How many nights do I need?

We suggest 10–16 nights. Our China packages can be extended or shortened to suit you.

Can I combine China with another destination?

Yes. Many travellers pair it with a neighbouring destination — use the trip builder or mention it in your inquiry.

Great Wall of China at Mutianyu with watchtowers winding over autumn-coloured mountains under a blue sky

Asia · 2 holiday packages

China

Q: Do I need a visa?

Requirements depend on your nationality. Please check official government guidance; we can point you to the right resources.

Dynasties, rice terraces and riverside karsts

Explore packages Customise your trip

Why go to China

From imperial Beijing to the limestone peaks of Guilin, China rewards travellers with deep history and remarkable landscapes.

Most travellers begin in Beijing. Our specialists typically suggest 10–16 nights to see the highlights without rushing — longer if you’d like to combine regions or add beach time.

Best time: Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Suggested length: 10–16 nights
Packages from: $2,138 pp
Main gateway: Beijing
Time zone: UTC+8
Currency: Chinese yuan (CNY)

China at a glance

People's Republic of China

Capital: Beijing
Region: Eastern Asia, Asia
Currency: Chinese yuan (CNY)
Language: Chinese
Dialling code: +86
ISO codes: CN · CHN · 156
Local time: —Asia/Shanghai

Country details are maintained by our travel specialists. Live weather is provided by an external service and updates automatically.

Live weather

Beijing

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Best time to visit

Recommended: Apr–May, Sep–OctPossible, with trade-offs

Key attractions & experiences

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

A well-preserved Ming section of the Great Wall about two hours from central Beijing, with closely spaced watchtowers, double-sided battlements and forested ridges, reached on foot or by cable car.

Forbidden City seen from Jingshan Park, with the Gate of Divine Prowess and golden-tiled palace roofs behind

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

For five centuries the seat of China's emperors, the Forbidden City is a walled world of golden roofs, vast courtyards and ceremonial halls, now the Palace Museum and one of Beijing's essential visits.

Rows of terracotta warrior statues standing in an excavation pit in Xi'an

Terracotta Army

Thousands of life-size terracotta soldiers and horses, buried more than 2,200 years ago to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang, stand in vast excavated pits east of Xi'an.

Misty karst peaks rising above the Li River and green riverbank trees near Guilin

Li River, Guilin

A slow cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo past steep limestone towers, bamboo groves and riverside villages, including the stretch near Xingping pictured on the 20 yuan banknote.

Destination guide

Explore 28 places in China

Landmarks, sacred sites, islands, parks and food streets — each with its story, the best time to go and what’s nearby.

28 places in China

Landmark

Bohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

A well-preserved Ming section of the Great Wall about two hours from central Beijing, with closely spaced watchtowers, double-sided battlements and forested ridges, reached on foot or by cable car.

Explore

Heritage

Dongcheng District, Beijing

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

Explore

Heritage

Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi

Terracotta Army

Thousands of life-size terracotta soldiers and horses, buried more than 2,200 years ago to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang, stand in vast excavated pits east of Xi'an.

Explore

Nature

Guilin to Yangshuo, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Li River, Guilin

A slow cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo past steep limestone towers, bamboo groves and riverside villages, including the stretch near Xingping pictured on the 20 yuan banknote.

Explore

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its three blue-tiled roofs on a white marble terrace under a blue sky

Heritage

Dongcheng District, Beijing

Temple of Heaven

The circular, triple-roofed Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is one of Beijing's most recognisable sights, the centrepiece of a ceremonial complex where Ming and Qing emperors offered sacrifices to Heaven.

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Longevity Hill with the Tower of Buddhist Incense and its temple terraces rising above the shore of Kunming Lake

Heritage

Haidian District, Beijing

Summer Palace

A vast imperial garden in north-west Beijing where palaces, temples and painted corridors line Kunming Lake and climb Longevity Hill, ideal for a long, leisurely day of walking and boating.

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A small tour boat on a willow-lined channel at Shichahai, with white stone balustrades and strolling visitors on both banks

City

Xicheng District, Beijing

Hutongs & Shichahai

Three willow-fringed lakes north of the Forbidden City, surrounded by grey-brick hutong lanes, courtyard homes, princely mansions and lakeside cafes and bars: the best place to wander through old Beijing.

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Ornate Chinese-style gateway and pavilion roofs of Niujie Mosque, Beijing

Religious site

Niujie, Xicheng District, Beijing

Niujie Mosque

Founded in 996, Niujie Mosque blends Islamic tradition with Chinese timber architecture and anchors Niujie, Beijing's largest Muslim community, famous for halal butchers, bakeries and restaurants.

Explore

Pingyao's Market Tower rising over a lantern-lined main street busy with visitors

Heritage

Pingyao County, Jinzhong, Shanxi

Pingyao Ancient City

Encircled by intact 14th-century walls, Pingyao preserves a whole Ming and Qing town of courtyard houses, temples and the old draft banks that once made it China's financial centre.

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All things to do in China →

China holiday packages

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CultureNature

China · 12 nights4★ Hotel

Imperial China & the Li River

Great Wall at Mutianyu
Terracotta Army
Li River cruise

Includes accommodation · private transfers · daily breakfast · guided sightseeing

Indicative from

$3,426 pp

City breakCulture

China · 7 nights4★ Hotel

Beijing & Xi’an City Discovery

Forbidden City
Hutong cycling
Xi’an Muslim Quarter

Includes accommodation · private transfers · daily breakfast · guided sightseeing

Indicative from

$2,138 pp

Want something different?Build a China trip around your own dates, pace and interests.Customise your trip

Sample itinerary

Imperial China & the Li River

13 days · 4★ hotel · indicative from $3,426 pp. Every day can be adjusted.

View full package

Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
You’re met on arrival and taken by private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in — your travel specialist will have left a welcome pack with local tips.
Day 2
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Walk a restored section of wall with far fewer crowds than Badaling. Your local guide shares context and stories along the way, with time to explore independently afterwards.
Day 3
Forbidden City
The vast palace complex at the heart of imperial Beijing. Your local guide shares context and stories along the way, with time to explore independently afterwards.
Day 4
Terracotta Army, Xi’an
Thousands of life-size warriors guarding the first emperor’s tomb. Your local guide shares context and stories along the way, with time to explore independently afterwards.
Day 5
Day at leisure
A free day to explore at your own pace. Suggested: cycling in Yangshuo, tai chi at dawn, hutong walks. Optional excursions can be pre-booked as add-ons.
Day 6
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Walk a restored section of wall with far fewer crowds than Badaling. Your local guide shares context and stories along the way, with time to explore independently afterwards.

Food, culture & things to do

Food

Peking duck, Xi’an hand-pulled noodles, Sichuan hotpot

Culture

Tea houses, calligraphy and Peking opera

Shopping

Silk, tea and jade in Beijing’s hutong markets

Activities

Cycling in Yangshuo, tai chi at dawn, hutong walks

Practical information

Language: Mandarin
Currency: Chinese yuan (CNY)
Time zone: UTC+8
Gateway: Beijing
Best for: History, Food & drink, Photography, Hiking

Entry requirements depend on your nationality. Please check official government guidance before you travel — your specialist can point you to the right resources.