A holiday to China allows you to experience one of the oldest societies on the planet and one of the most forward-thinking nations of the modern world. This is a land where ancient sites built by powerful dynasties sit amid modern skyscrapers, soaring mountains shimmer against vast deserts, and rural villages lost in time contrast with fast-paced cities thirsting for global prestige. Among it all, well over a billion people converge with their numerous cultures, languages and cuisines.
Our specialists have explored all the country’s facets and can help tailor a trip to match your interests. You could walk along a lesser-known section of the fabled Great Wall of China, weave your way through frenetic city markets selling everything from jade trinkets to deep-fried locusts, learn about the lifestyles and traditions of some of China’s 56 minority cultures, or take in Shanghai’s cityscape from a swish rooftop bar.
Suggested itineraries for China
These itineraries will give you a starting point for what your trip to China could entail. They cover routes that we've found work particularly well and feature some of our favourite places to stay. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made journeys
- Fully protected travel
- Established for 20 years
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit China.
Travel Advice
Practical tips for travelling to China, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest government travel advice.
Request a brochure
Our detailed brochures feature trip ideas and travel experiences recommended by our specialists.
China in pictures
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![Dragon's Backbone Rice terraces, Longji]( "Dragon's Backbone Rice terraces, Longji")
See the Dragon's Backbone in Longji -
![Lijiang Old Town]( "Lijiang Old Town")
Explore the World Heritage town of Lijiang -
![Sunrise on the Yangtse, Chongqing]( "Sunrise on the Yangtse, Chongqing")
Cruise the Yangtze River -
![Panda, at Chengdu panda research base]( "Panda, at Chengdu panda research base")
Visit the pandas in Chengdu -
![The Terracotta Warriors, Xian]( "The Terracotta Warriors, Xian")
Visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xian -
![The Bund, Shanghai]( "The Bund, Shanghai")
Go for a walk along the Bund in Shanghai -
![Guilin, China]( "Guilin, China")
Visit the limestone peaks at Guilin -
![Great Wall at Simatai]( "Great Wall at Simatai")
Walk along the Great Wall of China
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Our expert guides to travelling in China
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to China. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate China at its best.
Video: My travels in China, 2016
See pandas in China
Spend some time in the presence of the beautiful giant panda on your tailor-made holiday in China. With these magnificent animals still on the list of endangered species, visiting them is a memorable and enchanting experience.
The Great Wall of China
One of the world's most spectacular sights, a walk on the Great Wall of China is a must for anyone visiting this enthralling country. We can recommend the best places to see the wall and the best times to visit on a tailor-made trip with Audley.
What to do in China: our highlights guide
Visit China's Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors, walk the Great Wall, hike along the Dragon’s Backbone, and meet the native minorities in the Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. China specialist, Alice picks her favourite things to see and do when visiting this vast country.
The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces
There are still places to visit in China that remain almost untouched by the modern world. Country specialist Cheryl shares her experiences of rural China, from meeting local people and learning about their minority cultures to hiking through mountains and rice terraces.
Visit the Terracotta Warriors
If you're planning a tailor-made trip to China, we can highly recommend a visit to the 2,500 year-old Terracotta Army. Widely regarded as one of China's top three historical sites, they have been amazing visitors since they were accidentally unearthed in 1974.
Travel to China with your family
With its long established culture and history, we can highly recommend China for a family adventure holiday. From seeing giant pandas or taking cookery lessons, to watching a kung Fu demonstration, there's something for everyone.
Yangtze River cruises
The world's third longest river, a cruise along the Yangtze is the perfect way to explore China’s otherwise inaccessible heartland in comfort, and witness not only the legendary Wu, Qutang and Xiling gorges, but also the equally impressive Lesser Three Gorges.
Ancient civilisations: The Qin Dynasty
The Qin Dynasty was a short period in Chinese history but one of the most important. Our knowledgeable specialists can create a tailor-made trip that visits the very best historical sites to help you get the most out of your trip.
Characterful stays in China
Whether you’re staying in a converted farmhouse surrounded by countryside or a traditional Tibetan building overlooking a monastery, basing yourself in a boutique property during your holiday to China opens your eyes to new cultures and authentic local life. Country specialist Stephanie shares her recommendations.
Discover more about China on our blog
Start planning your trip
Provide us with a few starting details about your travel plans, and one of our China specialists will be in touch to give you suggestions and ideas.