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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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cherry blossoms in Xi'an
Map of Best of China - 13 Days
Best of China - 13 Days

This packed itinerary checks off China's top cultural and natural highlights. Visit Beijing to see the Forbidden City and hike along the Great Wall, then take the bullet train to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors. Visit Guilin to see the world's tallest Buddha and enjoy Yangshuo's serene countryside. Tour Chengdu's panda research station before finishing your trip in metropolitan Shanghai.

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 Beijing - 5 Days
Beijing - 5 Days
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for China
Travel specialist Heidi Jiang
active 14 hours 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Lisa Sun
active 8 hours 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Carol Wang
active 13 hours ago

Carol Wang

My name is Carol Wang, a travel advisor from China Highlights Travel. I have worked as a travel advisor for 15 years and helped 3200+ people plan their dream vacations, whether it's a romantic...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Trip Reviews for China

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Amazing China&Japan trip planned by Heidi
China | Oct 16 - Oct 31, 2024

Jon
Jon S.
Cherry Hill, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 12, 2024
My hopes for an epic trip to China and Japan were realized thanks to
蒋海丽 (Heidi). She gave me alot of her time and energy to help me plan the trip, and she was with me every step of the way during the trip.
I was a little anxious about traveling to China on my own but Heidi was a reassuring influence as I planned the trip with her through convos on KK Platform and phone calls. Typically, I would send her a lot of questions and she always answered promptly with great options and... Read more

My hopes for an epic trip to China and Japan were realized thanks to
蒋海丽 (Heidi). She gave me alot of her time and energy to help me plan the trip, and she was with me every step of the way during the trip.

I was a little anxious about traveling to China on my own but Heidi was a reassuring influence as I planned the trip with her through convos on KK Platform and phone calls. Typically, I would send her a lot of questions and she always answered promptly with great options and solutions.

The several tours arranged by Heidi were excellent, especially the tour guides. She selected great hotels for me and booked the train rides I needed to see both countries.

Halfway through trip planning, I needed to switch from another Asian country to Japan. Heidi sent me an itinerary and plan for Japan the very next day!

It is always good to balance a review like this with some positive criticism, but I have none. I am so pleased with how smoothly the trip played out, which allowed me to experience both countries to the max. Thanks again Heidi!

Activity Reviews
A Glimpse into China's Imperial Past: the Fobidden City
A Glimpse into China's Imperial Past: the Fobidden City
Beijing

Angela tour guide in Beijing Wu Qiong (Angela) really took care of me in my visit to Beijing. She is an outstanding tour guide, reassuring, and very fun to be with. If you like to grow and learn about the history and culture of China, Angela is like an encyclopedia. Angela led me on two unforgettable days in Beijing, which covered the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall. Angela made sure to ride the gondola with me at the Great Wall, which was a scary ride for me. When not touring with her, she recommended and arranged reservations in interesting local restaurants when I was not on the tour. The time with Angela in Beijing went by way too fast. I could have spent many more days exploring the city with her and learning from her.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Shanghai

JJ, Shanghai tour guide During my tour of Shanghai, JJ (ChenJie陈杰) shared her incredible insight into China and its relationship to the rest of the world. I will remember those experiences as much as the Shanghai that she introduced me to. Although it was a whirlwind couple of days in the busy city of 25 million people, JJ made it all enormously fun and stimulating. JJ always let me set the comfortable pace for me. I appreciate so much how she was so flexible and creative when I asked for changes in the itinerary. There was so much to see and talk about and think about, and JJ made it all very easy. Go see Shanghai for yourself, and try to get JJ for a guide.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Heidi Jiang
Heidi
Heidi Jiang
Local specialist in China | Replied on Nov 17, 2024
Dear Jon, Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm thrilled to hear that your trip to China and Japan exceeded your expectations. It's great to know that you felt supported and reassured throughout the planning process and during your travels. I'm especially pleased to hear that you enjoyed the tours, hotel selections, and train rides. It's wonderful that we could quickly adjust your itinerary to include Japan. Your satisfaction means the world to me, and I'm grateful to have been a part... Read more

Dear Jon,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm thrilled to hear that your trip to China and Japan exceeded your expectations. It's great to know that you felt supported and reassured throughout the planning process and during your travels.

I'm especially pleased to hear that you enjoyed the tours, hotel selections, and train rides. It's wonderful that we could quickly adjust your itinerary to include Japan. Your satisfaction means the world to me, and I'm grateful to have been a part of your epic adventure. If you ever need assistance with future travels, please don't hesitate to reach out. Safe travels.

Best regards,
Heidi

Good value for first trip to China
China | Oct 22 - Nov 2, 2024

A
Alberto S.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Nov 03, 2024
All the guides were very good. I enjoyed Xi’an and Shanghai more than Beijing were we spent too much time in traffic. The cars and drivers were good.
The cruise was enjoyable because of the scenery and the friendly crew but the food was mediocre and the cabin too small
Read more

All the guides were very good. I enjoyed Xi’an and Shanghai more than Beijing were we spent too much time in traffic. The cars and drivers were good.
The cruise was enjoyable because of the scenery and the friendly crew but the food was mediocre and the cabin too small

Hotel Reviews
Novotel Peace Beijing
Beijing

Old hotel n need of renovations. Marginal air conditioning. Old furniture in need of replacement. Shoddy workmanship. Breakfast was ok

Authenticity & Character
Location
Near attractions
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Eastern House Boutique Hotel

Clean hotel. Professional staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Victoria Katarina

Tiny room . The smallest closet I ever saw. No drawers to store anything. The food is buffet style and is served tepid. Overall the food was mediocre. Upon embarking we had to buy the dinner because it was not included. Big mistake! It was horrendous.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sunrise On The Bund

The air conditioning doesn’t always work. Very small closet. Nice big bathroom

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff was not friendly but they did their job
Cleanliness & Comfort
Air conditioning!!!
Activity Reviews
A Glimpse into China's Imperial Past: the Fobidden City
A Glimpse into China's Imperial Past: the Fobidden City
Beijing

Interesting site

Quality of Experience
Food
Loud and busy restaurant
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Better car than the old VW provided
Hutongs Exploration: Pedicab Ride and Local Family Visit
Hutongs Exploration: Pedicab Ride and Local Family Visit
Beijing

Nothing special. We didn’t visit any family

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day with Great Wall and Changling Tomb in Beijing
Full day with Great Wall and Changling Tomb in Beijing
Beijing

The Great Wall is a must see. It is impressive but it’s a long drive from Beijing. The wall is very crowded. The tomb excursion is not worth the time

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chinese dumpling dinner
Chinese dumpling dinner
Xi'an

The show was good. The dinner and service were poor

Quality of Experience
Food
Everything
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day with  Terracotta Warriors and  Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Full Day with Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Xi'an

Very interesting site with some remarkable historical pieces

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Victoria Katarina Cruise Day 4
Victoria Katarina Cruise Day 4
Chongqing

A waste of time

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Shanghai

Very nice excursion thanks to our excellent guide

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Temple of Heaven
Explore the Temple of Heaven
Beijing

Nice excursion

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Picturesque Summer Palace
Visit the Picturesque Summer Palace
Beijing

Nice excursion

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Tang Dynasty Show (1hour)
The Tang Dynasty Show (1hour)
Xi'an

A good show.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Victoria Katarina cruise Day 1
Victoria Katarina cruise Day 1
Chongqing

The embarkation process was chaotic. The dinner that we had to buy on board was the terrible.

Quality of Experience
Food
Eat on shore
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Victoria Katarina Cruise Day 2
Victoria Katarina Cruise Day 2
Chongqing

A pleasant excursion

Quality of Experience
Food
Flavor and temperature
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Suzhou and Tongli Water Town City Tour
Day Trip to Suzhou and Tongli Water Town City Tour
Shanghai

A very nice excursion

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Victoria Katarina Cruise Day 3
Victoria Katarina Cruise Day 3
Chongqing

Very nice excursion on small boats

Quality of Experience
Food
Flavor and temperature
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Heidi Jiang
Heidi
Heidi Jiang
Local specialist in China | Replied on Nov 04, 2024
Dear Alberto, Greetings from Heidi and thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the guides and your experiences in Xi’an and Shanghai. We understand that traffic in Beijing can be frustrating at times. Regarding the cruise, we appreciate your comments on the scenery and crew, and we will take your feedback about the food and cabin size into consideration for future improvements. As for the hotels, we are sorry to hear that you had issues... Read more

Dear Alberto,

Greetings from Heidi and thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the guides and your experiences in Xi’an and Shanghai. We understand that traffic in Beijing can be frustrating at times.

Regarding the cruise, we appreciate your comments on the scenery and crew, and we will take your feedback about the food and cabin size into consideration for future improvements.

As for the hotels, we are sorry to hear that you had issues with the accommodations and some excursion. We value your feedback and will work on enhancing the overall experience for future guests.

Thank you once again for your valuable input, and we hope to welcome you back on your next visit.

Warm regards from Asia,
Heidi

Our private customized tour in China
China | Oct 22 - Nov 2, 2024

Anne
Anne S.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Nov 03, 2024
Each of our guides were warm and welcoming. They were very knowledgable about the history and the current status of their respective cities. Drivers and guides coordinated the transportation aspects very well which provided smooth and relaxing transitions for us.
Restaurant choices were excellent, including the breakfast buffets at each of our hotels.
The Yangtze River cruise was unbelievable. Not only is the scenery outstandingly beautiful, but the staff was congenial and provided a...
Read more

Each of our guides were warm and welcoming. They were very knowledgable about the history and the current status of their respective cities. Drivers and guides coordinated the transportation aspects very well which provided smooth and relaxing transitions for us.
Restaurant choices were excellent, including the breakfast buffets at each of our hotels.
The Yangtze River cruise was unbelievable. Not only is the scenery outstandingly beautiful, but the staff was congenial and provided a couple of delightful entertainment shows with song and dance.
Our stay in Shanghai was especially enjoyable at Sunrise on the Bund hotel, and our guide JayJay made our time together very special in spite of rain from a typhoon that passed through.

Hotel Review
Sunrise On The Bund

Sunrise on the Bund is well located near the amazing riverfront. The room was spacious and luxuriously decorated. The bathroom was equipped with a rainfall shower plus a deep soaking tub and an automatic Toto toilet. They provided adequate water bottles each day. Slippers, robes added to our comfort. We looked forward to each day’s included breakfast buffet with its abundant choices of western and Chinese food.

Authenticity & Character
This hotel has superior decorative finishes. It is artfully appointed and comfortable.
Location
It’s about two blocks from the fabulous riverfront which is all lit up at night. There’s also a mall located two blocks in another direction with plenty of eating establishments to choose from.
Staff
Friendly staff, professional manner
Cleanliness & Comfort
No complaints. Very clean …like new. The housekeeping was impeccable.
Local specialist: Heidi Jiang
Heidi
Heidi Jiang
Local specialist in China | Replied on Nov 04, 2024
Dear Anne, Hope you are doing great. Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable experience during your trip. Our guides take great pride in sharing their knowledge and ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it's fantastic to know they made a positive impression on you. It’s also wonderful to hear that you had an enjoyable stay at the Sunrise on the Bund hotel. We appreciate your kind words about your room and the amenities... Read more

Dear Anne,

Hope you are doing great. Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable experience during your trip. Our guides take great pride in sharing their knowledge and ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it's fantastic to know they made a positive impression on you.

It’s also wonderful to hear that you had an enjoyable stay at the Sunrise on the Bund hotel. We appreciate your kind words about your room and the amenities provided. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in the future.

Safe travels and happy life.

Best regards as always,
Heidi