If this is your first visit to China, with 5 days in China, you could consider gateway cities. Gateway cities like the capital Beijing are some of the best places to learn about China.
Or you could consider an extended trip to their nearby cities to make the most effective use of your time, for example, Beijing and Xi’an, or Shanghai and Hangzhou and/or Suzhou.
If you have already been to China and visited first-tier cities, then you may want to explore other distinctive second-tier cities or off-the-beaten-track routes, such as Guilin, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Tibet, Yunnan, or the Silk Road.
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1. Beijing and Xi’an 5-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is top recommended if you are the first time to China.It combines the two classic must-visit cities that allow you to learn most about Chinese civilization and late-imperial and modern-era history.
You could enjoy many interesting cultural activities, such as learning to write Chinese characters in a Hutong family in Beijing and making clay warriors in Xi 'an. You could also experience China's high-speed train between Beijing and Xi 'an.
- Day 1: Beijing (visit the Forbidden City with a hutong walking tour)
- Day 2: Beijing (go to the Great Wall and learn about the sacrificial culture in the Temple of Heaven)
- Day 3: Beijing (visit the famous royal garden — the Summer Palace, and take a bullet train to Xi’an)
- Day 4: Xi’an (the Terracotta Army with a hands-on terracotta-warrior-making experience and a walking/biking experience on the City Wall)
- Day 5: Xi’an (visit a famous pagoda and museum to learn about Chinese history)
You could spend three days in Beijing. In Beijing, discover the imperial past in the Forbidden City, which used to be the home of China's 24 emperors. Hike on the Great Wall to see the watchtowers and majestic natural mountain views.
Stroll around old hutongs, where you could catch a glimpse of the traditional daily lifestyle of Beijing's local people.
For a more in-depth travel experience, you could visit a local family's home and learn some Chinese culture and philosophy of living.
Stay for two days in Xi'an.The famous Terracotta Warriors is the must-visit attraction. The highlight of the visit would be a hands-on experience of making your own clay warriors. You would learn more about the making, preservation, and story behind the Terracotta Warriors.
Walk on the 600-year-old Ancient City Wall and catch a full view of the city. If time permits, the sunset time would be the best for a stunning view. For learning about Chinese history, Shannxi History Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are worth visiting.
All our tours can be adjusted based on your needs. Justcontact us.
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98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+
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This hiking was amazing
This hiking was amazing. Organization was perfect since the beginning. Kimmi was answering all our questions rapidly and effectively. Once in China we found really a good team The driver and the tour guide Oliver accompanied us all the trip and they took a good care of us. They adapted to our needs always happy and smiling. Good work China Highlights! more
Jun 2023, Virginia Tapia Hompanera
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An excellent 2 days in Beijing with guide Lily
We had a great experience with China Highlights and our tour guide for the two days in Beijing, Liu Yuan (Lily), was excellent. She is friendly, professional and very knowledgeable about the Forbidden Palace, Temple of Heaven, The Great Wall and the Summer Palace. These are the places we visited with her. She is patient and didn't rush us at all. She adapted the tour activities and schedule to accommodate our interests and side trips such as Bei Hai Park. She is also very helpful: she took the extra time to walk us to the pizza restaurant in a mall which we would not have found on our own. We appreciate everything Lily did for us and highly recommend her. more
Jun 2023, Flamenco64
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I booked on short notice and Roger was…
I booked on short notice and Roger was very quick in responding and planning the shedule to our wishes. Our guide was very friendly and we got along great and our driver very polite. Unfortunately due to a lot of traffic our shedule was affected but we were not hurried and could enjoy our 2 destination Greta wall and the Summer Palace. I would recommend booking with China Highlights! more
Jun 2023, Clemens
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Great Wall China
It has been a unique experience from start to finish. Our tour guide Oliver made it possible, very prepared and always up to the task, always very responsible and capable of keeping our interest at all times. Thank you Oliver for this very special and unforgettable experience. more
Jun 2023, Maytee
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Great experience in Bejing with Jack
We had an amazing experience with China Highlights and our Bejing Guide Jack. We travelled through China for two weeks with two small kids (3-5) and all the China Highlights Guides and Drivers went out of their way to make this a memorable experience. Jack and our driver Mr. Lee in Bejing were amazing and we had a wonderful time here. The kids loved the great wall and the topoganing down, the face painting and the rikscha ride - and we loved all the sights. Jack and Mr. Lee were very patient with us and the kids and we managed to see everything in a relaxed fashion. We can highly recommend China Highlights and Jack and Mr. Lee. more
Jun 2023, Leo
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Best Tour Company
Olivia was our guide throughout the tour.During the actual tour, Olivia was exceptional and provided us with great insights into the sights and history as well as stories about Chinese culture and experiences (I now have to visit more places in China!). Her restaurant recommendations were amazing and I will definitely trust her to find great food options. She even showed us to our train gate at the end! more
Jun 2023, Pranam P
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3 day tour of Beijing with Tom
We had a 3 day tour of Beijing with our amazing tour guide Tom. He is super knowledgeable, and we learned a lot from him about the interesting history of everything we saw. He also took great care of us and made sure we had everything we needed to be comfortable. I highly recommend Tom! more
Jun 2023, Raghav
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Great wall with kids
We visited The Great Wall in Mutianyu and the Changling Tomb. We had a good buffet lunch and had some interesting conversation about local life. Recommend Linda from China Highlights as a guide in Beijing. It was really hot on the wall, so better be earlier. more
Jun 2023, XX
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Best Tour in China
Ivy is the best tour guide we ever have , very knowledgeable and take good care of us throughout our trip in Beijing . She is always early and love her arrangement for the entire trip . Will not hesitate to chose China Hightlights again . more
Jun 2023, Jade
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Excellent Service
I organise a group tour for U.K. nurses to China and communicated with Roger who’s been very efficient, helpful and accommodating. Good service and reliable. Guided us through the process accordingly and has given us different options that suit our budget and need.The company has different tour options from high end to reasonable choices of tour packages. Excellent English speaking skills too! Highly recommended! more
Jun 2023, RALPH DEOCAMPO
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Roger Li is a valuable asset to your company
I live in California and was referred to your company by a friend in Beijing for a group of 4, private tour to Beijing and the Great Wall in 9/2023. After I submitted my inquiry online, on 5/27, I received a reply from Roger Li within 24 hours. And it was the weekend. I was very impressed. Roger has been very helpful and patient in assisting me in planning this trip since 5/27. He is extremely responsive and detailed. I am very grateful to have been assigned to such a responsible young man. I am looking forward to a safe and pleasant trip with your company’s arrangement in 9/2023. more
Jun 2023, Huey Lee
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My experiences have been great!
I have been working with China Highlights for different trips in the past few years. My experiences have been great. This year I work with Roger Li to plan a 11-day tour in 2024 with a group of 7. Roger Li has been responsive and patient. We are excited about our China adventure next year. more
Jun 2023, Ying W
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Planning a Tour
I have been working with China Highlights to plan a 6 day tour. Our group has changed its mind a few times. Roger Li has been great at working with us and our changing agenda. He is very responsive. I am truly looking forward to our China adventure more
Jun 2023, Cathy
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I had a great experience with a private…
I had a great experience on a private tour with Roger Li. We went to Gubei Water Town and Roger climbed the Great Wall at Simatai with me all the way up, which was much more than I could expect. Roger is very kind and knowledgeable. I asked him for the real China food experience and Roger on the spot improvised a very special visit to a local family restaurant where through Roger’s excellent interpretor skills I could have wonderful conversations with the family and 2 other guests. All food was made fresh, veggies came from their own garden - and I ate a rare mountain plant salad. Superb day thanks to Roger. more
Jun 2023, Dianne
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China Highlights - Ivy, exceptional tour experience
Our family recently had the pleasure of embarking on a tour in Beijing led by Ivy, and we must say it was an amazing experience. Ivy possesses a remarkable talent for guiding and enlightening her guestsFrom the moment our tour began, Ivy's passion for her craft shone through. Her enthusiasm was infectious. It was clear that Ivy not only possessed an immense knowledge of the tour's subject matter but also had a genuine love for sharing it with others.Another standout quality of Ivy was her impeccable organizational skills. The tour ran seamlessly, with every detail carefully planned and executed. From coordinating transportation to ensuring timely breaks, Ivy's attention to detail was commendable. Her efforts created a stress-free experience for the guests, allowing us to focus solely on the exploration and enjoyment of the tour. Thanks Ivy for giving us an unforgettable experience and such great first impression of a beautiful China. more
Jun 2023, YH Loh
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My advisor Mr Roger Li
My advisor Mr Roger Li was very accurate precise and knowledgeable . You can trust him in every aspect.good job! more
Jun 2023, FILIPPO AND PAOLA SCEVOLA
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Great Wall and Summer Palace
We have just spent a wonderful day touring the Great Wall and Summer Palace in Beijing. We were all blown away by the Wall (including our children who are not easily impressed!) and loved the scenery, the history and the toboggan slide down! The grounds of the Sumner Palace are beautiful. Our guide, Jack, was so helpful, patient and full of interesting information and patiently answered all our questions. A fantastic day out! more
Jun 2023, Kate Newberry
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Fantastic time in Beijing with Olivia as our guide
Olivia was our tour guide in Beijing.We saw so many amazing things, Tianamen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall (Mutianyu). She was so delightful and informative. Really added to our experience. We ate at some wonderful restaurants, including a delicious luncheon of Peking duck. It was my daughter's birthday and we were surprised by a lovely birthday cake too. Great recommendations for our free time too. more
Jun 2023, Pamela B
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wonderful guide Tom
我决定和我的妻子一起旅行China. After we visited Shanghai, we went to Beijing by train. There we were met by the guide Tom. We stayed in the hotel and the next day we started the tour according to the plan. historical and cultural objects, for events that took place in those periods of history. The Great Wall is a pride of the Chinese people and it was a dream to visit it. Thank you Tom, thank you to the company China Highlights. I would recommend this company and the guide Tom to everyone. . more
Jun 2023, Fatmir B
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Sanya and Gubei Water Town
My second trip, was at Gubei Water Town. Again my private car and my guide Tom were wonderful. Tom was very helpful when I was on the great Wall of China, always lending me a helping hand and warning me when the terrain was uneven. Excellent scheduling of events, e.g. from the Great Wall I saw a drone show and a water fountain show. Both perfectly timed for amazing views. Tom was helpful in selecting places to eat and was knowledgeable. I would strongly recommend both tour guides Tom and Valerie. more
Jun 2023, Alaa Elmoursi
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2. Beijing and Shanghai in 5 Days
This itinerary combines China’s top 2 gateway cities, Beijing and Shanghai.On the 5-day trip, you would see a multi-faceted China — Beijing’s traditions and Shanghai’s modernity:
- Days 1–3: Beijing sightseeing (the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, a hutong walking tour…)
- Day 4–5: Shanghai sightseeing (the Bund, a food tour)
In Beijing, you would learn about China’s imperial past by visiting its most monumental achievements: the Forbidden City and the Great Wall — the world’s largest palace complex and defense project respectively.
Walk into 300-year-old hutongs (old alley districts) to see what more-traditional local people’s life is like.
In Shanghai, the highlight is an in-depth walking tour of the Bund to see the magnificent skyline contrasting with the century-old colonial buildings along the other side.
3. 5 Days in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou
Our Shanghai area itinerary would allow you to discover China's most representative south-of-the-Yangtze citiesin a smartly-scheduled 5 days. This itinerary is alsoa visa-free itinerary.
- Days 1–2: Shanghai sightseeing
- Day 3: Hangzhou with West Lake and a tea experience
- Day 4: Suzhou sightseeing with a classic garden and a water town
- Day 5: Back to Shanghai
Starting from Shanghai, you can easily explore the Yangtze Delta further — Hangzhou and Suzhou are both close to Shanghai and well-connected.
In Hangzhou, you could visit one of China’s most famous imperial landscaping attractions, West Lake, and enjoy a relaxing boat ride.
One of the special experiences in our tours is visiting a tea plantation to see how farmers pick tea leaves and discover the process of making tea.
A visit to the classical gardens and water towns is essential for a trip to Suzhou. Another special experience is a night visit to a famous garden, which would let you see a different charm from a daytime visit. There are traditional Chinese cultural performances staged in the pavilions in the evenings.
If you would prefer a mountain escape from busy urban life, Huangshan (the Yellow Mountains, the greatest of China’s famous mountains) is also an iconic destination near Shanghai. Check out our3-Day Escape to Huangshan from Shanghai Tour.
4. 5 Days in Beijing
If you are visiting China for the first time and want an in-depth tour experience for 5 days, then we suggest spending the whole five days in Beijing. You could take advantage of Beijing’s 6-dayvisa-free policyif you use suitable flights.
- Day 1: Visit the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven
- 天2 - 3:去长城徒步旅行,那么保持一个night by the Wall at Gubei Water Town with hands-on experiences like tie-dying and kite-making.
- Day 4: Explore a Beijing neighborhood and try some local food.
- Day 5: Visit the Summer Palace and depart.
With 5 days in Beijing, besides the must-see visits, you can explore further some less mainstream attractions, like spending more days on the Great Wall with a night visit, a hiking tour, or camping on the wall.
你也将有机会发现the local way of life. Get inside the local communities, hutong courtyards, and markets to see how a Beijing local spends a day.
If you are very interested in a camping tour on the Great Wall, we can also help you arrange that: see our2-Day Jiankou Wild Great Wall Camping Tour.
We offer a personalized-tour service. We are ready to create a trip based on your needs and interests.
5. Chengdu — A Close Encounter with Pandas
If you love pandas and want to experience a laid-back urban atmosphere that’s different from first-tier cities’, Chengdu is a good choice.5 days in Chengdu would offer you a chance to see pandas and let you explore nearby Leshan — famous for the Giant Buddha and Mount Emei:
- Days 1–2: Chengdu sightseeing with a panda tour
- Day 3: Leshan with a tour to see the largest Buddha statue in the world
- Day 4: A relaxing and natural trip to Mount Emei
- Day 5: Back to Chengdu
在这5天的成都之旅,我们将安排一个锅da keeper program for you. You would make panda cakes, clean panda enclosures, watch them being fed, and get a volunteer certificate, which would be more interesting and meaningful than just watching pandas in a zoo or breeding center.
Just contact us if you have any needs or problems.Our service is personalized.
6. Zhangjiajie — Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains
If you are a nature lover, and especially if you like adventurous activities, Zhangjiajie would be an ideal choicefor your 5 days in China:
- Days 1–2: In Zhangjiajie National Park, you would see “gravity-defying” rocky towers that are said to be the inspiration for Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains.
- 第三天:挑战自己走在世界的s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
- Day 4: Visit Tianmen Mountain using the world's longest cable car.
- Day 5: Departure
If you want to try some exciting outdoor activities in Zhangjiajie, we could arrange them for you, such as a hiking tour in Zhangjiajie National Park, or biking around the beautiful and non-touristy side of Tianmen Mountain. See5-Day Zhangjiajie Hiking and Biking Tour for Any Level.
You could also connect a trip to Zhangjiajie with Beijing or Shanghai. See our8-Day Zhangjiajie Tour from Beijingand6-Day Zhangjiajie Tour from Shanghai.
All our tours can be customized based on your needs and interests. Justcontact us.
7. Guilin — Leisurely Countryside Views
If you want to get away from the daily grind and the fast-paced life for a while, you could consider Guilin with its nearby towns of Longsheng and Yangshuo.
In our 5-day Guilin tour, you can enjoy a relaxing pace of travel and immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful rural scenery in China:
- Day 1: Visit Longsheng and return to Guilin for the night
- Days 2–4: Explore Yangshuo
- Day 5: Back to Guilin and departure
Start your Guilin trip in Longsheng, where you would explore the minority villages and enjoy magnificent Longji Terraced Fields views. At night, after returning to the city, savor Guilin’s colorful and click-worthy night views with appetizing local delicacies during a city discovery walk.
In Yangshuo, if you like adventuring, explore a wild limestone cave or discover a beautiful valley that is still mostly unknown, even to locals. You could also enjoy some time relaxing on a bamboo raft ride, bicycle, and/or sidecar tour to explore the countryside.
8. Tibet — Holy Culture and High-Altitude Scenery
If you want to know more about China’s far-west region and have an interest in Tibet’s culture, its religious vibe, and plateau scenery, Tibet is a destination that can be visited in 5 days.
Our 5-day tour in Tibetcovers the highlights in the capital city Lhasa along with a trip to serene Lake Yamdrok:
- Day 1–2: Visit Tibet’s most famous monasteries to feel the strong religious atmosphere. But first, take a stroll in an oxygenating park and some recommended rest time to adjust to the high altitude.
- Day 3: Visit the iconic Potala Palace and experience Tibetan daily life on Barkhor Street.
- Day 4: Visit Holy Lake Yamdrok with a picnic time by the lakeside.
- Day 5: Departure
If you want to go to Everest Base Camp or explore more remote places in Tibet, you would need more days. For an example, see8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Private Tour.
Insider tips:Tibet Entry Permits,which are a must for foreign travelers, are best applied for at least 2 weeks in advance. We can handle them for you if you book a tour with us.
9. The Silk Road — Deserts, Grottoes, Rainbow Mountains
If you like adventure and would prefer an off-the-beaten-path route with exotic culture and magnificent natural landscapes like the Gobi Desert, the Silk Road could be your ideal choice.
With our 5-day Silk Road tour, you would visit two important cities with rocky landscapes, desert wonders, and cultural relics — Dunhuang and Zhangye:
- Days 1–2: View the splendid rainbow mountains and rock formations in Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park and Binggou Danxia Area.
- Day 3: Visit Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves and ride a camel in the desert.
- Day 4: Visit Dunhuang Museum and “Devil City” — Yadan National Geological Park, featuring wind-carved rocks of various shapes
- Day 5: Departure
There are many other places worth visiting on the Silk Road, such as those inXinjiang. If you are very interested in a Silk Road tour, we recommend a12-Day Tour from Xi’an to Kashgar. All our tours can be adjusted based on your needs. Justcontact us.
10. Yunnan — Old Towns, Ethnic Villages, Snow Mountains
If you love natural beauty, a laid-back travel atmosphere, and ethnic culture with some outdoor adventure, Yunnan is recommended.
With this itinerary, you would visit the most famous attractions in Yunnan to explore its colorful scenery and culture with some hands-on experiences:
- Day 1: Kunming sightseeing (Explore the Stone Forest and discover the folk customs of the ethnic residents there)
- Day 2: Dali sightseeing (Visit its old towns and villages, and try local crafts like tie-dyeing. Enjoy a relaxing time by the famous Erhai Lake.)
- 3 - 4天:丽江勘查(访问它的老城。Take a tour of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visit a mysterious village at its foot.)
- Day 5: Departure
Tour China with Us
All our tours can be customized based on your interests and needs. You can use ourCreate My Tripservice to tell us your requirements. Our travel consultant will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and promptly and prepare the best tour plan for you.
