Modern China Tour
Dates: 18-29 Nov 2026 or 14-25 April 2027
Duration: 12 Days
Group Size: 8 - 14 ppl
This tour has been designed for curious travellers who want to experience a side of China that most visitors never see. Rather than focusing on ancient landmarks, we'll explore the country's cutting-edge cities, world-leading infrastructure, and the innovations that are shaping modern life.
Tour Highlights:
Order a drone delivery
Ride in an autonomous vehicle
AI Technology & Smart Manufacturing Tour
See Chongqing’s incredible infrastructure
Meet a Chinese robot
Where We Will Go
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.
This tour is inspired by the China I came to know while living there. A country that's constantly evolving and far more diverse than many people imagine. I've personally designed this itinerary to showcase the incredible innovation, infrastructure and energy of modern China, while still leaving time to experience the everyday moments that make travelling here so special.
Travelling in a small group means you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, learn about the places we visit and gain a deeper understanding of how China works today. My goal is for you to leave not only with unforgettable memories, but with a completely new perspective on one of the world's most fascinating countries.
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
Shenzhen
-
Arrive in Shenzhen and make your way to the hotel for a rest before a group welcome dinner.
-
In the morning, we will visit Huaqiangbei Museum, then you can explore the SEG Electronics Market (the first Chinese electronic commercial street in Huaqiangbei), and Huaqiang Plaza (Huaqiang E-mart)
In the afternoon, we will head to the Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning and Gangxia North Metro Station (The "Eye of Shenzhen")
In the evening, we will watch the Futian CBD Light Show.
-
In the morning, we will have a Robotaxi and Drone delivery experience.
In the afternoon, we will explore the INNO100 Global Innovation Flagship Store and Shenzhen MixC World Mall.
In the evening, you are free to explore Shenzhen.
Guangzhou
-
Shenzhen to Guangzhou
In the morning, we will visit the Longgang Robotics Avenue & AI Experience Zone, then transfer to Guangzhou
In the afternoon, we will visit the Guangzhou GAC Technology Museum before a Pearl River night cruise. -
In the morning, we will enjoy Cantonese morning tea with Dim Sum.
After morning tea, we will visit the Zhujiang New Town Business District and experience a driverless bus.
In the evening, we will head up the Canton Tower for a ride on the Bubble Tram
-
The morning will be spent at Xiaopeng Auto’s Guangzhou Base for an AI Technology & Smart Manufacturing Tour.
In the late afternoon, we will fly from Guangzhou to Chengdu.
You are free to explore Chengdu at night.
Chengdu
-
In the morning, we will visit the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum.
In the afternoon and evening, we will visit the Tianfu New Area and see the Global Centre, SKP Mall, Jiaozi Ring and Tianfu Twin Towers.
-
Free day to explore Chengdu on your own.
We can give you recommendations depending on what you are interested in.
Chongqing
-
Take the High-Speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing.
Explore the Jiefangbei area, Kuixing Building, Deyi World and night views.
For dinner, we will have Chongqing’s famous hotpot.
-
See the famous metro go through a building at Liziba station before we head to the Testbed 2 Art district.
In the afternoon we will ride the Crown Escalator (Huangguan Escalator), one of the longest in the world.
In the evening, we will head to the Raffles City exploration deck for night views of Chongqing.
-
We will ride the Yangtze River Cableway and visit the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery 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!
-
![]()
Huaqiangbei Electronics District (Shenzhen)
From tiny electronic components to the latest gadgets, this is where China’s inventors come shopping for parts.
-
![]()
Drone Deliveries (Shenzhen)
In Shenzhen, drones are becoming a part of everyday urban life.
-
![]()
Gangxia North Metro Station (Shenzhen)
This vast five-level interchange is both one of China’s busiest metro stations and an architectural landmark in its own right.
-
![]()
Tianfu New Area (Chengdu)
This is China’s newest business district, with a unique approach to retail, urban design and, of course, skyscrapers.
-
![]()
Liziba Station (Chongqing)
Only in Chongqing could a monorail pass directly through a residential building. Liziba perfectly encapsulates Chongqing’s remarkable approach to urban transport.
-
![]()
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.
✔ Hosted by Nico
✔ Small group travel, maximum 14 guests
✔ Exclusive car service for the whole trip
✔ The high-speed train (Chengdu to Chongqing) and internal flight (Guangzhou to Chengdu) tickets are included in the 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, Guangzhou morning tea, Chongqing Hotpot
✔ Entrance tickets for all attractions in the itinerary
✔ English-speaking online assistant service
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
✖ International transportation to Shenzhen 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
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
This tour is perfect if...
You're fascinated by technology, innovation and modern cities.
You enjoy learning about different cultures and how societies work.
You've already visited Asia, or you're looking for a different side of China.
You want to experience places beyond the typical tourist trail.
You enjoy travelling with a small group and sharing experiences with like-minded people.
It might not be right if...
You're looking for luxury shopping holidays.
You prefer travelling completely independently.
You don't enjoy busy cities.
You're hoping to see China's most famous historic landmarks, such as the Great Wall or the Terracotta Army.
Your main priority is ticking off traditional sightseeing attractions.
You prefer a slow-paced countryside or nature-focused holiday.
-
Yes, always travel with travel insurance.
-
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.