--- title: "Classic China & Yunnan: 18 Days from Beijing to Shangri-La and Shanghai" description: "Classic China & Yunnan: 18 Days from Beijing to Shangri-La and Shanghai" type: "tour" route_id: "classic-china-yunnan" total_days: 18 price: 5840 highlights: ["Beijing", "Xi'an", "Guilin", "Yangshuo", "Kunming", "Lijiang", "Shangri-La", "Shanghai"] url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-CN/tours/classic-china-yunnan" canonical_url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-CN/tours/classic-china-yunnan" locale: "zh-CN" alternates: {"en-US":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/classic-china-yunnan","en-GB":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/classic-china-yunnan","zh-CN":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-CN/tours/classic-china-yunnan","de-DE":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/de-DE/tours/classic-china-yunnan","fr-FR":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/fr-FR/tours/classic-china-yunnan","es-ES":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/es-ES/tours/classic-china-yunnan","it-IT":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/it-IT/tours/classic-china-yunnan","x-default":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/classic-china-yunnan"} --- # Classic China & Yunnan: 18 Days from Beijing to Shangri-La and Shanghai 经典中国与云南 ## Summary - Route ID: classic-china-yunnan - Duration: 18 days / 17 nights - Starting price: $5,840 - Group size: 8 travelers - Status: active - Highlights: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Shanghai ## Hero tags - Private - Tailor-made ## Selling points - The 18-day China + Yunnan journey for travellers who want minority-culture depth without Tibet's altitude — imperial Beijing, Tang-era Xi'an, the Li River's karst peaks, Yunnan's Naxi Dongba shaman and Tibetan lama encounters, and Shanghai's Bund — five distinct ethnic cultures (Han, Zhuang, Bai, Naxi, Tibetan) in one bespoke private journey. - Hear the bittersweet stories of eight royal figures inside the Forbidden City's hidden halls beyond the standard six chambers, with senior private guidance walking you through chambers most group tours never see. - Sit in a Dongba shaman's home in Baisha village and watch him write the world's last living pictographic script — the Naxi Dongba pictographs — with brush and rice paper, then play a piece of Naxi music on a traditional instrument before farewell. - Walk into a resident lama's private study room at Songzanlin Monastery (3,380m, Yunnan's "Little Potala Palace") for an intimate conversation about lamaic daily life, Tibetan Buddhism and monastic discipline — without Tibet permits or 4,000m+ plateau altitudes. - Sculpt your own miniature clay warrior in a cave-dwelling workshop beside a master craftsman near the Terracotta site, then picnic with Yangshuo farmers at home, walk a rural market on calendar day, and visit a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for pulse and tongue diagnosis. ## City highlights - Beijing (3 days): Beijing - Guilin (2 days): Guilin - Shanghai (3 days): Shanghai - Kunming (2 days): Kunming - Lijiang (2 days): Lijiang - Xi'an (3 days): Xi'an - Yangshuo (2 days): Yangshuo - Shangri-La (1 days): Shangri-La ## Itinerary ### Imperial Capitals - 6 days 6 Days · Hidden Halls and Tiny Clay Warriors #### 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 chambers, and a cave-dwelling workshop where guests sculpt their own miniature clay warrior beside a Qin Dynasty restorer. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Arrival recovery, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City hidden halls, royal-figure storytelling, roast duck, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Mutianyu Great Wall. **The Flexible Part** [Forbidden City hidden halls]{#E93C10} give this Yunnan route a richer opening than a standard palace walk. Mutianyu can be paced by cable car for comfort. **The Route Role** Beijing establishes the imperial frame before the trip moves through Xi'an, karst country, and ethnic Yunnan. It gives the route political scale before the cultural landscape becomes more intimate. **Good to Know** Palace access requires early ticketing with passports. Keep arrival day open, and save energy for the high-speed rail transition after the Wall day. #### 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 chambers, and a cave-dwelling workshop where guests sculpt their own miniature clay warrior beside a Qin Dynasty restorer. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Terracotta Warriors, countryside cave-dwelling workshop, miniature clay warrior making, Big Wild Goose Pagoda or city context, and Muslim Quarter food. **The Flexible Part** [Clay warrior workshop]{#E93C10} is the hands-on highlight, especially for travelers who want craft rather than another museum hour. **The Route Role** Xi'an turns imperial history tactile. The warriors show scale, while the cave-dwelling artisan visit makes craft and rural Shaanxi life part of the story. **Good to Know** The warrior museum takes steady walking. Workshop timing should be protected if children or hands-on travelers are part of the group. ### Karst Country - 4 days 4 Days · Li River Cruise to Farmer Family Visits #### Guilin (2 days) - Subtitle: Guilin - Recommendation: Guilin and Yangshuo deliver the karst peaks featured on the 20-yuan banknote with the rural-immersion layer most Li River cruise tours skip — farmer family visits, real market mornings, and a village TCM clinic. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Flight from Xi'an, Guilin arrival, transfer toward Yangshuo, Li River cruise, 20-yuan-note karst scenery, and optional Impression Liu Sanjie evening. **The Flexible Part** [Li River cruise]{#E93C10} is the core scenic connector. The evening show is worthwhile when energy and weather cooperate, but not essential after a travel day. **The Route Role** Guilin shifts the route from dynastic monuments to water-and-limestone landscape. It prepares the slower rural immersion that follows in Yangshuo. **Good to Know** River weather changes the mood rather than ruining the day. Keep a light layer for boats and avoid overpacking the first arrival evening. #### Yangshuo (2 days) - Subtitle: Yangshuo - Recommendation: Guilin and Yangshuo deliver the karst peaks featured on the 20-yuan banknote with the rural-immersion layer most Li River cruise tours skip — farmer family visits, real market mornings, and a village TCM clinic. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Yulong River bamboo rafting, countryside paths, farmer family lunch, rural market when the calendar fits, village TCM clinic, and karst-backed evenings. **The Flexible Part** [Farmer family visit]{#E93C10} is the local heart. Cycling, rafting, market time, and clinic visits can be adjusted around comfort and the five-day market cycle. **The Route Role** Yangshuo makes the karst landscape lived-in. Fields, family kitchens, village medicine, and river paths slow the trip down before Yunnan's mountain cultures. **Good to Know** Market days rotate, so exact village plans depend on the calendar. Choose cycling only if everyone is comfortable on rural roads; battery cars are a good alternative. ### Yunnan's Minority Cultures - 5 days 5 Days · Naxi Dongba Shaman to Tibetan Lama #### Kunming (2 days) - Subtitle: Kunming - Recommendation: Yunnan is the trip's cultural heart — Naxi Dongba shamans writing the world's last living pictographic script, and Tibetan lamas at the "Little Potala Palace" without Tibet's permits or the Tibetan Plateau's 4,000m+ altitudes. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Flight from Guilin, Yuantong Temple or Green Lake Park, a single overnight in Kunming, and the next-day flight or transfer onward to Lijiang. **The Flexible Part** [Green Lake Park]{#E93C10} is best when you want local life and an easy landing; Yuantong Temple fits travelers who prefer a quieter Buddhist layer. **The Route Role** Kunming is the gateway into Yunnan rather than the main event. Its mild pace helps reset the trip before Lijiang's Naxi culture and mountain scenery. **Good to Know** This stop is short, so do not overload it. Use it to recover from the south-China flight and prepare for higher, cobbled terrain ahead. #### Lijiang (2 days) - Subtitle: Lijiang - Recommendation: Yunnan is the trip's cultural heart — Naxi Dongba shamans writing the world's last living pictographic script, and Tibetan lamas at the "Little Potala Palace" without Tibet's permits or the Tibetan Plateau's 4,000m+ altitudes. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Lijiang Old Town, Mu's Mansion, Black Dragon Pool, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha village, Naxi family lunch, Dongba pictograph writing, and Naxi music. **The Flexible Part** [Dongba pictograph writing]{#E93C10} is the cultural signature. Mountain cable-car choice should follow altitude comfort: Glacier Park is higher, Spruce Meadow gentler. **The Route Role** Lijiang is the route's Naxi center. Old-town lanes, snow-mountain views, family kitchens, and living pictographic tradition make Yunnan feel distinct from the rest of China. **Good to Know** Old Town is cobbled and uneven. Mountain visits reach real altitude, so move slowly, hydrate, and choose the lower meadow if anyone is sensitive. #### Shangri-La (1 days) - Subtitle: Shangri-La - Recommendation: Yunnan is the trip's cultural heart — Naxi Dongba shamans writing the world's last living pictographic script, and Tibetan lamas at the "Little Potala Palace" without Tibet's permits or the Tibetan Plateau's 4,000m+ altitudes. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Drive via Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jinsha River views, Songzanlin Monastery, Tibetan old-town atmosphere, highland meadows, and the return flight connection. **The Flexible Part** [Songzanlin Monastery]{#E93C10} is the main Tibetan cultural anchor, offering a Little Potala feel without Tibet permit logistics. Gorge walking can be short or more active. **The Route Role** Shangri-La gives the route its highland close before Shanghai. Tibetan Buddhist architecture, gorge scenery, and meadow light expand Yunnan beyond Naxi Lijiang. **Good to Know** Altitude is higher than Lijiang, so keep the first hours slow. Weather can change quickly; carry layers and avoid planning the gorge as a rushed transfer stop. ### Cosmopolitan Coast - 3 days 3 Days · Yu Garden to the Bund #### Shanghai (3 days) - Subtitle: Shanghai - Recommendation: Shanghai closes the trip with the contemporary skyline no other Chinese city can match — Ming-dynasty rockeries inside Yu Garden paired with the colonial Bund and Pudong's blue-hour towers across the Huangpu. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Flight connection from Yunnan, Bund-adjacent arrival, Yu Garden, Yuyuan bazaar, xiaolongbao lunch, the Bund, Shanghai Tower or Shanghai Museum, and Huangpu River evening views. **The Flexible Part** [Huangpu River skyline]{#E93C10} is the strongest finale. Choose Shanghai Tower for height, or Shanghai Museum for a quieter cultural close. **The Route Role** Shanghai brings the route back from ethnic mountains to contemporary China. Ming garden detail, soup dumplings, colonial facades, and Pudong towers create a clean final contrast. **Good to Know** Yunnan-to-Shanghai routing often uses a connection and can consume much of the day. Keep the arrival evening gentle and save the main city walk for the next day. ## 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 - Rezen Select Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Hub, Shanghai: Upscale local hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao transport hub, ideal for transit stays. - Vienna International Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport Hangtou Road), Shanghai: Upscale local hotel near Pudong Airport corridor, convenient for airport access. - Blossom House · Shanghai On The Bund, Shanghai: Boutique-style hotel near the Bund, suited for a refined Shanghai stay. - Grand Rezen Hotel Shanghai Pudong (Shanghai International Tour and Resort Zone), Shanghai: Upscale local hotel in Pudong, convenient for resort-zone and city stays. - Artyzen Habitat Taopu Shanghai, Shanghai: Lifestyle hotel in Shanghai’s Taopu area with modern design and comfort. - DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road, Beijing: International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays. - Hilton Beijing, Beijing: Established international hotel in Beijing with reliable service and central access. - Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town, Beijing: International upscale hotel near Chaoyang’s commercial and lifestyle district. - Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast, Beijing: International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays. - Sofitel Beijing Central, Beijing: Luxury international hotel in central Beijing with refined comfort and service. - Palace International Hotel Beijing, Beijing: Local five-star hotel in Beijing offering spacious rooms and classic hospitality. - West International Trade Grand Hotel, Beijing: Local five-star hotel in western Beijing, suitable for business and events. - Atour X Hotel, Sanyuanqiao, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Beijing: Modern local boutique hotel near Sanyuanqiao with convenient city access. - Manxin Hotel Beijing Guangqumen, Beijing: Stylish local upscale hotel in Beijing’s central area, suited for urban stays. - Mercure Beijing City Centre, Beijing: International midscale hotel in central Beijing with convenient city connections. - Beijing Pudi Hotel, Beijing: Local boutique hotel in Beijing with refined design and comfortable rooms. - Beijing Suwen Hotel, Beijing: Boutique-style local hotel in Beijing, suitable for relaxed city stays. - Atour Hotel, Liuliqiao, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing: Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station and Liuliqiao. - Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square), Beijing: Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square. - JI Hotel (Beijing Fengtai Station Fengguan Road), Beijing: Reliable midscale chain hotel near Fengtai Station, practical for transit stays. - JI Hotel (Beijing Shoujingmao Jijiamiao Subway Station), Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Jijiamiao Subway Station, convenient for city travel. - JI Hotel Beijing Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Capital University of Economics and Business. - Yitel (Beijing Tiantan), Beijing: Midscale hotel near the Temple of Heaven, suitable for central Beijing stays. - Vienna Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station Lize Business District), Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Lize Business District and Beijing West Railway Station. - Mei Hua Light Luxury Hotel (Beijing South Railway Station Shiliuzhuang Subway Station), Beijing: Light luxury hotel near Beijing South Railway Station and Shiliuzhuang Subway Station. - Lavande Hotel (Beijing Fengtai Railway Station First Economic and Trade Subway Station), Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Fengtai Railway Station with convenient transport access. ## Experiences A longer classic China route extended into Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La for old towns and mountain scenery. - 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. - Li River Cruise (Guilin): The Li River Cruise carries travelers through Guilin's signature karst scenery toward Yangshuo. - Host: Guilin, Guilin Lens - Access: A slow scenic transfer through one of China's most recognizable landscapes. - Yangshuo Countryside (Yangshuo): Yangshuo Countryside brings travelers closer to villages rivers fields and limestone hills. - Host: Yangshuo, Yangshuo Lens - Access: A softer countryside moment after the Li River scenery. - Stone Forest (Kunming): Stone Forest presents a maze of tall karst formations and is one of Yunnan's classic sights. - Host: Kunming, Kunming Lens - Access: A distinctive geological landscape that opens the Yunnan journey. - Yuantong Temple (Kunming): Yuantong Temple offers a quieter cultural stop within Kunming's city setting. - Host: Kunming, Kunming Lens - Access: A calm temple experience before deeper travel into Yunnan. - Xizhou Village (Dali): Xizhou Village introduces Bai architecture local life and the slower rhythm of the Dali region. - Host: Dali, Dali Lens - Access: A village-based cultural stop connected to Bai heritage. - Erhai Lake (Dali): Erhai Lake adds open water mountain views and a relaxed pace to the Yunnan route. - Host: Dali, Dali Lens - Access: A scenic lakeside moment that defines Dali's travel rhythm. - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Lijiang): Jade Dragon Snow Mountain brings highland scenery and strong visual contrast to the Lijiang area. - Host: Lijiang, Lijiang Lens - Access: A major Yunnan mountain experience close to Naxi cultural sites. - Naxi Dongba Culture (Lijiang): Naxi Dongba Culture introduces the spiritual and written traditions of Lijiang's Naxi people. - Host: Lijiang, Lijiang Lens - Access: A focused cultural moment beyond Lijiang's scenic old-town image. - Tiger Leaping Gorge (Lijiang): Tiger Leaping Gorge offers one of Yunnan's most powerful river-and-mountain landscapes. - Host: Lijiang, Lijiang Lens - Access: A high-impact nature stop for travelers seeking dramatic scenery. - Songzanlin Lamasery (Shangri-La): Songzanlin Lamasery introduces Tibetan Buddhist architecture and highland religious culture. - Host: Shangri-La, Shangri-La Lens - Access: A strong Tibetan cultural transition within the Yunnan highlands. - The Bund (Shanghai): The Bund frames Shanghai's historic banks and modern Pudong skyline in one clear view. - Host: Shanghai, Shanghai Lens - Access: A signature Shanghai orientation stop for architecture and city contrast. ## 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.