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Dawn breaking over the Great Wall of China in Jinshanling
China your way

Individual China holidays shaped around your passions

The Great Wall snaking over the horizon, impassive rows of Terracotta Warriors, sacred mountains, giant pandas munching bamboo… On a tailor-made holiday to China with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our China specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.

Weave through frenetic city markets selling everything from jade trinkets to deep-fried locusts. Drink in Shanghai’s skyline from a rooftop bar. Hike through swirling, emerald-green rice terraces in the peaceful backcountry of Longji. Cruise the Yangtze, passing vast gorges that have inspired classical Chinese art and poetry. Eat your way around Beijing on a guided breakfast tour, or dine at a family home in Xian.

Buddhist monasteries and giant prayer wheels. Cooking classes in Beijing’s backstreets. Ming-dynasty walled towns. The towering limestone peaks of Guilin. What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go.

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Why travel with Audley?

  • 100% tailor-made tours
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  • Established for over 25 years
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Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit China, including information about climate, events and festivals.

Best time to visit China

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Useful information for planning your holiday in China

about experiences & stays getting there & getting around entry requirements & health
What languages are spoken in China?

The official language of China is Mandarin Chinese. Among the enormous number of local dialects, large groups speak Cantonese, Fukienese, and Minnanhua. Inner Mongolia, Tibet, and Xinjiang, which are autonomous regions, have their own languages. In the countryside, strong regional accents, and local dialects (there can be many differences even within a single province) mean that even native Mandarin speakers can struggle to communicate at times.

What's the currency of China?

The currency of China is the renminbi (RMB), more commonly known as the yuan. ATMs can be found in Chinese cities, though only Visa or Mastercard will be accepted in most of them.

I’ve heard they don’t use cash/cards in China, how will I pay for things?

While the use of cash is decreasing in China as payment apps like Alipay become more popular, it’s still possible to pay in cash or by card in many places. Your specialist and in-country guide can advise on what will be most suitable for your trip.

What food and drink should I try in China?

Chinese food is known all over the world and while visiting, you should try signature dishes from each region you visit. Ingredients and cooking styles vary across the country creating a complex symphony of dishes that can make eating out in China a highlight of a visit.

There are four major regional cooking styles with northern cuisine featuring dishes such as Peking duck, Mongolian hotpot, and shuijiao (boiled dumplings). Food in the east is rich, sweet, and often pickled, western cuisine such as Sichuan and Hunan food, is spicy, and often sour and peppery, while southern (Cantonese food) is most familiar to Westerners.

One of the best-known national drinks is baijiu, a fiery distilled rice wine. The local beer, Qingdao, is similar to German lager and there are also some good wines.

How much should I tip in China?

In general tipping is not expected in China, however, porters, waiters, and room attendants in international hotels will appreciate a small sum. It’s more common to tip guides and drivers and your specialist can advise on appropriate amounts closer to your travel dates.

Where can I find the latest travel advice for China?

For the latest travel advice for China, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.

Where can I stay in China?

In China, you can stay in boutique hotels, historic mansions, simple guesthouses, or international chain hotels. The choice of places to stay in China’s cities is generally varied and includes luxurious urban retreats as well as sleek, modern hotels, while in more rural areas hotels generally have more local character.

For example, you could stay in a beautifully restored Tang Dynasty house in Hangzhou, a private villa in a lush garden in Lijiang, a small boutique hotel in Xiamen, or a simple courtyard house in Dali. Wherever you decide to go, your specialist will help you find the right place for each night’s stay, but for some ideas you can browse our collection of places to stay in China.

Where should I go in China?

To see China’s cultural and scenic highlights including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Army, you should go to Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai. Imperial treasures, historic city streets, and the expansive Olympic Park await in Beijing. Xian is home to a legion of life-size warriors carved to protect an emperor in the afterlife, and Shanghai’s juxtaposition of ancient and modern sees tradition and excess run side by side.

China is a vast country and you may also want to see pandas in Chengdu or the towering karst pinnacles and traditional villages around Guilin, take a hike along the Tiger Leaping Gorge, or follow ancient traders along the Silk Route. Your specialist will help you narrow down the options and plan a trip that covers all your interests.

What can I experience in China?

Imperial cities, sacred mountains, temples, shrine, and markets — China offers a bounty of places to discover and things to do. Its finely tuned balance between age-old tradition and pioneering innovation combined with its rich customs and heritage make it a fascinating country to explore.

You can walk China’s Great Wall or marvel at the impassive Terracotta Warriors, visit incense-filled temples, or wander buzzing markets. You could discover the roots of China’s culinary prowess on a Shanghai food tour, walk the Dragon’s Backbone to the see the Longji rice terraces, or discover local life on a guided countryside bike ride.

Maybe you’d like to explore Beijing’s hutongs (backstreets), watch the sun set over Shanghai from a rooftop bar, or visit Ming-dynasty walled towns, or the historic markets of Hong Kong. China encompasses it all, and so much more.

How long does it take to fly to China from the UK?

It takes between ten and 12 and a half hours to fly from the UK to Shanghai in China.

What's the time zone in China?

The time zone in China is UTC+8 hours across the whole country. Daylight Savings Time isn’t observed.

What's the best way of getting around in China?

The best way to get around in China is by rail or air. High-speed trains link all the main cities and are fast, efficient, and comfortable. For longer journeys, we can book internal flights, while for more local travel, a private driver-guide gives you the freedom to enjoy the sights and stay informed as you travel.

Improved infrastructure and increased political freedoms mean it’s also possible to combine a visit to China with overland travel into northern Vietnam. Speak to your specialist for more information.

Do I need a visa to visit China?

A visa is required by all visitors to China. UK citizens must apply for their visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASC) in Edinburgh, Manchester, or London. You’ll need to book an appointment at a CVASC at least one month before departure but no more than three months before.

At the appointment, all applicants (excluding people under the age of 14 and over the age of 70 years old) will also be asked to submit fingerprints. For full details on requirements, check the official Visa for China website.

Do I need vaccinations to visit China?

Your doctor can provide you with vaccine advice for China, but you should also ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the Travel Health Pro website.

What do I need to check with my passport for travel to China?

Your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you arrive in China and have at least two blank pages for your visa.

China in pictures

  • Local Tibetan weaving, Zhongdian
    Meet rural tribes
  • Rice terraces, Longji
    See the Dragon's Backbone in Longji
  • The Terracotta Warriors, Xian
    Visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xian
  • Quiet Hutong, Beijing
    Cycle around Beijing's ancient Hutong District
  • Great Wall of China
    Walk along the Great Wall of China
  • Lijiang Old Town
    Explore the World Heritage town of Lijiang
  • Sunrise on the Yangtze, Chongqing
    Cruise the Yangtze River
  • Pandas, Chengdu
    Visit the pandas in Chengdu

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