Destination
China Holidays
Ancient kingdoms and rapid progress
From climbing the Great Wall to strolling along bustling Shanghai’s Bund River; China offers an experience like no other.
A land of captivating culture, historic landscapes and futuristic developments, China boasts the perfect mix of tradition and innovation; a true country of contrast. One minute, you’ll find yourself exploring the lush rice fields and traditional Chinese villages before venturing to the busy, cosmopolitan cities the next. Each day you spend in China will be different to the one before.
Travel around on the futuristic, high speed bullet trains; visit the thousands of Terracotta Warriors in Xian and challenge yourself to the Great Wall of China; just remember to wear comfy shoes. What’s more, China is deemed one of the best culinary centres on earth, where you’ll get to try everything from fresh street food to Michelin-starred dishes for a feast you won’t forget in a hurry.
Destination Highlights
Essential Information
See Practical Information- Time Zone GMT+8
- Currency CNY - Yuan Renminbi and HKD - Hong Kong Dollar
- Visa Information British Citizens are required to have a visa to enter China.
- Language The official language is Mandarin, however a number of other dialects including Cantonese are spoken
- Flight Time Direct flights are available with British Airways and Air China who offer a direct daily service from London Heathrow to Beijing.
- Health Information Hepatitis A, B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid and Malaria immunisation are recommended.
Top Tips from our Experts
George
Destination Specialist
“My favourite experience in China was when we embarked on a rickshaw ride around the Beijing hutongs and finished with an evening meal with a local family – it was a real eye opener into the Chinese way of life.”
Gina
Destination Specialist
“Shanghai by night truly is a spectacular sight, walking down the Bund with all the lights shining down the river was a sight I will never forget.”
Steph
Destination Specialist
“When you visit the Great Wall of China make sure to take the left entrance to the wall for a truly amazing view with less crowds – It’s almost like you have the wall to yourself!”
Great sample itineraries
Here's a selection of popular itineraries to give you some ideas. But almost anything's possible so call us now and we'll create an amazing holiday just for you.
Discover China Tour
Guide Price £1,929 pp
This tour is the perfect introduction to China, covering the must-see sights in China's most interesting cities including the Great Wall of China at Badaling, near Beijing, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors and the bright lights of The Bund in Shanghai. Start...
Cultural holidays
Wonders of China Tour
Guide Price £2,089 pp
Combine the historic sights of Beijing, and the former capital Xi'an, with the natural beauty of rural Guilin. Enjoy a cruise along the Li River to picturesque Yangshuo, and a leisurely stroll along The Bund in Shanghai. Selected departure dates...
City holidays
Discover China with Chengdu
Guide Price £2,499 pp
This exciting tour combines the must-see sights in China's most interesting cities with the adorable giant panda's of Chendgu, at one of the largest Giant Panda reserves in the world, Group departures available on select Mondays and Thursdays Private tour...
Cultural holidays
Magnificent China Tour
Guide Price £3,679 pp
This extensive tour is an unforgettable journey, combining the historical and cultural sites with the modern and contemporary China. The tour begins in Beijing, and visits an array of cities, including a cruise along the mighty Yangzte River, before finishing...
City holidays
Our China destinations
Types of China holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights to China take approximately 11 hours. Airlines including British Airways, Virgin, Air China, and China Eastern currently offer daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Beijing or Shanghai international airports. Alternatively, there are a range of indirect flights with Emirates, Qatar, KLM, and other international airlines.
China has one of the fastest rail networks in the world. Their high-speed trains are very comfortable and have a complex range of sleeper and seat options, ranging from 1st, 2nd and Business Class, to various Sightseeing, VIP and Superior Class carriages.
China spans five geographical time zones; however, the whole country follows one single time zone, known as Beijing Time (GMT+8).
