China holidays including tours, rail journeys and river cruises

Start by choosing your style

How would you like to see China?

Explore helpful information first, or jump straight into independent holidays, escorted tours or cruises below.

Independent Adventures

Our handpicked China holidays, from iconic city stays to cultural multi-centre journeys and scenic rail adventures.


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Create Your Perfect China Itinerary

From the Great Wall and Beijing to Shanghai and the Yangtze, we can help shape the right China holiday for you.

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Escorted Tours

Travel as part of a group and discover the highlights with the guidance of an expert tour guide.


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Not Sure Which Tour is Right for You?

We can help you compare escorted tours and add flights, extra hotel nights or other stops along the way.

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Cruises

Explore cruises on our cruise search below.
Pricing is based on Cruise Only unless stated otherwise.
For prices including flights from the UK, plus pre or post cruise hotel stays and extensions, please contact us.


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All About China

Ancient history, remarkable landmarks, dynamic cities and extraordinary scale. Here is why China remains one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

Bucket List Highlights

Great Wall of China

Great Wall

One of the world’s most iconic sights and a must for first-time China holidays.

Beijing

Beijing

Home to imperial palaces, famous squares and some of China’s most important historic landmarks.

Shanghai

Shanghai

A striking mix of skyline views, heritage districts and modern energy in one of Asia’s great cities.

Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors

Xi’an

Home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an is one of China’s most important historic highlights.

Time Difference

China is usually 8 hours ahead of the UK, or 7 hours ahead when the UK is on summer time.

Best Time to Go

Spring and autumn are especially popular for more comfortable temperatures and classic touring conditions.

Great For

History, iconic landmarks, river cruises, city stays and unforgettable culture-rich journeys.

Suggested Duration

10 to 14 nights is a great starting point if you want to combine several of China’s best-known highlights.

Perfect For

History Lovers

Perfect if you want imperial cities, ancient sites, famous monuments and centuries of cultural heritage.

Multi-Centre Holidays

Ideal for combining Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and more in one varied and rewarding itinerary.

City Contrasts

See both historic landmarks and futuristic skylines in cities that feel completely different from each other.

Food Experiences

From regional specialities to street food and classic dishes, China is packed with variety for food lovers.

River Cruise Extensions

Great for combining major cities and cultural highlights with a Yangtze cruise or wider touring route.

Bucket List Trips

If the Great Wall, Terracotta Army and China’s great cities are on your list, this is where they come to life.

Best Time to Go

Spring

14°C – 24°C

A lovely time to visit many parts of China, with milder temperatures and good touring weather.

Best for: classic sightseeing and city touring

Summer

25°C – 35°C

Summer is popular for longer trips, though some regions can be hotter and busier during peak travel periods.

Best for: school holiday travel and broader itineraries

Autumn

15°C – 26°C

One of the best times to visit, with balanced weather and excellent conditions for classic China routes.

Best for: comfortable touring and scenery

Winter

0°C – 12°C

Winter can be quieter and atmospheric, especially if you enjoy seasonal city breaks and fewer crowds.

Best for: lower-season cultural trips

Helpful Planning Tips

China works best when you build an itinerary around the experience you want. Some travellers focus on the big-name highlights like Beijing and Shanghai, while others prefer to include Xian, the Yangtze or a wider cultural journey.

Distances are considerable, so the most enjoyable itineraries usually balance major landmarks with enough time to properly experience each stop. Trying to do too much too quickly can take away from the trip.

If you are not sure whether to travel independently, join an escorted tour or add a Yangtze cruise, that is exactly where we can help. China is a destination where the right route and pace make a huge difference.

China holidays offer extraordinary variety, blending ancient history, imperial landmarks, vibrant modern cities and unforgettable river cruising. Across the country, you will find world-famous monuments, rich cultural traditions, regional food experiences and some of the most impressive urban contrasts anywhere in the world. It is a destination that works brilliantly for first-time visits, escorted cultural touring, multi-centre adventures and broader bucket list journeys.

Whether you want to plan a classic Beijing, Xian and Shanghai itinerary, walk the Great Wall, add a Yangtze River cruise or experience the energy of China’s great cities, the country offers huge variety and some of the most rewarding travel experiences anywhere in Asia.

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