What is a Customized China Tour?

A customized tour allows travelers to design their own travel experiences, selecting destinations, activities, and accommodations that best suit their needs. Unlike group tours with pre-set itineraries, customized tours give you the freedom to explore China at your own pace, ensuring that your vacation is uniquely tailored to your interests.

Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or solo, customized tours allow you to focus on the things that matter most to you—whether that’s diving deep into history, embarking on an adventure, or indulging in local cuisine.

How to Plan Your Customized China Tour

1. Decide Your Preferred Destinations

China is vast and diverse, offering everything from modern cities to ancient historical sites and natural wonders. Some popular destinations to consider include:

• Beijing: Visit iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven. Explore Beijing’s rich history and experience the local culture.
• Xi’an: Famous for the Terracotta Army, ancient city walls, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. A great destination for history lovers.
• Shanghai: Known for its modern architecture, shopping districts, and cultural experiences like the Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, and the Bund.
• Chengdu: The home of the Giant Panda, Chengdu is perfect for those interested in wildlife and experiencing Sichuan’s unique cuisine.
• Guilin & Yangshuo: Explore Li River Cruises, karst mountains, and rural villages. A great choice for nature lovers.
• Tibet: Visit Lhasa, Everest Base Camp, Namtso Lake, and experience Tibetan Buddhism and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
• Zhangjiajie: Known for its otherworldly Avatar Mountains and glass bridge, this is perfect for those seeking an adventurous trip.

You can mix and match these destinations based on your preferences.

2. Choose Your Travel Style

• Luxury Tours: Stay in 5-star hotels, enjoy private transfers, exclusive guided tours, and luxury dining experiences. Ideal for those seeking comfort and a high-end experience.
• Family Tours: Customized itineraries with activities and accommodations that are family-friendly. You can visit cultural sites, engage in fun activities like theme parks, and enjoy leisure time together.
• Adventure Tours: For those who enjoy hiking, trekking, or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Whether it’s a trek to Everest Base Camp or a multi-day exploration of Jiuzhaigou Valley, adventure tours allow for physical challenges and unique outdoor experiences.
• Cultural & Heritage Tours: Delve into China’s rich history and culture by visiting ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, traditional villages, and engaging with local customs and traditions.
• Culinary Tours: For foodies, customize your tour around China’s famous regional cuisines—try the spicy Sichuan dishes, dim sum in Hong Kong, or Beijing’s iconic Peking duck.

3. Set the Duration of Your Tour

Your customized tour can be as short or as long as you need, from a weekend getaway to an extended journey across the country. Typically, tours last anywhere from 7 days to 3 weeks. The duration will depend on the number of destinations you wish to cover and how much time you want to spend in each place.

4. Choose Your Mode of Transportation

China offers diverse transportation options that can be customized based on your preferences:

• Private Vehicles: For ultimate convenience and comfort, private vehicles with a driver are an excellent option. This is especially recommended for families or those traveling with lots of luggage.
• High-Speed Train: China’s high-speed rail network is an efficient and comfortable way to travel between cities, with modern amenities and scenic views along the way.
• Domestic Flights: For longer distances, domestic flights are the quickest option. Popular routes include Beijing to Xi’an, Shanghai to Chengdu, or Lhasa to Kathmandu (Nepal).
• River Cruises: A popular option for those visiting the Yangtze River or Li River to explore China’s beautiful landscapes in a leisurely manner.

5. Accommodations: Tailor Your Stay to Your Needs

From budget hostels to luxury resorts, China offers a wide range of accommodations to fit every budget:

• Luxury Hotels: If you’re looking for 5-star comfort, book high-end hotels in major cities such as Shanghai or Beijing.
• Boutique Hotels: For those who want to stay in more unique, intimate accommodations, boutique hotels in cities like Suzhou or Hangzhou offer character and charm.
• Traditional Guesthouses: If you want to immerse yourself in local culture, consider staying in Tibetan guesthouses or traditional courtyard homes in Pingyao.
• Eco-Friendly Lodging: For nature lovers, choose eco-resorts in regions like Zhangjiajie or Guilin that prioritize sustainability.

6. Plan Your Activities and Experiences

Based on your interests, you can plan specific activities:

• Cultural Experiences: Participate in a tea ceremony in Hangzhou, take a cooking class in Chengdu, or learn calligraphy in Xi’an.
• Adventure Activities: Go hiking in the Tian Shan Mountains, explore Zhangjiajie‘s glass bridge, or take a camel ride through the Gobi Desert.
• Wildlife Encounters: Visit the Giant Panda Research Base in Chengdu, take a safari tour in Xinghai Lake, or go bird-watching in Yunnan Province.

7. Local Experiences

Customized tours often include hands-on, local experiences, such as:

• Private Tea Tastings in Hangzhou or Yunnan.
• Tibetan Monastery Visits in Lhasa or Gyantse.
• Calligraphy or Martial Arts Classes in Beijing.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine consultations in Xi’an.

8. Customizing the Pace of Your Tour

You can decide how fast or slow you want to travel:

• Leisurely Travel: Spend more time in each destination, allowing time to relax, explore at your own pace, and truly soak in the local culture.
• Fast-Paced Itinerary: If you’re short on time but want to see as much as possible, a faster-paced itinerary can be organized with key highlights in major cities and destinations.

Sample Itinerary: 10-Day Customized China Tour

Day 1-3: Beijing

• Arrival in Beijing
• Explore Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Summer Palace
• Visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling
• Enjoy a Peking Duck dinner at a famous restaurant

Day 4-5: Xi’an

• Travel to Xi’an via high-speed train
• Visit the Terracotta Army and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Explore the ancient city wall and the Muslim Quarter

Day 6-7: Chengdu

• Fly to Chengdu
• Visit the Giant Panda Research Center
• Experience Sichuan hot pot dining and explore Wuhou Shrine

Day 8-10: Shanghai

• Travel to Shanghai by flight or train
• Explore The Bund, Yu Garden, and Shanghai Tower
• Visit the Shanghai Museum and enjoy shopping on Nanjing Road

How to Book Your Customized China Tour

Booking your customized tour is easy. Many tour operators, including Hello China Trip, specialize in creating bespoke itineraries for travelers. By providing your travel preferences, dates, and interests, a travel consultant can design a tour that fits your budget and schedule. Remember to inquire about visa assistance, permits for Tibet, and any specific requests such as private tours or exclusive access to certain sites.