China Holidays
A land of captivating culture, historic landscapes and futuristic developments, your holiday in China will boast the perfect mix of tradition and innovation, making it a true country of contrast. One minute, you’ll find yourself exploring lush rice fields and traditional Chinese villages, and then the next you’ll be venturing to busy, cosmopolitan cities.
As one of the largest countries in the world, there’s no doubt every day on your China holiday will be different to the last. Travel around on the futuristic, high speed bullet trains, visit the thousands of Terracotta Warriors in Xian, and head to Beijing to challenge yourself to the Great Wall of China. What’s more, China is deemed one of the best culinary centres on earth, where you can try everything from fresh street food to Michelin-starred dishes for a feast you won’t forget in a hurry.
China Holidays: Land of the Red Dragon
Visit the world’s largest imperial palace, the Forbidden City, and cast your eyes upon a masterpiece of Chinese architecture that will leave you spellbound. For those who love a little retail therapy, the city of Shanghai is a shoppers paradise. With one of the most famous skylines in the world, make sure you check out the views from the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower, or cruise across Bund River for a magical way to see Shanghai at night.
If you love to be surrounded by nature, the verdant-green grasslands and arid deserts of Inner Mongolia will offer a special experience in the great outdoors. Head to Jiuzhaigou for the adventure of mountains, cascading waterfalls, colourful trees and crystal-clear lakes.
Whatever is on your China holiday wish list, we’ve been crafting tailor-made holidays for 65 years. Give our Destination Specialists a call today and we will help you to create an unforgettable tailor-made holiday in China.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Get inspired by our selection of popular itineraries for China holidays. With so many options for your China holiday package, we recommend you talk to one of our Destination Specialists to make the perfect tailor made holiday just for you.
Discover China Tour
Guide Price £2,099 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...
City holidays
Wonders of China Tour
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
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Many people claim China is a country of contrasts, and they’re right. This vast land of more than 1.3 billion people will transport you to a different era at every corner, from futuristic cities to archaeological wonders. Its capital city, Beijing, defies belief with it soaring skyscrapers and Bullet Train, which reaches speeds of up to 217mph.
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![Great Wall of China]( "Great Wall of China")
The Great Wall of China
When you lay eyes on this World Heritage Site, you’ll understand why it’s on our travel wish list. This 7th Century landmark stretches for 13,000 miles and offers breathtaking views across Manchurian remains and the Gobi desert.
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![Panda in Chengdu]( "Panda in Chengdu")
Chengdu Panda Centre
Chengdu has been dubbed China’s happiest city but as you’ll know, it’s also famed for its giant pandas. They’re rarely seen in the wild but you’ll feel your heart melt as you watch some of these 50 lovable bears across the breeding centre’s four reserves.
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![Terracotta Warriors]( "Terracotta Warriors")
Terracotta Army
Sculpted from clay in the second century BC, this army of 10,000 life-size warriors was created for the tomb of Emperor Shih Huang-Ti.
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![Forbidden City]( "Forbidden City")
The Forbidden City
Home to the emperors for over 500 years, this gargantuan UNESCO World Heritage site is a network of 980 buildings encircled by a moat over 50 metres wide.
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![Yangtze River Cruise]( "Yangtze River Cruise")
Mighty Rivers
Take it easy and experience China at a gentle pace, cruising past breathtaking natural surroundings.
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George
Destination Specialist
“China is a huge destination to travel, so for a first time visit, start with what interests you most. It’s advisable to visit one region or one province and enjoy all there is to see and do in that one location.”
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Barbara
Destination Specialist
“Use public transportation to get to know a city, such as taxi, subway, bikes and trains, and see the city as the locals see it.”
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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!”
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your China holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions.
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Chinese Spring Festival
Chinese Spring Festival has been celebrated in China for over 4,000 years. The festival begins on the first day of the first month of the traditional Chinese calendar and ends with the Lantern Festival. During this period, China is dominated by glowing red lanterns, colourful fireworks, banquets and parades.
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Duanwu Festival (Dragon Boat Festival)
The Duanwu Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Enjoy eating zongzi, a traditional Chinese rice-dumpling dish, as the locals race dragon boats.
Get a flavour of the local culture through your palate during your China holiday. Here are a few of our favourite dishes.
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Dumplings
Dumplings are a famous Chinese dish. They are half-moon-shaped, soft, stuffed pasta, similar to ravioli. Chinese dumplings are named according to their various fillings and cooking methods (fried, heated in boiling water, or steamed).
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Peking duck
Peking duck hails from Beijing, characterized by its thin, crisp skin. Often sliced and served in front of diners by the chef, this delicious meat is paired well with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
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Hot pot
Hot pot is a Chinese cooking method, prepared with a simmering pot of soup stock at the dining table, containing a variety of East Asian foodstuffs and ingredients.
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Kung Pao chicken
Kung Pao chicken, also transcribed as Gong Bao or Kung Po, is a spicy, stir-fried Chinese dish made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, chili peppers, and includes Sichuan peppercorns.
