China vacations 2020 & 2021
The Great Wall snaking over the horizon, impassive rows of Terracotta Warriors, sacred mountains, giant pandas munching bamboo… On a tailor-made vacation to China with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our China specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.
Weave through frenetic city markets selling everything from jade trinkets to deep-fried locusts. Drink in Shanghai’s skyline from a rooftop bar. Hike through swirling, emerald-green rice terraces in the peaceful backcountry of Longji. Cruise the Yangtze, passing vast gorges that have inspired classical Chinese art and poetry. Eat your way around Beijing on a guided breakfast tour, or dine at a family home in Xian.
Buddhist monasteries and giant prayer wheels. Cooking classes in Beijing’s backstreets. Ming-dynasty walled towns. The towering limestone peaks of Guilin. What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go.
Creating tailor-made journeys for over 20 years
Suggested itineraries for China
These itineraries give you a starting point for what your trip to China could entail. They cover routes we've found work particularly well and feature some of our favorite places to stay. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Family China
Classic China
A private Trans-Siberian journey - Beijing to Moscow
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.
China in pictures
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![Great Wall at Simatai]()
Walk along the Great Wall of China -
![Dragon's Backbone Rice terraces, Longji]()
See the Dragon's Backbone in Longji -
![Lijiang Old Town]()
Explore the World Heritage town of Lijiang -
![Guilin, China]()
Visit the limestone peaks at Guilin -
![Panda, at Chengdu panda research base]()
Visit the pandas in Chengdu -
![Sunrise on the Yangtse, Chongqing]()
Cruise the Yangtze River -
![Local Tibetan weaving, Zhongdian]()
Meet rural tribes -
![Quiet Hutong, Beijing]()
Cycle around Beijing's ancient Hutong District
Tell us your travel plans and a specialist will be in touch
Our expert guides to traveling 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.
Audley presents China
China rewards the curious visitor with many hands-on, guided experiences. On your tailor-made trip, you could make dumplings in a cooking class, hike the Great Wall without the crowds, or cycle Shanghai’s quieter, locals-only districts.
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 favorite things to see and do when visiting this vast country.
The Great Wall of China: taking a quieter path
Unmistakeable in its appearance and scale, the Great Wall of China wends across the hills, mountains and valleys of northern China. For most visitors, blanking out time to visit this man-made wonder is a must — China specialist Susan outlines the best ways to do this.
How to see pandas in China: everything you need to know
China specialist Rick explains why Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is our choice for seeing China’s ambassador animal in a responsible way, and how to make the most of your visit to Sichuan province.
Yangtze River cruises in China: a need-to-know guide
China can be overwhelming, so Audley specialist Heather suggests exploring it from a calmer perspective on a cruise of its greatest river, the Yangtze. She reveals the key sights, and what life’s like on board your Yangtze cruise ship.
China’s modern cities: Shanghai and Hong Kong
Mixing Chinese and European cultures, Shanghai and Hong Kong bridge the gap between East and West and often mark the start or finale to a China vacation. Specialists Susan and Kara outline the best ways to take in their shimmering skylines and quieter corners.
A guide to Chinese food (and where to find it)
There’s more to Chinese food than Western takeaways let on. Each region of China has its own distinct cuisine, from the west’s hot and spicy delicacies to the hearty dishes of the north. China specialists Anthony and Duncan discuss the best ways to experience food in China.
China in my pocket: how high-speed trains make the Middle Kingdom more manageable
China’s scale can feel overwhelming, but its high-speed rail network helps cut the country down to size. Our specialists explain how to use high-speed trains to explore China’s highlights and how to use your time wisely in each destination.
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.
Our guide to exploring the Terracotta Army of Xian
Make the most out of visiting China’s Terracotta Army: we explain what to look for when exploring this archaeological site that predates Christianity.
Kung fu, cooking and pandas: family travel in China
Think China won’t suit your family? Think again, says Audley China specialist Anthony. China is well set-up for family travel, but what really makes it as a family destination is the variety of child-friendly things to do.
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 vacation to China opens your eyes to new cultures and authentic local life. Country specialist Stephanie shares her recommendations.
Planning your journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway
Revered as one of the greatest journeys on the planet, the Trans-Siberian Railway (or, more specifically, the Trans-Mongolian Railway) links the churches and palaces of Russian cities with the vibrant cultures of Asia, passing through Siberia and the Mongolian steppe. Specialist Matt shares his advice for how to make the journey.
