Plan your first travel to China

We feel more convenient to travel in China along with more development of tourism facilities there.

Must-visit cities and must-see spots on your plan:

Beijing and Xian are the two historical cities that you must visit, especially for your first trip to China, where you see the world level historical site as the Great Wall in Beijing and the Terra-cotta warriors in Xian. Beijing is also worth to see the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Ming Tombs, and the Hutong tour by rickshaw. Beijing Roast Duck is good to taste and Beijing Opera is nice to see for your first trip. Either Silk Alley Free Market or Panjiayuan Flea Market is an ideal place for bargainers to hunt for some symbolic souvenirs before you leave Beijing. In Xi'an, you will enjoy the Dumpling Banquet and the Tang Dynasty Style Dance Show.

Guilin is known as a scenic city where you can see the picturesque mountains and water, and take a cruise on the Li River down to Yangshuo where hiking and biking are enjoyable activities to fill your free day. You may find a cozy corner at the West Street in Yangshuo to relax yourself with a beer over some local dishes. You will also see the Elephant Trunk Hill as the symbol of Guilin, and visit the Reed Flute Case as the most representative of the kind.

Shanghai, a modern city in China shows the incredible wealth and economic growth of China today. It also provides a place that remains western style constructions that you can see on the Bund. Suzhou, just one hour drive from Shanghai, is famous for its Chinese traditional style gardens and the Grand Canal. Suzhou is the right place for Chinese silk production.

Yangtze River is a valuable part to add on your tour if you have few more days for your vacation to cruise the amazing Three Gorges and witness the construction of Three Gorges Dam Project. Chongqing is the city where to board the ship for a down-stream cruise and disembark at Yichang or Wuhan, or reverse it as an up-stream cruise.

Route of the tour:

Ports of entry & exit of China are suggested to choose Beijing and Shanghai, that is to enter China from Beijing and leave from Shanghai. Why? Beijing is heavy for the sightseeing so is reasonable to complete first when you are in an exiting mood and with energetic body, and finally you could finish your trip by relaxing yourself on the Bund and enjoying your free days in Shanghai. A typical itinerary goes like this: arrive in Beijing from your home city on the first day, spend 3-4 nights; then fly or take an overnight soft-sleeper train to Xi'an, 1-2 nights there; then fly to Guilin, 2-3 nights including Yangshuo; then fly to Chongqing to catch the Yangtze River cruise schedule, usually 3 nights onboard ship; then fly to Shanghai (or make immediate transfer to Suzhou) right after disembark at Yichang, stay 3-5 nights including Suzhou, and bid farewell and transfer to airport to board you return flight home.

Feature of tour packages:

Beside the 10 plus group tours or join-in tours, many tour operators are providing custom or private tour packages featuring tailor-made, flexible and self-control paced tours for a couple, a family, or a small group, and providing private vehicle, drive and guided sightseeing. You can compare the prices with value before making decision.

Best season to travel in China:

From April to November is moderate to make your trip to China, among which May, September and October are the beat months to pay the visit, especially for the tour route mentioned above.

Avoid planning your travel during the two golden weeks in China:
1. First week of October (National Day holidays)
2. Two weeks during Chinese New Year (Likely to be late January or early February each year)

Other tips for preparing your trip:

1. Consult and book a tour with a travel service from your home country;
2. Ensure you have a valid passport and applied for a visa to enter China;
3. Prepare a small medical kit as you may fall sick from the local food or from too much hectic travel

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