Private and small-group tours in China, run with a licensed partner agency on the ground WhatsApp: +1 431-728-8186 We reply within 24 hours
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Travel guide

FAQ — the practical stuff

Everything else first-timers ask, in one place. New to China? Start with the first time in China guide — safety, Alipay and WeChat Pay, WhatsApp and Google access, and getting by without Chinese. For route-specific questions, each tour page carries its own FAQ.

Locals drinking gaiwan tea at bamboo tables at a Chengdu teahouse in People's Park
The practical stuff is mostly pleasant: teahouse afternoons, night markets, and trains that run on time.

Payments run on your phone

China is nearly cashless. Link your foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before you land and you can pay for everything from metro rides to street snacks. We'll send you a setup walkthrough — it takes ten minutes.

Internet: sort it before you fly

Google, Instagram and WhatsApp are blocked on local networks in mainland China. A travel eSIM bought before departure keeps everything working — we'll point you to the options that suit your phone.

Aerial view of the Forbidden City in Beijing — golden roofs and red walls inside its moat and outer walls
Most first-timer questions come down to scale and systems: the sights are vast, the trains are booked by passport, and the payments run on your phone. The answers below cover all three.
How much does a tour cost?

It depends on route, hotel level, season and whether you go private or join a group. You'll get one itemised quote within 24 hours of asking — the cost guide explains exactly what drives the number.

Can I join a group tour instead of going private?

Yes — most routes also run as small-group departures. You share the guide and transport with a handful of other travellers, which brings the per-person price down; hotels, trains and entrance fees are arranged exactly the same way. The trade-off is a fixed route and set dates. Tell us the route and rough dates on WhatsApp and we'll confirm which group departures are available.

Who actually runs the tour in China?

Your trip is operated by our licensed partner travel agency based in China — they employ the guides and drivers, hold the local licences and handle bookings on the ground. We plan the trip with you in English and stay your point of contact before and during travel. See the About page.

Do I need a visa for China?

Possibly not — see the visa guide for visa-free entry and the 240-hour transit, then let us verify your exact route and passport before you book flights.

When is the best time to go?

April–May and September–October for most routes. The best-time guide breaks it down by season and tour.

Can you handle dietary needs, kids, or mobility limits?

Yes. On a private trip the plan bends around you from the start — vegetarian and halal food, child seats, slower pacing, step-free hotel choices. On a group departure there's less room to bend, but mention it in your first message and we'll tell you honestly what's possible before you book.

How do I pay, and is a deposit needed?

A deposit secures your guides, hotels and train tickets once you're happy with the itinerary, with the balance due before departure. Methods and schedule are confirmed in writing with your quote — never payment over chat without a formal booking confirmation.

What plugs and currency does China use?

Currency is the yuan (CNY ¥). Plugs are types A, C and I — a universal adapter covers it. Most daily spending runs through Alipay/WeChat Pay (see above); cards are accepted in hotels and larger venues.

Will there be shopping stops?

No. No factory-store detours, no commission stops. If you want to shop — silk, tea, jade — your guide will take you somewhere reputable because you asked, not because the itinerary needs it.

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