China is one of those destinations that often sits on people's bucket lists, but many travellers aren't quite sure where to start. With its incredible history, iconic landmarks, vibrant cities and fascinating culture, it's a country that can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming to plan on your own.
That's where escorted tours like TripADeal's 12-day China journey really shine. Offering outstanding value and taking care of all the logistics, it's an easy and affordable way to see China. The itinerary covers many of China's must-see destinations, beginning in Beijing where you'll visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and, of course, the unforgettable Great Wall of China.
From there, travel aboard China's incredibly fast and comfortable high-speed trains to Xi'an, home of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, before continuing through Zhengzhou, Suzhou, Hangzhou and finishing in the dazzling city of Shanghai.
Along the way you'll experience ancient history, beautiful gardens, traditional waterways, bustling cities and some truly remarkable engineering.
Incredible Value for Money
One of the biggest surprises was just how much was included for the price. While this is certainly a fast-paced tour, it delivers outstanding value and covers an impressive amount of ground.
Like many escorted tours in China, there are visits to local silk, jade, tea and traditional medicine centres. These are informative cultural experiences, and while you'll have opportunities to purchase products, there was never any pressure to buy.
Optional excursions are available throughout the trip, giving you the flexibility to add even more experiences if you wish.
The Food Was a Standout
One of the biggest highlights was the food. The included restaurant meals consistently exceeded expectations, offering a wonderful variety of authentic Chinese cuisine that was fresh, plentiful and delicious.
Breakfasts catered well to both Western and Chinese tastes, and dietary requirements such as gluten-free and vegan were accommodated with advance notice.
Comfortable Hotels and Excellent Transport
Accommodation throughout the tour was clean, comfortable and well maintained, with a mix of familiar international brands and local hotels.
One of the real highlights was travelling on China's high-speed trains. Fast, modern, punctual and exceptionally clean, they're an experience in themselves and a fantastic way to see more of the country.
Flights with China Eastern Airlines were also a pleasant surprise, with modern aircraft, entertainment systems and comfortable seating. One tip we recommend is pre-selecting your seats before departure, particularly if travelling as a couple.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
This tour is excellent value, but it's important to understand the style of travel.
Days are full, with early starts and plenty of sightseeing, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you'll cover plenty of ground and encounter uneven surfaces at some historic sites.
Hotels are generally located outside the city centres, meaning there is some additional coach travel each day. This is one of the reasons the tour is so competitively priced, and setting the right expectations beforehand helps travellers appreciate the incredible value on offer.
You'll also have different local guides in each region, each bringing their own knowledge and perspective to the destinations they call home.
Handy Travel Tips
China has become largely cashless, so downloading the Alipay app before you travel makes paying for purchases quick and easy. An eSIM is also highly recommended, giving you access to maps, translation apps and messaging throughout your journey.
As with any busy touring holiday, packing a small daypack with water, snacks and a light jacket will make long sightseeing days much more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
China completely exceeded expectations. From standing atop the Great Wall and marvelling at the Terracotta Warriors to experiencing world-class high-speed trains and exploring the bustling streets of Shanghai, every day offered something memorable. is clean, organised, incredibly safe to travel and full of unforgettable experiences
If you're looking for exceptional value and don't mind a fast-paced itinerary, this TripADeal journey is a fantastic introduction to one of the world's most captivating destinations. It's ideal for travellers wanting to see the highlights without the stress of planning everything themselves.