Determine your Destinations
Panda in Chengdu
China is expansive, and it is hard to visit all the destinations at once time. Apart from Beijing and Shanghai, which are the major international gateways and must-visit cities, you still have numerous options.
If you have a passion for history, Xi’an and Luoyang are highly recommended destinations. Are you fond of natural wonders? Then a Yangtze River cruise, Guilin, and Zhangjiajie are ideal places to explore. Want to experience Chinese minority cultures? Tibet,Guizhou , or Yunnan should not be missed. If you have ample time for an in-depth journey, a trip to the Silk Road and Inner Mongolia is highly recommended. Naturally, a highlight of your China tour should be a close encounter with the adorable pandas in their hometown, Chengdu.
Select the Time to Travel
Rice Terrace, Guilin
In China, spring and autumn, particularly April, May, September, and October, are peak tourist seasons. If you plan to travel to China during these months, it is advisable to make your travel plans and book your tour as early as possible. Some popular sites may even limit the number of visitors. Must-see museums such as the Forbidden City require advance reservations.
The period from May 1st to May 7th and from October 1st to October 7th is the busiest travel time in China. Chinese people often choose to travel around the country during these two long holidays. It is recommended to avoid traveling to China during these periods.
Summer is an excellent season for enjoying nature and minority cultures. If you wish to escape the heat, you can opt to travel to Huangshan, Zhangjiajie, Yunnan, or Tibet.
In winter, the best place is Harbin. With very good ski resorts, this city attracts numerous visitors to witness the world of ice and snow.
Decide the Duration of your Trip
Whether it’s a 7 -day short tour or a 30-day long Journey,China can always fulfill your desires.
Consider Your Budget
The cost of touring China is higher than it was previously. For instance, in tourist destinations, a 4-star hotel will cost over 100 US dollars per night. And it would be even more expensive in large cities. The good news is that private tours appear to be more economical. Generally, a private tour that includes tour guides, transportation, hotels, sightseeing fees, and meals will cost between 220 and 250 US dollars per person per day (based on two people sharing one room in a 4-star hotel).
If you desire a luxurious experience, there are numerous luxury activities and high-end hotels in China. If you wish to reduce your budget, substituting domestic flights with high-speed trains is a great idea.
Plan for Getting To and Traveling Around China
High Speed Train
China boasts a highly efficient and convenient transportation hub. For your international flights, there are non-stop flights available from several cities in the United States, Europe, Australia, and other countries and regions. However, the price of non-stop flights is generally higher than that of stopover flights. Bear in mind that booking your flight early can often secure a better price.
Domestic flights offer numerous choices. You can consider factors such as flight times, prices, and aircraft models to determine which one is the most suitable.
Do try taking a high-speed train in China. It is extremely fast and convenient. The facilities and service on train stations and trains are all excellent. There are obvious English signs, so you need not worry about missing anything.
Formal taxis are metered and under the supervision of the transportation department. Please note that in most cities, taxi drivers do not understand English. Moreover, some drop-off points are not close to sightseeing spots, and it can be difficult to find the right way. It is more advisable to take a private tour so that your tour guide can lead you to your destinations smoothly.
Choose Between Group Tour And Private Tour
Photo of Our Clients’ Private Trip to China
If you’ve ever availed a private tour service during your overseas trips, you are likely to depend on this flexible and hassle-free style. China was among the earliest nations to provide private tour services two decades ago. You can have faith in the professional tour services in China. If this is your initial visit to China, to enhance your travel experience, especially when traveling with children, seniors, or on a honeymoon tour, opt for a private tour that can meet your requirements and budget.
To ensure your tour is smooth and unforgettable, it is crucial to select a high-quality tour company to arrange it. But how? Firstly, you can look up the reviews of this company on the internet. For instance, TripAdvisor is one of the most popular third-party tourist platforms where you can read the genuine comments of customers who have previously used this company.
Secondly, when you contact a travel expert, you can determine whether they are very familiar with China and flexible enough to create a tour itinerary based on your needs and budget. Naturally, a prompt reply always demonstrates their expertise and the importance they attach to you.
The advantage of a group tour is that it can save you some money and you can also make some new friends. However, the fixed itinerary and large group size might restrict your personal time to enjoy the experience. If you are traveling alone or wish to meet more people from around the world, consider joining a small group tour offered by a reputable company.
Prepare your passport and visa
It is necessary to hold a passport with a validity of at least six months prior to arriving in China. Obtaining a China visa is easier than ever. China is constantly simplifying the process of applying for a tourist visa. Additionally, citizens from Germany, Italy, France, Netherlands, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Slovenia are granted a visa-free opportunity for a China tour of up to 15 days, which is available until the end of 2025. Furthermore, if your situation meets the requirements, you can also consider a port visa or the 144-hour visa-free transit policy.
Quick Links of China Travel Useful Tips
You must have heard numerous things about China previously. However, the optimal way to understand China is by experiencing it firsthand. If you are currently planning your tour to China, the simplest approach is to travel with China Elephant Travel. With over 20 years of professional operation experience, we will provide you with a tour free from stress and a perfect journey. simply send us an inquiry here.
