China First-Timer Tour

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Date: 4-15 Nov 2026 or 5-16 May 2027

Duration: 12 Days

Group Size: 8 - 14 ppl

This tour is designed for people who have always wanted to experience China but feel overwhelmed by the thought of planning it alone. Over 12 days, I'll show you the iconic highlights and off-the-beaten-path experiences that really capture what China is like - all without the stress of navigating everything yourself.

Tour Highlights:

  • Walk along the Great Wall

  • Ride China’s High-speed rail

  • Visit the Terracotta Army

  • See Chongqing’s incredible skyline after dark

  • Say hello to China’s giant pandas

Where We Will Go

  • Beijing

    From the Great Wall and Forbidden City to bustling neighbourhoods and world-class food, Beijing is the perfect introduction to China's rich history and vibrant culture.

  • Xi'an

    The ancient starting point of the Silk Road, where over 3,000 years of history, incredible cuisine and the world-famous Terracotta Army await.

  • Chengdu

    Home to giant pandas and one of China's most celebrated food scenes, Chengdu blends rich culture, green parks and a laid-back atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

  • Chongqing

    Built across dramatic mountains and rivers, Chongqing is one of China's most spectacular cities, where futuristic skylines meet incredible food and unforgettable views.

Why Travel With Me

Hi, I'm Nico, and I’ve spent the past decade living in, travelling to and exploring China. During that time, I shared my experiences through YouTube and Instagram before founding The China Travel Planner, where I've helped thousands of people gain the confidence to explore China for themselves.

These tours are a natural extension of that mission. They're for people who have always wanted to visit China but would love the reassurance of travelling with someone who knows the country inside and out.

Each itinerary has been personally designed using my experience of living and travelling across China. Alongside the iconic sights, I've carefully chosen experiences that showcase the country's culture, food, history and incredible modern development.

With small group sizes and a relaxed pace, these tours aren't about rushing from one attraction to the next. They're about immersing yourself in local life, asking questions, sharing unforgettable experiences, and leaving with a deeper understanding of the real China.

The tour will be hosted by me in collaboration with Terra Now Travel, my local Chinese partner, who will handle all logistics.

Detailed Itinerary

Total price: $3300pp

+$590 single room supplement fee

Join The Tour

Beijing

  • Arrive in Beijing and make your way to the hotel for a rest before a group welcome dinner of Beijing’s most famous dish: Beijing roast duck.

  • In the morning, we will explore the Forbidden City.

    In the afternoon, we will wander through Beijing’s historic Hutong neighbourhoods before experiencing Beijing’s local hotpot.

  • In the morning, we will have a local breakfast tour before heading to The Great Wall (Mutianyu section).

    In the evening, we will explore the 798 Art District.

Xi’an

  • Beijing to Xi’an

    In the morning, we will head to the Temple of Heaven to see local park life and the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

    In the afternoon, we will take the high-speed train to Xi’an.

    The evening is free for exploration of the Muslim Quarter.

  • In the morning, we will explore one of China’s oldest and largest local markets before heading to see the famous Terracotta Warriors.

    In the late afternoon/evening, you can explore Xi’an’s ancient city wall on foot or by bike.

Chengdu

  • In the morning, we will take the high-speed train to Chengdu.

    In the afternoon, we will have a tea tasting at Heming Teahouse, a century-old local tea house in People's Park.

    In the evening, you are free to explore Kuanzhai Alleys and try local Sichuan food.

  • In the morning will head to Dujiangyan Panda Valley.

    In the afternoon, we will explore the Sichuan Cuisine Museum for a hands-on Sichuan cuisine cooking course experience.

    The evening is free for your own exploration of Chengdu.

  • We will head to Leshan for the day to see the Giant Buddha before heading back to Chengdu to see the famous face-changing opera show in the evening.

  • In the morning, explore a local neighbourhood with a market tour and relaxing coffee or feel free to head to Chunxi Road to see the famous panda at the IFS building and do some shopping.

    Later in the afternoon, we will take the high-speed train to Chongqing.

    The evening is free for you to explore Chongqing after dark and see how it gained its cyberpunk name.

Chongqing

  • See the famous metro go through a building at Liziba station before we head to the Testbed 2 Art district.

    For lunch, we will experience Chongqing’s famous hotpot in a WW2 bunker.

    In the evening, we will check out the Kuixing Building and Hongya Cave.

  • We will ride the Yangtze River Cableway to Xiahao Lane and Longmenhao Old Street before catching Chongqing’s iconic drone show at night.

  • The tour ends in Chongqing. You're welcome to extend your stay in Chongqing or make your own way to the airport (transfers are not included).

*The order of the attractions mentioned in the itinerary may be adjusted slightly depending on actual conditions and weather.

Thank you for your understanding!

  • The Great Wall (Beijing)

    The Great Wall stretches for over 8,000/21,000 km, so knowing which section to visit makes all the difference

  • 798 Art District (Beijing)

    Nowhere showcases China’s modern, creative scene/side quite like the 798 Art District, which is located on the site of an old military factory complex.

  • The Temple of Heaven (Beijing)

    As dawn breaks, Beijing’s parks become open-air gyms where dancing, tai chi and badminton are simply part of daily life (and everybody is welcome)

  • Beijing Hutongs

    Many first-timers to Beijing spend all their time rushing between historical sights, missing out on my favourite part of the city: the quiet alleyways of the old town (where locals sit, gossip and play chess as they have done for centuries)

  • The Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an)

    More than 8,000 life-sized soldiers have stood guard here for over two millennia, each with a face of its own.

  • Xi'an City Wall

    Walk or cycle along one of the world's best-preserved ancient city walls, offering panoramic views over Xi'an and a unique way to experience the city's rich history.

  • Xi’an Muslim Culture

    In Xi’an’s vibrant Muslim Quarter, you can see, hear and taste the legacy of the Silk Road

  • People's Park (Chengdu)

    Discover everyday life in Chengdu at People's Park, where you'll sip tea at the historic Heming Tea House, see the fascinating marriage market and, if you're feeling brave, experience Chengdu's famous ear-cleaning tradition.

  • Sichuan Cuisine (Chengdu and Chongqing)

    Sichuan Cuisine might be world-renowned for its heat, but its real magic lies in the layers of flavour that make up each dish.

  • Yangtze River Cableway (Chongqing)

    Still used by commuters today, this aerial cableway, which crosses the Yangtze, offers a truly unique view of Chongqing’s skyline.

  • Chongqing Air Raid Shelter Hotpot

    Chongqing’s skyline has been grabbing all the attention recently, but have you explored its subterranean network of WW2-era air raid shelters?

✔ Hosted by Nico

✔ Small group travel, maximum 14 guests

✔ Exclusive car service for the whole trip

✔ All the high-speed train tickets in this itinerary

✔ English-speaking group leader service for the whole trip

✔ 11 nights’ comfortable accommodation with breakfast (based on double occupancy per room, single room supplement applies)

✔ 3 meals: Welcome Dinner (Peking Duck), Beijing Local Hotpot, Chongqing Hotpot

✔ Entrance tickets for all attractions in the itinerary

✔ Face-changing opera show ticket

✔ Sichuan cuisine cooking course experience

✔ English-speaking online assistant service

What’s Included

What’s Not Included

✖ International transportation to Beijing and from Chongqing

✖ Visas

✖ Airport transfers

✖ Food and beverages (except for the group meals in the itinerary and hotel breakfasts)

✖ Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, snacks, extra activities)

✖ Optional activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary or in free time (e.g., cable cars, shuttles, or shows unless specified)

✖ Travel insurance

Join The Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and fill in the booking form.

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  • Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many countries are able to travel to China without a visa for up to 30 days. Please check whether your country is on the list. If it isn't, you will need to apply for a visa through your Chinese embassy.

  • Low to moderate. A reasonable level of fitness is required, as there may be sections with lots of walking and stairs, so you need to feel comfortable with this.

  • Yes, of course! You can either share with another traveller, or single rooms are available for an additional cost.

  • Yes! There is free exploration built in, and if you don’t want to do any of the activities, you are free to explore on your own.

  • Let us know when you book, and we will advise you. Apart from the meals listed on the itinerary, other meals aren’t included, so you are free to eat wherever you want, and we can give you recommendations.

  • We’ve made sure to include a few group meals in special locations. But in our experience, many guests will have specific dietary requirements or personal preferences. Whilst some people prefer a long sit-down meal, others are fans of casual dining. So where possible, we have left space for you to explore your own food options. For those wanting to stick with me; I will show you some of my fave local spots.

  • This tour is perfect if...

    • You've always wanted to visit China.

    • It's your first trip.

    • You enjoy culture, history and food.

    • You'd like expert guidance.

    • You enjoy travelling with small groups.

    It might not be right if...

    • You're looking for luxury shopping holidays.

    • You prefer travelling completely independently.

    • You don't enjoy busy cities.

  • Yes, always travel with travel insurance.