghai. You can refer to our 8-Day Classic China Tour for more details.
If you have 11-13 days, you can expand your itinerary to include destinations like the beautiful Guilin, charming Chengdu, or a relaxing Yangtze River Cruise. Our popular itineraries might spark your interest:
11-Day China Impression Journey (including Beijing, Xian, Yangtze River Cruise, Shanghai)
11-Day Glories of China (including Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Shanghai)
13-Day China Adventure Tour (including Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai)
Feel free to contact us with your travel preferences for more inspiration or a personalized plan. Our experienced specialists will craft a tailor-made itinerary to ensure a uniquely fulfilling experience.
3. Consider When to Travel to China
China is an ideal travel destination year-round, with each season offering unique scenery and activities across various regions. The best time to visit depends on your specific destinations, interests, budget, and holiday schedule.
Popular tourist cities like Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai are great to visit at any time of the year.
Typically, April, May, September, and October offer the most comfortable weather across many popular tourist destinations in China. These seasons are ideal for travel and outdoor activities, with mild temperatures and little rain.
If you want to enjoy pleasant weather and avoid crowds, consider traveling in mid to late May, or mid to late October.
If you’re looking for the cheapest time to go to China, consider traveling from November to March. This off-season period offers less crowded attractions and better prices.
If your schedule is flexible, it’s best to avoid Chinese public holidays due to large crowds, booking difficulties, and higher costs. In 2025, try to avoid:
Chinese New Year Holiday: January 28 to February 4, 2025
Labor Day Holiday: May 1-5, 2025
China National Day Holiday: October 1-8, 2025
For a balance of good weather and affordability, March and November are particularly smart choices.
Check China Weather for more detailed information.
4. Plan Your Budget for China Trip
Visiting China is not expensive, with international airfare often being the largest expense. Airfare from the US or Europe typically ranges from USD 700 to 2,500 for a round-trip economy ticket, depending on the airline and travel dates.
For a private tour, expect to spend about USD 200-350 per person per day. This includes domestic flights or trains, 4- or 5-star accommodations, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport. Traveling with more people can reduce costs.
Peak tourist times in China include early May and October (Golden Weeks), summer holidays, Christmas and New Year, and the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). During these periods, hotel and airfare prices can increase by 50–100%.
If you plan to travel during peak seasons, book at least 2 to 3 months in advance – the earlier, the better. We offer a full refund if you cancel up to 3 weeks before departure.
Check the China Travel Cancellation Policy for more details.
5. Choose Your Travel Style in China: Organized Tours or Independent Travel
When planning a trip to China, you have three main options: private tours, group tours, and independent travel. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Private Tour (Highly Recommended)
Taking a private tour is the best choice if you want a deeper experience in China.
Time-Saving: Save time on planning and booking, avoiding the hassle of figuring out where to go and what to eat during your trip.
Personalized Experience: Enjoy a deeper understanding of China with a trip tailored to your preferences, including customized attractions, transportation, accommodations, and dining options.
Exclusive Care and Attention: Benefit from dedicated service from your private driver and guide, ensuring that all your needs are prioritized throughout your journey.
Expert Guidance: Our experienced advisors and local guides provide insights and support, ensuring a smooth and enriching travel experience.
If you’re thinking about a private tour, choosing a reliable travel agency is crucial. With over 25 years of experience, China Travel specializes in crafting custom tours tailored just for you. Just contact us!
4. Plan Your Budget for China Trip
Visiting China is not expensive, with international airfare often being the largest expense. Airfare from the US or Europe typically ranges from USD 700 to 2,500 for a round-trip economy ticket, depending on the airline and travel dates.
For a private tour, expect to spend about USD 200-350 per person per day. This includes domestic flights or trains, 4- or 5-star accommodations, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport. Traveling with more people can reduce costs.
Peak tourist times in China include early May and October (Golden Weeks), summer holidays, Christmas and New Year, and the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). During these periods, hotel and airfare prices can increase by 50–100%.
If you plan to travel during peak seasons, book at least 2 to 3 months in advance – the earlier, the better. We offer a full refund if you cancel up to 3 weeks before departure.
Check the China Travel Cancellation Policy for more details.
Taking a private tour is the best choice if you want a deeper experience in China.
If you’re thinking about a private tour, choosing a reliable travel agency is crucial. With over 25 years of experience, China Travel specializes in crafting custom tours tailored just for you. Just contact us!
4. Plan Your Budget for China Trip
Visiting China is not expensive, with international airfare often being the largest expense. Airfare from the US or Europe typically ranges from USD 700 to 2,500 for a round-trip economy ticket, depending on the airline and travel dates.
For a private tour, expect to spend about USD 200-350 per person per day. This includes domestic flights or trains, 4- or 5-star accommodations, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport. Traveling with more people can reduce costs.
Peak tourist times in China include early May and October (Golden Weeks), summer holidays, Christmas and New Year, and the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). During these periods, hotel and airfare prices can increase by 50–100%.
If you plan to travel during peak seasons, book at least 2 to 3 months in advance – the earlier, the better. We offer a full refund if you cancel up to 3 weeks before departure.
Check the China Travel Cancellation Policy for more details.
The border authorities have the right to prevent the following individuals from leaving China:
A. Those who hold invalid certificates.
B. Those who have forged, defaced, or other people’s passports or certificates.
C. Those who refuse to be inspected.
People Forbidden to Leave China
A. Defendants in a criminal case or criminal suspects identified by the people’s procuratorates, public security organs, or court.
B. Individuals are not allowed to leave the country due to unsettled civil cases according to the People’s Court notice.
C. Others whose behaviors have violated China’s laws and have been identified by competent authorities as needing pursuit.
The border authorities have the right to prevent the following individuals from leaving China:
A. Those who hold invalid certificates.
B. Those who have forged, defaced, or other people’s passports or certificates.
C. Those who refuse to be inspected.
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