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Introducing China

When is the best time to visit?
September and October are the best months to visit China, when the weather is predictably sunny and mild. One exception is the first week of October, when the National Day holiday closes businesses and brings domestic tourists out in droves to popular vacation spots. Spring (April-June) also brings pleasant weather to most of the country, but keep in mind that this is the rainy season for southern China. Winter travel can also be lovely—in January and February, travelers will enjoy ice & snow sculptures in Harbin and many celebrations of the Lunar New Year all over the country. Learn more

Where should you go?
For first-timers, a comprehensive tour of China's top sites is recommended—this might include Beijing, Xian, Guilin, and Shanghai. With extra time (see below), you can observe giant pandas and try traditional Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu. The southwestern Yunnan Province is another gem, where you can discover ancient towns hidden in the region's remote corners.

Travelers wanting a deeper dive will have no shortage of options for getting off the beaten path. Consider a cultural excursion to visit the minority community of Guizhou or take a historical journey into Pingyao and the Shanxi Province of northern China. Other places of interest include Shangdong Province, where you can visit Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, and the many heritage sites of Henan Province. For instagram-worthy pictures, beeline to Yellow Mountain and Zhangjiajie, two of China's most photogenic spots.

How many days do you need?
Five days is enough for a whirlwind of China's urban highlights. You can pay quick visits to Beijing and Shanghai, China's political capital and commercial center respectively. If you're more interested in history, combine Beijing with cultural treasure trove Xian instead. A 10-day tour offers a more reasonable pace and many more options—you can easily cover Beijing, Xian, Guilin, and Shanghai (or swap Guilin for Chengdu). Even more ideal is spending 2 weeks or more, allowing for deeper dives into areas of interest and extra time for hidden gems. Add a trip to Suzhou, take a Yangtze River cruise—options are endless, and trips can be tailored to your interests.

Getting Around China
Flying is the quickest way around the country. China’s massive airports⁠ offer dozens of daily nonstop flights to cities all over the mainland and Hong Kong. That said, by the time you factor in security screening and travel time to and from each airport—the airports in both cities are outside the city center—it's often easier and more reliable to take the train. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days

China Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Great Wall of China under a hazy sunset
Map of China's Highlights - 10 Days
China's Highlights - 10 Days

This packed itinerary covers many of China's highlights, starting in Beijing with a tour of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall. Then take a bullet train to Xi'an to see the famous Terracotta Army before heading to Guilin for river excursions in a paradise setting. End your trip in metropolitan Shanghai and explore its Bund waterfront, peaceful Yu Garden, and bohemian Tianzifang neighborhood.

China
Map of Explore the Yunnan Province - 7 Days
Explore the Yunnan Province - 7 Days

You'll pack an incredible week with the highlights of China's Yunnan province. After arriving in the city of Kunming, you'll transfer to Dali and visit the Stone Forest, a natural marvel of towering limestone rocks. Then you'll tour other historic towns and cities that were once fixtures on the ancient tea trading routes while also visiting incredible natural wonders like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Black Dragon Pool.

china
Map of Best of Beijing - 5 Days
Best of Beijing - 5 Days

Spend a quick five days touring the most historic sights of China's capital, like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. You'll arrive in Beijing and visit Tiananmen Square before heading off for a hike on the Great Wall. Then you'll tour one of the nation's holiest sites, the Temple of Heaven, and cap the trip with a boat ride on the lake at the imperial Summer Palace.

Hong Kong Skyline at Night
Hong Kong and Macau Family Trip - 5 Days

Discover the best of Hong Kong on this family trip, starting with a  bus tour of the city, a ride up the gondola to Victoria Peak, and an evening at Stanely Market. Spend two days riding roller coasters, playing games, and learning about marine life at Hong Kong's Disneyland and Ocean Park. End your trip with a day in Macau, complete with a ferry ride and a visit to the Venetian Resort.

Yuyuan Garden (Garden of Happiness) in the center of Shanghai
Map of Highlights from Shanghai to Beijing - 12 Days
Highlights from Shanghai to Beijing - 12 Days

This exciting 12-day itinerary includes some of China's best cultural and natural wonders. Kick off the trip in cosmopolitan Shanghai where you'll explore its modern waterfront, peaceful gardens, and artsy neighborhoods. Next is Zhangjiajie for a dose of dramatic mountain vistas before you continue to Xi'an to see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Finish with a bullet train to Beijing to experience the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and—on your last full day—the Great Wall of China.

China
Map of Discover China: Yunnan & Western Sichuan - 14 Days
Discover China: Yunnan & Western Sichuan - 14 Days

This two-week tour focuses mainly on western China and covers some of the most off-the-beaten-path locales in Sichuan province and the Tibetan Plateau. It's an itinerary packed with outdoor adventure as you'll visit high-altitude villages, ancient Buddhist temples, and unspoiled national parks. Excursions to the mountain paradise of Shangri-La, the biological reserve of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the peaks of Mount Siguniang are just a few of the many highlights of this unforgettable trip.

China Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest China Content

Women of the  Miao ethnic minority tribe wear intricate silver headpieces for important occasions and ceremonies
Map of Culture & Trekking Trip to the Ethnic Minority Villages of Southwest China - 11 Days
Culture & Trekking Trip to the Ethnic Minority Villages of Southwest China - 11 Days

Dive deep into China on an 11-day discovery tour that will take you from Hong Kong's modern streets to rural villages home to ethnic tribespeople. Marvel at the panoramic views from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong before catching a train to the verdant countryside, where you'll hike along terraced rice paddies and explore ancient caves. Spend the remainder of the trip engaging in immersive cultural exchange as you hop between the traditional villages of China's ethnic minority communities.

Visit a village in Longji to meet the Yao people and learn about their customs
Map of Chinese Culture & Minority Villages Tour - 13 Days
Chinese Culture & Minority Villages Tour - 13 Days

Spend almost two weeks traversing China on a journey from major cities to small tribal villages. Get to know the distinct spirit of Hong Kong before heading to the Guilin countryside and its green rice paddies and tranquil rivers. Learn about the customs of the ethnic minority Yao, Dong, and Biasha people, then, travel to the ancient city of Xi'an (home to the legendary Terracotta Army), where you'll practice your calligraphy skills before capping the trip with sightseeing in Beijing and a stroll on the Great Wall.

Walk among the perfectly manicured Longji Rice Terraces and visit a local village home
Map of Authentic China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo & Shanghai - 11 Days
Authentic China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo & Shanghai - 11 Days

See some of China's most important cultural sites on this immersive 11-day tour. Start in the imperial capitals of Beijing and Xi'an, discovering the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Warriors. Step off the beaten path to cruise the Li River and visit the local market in Yangshuo, then end in the gleaming metropolis of Shanghai. Highlights along the way include learning to cook bamboo rice in an Indigenous village and crafting your own traditional fan under the tutelage of a local artisan.

China Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 14 Days in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 10 Days in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map China's Highlights - 10 Days
China's Highlights - 10 Days
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for China
Travel specialist Jessica Wang
active 35 mins ago

Jessica Wang

My philosophy is that travel is about personal reflection and growth, about meeting people of different cultures, taking in the beauty of nature, and experiencing authentic activities. Let me know...

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Travel specialist Heidi Jiang
active 1 min ago

Heidi Jiang

For the past fifteen years I have accompanied many private groups to most places of China and also some other southeast Asian countries which makes me understand the first information traveler...

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Travel specialist Lisa Sun
active 44 mins ago

Lisa Sun

As a China English-speaking tour guide with 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, I have a deep passion for the travel profession and am dedicated to introducing China's rich culture and...

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Travel specialist Winnie Wu
active 2 mins ago

Winnie Wu

I am Winnie, with over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, I specialize in crafting personalized journeys across East Asia, especially to Japan, Korea, and China. Each of these countries...

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Trip Reviews for China

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our first trip to China
China | Oct 10 - Oct 19, 2026

Tallat
Tallat F.
West Lake Sammamish, WA | Reviewed on Oct 26, 2026
Our first trip to China was an unforgettable delight, exceeding every expectation. It felt as though we had discovered a travel secret too good not to share.
Heidi was responsive, flexible, and attentive to our wishes throughout the planning process. Scheduling conflicts and unexpected visa requirements ultimately reduced our travel party to just my sister and me, but what began as a scouting trip became a wonderful adventure.
Each city captivated us with its distinct history, culture, and...
Read more

Our first trip to China was an unforgettable delight, exceeding every expectation. It felt as though we had discovered a travel secret too good not to share.
Heidi was responsive, flexible, and attentive to our wishes throughout the planning process. Scheduling conflicts and unexpected visa requirements ultimately reduced our travel party to just my sister and me, but what began as a scouting trip became a wonderful adventure.
Each city captivated us with its distinct history, culture, and character. We encountered extraordinary kindness, and our Muslim dietary requirements were thoughtfully accommodated. Everywhere we went left us eager to return and explore more.
Our guides—George, Sue, Iris, and Ren—made the experience especially memorable. George’s relaxed manner and thoughtful perspectives brought Chinese history and contemporary life into focus. In Xi’an, Sue went above and beyond to make us feel at home, becoming more like family than a guide. Iris’s cheerful energy and thoughtful gifts made our visit to Chengdu and its delightful pandas even more special. Ren helped us experience Shanghai’s vibrant character despite our brief stay.
Transfers were seamless, the hotels offered excellent amenities, and we felt safe and well cared for throughout. Heidi quickly resolved the few unexpected hiccups along the way.
We returned deeply impressed and eager to visit again with our extended families to share the wonders of China.

Hotel Reviews
Upper House Chengdu
Chengdu

This was an architectural and design marvel. Loved seeing it in all the different lights of the day. Breakfast was great. Staff very helpful. Location perfect. We felt at home right away. We just wished the bathroom had a privacy door as sharing a room with my sister was awkward with its open layout.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Regent Beijing

We loved our stay, everything was perfect including our daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening dinner. Chef was extremely accommodating to our food preferences. Yina the concierge was the absolute best. In all my travels I have never had someone so knowledgeable about the exact street layout when giving instructions. She made sure we would reach at the right spot even if we could not read a single sign board. Regent is lucky to have her and all there fabulous staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right next to the forbidden city
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Heidi Jiang
Heidi
Heidi Jiang
Local specialist in China | Replied on Oct 28, 2026

Hi Tallat,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! It makes me so happy to hear that you and Sana had such a memorable trip in my home country. I'm glad you enjoyed the history, culture, and people of China, and that our team could help make your journey so special.

You will always be very welcome in China, and I truly hope we have the opportunity to welcome you and your extended family back someday to discover even more of what this beautiful country has to offer!

Warm wishes,
Heidi

My trip to China was incredible!
China | Oct 15 - Oct 22, 2026

Ana
Ana B.
Dallas, TX, USA | Reviewed on Oct 24, 2026
My trip to China was incredible! Mike was a local agent, how know when, where to head to the mountains. I enjoyed our great conversations and his company. I felt secure and taken care off at every moment which is quite important for a solo traveler like me. The planning by my local specialist was great, she tailored the trip to my needs and budget.. could not say more than Amazing service!! This is my third trip planned by Kim Kim, will keep traveling using their services. Read more

My trip to China was incredible!

Mike was a local agent, how know when, where to head to the mountains. I enjoyed our great conversations and his company.

I felt secure and taken care off at every moment which is quite important for a solo traveler like me.

The planning by my local specialist was great, she tailored the trip to my needs and budget.. could not say more than Amazing service!!

This is my third trip planned by Kim Kim, will keep traveling using their services.

Activity Reviews
Tianmen Mountain – Skywalks, Cliff Roads & Heaven’s Gate
Tianmen Mountain – Skywalks, Cliff Roads & Heaven’s Gate
Zhangjiajie

The fog was disapointing.. so be aware it can happen!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Marvel at the Picturesque Landscape in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Marvel at the Picturesque Landscape in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie

The mountains are spectacular, it is worth the trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Heidi Jiang
Heidi
Heidi Jiang
Local specialist in China | Replied on Oct 27, 2026

Hi Ana,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really glad you had such a wonderful time in China and felt well taken care of throughout your trip. It was a pleasure planning this adventure for you, and I'll be sure to share your lovely feedback with Mike as well.

I hope you'll have many more amazing travel experiences ahead, and we'd love to help you plan your next adventure with kimkim. 😊

Best regards,
Heidi

Kim.Kim contracted with China Highlights Tour...
China | Oct 10 - Oct 21, 2026

Jill
Jill R.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Oct 22, 2026
Kim.Kim contracted with China Highlights Tour fit our entire 2 weeks.. Every guide and divert was superb as our group of 6 had our first visit
. In Beijing we had Jean take care of us as we toured The Great Wall, Tiannamen Square, Forbidden Palace, Temple of Heaven. Our group had different physical abilities and we all came away able to see what we wanted.
In Xi'an we had Annie with us for 2 days. She helped us navigate the huge crowds at Terracotta Warriors. Our group wanted a rest so...
Read more

Kim.Kim contracted with China Highlights Tour fit our entire 2 weeks.. Every guide and divert was superb as our group of 6 had our first visit
. In Beijing we had Jean take care of us as we toured The Great Wall, Tiannamen Square, Forbidden Palace, Temple of Heaven. Our group had different physical abilities and we all came away able to see what we wanted.
In Xi'an we had Annie with us for 2 days. She helped us navigate the huge crowds at Terracotta Warriors. Our group wanted a rest so she st up a lovely tea service fit about an hour. Lots of shopping, a chance to try calligraphy and get personalized souvenirs was a request we had and she made it happen.
LuLu picked us up on Chengdu and we went to the Panda Breeding Facility, the Sichuan Opera, and the Narrow Wide Alleys. She encouraged us to try ear picking at the opera, rabbit head snack on the road and they were all fun and safe. My favorite was the chance to bike on the Xi'an city wall with my family.
Finally we went to Hong Kong for a day tour of all the highlights including a sorry cable car up to Victoria Peak. We were paired up with Daisy and she was great. As she left us off she asked us about lunch and steered up to Hong Kong dim sum then took the time to get is settled with English menus. Our last day was on our own and very easy to navigate with Uber and our American familiar credit cards for payment. Daisy recommended we take ourselves to the Npong Ping Cable Cars and go see the Big Buddha. Lovely day after a run on the Harbor before check out. I will user Kim Kim and China Highlights again

Hotel Reviews
Wyndham Grand Xian South
Xi'an

Over the top amazing. Free use of what's and dryers with staff to help out, lots of free water bottles, a huge luxurious breakfast buffet .

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The ladies helping out at the washers were so friendly. The bfast staff brought coffee to us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Harbour Grand Kowloon

Hit or miss..bfast was fair. Lol on rooftop was fabulous but jacuzzi was not got and it was dirty. The water isn't drinkable like all of HK, and they don't provide water bottles, you have to come to the front desk to purchase them. But the location on the water is beautiful and the staff especially the concierge staff were very very helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dirty cold jacuzzi, no drinking water provided
Local specialist: Carol Wang

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