Personalized trips to China
for independent travelers

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Travelers love kimkim

- ., traveled to in

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.

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 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 Heidi Jiang
active 5 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 Carol Wang
active 7 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...
Travel specialist Lisa Sun
active 6 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 Kimi Huang
active 4 hours ago

Kimi Huang

I'm a lover of people, nature beauty, history, great food, and all things about travel! When Itravel, I get to experience new cultures, take in beautiful, inspiring scenery, and quite often I end...

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit China also visit these destinations

Trip Reviews for China

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

I would like to thank and commend Heidi who m...
China | Nov 21 - Dec 2, 2025

M
Manjit B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025
I would like to thank and commend Heidi who made my very complicated trip very seamless. I just cannot fault anything . Everything was managed professionally and allowed for flexibility when I wanted to change tickets hotels etc
This trip would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication from
Heidi the best
Xi’an : Shannon she went over and above her guidelines
Chengdu: Ricky thorough entertainer
Chonging : Yudi fun
Zhanziaje : Justin hardworking and...
Read more

I would like to thank and commend Heidi who made my very complicated trip very seamless. I just cannot fault anything . Everything was managed professionally and allowed for flexibility when I wanted to change tickets hotels etc
This trip would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication from
Heidi the best
Xi’an : Shannon she went over and above her guidelines
Chengdu: Ricky thorough entertainer
Chonging : Yudi fun
Zhanziaje : Justin hardworking and dedicated
Shanghai : Shiuli flexible

They ensured that everything was meticulous . This was indeed the most memorable trip made thanks to Heidi and her team
This is my 3rd time using them and I will continue to do so

Hotel Reviews
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Zhangjiajie Tianmenshan Wyndham Garden Hotel
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
ISEYA HOTEL (Chongqing Jiefangbei Flagship)
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hyatt Chengdu
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian
Xi'an
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Old Town
Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Old Town
Shanghai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Shanghai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Highlights in Shanghai
Visit the Highlights in Shanghai
Shanghai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Revel in the Splendor of Zhangjiajie - Huanglong Cave and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Including Glass Bridge)
Revel in the Splendor of Zhangjiajie - Huanglong Cave and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Including Glass Bridge)
Zhangjiajie

This can be done the same day as the cave and forest

Quality of Experience
Food
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
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tianmen Mountain – Skywalks, Cliff Roads & Heaven’s Gate
Tianmen Mountain – Skywalks, Cliff Roads & Heaven’s Gate
Zhangjiajie

Exceptional but very tiring

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Stylish Tour in Chongqing
Full-Day Stylish Tour in Chongqing
Chongqing

We didn’t get to do this

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chongqing City Highlights One-Day Tour
Chongqing City Highlights One-Day Tour
Chongqing
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan Opera
Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan Opera
Chengdu
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Enjoy a Spicy Sichuan Hotpot Meal
Enjoy a Spicy Sichuan Hotpot Meal
Chengdu
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panda Encounter and People’s Park in Chengdu
Panda Encounter and People’s Park in Chengdu
Chengdu
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Tour of the Treasures of Ancient China: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Ancient City Wall
Half Day Tour of the Treasures of Ancient China: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Ancient City Wall
Xi'an
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Xi'an: the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter
Discover Xi'an: the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter
Xi'an
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Heidi Jiang
Heidi
Heidi Jiang
Local specialist in China | Replied on Jan 04, 2026

Hi Manjit,
Thank you so much for your kind words and continued trust in us. We’re truly delighted to hear that our team helped make your trip seamless and memorable. Your compliments will be shared with all the local guides — they’ll be very happy to hear this. We look forward to assisting you again on your next journey!
All the best,
Heidi

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
China | Oct 16 - Nov 2, 2025

Pam
Pam A.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 15, 2025
My husband and I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit China, and it truly exceeded all expectations. From ancient history to breathtaking natural landscapes, this trip had everything we could have hoped for and more. I want to thank Lisa for helping us put this amazing trip together through KimKim. She was so helpful and patient with us. Highlights of the Trip The Great Wall of China was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Walking along this historic wonder, we couldn’t help... Read more

My husband and I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit China, and it truly exceeded all expectations. From ancient history to breathtaking natural landscapes, this trip had everything we could have hoped for and more. I want to thank Lisa for helping us put this amazing trip together through KimKim. She was so helpful and patient with us.

Highlights of the Trip

The Great Wall of China was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Walking along this historic wonder, we couldn’t help but be amazed by its sheer scale and beauty. The panoramic views from the top were unforgettable, and standing on such an iconic piece of history was an emotional experience.

We visited Chengdu to see the adorable pandas—and they definitely lived up to the hype! Watching these playful creatures in their natural habitat was a highlight of the trip. The conservation efforts here are truly impressive, and it was a joy to witness their charm up close.

In Xi’an, we were fortunate enough to see the Terracotta Warriors, a monumental archaeological discovery. The sheer number of life-sized statues and the detail in each one was staggering. It’s amazing to think that this army was created over 2,000 years ago to protect China’s first emperor in the afterlife.

One of the most stunning natural attractions was Zhangjiajie National Forest Park—the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. The towering sandstone pillars surrounded by mist create an ethereal, almost otherworldly landscape. It’s a photographer’s dream and a must-see for nature lovers.

Finally, Guilin was a peaceful escape, with its surreal limestone karst mountains and tranquil Li River cruises. The views were unlike anything I’ve ever seen and felt like something out of a dream.

Cultural Immersion

One of the aspects of the trip that stood out was the incredible cultural immersion. We had numerous opportunities to experience China’s rich traditions and daily life. Whether it was a calligraphy lesson, a traditional tea ceremony, or learning about the history behind local markets, we were able to connect with the culture in meaningful ways.

The people of China were warm, welcoming, and eager to share their stories. Our guides were exceptional—they were incredibly knowledgeable, personable, and made sure we felt comfortable and engaged every step of the way. They took the time to answer all our questions and ensured we had a smooth and enjoyable experience.

We want to thank all our guides: Zhang Yaping (Amy - Beijing), Ma Jun (MJ - Xian), Xiao Tuanming (Nancy - Zhangjiajie), Lin Xue (April), Owen (Guilin) and Vivian (Shanghai). You were all wonderful to get to know and helped make the trip memorable.

Food: A Culinary Adventure

The food in China was another highlight of the trip. Every meal was a delightful adventure! We had the chance to try authentic dishes that we’d never seen in the U.S. The flavors were bold and varied, from the spicy Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu to the savory dumplings in Xi’an. I particularly loved the Peking duck in Beijing—crispy, tender, and simply delicious. The variety of textures and flavors in Chinese cuisine was incredible, and I came home with a newfound appreciation for their culinary traditions.

Overall Experience

All in all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip that I will never forget. The sights, the food, the culture, and the wonderful people I met along the way all made this an unforgettable adventure. The expert guides and well-curated itinerary ensured that we didn’t just see China—we truly experienced it.

If you’re considering a trip to China, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Kimkim can help you design the best trip. I can’t wait to return someday!

Activity Reviews
Explore Xi'an City: Ancient City Wall and Drum Tower
Explore Xi'an City: Ancient City Wall and Drum Tower
Xi'an
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
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Revel in the Splendor of Zhangjiajie - Grand Canyon and Tianmen Mountain
Revel in the Splendor of Zhangjiajie - Grand Canyon and Tianmen Mountain
Zhangjiajie
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Chengdu: Pandas, Wuhou Shrine,Jinli with a Hot Pot Lunch
Explore Chengdu: Pandas, Wuhou Shrine,Jinli with a Hot Pot Lunch
Chengdu
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover the Beauty of Longji Terraced Fields and Learn to Make Bamboo Tube Rice
Discover the Beauty of Longji Terraced Fields and Learn to Make Bamboo Tube Rice
Guilin
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Scenic Countryside in Yangshuo by Cycling and Rafting
Explore the Scenic Countryside in Yangshuo by Cycling and Rafting
China

We didn't get to cycle but the rafting was very fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Marvel at China's Most Picturesque River - Li River
Marvel at China's Most Picturesque River - Li River
China
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cooking Class in Yangshuo
Cooking Class in Yangshuo
Yangshuo

This was extemely fun! Well worth it

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Shanghai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Xi'an: the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter
Discover Xi'an: the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter
Xi'an
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit a Local Family and Learn to Cook Homemade Dishes
Visit a Local Family and Learn to Cook Homemade Dishes
Xi'an

This was an enjoyable experience. The family opened their home and we had a lovely time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking along the Majestic Great Wall, Summer Palace
Hiking along the Majestic Great Wall, Summer Palace
Beijing

We had a great day to visit the wall.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Beijing – Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City,Temple of Heaven with Peking Duck Lunch
Beijing – Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City,Temple of Heaven with Peking Duck Lunch
Beijing
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lisa Sun
Lisa
Lisa Sun
Local specialist in China | Replied on Nov 20, 2025
Hi Pam, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a heartfelt and beautifully written review. I’m truly grateful, and it means the world to me to hear that your trip to China exceeded your expectations. It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan this journey, and I’m so glad that you and your husband had such an unforgettable experience. Reading about your highlights—from the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to the pandas in Chengdu and the breathtaking landscapes of... Read more

Hi Pam,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a heartfelt and beautifully written review. I’m truly grateful, and it means the world to me to hear that your trip to China exceeded your expectations. It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan this journey, and I’m so glad that you and your husband had such an unforgettable experience.

Reading about your highlights—from the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to the pandas in Chengdu and the breathtaking landscapes of Zhangjiajie and Guilin—made me smile. China is a destination full of wonders, and I’m thrilled that you were able to experience so many of its cultural, historical, and natural treasures.

Your kind words about our local guides also mean a lot. I’ll be sure to share your appreciation with Amy, MJ, Nancy, April, Owen, and Vivian—they will be delighted to know they helped make your trip special.

And of course, I’m happy to hear that the food was such a memorable part of your adventure! China’s culinary diversity is truly remarkable, and it’s wonderful that you embraced every flavor along the way.

Thank you again for your trust and for letting me be part of your journey. I’m so happy that your time in China was meaningful, smooth, and enriching. Whenever you feel ready to explore more of Asia or return to China someday, I would be delighted to help you plan your next trip.

Warmest regards,
Lisa

Excellent experience
China | Oct 8 - Oct 27, 2025

F
Frank O.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025
All of our guides were very good and spoke English well. They were each proud of their individual provinces and well informed about the history of the region. All worked hard to be a good guide and make happy memories for us. The choice to stay in 5 Star hotels was worth the price for the luxury but the Guilin Hotel was a 3.9 star in my opinion. The drivers and cars were all excellent! It helped to have a free day in Shanghai after arriving so late. The hotels in both Xi’an and Shanghai... Read more

All of our guides were very good and spoke English well. They were each proud of their individual provinces and well informed about the history of the region. All worked hard to be a good guide and make happy memories for us. The choice to stay in 5 Star hotels was worth the price for the luxury but the Guilin Hotel was a 3.9 star in my opinion. The drivers and cars were all excellent! It helped to have a free day in Shanghai after arriving so late. The hotels in both Xi’an and Shanghai offered free laundry equipment for self use.

Hotel Reviews
Victoria Cruise (Executive Suite)

It’s a typical cruise with pandemonium because of the large crowds and a la carte service and upselling of services throughout the trip. The executive lounge dining included in the executive suite price was excellent as the second floor dining room was overcrowded. The included excursions were not remarkable but Ghost City and Feng Du Show that night were good values. The food was just okay even with the upgrade to the 6th floor dining area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
MaxX By Steigenberger on the Bund Shanghai
Shanghai

The main problem was that the hotel had disengaged the cooling system in all the rooms. They offered an upgrade but it also had no cooling. The provision of a self serve laundry was exquisite. The location was excellent

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
No cooling in the rooms
Grand Hyatt Chengdu
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Guilin

The hotel is out of date and was a 3.9 star rating at best. The Guilin Shangri La was reviewed highly by some fellow travelers

Authenticity & Character
Change the advertised rating until it upgrades everything
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyndham Grand Xian South
Xi'an
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
New World Beijing Hotel
Beijing
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Tongli Water Town (with boat cruise)
Tongli Water Town (with boat cruise)
Suzhou

To fill out the charm of the experience, our guide took us into several homes, which had been converted to museums before getting us onto the wonderful boat ride experience. She gave us a lot of history about the customs of the region. It was a quieter, more laid-back rural experience than we had had in other places.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pingjiang Road
Pingjiang Road
Suzhou

We had a wonderful cultural experience in a restaurant on the road. At the end of this three week tour, it was a little bit redundant unavoidably because there are so many roads and hutongs and Muslim quarter places that are very similar packed with food vendors and hawkers.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rickshaw Ride in Suzhou
Rickshaw Ride in Suzhou
Suzhou

The guide expertly picked a friend of hers that she has used for years to provide a unique China culture experience riding through the alleys of the town.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lingering Garden
Lingering Garden
Suzhou

It was very crowded and our guide was not lingering for pictures.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road
Shanghai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower
Shanghai

It was a unique lifetime experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The bund
The bund
Shanghai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan Garden
Shanghai

It was a delightful experience with an excellent guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam/Option of Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift (RMB295/p.p)
Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam/Option of Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift (RMB295/p.p)
China

Honestly, it was a little boring and felt like it was something that the government wanted to make sure that we saw so that we noted how wonderful they were. It is outstanding that they provided mass transportation with escalators to the top of the hill. Without that, the whole trip would not have been worth it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shore excursion to Shibaozhai/Option of visiting Fengdu Ghost City (RMB295/p.p).
Shore excursion to Shibaozhai/Option of visiting Fengdu Ghost City (RMB295/p.p).
China

We were glad that we chose the option to visit ghost city, and hear the stories from our guide. I noticed that you did not give the option for reviewing the show that night, which was a mistake on your part. That show in the evening about the three kings was probably the most outstanding theatrical performance I have seen in my many years of life. It was very exciting and was not to be missed by other future visitors.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Cruise pier Transfer (Chongqing)
Cruise pier Transfer (Chongqing)
Chongqing
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Train station Transfer (Chongqing)
Chongqing

Our guide went above and beyond her assigned duty to help us be comfortable, experiencing the brief time we had there and getting some dinner before helping negotiate the arrival onto the cruise ship. She was helpful with communicating with the cruise ship people who were adamant about things which they were wrong about.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chengdu Kuan-zhai Lane
Chengdu Kuan-zhai Lane
Chengdu
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panda Breeding and Research Center
Panda Breeding and Research Center
Chengdu

The crowds were overwhelming, and everyone was pushing to get a good photograph of the charming pandas. Our guide was adequate, but not outstanding. I don’t believe that there is anything that he could have done to help us get closer to the pandas for good photographs. I think that arriving early as we did probably helped us to see the pandas during their most active feeding time of the day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Yangshuo Countryside Visit
Yangshuo Countryside Visit
China

Our guide bravely accompanied two ancient and decrepit seniors on scooters which probably added years to her life, but subtracted years from ours. It was a delightful, fun and unique experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
China

Our guide enthusiastically and patiently pointed out each point of interest that she felt that we would not want to miss including the view of the hills on the 20 Yuan Bill and interjected stories about each of those points of interest.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Private Tour: Longji Terraced Rice Fields and Ethnic Minority Culture
Full-Day Private Tour: Longji Terraced Rice Fields and Ethnic Minority Culture
China

Our guide was patient and wonderful and lovingly presented this visual gift of the people and lifestyle of the area that is not usually seen by China tourists. The stories that the guide inserted were charming.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Xi'an

The colors, architectural design, and the historical stories were intriguing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cooking dumplings
Cooking dumplings
Xi'an

This was a delightful and unexpected highlight of our experiences in Xi’an. The guide knew the woman who lived in the place where we made the dumplings and noodles and the whole cultural experience was joyful and wholesome.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Muslim Quarter
Muslim Quarter
Xi'an
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Xian City Wall with Bicycle
Xian City Wall with Bicycle
Xi'an

Because of our age, we both have mobility restrictions so we chose to not do the bicycle tour. We did climb the steps successfully and were able to experience enough of the wall to be understanding the history and the architecture.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Terracotta Warriors
Terracotta Warriors
Xi'an

Despite the presence of the crowd and our early arrival, our guide was able to successfully direct us to a visual access of the warriors that we had not anticipated. We had hoped to get closer to them on the ground level, but that access was restricted many years ago.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Summer Palace with Boat Ride and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony
Summer Palace with Boat Ride and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony
Beijing

The access to the upper area was closed because it was a Monday, but this did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the palace grounds.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car)
The Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car)
Beijing

The offer of the cable car was a game changer! Thank you very much. The distance away from the city also helped to mitigate the crowd.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hutong Walking Tour in Dongcheng District
Hutong Walking Tour in Dongcheng District
Beijing

We had gone to the most popular hutong Street the day before our tour so our guide took us to a different hutong area with a lake that was much nicer than the most popular street which was so packed with shops and food vendors. I would recommend that you take that Area as your first choice in the future.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven
Beijing
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square
Beijing

The crowd was overwhelming on the day that we went, but our friend who went the next day found it almost empty.

Quality of Experience
It was an historic experience, but nothing artistically or architecturally impressive. The crowds were stifling.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover the Forbidden City
Discover the Forbidden City
Beijing

The crowd was overwhelming on the day we traveled, but the pictures from a friend who traveled the next day showed a much lower number of people.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Carol Wang

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.