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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 · 7 days · 8 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days

China Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
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
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.

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 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.

Chengdu Panda Research Base
Map of Chengdu City & Pandas - 4 Days
Chengdu City & Pandas - 4 Days

Make the most of your time in Chengdu in Southwest China on this 4-day itinerary. See the Giant Leshan Buddha and Mt. Emei Buddhist sites, then wander through the historic city to see local life and catch a performance at the Sichuan Opera. End your trip with a visit to the Panda Research Base to see the famous animals up-close.

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.

China Travel Advice

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

Our Latest China Content

China
1 Week in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With strategic planning you can cover China´s highlights, like Beijing, Xi´an, and Shanghai, in a week. In those three cities alone you´ll find the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, and Yu Garden, a centuries-old green space. Or, if you´re thristing for an off-the-beaten path adventure, consider a sampan ride down the Li River or head to Yunnan, near Tibet, for nature excursions to mystical mountain peaks. Consult the itineraries below to find out which journey is right for you.

Explore the region's most famous cities.
Map of Discover China, Hong Kong and Macau - 12 Days
Discover China, Hong Kong and Macau - 12 Days

Take a great trip to China and experience the country's most famous attractions. Trek the Great Wall, explore the world's largest palace, the Forbidden City, view the amazing 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors, and visit Hong Kong and Macau on this comprehensive trip.

Three-quarters of the Summer Palace is water
Map of Family Trip to Beijing and Shanghai - 8 Days
Family Trip to Beijing and Shanghai - 8 Days

This week-long tour, designed for families with children, covers the most famous cities in China: Beijing and Shanghai. Explore the treasures of the labyrinthian Forbidden City, hike the Mutianyu section of the iconic Great Wall, visit the Summer Palace by boat, and enjoy panoramic city views from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Cap it off with a true family favorite: an epic day at Shanghai Disneyland.

China Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
China map: 14 Days in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
China map: 10 Days in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in China - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
China map: Best of China - 13 Days
Best of China - 13 Days
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for China
Travel specialist Alice Fu

Alice Fu

I'm here for your once in a lifetime trip! I will share the traditions, culture, and history of China from a first-hand perspective, and add some unexpected off-itinerary adventures.

read more...
Travel specialist Daniel Hao

Daniel Hao

For centuries, travelers to China have told tales of magical landscapes. Through my role as a local travel specialist, I get to introduce the magical landscapes and customs of China with people...

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Travel specialist Terry Zhang
active 2 hours ago

Terry Zhang

I was lucky enough to grow up around travel, and experience some amazing places, from China to Vietnam to Thailand. Travel is my passion and I’m always dreaming of my next trip. After traveling...

read more...
Travel specialist Carol Wang
active 1 day 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...

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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.

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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.

100% satisfaction guarantee
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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Trip Reviews for China

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Fantastic!
China | Jan 8 - Jan 15, 2020

D
David L.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2020

I had a great time in China. My tour guides were great! Shout out to the guides Yan, Fish Lee, and Run for the great service. Also, the drivers got us to each location safe and sound and they are very much appreciated. I really enjoyed all of our sightseeing locations. One of my most memorable activities was the dumpling making class in Xi’an. The local family was very nice and cooked some very delicious dishes for us. Great hospitality! Overall, I had a very positive experience booking with KimKim, who referred us to Peicy, our travel consultant, and I am looking forward to our next trip!

Local specialist: Peicy Wang

Awesome Family Adventure in China!
China | Dec 11 - Jan 6, 2020

M
May Y.
| Reviewed on Jan 14, 2020

Peicy helped us organized a fantastic 4 weeks trip to China. This was not an easy task as there were 7 of us in the group, ages 11 to 91. We covered four provinces with one plane ride and many train journeys including an over night train. It was flawless. We loved the hotels that she arranged for us in many great places. They were all unique and allowed for very easy walk to food and sites. I speak fluent Chinese, so do my parents who came in the trip. Her recommendation for places where we... read more

Peicy helped us organized a fantastic 4 weeks trip to China. This was not an easy task as there were 7 of us in the group, ages 11 to 91. We covered four provinces with one plane ride and many train journeys including an over night train. It was flawless. We loved the hotels that she arranged for us in many great places. They were all unique and allowed for very easy walk to food and sites. I speak fluent Chinese, so do my parents who came in the trip. Her recommendation for places where we should still have a guide was excellent. The whole plan was slow enough for the grandparents and interesting enough for us and the kids. All the guides were very knowledgable and patient with our big family, especially Alvin in Kunming and Baima in Shangrila. All the drivers were very punctual and helpful, especially the one in later part of Yunnan. We couldn't thank Peicy enough for her help! Thank you so much for helping us with such a wonderful once in a life time experience! Kim Kim is very good at finding local experts to make your trip fantastic.

Local specialist: Peicy Wang

Need to go back to this strange and mysterious country
China | Oct 15 - Oct 24, 2019

P
PAUL B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Oct 30, 2019

Hello Kim Kim
The trip in itself was unusual to the places where general visitors go to .that said the trip schedule was excellent in its execution. From arriving at Beijing Four days of non stop activity with our Guide Tom. to the Bullet Train to Zibo ( I have to compliment the Chinese railway , a pleasure to ride on a fantastic train in total comfort ) Meeting Chris who was the most enlightened guide that my Grandson has met .
Then to Qingdao where we met Eden , I personally had an... read more

Hello Kim Kim
The trip in itself was unusual to the places where general visitors go to .that said the trip schedule was excellent in its execution. From arriving at Beijing Four days of non stop activity with our Guide Tom. to the Bullet Train to Zibo ( I have to compliment the Chinese railway , a pleasure to ride on a fantastic train in total comfort ) Meeting Chris who was the most enlightened guide that my Grandson has met .
Then to Qingdao where we met Eden , I personally had an excellent time with him as he is a teacher and we spoke about the way he could get his students to understand English better .
Then to Shenyang , all of the train trips and Internal flights were great.
Wherever we went we met the most courteous children , good for the future .
The places we visited for my grandson were the best he had ever seen ( thankyou for that ).
The hotels were pretty ok , The Shangri la was TOP SHOP. Food was interesting but we entered into the spirit and eat a lot of what was on offer.
Kim Kim Thank you for a well organised Holiday with excellent representatives at each city to meet us .
Paul Baker

Local specialist: Alice Fu
Alice
Alice Fu
Local specialist in Beijing,China | Replied on Nov 01, 2019

Hi Paul,
Thank you kindly for your review! It was my pleasure to organize your trip and I'm delighted that you had an amazing time in China.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family again to China.
All the best,
Alice