Best China Tours from France

Customize Your Trip to the Real China

ETC’s China private tours from France transform cultural experience, hidden gems discovery and fascinating people encounters into life-time adventures.


French boy learn Chinese painting in Yangshuo

We understand that for French people, to live is to travel. So we bring you and your family China, a far-flung, mystic oriental kingdom in East Asia, which can always ignite French’s wanderlust. According to the statistics, two-fifths of European visitors to China are French each year. This vast country's several thousand years of civilization, distinctive regional cultures and breathtaking natural scenery inspire every type of travel adventure.

French visitors looking to explore ancient Chinese wonders are drawn to the Great Wall, Terracotta Army and Shaolin Temple. For those with a spirit of adventure, picture yourself hiking through the jungles, deserts, beautiful gorges and mountains. Some wishing to discover the real China would like to walk through the gorgeous palaces, ancient shrines and temples, stroll in the quiet ancient towns, bike thorough the beautiful countryside…

Easy Tour China can offer the widest choice of travel packages for French family with kids, couples and friends. Contact us right now to customize your own trip, and enjoy fully inclusive tours to China from France.


Best Time to Go

If you’re planning a trip to China from France, be noted that most Chinese cities has a subtropical monsoon climate and temperate continental climate. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are considered the best times to travel to China, when most of the popular destinations have a mild weather for nature contact. However, the weather conditions normally affect little the cultural and historical destinations, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an.



Where to go - recommended destinations for French travelers:

  • Love outdoor and nature? Travel from France to Yunnan, Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou and Wild West Sichuan, further Tibet, and the Silk Road, driving and hiking through spectacular, untamed landscape and untouched medieval towns and villages.
  • For the French foodies, eat your way through the country for top Chinese dishes, as well as the distinctive street foods and unique eats. Chengdu, Shanghai and Hong Kong are the best places to visit for: hot pot, won ton, fried baked scallion pancake, steam bun…
  • Miss escargot? Try field snail in Guilin, where you can also eat delicious frogs cooked in local way.
  • If you’re culture and history buffs, let’s whisk you to Beijing, Xian, Pingyao and Datong to take in the incredible wonders in human history.
  • Dream of returning to the real China countryside? Go explore Yangshuo and Huangshan, where you can experience fascinating countryside life of China, while savoring up local culture, amazing scenery, and enjoying some active outdoor activities like rock climbing, kayaking, biking, etc. Guizhou is also a should-not-miss destination and like “another world”, where there are tens of mysterious mountain tribes living in remote hidden villages. French travelers will fall in love their odd social custom, brilliant traditional handicraft and exhilarating festivals.

  • French travelers do farm work in Yangshuo countryside

    Real life experiences & off-the-beaten-track adventures on your China holiday from France:

  • Hike and camp on the wild and authentic Great Wall of China from Huangya Guan, Crouching Tiger to JInshanling and Jiankou.
  • Trek Tiger Leaping Gorge, tracing the ancient trails of the Tea-horse Road, encountering local herdsman.
  • Experience yourself the peace and the sense of sacred before millennial Hanging Monastery, admire the remarkable Buddhist art at Yungang Grottoes, also find out many centuries-old churches in remote regions of China.
  • Venture off the beaten track to the wild gobi deserts on the Silk Road, tracing the ancient ruins, lost kingdoms and visit Zhangye Rainbow Mountain – an unforgettable experience for active adventurers.
  • For your family China tour from France, have fun with panda and even be a panda keeper to prepare panda’s breakfast and feed them.
  • Hang out with your girlfriend/boyfriend on a food adventure, to discover hundreds and even thousands of street snacks, witness interesting gastronomic scenes and cook yourself the Chinese dishes.

  • If you're a backpacker or an independent traveler

    At ETC, there’s always something for backpackers and budget travelers, who plan independent self-guided China tours from France and need to research on the every detail of the destinations, transportation, accommodation and dining. Our destination experts are glad to provide individual services for hotel, flight and train tickets reservation, vehicle rental, itinerary crafting and even smart phone installed with GPS map data for a hiking or biking trip. Therefore backpackers and budget travelers can save money, and meanwhile enjoy an easy, smooth and hassle-free holiday in China.

    Suggested China Tours from France for First Timers

    Destinations: Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Guilin/Yangshuo - Shanghai
    Travel to China from France on this active family tour with kids. The family-friendly activities and programs like art & culture classes, Mutianyu Great Wall toboggan, panda keeper experience and dumpling making are going to cheer up all of your children, whether they are toddlers or teenagers. Contact us to customize your China holiday, if traveling with a baby.
    Destinations: Guangzhou - Zhangjiajie - Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou - Xi'an - Beijing
    This trip to China has something for everyone, be it nature lover and culture buff. Accompanied by your ETC’s local French-speaking guide to explore the wonders of nature, Jiuzhaigou’s colorful lakes, challenge Zhangjiajie skywalk, admire Terracotta Army and the Great Wall, and enjoy up-close panda encounter.
    Destinations: Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin - Shanghai
    Experience all of China’s iconic sights and dishes. From the hutongs in Beijing, Muslim street in Xian, Sichuan Cuisine Museum in Chengdu, primitive village in Yangshuo and traditional breakfast market in Shanghai, experience China’s true taste. Drink beer and eat snack in the night market that sprawl out over city streets, buy food materials from a vendor’s stall and cook Chinese dishes yourself.
    Destinations: Beijing - Xian - Lhasa - Chengdu - Shanghai
    French travelers to China also look to explore Tibet, probably the most mysterious and divine place on earth, featuring breathtaking wilderness and magical Tibetan Buddhist culture. On this itinerary, travel through the classic “golden triangle” and get off the beaten track to Lhasa, standing in awe before Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.

    China Hiking Adventures for French Travelers

    Destinations: Beijing - Xi'an - Lijiang - Kunming - Guilin - Longsheng - Yangshuo - Hong Kong
    The wilderness of China is a great playground for adventure lovers and hiking enthusiasts from France. This fantastic itinerary will draw you away from the tourists trail, hiking Jinshanling Great Wall & Xian City Wall, before heading to the beautiful and dramatic landscape of South China, to trek Tiger Leaping Gorge, hike Longji Rice Terraces, Yulong River and Hong Kong’s Dragon Back.
    Destinations: Lijiang - Shangrila - Deqing - Yubeng Village - Cizhong Village - Tacheng - Lijiang
    Travel from France to the remote wilderness of Yunnan. Hike a part of Tiger Leaping Gorge and further explore the depth of ShangriLa, known for unexplored scenery and thrilling adventures. Trek through Yubeng Village at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain, past glaciers, valleys, mountains and sacred lake and waterfall, and visit Yunnan snub-nosed monkey national park.

    China Cultural Adventures for French Travelers

    Destinations: Beijing - Xian - Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Kashgar – Urumqi
    Travel deep into the Silk Road on a bullet train journey. Admire many historical sites, towns and cities on this greatest ever ancient trading route while taking in the wild beauty of nature. Bask in the sunlight sprinkling on Zhangye Rainbow Mountain, discover oasis at Singing Sand Mountains, explore the Ruins of Gaochang, and immerse yourself in the traditions of Xinjiang Uyghur people.
    Destinations: Guangzhou - Guilin - Yanghsuo - Lijiang - Dali - Chengdu
    Experience the real China from inside out, as you ride the public transport, visit an aquatic products market, join the friendly local people at “morning tea” breakfast and Tai Chi practice, bike through the countryside of Yangshuo to help local villagers to do farm work, and savor up Naxi and Bai tribal culture and folklores in Yunnan.
    Destinations: Zhangye - Alxa Youqi - Shandan - Zhangye
    The wild West China is an adventure-lover’s paradise, famous for exotic traditions and the other-worldly rugged landscape. On this active trip, sit in a private jeep go off-road to explore Badain Jaran Desert for incredible scenery of lakes, oasis, sand dunes and pristine villages. And of course the Rainbow Mountain of Danxia landscape is another highlight on this adventure tour.
    Destinations: Guiyang - Rongjiang – Zhaoxing – Guiyang/Guilin
    This guided adventure to Guizhou offers a unique and exhilarating festival experience for French travelers. Meet Dong people, one of the oldest mountain tribes in China, and join them who are dressed in colorful traditional embroidery outfits at the traditional Sama Festival, to enjoy their culture, games, activities, music & dance, foods…

    Suggested Asia Tours from France

    Destinations: Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) - Mekong Delta - Hue - Danang - Halong Bay – Hoian
    Once a colony of France, part of French Indochina, Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for French travelers. Visits to Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, Municipal Theatre and the busting old streets remind of the colonial history. Further explore the Mekong Delta to see the floating market, Hue to discover Vietnam’s history and Halong Bay for sunshine and scenery.
    Destinations: Yangon - Heho - Kalaw - Inle Lake - Mandalay - Bagan - Yangon
    Myanmar is like a whole new world for a French family. The country is full of ancient temples, pagodas, delicious cuisines and trilling adventures. Your family will have the chance to visit local market, learn weaving at Inle Lake, cook top dishes of Myanmar, discover the old city of Ava (Inwa), hike Kalaw, enjoy Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp tour and visit local charity school.

    Practical Tips on Tours to China from France

    China Visa Tips for French Citizens

    • Where to Apply for China Visa?

      To make your trip to China from France an easy and pleasant one, you are kindly advised to consult the local Chinese Embassy or Consulates-General first for the Chinese visa. They will readily help you go through the necessary procedures. For ordinary French passport holders, please apply the tourist visa of China at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg or Lyon. An online appointment is required.

    • The Chinese Embassy and CVASC in France:

      ◎ CVASC in Paris
      Address: 25 Rue de Bassano, 75008 Paris.
      Tel: +33-1-40700401
      Fax: +33-1-47206328
      Email: pariscentre@visaforchina.org
      Website: http://www.visaforchina.org/PAR_FR/ (French)
      Office Hours: 09:00-16:00, Monday-Friday (except Chinese and French public holidays)

      ◎ CVASC in Marseille:
      Address: 165 avenue du Prado 13008 Marseille, France
      Tel: +33-4-86879879(Service time:9:30AM-11:30AM,13:30PM-16:30PM)
      Fax: +33-4-91340533
      Email: marseillecentre@visaforchina.org
      Website: https://bio.visaforchina.org/MRS2_FR/ (French)

      ◎ CVASC in Strasbourg:
      Address: 19 Rue du Fossé des Treize 67000 Strasbourg
      Business hours of submission is: 9:00-15:00
      Business hours of collection is: 9:00-16:00
      Email:strasbourgcentre@visaforchina.org
      Website: http://bio.visaforchina.org/SXB2_FR/ (French)

      ◎ CVASC in Lyon:
      Address: 27 Rue de la Villette, 69003 Lyon
      The business hours of submission is: 9:00-15:00
      The business hours of collection is: 9:00-16:00
      (Monday-Friday, Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays)
      Tel: 04 28 70 38 79 (Service time: 9:30AM-11:30AM, 13:30PM-16:30PM)
      E-mail: lyonCenter@Visaforchina.org
      Website: http://bio.visaforchina.org/LYS2_FR/

      ◎ Consulate-General of the PRC in Marseille
      Address: 20, Boulevard Carmagnole - 13008 Marseille, France
      Tel: +33-4-91320000, 91320260
      Fax: +33-4-491320008, 91320004
      Website: http://marseille.china-consulate.org/fra/
      Office Hours: 09:00-12:00, 14:30-17:30, Monday-Friday (except holidays)

      Consular Office (passport, authentication & notarization)
      Address: 16 Boulevard Carmagnole 13008 Marseille France
      Tel: +33-4-91320000
      +33-4-91320267, +33-6-71905835 (consular protection)
      Fax: +33-4-91320038
      Email: consulate.marseille@gmail.com
      Office Hours: 09:15-12:00, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (except holidays)

      ◎ Consulate-General of the PRC in Strasbourg
      Address: 35, rue Bautain, 67000 Strasbourg, France
      Tel: +33-3-88453232 (24-hour inquiry telephone)
      Fax: +33-3-88453223
      Email: chinaconsul_st_fr@mfa.gov.cn
      Office Hours: 09:00-12:30, 15:00-18:00, Monday-Friday (except holidays)
      Website: http://strasbourg.china-consulate.org/fra/

      Consular Office
      Address: 4 rue Eugène Carrière, 67000 Strasbourg, France
      Tel: +33-3-88353234
      Fax: +33-9-65235793
      Office Hours: 09:00-12:00, Monday, Wednesday, Friday (except holidays)

      ◎ Consulate-General of the PRC in Lyons
      Address: 26, rue Louis Blanc, 69006 Lyon, France
      Email: chinaconsul_lyon@mfa.gov.cn
      Website: http://lyon.china-consulate.org/fra/
      Office Hours: 09:00-12:30, 14:30-18:00, Monday - Friday (except holidays)

      Consular Office
      Tel: +33-4-37248305 (visa, passport, authentication & notarization)
      +33-4-37248307 (consular protection)
      Fax: +33-4-37240099
      Office Hours: 09:30-12:00, Monday - Friday (except holidays)

      ◎ Consulate-General of the PRC in Saint-Denis
      Address: 50, Rue Du General de Gaulle, Saint-Denis, ile de la Reunion, France
      Tel: +262-(262)989298
      Fax: +262-(262)989698
      Email: chinaconsul_re_fr@mfa.gov.cn
      Office Hours: 09:00-12:30, 15:00-18:00, Monday - Friday (except holidays)
      Website: http://reunion-sdn.china-consulate.org/fra/

      Consular Office
      Office Hours: 09:30-12:00, Monday, Wednesday, Friday (except holidays)

    Practical Travel Tips for French traveling in China

    • What about drinks?

      A: Local tea is commonly served with meals and there is a variety of soft drinks, local and imported beers and wines available for purchase. You should not drink the tap water, bottled water is inexpensive and readily available. If you like a 'cuppa', you may like to bring along a small supply of tea bags, coffee and milk powder. Most rooms have electric jugs or thermos flasks of boiling water to make hot.

    • What are the toilet facilities like on China tour?

      A: All of our hotels on your China tour have western style bathrooms and toilets. Obviously in the remote areas and villages that French travelers love to have an adventure, the guesthouse may be a little more basic, but clean and simple is common. Whilst sightseeing, toilet facilities at restaurants and local tourist sites can vary and we would recommend that you carry tissues, wet wipes or disinfectant gel with you, “just in case”.

    • What should I pack?

      A: Casual clothing is appropriate at all times although clothes that are too revealing are still frowned upon in all over China. Try to pack lightly as your trip may involve an amount of personal baggage handling as porters are often not available except in larger hotels. For security reasons it is essential that your baggage can be locked whilst during air transportation between cities. At times, you may not be able to check into your hotel room immediately or be able to access your main bags. To ensure your comfort, a change of clothes in your hand luggage to coincide with local weather conditions is always handy. All personal toiletries should be taken with you and small packets of tissues or wet wipes are recommended. A small medical kit containing medication to alleviate common ailments is suggested. Prepare the hiking boots if a French traveler will take a hiking or trekking adventure in China’s mountainous areas.

    • Clothing suggestion:

      China has a more complicated climate than that of France. Generally, China's climate has the characteristics of monsoon climate - high temperature and heavy rain in summer, cold and little rain in winter.

      Spring (Mar – May) with temperature of 50 - 71.6F: Western suits, jackets, sports coats, woolen jackets, long sleeve shirts and travel shoes

      Summer (Jun – Aug) with temperature Above 71.6 F: T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, sandals, caps, rain wear

      Autumn (Sep – Nov) with temperature of 50- 71.6 F: Western suits, jackets, sports coats, light woolen sweaters, rain wear and travel shoes

      Winter (Dec – Feb) with temperature Below 50 F: Overcoat, thick woolen sweaters, lined coats; In northern China, cap, gloves and cotton-padded shoes are required

    • What credit cards can I use?

      A: At present the Bank of China accepts Master, American Express, Dynasty, Visa, JCB, and Diners Club cards. French travelers may use these cards to draw cash over the exchange counters in China's banks, make purchases or pay bills at large department stores, restaurants and hotels in more than 100 major cities in China. A surcharge of 2% is always charged for card transactions.

    • Where can French citizens get consular assistance in China?

      ◎ Embassy of the Republic of France in Beijing
      Address: No.3, Dong San Jie, San Li Tun, Chaoyang District, Beijing
      Postal Code: 100600
      Tel: (+86)10 8532 8080
      Fax: (+86)10 8652 8009
      E-mail: scac@ambafrance-cn.org
      Office Hours: 08:30-11:45, Mon.-Fri. (Office of French Affaires)
      Website: http://www.ambafrance-cn.org/

      ◎ Consulate General of the Republic of France in Chengdu
      Address: 30th Floor, Tianfu Time Square, No.2, Zong Fu Lu, Chengdu
      Postal Code: 610016
      Tel: +86-28-66666060
      Fax: +86-28-66666103
      E-mail: chancellerie@consulfrance_chengdu.org
      Website: http://www.ambafrance-cn.org/

      ◎ Consulate General of the Republic of France in Guangzhou
      Address: Room 810, Main Tower, Guangdong International Hotel, 339 Huangshi Dong Road
      Postal Code: 510098
      Tel: (+86)20 2829 2000
      Fax: (+86)20 2829 2001
      Office Hours: 09:00-12:00 and 14:30-17:00 (Mon. - Fri.)

      ◎ Consulate General of the Republic of France in Shanghai
      Address: French Consulate General in Shanghai, China United Plaza 12/F Nanjing Xi Lu 1468 200040 Shanghai China
      Tel: (+86) (21) 62 89 74 14
      Fax: (+86) (21) 62 79 22 49
      Website: www.consulfrance-shanghai.org
      Consul: Mr. Jean-Marin Schuh - Consul General

      ◎ Consulate General of the Republic of France in Shenyang
      Address: No.34 Shisanwei Road, South of Heping District, Shenyang
      Postal Code: 110003
      Tel: (+86)24 2319 0000
      Fax: (+86)24 2319 0001
      Consular Districts: Heilongjiang Province, Jilin Province, Liaoning Province

      ◎ Consulate General of the Republic of France in Wuhan
      Address: New World Trade Tower - Room 1702, 568 Jianshe dadao, Hankou, 430022
      Tel: +86-27-65797900
      Fax: +86-27-85778426
      Office Hours: 09:00-18:00, Monday-Friday
      09:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00, Monday-Friday (for visa)
      E-mail: chancellerie@consulfrance-wuhan.org
      Website: http://www.ambafrance-cn.org/

    Direct Flights from France to China


    China Eastern airlines opened the Shanghai to Paris direct flight in 1998. Passengers, meanwhile, can take Air France and Air China at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle of Paris flying directly to Shanghai. In recent years, more and more direct flights to China from France have been launched. French tourists may start their China holiday in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xian, or fly directly to Kunming or Chengdu for a wild West China adventure.


    Departure cities in France: Paris

    Arrival cities in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, Jinnan, Chongqing, Kunming, Chengdu, Fuzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong


    Based on feedback from our French guests and our own travel experiences, we've found the following websites are very helpful for investigating and ticketing airfare to and from each of our trips. Cheap flights from France to China may also be found out.

    • www.cheapflights.ca/

    • www.tianxun.cn/

    • https://www.expedia.com/Flights

    • www.Orbitz.com

    • www.travelocity.com