3 trips
If there’s a destination on Earth more spellbinding than China, we’ve yet to discover it! Find yourself transported back in time on our China group tours, as you explore the mountainous peaks of Yangshuo, the Forbidden City’s mythic beauty, and the Great Wall of China: one of the prized Seven Wonders of the World. Then, inside China’s neon-lit megacities, it’s a completely different story with life moving at an exhilarating pace. Connecting everything is the vibrant cultural heritage, centuries-old traditions, and magical cuisine. With so much more to this destination than meets the eye, a gap year in China is a glorious adventure!
Read more in our China Travel Guide.
17 or 26 days
from £1,429 £1,286
Budget-friendly backpacking trip through China's best bits
Get some big ticks on your bucket list with this group tour of China. Explore Hong Kong, Beijing, the Great Wall, Yangshuo, and more over 17 or 26 unforgettable days.
15 Days
from £1,179 £1,002
Best of China from Beijing to Shanghai
Dive into China on this 15-day group adventure! Tick the Great Wall of China off your bucket list on this epic journey from Beijing to Shanghai, packed with top highlights and hidden gems. Shape your dream trip with plenty of free time, perfect for budget travellers!
From 38 days from £4,799
5.0 38Tick China, Japan and South Korea off your Asia bucket list
Amazing combo of our best-selling China and Japan trips. See the geisha in Kyoto, marvel at the Terracotta Army, learn sword skills from a Samurai master, and spend a night camping on China's Great Wall!
China’s most iconic landmark, the Great Wall, winds across almost the entire length of the country from east to west. Sections of the wall date back to different dynasties, reflecting the rich, ancient past of this Wonder of the World. As you hike along the fortified stretches, China’s epic history comes to life.
Beijing makes an electrifying first impression, as China’s capital is where vibrant traditions and modern city life collide. Here you can discover some of the country’s most majestic temples, towers and palaces, including the legendary Forbidden City. Catch the sunset at Jingshan Park before digging into the best of Beijing’s food and nightlife!
If seeing Giant pandas is at the top of your bucket list, our China trips are how you can make it happen! In Chengdu, you have the option to visit the country’s most famous breeding and research institute dedicated to caring for these beautiful animals that are native to China, alongside Red pandas and other rare creatures.
Shanghai is where dreams come alive, welcoming travellers from all over the globe into this melting pot of a megacity. From scenic laneways where your new favourite dumpling spot awaits to towering skyscrapers and its iconic Art Deco waterfront, it is only a matter of time before you feel spellbound by the magic packed inside Shanghai.
One of China’s greatest archaeological wonders was discovered purely by chance only decades ago. More than 2,000 warrior and horse terracotta statues were buried alongside China’s first ever Emperor centuries ago, in a quest for immortality. Extraordinarily, you’ll find that no two figurines look exactly the same.
Marvel at the world that unfolds before you in Yangshuo, offering a breathtaking glimpse into China’s rural landscapes. Cycle past lush paddy fields inside a ring of rugged hilltops, and ride a bamboo raft across secluded turquoise waters. After a day out in nature, Yangshuo’s spectacular light show awaits back in the city.
Ever wondered what it would be like to spend the night inside a traditional Chinese castle? No trip to China’s Fujian province is complete without experiencing life inside a ‘Hakka Tulou’: rounded, lantern-lit fortresses that look up into the sky. Although it looks like something out of a movie, you will instantly feel at home.
Named as UNESCO’s first ever ‘City of Gastronomy’, saying you can expect some of the most flavourful meals of your life in Chengdu is an understatement. Beyond indulging in Chengdu’s legendary food scene, made as spicy as you’d like, the teahouses and craft breweries are a must-try between a trip to the Giant panda sanctuary.
Welcome to Xi’an, China’s ancient Silk Road city, where life still thrives inside those fortified walls. While the Terracotta Army is the city’s biggest draw, exploring all the local temples and pagodas in Xi’an can be just as special. In the heart of it all is the Muslim Quarter, where you can taste the rich diversity in Chinese cuisine.
China’s climate is diverse, including every landscape imaginable, like golden beaches, snowy mountain peaks, forests and even deserts. Much of China experiences a temperate climate with 4 seasons, and so average temperatures can vary throughout the year.
July and August are typically the hottest months in China, with temperatures reaching around 30°C. Meanwhile, China’s coldest months tend to be January and February, and it is common for temperatures to dip below -5°C or more, depending on where you are in the country.
The best time to visit on our China trips comes down to preference. Cherry blossom season (March to May) is one of the most popular times of year, as well as the autumn months of September to November, for the stunning red leaves.
Meanwhile, the snowy winter months, which are typically a quieter time of year, can be a fantastic option for travellers on a budget. Summers can be hot in China, making it ideal for spending time out in nature or experiencing local events such as boating or food festivals.
As the oldest continuous civilisation in the world, Chinese culture is rich and vibrant with customs dating back thousands of years. Some of China’s most famous traditions include the Chinese Zodiac and Chinese New Year. Other than its epic history and wildlife, China is known best for its delicious cuisine.
Chinese culture is friendly and welcoming. While visiting religious or historical sites, dressing modestly is encouraged. Some other cultural customs include taking off your shoes indoors, showing respect to elders and accepting gifts with both hands.
British passport holders will need a visa to enter China; we strongly encourage that you apply at least 3 months before your trip starts to allow for processing times. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival, with 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.
We recommend staying up to date on FCDO advice before you go travelling, as entry requirements and visa rules can be subject to change. Please note that as a Special Administrative Region, the entry requirements for Hong Kong are different to those of mainland China.
At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.
We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for China, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.
Flights to China from the UK are typically 10 to 13 hours. Several direct flight routes are available from London to China’s major cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai.
Yes, British passport holders will need a visa to enter mainland China and we strongly encourage starting this process at least 3 months before your trip starts due to visa processing times.
British passport holders can enter Hong Kong without a visa for up to 6 months. As a Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong’s entry requirements are different to those of mainland China. We recommend staying up-to-date on FCDO advice for all the destinations you intend to visit.
At Gap 360, our biggest priority is ensuring that travellers feel safe and supported on their adventures abroad. Before your departure on our China group tours, you will have access to our health and safety information with advice for your travels and country fact-files for China. You’ll also have access to a 24/7 emergency support number, operated by our UK-based team, to assist you while you're travelling. We always encourage travellers to do their own research before visiting a destination, or if you have any questions, we are just a message or phone call away.
China is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Some of China’s most famous native animals include Giant pandas, Golden snub-nosed monkeys, Snow leopards, Asian elephants and Red pandas!
It is completely possible to explore on a budget on our China group tours. Average prices can vary between destinations, and your trip leader will always make you aware of the most affordable options.
China is home to more than 300 living languages, with Mandarin and Cantonese being some of the main languages spoken. Fun fact: Mandarin is the most spoken language by native speakers in the world!
Yes! While many travellers do not associate China with beaches, this destination has its share of hideaways by the coast, particularly in Hainan and the special administrative region of Hong Kong. Some beautiful beaches include Yalong Bay, Wuzhizhou Island and Tai Long Wan.
Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UK’s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.
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