Plan with confidence
How to plan a China trip, step by step
A six-step curriculum that turns a wish list into a workable itinerary — the same questions our travel designers walk through with every client.
1. Choose the season
Seasonal & festival guidesSeason decides crowds, weather and price more than anything else. Spring and autumn suit most routes; winter suits Yunnan and the south; summer suits the mountains and the plateau.
2. Shape the route
Explore the journey mapPick three to four bases, not ten. Every move costs half a day; every base needs two nights minimum to be worth unpacking for.
3. Match travel to terrain
Rail & river journeysHigh-speed rail for the trunk, cars and guides for the last hour, a cruise when the river is the point.
4. Budget honestly
Get a tailored quotePrivate journeys run from about USD 250 per person per day in comfort hotels; add for luxury properties, internal flights and peak dates.
5. Fix the documents
Visa invitationPassport validity, visa or invitation letter, insurance and any permits (Tibet requires an organised tour).
6. Prepare the details
Packing guideMobile payments, eSIM, essential apps, medication, and a printed itinerary with your advisor's number.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a travel designer or plan it myself?
Plan the shape yourself if you enjoy it, and hand over the parts that need local knowledge: rail seats, guides, tickets and the days with tight connections.
How far ahead should I start?
Six months for peak seasons, three months for shoulder seasons. Short-notice trips are possible when availability allows — ask.
What is a realistic daily budget?
Comfort-level private travel runs around USD 250–450 per person per day including hotels, guides, transport and tickets; luxury runs USD 400–800.
Want this shaped into a real itinerary? Send us your dates, the places you are drawn to and who is travelling — a designer replies within one working day.