Planning your first trip to China can feel overwhelming—with its vast size, rich culture, and language barriers, it’s hard to know where to start. But don’t worry! Whether you’re coming for a few days or a few weeks, this guide will help you decide which cities to visit, what to see, and how to choose the best tour for a smooth, unforgettable experience.
Beijing vs. Shanghai: Which City Should You Visit First?
If it’s your very first time in China, Beijing and Shanghai are the best places to start. They’re international, tourist-friendly, and filled with iconic landmarks.
➤ Why Choose Beijing?
Beijing is the cultural heart of China. Think imperial palaces, ancient temples, and the majestic Great Wall. It’s perfect for travelers interested in history, traditional architecture, and local life.
Top highlights in Beijing:
- The Forbidden City – one of the largest palace complexes in the world
- The Great Wall of China – a must-see wonder
- Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace – beautiful parks with deep cultural roots
- Hidden Hutongs – old Beijing neighborhoods you can explore by rickshaw
💡 Short on time? Our Beijing 1-Day Tour is ideal for business travelers or those on a stopover.
⏳ Got 5 days? Try our 5-Day Beijing Family Tour, packed with culture, fun, and kid-friendly pacing.
➤ Why Choose Shanghai?
Shanghai is China’s modern face—cosmopolitan, stylish, and full of energy. If you’re into cityscapes, art, and nightlife, you’ll love it here.
Top highlights in Shanghai:
- The Bund – walk along the waterfront and enjoy the skyline
- Yuyuan Garden – a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city
- Shanghai Tower – one of the tallest buildings in the world
- Local markets, trendy cafés, and art zones like Tianzifang and M50
💼 Just in town for a meeting? Our Shanghai 1-Day City Tour is a perfect mini escape.
🎉 Want a deeper experience? Check out our 4-Day Shanghai Tour, great for families or couples.
Have 10 Days? Visit Both!
Can’t decide between Beijing and Shanghai? Why not do both!
Best way to travel between the cities:
Take the high-speed train (about 4.5 hours), a comfortable and scenic ride that lets you skip the airport hassle. Or, if you’re short on time, hop on a quick domestic flight.
💡Our 10-Day China Tour covers Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou—a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and natural beauty. You’ll climb the Great Wall, cruise on West Lake, and watch Shanghai’s skyline light up at night.
Got More Time? Explore Beyond the Big Cities
If you have 2+ weeks, China offers endless wonders beyond the usual stops. Here are some incredible places you can add:
- Xi’an: See the Terracotta Warriors and ancient city walls.
- Chengdu & Chongqing: Visit the Giant Pandas, explore Sichuan food culture, cruise the Yangtze River.
→ Join our 14-Day China Tour for a full cultural journey across China. - Guilin & Yangshuo (Guangxi): Breathtaking karst mountains and Li River boat rides.
→ Perfectly covered in our 7-Day Guangxi Tour. - Zhangjiajie: The real-life inspiration for the movie Avatar.
- Yunnan: Ethnic diversity, ancient towns, and tie-dye crafts in Dali.
→ Check our 7-Day Yunnan Tour for immersive local experiences, including traditional Bai-style tie-dye workshops! - Guizhou: Off-the-beaten-path villages and minority culture.
→ Explore it all on our 7-Day Guizhou Tour.
🤯 What Makes Traveling in China Challenging?
Let’s be honest—traveling in China can feel overwhelming for first-timers. Some common issues include:
- Language barriers (few people speak fluent English)
- Confusing transportation systems
- Difficulties with payment apps (many places don’t take foreign credit cards)
- Cultural differences or lack of signage in English
- Unclear visa procedures
But the good news? A well-designed tour can solve all of this. That’s where we come in.
✅ How to Choose the Right China Tour (Checklist)
Not all tours are created equal. Here’s what to look for when booking your first China tour:
✔️ English-speaking guide – No language headaches
✔️ Small group size – More personal, flexible, and less rushed
✔️ Transparent pricing – No hidden fees, ever
✔️ Visa included – We help you secure your China visa, so your trip is 100% visa-free for you
✔️ Flexible cancellation policy– Change of plans? No problem
✔️ Airport pickup & drop-off – Seamless arrival and departure
✔️ Air-conditioned vehicle – Travel in comfort, even in summer
✔️ Curated hotels & meals – We only work with quality, family-friendly partners
✔️ Responsive customer support – We’re here before, during, and after your trip
🎯 All of our tours check every box. From single-day highlights to 2-week adventures, we’re your go-to for stress-free China travel.
✈️ Ready to Start Your China Adventure?
China is more accessible than ever—and we’re here to make sure your first experience is smooth, inspiring, and unforgettable. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a few weeks, there’s a perfect China tour waiting for you.
👉 Browse all our budget-friendly, family-approved China tours here. Let your journey begin.
