China

China Tours

Guided, Educational, and Inspiring Adventures

From ancient wonders like the Great Wall to modern marvels like Beijing’s National Stadium, China tours offer unforgettable adventures that take you through history, culture and breathtaking landscapes. At Road Scholar, our China guided tours are led by local expert guides, offering rich insights into the revered temples of Tibetan Buddhism and enriching lessons on cultural attractions like the Forbidden City. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet beauty of misty mountains along the Yangtze River or the energy of bustling markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong, China educational tours open the doors to one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

See Iconic Highlights with Experts

Your China Vacation

Travel the arc of China’s expansive history with specialists who bring each landmark to life. At Road Scholar, our local, knowledgeable guides create an experience that immerses you in the past while drawing parallels to the present when visiting iconic highlights, including:

• The Great Wall: Perhaps the most recognizable path in the world is the Great Wall of China, where you can join a historian who explains why this route follows the ridgelines and the significance it played in China’s long history.
• Tiananmen Square: Learn how Beijing’s imperial and modern stories meet at the Forbidden City’s gates and step back in time to learn about the Ming and Qing dynasties.
• The Terracotta Army: Join an archaeologist who will explain the history of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and his army of life-sized clay models of soldiers, horses and chariots in Xi’an.
• Traversing the Yangtze: Join train trips and rail tours for seniors along the Yangtze River, or hop on a riverboat on Asia River Cruises, to watch the countryside unfold between rural and contemporary China.
• Shanghai: China tours aren’t complete without a stop in Shanghai, where you can take in the sights of soaring skylines and visit local markets to try traditional street fare.
• Tibet: For those drawn to the high plateau, China guided tours can bring you to Tibet to learn from Tibetan cultural guides who frame Lhasa’s Jokhang not just as a significant monument, but as a living center of faith.

No matter which China educational tours you choose, you’ll gain a clear understanding of each attraction, allowing you to enjoy a connected story rather than simply a series of sights.

Cultural Immersion and Local Encounters on China Educational Tours

On China vacations, you can step into the daily life of locals to gain a deeper understanding of their day-to-day routines. Share a tea tasting in a traditional teahouse and learn the etiquette behind each pour, or join a calligraphy session where a local artist helps you practice brushwork and understand the meaning associated with each character. 

One of the top travel tips for Asia is to put yourself out there and try new things for a truly immersive experience. This might also mean strolling a Chengdu market to hear firsthand from vendors on how regional flavors shape Sichuan cooking or even riding a city ferry in Hong Kong to explore a neighborhood wet market. Shanghai’s “li-long” lanes, consisting of longtime shopkeepers, offer another excellent culturally immersive experience to connect with locals.

Meanwhile, stops in Tibet on China tours offer an opportunity to meet a craft cooperative to learn how weaving techniques encode passed-down stories or riverboat cruises along the Yangtze help travelers see how the river supports both work and worship. It’s encounters like these on our China guided tours that leave you with new skills, lasting friendships and lifelong memories.

Small Groups

Richer Connections on China Group Tours

Small China group tours make long days easier and conversations more engaging. With fewer travelers, your guide can match the pace to the group, secure quieter corners at busy sites to chat and weave in short breaks for photos or a quick snack to refuel. Small group tours also make for an excellent trip for first-time travelers, as logistics are simpler with quicker onboarding for activities like riverboat cruises and guided tours, along with easier seating in neighborhood restaurants and more flexibility to go off the beaten path with confidence, thanks to an experienced guide leading the way.

At Road Scholar, our small China group tours also welcome solo travelers and older adults. You'll be able to enjoy everything from luggage assistance and carefully planned itineraries to spirited conversations with fellow travelers who share similar interests. From evenings that include open roundtables to discuss what you learned during the day to group cars on trains between cities that create a moving classroom to compare notes, ideas will flow throughout the entirety of your trip. The result? A culture where you and your fellow travelers can share stories and forge meaningful relationships that last well beyond your China tour.

Planning Your China Tour with Road Scholar

Whether you’re embarking on multi-country tours between China and nearby Southeast Asia destinations or keeping China as your destination, there are several travel tips to keep in mind to plan your adventure:

• Pack light but smart with versatile clothing to adjust to fluctuating temperatures.
• Bring comfortable footwear to accommodate the extended time on your feet.
• Balance activities and downtime to ensure you’re well-rested for a fully immersive experience.
• Research the best time of year to visit based on your interests and keep in mind weather, festivals and peak travel seasons.
• Familiarize yourself with entry requirements, such as passport and visa regulations.

At Road Scholar, our team handles most of the logistics for you, from booking activities to securing lodging, transportation and most meals. Book your China tour today to discover more about its rich history, culture and traditions.