cHINA
A vast civilisation of imperial heritage, dramatic landscapes and modern energy.
Explore China
China unfolds on an extraordinary scale. Ancient capitals, imperial architecture, mountain landscapes, river valleys and megacities all form part of a country shaped by thousands of years of cultural continuity and constant reinvention.
In Beijing, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Great Wall reveal the legacy of imperial China. Further south, landscapes such as Guilin and Zhangjiajie bring a more cinematic side of the country into view, while cities including Shanghai show how contemporary life sits alongside long-established traditions.
With Oriva Journeys, China is explored through carefully paced routes that balance major landmarks with regional character, cultural context and enough time to understand how different each part of the country can feel.
CAPITAL
BEIJING
LANGUAGE
CHINESE
CURRENCY
¥ CNY (RMB)
Where Will China Take You?
Beijing
Xi’an
Shanghai
Guilin & Yangshuo
Zhangjiajie
Lijiang
Your China Journey, Made Personal
Before You Go
A few useful things to know before planning your journey through China.
1. When is the best time to visit China?
China is vast, so there is no single best season for the entire country. Spring and autumn generally offer comfortable conditions for many classic routes, while summer and winter can work especially well depending on the region.
Northern China, mountain areas and southern destinations all experience different climates, so timing should be planned around the specific route rather than the country as a whole.
2. How many days do I need for China?
Around 10–14 days is a good starting point for a first journey, allowing enough time to combine two or three major regions without rushing.
A classic first trip might connect Beijing with Xi’an and Shanghai, while a longer journey can add Guilin, Zhangjiajie or another regional destination.
China rewards slower pacing because distances are large and each region has its own cultural character.
3. What are the best places to visit in China?
Beijing is the natural starting point for imperial heritage, including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and nearby sections of the Great Wall. Xi’an adds another layer through its ancient capital history, while Shanghai offers a very different modern urban atmosphere.
For nature, Guilin and Yangshuo are known for karst landscapes, while Zhangjiajie offers dramatic mountain scenery. Lijiang, Hangzhou and other historic cities can also add a more regional dimension to longer journeys.
The best route depends on whether you are most interested in history, landscapes, food, architecture or contemporary culture.
4. Can Oriva create a tailor-made China journey?
Yes. Oriva Journeys can shape a China itinerary around your interests, preferred pace and the balance you want between heritage, nature and modern city life.
You may prefer a classic Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai route, a more landscape-focused journey through Guilin and Zhangjiajie, or a combination of major cities and quieter regional destinations.
Because China is so large, good route planning is especially important. We focus on realistic travel times and meaningful regional combinations.
5. What kind of experiences can I have in China?
China offers far more than sightseeing. Your journey might include walking quieter sections of the Great Wall, exploring hutong neighbourhoods, discovering regional cuisine, visiting traditional gardens, travelling by high-speed rail, hiking through mountain landscapes or spending time in historic towns.
The contrast between old and new is part of the experience itself — from imperial architecture and local markets to contemporary design, modern transport and rapidly changing cities.
6. Is China suitable for first-time travellers to Asia?
Yes, especially for travellers who enjoy history, architecture, food and large-scale landscapes.
China’s transport network makes it possible to connect major destinations efficiently, while recent initiatives have also focused on making payment, ticketing and visitor services easier for international travellers.
For a first journey, we would recommend focusing on a well-paced route through a few regions rather than trying to cover too much of the country at once.
Let Your Journey
Unfold at Your Pace
Tell us what inspires you, how you like to travel and how much time
you have. We’ll help shape a journey around you.
No fixed formula. Just a journey designed around you.
