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
Beijing
Xi’an
Chengdu
Chonqging
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.
Detailed Itinerary
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Arrive in the capital 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).
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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.
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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.
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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).
Total price: $3200pp
+$590 single room supplement fee
How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.