How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2026

Are you planning your first trip to China and wondering what to expect? The short answer: your China travel as a first-timer will be easy, happy and amazing – with our guide.

The long Answer? Picture yourself standing awestruck on the Great Wall, meeting the gaze of Terracotta warriors, cruising the other-worldly Li River, and riding a camel on the timeless Silk Road.

In-Depth Guide

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Here we come up with the things to know to get you prepared and practical travel tips to help you plan your first trip to China. Make the most of your visit in China with the best destinations, foods, accommodations, and itineraries.

With it being your first China trip with family or friends, chances are you’re thinking to visit the most popular destinations like Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and the Silk Road with all the iconic landmarks. But lesser-known destinations like Yunnan and Guizhou are also well worth your time.

Decide Where to Go on Your First Trip to China

The imperial and modern Chinese capital, Beijing is a must-visit place for your first visit to China. It is also a popular gateway city and many international travelers plan their China tours from Beijing.

We’ve curated classic activities for your Beijing trips. Walk on the Great Wall of China, explore the treasures inside the Forbidden City, admire the architecture of Temple of Heaven. You’re also encouraged to take a rickshaw ride through Beijing hutongs to witness Beijingers’ real lifestyle and discover various kinds of local foods. A Chinese calligraphy or paper-cutting lesson can be arranged in a hutong courtyard.

Beijing – the City with the Largest Number of World Cultural Heritage Sites in the World

With a history of over 3000 years, being the capital of 13 dynasties, and the starting point of the silk Road, Xian is the best place in China to embrace history. Xi’an is on a par with the world-famous ancient cities of Rome, Athens and Cairo.

Meet the great invincible Terracotta Army, which belonged to Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, and enjoy making a mini terracotta warrior by yourself. Walk or bike on the Xian City Wall, the best-kept ancient city wall in the country. More historical sites to explore include the Big and Small Goose Pagoda, Shanxi History Museum, etc.

Key Tips & Recommendations

💡 China Silk Road Tours
💡 China Tours from Beijing
💡 China Tours from Shanghai
💡 China Tours for Expats
💡 Natural Adventure Tours
💡 Great Wall of China Tours
💡 Popular Provinces to Visit Guizhou ToursInner Mongolia ToursJiangxi ToursTibet ToursXinjiang ToursYunnan Tours
💡 Popular Cities to Visit Beijing ToursChengdu ToursChongqing ToursDunhuang ToursGuilin ToursHangzhou ToursHarbin ToursHong Kong ToursHuangshan ToursPingyao ToursSanya ToursShanghai ToursSuzhou ToursXiamen ToursXian ToursZhangjiajie ToursZhangye Tours
💡 Classic China Group ToursBeijing Group ToursXian Group ToursXinjiang Group ToursSilk Road Group ToursTibet Group Tours
💡 Classic China Group Tours

Plan Your China Trip with Confidence

Let our expert travel advisors help you navigate every detail — from itinerary design to logistics.