---
title: "Classic China & Silk Road: 21 Days from Beijing to Shanghai"
description: "Classic China & Silk Road: 21 Days from Beijing to Shanghai"
type: "tour"
route_id: "classic-china-silk-road"
total_days: 21
price: 5880
highlights: ["Beijing", "Xi'an", "Zhangye", "Jiayuguan", "Dunhuang", "Turpan", "Urumqi", "Kashgar", "Chengdu", "Zhangjiajie", "Shanghai"]
url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/es-ES/tours/classic-china-silk-road"
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---

# Classic China & Silk Road: 21 Days from Beijing to Shanghai

经典中国与丝绸之路

## Summary

- Route ID: classic-china-silk-road
- Duration: 21 days / 20 nights
- Starting price: $5,880
- Group size: 8 travelers
- Status: active
- Highlights: Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai

## Hero tags

- Private
- Tailor-made

## Selling points

- The maximalist China journey — 21 days across nine cities and five distinct regions, from Beijing's Forbidden City through the entire Silk Road, Chengdu's pandas and Zhangjiajie's Avatar sandstone pillars, all the way to Shanghai's Bund finale, with no compromise on landscape, culture or icons.
- Photograph Zhangye's Rainbow Mountains, the National Geographic-listed "7 Stunning Natural Wonders of Asia" Danxia landform, where banded crimson, ochre and pearl ridges glow at sunset over the Hexi Corridor.
- Pick a Mogao mural sample at the Dunhuang Research Institute and create your own mud-slab copy under instructor guidance — a hands-on Buddhist craft most Silk Road tours never offer, with the finished slab travelling home with you.
- Skip the queue at the Bailong Elevator with VIP access — the world's tallest outdoor elevator at 326m carries you directly to the Avatar floating mountains of Wulingyuan, then walk the world's longest glass-bottom bridge across the canyon below.
- Drive both ends of the Karakoram Highway in a single afternoon — Baisha "White Sand" Lake and Karakul "Black Lake" at 3,600m, where Mt. Muztagh Ata's 7,546m snowcap reflects in the alpine waters and Kyrgyz nomads serve milk tea in lakeside yurts.

## City highlights

- Beijing (3 days): Beijing
- Chengdu (3 days): Chengdu
- Turpan (2 days): Turpan
- Zhangye (1 days): Zhangye
- Urumqi (2 days): Urumqi
- Xi'an (3 days): Xi'an
- Zhangjiajie (2 days): Zhangjiajie
- Jiayuguan (1 days): Jiayuguan
- Dunhuang (1 days): Dunhuang
- Kashgar (1 days): Kashgar
- Shanghai (2 days): Shanghai

## Itinerary

### Imperial Capitals & the Tang Foundation - 6 days

6 Days · Hidden Halls and the Conservation Lab

#### Beijing (3 days)

- Subtitle: Beijing
- Recommendation: Beijing and Xi'an open the trip with the imperial canon at access tiers most travellers never reach — hidden halls beyond the Forbidden City's standard six, and the Terracotta Conservation Lab where Qin relics still pass through restorers' hands.
- Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival

**The Core**
Arrival recovery, Tiananmen Square, selected hidden halls of the Forbidden City, roast duck lunch, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Mutianyu Great Wall.

**The Flexible Part**
[Forbidden City hidden halls]{#E93C10} are the premium Beijing layer here, adding palace stories beyond the standard central-axis route. Mutianyu descent can be cable car or toboggan.

**The Route Role**
Beijing opens the long Silk Road with imperial scale before the journey turns west. It shows the court power, ritual order, and defensive worldview that framed China's contact with the frontier.

**Good to Know**
Forbidden City access depends on passport-based ticketing and crowd control. Start Temple of Heaven early for local park life, then keep the Wall day paced around weather and queues.

#### Xi'an (3 days)

- Subtitle: Xi'an
- Recommendation: Beijing and Xi'an open the trip with the imperial canon at access tiers most travellers never reach — hidden halls beyond the Forbidden City's standard six, and the Terracotta Conservation Lab where Qin relics still pass through restorers' hands.
- Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival

**The Core**
High-speed train arrival, Terracotta Warriors, Conservation Laboratory access, Big Wild Goose Pagoda context, Muslim Quarter flavors, and Tang-capital storytelling.

**The Flexible Part**
[Terracotta Conservation Lab]{#E93C10} is the distinctive upgrade: it turns the warriors from a viewing stop into a behind-the-scenes restoration story.

**The Route Role**
Xi'an is the eastern door of the Silk Road. Qin craft, Tang Buddhism, and Hui food culture make the westward journey feel historically continuous rather than just scenic.

**Good to Know**
The lab access is capacity-sensitive and should be confirmed early. Wear comfortable shoes for the museum hangars and keep the Muslim Quarter visit flexible around appetite and crowds.

### Hexi Corridor & Buddhist Caves - 3 days

3 Days · Rainbow Mountains and Mud-Slab Murals

#### Zhangye (1 days)

- Subtitle: Zhangye
- Recommendation: The Hexi Corridor between Zhangye and Dunhuang is the Silk Road's spectacular landscape segment — Danxia rainbow ridges, the Wall's western terminus, and the world's most important Buddhist grotto network, all in a three-day arc.
- Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival

**The Core**
Arrival from Xi'an, Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains, elevated boardwalks, golden-hour photography, and Hexi Corridor desert geography.

**The Flexible Part**
[Rainbow Mountains]{#E93C10} are best kept for late afternoon, when the red, ochre, and pale sandstone bands read most clearly.

**The Route Role**
Zhangye shifts the route from imperial cities to corridor landscape. The color ridges make the Hexi passage feel vast before the Wall terminus and grottoes appear farther west.

**Good to Know**
Stay on the boardwalks; the Danxia surface is fragile. Weather affects color intensity, so build the day with some timing flexibility rather than a rushed photo stop.

#### Jiayuguan (1 days)

- Subtitle: Jiayuguan
- Recommendation: The Hexi Corridor between Zhangye and Dunhuang is the Silk Road's spectacular landscape segment — Danxia rainbow ridges, the Wall's western terminus, and the world's most important Buddhist grotto network, all in a three-day arc.
- Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival

**The Core**
Jiayu Pass fortress, rammed-earth ramparts, watchtower views, Gobi approaches, and the westward transfer toward Dunhuang.

**The Flexible Part**
[Jiayu Pass]{#E93C10} is the key stop because it shows the Great Wall as frontier architecture rather than the stone ridges seen near Beijing.

**The Route Role**
Jiayuguan marks the symbolic end of the old Wall world. It prepares the route for desert, caravans, cave temples, and the more open geography of the Silk Road.

**Good to Know**
The drive west is long and exposed. Carry water, sun protection, and a layer for wind; Gobi weather can feel sharper than the temperature suggests.

#### Dunhuang (1 days)

- Subtitle: Dunhuang
- Recommendation: The Hexi Corridor between Zhangye and Dunhuang is the Silk Road's spectacular landscape segment — Danxia rainbow ridges, the Wall's western terminus, and the world's most important Buddhist grotto network, all in a three-day arc.
- Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival

**The Core**
Mogao Caves, Dunhuang Research Institute mural workshop, Singing Sand Dunes, Crescent Moon Spring, and desert-edge oasis atmosphere.

**The Flexible Part**
[Mogao Caves]{#E93C10} are the irreplaceable cultural anchor. The mud-slab mural workshop adds a hands-on way to understand pigment, plaster, and conservation.

**The Route Role**
Dunhuang is where the Silk Road becomes visual scripture: donor portraits, Buddhist stories, cave architecture, and desert survival all meet in one oasis.

**Good to Know**
No photography is allowed inside protected caves. Dune walking is best near sunset, and workshop pieces should be packed carefully for the onward journey.

### Oasis Crossroads & the Pamir Plateau - 5 days

5 Days · Han-Era Walls to the Karakoram Highway

#### Turpan (2 days)

- Subtitle: Turpan
- Recommendation: Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar form the Silk Road's archaeological and ethnic heart — Han Dynasty Wall ruins, leaf-shaped fortress cities, Sunday Bazaars and Pamir alpine lakes between three distinct Uyghur cultural regions.
- Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival

**The Core**
Han Dynasty wall traces, Karez Well System, Jiaohe Ancient City, Tuyugou Village, Flaming Mountains, and oasis agriculture.

**The Flexible Part**
[Jiaohe Ancient City]{#E93C10} gives the strongest archaeological walk, while the Karez system explains how this hot basin stayed habitable.

**The Route Role**
Turpan shows the mechanics of oasis life. Water tunnels, fortress ruins, Uyghur village courtyards, and heat-shaped landscapes make trade-route survival concrete.

**Good to Know**
Visit exposed ruins early. Summer heat can be intense, so keep shade breaks and water built into the day rather than treating them as afterthoughts.

#### Urumqi (2 days)

- Subtitle: Urumqi
- Recommendation: Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar form the Silk Road's archaeological and ethnic heart — Han Dynasty Wall ruins, leaf-shaped fortress cities, Sunday Bazaars and Pamir alpine lakes between three distinct Uyghur cultural regions.
- Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival

**The Core**
Turpan Museum or Xinjiang museum context, Loulan mummy exhibits when available, Erdaoqiao Market, Uyghur quarter walking, and the flight onward to Kashgar.

**The Flexible Part**
[Erdaoqiao Market]{#E93C10} is useful for daily-life texture after archaeological sites. Museum depth can flex around flight timing and traveler energy.

**The Route Role**
Urumqi works as a cultural and logistical bridge between Turpan's ruins and Kashgar's old-town life. It adds regional context before the far-west finale.

**Good to Know**
Airport timing can dominate this day. Keep luggage and security checks simple, and let the guide adjust market time around the final flight schedule.

#### Kashgar (1 days)

- Subtitle: Kashgar
- Recommendation: Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar form the Silk Road's archaeological and ethnic heart — Han Dynasty Wall ruins, leaf-shaped fortress cities, Sunday Bazaars and Pamir alpine lakes between three distinct Uyghur cultural regions.
- Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival

**The Core**
Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Old Town, ancient teahouse, Handicraft Street, Sunday Bazaar, livestock market, and optional Pamir-side scenery depending on the route version.

**The Flexible Part**
[Sunday Bazaar]{#E93C10} is the headline when timing matches. If not, the teahouse, coppersmiths, mosque area, and old lanes still carry the city's Central Asian rhythm.

**The Route Role**
Kashgar is the Silk Road climax: Islamic architecture, Uyghur craft, market exchange, and frontier distance all become immediate after the long westward build.

**Good to Know**
The livestock market is Sunday-specific and starts early. Dress respectfully near religious sites and expect security checks in public areas.

### Pandas, Avatar Mountains & the Coast - 7 days

7 Days · Bamboo Feeding to the Bund

#### Chengdu (3 days)

- Subtitle: Chengdu
- Recommendation: Chengdu, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai close the trip with the southwest's giant pandas, the Avatar floating mountains of Wulingyuan, and the contemporary Bund — the landscape arc's three most photographed Chinese icons in a single seven-day finale.
- Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival

**The Core**
Flight from Kashgar via Urumqi, Chengdu arrival, Giant Panda Research Base, bamboo-feeding hour, and a relaxed Sichuan-city reset before Zhangjiajie.

**The Flexible Part**
[Giant Panda Research Base]{#E93C10} should be visited early, when pandas are feeding and active. Afternoon can stay light after the long Xinjiang flight.

**The Route Role**
Chengdu softens the route after the far-west intensity. Pandas, slower meals, and Sichuan ease create a human pause before the landscape finale.

**Good to Know**
Pandas usually sleep by late morning or afternoon. Start early, keep expectations realistic in hot weather, and avoid overloading the post-flight day.

#### Zhangjiajie (2 days)

- Subtitle: Zhangjiajie
- Recommendation: Chengdu, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai close the trip with the southwest's giant pandas, the Avatar floating mountains of Wulingyuan, and the contemporary Bund — the landscape arc's three most photographed Chinese icons in a single seven-day finale.
- Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival

**The Core**
Tianmen Mountain cable car, Heaven's Gate, cliff skywalks, Wulingyuan pillars, Bailong Elevator VIP access, Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, and Yellow Dragon Cavern.

**The Flexible Part**
[Wulingyuan]{#E93C10} is the essential scenic core. Glass walks, bridge time, and cave depth should be adjusted around heights, crowds, and weather.

**The Route Role**
Zhangjiajie turns the finale into pure vertical drama. After deserts and oasis towns, sandstone pillars and cliff roads create the route's most cinematic nature chapter.

**Good to Know**
Fog can hide or enhance the views. Queue-skip arrangements save serious time, and travelers uncomfortable with heights should discuss alternatives before the day starts.

#### Shanghai (2 days)

- Subtitle: Shanghai
- Recommendation: Chengdu, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai close the trip with the southwest's giant pandas, the Avatar floating mountains of Wulingyuan, and the contemporary Bund — the landscape arc's three most photographed Chinese icons in a single seven-day finale.
- Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival

**The Core**
Yu Garden, Yuyuan bazaar, the Bund, colonial waterfront architecture, Pudong skyline, optional Shanghai Museum, and departure transfer.

**The Flexible Part**
[The Bund]{#E93C10} works best at blue hour, when both the art deco facades and Pudong towers are lit. Museum or tower time can flex around flights.

**The Route Role**
Shanghai closes the long overland story with a modern coastal contrast. It brings the journey from caravan corridors and mountain parks back to global China.

**Good to Know**
Bund evenings draw crowds, so timing matters. Keep the final day lighter if international departure is same-day or early the next morning.

## Service workflow

From your first question to your safe return home — the expertise of seasoned locals, offered on your terms. Ready when you need us. Silent when you don't.

- Pre-Trip Prep: Overwhelmed by prep? Talk to a real local expert, anytime.
- Itinerary Planning: An hour-by-hour trip roadmap, expertly crafted by locals (bookings not included).
- Booking Services: Ultimate peace of mind. We handle every detail, so you don't have to.
- On-Trip Experience: Exclusive online safety net for self-booking travelers. We've got your back.
- Free Expert Chat ($0): Overwhelmed by prep? Talk to a real local expert, anytime.
  - 1:1 Local Advisor
  - Pre-trip Q&A
  - Authentic Local Info
- Traveler's Toolkit ($0): Everything a seasoned traveler needs for China — curated by locals.
  - Essential Apps (pre-configured)
  - Payment & SIM Setup Guide
  - Pocket Phrase Cards
- Pro Roadmap ($99): An hour-by-hour trip roadmap, expertly crafted by locals (bookings not included).
  - 1:1 Video Call with a planner
  - Transit, dining & timing tips
  - Ready-to-follow roadmap
- All-Inclusive Booking (Custom): Ultimate peace of mind. We handle every detail, so you don't have to.
  - Hotels & Transit Booking
  - VIP Attraction Access
  - Visa Invitation Letter
- On-Trip Concierge ($199): Exclusive online safety net for self-booking travelers. We've got your back.
  - Real-time Translation
  - Emergency Rescheduling
  - Ride & Dining Assist

## Concierge

- Name: [object Object]
- Title: [object Object]
- Tagline: [object Object]
- Bio: [object Object]
- Languages: English, 中文

### Trust signals

- Bilingual route design
- Hotel and host coordination
- No-obligation first call

### Included support

- Before you book: {'en-US': 'Route pacing review', 'en-GB': 'Route pacing review', 'zh-CN': '路线节奏审查', 'de-DE': 'Routen-Tempo-Überprüfung', 'fr-FR': "Examen du rythme de l'itinéraire", 'es-ES': 'Revisión del ritmo de la ruta', 'it-IT': 'Revisione del ritmo del percorso'}; {'en-US': 'Hotel tier and room style matching', 'en-GB': 'Hotel tier and room style matching', 'zh-CN': '酒店等级与房型匹配', 'de-DE': 'Abstimmung von Hotelkategorie und Zimmerstil', 'fr-FR': "Correspondance entre la catégorie d'hôtel et le style de chambre", 'es-ES': 'Emparejamiento de categoría de hotel y estilo de habitación', 'it-IT': 'Abbinamento tra categoria alberghiera e stile della camera'}; {'en-US': 'Private transfer and guide options', 'en-GB': 'Private transfer and guide options', 'zh-CN': '私人接送和导游选项', 'de-DE': 'Private Transfer- und Führungsoptionen', 'fr-FR': 'Options de transfert privé et de guide', 'es-ES': 'Opciones de traslado privado y guía', 'it-IT': 'Opzioni di trasferimento privato e guida'}
- On the road: {'en-US': 'Daily bilingual support', 'en-GB': 'Daily bilingual support', 'zh-CN': '每日双语支持', 'de-DE': 'Tägliche zweisprachige Unterstützung', 'fr-FR': 'Assistance bilingue quotidienne', 'es-ES': 'Asistencia bilingüe diaria', 'it-IT': 'Supporto bilingue quotidiano'}; {'en-US': 'Restaurant and timing adjustments', 'en-GB': 'Restaurant and timing adjustments', 'zh-CN': '餐厅及时间调整', 'de-DE': 'Anpassungen von Restaurant und Öffnungszeiten', 'fr-FR': 'Modifications du restaurant et des horaires', 'es-ES': 'Ajustes de restaurante y horarios', 'it-IT': 'Modifiche di ristorante e orari'}; {'en-US': 'Weather-aware plan changes', 'en-GB': 'Weather-aware plan changes', 'zh-CN': '天气感知计划变更', 'de-DE': 'Wetterabhängige Planänderungen', 'fr-FR': 'Modifications de plan en fonction de la météo', 'es-ES': 'Cambios de plan según el clima', 'it-IT': 'Modifiche del piano in base al meteo'}

## Hotels

- Novotel Beijing Peace, beijing, 3 nights: A practical Beijing base near Wangfujing, good for travellers who want easy days out and a simple return after sightseeing.
- Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an, xi'an, 3 nights: A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.
- Crowne Plaza Zhangye, Zhangye, 1 nights: Reliable four-star hotel in central Zhangye and a strong option in this Hexi Corridor city.
- Jiayuguan Hotel, Jiayuguan, 1 nights: Reliable four-star city-centre hotel, the strongest option in this small Gobi outpost city.
- Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, Dunhuang, 1 nights: Four-star desert-style hotel adjacent to Singing Sand Dunes with panoramic dune views from upper rooms.
- Turpan Tuha Petroleum Hotel, Turpan, 2 nights: Reliable four-star city-centre hotel with grape-trellis dining courtyard.
- Hilton Urumqi, Urumqi, 2 nights: Five-star tower in the city centre with Tianshan Mountain views from upper-floor rooms.
- Radisson Blu Hotel Kashgar, Kashgar, 1 nights: Five-star international-brand hotel in central Kashgar, the city's strongest accommodation option.
- The Temple House, Chengdu, 3 nights: Boutique luxury hotel inside a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li with one of Chengdu's strongest design statements.
- Pullman Zhangjiajie, zhangjiajie, 2 nights: A comfortable Zhangjiajie base for travellers who want an easier return after long days around the national forest park.
- Bellagio by MGM Shanghai on the Bund, Shanghai, 2 nights: A curated hotel option in Shanghai, used as the shared route hotel resource.

## Experiences

Classic capitals continue west into Silk Road oasis towns, desert light and mural heritage.

- Forbidden City (Beijing): The Forbidden City brings travelers into the ceremonial center of China's Ming and Qing dynasties.
  - Host: Beijing, Beijing Lens
  - Access: Core imperial Beijing access with palace courtyards and historic halls.
- Mutianyu Great Wall (Beijing): A well-restored Great Wall section with open views and easier walking conditions for first-time visitors.
  - Host: Beijing, Beijing Lens
  - Access: A polished Great Wall experience with flexible cable car or walking options.
- Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an): The Terracotta Warriors reveal the military scale and funerary ambition of China's first emperor.
  - Host: Xi'an, Xi'an Lens
  - Access: Essential Xi'an access to one of China's most recognized archaeological sites.
- Mogao Grottoes (Dunhuang): Mogao Grottoes preserve murals sculptures and cave temples from Dunhuang's Silk Road past.
  - Host: Dunhuang, Dunhuang Lens
  - Access: A core Silk Road art experience with exceptional historical depth.
- Singing Sand Dunes (Dunhuang): Singing Sand Dunes bring travelers into the desert setting that shaped Dunhuang's Silk Road identity.
  - Host: Dunhuang, Dunhuang Lens
  - Access: A scenic desert moment often paired with oasis and cave culture.
- Jiaohe Ruins (Turpan): Jiaohe Ruins reveal an abandoned earthen city shaped by Silk Road history and desert geography.
  - Host: Turpan, Turpan Lens
  - Access: A strong archaeological stop in Xinjiang's Turpan basin.
- Karez Irrigation System (Turpan): Karez Irrigation System explains how Turpan survived and farmed in a harsh desert environment.
  - Host: Turpan, Turpan Lens
  - Access: A practical engineering story behind oasis life in Xinjiang.
- Flaming Mountains (Turpan): Flaming Mountains show the dry heat and vivid geology of the Turpan region.
  - Host: Turpan, Turpan Lens
  - Access: A bold landscape stop that anchors Turpan's desert character.
- Id Kah Mosque (Kashgar): Id Kah Mosque is one of Kashgar's most important religious and cultural landmarks.
  - Host: Kashgar, Kashgar Lens
  - Access: A central stop for understanding Kashgar's Islamic cultural identity.
- Kashgar Sunday Bazaar (Kashgar): Kashgar Sunday Bazaar brings together trading energy local goods and regional daily life.
  - Host: Kashgar, Kashgar Lens
  - Access: A lively market moment that captures Silk Road commercial atmosphere.
- Kashgar Old Town (Kashgar): Kashgar Old Town offers lanes courtyards crafts and a strong sense of Uyghur urban culture.
  - Host: Kashgar, Kashgar Lens
  - Access: A textured old-city experience in one of China's most distinctive western cities.
- Heavenly Lake (Urumqi): Heavenly Lake adds alpine scenery and a cooler mountain landscape to the Xinjiang route.
  - Host: Urumqi, Urumqi Lens
  - Access: A scenic natural contrast after desert and old-town experiences.
- Xinjiang Regional Museum (Urumqi): Xinjiang Regional Museum gives context to the region's cultures archaeology and Silk Road connections.
  - Host: Urumqi, Urumqi Lens
  - Access: A useful cultural foundation for understanding Xinjiang's diversity.

## China ready

We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveler needs to know before arriving.

### VPN & Internet Access

- What's blocked: Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN.
- Download before you leave: It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working.
- Hotel Wi-Fi tip: Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops.
- Good news: WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work.

### Paying in China

- China is cashless: Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities.
- International cards now work: Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning.
- Carry some cash: We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns.
- Booking this trip: Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees.

### Visa & Entry

- Do you need a visa?: Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval.
- 240-hour visa-free transit: Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight.
- Processing time: Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates.
- What we provide: Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly.

### Safety & Practical Tips

- Is China safe?: China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence.
- Emergency numbers: Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary.
- Health & medications: Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically.
- Language: English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveler.

## Reviews

- Overall rating: 4.9
- Total reviews: 523

4.9 / 5

- Emily Carter: Perfect for couples - My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all.
- Claire Brooks: Great for families - Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip.
- Laura Bennett: Alisa made the whole experience easy - Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights.
- Mark Henderson: Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly - Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless.
- Rebecca Miller: Really listened to what we wanted - Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible.

## FAQ

### What's included in the price?

Hotels, domestic transport, guided experiences, most meals, entrance fees, and your Travel Designer support. International flights are optional.

### Can I customize this itinerary?

Absolutely. Every detail — dates, pace, hotels, experiences — can be customized to your preferences.

### How many people are in a group?

Max 12 travelers for our small group. Custom private trips can be as small as 2 people.

### Do I need a visa for China?

Most Western passport holders need a tourist visa. We provide visa invitation letters for All-Inclusive bookings.

### Is China safe for Western travelers?

Extremely safe. Violent crime against tourists is virtually nonexistent. Our concierge provides 24/7 support.

### What about the language barrier?

All guides speak English. Your itinerary includes translation cards and On-Trip Concierge provides real-time translation.

### How far in advance should I book?

3–6 months ahead for peak seasons (April–May, September–October).

### What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. Rescheduling is flexible.