Skip to content

Ikky In China

Discover culture, navigate daily life, and thrive in the Middle Kingdom

Primary Menu
  • Living in China
    • Visa Guide
    • Housing
    • Banking & Money
    • Healthcare
    • Education
    • Permanent Residence
  • Business & Career
    • Job Opportunities
    • Business Culture
    • Networking
  • Travel & Culture
    • Flights to China
    • Cultural Guide
    • Language Learning
  • About Us
  • Login
  • Home
  • 2025
  • May
  • 18
  • How to Arrange Group Tours in China
  • China

How to Arrange Group Tours in China

Ikky Ma May 18, 2025
How to Arrange Group Tours in China

China is a vast and culturally rich country, offering breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cities.

Organizing a group trip in China requires careful planning and understanding of the country’s latest travel policies.

This updated guide provides practical steps to help you arrange a seamless and enjoyable group tour in China for 2025.

Step 1: Define Your Group Tour Objectives

Before diving into logistics, clarify your tour’s purpose. Your objectives will shape your itinerary, budget, and overall experience.

Key Considerations

  • Type of tour: Business, leisure, adventure, cultural, or educational
  • Group size: Small private groups vs. large organized tours
  • Duration: Short city escapes or extended multi-city adventures
  • Budget: Luxury travel vs. budget-friendly options
  • Preferred season: Best travel times depend on weather and regional events

Step 2: Understanding Visa Requirements and Entry Policies

China has significantly relaxed its visa policies in 2024-2025, offering multiple entry options for international travelers.

Visa-Free Options

Policy TypeEligible CountriesDurationRequirements
30-Day Visa-Free38 countries including Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia30 daysValid until Dec 31, 2025
240-Hour (10-Day) Transit54 countries including US, UK, Canada, Russia10 daysProof of onward travel
ASEAN Tour GroupsMalaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia6 daysMin. 2 people, organized by Chinese travel agency, limited to Xishuangbanna region
Cruise Ship EntryForeign tour groupsVariesMust enter through designated cruise ports in 13 coastal cities
Hainan Special Policy59 countriesVariesActivities limited to Hainan province

Source: China Travel

Standard Visa Application

If you don’t qualify for visa-free entry or need a longer stay:

  • Tourist Visa (L Visa): Standard visa for leisure travelers
  • Business Visa (M Visa): For attending corporate events
  • Student Visa (X Visa): Required for educational trips

Apply at least 2 months in advance through the China Online Visa Application website.

Step 3: Choosing Destinations and Itinerary

Select destinations that cater to your group’s interests and mobility requirements.

Popular Group Travel Destinations

  1. Beijing: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
  2. Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden, modern skyline
  3. Xi’an: Terracotta Army, ancient city walls
  4. Guilin & Yangshuo: Karst landscapes ideal for nature lovers
  5. Chengdu: Panda research base and Sichuan cuisine
  6. Hangzhou & Suzhou: Gardens, temples, and historic canals
  7. Hainan: Tropical beaches with special visa policies
  8. Xishuangbanna: Unique cultural experiences with ASEAN visa-free options

Sample 10-Day Visa-Free Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Beijing, Forbidden City tour
  • Day 2: Great Wall excursion, local market exploration
  • Day 3: Temple of Heaven, evening train to Xi’an
  • Day 4: Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter food tour
  • Day 5: Morning flight to Shanghai, afternoon city sightseeing
  • Day 6: Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, The Bund
  • Day 7: Day trip to Suzhou, classical gardens
  • Day 8: Bullet train to Hangzhou, West Lake cruise
  • Day 9: Lingyin Temple, tea plantation visit
  • Day 10: Return to Shanghai for departure

Step 4: Transportation Planning

China offers multiple transportation options with an extensive high-speed rail network connecting major tourist destinations.

Best Transportation Options

  • High-Speed Rail: Fast (up to 350 km/h), efficient, and scenic. Connects most major cities with frequent departures.
  • Domestic Flights: Over 200 airports nationwide. Ideal for covering long distances.
  • Private Coaches: Suitable for large groups needing customized travel routes.
  • Subway & Local Transit: Extensive networks in major cities with English signage.

Pro Tip: Download the China Train Booking app for real-time schedules and bookings.

Step 5: Accommodation Planning

Choose accommodations based on group size, preferences, and budget.

Popular Choices

  • International Chain Hotels: Familiar standards with English-speaking staff
  • Boutique Hotels: Authentic experiences in historic buildings
  • Business Hotels: Practical options with good facilities
  • Resorts: Luxury options in scenic destinations

Booking Tip: Many hotels offer group discounts for 10+ rooms. Request quotes from multiple properties.

Step 6: Digital Payment and Connectivity

China’s digital payment ecosystem is highly developed but requires preparation for foreign visitors.

Payment Options for Foreign Tourists

MethodAccessibilityBest For
International Credit CardsIncreasingly accepted at hotels, major attractionsLarge purchases
UnionPay CardsWidely acceptedGeneral spending
Alipay/WeChat Pay Tourist VersionAvailable for short-term visitorsDaily transactions
CashAlways acceptedBackup option

Source: China Highlights

Internet Connectivity

  • Consider purchasing a Chinese SIM card upon arrival
  • Major hotels offer reliable WiFi
  • VPN services may be needed for accessing certain international websites

Step 7: Cultural Experiences and Local Guides

A knowledgeable tour guide enhances the experience by providing cultural insights and local expertise.

Finding Reliable Guides

  1. Licensed Tour Operators: Work with agencies specializing in group tours
  2. Online Platforms: Services like Viator offer pre-vetted guides
  3. University Programs: Some universities can arrange educational exchanges

City-Specific Services

Many cities offer specialized services for international tourists:

  • Shanghai: Free half-day tours for international visitors
  • Beijing: Direct use of overseas bank cards on public transportation
  • Chengdu: AI translation services in 10 languages
  • Sanya: 24-hour foreign language services through government hotlines

Step 8: Health and Safety Considerations

Current Entry Requirements

  • No COVID tests or health declaration forms required
  • No quarantine or special health measures for travelers
  • Regular travel insurance is recommended

Safety Resources

  • Emergency number: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance)
  • Tourist assistance: Most cities have dedicated tourist police
  • Translation services: Available through hotel concierges or apps like Baidu Translate

Step 9: Budgeting and Financial Planning

Cost Factors

  • Peak vs. Off-Peak: Prices can vary by 30-50% between seasons
  • Group Discounts: Available at most attractions for 10+ people
  • Regional Variations: Eastern cities (Shanghai, Beijing) are more expensive than western regions

Sample Budget (Per Person/Day in USD)

Expense CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Accommodation$30-50$80-150$200+
Meals$15-25$30-60$80+
Transportation$10-20$30-50$100+
Activities$20-40$50-100$150+
Guide Services$10-15$20-30$50+

Note: Group discounts typically range from 10-30% depending on group size and season.

Conclusion

Arranging a group tour in China in 2025 offers exciting new possibilities thanks to relaxed visa policies and improved tourist infrastructure.

By selecting suitable destinations, understanding the latest entry requirements, and embracing digital payment options, your group can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip across this fascinating country.

Additional Resources

  • National Immigration Administration: Official source for visa policies
  • China Highlights: Comprehensive travel information
  • Trip.com: Booking platform for flights, trains, and hotels
  • Discover China: Detailed guides to major destinations

About the Author

Ikky Ma

Administrator

This page features all articles and posts by Ikky, the owner of the blog named ikkyinchina.com

Visit Website View All Posts

Post navigation

Previous: Understanding Air Pollution and Health Risks in China
Next: How to Inform Local Authorities of Your Departure

Related Stories

India-China Direct Flights Resume
  • China

India-China Direct Flights Resume: Kolkata–Guangzhou & Beyond

Ikky Ma October 3, 2025
How to Change Taobao Language to English
  • China

How to Change Taobao Language to English: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ikky Ma October 2, 2025
China Optimizes High-End Foreign Talent Recognition Standards
  • China

China Optimizes High-End Foreign Talent Recognition Standards

Ikky Ma October 1, 2025

You may have missed

India-China Direct Flights Resume
  • China

India-China Direct Flights Resume: Kolkata–Guangzhou & Beyond

Ikky Ma October 3, 2025
How to Change Taobao Language to English
  • China

How to Change Taobao Language to English: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ikky Ma October 2, 2025
China Optimizes High-End Foreign Talent Recognition Standards
  • China

China Optimizes High-End Foreign Talent Recognition Standards

Ikky Ma October 1, 2025
Reflexology in Chinese
  • China

Reflexology in Chinese: Ancient Healing and Modern Wellness

Ikky Ma October 1, 2025
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube