Best China Tours from UK

Customize Your Trip to the Real China

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Our China escorted tours from UK take you to explore the heart and soul of China and discover the incredible wonders of Far East.


China has one of the world's oldest civilizations with a recorded history dating back over 5,000 years ago. Its most famous national treasures are almost as old. The Great Wall was first built in the 7th century BC, the Terracotta Army was buried in 210BC, and the Forbidden City, a World Heritage Site and the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world, is the perfect place to trace China’s powerful dynasties and turbulent history. In recent years, China has been modernizing at breakneck speed, yet still retains its traditions, which is quite similar like UK. For British travelers who wish to explore this ancient and modern, traditional and dynamic country, we will customize your own China package tour from UK.


Where to go - recommended destinations for British travelers:

  • For those who are interested in Chinese culture and history, visit Beijing, Xian and Pingyao for ancient marvels and traditional Chinese culture, art and customs. Shanghai and the nearby Suzhou and Hangzhou are also recommended for you to experience the old and new China.
  • Or travel further afield to Guizhou to experience mysterious minority and tribal culture and art.
  • Many of our UK clients also have a big interest in the Silk Road, where there are exotic cities, cultural sites and natural scenery very different from those of UK. Discover yourself the wild desert, glaciers and amazing Zhangye Rainbow Mountain of Danxia landscape.
  • If your interest lies in the natural wonder, travel to Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet, or cruise Yangtze River to uncover the diversity and splendor of China landscape.


    • Uk traveleres dine at a local home in Guilin

    Top things to do & real life experiences on your China holiday from UK:

  • Hike the wild and authentic Great Wall of China from 1 day to 5 days.
  • Become an honorary panda keeper and enjoy the Chinese-style afternoon tea in Chengdu.
  • Hunt thousands of cultural treasure at Forbidden City - can't be missed for both 1st timers and repeated visitors.
  • Face to face with the great Terracotta Army.
  • Get into Shanghai Tower, the highest building in China, to view the futuristic China - fun for family with kids.
  • Cruise Li River, hike/bike through the karst peaks of Yangshuo.
  • Enjoy authentic food holiday to China from UK, and cook with your local host at his/her home.
  • Experience real local life at small villages and picturesque countryside. Wander the local wet market, witness people’s farm works, and discover traditional handicraft shops.


    • Comfortable/luxury boutique hotels for your trip to China

    We highly recommend boutique hotels for UK travelers. The properties are sometimes converted from historical mansions and courtyards, with artistic décor that blends with traditional Chinese art and design. We hand pick the boutique hotels for you in each destination, some are located in hutongs so that you can better experience local life and culture; some are located in the countryside with great views, more private, intimate experience and access to some interesting outdoor activities.

    Check best boutique hotels for British visitors: 

  • In Beijing: Shadow Art Boutique Hotel, Shichahai Sandalwood Boutique Hotel, Brick Yard Mutianyu
  • In Shanghai: Les Suites Orient Bund Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel, Banyan Tree on the Bund
  • In Guilin: Aroma Tea House Guilin, Longji LI'an Lodge, Sanjiang Lost World Inn, Guilinyi Royal Palace
  • In Yangshuo: Secret Garden, Mountain Retreat, Alila Yangshuo
  • In Chengdu: The Temple House, Buddha Zen Hotel, Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel
  • In Hangzhou: Tea Boutique Hotel, Anman Fayun
  • In Huangshan: Pig's Inn Bishan, Zhang Mansion Hongcun
  • In Lijiang: Anyu Hotel, Arro Khampa Qingyun Manor, The Bivou Lijiang
  • In Lhasa: House of Shambhala, Songtsam Choskyi Linka Lhasa

    • Best China Tours from UK for First Timers

    Destinations: Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Yangshuo - Shanghai
    Although far away from UK, enjoy luxury travel experience in China. Accompanied by local knowledgeable guides, visit all iconic landmarks of the country, from the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors to the Bund. Return to the calmness and tranquility of the countryside - enjoy private bamboo rafting and practice Tai Chi.
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    Destinations: Beijing - Pingyao - Xian - Chengdu - Lijiang - Guilin/Yangshuo - Chongqing - Yangtze Cruise - Shanghai
    It is an all-round China trip for UK tourists to explore this old oriental kingdom. Uncover both the ancient specialties and modern marvels, as your rickshaw winds through hutongs, you walk Pingyao and Lijiang Old Town, meet giant panda, cruise Yangtze River, ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and relax at the other-worldly Yangshuo countryside.
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    Destinations: Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai - Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin - Guangzhou - Hong Kong
    Relish the sights and taste the many flavors of China from the “cultural golden triangle”, via the surreal South China Karst, to the gastronomic capitals Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Enjoy the top Chinese dishes, dim sum, and also experience the exhilarating street food of China. Chinese cooking class is also included.
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    Destinations: Beijing - Xi'an - Zhangjiajie - Chengdu - Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin
    It is a perfect opportunity for UK tourists to discover the wonders of China’s nature. Breathe the fresh air on the peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, ascend Mt. Emei – a UNESCO cultural and natural heritage, cruise Li River to witness ever-changing, surreal karst landscape, and discover Zhuang minority people’s spectacular Longji Rice Terraces.
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    Escorted China Adventures for UK Travelers

    Destinations: Beijing - Xi'an – Chengdu - Shanghai
    What’s life really like in China? Well, you’ll have to visit the country in person. And here’s the ticket. The real china will be brought to your life on this trip, as you explore its civilization heritage, taste the authentic Chinese foods, and connect with yourself and the Chinese people you meet at their home, in the park, and at the market when you pay with smart phone.
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    Destinations: Beijing - Xian - Shanghai - Guilin/Yangshuo - Hong Kong
    Experience the culture, nature, foods, village life and highlights of a China adventure that will create for your family a life-time memory. Enjoy the family-oriented activities, such as making dumping, Xian Old City Wall biking, Yangshuo countryside biking, Chinese painting Class, and the active wild Jinshanling Great Wall hiking.
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    Destinations: Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Yangshuo - Hangzhou - Huangshan – Shanghai
    Get your boots ready as you’ll experience some of the best hiking trails of China. Hike Jinshanling Great Wall, an unrepaired authentic section, walk Guilin Longji Rice Terraces and Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Village to witness China’s farming landscape, furthermore, hike Li River and Yellow Mountain, two of China’s most beautiful places.
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    Destinations: Xi'an - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar – Urumqi
    With a sense of adventure, you will explore the greatest ever Silk Road. Fly directly from London to Xian, the starting point of the Silk Road, then travel to Dunhuang and the depths of Xinjiang. There are really something original and unexpected – Maogao Grottoes, Singing Sand Mountains, Jiaohe Ruins, Karakul Lake, the biggest mosque in Xinjiang…
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    Destinations: Hong Kong - Guilin - Zhangjiajie - Xian - Wuhan - Huangshan – Shanghai
    Start your journey from Hong Kong, once a colony of United Kingdom for more than 150 years and still remains its colonial features. The adventure becomes even more exciting as you ride bullet trains arriving Guilin, Zhangjiajie, via the ancient capital Xian, and end in Shanghai, after admire the culture and nature of Huangshan.
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    Destinations: Beijing - Xian - Guiyang - Kaili - Zhaoxing - Sanjiang - Guilin - Yangshuo – Shanghai
    This private tour package of China gives UK visitors a chance to discover the ancient capitals Beijing and Xian, more importantly the incredible arts and culture of the mountain tribes in Guizhou. Visit the villages, markets, workshops and houses of Miao and Dong people, and learn from local women the superior skills of textile, embroidery and paper making, etc.
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    Suggested China Asia Tours from UK

    Destinations: Beijing - Xi’an - Chengdu - Chongqing - Yangtze Cruise - Shanghai - Tokyo - Nikko - Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka
    Visit Japan and China from UK on an all-sided holiday. Discover highlight attractions including the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors and Horses, cruise Yangtze River, meet giant panda, relax at Otemachi and Ginza, Oedo Onsen Monogatari, and search for peace and spiritual nature before Japan’s many ancient shrines and temples.
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    Destinations: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Hue - Danang - Halong Bay – Hoian
    Travel across Vietnam from vibrant cities to ancient capital and captivating coast, taking the iconic highlights and meeting many friendly local people. Our best guides will introduce to you the rich dynasties and emperors of Vietnam, and the traditional Vietnamese culture. Enjoy yourself biking to the fishing village and Sail scenic Halong Bay.
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    Destinations: Yangon - Bagan - Mandalay - Amarapura - Mingun - Sagaing - Heho - Pindaya - Inle Lake - Yangon
    The mystic, isolated, and somehow closed Myanmar is somewhere to explore another side of the world. Immerse yourself the holiness of this Buddhist country when visiting the iconic ancient ruins, pagodas, temples and royal palaces. Also get exposed to Myanmar’s beautiful nature and local artisans’ workshops.
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    Easy Tour China Tours from UK Reviews

    The ETC tour was excellent with good hotels; guides who were knowledgeable and spoke excellent English; and good daily content. Many thanks to you for organising the trip. Please also pass on to the guides concerned our thanks.
    - Phil Linley from UK
    Guides were all very good, knew their business and places they took us well and gave excellent service whilst also being flexible when required. We will definitely make contact in future when we plan another trip and will pass on your details to our friends when we tell them about our trip.
    - Johann, Rouxleen & Stephenfrom UK

    Practical Tips on Tours to China from UK

    China Visa Tips for British Citizens

    • Where to get a visa for China from UK?

      To make your trip to China from UK an easy and pleasant one, you are kindly advised to consult the local Chinese Embassy or Consulates-General first for the tourist visa. They will readily help you go through the necessary procedures. For ordinary British passport holders, you may prepare your passport, all the required documents and proof of your China itinerary including round-trip air ticket booking record and proof of hotel reservation, etc., and apply for Chinese visa at Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). A Chinese Tourist visa currently costs £151 plus £66 administration fees.

    • The Chinese Embassy and CVASC in UK:

      ◎Embassy of the People's Republic of China in UK
      Tel:020-77767888
      Fax:020-77106001
      E-mail: ukcentre@visaforchina.org
      Website: www.chinese-embassy.org.uk
      Address: 31 Portland Place,London,W1B 1QD,London,W1B 1QD
      Office Hours: 9:00am-12:00 noon (Monday-Friday, Except British and Chinese holidays)

      ◎Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in London
      Tel:+44(0)20 7776 7888
      Fax:+44(0)20 7710 6001
      Office Address: 12 Old Jewry, London, EC2R 8DU
      E-mail: ukcentre@visaforchina.org
      Website: http://bio.visaforchina.org/LON2_EN/

      Business Hours
      Office Hours: every Tuesday and Thursday
      Application Submission and payment: 10a.m - 13p.m
      Collection: 12p.m - 14 p.m
      The Centre is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

      ◎Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Manchester

      Call: 01612369619
      Fax: 01612445883
      E-mail: manchestercentre@visaforchina.org
      Website: http://bio.visaforchina.org/MAN2_EN/
      Address: Ground Floor, 71 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HR

      Business Hours:
      Visa application: 9:00-15:00 Payment and collection 9:00-16:00
      (Monday-Friday, Except British and Chinese holidays)

      ◎Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Edinburgh
      Tel:0131 2292519
      Fax:0131 2291598
      E-mail: edinburghcentre@visaforchina.org
      Website: https://bio.visaforchina.org/EDI2_EN/
      Address: 2ndFloor, Exchange Tower,19 Canning Street, City of edinburgh, EH3 8EG, UK.

      Business hours:
      Visa application: 9:00-15:00 Payment and collection 9:00-12:00
      (Monday-Friday, Except British and Chinese holidays)
      ◎Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Belfast
      Tel: 0131 2292519
      Fax: 0131 2291598
      E-mail: edinburghcentre@visaforchina.org
      Website: https://bio.visaforchina.org/BFS2_EN/
      Address: Chinese Welfare Association, 1 Stranmillis Embankment, Belfast BT7 1GB

      Business hours (closed now): Please check the 'News' on the official website of Chinese Consulate-General in Edinburgh (http://edinburgh.china-consulate.org/chn/ for the reopening information).

    Practical Travel Tips for British citizens 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. Different for that of UK, the tap water is not drinkable, 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 have western style bathrooms and toilets. Obviously in the more remote areas, they 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 for my holiday to China from UK?

      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.

    • Clothing suggestion for British tourists to China:

      The climate and weather of China is different from those of the UK. Check the weather forecast before you go to China.

      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. 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 UK travelers get consular assistance when touring in China?

      A: In China, the British citizens can obtain consular assistance from the:

      ◎The Consular Section of the British Embassy Beijing

      Address: 21st Floor North Tower, Kerry Centre, No.1 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
      100020
      Telephone:+86 (0) 10 8529 6600
      Fax:+86 (0) 10 8529 6081
      Out of Hours: (+86) (0) 10 5192 4000
      Email: consular.beijing@fco.gov.uk
      Website: www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-beijing

      Counter services:
      Monday-Thursday: 9.00-12.00 / 13.00-15.00
      Friday: 9.00-12.00
      Telephone enquiries:
      Monday - Friday: 8.30-12.00 / 13.00-16.00

      ◎The Consular Section of the British Consulate-General Shanghai

      Address: 1702, British Centre, Garden Square, 968 West Beijing Road, Shanghai
      200041, China
      Telephone+86 (0) 21 3279 2000
      Fax+86 (0) 21 3279 2009
      Website: www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-shanghai
      Email: consular.shanghai@fco.gov.uk

      Counter services:
      Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9.00-12.00 / 14.00-16.00
      Tuesday, Friday: 9.00-12.00
      Telephone enquiries:
      Monday-Friday: 9.00-16.00

      ◎The Consular Section of the British Consulate-General Guangzhou

      Address: British Consulate General in Guangzhou, China - 22/F Guangzhou International Finance Centre - 5 Zhujiang Road West - Zhujiang New Town - 510623 Guangzhou - China
      Phone: (+86) (0) 20 8314 3000
      Fax: (+86) (0) 20 8331 2799
      Website: http://gov.uk/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-guangzhou
      Email: guangzhou.consular@fco.gov.uk

      ◎British Consulate-General in Hong Kong

      Telephone+ (852) 2901 3000
      Fax+ (852) 2901 3204
      Address: 1 Supreme Court Road, Hong Kong
      Email: www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-hong-kong
      Website: www.gov.uk/world/hong-kong
      P.S.
      To note the consular sections operate on a 'by appointment only' system, please call the office in advance prior to showing up, or book an on-line appointment.
      ◎British Consulate-General Chongqing
      Telephone (General enquiries only)+86 (0) 23 6369 1500
      Telephone (Consular)+86 (0) 10 8529 6600
      Fax (General)+86 (0) 23 6369 1525
      Fax (Consular)+86 (0) 10 8529 6081
      Address: Suite 2801, Metropolitan Oriental Plaza, 68 Zourong Road, Yu Zhong District
      400010 Chongqing
      China
      Website: www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-chongqing
      Opening hours (local time):
      Monday to Friday: 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 5pm

    Direct Flights from UK to China


    There are increasing direct flights to China from United Kingdom. For example, in 2018, the London to Changsha / Xian / Wuhan direct flights, Edinburg-Dublin-Beijing flight began to open. Therefore the gateway city for your vacation to China hasn’t always to be Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Hong Kong. Currently, there are non-stop flights to China from London, Manchester, Edinburg and Dublin.


    Departure cities in UK: London, Manchester, Edinburg and Dublin

    Arrival cities in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Changsha, Xian, Wuhan, Qingdao and Chongqing


    Based on feedback from our British guests and our own travel experiences, we've found the following online flight platforms and websites are very helpful for investigating and ticketing airfare, and buy cheap flights from UK to China:

    • http://www.flightstochina.org.uk/index.html

    • http://www.airchina.co.uk/en/index.html

    • http://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb

    • http://www.lastminute.com/site/find/World/Asia/China/China--Flight.html 

    • http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/