How to Plan a First Trip to China
The Badaling Great Wall
On a first trip to China you will probably want to see all the main attractions of the country. You won’t want to go home and have somebody say "If you didn't see … then you haven’t really experienced China".
This may be a once in a lifetime experience, so you will want to make it count. China is a huge country. The question is: "How can I experience the essence of this vast country in just a few days of traveling?"
On their first trip to China most travelers focus on the cultural and historical aspects of China and stay in the big cities, though China’s natural scenery and minority culture are also some of the highlights.
Take It Easy
Some would advise not to be too adventurous on a first trip, especially if you see the possibility of a more in-depth visit to explore the country in the future.
Just being in a new country can be exhausting with a bombardment of the senses: new sights and sounds, a new language to process, new customs and ways of doing things, different food, and a different time zone and climate. So don’t make your itinerary too hectic.
Over-extending yourself will detract from your visit, so our recommendation is to explore only the absolute best of easily-accessible China first time, and spend the rest of your trip relaxing and taking in the ambience.
China’s Foundational Cities
Beijing
If you only go to one city, go to Beijing. The capital has it all: history, culture, prestige, and even some decent scenery to the north around the Great Wall.
If you only have one day make sure you set foot on the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square, and eat roast duck at one of the famous restaurants.
"If you don’t reach the Great Wall you’re no hero." Mao Zedong
With a bit more time the Temple of Heaven and its park will transport you deeper in to the culture of China, along with a tour of the Hutongs and the Summer Palace.
Xi’an
Next you should discover where the nation of China really began. Visit Xi’an, where First Emperor Qin (pronounced Chin, hence China) ruled from the first capital of a united China. See his grand Terracotta Army and mausoleum.
Xi’an is an excellent place to experience life in the pre-Beijing dynasties. Enjoy a Tang Dynasty banquet and show, and see temples, a mosque, pagodas, and towers that are more than 1,000 years old.
Famous Cities
Night View of Skyscrapers in Hong Kong
Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s largest city, and some would say must be visited for its significance. There aren’t many world-class tourist sights, and it could be toured in a day. Make sure you see the colonial and sky-rise architecture of the Bund, and take the Maglev to the airport. Shanghai is a convenient city to arrive at or depart from.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong airport also provides a great gateway to China, and Hong Kong should at least be counted equal to Shanghai among China’s top tourist cities. It in no way comes behind Shanghai for modern and colonial history, and surpasses Shanghai with its food, beaches, hills, and island parks.
Other Must-See Places
One of the great divides in China is the north-south divide. The north contains much of China’s history, and the south has most of China’s ethnic minorities and lusher scenery. To round off an overall picture of China choose Guilin as your southern stop.
Guilin
Guilin has some of China’s most famous scenery: karst peaks combined with the Li River. Also visit Longsheng to see the rice terraces and long-haired Yao minority women. Shows like Impression Liu Sanjie vividly display the minority culture of the south.
"The best hill and river scenery under heaven."
Giant Pandas in Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center
The Yellow Mountains
The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) are the epitome of Chinese mountain artwork. The curiously-shaped rocks and twisted pines in swirling clouds are the stuff of Chinese legends. If you don’t mind a lot of steps and likely tourist crowds, you won’t be disappointed. A two-day visit to see the sunrise is recommended.
"Climb Huangshan and you don’t need to see any other mountains in China.". See China Highlights' 15-Day Hong Kong, Guilin, Shanghai, Huangshan, Xi’an, and Beijing Tour
Chengdu and the Pandas
Chengdu’s pandas are perhaps the icing on the cake on the China must-do list. If you could just touch China’s "national treasure" no-one could deny you’ve toured China completely. Chengdu is also famous for its poets, Buddhist sites, and spicy food.
When to Travel
Snow Scenery of the Yellow Mountains
Avoid China’s major holidays (unless you want to take part in the celebrations), as transport and tourist areas are packed and prices for hotels double or more. These are the two weeks either side of Chinese New Year (11 February in 2013), Labor Day week (May 1–7), and National Day week (October 1–7).
Seasons: All of the above suggestions are suitable for travel all year round if the correct clothing is prepared. Scenery of course varies with the seasons. The choice is yours: flowers blooming, hot sunshine, autumn hues, or snow-scenes.
Winter low season: All but Hong Kong can feel quite cold in the winter. Whether to come in winter is a trade off between cheaper rates and warmth.
Non-Recommended Areas
China’s west and extreme north could almost be considered as different countries for visiting separately. Tibet, the Muslim northwest, and Inner Mongolia are not recommended for a first visit, as they are not representative of China, and travel, climatic, and other conditions are harsher than places recommended above.
A first trip to China should be all about seeing the highlights, and perhaps testing the water, deciding what you would like to see more of in the future.
Whether it’s the culture, the architecture, the landscapes, or something else, China offers an unparalleled depth to be charted. Therefore we recommend saving the discovery of the less-accessible things you are interested in for another trip.
Recommended tour: Our 11-Day China Dream Tour includes most tourist destinations mentioned above.
China Highlight's Best First Time China Trips
- 8-Day Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai Tour
- 7-Day Hong Kong, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Beijing Tour
- 11-Day Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai tour
- 15-Day Hong Kong, Guilin, Shanghai, Huangshan, Xi’an, and Beijing Tour
- 14-Day Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong Tour
Tailor-Making a First China Tour
China Highlights is your China tour tailor-making expert. As an alterative to customizing the recommended tours linked above to meet your individual requirements, we can help you tailor-make a first time tour from scratch, doing the things you want in the order you want. Our consultancy and tour design service is FREE!
We hope these suggestions and recommendations have been helpful, but when it comes to tourism "the customer is always right". Our slogan is "Discovery your way", and your first trip to China should only ever be all that you want it to be.
We’re at your service! Contact us.
Related Links
- Dates to Avoid When Planning a China Tour in 2013.
- Also read: Top Five Tips for a First Trip to China .
China Highlights
86-773-2831999 (Int'l)
Hi Binita, we are more than pleased to help plan your Beijing & Shanghai tour. In order to give you an accurate quotation please help me with below the information:
1. Number of people in your group including yourself
2. Entering / departing city
3. Places or attractions that you want to visit
4. Class of hotel: 3 / 4 / 5 star
5. Any special requirements on the food?
After getting further information from you, we will send you a detailed itinerary, okay?
Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-05-08Hi Paul, thanks for your inquiry. It is an excellent time frame for the tour, which can cover all the places and not push.
We are more than pleased to help plan your China tour. In order to quote the accurate price, could you please let me know:
1. How many people will be traveling with you? Is there any kids or elderly people? How old if any?
2. What kind of hotel you would like to stay in? 3/4/5 star?
I will propose a detailed itinerary as soon as I got further information from you, okay?
Thanks & have a nice day! Whitney
Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-04-26
Hi Josie, we are a travel supplier in China, do you have interest in it?
Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-02-05
