american chinese tour

China Tours from the USA

China and the United States face each other across the Pacific Ocean.

China, with its ancient architecture, long history, colorful culture, and beautiful natural scenery is ready for your visit.

Here, we have given you a travel guide about China tours from the USA.

Where to Go — Popular Destinations Among American Tourists

Similar to America, China is a vast land with diverse landscapes. Apart from the different landscapes, the profound Chinese culture is also a big draw for American tourists.

Here, we will introduce the most popular destinations among American tourists.

Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Hong Kong are the most common cities for American tourists to visit.

• Beijing , as the capital of China, is the best city to learn about China.
• Shanghai , as an international metropolis, attracts American tourists with its modernity and colonial history.
• Xi'an is the representative city to experience China's ancient civilization.
• Hong Kong , with its flexible visa policy, is one of the gateway cities for American tourists to start a China tour.

Besides these cities, there are other cities favored by American tourists . They are Chengdu, Guilin, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Tibet.

• Chengdu is home to lovely pandas.
• Guilin is famed for its unique karst landscape and countryside scenery.
• Suzhou and Hangzhou enjoy beautiful water towns, lakes, and classical gardens.
• Tibet boasts its original highland scenery.

We have also included some other destinations for American tourists who seek unconventional routes . Yunnan and Guizhou have special Chinese minority customs, charming natural scenery, and a favorable climate.

Best Times to Go

The best times to visit China are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).

Temperatures in spring average 10–23°C (50–73°F). Autumn in China has the best weather conditions — temperatures average 15–27°C (59–81°F) and there is less rain than in spring or summer.

The summer vacation time in America is similar to that in China. China's summer vacation is from the middle of July to the end of August.

Many American families choose to travel to China with their children in the summer vacation. In this case, we recommend a private tour, which will help you avoid the crowds.

May, September, October, and some public holidays, such as National Day from October 1st to 7th and Labor Day from May 1st to 3rd, are in high season. If you plan to travel in these periods, you'd better book your hotels and tickets in advance.

If you are a Chinese culture lover, you can travel to China during Chinese festivals to experience the cultural atmosphere in-depth.

Chinese New Year (the Spring Festival) is a good opportunity as it is the grandest traditional festival in China.

There are many interesting minority festivals in southwest China. Guizhou is recommended for a Chinese minority experience.

Direct Flights from the USA to China

The journey from the USA to China takes about 12–15 hours. The flight schedules below are for reference only. Please check the official website of each airline for the latest information and the airfares.

Visa-Free China Tours from the USA

Normally, American citizens need a visa to travel around China. We recommend VisaHQ , which provides a fast, efficient service at a very competitive price.

However, 24-hour, 72-hour, and 144-hour visa-free policies adopted in many areas in China enable a visa-free China tour from the USA.

According to the terms of the visa-free policies, travelers must transit between Chinese mainland and a third destination. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are visa-free for American people and are considered as third regions for transit purposes.

Therefore, you can make the most of traveling to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, and combine more than one visa-free policy.

Here are two sample tours, for inspiration, for a China tour that lasts for 1 to 2 weeks without a visa:

• US – Beijing/Tianjin (4 days, 144-hour visa-free transit) – Hong Kong (2 days) – Shanghai/Suzhou/Hangzhou (6 days, 144-hour visa-free transit) – US
• US – Hong Kong (2 days) – Beijing (3 days, 72-hour visa-free transit) – Macau (2 days) – Shanghai/Suzhou/Hangzhou (6 days, 144-hour visa-free transit) – Hong Kong (2 days) – Guilin (3 days, 72-hour visa-free transit) – US

You can check here to learn more about 24-hour, 72-hour, and 144-hour visa-free policy rules .

Other Useful Travel Information

Time difference between the usa and china.

China only uses one time zone, GMT+8, although five different time zones exist in China. This is known as Beijing Time.

• China's time is 13 hours before the time in Washington, DC
• China's time is 16 hours before the time in Los Angeles
• You can use our world clocks and time zone map tool to help you understand the time difference between your home and China.

Money Exchange for US Dollars and Chinese Yuan

The current exchange rate is roughly: 1 USD = 6.893 CNY. You can check the real-time rate using our Chinese currency converter .

Nowadays, people in China use mobile payments more often than cash but cash still works in China. You can exchange money at the airport, branches of the Bank of China, and large hotels in China.

Some star-rated hotels and large department stores in China accept major credit/debit cards, such as Mastercard, Visa, JCB, and American Express.

Foreign credit cards, however, are accepted comparatively rarely in China. If you want to shop in a snack street or a pedestrianized street, you will need to prepare enough cash in Chinese currency.

Voltage Differences

China uses 220 V while America uses 110 V. The plug types are also different. When traveling to China, you will need to take both a voltage adapter and a plug adapter.

You can easily find these to purchase when you're in China. Most hotels will also be able to provide you with them for free during your stay. See China Power Supply and Adapters — How to Prepare Your Electrical Devices .

How to Use Your Cell Phone

There are four ways to use your cell phone in China:

• Use international roaming
• Purchase a Chinese SIM card
• Buy/rent a Wi-Fi service
• Use local free Wi-Fi

Check How to Use Your Cell Phone While Traveling in China to learn more.

Recommended Top 5 China Tours from the USA

1. classic wonders — chosen by 83% of clients.

• Route: Beijing (3 days) – Xi'an (2 days) – Guilin (3 days) – Shanghai (3 days)
• Features: history, culture, fun, nature, relaxation

First-time travelers can refer to this itinerary , which gives you an insight into China's history and culture through visiting famous historical sites and special cultural experiences.

2. Chinese Immersion — Preferred by Families

• Route: Beijing (4 days) – Xi'an (3 days) – Chengdu (2 days) – Shanghai (4 days)
• Features: culture, education, pandas, fun, relaxation

This family tour combines the needs of both parents and children.

Learn about China's traditional education system and the country's traditional national costume. See lovely pandas and have fun in Disneyland.

Throughout the trip, your guide will teach your children some simple Chinese and encourage them to communicate with local people.

Learn more details about our Chinese Immersion Tour .

3. Beautiful China and Holy Tibet — Seek Adventure

• Route: Beijing (3 days) – Xi'an (3 days) – Lhasa (4 days) – Shanghai (3 days)
• Features: adventure, fun, nature

You will explore a mystical land — Tibet. It is a quiet place overflowing with rich Tibetan culture, vast grasslands, herds of cattle and sheep, blue skies, clear water, and fresh air.

Go to Everest Base Camp to experience the thin air. Visit Rongbuk Monastery – the highest temple in the world – that's near the base, and observe the hard lives of the monks and nuns there.

Walk clockwise and join the local people's kora (a circle for religion) in Barkhor Street. Have a picnic by Yamdrok Lake, one of the four holy Buddhist lakes in Tibet.

Check out our Beautiful China and Holy Tibet Tour for reference.

4. Eastern China Bullet Train Tour — No Need for a Visa

• Route: Shanghai (2 days) – Suzhou (1 day) – Hangzhou (2 days)
• Features: relaxation, classic gardens, water town

You can appreciate China's classical beauty and experience its high-speed trains in this trip.

Discover the story of Shanghai's rise and experience the city's historical past. Visit China's representative gardens to learn about the basic types of bonsai and discover Chinese life aesthetics.

Enjoy the leisurely lifestyle in Hangzhou. Explore Nanxun Water Town to observe the life there. See more details about our 5-Day Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou Bullet Train Tour .

5. Riches of China

• Route: Shanghai (3 days) – Suzhou (1 day) – Hangzhou (1 day) – Guilin (3 days) – Xi'an (2 days) – Beijing (4 days)
• Features: relaxation, culture, nature, history

You will see the combination of ancient and modern China in Shanghai and have many cultural experiences, such as a Chinese tea ceremony, Chinese medicine, and Kun opera, in Hangzhou and Suzhou.

Then you will be immersed in beautiful rural scenery in the Guilin area and end your journey in an atmosphere of history by exploring Xi'an and Beijing. Check the detailed schedule for our Riches of China Tour .

Tour China Your Way

Based on your interests and requirements, and combining our years of experience serving American tourists, we can tailor-make a professional and unique trip for you.

• See more China tours and itineraries for 2020 .
• Use our Create My Trip service to tell us your ideas.

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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China Tour from Los Angeles

• Explore historical China icons: Great Wall, Forbidden City & Terracotta Army.
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China Discovery - Your Reliable China Travel Agency

We are based in China and have helped thousands of visitors obtain their perfect vacation in China by creating ideal itineraries tailored to individual needs, interests, and budgets. We also will make sure that you are taken care of every step along the way while you are in China. We understand that you are coming to see the best highlights of our Country, so we’ve designed a range of tour packages to choose from which cover the most recommended Chinese highlights and experiences. No matter if you travel as a family, a couple, alone, or in a group, China Discovery can create a suitable valuable trip in the ancient and mysterious China that you have always dreamed of!

Dear guests and friends!

China has reopened its doors to foreign travelers and we are excited to welcome you back! The past three years have been difficult and challenging for the Chinese tourism industry and for all those who love to travel to China. We want to express our gratitude for your support and care during these tough times.

During 2020~2022, despite the huge decrease in the number of customer, we have never stopped improving our services, discovering new highlights in China, and staying optimistic for the return of travel. We are also proud to have helped thousands of expats and guests to explore China through our private tour packages. Some of our clients witnessed the ethnic culture and stunning landscapes of Yunnan, some marveled at the magnificent Gobi desert and the legendary Silk Road culture in Gansu, some explored the remote Xinjiang, some witnessed the Shangri-la scenery in Daocheng Yading, some savored autumn colors in ancient Wuyuan villages, some even hiked the fairytale Yellow Mountain in winter. Check out their inspiring travel stories and useful feedbacks . Hearing about our customers' enjoyment of their trips is the greatest reward for us.

As the resumption of tourist visa and advantage of visa-free and visa-friendly policies, we believe that 2024 will be a better year for China tourism as well as a great year to travel to China. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we always prioritizes customers' needs and focuses on improving ourselves. We have achieved the expertise to create perfect China itineraries, find unique experiences, take good care of hotels, meals, transportation and other details of your travel. Now, we are ready to welcome you back with open arms! It's time to set off again to discover the beauty of China, while meeting the lovely and persevering people along the way.

No matter where you want to go or what kind of trip you prefer, China Discovery is here to assist you. We are getting stronger every day and are confident that we can create you a wonderful China holiday. You can rely on us to book your tour and travel with us with confidence. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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China Golden Triangle

Catch the best chance to see China’s past, present and future in just one go!

Trip at a Glance: Beijing (4 Days), Xian (2 Days), Shanghai (2 Days)

Transport: by flight

Price: from $1,432

First Touch of China

Awesome China tour for a life-time memory to record the classic China!

Trip at a Glance: Beijing (4 Days), Xian (2 Days), Guilin (2 Days), Shanghai (2 Days)

Price: from $1,999

Travel China at Leisure

Classic sights with Yangtze cruise.

Trip at a Glance: Beijing (4 Days), Xian (1 Days), Guilin (3 Days), Yangtze River (3 Days), Shanghai (2 Days)

Transport: by flight, cruise

Price: from $2,478

Panoramic Impression

Get a deep impression about China!

Trip at a Glance: Shanghai (3 Days), Guilin (2 Days), Chengdu (1 Day), Lhasa (4 Days), Xian (2 Days), Beijing (3 Days)

Price: from $3,266

Morbidezza of Southern China

Jiangnan lanscape and culture.

Travel eastern China and Yellow Mountain by High Speed Train

Trip at a Glance: Shanghai (2 Days), Suzhou (1 Days), Hangzhou (2 Days), Mt.Huang (3 Days)

Transport: by bullet trains

Price: from $1,572

Ancient Silk Road

Classic silk road tour.

Follow the Footprints of Ancient Travelers on the Silk Road.

Trip at a Glance: Xian (2 Days), Urumqi (2 Days), Kashgar(2 Days), Turpan (2 Days), Dunhuang (2 Days)

Price: from $2,566

Authentic China

Authentic china tour.

Precious cultural relics, stunning natural landscapes.

Trip at a Glance: Hong Kong (2 Days), Beijing (3 Days), Xian (2 Days), Guilin (1 Day), Yangshuo (1 Day), Shanghai (2 Days)

Transport: by flight and train

Price: from $2,260

Wonders of China

Wonders of china tour.

Fabulous China Culture Plus Pleasant Landscape

Trip at a Glance: Beijing (4 Days), Guilin (2 Days), Xian (2 Days), Zhangjiajie (2 Days), Shanghai (2 Days)

Price: from $2,695

Glory of China

Experience China's glorious past in ancient capitals.

Trip at a Glance: Beijing (4 Days), Xian (2 Days)

Price: from $850

Tradition & Moderness

From South, East to North, encounter the vibrant and ancient China.

Trip at a Glance: Hong Kong (2D), Shanghai (2D), Beijing (3D)

Price: from $1,486

Far from the Madding Crowd

Classic yunnan tour.

The most diverse and alluring destinations in China

Trip at a Glance: Kunming (2 Days), Dali (2 Days), Lijiang (2 Days), Shangri-La (2 Days)

Price: from $1,318

Classic Tour from Shanghai

Experience stunning contrasts of ancient and modern.

Trip at a Glance: Shanghai (3 Days), Guilin (2 Days), Xian (2 Days), Beijing (3 Days)

Price: from $1,962

Family Tour with Panda

Explore the hidden treasure, leisure lifestyle...

Trip at a Glance: Beijing (4 Days), Xian (2 Days), Chengdu (2 Days), Shanghai (2 Days)

Price: from $1,863

Real China Discovery

Tour China and Yangtze River in the most relaxing pace.

Trip at a Glance: Shanghai (2 Days), Yangtze (4 Days), Xian (2 Days), Beijing (4 Days)

Price: from $2,132

Kung Fu Panda Experience

Kung Fu and Giant Panda bring you legends of awesomeness.

Trip at a Glance: Beijing(4D), Luoyang(2D), Xian(2D), Chengdu(2D), Shanghai (2D)

Price: from $2362

Encompassed Highlights

Experience all highlights of China.

Trip at a Glance: Beijing (4 Days), Xian (2 Day), Lhasa (4 Days), Chengdu (1 Days), Yangtze (4 Days), Shanghai (2 Days)

Price: from $3,499

Get Inspired

Having no idea how to start your China tour? Don’t worry! Why not to start from our popular gateway cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong or Chengdu? Or take the pick from our travel themes to match your own pace and needs. You can also get inspirations from our hand-picked essential short China trips, even let us to customize a trip for you.

CUSTOMIZE OR MORE

Explore China's Highlights from Gateway City

Travel Themes

China is vast and diverse. Travel

according to your own interest and pace.

Short Essentials

Popular short China tours which

covering two or three classic destinations

Popular China Destinations

China is vast and diverse. Based on our first-hand local knowledge about China travel, we have collected more than 70 tourist destinations which gather the most fascinating scenery, most fabulous cultural experience and tourist friendly from north to south, west to east, mountains to the prairies, cities to the villages, rivers to the lakes.

Essential Travel Guide

Here we offer the most comprehensive and practical travel essentials, travel FAQs & tips and booking guide for you.

• » 2024 China Ideas and Suggestions
• » Top 10 China destinations you can't miss in 2024
• » Top 15 Things to Do for Your China Vacation 2024
• » Plan Your China Winter Tour 2024/2025
• » Traveling to Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area
• » China High Speed Train Travel in 2024 - Speed Highlighting Destinations
• » China visa, passport and permit
• » Family travel with kids
• » Giant Panda Volunteer Programs
• » Best hiking & trekking destinations in China
• » Useful China travel maps

Why Travel with Us

Our Features

• All private tours with flexible departure
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• 100% Tailor-made to your personal requirements
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"Wonderful Trip to Chengdu"

My email to China Discovery started in April, 2024 for a trip to Cheng du in September. Our travel consultant Phoebe Gao from Chengdu office was patience and extremely helpful. She had put together... read more

Hi Juliet, I am very happy during this cruise trip. The service is excellent. The staff is smiling all the time and manger Stephen is very helpful... Kenny

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