Top China Expat Tours, China Tour for Expats

With the continuously increasing global influence, many foreigners choose to live and work in China, it’s very important to have the right information to find out about a hidden China tour to enjoy a visual feast, have a unique experience, or better understand the profound history and culture.

As the 3rd largest country in the world with a history of 5,000 years, China offers not only countless breathtaking natural wonders but also fabulous colorful cultures and diverse folk customs on its wonderful land to explore and admire. Whatever you are looking for, China has everything to match your desires.

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Top destinations for 2-3 days weekend getaways

Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): Famous for its magnificent scenery-the pines in diverse shapes growing on the granite stone and the grotesque rock floating in the sea of clouds, offering spectacular beauty to enjoy/photograph and stunning hiking trails to follow, which can be an ideal destination for expats living in Yangtze River Delta region (Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc.).

Guilin & Yangshuo: Enjoying the reputation of “the best landscape in the world”, Guilin and Yangshuo offer breathtaking natural landscapes to appreciate and unique ethnic cultures and customs to experience. With convenient transportation, they are ideal for those living in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Guangdong Province to have a wonderful weekend getaway trip.

Jiuzhaigou: Declared as a world heritage site, Jiuzhaigou is a national park offering breathtakingly beautiful scenery with crystal blue lakes, roaring waterfalls, lush green forests, and snow-covered mountains. Direct flights are available for expats living in Beijing, Xi‘an, Shanghai, Chengdu, etc. to Jiuzhaigou.

China expat tour: weekend getaway destinations
Weekend getaway destinations for 2-3 days

Datong & Pingyao: Rich in cultural heritage sites, Datong and Pingyao have a profound culture and history quite different from Beijing and Xi’an. Connected by high-speed trains and a few direct flights, they are perfect travel destinations for expats living in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai and longing for understanding Chinese culture from multiple angles.

Mount Emei & Leshan Grand Buddha: Declared as the World Natural and Cultural Heritage sites, Mount Emei and Leshan Grand Buddha, with beautiful views, profound Buddhist culture, and stunning hiking trails, is both the summer resort and winter skiing resort. They are one of the best travel destinations for expats in Chengdu or Xi’an to enjoy the weekends.

Xi’an: As the ancient capital of China and the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an, the place where the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, one of the 8th wonders of the world, is located. With the convenient high-speed train networks, it’s one of the most popular travel destinations among the expats living in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, etc.

Mount Huangshan - a great weekend travel destination

3 days Huangshan mountain tour

Climbing on the breathtaking Mount Huangshan and stepping onto the unique Hui-style villages Hongcun or Xidi, to appreciate the charming mountain and experience the distinct Hui-style culture.

Guilin li river cruise and Yangshuo tour

3 days Guilin and Yangshuo tour

Including the top highlights of Guilin, this tour offers the opportunity to appreciate the spectacular landscape of Li River, bizarre karst landforms, and Yangshuo countryside in a leisurely way.

3 days Jiuzhaigou National park tour

As wonderful places to escape from the bustle and hustle of city life, travelers can get their bodies relaxed and minds smoothed while viewing the beautiful and tranquil natural landscape.

Yungang grottoes Datong - weekend destination

3 days Datong Pingyao classical tour

By visiting the must-see attractions of Pingyao and Datong, travelers can have a quick understanding of the profound history and culture of China in different aspects.

best weekend escape - mount emei

2 days Mount Emei and Leshan tour

An ideal weekend getaway merged with cultural and natural activities by visiting the world’s biggest sitting Buddha and one of four sacred Buddhist Mountains in China.

weekend trip to terracotta warriors in xi'an

3 days Popular Xi’an sightseeing tour

Seeing the best of Xi’an, like Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, etc., travelers will have a chance to experience the charm of thousands of years of the ancient capital.

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Top destinations for 4-6 days short breaks

Yangtze River Cruise:The Yangtze River is renowned by the world for its breathtaking natural beauty, especially the picturesque scenery of the Yangtze Three Gorges and the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower station in the world, and taking a cruise sailing from Chongqing to Yichang is the best way to appreciate its majestic wonders.

Xiamen: A beautiful coastal city in the southeast of China, is an ideal place in China for a short break all year round to experience a slow-paced life with pleasant weather, beautiful scenery everywhere, mouth-watering delicacies, as well as unique folk culture. The beautiful Gulangyu Island and the Tulou clusters are the must-see attractions.

China expat tour: short breaks destinations
Short breaks destinations for 4-6 days

Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang: Zhangjiajie National Park, composed of the highlights such as Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Huangshizhai, etc., is the World Natural Heritage and the World Geopark, amazing by gorgeous peaks, quiet by valleys, and beautiful by forests. Fenghuang was once praised as the most beautiful town in China with numerous ancient buildings and strong Miao customs, particularly at night with the beautiful lights.

a relaxing weekend travel for yangtze cruise

4 days Yangtze River cruise short break

This is a classic route offering travelers a unique and leisurely experience without missing the most essential scenic spots of the spectacular Yangtze Three Gorges.

xiamen tulou cluster for weekend trip

5 days Xiamen and Tulou Hakka tour

This tour offers the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze at the charming Gulangyu Island and immerse in the authentic Tulou clusters to embrace the Hakka cultures.

Zhangjiajie National Park - a longer weekend travel destination in china

6 days Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang tour

This is a very popular tour route, which perfectly-balances the spectacular Zhangjiajie parks sightseeing and the traditional ancient towns and Miao village visiting.

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Off-the-beaten destinations for 7-10 days

Tibet

Hailed as the roof of the world at an average altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level, Tibet has become the most popular travel destinations in China among global tourists, with its majestic snow-capped mountains (Mount Everest, Mount Kailash), beautiful glaciers (Karola Glacier, Midui Glacier), and stunning lakes (Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake), magnificent Buddhist monasteries (Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Samye Monastery, Ganden Monastery, etc.), and historical sites (Potala Palace, Gyantse Fortress, Yumbulagang Palace, etc).

Warm tips: Travel to Tibet, not only a valid passport and China visa are required, but also the special Tibet permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau are a must, in addition, foreigners are required to do a private Tibet tour or join a Tibet group tour with licensed tour guide and tourist vehicle with a driver arranged by a local Tibet travel agency.

Qinghai

Qinghai is another off-the-beaten travel destination unique for its majestic natural scenery with golden flowers, dazzling snow-capped mountains, clear water, as well as diverse ethnic culture and customs, especially the Tibetan culture. The top highlights here include the tranquil Qinghai Lake, the atmospheric Ta’er Monastery, the rich Rebkong art, the beautiful source of the Yangtze River, the spectacular Amne Machin Mountain, etc. In addition, independent travel is allowed and no Tibet permits are required while traveling to Qinghai.

China expat tour: off-the-beaten destinations
Off-the-beaten destinations for 4-6 days

Guizhou

Guizhou is an unspoiled region in China to explore with colorful ethnic cultures and magical natural landscapes. Travelers can see the traditional folk villages (Miao villages, Dong villages, Buyi villages, etc.), enjoy the typical Karst landscapes at Wanfenglin Scenic Area, visit the expansive cave systems in Zhijin Cave, sightsee the huge Huangguoshu Waterfall, climb the enchanting mountain Fanjing, experience strong and unique ethnic customs and cultures, and appreciate the beautiful rice terraces at Gaoyao and Jiabang.

Yunnan

Situated on the border of southwest China, Yunnan is one of the most popular travel destinations in China, and world-famous for its colorful ethnic cultures and customs, as well as diverse breathtaking landscapes including snow-capped mountains, rice terraces, lakes, and deep valleys. The top highlights here include Dongchuan Red Land, Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Stone Forest, Dali Ancient Town and Lijiang Ancient City, Jade Dragon Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-la, Lugu Lake, etc.

Everest Base Camp in Tibet

8 days Mt. Everest Base Camp tour

The most classic and popular route offers a deep exploration of the Himalayan ranges and encompasses the top highlights in Lhasa and along the Friendship Highway from Lhasa to Mt Everest.

Qinghai Tibet Train ride to Lhasa

9 days Qinghai Tibet train tour

An unforgettable Qinghai-Tibet train experience which also combines with the highlights of Qinghai and Tibet, like the Qinghai Lake, Lhasa, Shigatse, the Yamdrok Lake, and the Namtso Lake.

Monlam festival pilgrimage circuit at Lower Wutun village

11 days Tibetan Monlam festival tour

A unique experience to admire the splendid Tibetan cultures and Buddhist traditions by joining the Monlam festival in the Amdo Tibetan area and enjoy the stunning natural landscapes there.

Tiger mouth village

7 days Yunnan Rice Terraces tour

A photography Yunnan tour merged with cultural activities and natural wonders by a visit to the spectacular Stone Forest, the breathtaking Yuanyang Rice Terraces, as well as the Jianshui Ancient Town.

Girls at Zhouxi Lusheng festival

7 days Guizhou Lusheng festival tour

A tour perfectly combined with the amazing natural beauty and colorful ethnic cultures and customs by visiting Miao/Dong villages, attending Zhouxi Lusheng festival, and hiking on the rice terraces.

Miao people playing lusheng

9 days Guilin and Guizhou minority tour

An over a week trip deep into Guangxi and Guizhou Provinces, with the unique minority villages sightseeing, hiking, and biking to share time with locals, and picturesque natural scenery appreciating.

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