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3 Days Shenzhen Business Tour (Customizable)

Business Exploration in "Silicon Valley of China"

Shenzhen has achieved the transformation from a small fishing village to a high-technology industry garden, which has almost created the miracle of China. Now, it is renowned all over the world as "Silicon Valley of Hardware" . Encompassing some of the world’s biggest companies in finance, insurance and IoT, vibrant international metropolis Shenzhen has appeared - unnoticed - at the forefront of hardware innovation, surpassing even Silicon Valley. Driven by an insatiable hunger for success, Shenzhen’s entrepreneurs are revolutionizing the IoT, AI and FinTech industries - as well as many others. To see the fast development and experience the high-tech of Shenzhen, you can personally pay a visit to some of big companies’ flagship store, headquarter, factory. Besides, you can gain some inspiration at Huaqiangbei Commercial Street. To fully understand Shenzhen, you won’t miss Shenzhen Museum, Splendid China Folk Village and Ping’an Finance Center.

Business Trip Note & Ideas: We have listed DJI Flagship Store, BYD headquarter visiting into this business tour for example. If you have your own places, companies or factories to visit, please feel free to tell us your ideas and we’ll try our best to contact and arrange the trip for you.

Basic Trip Information

• 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
• 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
• Trip Itinerary
• Price Guide
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• Make an Enquiry

Full Itinerary Day by day (Can Be Customized)

Ni Hao!   Welcome to Shenzhen, the most innovative city in China! Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide at the arrival hall of the airport or train station. Then, be escorted to check in your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable car. The rest of today is on your own to explore the “Silicon Valley of China”. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Arrival Ideas:  Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport has many international and domestic flights to and from, including Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Zhangjiajie, Hangzhou, Guiyang, etc. Furthermore, high speed trains are quite convenient from most domestic cities including Hong Kong (about 14 minutes), Guangzhou (0.5-1.5 hours), Foshan (1 hour), Guilin (3 hours), Xiamen (3.5-4 hours), Changsha (3-3.5 hours) and so on.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Your inspiring business trip starts. Shenzhen is becoming the globally recognized “Silicon Valley of Hardware”. Home to 11 million entrepreneurs, Shenzhen is the birthplace of China’s most famous tech companies. If you are interested in, we can take you to visit the DJI (the world’s biggest maker of drones), BYD Headquarter, etc. (Note: your business content and places can be customized. Just tell us your needs, we are trying our best to arrange the trip for you and your group.)

Option 1: First, be driven to DJI Flagship Store  located in OCT Harbor close to Shenzhen Bay. You will enjoy the performances of drones in the specialized demonstration area, appreciate fantastic photos and videos shared by enthusiasts all over the world, moreover, you can touch and personally experience the latest drones and aerial photography and videography, and if you have any questions and interests, you will be well served by the staff here. DJI offers the best chance to see the world in God’s eyes, expanding people’s horizon from ground to sky, from our familiar territory to less-visited zones. It will be cool to experience the newest tech and free your mind when visiting DJI flagship store.

Option 2: Be transferred to to BYD - the corporate headquarter in Pingshan , Shenzhen. Pay a visit to the Exhibition Hall and you’ll find it a “museum” of BYD and get to know its rise to glory in no time. Have a look at different kinds of products and latest technologies, and you will see its extraordinary accomplishments achieved in the fields of IT, Automobile, New Energy and Light Rail which would make you understand BYD is a company really makes every endeavor to build a sustainable world and a livable environment for mankind. If you like, you can have the car driving experience, cloud path experience. Besides, you can visit BYD Ferrum Battery Storage and BYD PV Station. It takes about 2 to 3 hours for the visiting. ( Kindly Note: BYD headquarter does not receive the registeration by tour agency at present. If you want to visit it, please contact them by yourselves.)

After the business trip, you will be escorted to Huaqiangbei Commercial Street  which is renowned for its electronics markets. It is reported as being the largest electronics market in China and possibly one of the largest in the world. You can take a walk to SEG Electronic Market, Huaqiang Electronic World or Yuanwang Digital Mall to see different kinds of electronics.

The last stop today is to see the modern face of Shenzhen by getting atop the 600-meter tall skyscraper - Ping’an Finance Center . It is the tallest building in Shenzhen, the second tallest building in China and the 4th tallest building in the world. Reach Free Sky at 116th floor to catch a panoramic view of Shenzhen as well as overlook Hong Kong in far distance.

After the tour, be driven back to your hotel for a good rest. 

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. On this day, you will visit Shenzhen Museum  for a better understanding about this migrant city turning from a fishing village to the first-tier class metropolis in China within 40 years. Enjoy many informative displays and learn the history from ancient times to modern life.

In this afternoon, be transferred to  Splendid China Folk Village  to have a glimpse of vast China and experience the colorful culture of ethnic minorities of China. Walk and recognize the iconic sites in Splendid China Miniature Park which is composed of 82 reproductions of beautiful scenery, grand architecture, historical sites and traditional dwellings of China. You won’t miss Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Potala Palace, Mogao Caves, Li River, Leshan Giant Buddha, Stone Forest etc. Traveling across China within short time, you’ll be enchanted with China’s profound history, culture, natural beauty, palaces, temples and pagodas in one go. Then, take a stroll at China Folk Culture Village to explore 27 different ethnic villages built with the proportion of 1:1, experience brilliant culture, unique folk customs and hospitality of the ethnic groups. Watch interesting performances at their villages at the scheduled time. If your time allows, enjoy the fantastic performance called “New Oriental Neon Costumes” at Impression China Theater at 17:00, and “Dragon and Phoenix Dance” at Phoenix Square at 19:30.

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport / train station to catch the flight / train to your next destination or home.  Tour  ends!

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Departure Ideas: Shenzhen borders Hong Kong in the south well linked by high speed train, metro, or coach/bus. There are 10 checkpoints you can select to leave for Hong Kong from Shenzhen. If you need more info, please feel free to contact our professional travel consultants. 

Recommended Add-on Options

The quotation for this trip is from request per person.

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels. 3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025. 4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

What's included?

• Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
• Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary;
• Necessary transfers as listed in the itinerary;
• All meals as listed(“B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
• Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

• China visa;
• Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
• Single Room Supplement;
• Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary;
• Recommended optional activities;
• Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
• Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc;
• Personal expenses.

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Hi, Wonder.

Ok, my friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise - we upgraded the room which we thot was very good and very well maintained. Even the bath towels are of good quality!

Special mention to our guide Lawrence from the ship - he was assigned to assist us since he could speak English - he was very good and made sure we understood the detailed itinerary. We’re very glad that he was there to help us all along the trip!

We think the pace of the tours were good, and the processes and organisation for embarkation etc were very well thought out, planned and executed. We also enjoyed the narration when the ship cruised through the gorges, I think it was also Lawrence who read out the English descriptions of the cruise and the features that we were passing.

If there was one complaint, perhaps it was that there are not enough lifts in the ship and they didn’t go to the top floor. I think this is especially for older tourists like me!

Thanks, I will certainly recommend your services to my friends and relatives.

Thank you for your kind assistance in organising the private tour for my group.

Firstly, I must said you are very responsible and trustworthy. As this was the first time we got China Discovery to arrange the above tour,

Highly Recommended for your reliability and the excellent service provided.

It was unfortunate that our trip coincided with China May Day holiday as most places of interests were crowded.

My personal opinion, the program could have been better spaced out especially for seniors.

The train from Chongqing to Xian arrived almost at midnight and we reached hotel about 1am. The departure from hotel to see the Terracotta the next morning was 06:30am. Too tight, we barely had 4hrs of sleep. It would be better if the visit to the Terracotta is in late morning or early afternoon. Unfortunately, my wife and I were unable to join the visit to see the terracotta as we find it very tiring after the long train journey from Chongqing. Had to give it a miss.

However, we did enjoy the Beijing tour very much especially with your guide Mr Jackson Liu. He was very cheerful and knowledgeable. Also very helpful.

Overall it was a very enjoyable trip and will definitely recommend my friends to seek your assistance if they are planning a China trip, My wife and myself will definitely engage your services in the near future for our next China tour.

Thank you again.

I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and your team. We had a great time in China and we can’t wait to come back.

The last 4 of us are now at the airport waiting for our flight back to London. Everyone says hi and thank you.

thanks for your email. We‘re going back today in the evening.

We will definitely recommend the agency and you too. Everything worked out perfectly.

Best regards

Hello Rita,

the cruise was wonderful and perfectly organized. The best things were:

- perfect organization,

- nice Amie, who made me feel welcome,

- very good food; there were enough healthy things for me f.e. salad, fruits, vegetables,

- cappuccino in the bar

- perfect organized (optional) tours

There are some things I would change if I were you:

- Cappuccino should be included and available for breakfast ( I had to ask twice and then they brought it (for € 5, what is very expensive; the other days I went to the bar myself);

- my neighbours (cabin 408) were strong smokers and were smoking on the balcony all the time. The smoke came over to me (when the boat moves), so I couldnt sit on the balcony. Non-smoking should mean, that it is not for smokers. In Germany smoking is out and the people think very much about health. Moreover they were talking at 4.30 h, so I couldnt sleep anymore.

- the announcements in the cabin are annoying. I dont need it. The schedule is enough. I asked them to turn off the announcements and they did :-)

So, it was a wonderful experience and everything worked well.

Best regards from Germany

Dr. Sabine Kohley

Check What our customers are saying about us on Tripadvisor.com

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

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China Tours & Vacations

Welcome to China – one of the world's oldest and most enduring cultures; all yours to explore.

The Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, the giant panda and the flowing Yangzi – China is home to some of the world’s most remarkable places. And as you venture deep into the cityscapes from  Shanghai to Beijing , float past Yangshuo's limestone karsts and explore the tranquil monasteries in  Emei Shan  and Lhasa, you’ll be struck by how diverse this land can be. The rich tapestries of history, the charm of local villagers, the diversity of regional culinary traditions and sublime natural beauty, all coming together to create an experience like nothing else. Welcome to China – one of the world’s oldest and most enduring cultures; all yours to explore.

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China at a glance

Capital city.

Beijing (population approximately 21.5 million)

Approximately 1.4 billion

Renminbi (CNY)

Mandarin, Cantonese and many other dialects

(GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type C (European 2-pin) Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)

Learn more about China

Culture and customs, from ancient cultures....

As one of the world's oldest cultures, China has so much history to observe, taste, admire and learn about. Ancient mythology and spirituality are infused throughout the traditional dance, art, music and literature of China, with many contemporary customs directly attributed to centuries-old traditions.

Much of Chinese philosophy is interwoven with interactions and relationships between people and things – the Five Elements theory of wood, fire, earth, metal and water; the yin and the yang; the Chinese Lunar Calendar and Zodiac – and underpin many rituals and customs still present in China.

Ancient cultures and ruling dynasties of China in times’ past are present in philosophy, religion (Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism) and customs (tai chi, fengshui, fortune-telling and tea ceremonies). Culturally, China has gifted the world everything from martial arts to mah-jong, and we all continue to enjoy the rich cuisine, delicate art and evocative dance.

...to modern times...

China’s cultural identity is dominated by the Han – the largest ethnic group in mainland China, accounting for approximately 92 percent of Chinese citizens. There are, however, another 105 million people who identify as one of over 50 other ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang (southern China), Hui (northwest China), Uyghur (Central Asia) and Tibetan (Tibet autonomous region). Together, these ethnic groups have constructed a much more diverse China than new travelers may initially be aware of – all with unique customs, longstanding traditions and countless stories to tell. Over 800 million Chinese citizens speak Mandarin while many others use Cantonese, especially along the southeastern coastline. Although both languages may be considered very difficult to learn, it is important to learn at least a few phrases when traveling to show respect to the locals.

...and the balance of the two

While modern China is changing at a rapid pace, much of China still clings to age-old traditions and ways of life. This culture clash is particularly evident when visiting large cities like Beijing that are home to ancient hutongs alongside modern skyscrapers, time-worn temples and glorious World Heritage sites, all found within walking distance of each other. With centuries of dramatic history and ethnic identities key to uncovering the diversity of the country’s people, China remains one of the world's most fascinating places to travel.

History and government

Early history.

As one of the world's oldest civilizations, China has an intriguing history that spans thousands of years. The Yellow River is known as the Cradle of Chinese Civilization as it is thought that what we now know as ‘China’ originated on the banks of this river.

China's early history is dominated by periods of dynastic rule, fragmentation and imperialist expansion, with each dynasty contributing something different to the history books. Construction of the Great Wall of China was thought to have started during the Qin Dynasty, with the Ming Dynasty enhancing the wall at a later stage. The Tang Dynasty is known as a time of prosperity and artistic expression, the Song Dynasty is famed for being a time of scientific and technological discovery, and Kublai Khan's Yuan Dynasty saw an overall population decline that has been attributed to everything from an administration error to the arrival of the Bubonic Plague.

Once the Yuan Dynasty was overthrown by the Ming Dynasty in 1368, population numbers began to increase again and urbanization grew quite rapidly. Private enterprise flourished, with small-scale paper, silk and cotton trading providing trade income to the masses. The following period of rule known as the Qing Dynasty stretched from 1644 to 1911. This is generally seen as a time of rebellion and upheaval with the Taiping Rebellion, Nien Rebellion, Panthay Rebellion and Boxer Rebellion all testing the Qing's ability to rule. Thankfully, remnants of most of these periods of history can be found in China today.

Recent history

The Republic of China was formed in Nanjing in 1912 after a military uprising. Leadership changed hands many times throughout the following years until the People's Liberation Army succeeded in ousting the US-backed Chiang Kai-Shek after a long and bloody battle.

Mao Zedong became Chairman, or leader, of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and China's society was systematically converted to communism. Land reforms and the collectivisation of agriculture significantly altered the structure of society and daily life. Dramatic population, cultural and economic changes led to events that Western societies remember as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Mao's death in 1976 triggered leadership changes and economic reforms, the impact of which has rippled into the future.

More recently, China has seen  Hong Kong  and Macau returned from foreign rule and enjoyed a period of increased economic growth. The country basked in the international spotlight as the host city of the 2008 Summer Olympics and with a strengthening economy, wide-scale global influence and dominant rule by the Communist Party of China, China is now one of the world’s global superpowers.

For travelers, China’s rich and engaging history, especially through dynastic rule and its cultural philosophies, has created a country so fascinating, so layered and so rewarding to explore. Opening the first chapter of China’s history book begins the moment you arrive.

Eating and drinking

Whether it’s slurping down a bowl of noodles at a Silk Road street market, having a mouth-numbing Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu or waving down the dim sum trolley at a morning yum cha, you won’t go hungry in China.

Chinese cuisine focuses on color, aroma and taste, and nearly every region and minority group has its own cooking style. Chinese cuisine has traditionally been broken down into eight major schools of cooking: Anhui, Cantonese, Fuijan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan and Zhejiang. They’re also grouped into northern, southern, western and eastern cooking styles.

Rich and hearty northern cuisine – flavored with lots of salt, ginger, garlic and soy sauce – is what fed the emperors. Southern cuisine – particularly from the Cantonese school – is what you’ve likely sampled at your local Chinatown, such as dim sum. Western cuisine brings the heat thanks to ample use of Sichuan peppercorn and piping hot chili peppers, and eastern cuisine tends to be sweeter in flavor and features a wide variety of vegetables, shellfish, fish and other types of seafood.

Dishes to try in China

• Sichuan hot pot Taste a bit of Chinese history by dipping into a fiery Sichuan hot pot filled with meat, vegetables, noodles and chili. While each region in China has different varieties, Sichuan lays claim to the spiciest.
• Cantonese dim sum (Yum Cha) Sitting down to a dim sum banquet is one of Hong Kong's great culinary experiences. Bamboo baskets of salty dumplings and pots of cleansing tea change hands in this traditional feast that will leave you feeling very full.
• Green tea China is home to one of the world's largest tea drinking cultures, with most locals sipping a few cups of tea daily. Green tea may have recently risen in popularity in Western societies, but it’s been used as a medicine in China for thousands of years.
• Peking duck This famous roast duck dish from Beijing dates back to Imperial China. It’s one of the best flavor combinations in the world: succulent slices of duck served between delicate pancakes with green onions and a sweet dark sauce.
• Street snacks A lot of  Asia’s  best food is found in markets, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and street-side stalls. Think baozi (steamed stuffed buns), jiaozi (dumplings), jianbing (fried chive pancakes), yang rou chan (lamb kebabs) and so much more. China may be famous for giant feasts served on a lazy susan, but don’t dismiss what can be found on a budget.

Learn more about Chinese food

Find out what to drink in China

Geography and environment

Located in east Asia along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, China is the third-largest nation in the world by total land area, behind  Russia  and  Canada . It shares its border with 14 countries including Russia, Kazakhstan and  Mongolia  in the north, and India, Laos and  Vietnam  in the south.

Soaring peaks, high plateaus and desert occupy the western half of this vast country. In the southwest, Mount Everest and the Himalayas form the border with  India ,  Nepal  and Bhutan. In the north, the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts stretch from west to east along the border with Mongolia. The terrain slopes into broad plains and deltas in the east. Two major rivers flow through central China – the Yellow River in the north and the Yangzi in the south – where rice paddies flourish.

China, as well as 16 other countries around the world, is known as ‘megadiverse’ – a grouped classification of biodiverse countries that contain over 70% of the world’s endemic flora and fauna. China itself is home to over 550 species of mammals, 1221 species of birds, 146,000 types of flora and 10,000 species of fungi.

Despite this, China has a series of challenges in terms of safeguarding its environment and biodiversity. China’s industry is booming and air pollution is on the rise. It has become the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitter and to deal with this, China has become the world’s leading investor in renewable energies and is making a big effort to reduce widespread air pollution in its major cities.

China has a multitude of different shopping experiences, from the massive malls of Beijing to the fashion boutiques of Shanghai and the small village markets that are dotted around the country.

In Beijing, your best bet for shopping is along Wangfujing Street for designer labels, Hongqiao Market for a wide range of pearls and Yaxiu Market for gifts and souvenirs. Nanjing Road and Xujiahui are Shanghai’s shopping hotspots and the eclectic Huaihai Road has been likened to Tokyo’s Harajuku fashion district, so that’s also worthwhile visiting.

Things to buy in China

• Silk As the home of this popular fabric, China’s silk is undoubtedly legendary. It’s been greatly admired by the world for centuries, so don’t leave China without picking some fabric, handmade clothing or a scarf or two.
• Chinese calligraphy art This beautiful art form has been practised in China for centuries. Buy an antique artwork or get a customized piece featuring your name made on the spot.
• Paper cut art This traditional art is a painstaking process that ultimately creates an intricately beautiful result. Associated with Chinese New Year, paper art souvenirs can be found all year round, with designs of flowers, animals and people the most common.
• Chinese knots These traditional, decorative handicrafts are seen as a symbol of health and prosperity and make brilliant gifts for friends back home. The tassel-style gifts are said to ward off evil spirits and are often given as good luck charms during Chinese New Year celebrations.

It's a good idea to check with customs to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws, especially with food, plant or wood-related products.

Festivals and events

Festivals in China are an integral part of celebrating local cultures and traditions. They are a time for families to return home and gather for a day – or days – filled with food and festivities.

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)

The most important holiday in the country, Chinese New Year is such a big deal that it’s celebrated over 15 days. The main event is New Year’s Eve, when red decorations are hung all around and people travel home to celebrate. Children receive red envelopes stuffed with cash and fireworks and firecrackers go off at midnight. Lanterns, bracelets, cards and tokens are all coloured red as this is considered to be the color of good fortune.

Lantern (Yuan Xiao) Festival

Though it marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival is a festival in its own right that takes place 15 days after Chinese New Year. It’s a fantastic time to be in China as the country lights up with colorful lanterns.

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

Ever wanted to visit a real-life winter wonderland? Then head to Harbin in January to see massive illuminated sculptures made of snow and ice. Past creations have included the Great Wall (which doubled as an awesome slide), the pyramids of  Egypt  and even a Disney castle.

Dragon Boat (Duanwu) Festival

Equal parts frantic dragon-boat racing and sticky-rice consumption, this three-day festival – meant to commemorate ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan – is celebrated all across China. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, people flock to waterways to feast on zongzi (rice dumplings) and realgar (or xionghuang) wine as they watch the colorful boats race.

Learn more about festivals in China

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Chinese New Year

Spring Festival

Qingming Festival

Dragon Boat Festival

National Day

Please note dates of China's public holidays may vary.

China travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa for China?

Visitors from most nations are required to obtain a visa for trips to mainland China. Be sure to apply before leaving your home country – if you don’t, your applications might be denied.

For most travel plans, you will need a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days. Generally, a standard 30-day single-entry visa can be issued in four to five business days and at a higher cost for an express application. Once issued, the visa must be used within three months.

For immigration purposes, Hong Kong is not considered part of mainland China and most nationalities, including EU, Australian, US, Canadian and South African citizens, do not require a visa to visit for varying periods of stay.

Please check with your local embassy for specific requirements for Hong Kong and mainland China, as requirements and conditions continuously change. Check with your Chinese embassy or a registered Visa Application Service Centre about what you need to do to apply well before your departure date.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 20 March 2023

When is the best time to visit China?

From the rugged mountain interior of Emei Shan to the glittering coastal city of Shanghai, China is home to a diverse range of landscapes and climates. We recommend checking out our regional breakdown to help you figure out the best time to visit China.

Tourism is generally at its peak in summer, so if you’re not into crowds, you may want to avoid June, July and August. If you’d still like the weather to be somewhat warm, a shoulder season month like November or May might be best – you’ll usually only need a light jacket or fleece, but the bulk of the crowds are gone.

Is tipping customary in China?

Generally, tipping is not expected in mainland China, although leaving spare change at restaurants and giving a small amount to hospitality staff is becoming more commonplace (although not mandatory). For example, tipping porters and bartenders a small amount is no longer unusual. The culture of tipping is different in Hong Kong, where taxi drivers and restaurants will usually round up the bill, and service staff will generally expect a tip.

What is the internet access like in China?

Internet access is generally good in hotels and tourist areas, but it's limited in rural and remote areas. Some fast food chains, restaurants and cafes have free wi-fi available, but may require a Chinese phone number to receive the login code. The login prompts may also be in Chinese.

Chinese governments and authorities keep strong controls over internet access and many Western websites, including social media and news outlets, are censored. Sites and apps including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google products (YouTube, Maps, Gmail, Drive), WhatsApp, Snapchat and Dropbox, as well as many international news outlets, will not work.

You may wish to download the WeChat app during your visit, which is the country’s most popular method of communication. It’s like WhatsApp crossed with Facebook, kind of.

For many expats and travelers, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is used to limit this censorship. If you are insistent on using certain websites abroad, look into purchasing a reputable VPN – keep in mind most of the free ones, and some of the paid VPNs will not work. If you do decide to go down this route, still consider what you search for online or access while in China, as some of this content could land you in hot water with authorities if found out.

With all this in mind, you’ve got the opportunity to switch off and enjoy the sights around – that’s one way of looking at it!

Will my mobile phone work in China?

Mobile phone coverage is generally excellent in China's cities, and still very good in remote and rural areas.

If you have an unlocked phone, purchasing a local SIM on arrival is probably the cheapest and most reliable option to use your phone on the go.

If you wish to use global roaming while in China, be sure to contact your service provider to understand how much this will cost, as it's often extremely expensive.

What are the toilets like in China?

Squat toilets are most common in China, though Western-style flushable toilets can sometimes be found in modern hotels and restaurants. Be sure to carry your own toilet paper or tissue and hand sanitiser as these are rarely provided, especially in public places.

Can I drink the water in China?

While water quality is improving, drinking tap water still isn't recommended in China due to the presence of pollution and natural contamination of water supplies.

For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available, often boiled to use for tea. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards widely accepted in China?

Credit cards may work in big vendors in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong but it's not guaranteed and less likely to work in smaller cities or towns.

WeChat and Alipay are the most prominent online payment methods in China. We strongly suggest you set up either WeChat or Alipay on your device before arriving.

This will require you to link a credit or debit card to the app and also set up a data roaming package so that you can make payments locally. A 3% transaction fee may also be charged for foreign accounts. Please check the terms and conditions when setting up an account.

What is ATM access like in China?

Bank of China or HSBC ATMs are the most widely accessible and reliable. However, it's rare to make cash payments in China nowadays, and even if vendors accept cash, they may not have the right change.

WeChat and Alipay are the most prominent payment methods now. We strongly suggest you set up WeChat or Alipay on your device prior to arriving. This will require you to link a credit or debit card to the app and set up a data roaming package so that you can make payments locally.

A 3% transaction fee may also be charged for foreign accounts. Please check the terms and conditions carefully.

What is the weather like in China?

China is huge – and so its weather is super diverse. Depending on what time of year you visit China and where you go, you can experience unrelenting heat and humidity in summer and thick snow cover throughout  winter .

China’s northern regions have hot and dry summers, while destinations on the eastern coastlines and in the south are more humid with a larger chance of monsoon rains and typhoons.

There’s a chance of snow across most of the country; however, this is much more likely in the northern reaches (Beijing and surrounds). Late winter and early spring can often bring a dust storm rolling in from the Gobi Desert to Beijing and northern China. Rainfall in Shanghai and the east coast is abundant between April and September, but almost non-existent for large chunks of the year in Central and Western parts of the country.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Is China a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Equal rights have a long way to go in China. The government heavily censors portrayals of same-sex relationships and, up until 2001, homosexuality was considered a mental illness. Same-sex couples are unable to marry or adopt in China, and discrimination laws and legal protections are not equal between LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ identifying citizens.

That being said, China is a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ tourists who travel with discretion. Chinese people are generally tolerant and homophobic-related violence is incredibly rare. Low-key gay scenes/communities can be found in larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. While it’s common for friends of the same sex to hold hands, keep in mind any further displays of affection are frowned upon for both same-sex and heterosexual couples.

As with any public display or protest in China, there is much resistance from authorities and the government to any form of mass demonstration organised within China. Various events have been banned in recent years, not because they are promoting LGBTQIA+ rights, but because they are publicly promoting anything at all.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. For travellers who do not wish to share a room, most of our tours have the option to pay for an individual room.

Is China accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Accessibility varies in China depending on where you are. Things are improving every year but given the vast size of China and varying rates of growth, you may find old areas are a lot more difficult to travel through than modern cities. In Shanghai, for example, most  public transport  is wheelchair-friendly, as are a lot of the sites, whereas Beijing is a lot more difficult to navigate.

In Chinese culture, disability has traditionally been seen as something to overcome rather than something to accommodate, which has hampered efforts to improve both cultural acceptance and access. This is changing, which is fortunate not only for travelers, but also for the 80+ million Chinese people living with physical and mental limitations.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in China?

What you decide to pack and wear in China will depend on where you are and what time of year it is. The climate across China can vary a lot. Besides the usual lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes, you may want to consider packing a reusable dust mask as dust storms are common in certain regions across China.

Is it safe to travel to China?

China is generally a safe country to travel to, as long as you know where you’re going and stay alert. China is visited by travelers from all around the world and is of no danger to any person who understands local cultures and obeys local laws.

In saying this, China’s government does keep quite a tight lid on foreign influences, such as websites and news coverage, with internet censorship and public surveillance a common occurrence all over the country. Demonstrations and protests are prohibited in public places in China, and if you find yourself in one, or you take a photo or video of the event, this could land you in trouble.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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China Small Group Tours

Uncover new and exciting adventures in China by taking part in our small group tours. Go sightseeing at your own pace surrounded by travellers like you. Provided by top tour operators & travel companies, our small group tours in China will offer you the perfect balance between spending time on your own and group activities. View all small group tours .

250+ China small group tours with 207 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

China Express

The hotel where we were moved to had no record of us. This defeats the purpose of booking through an agent.

8-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

The tour was wonderful. I went during their down season in December, best decision every.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai

Very educational, cultural tour. Organization was perfect.

Premium China

• Sightseeing

7 Days Lhasa To Shigatse and Namtso Group Tour

I love this trip so much! It is a lifetime experience I will never forget. When we look out from the window of the nomad tent, breathtaking!

6 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Group Tour

We would recommend this agency to anyone traveling to Tibet. He was extremely accomodating to us and was constantly there to help us with anything.

Wild Yunnan 8D: Kunming-Dali-Lijiang- Shangri-La

The whole itinerary was very good scheduled and not to packed, so we had time to stroll around the cities by ourselves as well.

Explore China

Discover China's Silk Road - 11 Days Private Tour

The drivers were punctual, the lodging was tidy, the staff was nice and friendly, and the meals were good.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Train & Rail

China Experience

Classic Tibet 8 Days: Lhasa, Gyangtse, Shigatse, Sakya, Everest Base Camp

5 Days Guilin Tour with Yangshuo Cycling

7 Days Yunnan Dali/Shangri-la/Lijiang Tour

The Best Journey of Yili in Xinjiang

Explore Beijing Xian Shanghai

Reviews of small group tours to china.

Great fun packed itinerary and wonderful leading by the guide Howard from Xian. Amazing, just go.

As a couple surprised by an fantastic individual tour by three very articulate guides and proficient drivers around Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Learnt not only about history but culture and language today. Felt very safe even when venturing out alone around cities without guides. Our only issue was we could not get internet to connect but that is going to be more us being technophobic. However so supported by guides that not required.

This tour is the greatest China esperience! All guides go above and beyond to immerse you in the ancient China history, local culture, natural wonders. Absolutely professional and courteous service, best accomodations, balanced time and activities for perfect vacation. Special thanks to TravelChinaGuide agent Emily - helping all the way in planning the tour. Highly recommended tour and TravelChinaGuide team, especially for the first-time visitors to China.

• China Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

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China Tour Itineraries

China, a land steeped in history and brimming with vibrant culture, offers an unparalleled travel experience for those seeking to explore its many wonders. From its bustling metropolises and ancient heritage sites to its breathtaking natural landscapes and culinary delights, China has something to captivate every traveler.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, our carefully curated China tour itineraries will guide you through the best the country has to offer, ensuring an unforgettable journey. In this section, we present a diverse selection of tours designed to showcase the richness of China’s cultural, natural, and historical treasures.

Best China Tour for First-Time Visitors

Our Best China Tour is meticulously crafted for first-time visitors to provide a comprehensive introduction to China’s most iconic destinations. This tour covers the essentials:

• Beijing: Visit the majestic Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. Experience the harmony of ancient traditions and modern advancements.
• Xi’an: Discover the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, which reveals the grandeur of China’s first emperor’s tomb.
• Shanghai: Explore the bustling cityscape, marvel at the futuristic skyline from the Bund, and stroll through the charming Yu Garden.
• Guilin: Enjoy a picturesque cruise along the Li River, surrounded by stunning karst landscapes that have inspired Chinese artists for centuries.

China Landscape Tours

China’s diverse landscapes are a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Our landscape tours focus on the country’s most scenic and serene environments:

• Huangshan Mountain: Known as the Yellow Mountain, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers spectacular views with its towering peaks, unique rock formations, and ancient pine trees.
• Zhangjiajie: Famous for its towering sandstone pillars, this national forest park inspired the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.” Walk on the glass bridge and enjoy panoramic views.
• Jiuzhaigou Valley: Renowned for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, Jiuzhaigou is a fairyland for nature lovers and photographers.

China Gourmet Tour

Chinese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its variety and flavor. Our gourmet tour takes you on a culinary journey through the country’s most famous dishes and food regions:

• Beijing: Savor the legendary Peking Duck, a dish that has been perfected over centuries.
• Chengdu: Explore the spicy and flavorful dishes of Sichuan cuisine, including hotpot and Kung Pao chicken.
• Xi’an: Taste traditional snacks in the Muslim Quarter and enjoy a dumpling banquet.
• Guangzhou: Discover the delights of Cantonese cuisine, famous for its dim sum and seafood.

China Photography Tours

China’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and historical sites provide endless opportunities for photographers. Our photography tours are designed to capture the essence of China through the lens:

• Guilin and Yangshuo: Photograph the ethereal karst landscapes and traditional fishing scenes on the Li River.
• Lijiang and Shangri-La: Capture the ancient townscapes and the breathtaking scenery of the Tibetan plateau.
• Xinjiang: Document the dramatic desert landscapes, ancient Silk Road relics, and colorful ethnic cultures.

China Hiking Tours

For those who enjoy exploring on foot, our hiking tours offer exhilarating adventures through some of China’s most beautiful and rugged terrains:

• Tiger Leaping Gorge: Trek through one of the deepest gorges in the world, with dramatic views of the Jinsha River and snow-capped mountains.
• Huangshan Mountain: Hike the ancient stone steps and witness sunrise and sunset from the mountain’s peaks.
• Great Wall: Experience the thrill of walking along restored and wild sections of the Great Wall, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

China Cruising Tours

Experience China from a different perspective with our cruising tours, which offer leisurely journeys along some of the country’s most famous rivers and lakes:

• Yangtze River Cruise: Sail through the majestic Three Gorges, explore ancient villages, and visit the impressive Three Gorges Dam.
• Li River Cruise: Drift along the tranquil waters from Guilin to Yangshuo, surrounded by picturesque karst mountains.
• Lake Taihu: Enjoy a peaceful cruise on one of China’s largest freshwater lakes, known for its scenic beauty and historical significance.

China Train Tours

China’s modern and extensive train network offers a comfortable and efficient way to explore the country. Our train tours highlight the convenience and beauty of rail travel:

• Bullet Train Experience: Travel between major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chengdu on high-speed trains, enjoying the scenic countryside along the way.
• Scenic Train Routes: Ride the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa, the world’s highest railway, and witness stunning landscapes from the comfort of your seat.

China Silk Road Tours

The ancient Silk Road is a fascinating route that connects East and West. Our Silk Road tours take you on a journey through history and diverse cultures:

• Dunhuang: Explore the Mogao Caves, a treasure trove of Buddhist art, and the stunning sand dunes of the Gobi Desert.
• Turpan: Visit the ancient city ruins of Jiaohe and Gaochang, and learn about the unique irrigation system of the Karez wells.
• Kashgar: Experience the vibrant markets, traditional Uyghur culture, and the impressive Id Kah Mosque.

Best China City Tours

China’s cities offer a blend of ancient history and modern innovation. Our city tours provide comprehensive explorations of the country’s most dynamic urban centers:

• Beijing : Delve into the capital’s rich history with visits to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace.
• Xi’an : Marvel at the Terracotta Army and wander through the ancient city walls and bustling markets.
• Shanghai : Experience the cosmopolitan vibe of China’s largest city, with its futuristic skyline, colonial architecture, and vibrant nightlife.
• Guilin : Discover the natural beauty of Guilin and its surrounding landscapes, including the Longji Rice Terraces and Reed Flute Cave.
• Lhasa : Visit the spiritual heart of Tibet, with its stunning Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and bustling Barkhor Street.
• Hangzhou : Enjoy the serene beauty of West Lake, explore ancient temples, and stroll through traditional tea plantations.
• Guangzhou : Discover the rich cultural heritage of this southern metropolis, known for its delicious cuisine and vibrant markets.
• Chengdu : Meet the adorable giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base and savor the city’s renowned Sichuan cuisine.
• Hong Kong : Experience the unique blend of East and West in this bustling metropolis, with its iconic skyline, bustling markets, and tranquil outlying islands.
• Chongqing : Embark on an unforgettable journey through Chongqing, a city teeming with cultural vibrancy and scenic splendor.
• Chengde : Welcome to your thrilling journey in Chengde! This hidden gem marries cultural richness.
• Pingyao : Embarking on a journey to Pingyao? Get ready to immerse yourself in an enchanting mix of history and culture! 
• Datong : Discover the captivating allure of Datong, a city where history and culture converge! 
• Luoyang : Welcome to the mesmerizing city of Luoyang, a gem in the heart of China, rich in history and brimming with culture.
• Suzhou : Discover Suzhou, a gem in China’s Jiangsu Province, offering a perfect mix of ancient wonders and modern marvels.

Our diverse selection of China tour itineraries caters to all interests and travel styles, ensuring that every visitor can find a tour that resonates with their passions and preferences. Whether you are drawn to China’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, or vibrant urban life, our expertly crafted tours provide an immersive and unforgettable experience. Join us on a journey through this captivating country and create memories that will last a lifetime.

China Tours & Vacations

• Featured Tours
• Travel Agents

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  4.9  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1546  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

The world's oldest continuous civilization offers three millennia of juxtaposing delights. China captivates with its compelling blend of ancient stories and ethereal natural backdrops; the eternal watch of the terracotta warriors, the allure of the Forbidden City, sprawling metropolises; a myriad of evocative narratives can be explored, each inimitable destination infused with intrigue and temptation.

Life-Enriching Travel Designed Just for You

Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip

Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

Zicasso in the News

13  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,804

Indulge in China’s traditional mouth-watering cuisine while exploring the country’s most astounding historical and cultural areas during this 13-day luxury culinary tour. Test your culinary skills with private cooking classes in the Middle Kingdom’s most famous cities. Learn the history and curative powers of customary dishes in a variety of regions. Enjoy serenity while cruising down picturesque rivers and observing peaceful pagodas. Explore the ins and outs of cities, including Beijing and Hong Kong. Visit famously significant landmarks; tickle your tea-sampling taste buds in stunning rural plantations. What’s more, enjoy all of this with the expert leadership and knowledge that your guides possess, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

14  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $4,097

Designed for history lovers, this customize 2-week China tour will have you delving into China’s long and intriguing history. Cherish the relics of Zhengzhou, stroll through the hidden door of Old Shanghai, and sail through Nanjing.

12  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,511

Witness a fascinating collection of the world’s most spellbinding wonders as you embark on this unforgettable tour of the Middle Kingdom. Experience a range of incredibly close encounters with the mesmerizing giant pandas as you spend a day cuddling, feeding and looking after these wonderful creatures in the Dujiangyan Panda Base. Visit the tranquil areas of one of the Earth's most famous landmarks as you explore The Great Wall, and then admire the serene waterfalls and the natural landscape as you sail down the Yangtze River. Be awe-inspired in the incredible historical city of Xi’an, the home of the famous Terracotta Warriors. Visit Beijing’s finest sights and landmarks, and then take in the culture and modernity of Shanghai before experiencing the unique delights of Chengdu.

8  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,339

Lose yourself amid the Middle Kingdom’s most magnificent natural and ancient human-made beauty, as you embark on this mesmerizing discovery tour of Guilin. Hike your way atop the wondrous peaks and embrace the breath-taking scenery from the perfect vantage points. Hike, bike, kayak, swim and raft aside, upon and within the enchanting rivers as the jagged mountain peaks tower over their magical and mystical surroundings. Wander the trails, take a mud bath and learn martial arts in the tranquillity of China’s finest countryside. Walk the centuries-old cobbled pathways of ancient villages among traditional Chinese architecture, while integrating with the local people. Moreover, embrace all of this with the expert guidance of our highly knowledgeable and experienced tour guides to create a trip of a lifetime.  As you dream of your vacation in China, consider browsing more tour ideas as you refine your own.

7  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,046

Experience fascinating wonders amid the winter’s most beautiful elements during this unique 7-day tour of Harbin and Beijing. Witness pristine white flakes exquisitely dress the Middle Kingdom’s greatest landmarks as you walk along a stunning snow-topped Great Wall and admire the frosted peaks of the enchanting Forbidden Palace in Beijing. Let mesmerizing ice sculptures consume your ice-cold eyes before witnessing stunning Siberian tigers in their beautiful snow-drizzled surroundings, amid the vibrant city of Harbin. Visit holy temples and admire wondrous city architecture. And see more lights and colors than you’ve ever seen before as the night sky descends - truly bringing your trip to life.

11  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,218

Over the last few decades, China’s rapid economic growth has defined its identity. And yet, just beyond the gleaming skyscrapers and other signs of wealth, much of the country’s cherished history and culture lies undisturbed. On this 11-day tour, you are in expert hands as you experience the best of modern and ancient China. During your journey, travel between China’s most impressive natural and manmade wonders, all while staying at five-star accommodations. It is a journey of a lifetime, one that will result in cherished memories, along with a desire to return.

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9  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,632

Live life through the lens of the most picturesque and serene areas of natural beauty the world has to offer, as you embark on this captivating photography tour of China. Let your camera absorb the colors of nature as you wander along beautifully terraced fields amid minority villages. Watch the sun rise over the enchanting pillars and valleys of the Zhangjiajie Forest Park. Capture the sunset over the mystical Li River, while local fishermen fascinatingly go about their business. And embrace all of this with the guidance of gifted local photographers, taking you to the perfect spots at the ideal moments, ensuring you acquire that shot of a lifetime.

Experience the fascinating diversity of China by getting a taste of beautiful cosmopolitan cities and stunningly picturesque rural areas while immersing yourself in history during this captivating tour of the Middle Kingdom. Let your eyes sparkle in the bright lights as your mind becomes mesmerized in the shadows of some of the largest buildings in the world as you tour Shanghai and Beijing. Visit China’s most famous landmark: The Great Wall. Explore age-old temples and palaces. Walk the cobbled streets of ancient towns in Lijiang – weaving in and out of peaceful streams. Pick green tea from serene fields; enjoy restaurants that overlook ancient rooftops and mountains. And unwind as you walk through enchanting parks before cruising down beautiful lakes in Hangzhou and Xitang.

The mysterious allure and tranquil setting of China will sweep you off your feet during this luxurious, 7-day tour of some of China’s most iconic highlights. Scale the longest wall in the world, experience an explosion of unique flavors, and venerate the intricate facial details of the Terracotta Warriors in the first emperor’s mausoleum. Clamber across the curving green and yellow backs of dragons before ascending to the highest peak where the longest reigning prince lived. Lastly, embody the zen and feng shui cultures of the country and let them infuse every part of your being. This custom-tailored tour of China’s highlights will awaken all of your senses during these seven, adventurous days.

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• Where to go All Destinations Beihai Beijing Changsha Chengdu Chongqing Dali Dalian Datong Dunhuang Guangzhou Guilin Guizhou Hangzhou Harbin Hongkong Huangshan Inner Mongonia Jiangxi Jiuzhaigou Kham Kunming Lanzhou Lijiang Luoyang Nanjing Ningxia Qingdao Qinghai Sanya Shandong Shanghai Shangrila Shenyang Suzhou Wuhan Tour Xi’an Tour Xiamen Tour Zhangjiajie
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Top 10 China Travel Itineraries

Are you looking for a suitable China travel itinerary, which matches your vacation time?

Here, we offer the top 10 China travel itineraries including lengths of 1 week, 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and more. Read on to find which is best for you.

1. 1-Week in China (Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai)

Spending 1 week in China has a basic itinerary. You can choose three representative cities to help you learn about the country. Our 1-week China travel itinerary is suitable for first-time travelers in China.

Beijing is the first choice. It is the best gateway for foreign tourists to learn about China. Hike on the Great Wall, which is the symbol of the Chinese nation. Explore the Forbidden City — the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace complex. Appreciate the imperial garden at the Summer Palace, which was originally used as a summer retreat for the imperial court.

As the ancient capital city of 13 dynasties, Xi'an is a place to learn about Chinese history and civilization. Discover the secrets of the Terracotta Army, which was buried with China's first emperor.

Experience China's development in Shanghai. Visit the Shanghai Tower — the tallest building in China. Walk along the Bund to see different types of buildings and listen to their stories.

2. 10-Day China Itinerary (Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin–Shanghai)

10 days in China will give you a relaxing traveling pace. You can choose several different types of cities, such as historical cities and scenic cities. Our 10-day China itinerary is designed for first-time travelers in China.

Immerse yourself in Chinese history and culture in Beijing and Xi'an. Appreciate the stunning night view on the Great Wall. Learn about the stories of the Chinese emperors who lived in the Forbidden City. Visit the Terracotta Army and the ancient city wall.

The picturesque scenery and relaxing countryside lifestyle in Guilin will amaze you. Walk along the Longji Rice Terraces accompanied by the breeze and the sound of birds singing. Take a cruise along the Li River to see graceful bamboo groves, rice paddies, and lumbering water buffalo in the river. Explore a local market in Yangshuo to learn about the real countryside life in China.

In Shanghai, you will experience China's economic development via an in-depth Bund culture discovery tour, which is in sharp contrast to the relaxed ambience in Guilin.

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3. 2-Week China Itinerary (Beijing–Xi'an–Chengdu–Shanghai)

It's not enough to just go sightseeing as part of a 2-week itinerary. Fun and cultural activities should be added. Our 2-week China travel itinerary focuses more on cultural experiences. If you have a deep interest in Chinese culture and language, or are planning a family trip, you will enjoy it.

In Beijing, visit the Temple of Confucius and Beijing Imperial Academy to learn about China's traditional education system. Learn about five gigantic Chinese characters on a hillside by the Great Wall. Practice tai chi with a local master to learn about Chinese culture and its traditional health science.

Visit an ancient academy in Xi'an to learn about China's traditional national costume and try on the traditional dress of the Han Chinese people, imagining what life was like in ancient times.

See cute pandas at a breeding research base in Chengdu and go to Chengdu's last remaining farmers' market where you can try using Chinese to purchase some special delicacies from the locals.

Discover how Shanghai impacts China and how China impacts the world by exploring the Bund, which witnessed the golden age of Shanghai in the 1920s, taking a ferry across the Huangpu River, and ascending Shanghai's tallest building — the Shanghai Tower.

Get more ideas on our  2 Weeks in China: 3 Top Itinerary Ideas for Couples and Families

4. 3-Week China Itinerary (Beijing–Silk Road–Shanghai)

Three weeks allows you to experience a more colorful China. After a 4-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Night Tour , you can travel to West China, where you can feel a sense of exploration and freshness.

You will see many relics along the Silk Road . Discover the secrets of the Terracotta Army in Xi'an. Appreciate the Rainbow Mountains in the Zhangye National Geopark — a special landform in West China. Marvel at the Mogao Caves and desert scenery in Dunhuang.

Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Jiaohe in Turpan. Visit Erdaoqiao Market — the biggest bazaar in Urumqi. Explore Kashgar Old City, which was made from yellow mud bricks and stands on a small hill.

Then begin a 5-day relaxing and comfortable tour in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou to see elegant classic gardens and tranquil water towns.

5. 5-Day Yangtze Delta Itinerary(Shanghai–Hangzhou–Suzhou)

Five days in China may be a little hurried. So our 5-day itinerary includes three important cities that are close to each other in the Yangtze River Delta from where you can experience China's classic beauty. There is no need for a visa with this itinerary.

In Shanghai, visit Yu Garden to see its exquisite layout and beautiful scenery. Walk around the former French Concession precinct to learn about Shanghai's history.

In Hangzhou, enjoy a quiet boat trip on West Lake. Visit Meijiawu Tea Plantation to learn about the process of making tea.

Visit Tongli Water Town — a quiet and classic Chinese town in Suzhou. Take a boat trip along the canal to see the old town and wander through alleys to appreciate its ancient architecture.

6. 4-Day In-Depth Panda Tour in Chengdu

Chengdu is home to giant pandas. A trip to China without seeing pandas is incomplete.

A 4-Day In-Depth Panda Tour will impress you. Hike in Dengsheng Gorge to explore the habitat of wild pandas. Visit at night to see what the cute pandas do at night without tourists and noises to distract them. Be a one-day panda keeper, which includes cleaning the enclosure, weighing and cleaning bamboo, and making panda cakes.

7. 4-Day Yangtze Cruise

This itinerary is completely comfortable and leisurely.

A cruise traveling slowly along the Yangtze River between Yichang and Chongqing will let you enjoy the magnificent Three Gorges scenery while drinking a cup of coffee or glass of wine. Appreciate sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights on the sundeck. Learn how to play Chinese mahjong, a popular Chinese recreational activity. Take part in Chinese painting lessons and traditional Chinese medicine lessons.

You can also take some shore excursions. Visit Fengdu Ghost City , which is linked with the ghost culture, the Three Gorges Dam, which is the largest dam in the world, and Shennong Stream, where you can see rushing waterfalls.

8. 6 Days in Guizhou: Ethnic Culture

You can experience the centuries-old ethnic civilization and world-leading technical miracles in Guizhou.

Wander along the flagstone pavements and enjoy a peaceful time under the shade of ancient trees in Qingyan Ancient Town. Get ready for a special welcoming ceremony from the Miao people — drinking their homemade rice wine at the village's entrance. Learn how to make paper from wood pulp and how to make a fine batik in the village.

Pay a visit to FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope), the world's largest aperture, and learn more about it at the museum.

9. 8 Days in Tibet: Highland Scenery and Religion

If you have more time in China, start a tour to Tibet . The fresh air, mysterious Tibetan culture, and breathtaking scenery will bring you great peace of mind.

You can admire the Potala Palace, which is the symbol of Tibet. Visit the Jokhang Temple and take part in a special local prayer ritual, going clockwise around it with prayer wheels. Take a stroll along Barkhor Street and see some Tibetan handicrafts. Appreciate the beautiful scenery at Yamdrok Lake, which shines turquoise in the sunlight.

10. 8 Days in Yunnan: Nature and Ancient Towns

If you can't get used to the altitude sickness in Tibet but want to experience the pure beauty of nature, then go to Yunnan . There is similar natural beauty there that makes you feel peaceful and close to nature, and it has well-preserved ancient towns and villages.

Visit the Stone Forest in Kunming, where you can see various shapes of limestone and the Naxi people's colorful embroidery and minority dances. Wander along the lakeside of Erhai in Dali, bathed in the breeze and appreciating the crystal-clear water sparkling in the sunlight. Take a stroll in the Old Town of Lijiang and see handicrafts made of silver, leather, and textiles.

Explore an Authentic China with Us

We have escorted 10,000 customers traveling across China every year since 1998. We aim to create your own unique trip, which will show you an authentic China in an insightful way.

Tell us your interests and needs in our Create My Trip service. Our travel adviser will tailor-make a professional and satisfying China travel itinerary for you. You can check our Top 10 China Tours for reference.

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The state of tourism and hospitality 2024

Tourism and hospitality are on a journey of disruption. Shifting source markets and destinations, growing demand for experiential and luxury travel, and innovative business strategies are all combining to dramatically alter the industry landscape. Given this momentous change, it’s important for stakeholders to consider and strategize on four major themes:

• The bulk of travel is close to home. Although international travel might draw headlines, stakeholders shouldn’t neglect the big opportunities in their backyards. Domestic travel still represents the bulk of travel spending, and intraregional tourism is on the rise.
• Consumers increasingly prioritize travel—when it’s on their own terms. Interest in travel is booming, but travelers are no longer content with a one-size-fits-all experience. Individual personalization might not always be practical, but savvy industry players can use segmentation and hypothesis-driven testing to improve their value propositions. Those that fail to articulate target customer segments and adapt their offerings accordingly risk getting left behind.
• The face of luxury travel is changing. Demand for luxury tourism and hospitality is expected to grow faster than any other travel segment today—particularly in Asia. It’s crucial to understand that luxury travelers don’t make up a monolith. Segmenting by age, nationality, and net worth can reveal varied and evolving preferences and behaviors.
• As tourism grows, destinations will need to prepare to mitigate overcrowding. Destinations need to be ready to handle the large tourist flows of tomorrow. Now is the time for stakeholders to plan, develop, and invest in mitigation strategies. Equipped with accurate assessments of carrying capacities and enhanced abilities to gather and analyze data, destinations can improve their transportation and infrastructure, build tourism-ready workforces, and preserve their natural and cultural heritages.

Now boarding: Faces, places, and trends shaping tourism in 2024

Global travel is back and buzzing. The amount of travel fell by 75 percent in 2020; however, travel is on its way to a full recovery by the end of 2024. More regional trips, an emerging population of new travelers, and a fresh set of destinations are powering steady spending in tourism.

There’s no doubt that people still love to travel and will continue to seek new experiences in new places. But where will travelers come from, and where will they go?

We share a snapshot of current traveler flows, along with estimates for growth through 2030.

The way we travel now

Which trends are shaping traveler sentiment now? What sorts of journeys do today’s travelers dream about? How much are they willing to spend on their trips? And what should industry stakeholders do to adapt to the traveler psychology of the moment?

To gauge what’s on the minds of present-day travelers, we surveyed more than 5,000 of them. The findings reveal disparate desires, generational divides, and a newly emerging set of traveler archetypes.

Updating perceptions about today’s luxury traveler

Demand for luxury tourism and hospitality is expected to grow faster than for any other segment. This growth is being powered in part by a large and expanding base of aspiring luxury travelers with net worths between $100,000 and $1 million, many of whom are younger and increasingly willing to spend larger shares of their wealth on upscale travel options. The increase is also a result of rising wealth levels in Asia.

We dug deeper into this ongoing evolution by surveying luxury travelers around the globe about their preferences, plans, and expectations. Some widely held notions about luxury travelers—such as how much money they have, how old they are, and where they come from—could be due for reexamination.

Destination readiness: Preparing for the tourist flows of tomorrow

As global tourism grows, it will be crucial for destinations to be ready. How can the tourism ecosystem prepare to host unprecedented volumes of visitors while managing the challenges that can accompany this success? A large flow of tourists, if not carefully channeled, can encumber infrastructure, harm natural and cultural attractions, and frustrate locals and visitors alike.

Now is the time for tourism stakeholders to combine their thinking and resources to look for better ways to handle the visitor flows of today while properly preparing themselves for the visitor flows of tomorrow. We offer a diagnostic that destinations can use to spot early-warning signs about tourism concentration, along with suggestions for funding mechanisms and strategies to help maximize the benefits of tourism while minimizing its negative impacts.

Six trends shaping new business models in tourism and hospitality

As destinations and source markets have transformed over the past decade, tourism and hospitality companies have evolved, too. Accommodation, home sharing, cruises, and theme parks are among the sectors in which new approaches could present new opportunities. Stakeholders gearing up for new challenges should look for business model innovations that will help sustain their hard-won growth—and profits.

Unbundling offerings, cross-selling distinctive experiences, and embracing data-powered strategies can all be winning moves. A series of insight-driven charts reveal significant trends and an outlook on the future.

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China’s Golden Week Travel Signals a Revival. Plus, Why U.S. Travel Is Still Lagging

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

May 30th, 2024 at 12:42 AM EDT

China’s outbound travel is coming back, driven by favorable visa policies, increased airline capacity, and a growing interest in diverse global destinations. However, challenges remain, particularly in travel to the U.S.

Peden Doma Bhutia

In a rebound of international travel, over 1.5 million Chinese citizens embarked on outbound trips during the recent Golden Week holiday , marketing technology firm China Trading Desk told Skift.

This surge points to a significant revival in global travel following the easing of pandemic-related restrictions.

The relaxation of visa policies between China and several countries has played a crucial role in this uptick. During the Golden Week in late April and early May, the growth rate of inbound and outbound bookings outpaced domestic tourism, Trip.com Group told Skift.

Popular Destinations and Emerging Trends

According to data from Trip.com Group, Chinese tourists visited nearly 200 countries and over 3,000 towns worldwide during the Golden Week period.

Thailand emerged as the top destination, with over 215,000 Chinese tourists between April 27 and May 4, according to China Trading Desk’s data. Factors such as visa-free entry offer by Thailand, shorter flight durations, and cost-effectiveness compared to other destinations have driven this trend.

While strong, the numbers still haven’t reached pre-pandemic levels, said Subramania Bhatt, CEO of China Trading Desk.

The popularity of outbound travel is further evidenced by Ctrip’s report of a 190% year-on-year increase in the number of outbound tourists. Alibaba’s Fliggy also noted a near doubling in outbound travel bookings during the five-day holiday, with per capita spending on outbound travel surpassing 2019 levels significantly.

Alipay transactions reflect this increased spending, with a 77% rise in overseas markets during the initial days of Golden Week, particularly in destinations like Thailand and Malaysia.

Challenges in US-China Travel

Travel to the U.S. still faces hurdles , with flight capacity between the two countries around 25% of pre-Covid levels. During the 2019 Labor Day holiday, 70,000 travelers journeyed from China to the U.S., but most recently it was around 42,000.

Bhatt cited several reasons for this:

• Limited Flight Availability: There’s a slower resumption of direct flights and connectivity between China and the US, impacting the ease of planning trips.
• Visa Processing Delays: Longer visa processing times have been a deterrent, likely due to staffing issues and backlogs caused by the pandemic.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing political tensions between China and the US may make some potential travelers hesitant.
• Concerns Over Racial Treatment: There is apprehension about the treatment of Chinese individuals in the U.S., which can influence travel decisions.

Airline Capacity and Pricing Trends

Though limited, there has been a gradual restoration of airline service and that has helped. Fliggy said that the average price per person for international air tickets dropped by more than 10% compared to the previous year.

The preference for Asian destinations remains strong, with 9 out of the top 10 outbound destinations being in Asia. Bhatt attributed this to the ease of travel, increased flight availability, and visa-free access in many Southeast Asian countries, as well as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau.

Europe continues to attract Chinese tourists, with over 100,000 travelers heading to European countries excluding the UK during the holiday season, according to China Trading Desk’s data. Trip.com reported notable increases in travel to Spain, Turkey, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, and Georgia, with year-on-year growth exceeding 1.5 times.

Domestic capacity in May still accounts for 92% of all seats to, from and within China this month, with international making up the remaining 8%, according to aviation data firm OAG .

Shifts in Travel Preferences

There is a notable shift towards exploring less traditionally frequented destinations. Austria, Turkey, Morocco, and other less traditionally frequented destinations by Chinese tourists saw the fastest growth rates in bookings, indicating a shift towards exploring new and diverse destinations

Fliggy also reported that bookings for long-distance travel to places like Austria, Turkey, Morocco, Russia, Portugal, Georgia, Egypt, Spain, Kazakhstan, and Brazil quadrupled compared to the previous year.

Additionally, Trip.com group noted significant increases in travel to Middle Eastern destinations such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, with numbers more than tripling year-on-year.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are set to increase the number of direct flights connecting China and Hong Kong, capitalizing on the resurgence of Chinese tourists. Having welcomed 140,000 Chinese tourists last year, Saudi Arabia aims to attract 5 million Chinese visitors by 2030.

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Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.

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Tags: alibaba , alipay , asia monthly , china , china airlines , china outbound , coronavirus recovery , ctrip , fliggy , golden week , trip.com group

Photo credit: Fliggy reported that bookings to Turkey, Morocco, Georgia, Egypt and Kazakhstan have quadrupled compared to the previous year. Rachel Claire / Pexels

Tesla is luring Chinese customers with the possibility of a free tour of its Fremont factory if they buy a car

• Tesla is courting its Chinese customers aggressively. 
• Besides price cuts, the EV giant says it's holding a lucky draw for customers. 
• The company says it will fly winners to the US, where they will tour its Fremont factory. 

Tesla is pulling out all the stops when it comes to courting Chinese consumers.

The EV giant said in a Weibo post on Sunday that Chinese customers who take delivery of their Teslas between May 25 and June 30 will stand a chance to win a factory tour in Fremont, California .

According to the company's poster, Tesla will cover the winner's air tickets, transportation costs, and insurance. In addition to the trip, Tesla said its customers could also win 10,000 kilometers in free mileage on the company's Supercharger network.

Related stories

The promotion comes just a day after it said customers could win a free two-day, one-night trip for two to Gigafactory Shanghai if they took a test drive in any Tesla store in China before June 30.

Tesla said the winners would be chosen via a lucky draw but didn't specify how many would be picked.

Representatives for Tesla didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from BI sent outside regular business hours.

The company's shift toward aggressive promotional tactics comes as it struggles with slowing sales and heightened competition in the Chinese market.

EV makers hoping to conquer the lucrative Chinese market have been locked in a brutal price war over market share.

In March, Chinese automaker BYD launched a cheaper version of its Yuan Plus car. BYD priced the vehicle at 120,000 yuan, about 12% cheaper than its predecessor .

In April, Tesla announced a 14,000 yuan or $1,930 price cut for its Model 3, S, X, and Y cars in China . The company also introduced similar price cuts in the US and Germany .

"Other cars change prices constantly and often by wide margins via dealer markups and manufacturer/dealer incentives," Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in an X post on April 21. "Tesla prices must change frequently in order to match production with demand."

Watch: How did Tesla's bulletproof Cybertruck become so expensive and so delayed?

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14th u.s.-china tourism leadership summit paves way for increased travel.

XI'AN, China , May 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Brand USA , the destination marketing organization for the United States , joined by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China , hosted the 14th U.S.–China Tourism Leadership Summit in Xi'an, China , from May 21-23, 2024 . The event brought together government and travel industry leaders from the United States and China to foster the return of Chinese visitors to the United States .

Brand USA President and CEO Chris Thompson highlighted the significance of the return of Chinese travelers for the U.S. tourism economy, "The return of Chinese visitors is critical for the U.S. tourism industry and essential for the full recovery of our economy. The 14th U.S.–China Tourism Leadership Summit plays a crucial role in revitalizing this vital market segment."

"Travel and tourism supports 9.5 million American jobs," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis Grant T. Harris. "The U.S.-China Tourism Leadership Summit provided an important opportunity to further the Department of Commerce's mission to enhance the international competitiveness of the U.S. travel and tourism industry. Through our participation, we hope to see more Chinese visitors experience the United States , which will support jobs and economic growth in communities across the country."

The summit laid the groundwork for enhanced relations between the United States and China within the travel industry, encouraging collaboration among key stakeholders and charting a path forward for the future of tourism between the world's two largest economies. This three-day event, occurring for the first time since 2019, facilitated deeper insights into conducting business within the Chinese tourism market while providing opportunities for forging new connections with influential decision-makers.

The U.S. delegation was led by U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis Grant Harris along with Brand USA's President and CEO Chris Thompson . The 75-person contingent also included high-level leaders from across the U.S. government as well as prominent tourism organizations from across the USA . The delegation included representation from the following organizations: Destination DC, Destination Niagara USA , Discover Puerto Rico, Guam Visitors Bureau, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hilton Worldwide, International Inbound Travel Association, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Marriott International, Mastercard, New York City Tourism + Conventions, San Francisco Travel Association, Travel Oregon, Travel South USA, U.S. Travel Association, Visa, Visit California, Visit San Diego, and Visit Seattle.

"The 14th U.S.—China Tourism Leadership Summit marked a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen the tourism bridge between our two nations. The insights and collaborations developed during this event were essential for fostering mutual understanding and economic growth. It is great to have restarted the summit and be back in this market after six years as we reunite with our colleagues from the Chinese government and travel industry," said Todd Davidson , President and CEO of Travel Oregon and chair of the Brand USA board of directors.

The Chinese delegation was led by State Councilor Yiquin Shen, Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sun Yeli , and Shaanxi Party Secretary, Zhao Yide.

On May 21 , Brand USA organized a market immersion day to orient U.S. travel industry leaders on China's business environment and macroeconomic outlook, consumer insights, trends in travel and media, and federal policy updates. This education session also brought the delegation together with the founders and leaders of many of the primary Chinese travel and social media channels.

The joint Plenary Day on May 22 began with an opening ceremony featuring speeches from Sun Yeli , Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and Grant Harris , Assistant Secretary for Industry & Analysis, who also read congratulatory letters from PRC President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joseph R. Biden . Keynote speeches from industry leaders Chris Nassetta , President & CEO of Hilton Worldwide, and Chris Clark , Chairman for Asia Pacific at Visa Inc., set the stage for bilateral panel discussions on the future of tourism between China and the United States . More than 25 memoranda of understanding to deepen cooperation and increase travel flows were signed between U.S. and Chinese corporate and destination marketing entities.

The Chinese tourism market is significant for the global travel industry. Prior to the pandemic, China was a top-five market for visitors to the United States and the top source of international traveler spending. In 2019, nearly 80 million visitors to the U.S. spent about $235 billion , with 3 million Chinese visitors contributing $35 billion . These export revenues create quality U.S. jobs, support public services, and contribute to a positive balance of trade.

There are promising signs of recovery for Chinese visitation to the United States . Weekly flights from China are forecast to increase to 140 by the end of the year, compared to 65 in January 2024 . To capitalize on this lucrative market and build the long-term future of the international visitor economy, this month Brand USA launched a high-profile consumer marketing campaign called "Experience It All", showcasing the diverse attractions and experiences the USA offers Chinese travelers. The campaign will run during peak travel planning months for Chinese travelers and will be on a variety of trip planning, social media, and online travel agency platforms including Xiaohongshu [RED], Ctrip, Fliggy, Douyin, and a mini-program on WeChat.

About the 14 th U.S.–China Tourism Leadership Summit The 14 th U.S.–China Tourism Leadership Summit reunites government and travel industry leaders from the United States and China . The summit provides a platform for participants to develop and strengthen relationships, discuss key issues and best practices, and ultimately drive more travel between the United States and China . The summit will set the stage for the future of relations between the United States and China in the travel industry. Jointly produced by Brand USA and China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, summit locations alternate each year between China and the United States .

About Brand USA Brand USA , the destination marketing organization for the United States , was established by the Travel Promotion Act as the nation's first public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and to communicate U.S. travel policies and procedures to worldwide travelers. The organization's mission is to increase international visitation to the United States in order to fuel the U.S. economy and enhance the image of the United States worldwide. Formed as the Corporation for Travel Promotion in 2010, the public-private entity began operations in May 2011 and does business as Brand USA . According to studies by Oxford Economics, over the past ten years Brand USA's marketing initiatives have helped welcome 8 million incremental visitors to the United States , benefiting the U.S. economy with more than $58 billion in total economic impact and supporting, on average, more than 37,000 incremental jobs a year.

For industry or partner information about Brand USA , visit  TheBrandUSA.com  or follow us on  Facebook ,  LinkedIn , and  X/Twitter . To discover more about the USA and the boundless diversity of American travel experiences and authentic, rich culture, please visit Brand USA's consumer website  VisitTheUSA.com ; follow Visit The USA on  Facebook ,  TikTok , and  Instagram ; and watch travel shows on  GoUSATV .

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/14th-uschina-tourism-leadership-summit-paves-way-for-increased-travel-302153229.html

SOURCE Brand USA