How to Plan a China Trip - 6 Easy Steps to Get It
China is a vast country with a long and rich history, stunning historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural scenery. It's nearly impossible to explore everything in a short amount of time. If you're looking for simple and practical steps to plan a perfect China tour, take just 3-5 minutes to read this article, you'll find exactly what you need.
The Forbidden City in Beijing
1. Decide When to Go
The Aerial View of Li River,Guilin
China's spring(March-May) and autumn(September-November) are best time to visit, especially April, May, September, and October, are the high seasons for tourists. If you prefer to travel to China during these months, it would be better to make your travel plan and book your tour as early as possible. Some popular sites will even limit visitor volume.For example, must-see museums like the Forbidden City need to make an appointment in advance.
Summer (June-August) is a good season to enjoy China's nature and minority culture. You might experience hot weather in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where daytime temperatures can reach around 33°C (91°F). But don't worry, you can stay comfortable with air conditioning in your car and hotel, or escape the heat by visiting cooler destinations like Zhangjiajie, Yunnan, Guizhou, or Tibet.
Do note that summer is also the school holiday season in China, so hotel prices may be higher than usual.
Winter (December–February) is the low season for tourism in China. If you're looking for budget-friendly travel and fewer crowds, this is a great time to visit.
2. Choose Your Destinations
Baby Panda in Chengdu
China is vast and diverse, which can make it hard to decide where to go first. To help you narrow down your options, we've listed some top destinations based on different travel interests, so you can easily choose the ones that suit your interests.
For First-Time Visitors
If it's your first trip to China, the classic route of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai is highly recommended. About 80% of first-time travelers to China choose this route, you will visit the iconic landmarks in each city, walk along the Great Wall, discover the history of Forbidden City & Terracotta Amry, and admire the morden skyline of Shanghai.
For Nature Lovers
If you're interested in breathtaking nature landscapes, consider adding a Yangtze River Cruise, Guilin, or Zhangjiajie to your itinerary.
The Yangtze River Cruise is perfect for those seeking a relaxing and scenic journey, you can enjoy 4 days on board while soak in stunning landscapes.
Zhangjiajie and Guilin are among China's top destinations for natural beauty, known for their dramatic karst mountains and stunning countryside scenery.
For Panda Fans
Dreaming of seeing giant pandas up close? Then Chengdu is a must. Here, you can observe both adult pandas and adorable cubs in their natural habitats. You can even participate in the Panda Loving Care Program, where you'll spend a day as a panda keeper, help preparing their food, cleaning enclosures, and learning about panda care.
For Repeat Visitors
If this is your second trip to China and you're seeking a more in-depth or off-the-beaten-path experience, consider exploring Tibet, Yunnan, or historic Silk Road cities. These regions offer rich cultural diversity and unique landscapes.
3. Decide How Many Days to Stay
Mountains in Zhangjiajie
From 7-day short tours to 30-day long journeys, China has something for everyone. We've rounded up some of the most popular itineraries by duration to help you plan your trip more efficiently.
For 1 Week Tours:
Generally, we recommend visiting no more than two cities in 7 days to keep your trip relaxed and enjoyable, while still covering the highlights of China.
For example, you can spend 4 days in Beijing and 3 days in Shanghai (and nearby) seeing iconic sights like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, The Bund, and a charming water town.
If you have 8 days, consider adding 2 days in Xi'an to visit the UNESCO Heritage Site - Terracotta Warriors.
Sample itinerary: Beijing & Shanghai Best Tour.
For 10 Days to 14 Days:
About 78% of our international travelers choose a 10–14 day itinerary in China. Besides the classic Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai route, you can expand your journey with natural landscapes:
- Add the scenic Guilin Li River and the peaceful Yangshuo in your itinerary. If you're visiting during autumn, don't miss the golden Longji Rice Terraces - this route typically requires at least 10 days.
- If you're drawn to the Avatar mountains in Zhangjiajie, the itinerary of"Beijing–Xi'an–Zhangjiajie–Shanghai" will takes about 11 days.
- For a more relaxed and diverse experience, we recommended add a Yangtze Cruise in your trip, this 14-day iconic China tour covering Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, a Yangtze River Cruise, and Shanghai, it is a perfect itinerary that mix of history, nature, and culture.
For More Than 2 Weeks:
China boasts many incredible places worth visiting. If your time and budget permit, consider exploring in-depth to see more of this fascinating country. Beyond the major cities, you can explore the stunning southwest:
- We suggest spending 6-7 days discovering the charm of Yunnan province, from the tranquil ancient towns of Dali and Lijiang to the mystical beauty of Shangri-La.
- If you want to discover the mysterious Tibet, we suggest adding 5-6 days to Lhasa and Shigatse, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
4. Break Down Your Budget and Cost
Traveling in China has become more expensive in recent years. For instance, a 4-star hotel in popular tourist destinations now typically costs over USD 100 per night, with prices even higher in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
The good news is that private tours offer great value for money. A well-organized private tour covering: professional guides, comfortable & private car, hand-pick 4-5 star accommodations, sightseeing tickets, meals, and a travel expert 24/7 hours support, these usually costs around USD 220–250 per person per day, based on two people sharing a room.
If you want to lower your budget, taking high-speed trains instead of domestic flights is a smart and efficient way to save on transportation costs without sacrificing comfort.
5. Choose a Tour Company or Travel Independently
Photo of Our Clients' Private Trip to China
We understand that you may have plenty of experience with independent travel abroad. However, in China, the language barrier can make traveling on your own quite challenging, especially if you want to travel to Tibet. That's why we highly recommend you choose a travel agency. It will save you time and help you enjoy a hassle-free trip.
When selecting a travel company, it's important to consider the difference between private tours and group tours.
Advantages of a Private Tour
For first-time visitors to China, or if you're traveling with children, seniors, or on a honeymoon, a private tour is highly recommended.
With a private tour, you'll enjoy a fully customizable itinerary tailored to your interests, budget, and schedule. You'll also benefit from a private guide and car, along with 24/7 support from a dedicated travel expert, ensuring you have a safe and relaxed travel experience.
China Odyssey Tours was one of the earliest companies that provide private tours in China, with over 20 years of experience, you can expect the best professional services from start to finish.
Advantages of a Group Tour
However, a group tour's advantage is saving money, and you can also make some new friends. While the fixed itinerary and big group size might limit your personal time to enjoy the experience. If you are traveling alone or want to meet more people from all over the world, we also offer small group tours that combine value and excellent service.
6. Practical Tips for First-time Travelers
Passport and Visa
Make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months before arriving in China.
China now offers 30-day visa-free entry and a 10-day visa-free transit policy for travelers from many countries, including the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and others. You can now visit China without a visa under certain conditions.
Getting Around China
China has a very high-efficiency and facilitated transportation network. Do try a high-speed train in China, it's very fast and convenient. The facilities and service on the train are all very good, and you'll find obvious English signals as well.
The formal taxis are charged by the meter and under the supervision of the Transport Sector. However, most taxi drivers do not speak English, so it's helpful to prepare a translation app in advance. Drivers are generally friendly and willing to assist international travelers if you can show your destination in Chinese.
Internet Access and Packing List
Many Western apps such as Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp are restricted in China. To access them, you'll need to install and set up a VPN before arriving.
As for currency exchange and other packing essentials, check out our full guide: The packing list for your China Tour.
Discover China with Us
You must have heard lots of things about China before, but the best way to know China is to see it by yourself. With over 20 years of professional experience, we specialize in creating stress-free, personalized journeys that let you explore China with confidence and comfort.
Have questions or ready to plan your trip? Email us at trip@odynovotours.com or simply send us an inquiry here. We're here to help!
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