The country of China is home to a unique culture, beautiful cities, and breathtaking natural sites and national monuments. You truly won't be at a loss for things to do when visiting China. If you're lucky enough to be going on a China tour, be sure to try to check out some of the country's best highlights! With tour operator volume buys plus our low everyday prices you can save up to 40% versus assembling the same itinerary on your own! Book your China tour today with AffordableTours.com, your discounted tour headquarters. View China Tour Deals and Discounts
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China Travel Guide
China Tours Highlights
- Have fun at Shanghai Disneyland Park.
- Visit the Jiuzhai Valley National Park.
- Walk part of the Great Wall of China.
- Explore the Temple of Heaven.
- Stroll through the Yu Garden.
- Visit the Forbidden City.
- Shop on Nanjing Road.
- Get the best views from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
- See the iconic Summer Palace.
- Take a cable car up Tianmen Mountain.
- Visit the Jade Buddha Temple.
- Walk along West Lake.
- See the Buddha statue at the Yungang Grottoes.
China Tours Travel Tips
- Be prepared to carry around toilet paper if you want to use any, along with hand sanitizer. Oftentimes, bathrooms in China won't have toilet paper stocked for you to use.
- If you want to use social media, make sure that you purchase a VPN for social media. This has to be done before you get to the country.
- Don't forget to get a visa, especially if you're a citizen of the United States.
- Download Google Translate on your phone because many places (especially outside of the larger cities) will have menus that are only written with Chinese characters.
- Try to learn a few key terms or sentences in Mandarin for your trip. It's always nice as a visitor to learn at least a few things in the local language.
- Carry the local currency when you're shopping because many places actually won't accept credit cards. Be prepared!
China Tours Things To Do
- Have fun at Shanghai Disneyland Park
Shanghai Disneyland Park is Walt Disney's theme park in China. It first opened in 2016 and is located in Pudong, Shanghai. It's a very different experience than visiting Disney in the United States, so it's worth going if you have the time on your China tour. This Disneyland Park is made up of Disneytown, Wishing Star Park, and Shanghai Disney Resort. Disneytown is the best place to go shopping for Disney-related items, and there are also many restaurants and cafes here. Wishing Star Park is filled with lots of outdoor activities, like the Starlight Ampitheater, Dragonfly Playground, and Wishing Star Lake.
You Should Know
Make sure you purchase your tickets ahead of time if you plan on visiting the parks! - Visit the Jiuzhai Valley National Park
The Jiuzhai Valley National Park is a 278-square-mile park that was established in 1978. It's home to some of the most beautiful valleys in this area of China. Some notable spots to visit in the park include the Nuorilang Waterfall, Zharu Monastery, and the Rize Valley Mountains. Because the park is so huge, it's relatively easy to find an area of it all to yourself. The park is out in the open and is very exposed to the sun, so make sure to dress for the weather and remember sunscreen during your visit.
You Should Know
Jiuzhai Valley National Park is best discovered on foot, so make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes when you visit. Remember your camera! - Walk part of the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most important landmarks in the entire world. It's a 13,171-mile wall that goes right through the northern border of China. It was initially built to protect the Chinese empire from different outside groups. There are many parts of the Great Walla of China that visitors are allowed to walk along. Keep in mind that it is the world's longest wall, so you won't be able to walk all of it. Along the walk, you'll get beautiful views of the nearby lakes and mountains that are breathtaking.
Best Time To Visit
The earlier in the morning that you visit, the better. Crowds happen quite quickly here because of how popular of a monument the Great Wall of China is. - Explore the Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a popular place of worship in Beijing. It's built in the classic Chinese architecture style and has been visited by Ming and Qing dynasty Emperors who come and pray for harvests here. The temple was first built in the 15th century but was later opened to the public in 1988. It covers 2.7 million square meters, and it's larger than the Forbidden City, which is another must-visit spot along your China Tour. The area is vast, so make sure that you grab a map when you enter to plan your time accordingly.
You Should Know
Because this monument is so large, make sure that you wear good walking shoes. - Visit the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is a famous palace in Beijing that is home to the Palace Museum. It dates back to the 15th century when it was initially built to house the official royal residence of the Ming and Qing dynasty Emperors of China. This is one of the most popular complexes to visit in China, and it covers 178 acres. Because of that, make sure that you try to visit earlier in the morning to avoid all of the crowds that the later rush brings. Don't forget the camera!
You Should Know
The Forbidden City is closed every Monday. If you plan on visiting, make sure you plan around it! - Stroll through Yu Garden
Yu Garden is a beautiful outdoor botanical garden located right next to the City God Temple in Shanghai. It's quite a peaceful place to explore in the middle of the city and covers just about 5 acres. The garden is estimated to be built over 400 years ago, and it's perfect for all kinds of travelers. Yu Garden, translated into English, also means Happiness Garden, so you're sure to leave with a smile on your face after visiting! Be sure to check out all of the beautiful architecture scattered throughout the garden.
You Should Know
The garden is best explored in 1 to 2 hours in total. The must-see spots in the Yu Garden include the sculptures, carvings, and the Yuyuan Bazaar. - Get the best views from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is one of the tallest TV and radio tours in the whole world. It stands at just over 1500 feet and is located next to the Huangpu River in Shanghai. The building was built in the 20th century and has become somewhat of an icon in the city. For one of Shanghai's best views from above, make sure you visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower's viewing deck. There's also a restaurant that revolves at the top if you want to have a meal with a view! One floor even has an indoor rollercoaster that's 300 feet above the ground.
You Should Know
Make sure you purchase tickets in advance if you'd like to go to the observation deck. This way, you can guarantee admittance. - Shop on Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road in Shanghai is one of the most popular shopping streets in all of China. It's also one of the world's busiest and ranks with Times Square and even Fifth Avenue. The road was constructed in 1854 and runs on for 3.5 miles. Some of the popular things to do here include shopping, hopping on the fun sightseeing tram, and eating at delicious restaurants. Must-visit places along Nanjing Road include Wangjiasha Pastry Shop, Shanghai First Food Hall, and the local silk shops. Due to its busyness, visit earlier in the morning to avoid crowds.
You Should Know
Though a lot of stores along this road accept credit cards, bring cash just to be safe. - See the iconic Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is one of the must-visit palaces in the whole country. It's located in Beijing and is right next to a few gorgeous lakes. The majority of land that the Summer Palace covers is the lakes next to it! This palace is home to one of the few imperial gardens that are incredibly preserved, one of the top reasons to visit Summer Palace. It was built just under 300 years ago and was popularly used as a place for imperial families to go.
You Should Know
It's estimated that five hours (or half a day) is the best amount of time to spend exploring the Summer Palace.
China Tour Packages
Like most countries, China is beautiful no matter what time you visit. However, it is possible to plan your China Tour around the time of year you'd like to visit, such as if you'd prefer it to be less busy or if you want to see China in the snow!
- Spring and Fall - September to October and March to May - Shoulder Season
The spring and fall seasons are an excellent time to visit China if you want to avoid the crowds but still have nice weather. The spring months bring temperatures with highs of 65°F, while the fall high-temperature averages around the same.
- Summer - June to August - High Season
The summer is the most popular time to visit China. Because of that, prices will be at their highest for hotels and other accommodation types. The average temperature during this time is approximately 78°F, but the average high can reach 86°F!
- Winter - November to February - Low Season
Not many people visit in the winter, but China is a great place to go in the snow, especially if you like skiing or snowboarding! The average winter temperature is approximately 27°F. The low can reach 15°F for some months during this time. Accommodation prices in the winter are at their lowest, a pro to visiting in the winter!
China Tours Frequently Asked Questions
- What are China Tours?
China tours are perfect for you if you don't like having to think too hard about your day-to-day itinerary! On a China tour, you'll stop at many of the country's most incredible spots that you absolutely shouldn't miss. You'll genuinely have the chance to visit all the highlights, and what's even better is you'll have an educated guide with you the entire time, so you can get all of your questions answered. By the end of your trip, you'll love the beauty of China!
- What’s included on a China Tour?
A China tour includes access to a tour guide who will plan out your itinerary for you. All you have to do is pack your bags and get ready each day for adventures! This is the best way to travel without the extra hassle. In addition to your main tour guide/director, you'll most likely have local guides throughout your tour, which will help introduce you to other areas across China. Oftentimes, accommodation, transportation, and meals are included in your price, though it may not be every day. That's why you must do your research when booking your China tour.
- What’s the best China Tour?
No China tour is better than another! Each tour is so drastically different, so you'll have to find the China tour that is best for you, your budget, and your allotted vacation time. Some of the tours will visit larger cities more often, while others might focus more on outdoor activities. It truly depends on what you're interested in!
- How much do China Tours cost?
Every China tour has a different cost, depending on the length, the tour operator, and the stops along the tour. Some cost as little as $80 a day, while others cost upwards of $150 a day. No matter your budget, you're sure to find a perfect tour for your needs. By booking a China tour through Affordable Tours, you can save up to 40%!
Learn More About China Tours
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Reviews for China Tours and Vacations
This trip was amazing! We had an exceptional tour guide and the group itself was one of the best groups I have had a tour with. They were all very sociable and a very enjoyable, happy group. We were very informed and amazed at all the places we visited. Once in a lifetime expierience. I will be going back to China. Thank you for a remarkable and unforgettable trip.
Priscilla P
As an educator who has organized and been on many tours with Jet Vacations, Gate 1 is excellent — first time on your tour and wanted to compare. Jet gives me one free trip with every 10 travelers and I can customize some - in every way you are as great -except for my free ticket deal - your prices are much better but tipping is double since we had 2 brilliant, passionate tour guides in each city. Trena is a real professional, so efficient and sharp. Hope to plan another group tour - Promoting Sicily for April -
Patricia G
This is a great itinerary.
Livia D
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