The allure of China has fascinated British travellers for centuries. A rare mix of imperial grandeur and ancient ingenuity, where a civilisation more than 5,000 years old reveals itself through magnificent monuments, ornate palaces, exquisite crafts, and the extraordinary legacy of the Silk Road, once the world’s most ambitious trade route.
As China opens its doors to international travellers, the recent announcement of Visa-Free travel for British passport holders means planning a journey is easier than ever. And, with us taking care of every last detail, you can explore the country in confidence, depth and comfort, without compromise.
About China
If you are visiting China for the first time, this is the journey I would recommend — a route that balances the country’s most important historical sites with moments of calm, beauty and everyday life:
Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Guilin – Yangshuo – Longji – Shanghai
Allow around two weeks for this itinerary. It forms the foundation of how China should be experienced for the first time — whether travelling privately or as part of a carefully curated small group.
Beijing — Imperial Grandeur and Quiet Corners
Beijing Forbidden City entrance
Beijing is where I always suggest beginning. It is the intellectual and ceremonial heart of China, and nowhere else offers such a clear introduction to the thinking that shaped imperial rule.
The Forbidden City remains overwhelming in scale, but I encourage visitors to slow down and look beyond its main halls. One of my favourite discoveries is the Empress’s private theatre within the Imperial Gardens — an intimate, almost hidden space that reveals the private world behind imperial ceremony and power.
Close by, the Temple of Heaven offers an entirely different atmosphere. It is one of the most graceful and contemplative spaces in the city, particularly early in the morning when local residents gather for tai chi and quiet exercise.
A visit to the Great Wall of China is, of course, essential. Seeing it wind across mountain ridges gives a visceral sense of the ambition and endurance of ancient China.
Where to stay: I strongly recommend staying in one of the smarter boutique hotels within the historic hutongs. They offer a sense of place that larger hotels cannot, and allow you to experience Beijing as a lived-in city rather than a monument.
Xi’an — Ancient Capitals and Living Traditions
Terracotta Warriors in Xi’An
Xi’an is one of China’s great historic capitals and the natural next step on a first journey west. The Terracotta Army is every bit as compelling as its reputation suggests — thousands of life-sized figures standing guard in silent formation, each with individual features and expressions.
I would also urge visitors to explore beyond this headline sight. The Shaanxi History Museum provides a superb context for China’s early dynasties, while the Famen Temple Museum offers insight into the profound spiritual influence of Buddhism along the Silk Road.
If time allows, I recommend spending a little longer in Xi’an than most itineraries suggest. The atmosphere around the Great Goose Pagoda, particularly in the evening, is vibrant and rewarding.
What to eat: Xi’an is one of China’s great foodie cities. Seek out local snack dishes such as Biang Biang noodles, fragrant chicken dishes, and freshly steamed bao buns — simple, satisfying food rooted in centuries of tradition.
Chengdu — Gentle Rhythms and Hidden Depths
Giant pandas posing for camera in Chengdu China
Chengdu has a softer pace than China’s eastern cities, and I find it one of the most rewarding places to slow down. A visit to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre remains unforgettable and highlights China’s commitment to conservation.
Beyond pandas, Chengdu is close to one of Asia’s most intriguing archaeological discoveries. The Sanxingdui Museum houses extraordinary Bronze Age artefacts from a previously unrecorded civilisation — monumental masks and figures that challenge long-held ideas about early Chinese history.
Where to stay: I always recommend choosing a hotel close to Wenshu Monastery. An early morning walk through the surrounding streets, as the city wakes and incense drifts through the air, offers an extraordinary glimpse into everyday life and Chengdu’s deeply rooted spiritual culture.
Guilin, Yangshuo and Longji — China at Its Most Poetic
Guilin landscapes in China
Southern China reveals an entirely different landscape. Around Guilin, limestone karst peaks rise dramatically from the plains — scenes that appear again and again in classical Chinese painting.
A cruise along the Li River remains one of the most evocative journeys in China, leading to the relaxed riverside town of Yangshuo. From here, exploring by bicycle or bamboo raft on the Yulong River allows you to experience rural life at an unhurried pace.
Nearby, the Longji Rice Terraces are among the most impressive agricultural landscapes I have encountered anywhere in Asia. Still cultivated by local minority communities, they demonstrate a remarkable harmony between human ingenuity and the natural world.
An Evening in Shanghai — China Today
Shanghai skyline at night
Shanghai provides a fitting conclusion to a first journey through China. Along the Bund, early 20th-century architecture stands opposite the futuristic skyline of Pudong, capturing China’s past and present in a single view.
I particularly enjoy Shanghai in the evening. The city’s many open-air rooftop bars and restaurants offer excellent views of the river below, where boats glide past the illuminated Bund. Shanghai is also one of Asia’s finest shopping cities, whether for international brands or contemporary Chinese design.
Final Thoughts
The Great Wall of China
A first journey to China is not about seeing everything. It is about understanding the rhythms, history and contrasts of a civilisation that continues to shape the modern world. With careful planning, thoughtful pacing and expert guidance, China becomes not overwhelming, but deeply rewarding.
This is the approach we have taken for over three decades — and it remains, in my view, the best way to experience China for the first time.
Practical Travel Advice for First-Time Visitors to China
High speed maglev train in China
Language in China
English is not widely spoken outside major hotels and tourist centres. Travelling with experienced local guides greatly enhances both ease and cultural understanding.
Money and Currency
China uses the Renminbi (Yuan). ATMs are widely available, though credit cards are accepted mainly at higher-end hotels and shops. Mobile payment systems dominate everyday transactions.
Food and Dining
Chinese cuisine varies significantly by region. While hotels offer Western options, local restaurants provide the most authentic experiences. Travellers with dietary requirements are advised to carry written translations into Mandarin.
Transport in China
China has one of the world’s most advanced transport networks. High-speed trains connect major cities efficiently, while internal flights are commonly used for longer distances.
When Is the Best Time to Visit China?
For most destinations, the best time to travel to China is April to June and September to November, when the weather is comfortable. Tibet and Yunnan can be visited later in the summer. Major Chinese public holidays should be avoided due to heavy domestic travel.
Travel in a Small Group – Without Compromise
Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Chongqing – Yangtze River – Shanghai
If you enjoy travelling with like-minded companions, there are some new China small-group tour that offer exceptional value while staying true to the China ethos of cultural depth and thoughtful pacing.
✓ Guaranteed small groups of no more than 12 travellers.
✓ Carefully curated itinerary led by expert English-speaking guides.
✓ Comfortable 3–4★ accommodation, all transport included.
✓ Among the most competitively priced China group tours in the UK.
Suggested itinerary
This 14 day journey captures the essence of China through its most iconic highlights and authentic encounters. Begin in Beijing, exploring Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall at Mutianyu, before savouring Peking Duck and hutong life. Continue to Xian to marvel at the Terracotta Warriors and experience traditional arts from shadow puppetry to calligraphy. In Chengdu, meet giant pandas, wander historic temples, and enjoy a vegetarian feast before traveling to Chongqing, gateway to the mighty Yangtze River.
A three night cruise reveals dramatic gorges and riverside scenery, leading to Yichang and onward to cosmopolitan Shanghai. Here, classical Yu Garden, the Bund, and the Oriental Pearl Tower showcase the city’s contrasts, while a day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town adds timeless charm. With curated meals, high speed trains, and deluxe accommodations, this itinerary balances cultural depth with seamless logistics, offering an unforgettable panorama of China’s past and present.
Arrival Beijing
Arrive at Beijing Airport and meet your local guide before transferring to Xi Zhao Temple Hotel.
Beijing Forbidden City and Hutongs
Walk Tian’anmen Square and enter the Forbidden City, its courtyards and ornate halls reflecting dynastic grandeur.
Beijing Great Wall and Summer Palace
Ride the cable car up at Mutianyu and trace the Wall’s battlements across forested ridges. Watchtowers frame long horizons, conveying the endurance of China’s history. Return to the Summer Palace, where pavilions, bridges, and lake scenes express courtly leisure and landscape artistry.
Beijing to Xi’an High Speed Train
Board the train to Xi’an, a Silk Road stronghold, and transfer to the hotel.
Xi’an Terracotta Warriors and Culture
Encounter the Terracotta Warriors, thousands of figures carved with individuality and precision, standing in silent formation.
Xi’an to Chengdu High Speed Train
Board the train to Chengdu and transfer to the hotel, easing into a city known for teahouses, convivial dining, and relaxed warmth, a contrast to Xi’an’s historic grandeur.
Chengdu Pandas and Temples
Visit the Giant Panda Base to observe conservation in action and China’s most beloved native species. Explore Wenshu Temple and share a vegetarian lunch nearby, grounding the day in quiet ritual and flavour.
Chengdu to Chongqing and Embarkation
Travel by train to Chongqing and take a concise city tour before boarding your Victoria Cruise river boat.
Yangtze River Cruise
Sail the Yangtze, watching gorges unfold and river life move at its own tempo.
Yangtze River Cruise
Continue along the river, tracing canyon walls, terraced hillsides, and waterside settlements.
Yichang to Shanghai
Disembark at Yichang and visit Three Travellers Cave, Riverside Park, and the pedestrian street for river town character. Transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai, then to the hotel.
Shanghai City Highlights
Balancing heritage and modernity, you’ll experience a layered view of Shanghai’s diverse character.
Shanghai Water Town
Visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, lanes and canals offering a window into Jiangnan life, before sharing a delicious farewell dinner with your group.
Departure
The farewell closes the itinerary with reflection and continuity.
14 Days From £2999
Please ask for more details and just to advise a completely tailored itinerary can be arranged if a small group tour is not for you!
