China vacations 2020 & 2021
Book your trip with confidence
Book with us before the end of October and we'll give you the flexibility to change your plans for free up to 30 days before you depart
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.
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 tours
for over 20 years
Suggested tours for China
These tours give you a starting point for what your trip to China could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 20 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit China, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling 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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![Panda, at Chengdu panda research base]()
Visit the pandas in Chengdu -
![Sunrise on the Yangtse, Chongqing]()
Cruise the Yangtze River -
![Quiet Hutong, Beijing]()
Cycle around Beijing's ancient Hutong District -
![Local Tibetan weaving, Zhongdian]()
Meet rural tribes -
![Jumbo Floating Restaurant, Hong Kong Island]()
Dine at the world's largest floating restaurant in Hong Kong -
![Great Wall at Simatai]()
Walk along the Great Wall of China -
![Dragon's Backbone Rice terraces, Longji]()
See the Dragon's Backbone in Longji -
![The Terracotta Warriors, Xian]()
Visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xian
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.
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![Audley presents China]()
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.
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What to do in China: our highlights guide ![Yangshuo, China]()
What to do in China: our highlights guide
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.
Read this guide -
The Great Wall of China: taking a quieter path ![The Great Wall, Beijing]()
The Great Wall of China: taking a quieter path
The Great Wall of China: taking a quieter path
Unmistakable 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.
Read this guide -
Yangtze River cruises in China: a need-to-know guide ![Yangtze River, Yangtze River]()
Yangtze River cruises in China: a need-to-know guide
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.
Read this guide -
China in my pocket: how high-speed trains make the Middle Kingdom more manageable ![High speed train, Pingyao]()
China in my pocket: how high-speed trains make the Middle Kingdom more manageable
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.
Read this guide -
The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces ![Li river, Guilin]()
The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces
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.
Read this guide -
Our guide to exploring the Terracotta Army of Xian ![Terracotta Warriors, Xian]()
Our guide to exploring the Terracotta Army of Xian
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 archeological site that predates Christianity.
Read this guide -
How to see pandas in China: everything you need to know ![Panda trio]()
How to see pandas in China: everything you need to know
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.
Read this guide -
China’s modern cities: Shanghai and Hong Kong ![Pudong, Shanghai]()
China’s modern cities: Shanghai and Hong Kong
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.
Read this guide
Tell us your travel plans and a specialist will be in touch
Discover more about China on our blog
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![City wall, Xian]()
Xian beyond the Terracotta Army
5 min read -
![Glover Gardens]()
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![The Forbidden City, Beijing]()
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![San Agustin archaeological park]()
Forgotten and abandoned places, refound
10 min read
