China

China – The Middle Kingdom of Ancient Wonders & Modern Cities

China is one of the world’s most awe‑inspiring destinations, where the Great Wall, ancient imperial cities, dramatic karst landscapes, high‑speed trains, and futuristic skylines all come together. With Bayard Vacations, your China holiday can be planned around the style you want — a classic 7–8‑night Beijing–Shanghai–Xi’an circuit, a 7–9‑night Beijing–Xi’an–Chengdu–Shanghai panda & heritage trip, or a longer 10–14‑day grand tour that includes Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains), and the Tibetan‑influenced regions.

China feels like a journey through time: centuries‑old imperial palaces, ancient temples, and the Great Wall alongside cyber‑punk cities, high‑speed rail networks, and modern art. It’s ideal for first‑time international travellers, culture‑lovers, photographers, history‑enthusiasts, and families who want a deep, once‑in‑a‑lifetime Asian experience.

Why China Is a Strong Choice for Indian Travellers

China is perfect if you want an international holiday that feels grand, diverse, and historically rich. It offers:

• Iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and dramatic natural wonders like Zhangjiajie and Guilin.

• Excellent air connectivity from major Indian cities via Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata to Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), and Chengdu (TFU) via hubs like Dubai, Doha, or via connecting flights.

• A well‑developed tourism infrastructure with English‑speaking guides, smooth transfers, and vegetarian‑friendly menus.

• Packages often start from around ₹1,20,000 per person for 7‑night tours, land only, and more extensive 10–14‑day itineraries from ₹1,95,000+ per person depending on cities and hotels.

Key reasons to choose China:

• Ideal for 7–8‑night classic circuits or 10–14‑day grand tours covering multiple regions.

• Great for families, couples, and culture‑travellers who enjoy ancient history, architecture, and natural wonders.

• Works well for first‑time visitors to China and those looking for a unique international destination beyond the usual Southeast Asia circuits.

Quick Overview

Popular China Itineraries

Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai – 7–8 Nights / Classic Heritage Circuit

This is the most popular China format for first‑time visitors, covering the core imperial and modern highlights.

Typical pattern (7–8 nights):

• Day 1–3: Arrive in Beijing; visit Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling.

• Day 4–5: Fly/train to Xi’an; explore Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

• Day 6–8: Fly/train to Shanghai; visit The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, and Nanjing Road, with optional water‑town day trips (Zhujiajiao, Wuzhen).

Best for: First‑time visitors, families, and culture‑lovers who want a compact imperial‑and‑modern experience.

Beijing–Xi’an–Chengdu–Shanghai – 7–9 Nights / Panda & Heritage

This route adds Chengdu, the home of giant pandas.

Highlights:

• Chengdu – Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Street, and Sichuan cuisine.

• Beijing & Xi’an – Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors.

• Shanghai – Bund, Yu Garden, and modern skyline.
  Many 7–9‑night China packages are listed from ₹1,20,000–₹1,35,000+ per person depending on hotel category and inclusions.

Best for:

• Families and animal‑lovers

• Those who enjoy history + pandas + modern cities

Extended China – Beijing–Xi’an–Guilin–Yangshuo–Zhangjiajie–Shanghai – 10–14 Days

This route adds karst mountains, rivers, and the Avatar‑inspired peaks.

Typical highlights:

• Guilin & Yangshuo – Li River cruise, karst hills, rice terraces, and cycling through countryside.

• Zhangjiajie – Avatar Mountains, quartz‑sandstone pillars, glass bridge, and Tianmen Mountain.

• Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai – classic imperial and modern highlights.

Best for:

• Nature‑lovers and photographers

• Repeat visitors who want a full cultural‑and‑natural‑wonders experience

Trip Cost from India

China is usually mid‑range to premium for international holidays. Current market data shows:

• 7‑night Beijing–Shanghai–Xi’an‑style packages often start around ₹120,000+ per person with Hotels.

• 7–9‑night Beijing–Xi’an–Chengdu–Shanghai trips commonly fall in the ₹135,000–₹150,000+ per person range.

• 10–14‑day extended circuits (Beijing–Xi’an–Guilin–Yangshuo–Zhangjiajie–Shanghai) are typically ₹2,00,000–₹2,25,000+ per person, depending on flights, hotels, and inclusions.

Best Time to Visit China

For most Indian travellers, the best time to visit China is April–October, when the weather is mild and comfortable.

• April–June – ideal for Great Wall, city tours, and karst landscapes.

• September–October – excellent for clear skies, autumn colours, and mountain views.

• July–August – hot and humid in south and east, but still travel‑friendly.

• November–March – cold, especially in Beijing and north; some areas may have snow.

If you want comfortable Great Wall walks, clear city views, and good mountain weather, April–October are the safest and most comfortable months.

Top Places to Include in Your China Package

Beijing – Imperial Capital & Great Wall

Beijing is the usual entry point and cultural heart of China.

Best for: First‑time visitors, families, and culture‑lovers.

Highlights:

• Great Wall (Mutianyu, Badaling), Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace.

Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City

Xi’an adds ancient imperial history and the Terracotta Army.

Best for: Culture‑travellers and history‑enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Chengdu – Giant Pandas & Sichuan Cuisine

Chengdu adds pandas and spicy Sichuan food culture.

Best for: Families and animal‑lovers.

Highlights:

• Chengdu Panda Base, Jinli Street, Sichuan hotpot, and tea houses.

Shanghai – Modern Skyline & The Bund

Shanghai adds futuristic city life and colonial architecture.

Best for: Couples and city‑lovers.

Highlights:

• The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, and water‑towns (Zhujiajiao, Wuzhen).

Guilin, Yangshuo & Zhangjiajie – Natural Wonders

These regions add karst mountains, rivers, and Avatar‑inspired peaks.

Best for: Nature‑lovers and photographers.

Highlights:

• Guilin & Yangshuo – Li River cruise, karst hills, rice terraces.

• Zhangjiajie – Avatar Mountains, glass bridge, Tianmen Mountain.

How to Reach China from India

China is usually accessed by flight via major hubs:

• By air: Connect from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata to Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), Chengdu (TFU) via Dubai, Doha, or via connecting flights. Flight time is typically 6–9 hours including layover.

• Local transport: High‑speed trains, domestic flights, and private transfers between Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie.

For most travellers, Beijing or Shanghai is the main entry point, from which Bayard can design Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai classic circuits, Beijing–Xi’an–Chengdu–Shanghai panda & heritage trips, or longer Beijing–Xi’an–Guilin–Yangshuo–Zhangjiajie–Shanghai grand tours.

Entry Requirements and Permits

For China:

• Indian citizens require a tourist visa for travel.

• You must carry a valid passport (6+ months), complete the visa application, and provide return ticket and hotel booking details.

• No special permits are required for general tourist areas (Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie).

What Is Included in Bayard China Packages

China packages from Bayard can include:

• Hotel stays in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie (as per itinerary).

• Daily breakfast; many packages include some meals or set‑meal‑style inclusions.

• Airport transfers and local sightseeing transfers (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, panda base, Li River cruise, Zhangjiajie tours).

• Key activity inclusions – Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, panda viewing, Li River cruise, Zhangjiajie national park, and high‑speed train journeys.

• On‑trip assistance and local English‑speaking guides.

Typical exclusions:

• International flights (unless bundled).

• Some optional paid activities (special cable cars, private boat hires, extra museum passes).

• Personal expenses such as shopping, tips, and mini‑bar.

Why Book China with Bayard Vacations

China is a destination where good itinerary planning, city sequencing, and activity inclusions really improve the experience. The right mix of Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai, Beijing–Xi’an–Chengdu–Shanghai, or Beijing–Xi’an–Guilin–Yangshuo–Zhangjiajie–Shanghai circuits, with smooth high‑speed train transfers and well‑located hotels, can make the holiday feel grand, cultural, and easy instead of rushed and chaotic.

Bayard can help you build a China trip that fits your style:

• A classic 7–8‑night Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai imperial‑and‑modern circuit.

• A 7–9‑night Beijing–Xi’an–Chengdu–Shanghai panda‑and‑heritage trip.

• A 10–14‑day extended Beijing–Xi’an–Guilin–Yangshuo–Zhangjiajie–Shanghai grand tour.

The goal is to make the holiday easy, comfortable, and good value for money, while giving you the Great Wall, imperial palaces, Terracotta Warriors, pandas, karst mountains, and futuristic cities that China is famous for.