Plan Your First Trip To China 2024

New policy: From December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, you can revel in a visa-free entry for 15 days for tourism, business, transit, or visiting friends and family. This is up for grabs if you hold a passport from one of the fantastic six – France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, or Malaysia. 

Now, Check out this quick 8-step plan:

  • ✓ Pick where you wanna go.
  • ✓ How long you wanna stay.
  • ✓ Decide when it's go-time.
  • ✓ Sort out your budget.
  • ✓ Solo adventure or rolling with a tour group.
  • ✓ Check the visa policies.
  • ✓ Arrange transportation to China.
  • ✓ Pack Up and Let's Roll!

No.1  about choosing your destination.

China’s got something for everyone. There’s the vibe of ancient buildings, cool historical spots, breathtaking natural views, tasty and unique local grub, deep-rooted history, epic stories, and the whole deal with Buddhism, Taoism, and over 50 different ethnic groups with traditions that even locals are still discovering. Oh, and of course, there are those Kung Fu pandas too!

We’ve sorted out a bunch of cool places that might grab your attention. It’s like browsing through the “Theme Travel” section – there’s something for everyone. You’ve got your History Quest, Natural Landscapes, Culinary Exploration, Mountain Adventures, Extreme Outdoors, Hiking Expeditions, Urban Sightseeing, Ethnic Culture, Buddhist Exploration, Taoist Journeys, Kung Fu Escapades, Of course, you can also dive into the “Top Tours”  section to check out what’s buzzing. 

No.2 How long you wanna stay.

Whether you’re on a dedicated vacation or a business trip, when embarking on a long-haul journey to China, we suggest dedicating at least a week for your first visit to explore and get a feel for the country. Check out our Itinerary section for some handy travel combos tailored for different timeframes.

Here’s a quick example: For a single city, a typical sightseeing jaunt might take 2-3 days, while a more in-depth exploration could span 5-7 days, including a mix of history, delicious eats, and even a taste of local culture.

If you’re into nature and adventure, a trip exploring natural landscapes or a mountain escapade could be perfect for 2-5 days, depending on transportation logistics. The beauty of some breathtaking spots doesn’t necessarily mean you’re far from the convenience of travel. Thanks to China’s efficient high-speed rail network, some notable attractions are just a high-speed train ride away.

And hey, we’re all about catering to your interests, time constraints, team size, and any other special requests. Feel free to reach out – we’re here to make your journey uniquely yours. Cheers!

No.3 Decide when it’s go-time.

China’s seasons are just like any other countries in the Northern Hemisphere, and as the Chinese old saying goes, “Spring brings flowers, autumn brings the moon, summer has cool breezes, and winter brings snow.”

Throughout the year, China has fantastic spots to explore, and we’ll note the best times to visit each place based on the season. Every season has its own charm, and many places are worth experiencing in different seasons. Of course, our main goal is to recommend hitting up these spots during their most stunning seasons.

Now, here’s the heads up: two times you might want to dodge. First, during the seven national holidays when everyone and their grandma is out and about. Check out the 2024 holiday schedule for reference. Second, steer clear of the student summer and winter breaks – that’s also laid out in the schedule. So, plan smart, and you’ll have a blast!

Holiday arrangements for 2024
festival holiday time days
Spring Feb 10 - 17 8
Ching Ming Apr 04 - 06 3
Labor Day May 01 - 05 5
Dragon Boat Jun 08 - 10 3
Mid-Autumn Sep 15 - 17 3
National Day Oct 01 - 07 7

No.4 Sort out your budget.

We’re breaking it down for you with some ballpark figures in different scenarios – just to give you a rough idea. This covers  food, accommodation, transportation, entertainment, hiring tour guides, shopping, and guide services.  Exchange rates are dancing to the tune of January 2024.

Food:

A decent meal will set you back about 4-6 euros. Dining out averages around 8-20 euros per person, hitting the mid-to-high-end spots will cost you 25-40 euros per head. Some fantastic street eats can even be snagged for as low as 2-3 euros.

Accommodation:

Budget chain hotels range from 15-40 euros, three-star hotels from 40-60 euros, four-star hotels from 60-120 euros, and five-star hotels from 125-380 euros.

Transportation:

【Railway】

High-speed train costs: First class = 0.09859575 * kilometers; Second class = 0.06162075 * kilometers;

【Airplane】

Economy class flights range from approximately 35-125 euros, while business class can vary from 100-380 euros – specifics may need to be checked.

【Entertainment】

Tickets for attractions usually range from 12-35 euros.

【Other】

We provide bilingual guide services throughout your journey, personalized travel plans, and the option for VIP charter services. Enjoy discounts on hotels, tickets, flights, and other travel-related perks.

Holidays are peak travel times, and prices may surge by 50%-150%, leading to a not-so-great experience. We strongly advise against choosing these periods.

These figures serve as a reference. Major cities (including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) might see about a 20% increase, depending on the situation.

Book with us, and if you change your mind within the last three weeks before takeoff, no worries! You get a full refund – details? Check ’em out.

No.5 Solo adventure or rolling with a tour group.

Having a personal guide is like having your own travel wizard – they pay attention to every detail, making your journey totally customized. The pace is flexible and in your hands, allowing you to dive into carefully chosen interactive experiences at every hotspot. Get ready for exclusive activities, intimate visits to local families in tribal areas, and hands-on fun with various rich intangible cultural heritage crafts. Your personal VLOG cameraperson is on standby to capture your entire adventure, creating precious memories. And if flying solo isn’t your thing, joining a cozy and budget-friendly 5-12 person squad is also a solid option.
Got any questions? Feel free to hit us up! Drop us an email or catch us on socials – we’re here for you.

No.6 Check the visa policies.

Visas, the gateway to your adventure! Most tourists just need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) to explore China, and we recommend doing this about 1-2 months ahead. Of course, if you’d rather skip the paperwork, give us a shout – we can hook you up with an invitation letter for the tourist visa and handle all the nitty-gritty entry procedures.
No Chinese visa yet? No worries! You can also take advantage of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy to hop into China.But this perk is limited to specific regions, spanning about 3 provinces.
New policy: From December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, you can revel in a visa-free entry for 15 days for tourism, business, transit, or visiting friends and family. This golden ticket is up for grabs if you hold a passport from one of the fantastic six – France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, or Malaysia. 

No.7 Arrange transportation to China.

Most travelers opt for flights headed to major gateways like Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and Guangzhou – the key players in China’s international flight scene.
In most parts of China, planes and high-speed trains reign as the A-listers for zipping between destination cities. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, and we’ll sort you out with arrangements and bookings for domestic travel within China, ensuring a carefree and comfy private transfer experience.

No.8 Pack Up and Let’s Roll!

The final stretch! Packing involves two main categories: real and virtual, with the latter being the real MVP!
Real items: Passport, visa, power adapter, a bit of cash, and your personal must-haves.
Virtual items, mainly mobile apps: WeChat (including payment features), Gaode Maps (with taxi functionality). And, of course, we’ll handle your mobile network connection in China.
In the land of dragons and dumplings, the internet and smart applications are ubiquitous. You can scan QR codes on high-speed train seats to order meals, and your food will be delivered right to you without leaving your seat. If you order takeout late at night in a hotel, a smart robot can bring it to your door, including laundry services—all taken care of by robots.

With stunning scenery, friendly locals, and our dedicated service team, we eagerly await your arrival! Get ready for an unforgettable journey through China. Welcome!