China Travel PlannerTravel Information for the Smart Traveler™

Plan a Trip to China

The Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army. China layers 5,000 years of history over vibrant modern cities and dramatic landscapes — and a specialist makes a big country feel effortless.

China rewards the traveler with astonishing range: walk the Great Wall and Beijing’s Forbidden City, stand before Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, cruise the Yangtze through the Three Gorges, drift past Guilin’s karst peaks on the Li River, and take in ultramodern Shanghai and Hong Kong. It’s a huge country with its own language, high-speed rail network and visa requirements, so a well-built itinerary — the right cities, the right season, guides and internal flights or trains — makes all the difference. A travel specialist tailors the trip and handles the logistics so you can focus on the wonders.

Why Plan a China Trip with a Specialist?

5,000 years of history

Great Wall, Forbidden City & more.

Icons & landscapes

Terracotta Army & Guilin’s karst.

Modern megacities

Shanghai, Beijing & Hong Kong.

Logistics handled

Visas, rail, flights & guides.

Ways to Explore China

Karst mountains along the Li River near Guilin, China

Beijing & the Great Wall

The capital’s icons & the Wall.

Xi’an

The Terracotta Army & old city.

Yangtze River cruises

Through the Three Gorges.

Guilin & Shanghai

Karst scenery & the modern coast.

Popular China Trip Ideas

  • Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai classic tours
  • Great Wall & Forbidden City highlights
  • Yangtze River cruises through the Three Gorges
  • Guilin & Li River karst scenery
  • Tailor-made trips with private guides

Ready to plan your China trip?

Tell us the cities, dates and pace you want and we’ll build the itinerary, trains, flights and guides. Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from a travel specialist.

Get up to 5 China quotes!
Or contact a China travel specialist »

Why Smart Traveler?

Smart Traveler is a service of the travel division of Best of the USA, Inc. Entrust your trip to seasoned professionals specializing in cruises, tours, vacation packages, all-inclusive resorts and international airfares. With over 50,000 travel advisors in our growing database, we’re sure to have the experts right for your travel needs!

50+ years of expertise

Five decades fine-tuning the art of travel — every journey a masterpiece.

Online pioneers since 1995

Tradition blended with technology — book your dream trip with a click.

Exclusive proprietary rates

Insider access to rates and partnerships unavailable to the average traveler.

Planning a Trip to China — Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need for China?

A first trip covering Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai works well in 10–12 days; add the Yangtze or Guilin for two weeks. A specialist paces it.

Do I need a visa for China?

Most travelers need a visa arranged before arrival; a specialist confirms current requirements and helps you prepare.

When is the best time to visit China?

Spring (Apr–May) and fall (Sep–Oct) offer the most comfortable weather; a specialist advises by region.

How do I get a quote?

Request up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from a travel specialist and compare itineraries, dates and tour styles.