How to Plan a Tour to China

How many days to stay and where to go?

Generally speaking, Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian are the must-visit places for an international tourist. You need around eight days to cover all the highlights in these three cities.

If you have more time, you can add more destinations. For instance, if you like cultures of minority ethnic groups, Yunnan, where lives 25 ethnic minority groups, is recommended. In this scenario, your tour would be extended to ten days. If you want to prepare food for the lovely pandas, watch birds beside the Qinghai Lake, or see the sunrise on the Mount Everest, fifteen days are necessary.

Shanghai is a must-visit place in China

Is it safe to travel around China?

China is one of the safest countries in the world. Chinese people are especially friendly to foreigners. They are always happy to help you or talk you. If you see some senior Chinese citizen are dancing on streets, please feel free to join them. You will be warmly welcomed.

When to Travel to China?

China is a vast country. The weather can be totally different in different areas. However, March to May and September to November are the months with mildest climate in China. Most tourists visit China during these six months.

Public holidays are crazy domestic tourists’ peak times, such as National Day (October 1st to 7th) and Spring Festival (Between late January and early February. Chinese people also have 7 days off). It is recommended to avoid traveling to China during these tow holiday periods, unless you like to see “People Mountain People Sea”.

Beijing West Train Station During the Spring Festival

How to apply for Chinese visas?

The visa policies vary in different countries. It is suggested to inquire the Chinese embassies or consulates in your countries for the details.

Warm tips: If you want to travel to Tibet, an autonomous region in China, you need to apply for the Tibet Entry Permit in addition to a China visa. The permits need to be applied by a local travel agency in Tibet. As an agency who has been working in Lhasa for over 10 years, we are qualified to apply the permit for you.

How to travel around China?

Although China is a very big country, there are international flights to only some major cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Xian, and Chengdu. When you arrive in one of these gateway cities, you can take a high-speed train to most tourist destinations. However, if you plan to visit Xinjiang, Xinjiang, or other remote areas. Taking a domestic flight is recommended.

What to eat in China?

There are many delicacies in China, such as the traditional Beijing Roasted Duck, dumplings, spicy Sichuan food, Yunnan rice noodles, Tianjin steamed buns, and Xian Islamic barbeque. You can learn about the local culture while eating these traditional foods in local restaurants.

It is reasonable that some of international tourists are not used to eating Chinese food. In this scenario, you can try the western fast-food restaurants, which can be found in most tourist destinations. But in some remote villages, you can only eat local food or take bread or other western food by yourself.

Beijing Roasted Duck

How about the hotels in China?

The hotels in the major tourist and gateway cities in China are as good as the western countries. However, in some remote areas, although they are still ranked as three, four, or five stars, the levels are below the ones in major cities.

We will arrange your hotels based on your requirements. Although the hotels in some area are not so good, they have local unique styles, which may also let you satisfy.

What to buy in China?

The souvenirs, which can make feel the local cultural atmosphere, are the most recommended by us, such as the clay statues, embroideries, paper cuttings, and puppets. These handicrafts are not expensive but are the most valuable intangible heritages of Chinese people. If you want something more expensive, tea, potteries, and jades are also recommended.

Local foods are also good options, vacuum-packed foods allow you to take them to your own countries. Although not every one of your friends or family can travel to China with you, they can share China’s delicacy with you.

Warm tips: the souvenirs at tourist attractions are much more expensive than the ones in shopping malls in downtown of a city.

Paper Cuttings