How to Plan Your First China Trip Easily: A Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Written by Sally Guo Updated Jan. 17, 2025
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Citizens from 38 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, France, Germany, Italy, and others, can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay until Dec. 31, 2025.

Additionally, citizens from 54 countries, such as the US, UK, Canada, and Russia, can benefit from a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit in China.

You can start planning your trip to China now! We will provide you with a flexible, tailor-made private tour of China

With its rich history and vibrant culture, China is definitely worth a visit. While the vast geography and language barrier might seem daunting, don't worry! Planning your first trip to China can be simple and enjoyable.

Our expert guide, crafted from over 25 years of experience in personalized travel, breaks it down into 7 easy steps. You'll easily create the perfect itinerary and make the most of your vacation.

Ready to explore China with ease? Let's get started!

1. Choose Where to Visit in China for the First Time

For first-time visitors to China, we recommend focusing on 2-3 cities to enjoy a more immersive cultural and sightseeing experience. Based on extensive experience and traveler feedback, the top destinations for newcomers are Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai.

Best Places to Visit in China for Your First Time
Best Places to Visit in China for Your First Time

This classic Golden Triangle Tour typically spans 8 days. Feel free to explore the detailed itinerary of the 8-Day Classic China Tour to Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.

If you have an extra 3 to 4 days, consider enhancing your experience by visiting Guilin, Chengdu, or Zhangjiajie.

Beijing – the Heart of Ancient and Modern China

Start your adventure in Beijing, the capital where ancient history meets modern life. As China's most important gateway, Beijing is a must-visit for first-time travelers. Whether you're drawn to history, culture, or natural scenery, the city boasts significant ancient and modern architecture.

Explore the historic Forbidden City and the ancient alleyways of Hutongs for a glimpse into China's rich cultural heritage. Experience the natural beauty of the Great Wall of China, a marvel that stretches across the landscape.

Forbidden City in Beijing
Forbidden City in Beijing

Plan for about 3-4 days in this vibrant city to fully appreciate the cultural and natural wonders in Beijing.

Xi'an – a Must for History Enthusiasts

Xi'an, with its profound historical and cultural heritage, is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization.

As the starting point of the Silk Road, it served as a crucial hub for East-West cultural exchange. Known for its diverse local cuisine, Xi'an is the representative city of Shaanxi cuisine, one of China's eight major culinary traditions.

Discover the marvel of the Terracotta Warriors, one of the world's most significant archaeological finds, commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Explore the well-preserved city walls, where you can enjoy a bicycle ride.

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, associated with the legendary Tang Monk, Xuanzang. Don’t miss to try some delicious local snacks at the Muslim Quarter.

Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an

You can spend 2 days in Xi'an, and it's just a 4-6 hour high-speed train ride from Beijing.

Shanghai – China's Largest and Most Prosperous City

Shanghai is a vibrant international city and China's economic powerhouse. As a fashion hub, it's also a shopping paradise, home to many international brands.

Stroll along the Bund to admire historic buildings, then gaze at the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, where East meets West in a stunning blend. Shanghai beautifully mixes old and new.

the Bund in Shanghai
the Bund in Shanghai

If your schedule allows, you can extend your trip by 2-8 days to explore nearby cities like Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Huangshan.

Recommended Tour: 9-Day Elegant Water Town and Yellow Mountains Tour.

Guilin - Immerse in Beautiful Landscapes, Minority Culture, and Rural Life

Guilin offers a relaxed travel pace, perfect for nature lovers and families with children.

Immerse yourself in the stunning mountain and water scenery by taking the Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. Enjoy the picturesque rural landscapes in Yangshuo's countryside and experience the vibrant minority cultures in Longji villages.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Guilin! Engage in a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling, rafting, climbing, and even helicopter tours.

Sunset at Li River in Guilin
Sunset at Li River in Guilin

You can easily spend 3-4 days exploring Guilin and its surroundings.

Chengdu – the Home of the Giant Panda and Sichuan Cuisine

Chengdu is a charming city known for its leisurely pace of life and rich cultural experiences. As the "Hometown of Giant Pandas," it offers the chance to get up close with these adorable creatures. Renowned for its Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu boasts a variety of hotpots and snacks that are sure to delight your taste buds.

Whether you're exploring nature or indulging in local flavors, Chengdu offers a unique experience for every visitor!

Chengdu Panda Base
Chengdu Panda Base

Zhangjiajie - Hallelujah Mountains and the Longest Glass Bridge

Zhangjiajie is a breathtaking destination renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. It served as the inspiration for the floating "Hallelujah Mountains" in the movie Avatar. The area is famous for its dramatic sandstone pillars, with the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park being a highlight.

Don’t miss the exhilarating experience of walking on the Glass Bridge, which offers panoramic views of the canyon below.

Whether you're an adventure seeker or a nature lover, Zhangjiajie offers unforgettable experiences.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Recommended Tours:

If you are interested in exploring other parts of China, such as Lhasa for Tibetan culture, Yangtze River Cruise for the Three Gorges Dam, and Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-la for a diverse range of minority cultures, don't hesitate to contact us. We can organize a tour tailored to your needs.

2. Decide How Long to Spend in China

China is vast, with countless attractions to explore. It's usually impossible to visit all the popular destinations in one trip. If this is your first time traveling to China, it's best to start with a few classic cities. We recommend setting aside at least a week for your first visit.

For a one-week trip, consider exploring China's "Golden Triangle": spend 3-4 days in Beijing, 2 days in Xi'an, and 1-2 days in Shanghai. You can refer to our 8-Day Classic China Tour for more details.

If you have 11-13 days, you can expand your itinerary to include destinations like the beautiful Guilin, charming Chengdu, or a relaxing Yangtze River Cruise. Our popular itineraries might spark your interest:

Feel free to contact us with your travel preferences for more inspiration or a personalized plan. Our experienced specialists will craft a tailor-made itinerary to ensure a uniquely fulfilling experience.

3. Consider When to Travel to China

China is an ideal travel destination year-round, with each season offering unique scenery and activities across various regions. The best time to visit depends on your specific destinations, interests, budget, and holiday schedule.

Popular tourist cities like Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai are great to visit at any time of the year.

Typically, April, May, September, and October offer the most comfortable weather across many popular tourist destinations in China. These seasons are ideal for travel and outdoor activities, with mild temperatures and little rain.

China weather

If you want to enjoy pleasant weather and avoid crowds, consider traveling in mid to late May, or mid to late October. 

If you’re looking for the cheapest time to go to China, consider traveling from November to March. This off-season period offers less crowded attractions and better prices.

If your schedule is flexible, it's best to avoid Chinese public holidays due to large crowds, booking difficulties, and higher costs. In 2025, try to avoid:

For a balance of good weather and affordability, March and November are particularly smart choices.

Check China Weather for more detailed information.

4. Plan Your Budget for China Trip

Visiting China is not expensive, with international airfare often being the largest expense. Airfare from the US or Europe typically ranges from USD 700 to 2,500 for a round-trip economy ticket, depending on the airline and travel dates.

For a private tour, expect to spend about USD 200-350 per person per day. This includes domestic flights or trains, 4- or 5-star accommodations, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport. Traveling with more people can reduce costs.

Peak tourist times in China include early May and October (Golden Weeks), summer holidays, Christmas and New Year, and the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). During these periods, hotel and airfare prices can increase by 50–100%.

If you plan to travel during peak seasons, book at least 2 to 3 months in advance - the earlier, the better. We offer a full refund if you cancel up to 3 weeks before departure. 

Check the China Travel Cancellation Policy for more details.

5. Choose Your Travel Style in China: Organized Tours or Independent Travel

When planning a trip to China, you have three main options: private tours, group tours, and independent travel. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Private Tour (Highly Recommended)

Taking a private tour is the best choice if you want a deeper experience in China. 

If you're thinking about a private tour, choosing a reliable travel agency is crucial. With over 25 years of experience, China Travel specializes in crafting custom tours tailored just for you. Just contact us!

Great family trip in Beijing

We had a great tour of Beijing and surrounding areas. Lily Liu, our guide, was an incredibly helpful presence, and we never felt like we needed anything. The hotel was nice, and transport and communication was seamless!

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Deba D

Great day in Suchzou and Tongli

Thanks to our guide Kenny! She was very welcoming and nice! Showed us Suchzhou in a very nice way. We visited the park, had a nice dinner in a restaurant that she chose for us (the food was great and atmosphere very warm) and visited Tongli water village. Her English is great, we understood her very well, and she was also very knowledgeable. Would totally recommend

more

Nidia

Guilin and Yangshuo with Yang

Guilin and Yangshuo was a great experience with our travel guide Yang. Her local knowledge, experience and attention to detail is second to none. If you want to experience an off the beaten track tour and be one with nature then insist on Yang. We highly recommend Yang.

more

P and M T

Group Tour (Seat-in-coach Tour)

Group tours are often much cheaper than private tours, making them ideal for budget travelers. They typically include major attractions and provide opportunities to meet new people from different countries.

However, the fixed schedule can feel rushed, and the experience may be more generalized, potentially limiting deeper cultural exploration in China. Additionally, time can be wasted picking up other tourists and visiting shopping stops with commission arrangements.

Travel Independently

If you're an adventurer or have ample time to plan, you can book transportation, accommodations, and more in advance.

But for a first trip to China, expect challenges. Even with preparation, you might waste time navigating, miss out on sights, and encounter hidden costs. Language barriers can make it even tougher.

Considering the time spent and experiences you might miss, it might not even save you money compared to a well-organized tour package.

Hiking the Great Wall Alone
Hiking the Great Wall Alone

6. Understand China's Visa Requirements

Visa-Free Access to China: Citizens of Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France, Germany, Poland, and more can visit China without a visa for up to 30 days before Dec. 31, 2025. Read the China Visa Policy to check out the full visa-free country list.

If your nationality isn't listed above, you will need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) to visit China. We recommend that you apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel date.

China Visa-Free Transit Permitted Areas
China Visa-Free Transit Permitted Areas

When you book a tour package with us, we'll provide the invitation letter needed for your tourist visa application, making the process easier.

We also offer a Port Visa Service for USD 100 per person after booking, allowing you to skip embassy visits and interviews.

7. Book International Transportation and Get to China

Traveling to China is now more convenient with the growing number of non-stop flights from cities in the USA, Europe, Australia, Singapore, and beyond. Additional routes are expected soon.

Beijing and Shanghai are the most popular gateway cities for international travelers. 

Booking a tour with China Travel ensures you a seamless, convenient, and comfortable experience. As soon as you step out of the airport, our guide will be there to greet you and escort you to your hotel in a private van.

Our Tour Guide and Private Transfer
Our Tour Guide and Private Transfer

Recommended China Tours for 2025

All our itineraries are customizable to suit your preferences. You can easily add your interests. We've carefully selected these options, and they can be adjusted as needed.

Below are some of our most popular tour packages. Use them as a guide and starting point. We're here to make your tour enjoyable and stress-free.

Our Tour Guide and Private Transfer
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