Top 4 China River Cruises: Our Picks

A fascinating country at any time of year, China and its world-famous sights like the Great Wall near Beijing or Xian’s Terracotta Army, features prominently on many people’s travel wish lists. The most popular times to visit the country are spring and autumn but planning a trip during the winter months opens up several intriguing possibilities without the crowds. If that sounds like something you might be interested in, here are our top 7 destinations for winter in China.

One of the most popular attractions in the country, this series of defense fortifications known as the Great Wall of China is an iconic landmark that snakes its way along the northern borders of China. At more than 1,500-years-old and 21,196-kilometers-long, it is not just listed as a UNESCO Heritage site but also renowned as one of the seven wonders of the modern world! If you want to make the most of your visit during your trip to China, here’s a quick and handy guide every traveler should read before visiting the Great Wall of China.

From impressive landscapes ranging from lush forests and temple-topped mountains to urban cities and picturesque fishing villages, it is no secret that China is blessed with diversity, natural wonders, and a long, rich history. It is no wonder that there is a myriad of things to see and do for visitors on any China tour. Whether you wish to admire the murals at the Mogao Caves, climb atop the Xian City Wall and take in the scenery or revel in peacefulness at the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, there is no shortage of seriously awesome attractions in China. To make the most out of your stay in this lovely country, we’ve handpicked these 20 best things to do in China.

From the golden-hued trees across Beijing to the runway events that take Shanghai by storm, there are plenty of amazing reasons to tour China in November. While the temperatures start to fall slightly, the majority of China remains balmy and dry, ideal for outdoor hiking and adventuring, especially in the Yellow Mountains. November is considered firmly in the low season, so taking your holidays in China this month is a largely affordable and less crowded option without sacrificing the warmer, drier weather.

Given China’s enormous size and scale, you can spend many days discovering its culture, history and cities. One week in China is sufficient to explore 2 to 3 big-ticket destinations like Beijing and Shanghai and also visit impressive sites like Suzhou’s UNESCO-listed gardens and the charming 1000-year-old lake town of Tongli. Alternatively, you can go on a thrilling cycling adventure to top-rated destinations such as Chengdu (known for its adorable pandas) and Mount Emei, a renowned Buddhist site. See Beijing’s Forbidden City, admire the elegant 14th-century brick-and-stone Linggu Temple in Nanjing, and stroll through the Old City and Ming-era Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai during a delightful one-week trip in China. Eager to know how you can spend a week in this remarkable continent-sized country? Find out below.

Thrill to a culture-stuffed vacation in an insanely diverse country that’s developing at breakneck speed. China is a place where sprawling suburbs extend ever outward and cutting-edge skyscrapers are continually popping up. Despite the souped-up pace of modernity, ancient traditions and buildings are ever-present and perfect for exploring. Perform Tai Chi in a centuries-old temple, camp out on the Great Wall, prop up the bars of Beijing's hutong alleys and hike through misty, green-covered hilltops. To make the most of what the country has to offer requires careful vacation planning and preparation. This ultimate China travel guide will equip you with essential tips to tour China and enjoy a carefree time while exploring the world's most populous country.

Although this is often stated about a number of travel destinations, China truly does have it all. From its diverse landscape and divine cuisine to its old-world charm and fascinating culture, a tour to China has something to offer even the most seasoned travelers. Whether you plan to spend your time wandering the streets of Shanghai, marveling at the Great Wall, or tucking into street food in Beijing, you’re sure to have one of the most unforgettable travel experiences of your life. On the flip side, planning a trip to a country this large and diverse can be daunting. That’s where we come in. Read on for an overview of the best China itineraries to help you plan your trip based on how long you can go for.

January is the middle of the winter and low tourist season in China, so expect bitterly cold weather, especially in the north. Things get warmer as you head to the far south. Since this is not the peak tourist season, you’ll get good deals on hotels in most places. But shopping can get expensive around the Chinese New Year, so keep this in mind if you plan to travel to China in January. This is also the best month to see the ice festival in the northeast city of Harbin, admire the snow-covered landscape of Jiuzhaigou National Park in southwestern China, and soak in the warmth of the sun in Hainan Island in China’s southernmost tip.

September is a transition period between a hot, humid Chinese summer and a crisp, cool autumn. The weather in China in September is distinctly cooler than the peak summer months, and the crowds are smaller, making it the perfect month to explore this vast country. This is a good time to see big-ticket attractions like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing and go on a grand cruise on the Yangtze River. If you spend your time touring in China in September, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous foliage in the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve and the changing colors around Kanas Lake, especially in the latter half of the month as the fall sets in.

Spending 10 days in China will allow you to see some of the most popular attractions of this vast country. You can easily cover up to five major destinations, including three sprawling metropolises: Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. Add to this, unforgettable experiences such as a cruise along the Li River, a visit to the exotic Hainan Island, or a trip to Mount Emei to see the world’s biggest Buddha sculpture. Take a cable car to the Great Wall of China, do a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s charming alleys and streets, see Xi’an’s world-famous sights like the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and cruise along Shanghai’s Huangpu River during your 10-day trip to China.

With its vast landscapes and deep cultural heritage, China offers endless adventures—even within a short 4-day trip. Whether you're exploring ancient landmarks, indulging in local cuisine, or wandering through hidden alleyways, a well-planned itinerary can provide an immersive experience. While covering multiple destinations may be challenging with just 4 days in China, you can dive deep into the rich history of Beijing or explore the traditional charm of Xi’an. To make the most of a 4-day China holiday, we recommend focusing on one major city and its nearby attractions.

For a country the size of China, a five-day trip will seem short. So you’ll need to plan your holiday wisely based on your interests. We’d recommend a maximum of two destinations or choose a main base with a couple of day trips. Shanghai and Beijing make excellent city breaks — they are bursting with history, culture, and food. From Shanghai, take advantage of high-speed rail connections and make a day trip to Nanjing, one of China’s ancient capitals. You could also pair Beijing with a trip to Xi’an, another ancient capital and home to the legendary Terracotta Warriors. Chengdu, in the heart of Sichuan Province, is home to famously spicy food and, of course, giant pandas. For a more relaxing retreat, consider a trip to beautiful Guilin or a Yangtze River cruise. Read on to find out what your 5-day trip to China will look like.