China First-timer Tour
Nov 2026
Duration: 12 Days
Group size: 8(min) - 14 (max)
This tour is designed for people who have always wanted to experience China but feel overwhelmed by 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:
Walking along the Great Wall
Riding China’s High-speed rail
Visiting the Terracotta Army
Seeing Chongqing’s incredible skyline after dark
Saying hello to China’s giant pandas
Where we will go
Why travel with me
I'm Nico, and I lived in China for over five and a half years. 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: $3200pp
+$590 single room supplement fee
Beijing
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Arrive in Beijing and make your way to the hotel for a rest before a welcome group dinner of Beijing’s most famous dish - Beijing roast duck.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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 Chengdu 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.
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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.
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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.
Chonqging
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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.
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We will ride the Yangtze River Cableway to Xiahao Lane and Longmenhao Old Street before catching Chongqing’s iconic drone show.
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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!
✔ 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 per room double occupancy, 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 7/12 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 3 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
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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The visa depends 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.
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Low to moderate, normal level of fitness required, but there may be sections with lots of walking and stairs so you need to be comfortable with this.
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Yes, of course! You can either share with another traveller, or single rooms are available for an additional cost.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Yes, always travel with travel insurance.