China Escorted Tours
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our China escorted tours, where ancient history meets modern marvels. China, a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers an array of experiences that captivate the heart and mind. From the majestic Great Wall to the serene beauty of the Yangtze River, China promises a holiday filled with wonder and discovery. Our escorted tours provide a seamless travel experience, ensuring you can relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of this fascinating country. With expert guides, carefully curated itineraries, and comfortable accommodations, we'll ensure your tour of China is both enriching and enjoyable.
Best Regions to Visit in China
Beijing
Great Wall of China: Explore the legendary Great Wall, which stretches across the horizon and offers stunning views.
Forbidden City: Discover the imperial secrets of the Forbidden City, a vast palace complex that served as the home of emperors for centuries.
Temple of Heaven: Enjoy a serene escape at the Temple of Heaven, a beautiful park and religious complex.
Xi’an
Terracotta Army: Step into the ancient heart of Xi'an and marvel at the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, a collection of thousands of life-sized sculptures.
City Walls: Walk along the well-preserved city walls, offering a fascinating glimpse into China's rich history.
Shanghai
The Bund: Experience the dazzling allure of Shanghai's waterfront along the Bund, with its futuristic skyline and historic buildings.
Cultural Scene: Immerse yourself in Shanghai's vibrant cultural scene, including museums, theaters, and art galleries.
Guilin
Li River: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Li River, famous for its stunning karst landscape and picturesque views.
Elephant Trunk Hill: Visit this iconic hill, named for its resemblance to an elephant drinking from the river, and enjoy the surrounding park and scenic views.
Chengdu
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base: Visit the world-famous research base to see giant pandas in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts.
Jinli Ancient Street: Stroll through this historic street, known for its traditional architecture, local snacks, and vibrant atmosphere.
Yangtze River
Three Gorges: Take a cruise along the Yangtze River to experience the breathtaking scenery of the Three Gorges, with their dramatic cliffs and lush landscapes.
Three Gorges Dam: Visit the world's largest hydroelectric dam, an engineering marvel that offers impressive views and insights into China's energy production.
Best Time to Visit China
Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the best times to visit China, with mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. This season is perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Great Wall and the gardens of Suzhou. Spring festivals, such as the Qingming Festival, offer unique cultural experiences.
Summer (June to August): Summer in China can be hot and humid, with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C. However, it’s a great time to visit cooler regions like the Tibetan Plateau or the mountainous areas of Yunnan. The Dragon Boat Festival in June is a highlight, featuring exciting boat races and traditional foods.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is considered the best season to visit China, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The fall foliage in places like Beijing and Jiuzhaigou is spectacular. The Mid-Autumn Festival in September is a wonderful time to experience Chinese culture and enjoy mooncakes.
Winter (December to February): Winter can be cold, especially in the north, with temperatures dropping below freezing. However, t's an excellent time to visit southern China, such as Hong Kong, where the weather is milder. The Chinese New Year celebrations in January or February are vibrant and festive.
Your tour of China is just a phone call away
Call our Travel Specialists today on 0800 408 0506
All the hotels chosen for these escorted tours have been personally sourced and inspected by us. We pride ourselves on offering you comfortable, handpicked accommodation in some of the best locations around the world.
All of our English speaking local guides are passionate about their country and will accompany you from the moment you arrive in your destination, throughout your escorted tour and right until your departing flight home.
Where possible we have secured a limited number of places without a single Supplement on each escorted tour. These are strictly subject to availability and once they are all booked a supplement will apply.
Once you have booked, we will send you a comprehensive dossier with all your accommodation details, flight and airport information, country advice and other useful tips such as what to pack and luggage allowance.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Your Guide to visiting China
Things to Do in China
China offers a rich blend of ancient wonders, modern cities, and dramatic landscapes. From walking historic walls to tasting bold regional flavours, every experience reveals a new layer of this vast and fascinating country.
The Great Wall of China
Winding over 13,000 miles through mountains and valleys, the Great Wall is China’s most iconic landmark. Walk its age-old stone paths and enjoy sweeping views over rolling hills and rural villages—a true bucket-list moment.
The Terracotta Army
Hidden underground for over 2,000 years, the Terracotta Army near Xi’an is one of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots stand in silent formation, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.
Major Cities
Beijing blends imperial history with modern flair—home to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and buzzing street markets. Shanghai impresses with futuristic skylines along The Bund and a stylish, international feel. Chengdu moves at a gentler pace, known for its teahouses, spicy food, and beloved pandas. Guilin enchants with its misty rivers and limestone peaks, perfect for scenic cruises and countryside walks.
Wildlife & Nature
Beyond its cities, China is home to incredible wildlife and scenery. Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu to see these gentle animals up close, or venture into the mountains of Yunnan or Tibet to spot rare golden monkeys and experience highland wilderness.
Best time to visit China
China is vast and diverse, so the best time to visit depends on the region, but overall, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather, with mild temperatures and less rain. These seasons bring blooming landscapes or colourful foliage, making them perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Winter (December – February)
Winter brings crisp, refreshing air and clear skies, especially in northern cities like Beijing and Xi’an. While it’s cooler, this quieter season lets you explore famous sites with fewer crowds. In the south, places like Guangzhou and Hong Kong stay mild and pleasant, perfect for relaxed sightseeing.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is one of the best times to visit, with warming temperatures, blossoming flowers, and fresh greenery across much of the country. This season is perfect for wandering through cities like Beijing and Shanghai or exploring scenic areas such as Guilin and Hangzhou before the summer crowds arrive.
Summer (June – August)
Summer brings hot and humid weather, especially in southern and central China. While some regions experience rain, this nourishes the stunning green landscapes you’ll see across much of the country. Coastal areas might have occasional storms, but inland mountain retreats in Yunnan and Tibet offer cool, refreshing air and spectacular scenery.
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is widely regarded as the best season to visit China. The weather is cool and dry, skies are clear, and fall colours transform landscapes from the Great Wall to the Yellow Mountains. This season is ideal for city tours, hiking, and experiencing traditional harvest celebrations.
Food & Drink in China
Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse, full of bold flavors and unique regional styles. Whether dining at bustling street stalls or relaxing in family-run restaurants, the food is a central part of the experience. Meals are often shared, with a variety of dishes that balance taste, texture, and aroma.
Must-Try Dishes:
**Peking Duck **– Crispy, aromatic roast duck served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. A classic dish that highlights Beijing’s rich culinary history.
Kung Pao Chicken – A spicy, tangy stir-fry from Sichuan province, combining tender chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers for a bold flavor punch.
Dim Sum – Small steamed or fried bite-sized dishes like dumplings, buns, and rolls, traditionally enjoyed with tea in Cantonese regions such as Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
Hot Pot – A social dining experience where diners cook fresh meats, vegetables, and noodles in a simmering flavorful broth—popular across many regions.
Xiao Long Bao – Soup-filled steamed dumplings from Shanghai, known for their delicate skin and rich, savory broth inside.
Our escorted tours include meals at handpicked restaurants, offering a true taste of China’s culinary history in authentic, carefully selected settings.
Tips for Planning Your China Tour
When planning your tour of China, think about what kind of experiences interest you most—whether it’s walking along the Great Wall, exploring the ancient Terracotta Army, or soaking in the energy of Shanghai and Beijing’s modern skylines. The route you pick will set the pace and tone of your trip, so consider if you want a mix of history, culture, and city life or a focus on nature and traditional towns.
China’s best travel seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), are popular for good reason, with pleasant weather and clear skies. Because these months attract many visitors, booking your trip in advance is recommended.
Our guided tours are a smart choice to navigate China’s vast regions, languages, and customs. With expert guidance and smooth arrangements, you’ll get the most out of your journey through this fascinating and diverse country.
