A vacation 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 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.
Classic China
Family China
Essential China
A tale of two cities: Hong Kong & the history of Angkor
Yangtze River Classic
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Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit China.
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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.
See pandas in China
Spend some time in the presence of the beautiful giant panda on your tailor-made vacation in China. With these magnificent animals still on the list of endangered species, visiting them is a memorable and enchanting experience.
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.
Travel to China with your family
With its long established culture and history, we can highly recommend China for a family adventure vacation. From seeing giant pandas or cooking lessons, to watching a kung Fu demonstration, there's something for everyone.
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.
Discover more about China on our blog
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.