Custom travel to China

China is one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations — 5,000 years of history, 9.6 million km², 1.4 billion inhabitants, 56 ethnicities, 8 recognized regional cuisines. From the Great Wall (the world's largest human structure, visible from orbit) to Xi'an's buried army (8,000 life-sized warrior statues, eternal guardians of the first emperor), from Guilin's karst landscapes to Yunnan's Tibetan villages, from Shanghai's skyscrapers to Beijing's hutong alleys, the country offers cultural and geographical intensity unmatched anywhere. A trip to China is a leap into a still-living millennial civilization, in permanent motion.

Highlights

  • Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven
  • Xi'an: buried army of the first Qin emperor
  • Shanghai: skyline, the Bund, and French Concession
  • Guilin and Yangshuo: karst landscapes on the Li River
  • Yunnan: Lijiang, Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge
  • Tibet: Lhasa, Potala, Himalayan monasteries (permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a China trip?

April-June and September-October offer the best conditions everywhere. Avoid July-August (stifling heat), Chinese New Year (saturated transport), and winter in the north (very cold).

How long for a China trip?

Minimum 12 days for Beijing + Xi'an + Shanghai. 16-18 days to add Guilin and Yunnan. 21 days to combine with Tibet (permit required).

What budget for a custom China trip?

As a guideline, €2,800-€4,000 per person for 12-14 days in comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with Aman and Songtsam lodges: €6,000-€14,000. Paris-Beijing flights: €700-€1,500.

Do I need a visa for China?

Tourist visa L mandatory (request 1 month before departure via Chinese visa center, around €130). Alternative: 144-h visa-free transit for Beijing and Shanghai if you arrive and leave to a third country (e.g., Paris-Beijing-Bangkok).

How does Internet work in China?

Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Le Monde, Le Figaro are blocked (Great Firewall). Install a VPN BEFORE leaving (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Astrill — paid, work; free don't work). WeChat is the universal Chinese app (messaging, payment, transport).

How to get around in China?

Excellent high-speed trains (350 km/h): Beijing-Shanghai 4 h 30, Beijing-Xi'an 4 h 30. Air China domestic flights for long distances (Yunnan, Tibet). Very efficient metro in Beijing and Shanghai. Didi (Chinese Uber) for taxis. Avoid long-distance buses.

How to pay in China?

China is nearly cashless — WeChat Pay and Alipay reign. Since 2023, link possible with international bank card. Prefer Alipay (clearer English interface). Yuan cash useful for rural areas. Visa/Mastercard cards accepted only in international hotels.

Can I visit Tibet?

Yes, but with a special permit (Tibet Travel Permit), to request 1 month before departure via an approved Chinese tour operator. Mandatory guided visit. Tibet closed February-March (2008 protest anniversary). Altitude precautions: Lhasa at 3,600 m, EBC at 5,200 m. 2-3 day acclimatization essential.

Is China safe for a trip?

Yes, one of the world's safest countries in terms of crime (dense surveillance network). Main risks: tourist scams (fake monks, trapped tea ceremonies in Beijing/Shanghai), counterfeits. Avoid intense urban pollution in winter (mask possible).

Is China suitable for a family trip?

Yes, from 8-10 years (domestic flights and long distances can tire younger children). Safety, enthusiastic welcome for children (sometimes too much — be careful about photos), kid-friendly experiences (Great Wall with toboggan, giant pandas, Beijing opera). Avoid Tibet for children (altitude).