China Tours 2026/2027: Trips for Every Travel Style & Duration

High-speed trains are usually the top choice for journeys of up to five hours. Train schedules are generally more reliable than flight schedules, and you can also save time on airport transfers and security checks.

For longer journeys, such as Beijing to Guilin or Chengdu, flying is still the better option.

There’s really no bad time to visit China, as the country is so large and diverse that different regions are at their best at different times of year. For most destinations, April to June and September to November offer pleasant weather for sightseeing.

There are exceptions, though. For example, Harbin and Sanya are especially popular in winter, while Guizhou, Yunnan, and Inner Mongolia are great choices for escaping the summer heat.

Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, often called China’s Golden Triangle, usually top travelers’ lists on their first trip to China. Together, they offer some of China’s most iconic landmarks and a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture as well as its modern development.

Based on your interests and schedule, you can also add more destinations. Guilin, Zhangjiajie, and Huangshan are great choices for natural scenery. Chengdu is a favorite for panda fans and food lovers. Extend your trip to Tibet or along the ancient Silk Road if you want more distinctive experiences.

Currently, China has introduced a number of visa-free policies to encourage foreign tourists to visit China. These include:

• 240-hour visa-free policies for 57 countries

• 30-day visa-free policy for 80 countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.

• Regional visa-free policies, such as the 15-day visa-free policy for cruise groups to Beijing and 13 coastal provinces/cities, 30-day visa-free entry policy to Hainan, and the 144-hour visa-free policy for ASEAN tour groups to Guilin.