Plan Your First Trip to China 2026

Planning a trip to China can feel overwhelming. It's a vast and diverse country, but that also means there's a lot to figure out: Where should you go? How long do you need? Will mobile payments be a problem?
This guide is here to make it all easier. With local insights and practical tips, we'll walk you through the key steps from picking destinations to getting around, so you can plan with confidence and enjoy the journey ahead.
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· 1. Choose Where to Go
· 2. Decide How Many Days to Stay
· 3. Consider When to Travel to China
· 4. Getting Around China
· 5. Choosing Where to Stay
· 6. Check Out Visa Policy
· 7. What's the Cost
· 8. Learn How to Pay in China
· 9. Prepare Internet Access
· 10. Should I Choose Guided Tours
1. Choose Where to Go
With the knowledge of China and feedback from the clients, the following five destinations are recommended for first-timers. Each one brings something different: ancient culture, stunning landscapes, city life, or even a close-up with China's beloved pandas.
1) Beijing — Explore China's Imperial Past
The Forbidden City
If it's your first time in China, Beijing is the ideal starting point, where ancient dynasties, iconic landmarks, and vibrant local life all come together.
The Great Wall and Forbidden City are must-sees. To make your visits a fresh twist, try visiting the Forbidden City in Hanfu. It's photogenic and offers a deeper cultural feel.
For a new experience in the Great Wall, you could expect a drone-delivered experience (a fun blend of tradition and tech) at Badaling. Or head to Jinshanling for a sunset picnic on a quieter, more scenic stretch.
You could also get a feel for daily life with a guided hutong walk, where Beijing's old neighborhoods still breathe.
If you travel with kids, spend a day at Universal Beijing Resort, or enjoy some fun and educational activities like tai chi in the park, calligraphy, and a local family visit in the hutongs.
Beijing is also where you can experience China's futuristic lifestyle, from smart home demonstrations to a ride in an autonomous vehicle.
A Chinese clinic experience has become a fresh and popular highlight of a China trip. We'll take you to a local clinic to explore TCM pulse reading, facial diagnosis, and even AI-assisted analysis.
You can also try acupuncture, cupping, or tuina. It's available not only in Beijing, but also in Xi'an and Hangzhou.
See more from the 11-Day China Family Tour.
2) Shanghai — China's Window to the Future
The Bund, Shanghai
Shanghai is where China looks ahead. It is a city of dazzling skylines, global flavors, and vibrant contrasts between the old and the new.
Hop on a ferry to cross the Huangpu River. You will see the historical architecture on the Bund as well as the modern skyscrapers opposite, giving you a distinctive contrast between modern life and the post-imperial past.
have specially designed an in-depth Bund culture discovery walking tour for those who want to learn more interesting stories about the Bund and old Shanghai.
You will walk a route that few tourists will find by themselves, see the most original bricks, and hear some interesting stories that you'll never find in history books.
To feel the city's softer side, recommend walking through the tree-lined streets of the French Concession, where Art Deco villas, boutique cafés, and local life blend seamlessly.
If time permits, extend your tour to Hangzhou or Suzhou for a blend of classical gardens, water towns, and modern high-tech experiences. See 5-Day Shanghai and Hangzhou High-Tech Tour.
3) Xi'an — Walk Through 2,000 Years of History
The Terracotta Warriors
If you're drawn to China's ancient roots, Xi'an is unmissable. As the capital of 13 dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road, it offers a deep dive into the foundations of Chinese civilization.
The Terracotta Warriors are the city's most iconic highlight, but can take your visit a step further. With access to a lesser-known museum near the site, you'll get a rare close-up of the first batch of restored warriors.
Step into a real conservation lab, where under the guidance of professional restorers, you'll work with authentic Qin-era fragments and try your hand at piecing together a mini terracotta warrior.
You can handle Qin Dynasty relics in the conservation lab.
In the evening, don't miss Great Tang All Day Mall. It is a dazzling boulevard lit by lanterns and full of performers, street artists, and music. It's the perfect spot to experience Xi'an's modern pulse wrapped in Tang Dynasty charm.
Xi'an is also a favorite for Hanfu photography lovers. The city's many historic buildings and atmospheric streets make the perfect backdrop. can help you dress up and capture it all, from palace walls to quiet temples.
4) Guilin — Cruise Through China's Most Iconic Scenery
Li River
First-timers love Guilin for its beautiful landscapes and relaxing places to escape from the cities. It is a true masterpiece of classic rural China.
A Li River cruise is the best way to enjoy karst peaks, combined with the Li River.
Yangshuo and Longsheng, two counties next to the city of Guilin, offer most of Guilin's top highlights.
Yangshuo is a place where children can put down their phones and iPads and still be well entertained… by cycling around the idyllic countryside, exploring an undeveloped karst cave, and even experiencing the life and work of a Chinese farmer.
Yangshuo also offers a natural, romantic atmosphere for couples. A romantic riverside candlelit dinner set in a mountain retreat garden could be a great way to celebrate your 20th, 30th, 40th, etc., anniversary.