China destination guides

Find the right destinations for your China journey.

Explore China's historic capitals, modern cities and extraordinary landscapes. Each guide explains what makes the destination special, how long to stay and how it can fit into a private China tour.

Plan My Trip Explore destination guides

The Great Wall crossing the mountains near Beijing in warm evening light

Imperial ChinaBeijing

Shanghai's Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River at sunset

Modern ChinaShanghai

Explore China by destination

Cities, culture and landscapes worth building a journey around.

Use our in-depth China travel guides to compare local culture, signature food, the best time to visit and a comfortable length of stay before choosing your route.

01 · Imperial China3–5 nightsBeijingThe Great Wall, palace scale and hutong life, with enough time to understand what you are seeing.Best for: A first trip to China

Xi'an City Wall and Yongning Gate glowing after rain

02 · Ancient capital2–3 nightsXi'anTerracotta warriors, city walls and the eastern beginning of the Silk Road.Best for: History in context

03 · Modern China2–4 nightsShanghaiA confident waterfront city where Art Deco streets, local neighborhoods and new China meet.Best for: An easy finale

Chengdu's skyline beneath a warm evening sky

04 · Pandas & Sichuan table3–5 nightsChengduPanda conservation, tea-house rhythm and one of China's most magnetic food cultures.Best for: Families and food lovers

Chongqing's layered skyline at blue hour

05 · Vertical megacity2–3 nightsChongqingA cinematic river city of layered streets, night views, hotpot and startling urban scale.Best for: Urban energy

The Leshan Giant Buddha beside the river

06 · Giant Buddha & river landscapeDay trip or 1 nightLeshanThe UNESCO-listed Giant Buddha and its river setting, planned as a considered private day from Chengdu.Best for: Culture and monumental heritage

Autumn forest around a turquoise Jiuzhaigou lake

07 · Alpine colour3–4 nightsJiuzhaigouClear lakes, forested valleys and highland scenery with access planned around comfort.Best for: Landscape seekers

Zhangjiajie's sandstone pillars in mountain mist

08 · Sandstone worlds3–4 nightsZhangjiajieVertical pillar forests and dramatic viewpoints, with route design crucial for crowd and walking comfort.Best for: Big scenery

Private China tours

Turn the places you choose into one well-paced journey.

Explore private China tour itineraries that connect major sights with meaningful local experiences, realistic travel times and room to enjoy each destination.

Parents, children and local hosts making dumplings together in a Beijing courtyard

12 Days / 11 Nights · Beijing · Xi'an · Chengdu · ShanghaiChina, Made for Families: Great Wall, Warriors & Pandas

Two travelers beside the Great Wall and wooded hills near Beijing

12 Days / 11 Nights · Beijing · Xi'an · ShanghaiChina, Considered: 12-Day Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai Private Journey

Plan with a local China specialist

Not sure which China destinations work well together?

Tell us what interests you, when you want to travel and how you like to explore. We will suggest a practical private route with the right destinations, hotels and pace.

Plan my private China tour