China has long been a destination that fascinates and intrigues, but for many travellers the practicalities have felt daunting. The recent announcement that UK passport holders will be able to visit China for up to 30 days without a visa marks a significant and very welcome shift. Anyone who has previously applied for a Chinese visa will appreciate just how complex and time-consuming the process could be, so this change has the potential to make travel to China feel far more accessible. While confirmed start dates are still awaited, it is an encouraging development for anyone considering a visit.
“That said, China is not, in my professional opinion, a destination best tackled independently. It is a vast, complex and deeply different country, and it works far better as either a small escorted tour or a carefully planned tailor-made journey with private guides and drivers. Language barriers are real, familiar apps and websites do not function as they do at home, digital payments dominate daily life and cultural norms can feel unfamiliar at first. Travelling with experienced local support removes these challenges entirely, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
What consistently stands out to me is the feedback from our clients who have travelled to China. Without exception, they return impressed by the scale of the country, the richness of its history and the warmth and curiosity of the people they encountered. China has a habit of exceeding expectations and lingering in the memory long after you return home.”
Gilly Bachelor
A Classic Tailor-Made Journey Through China
For those seeking flexibility and a more personal pace, a tailor-made itinerary offers an excellent way to experience China's highlights while travelling with confidence and ease.
A typical journey begins in Beijing, exploring landmark sights such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, balanced with time in traditional hutong neighbourhoods that offer insight into daily life. Visiting a quieter section of the Great Wall allows for a far more rewarding experience, with space to appreciate both the history and the landscape.
From Beijing, the route often continues to Xi'an, home to the remarkable Terracotta Warriors and ancient city walls that speak to China's imperial past. The contrast continues in the south, with time spent in Guilin and Yangshuo, where a cruise along the Li River reveals some of the country's most iconic scenery, followed by gentle exploration of rural villages and countryside.
A stay near the Longji Rice Terraces introduces a slower rhythm of life, dramatic layered landscapes and minority cultures that offer a different perspective on the country. The journey usually concludes in Shanghai, a city where historic neighbourhoods sit alongside striking modern architecture. Here, time can be spent strolling the Bund, exploring the French Concession and enjoying one of China's most dynamic food scenes.
Throughout a tailor-made trip, accommodation, transport, and sightseeing are carefully coordinated, with knowledgeable local guides and private drivers ensuring everything runs smoothly. The itinerary can be adapted to suit individual interests, whether that means a gentler pace, a stronger focus on culture and history, or a higher-end accommodation.
A Trusted Escorted Tour Option: Wendy Wu Tours
For clients who value the structure, reassurance and sociability of a fully escorted group tour, Wendy Wu Tours is a name we regularly recommend and one that our clients have consistently enjoyed travelling with.
Their Grand Tour of China is a comprehensive introduction to the country, designed to showcase its most important highlights while removing any concerns about navigation, language or logistics. The itinerary typically covers key destinations such as Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai, and includes many of the experiences travellers most want to see, from the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors to scenic river cruising and time spent seeing giant pandas.
What makes this style of travel particularly appealing is how seamless it is. Transport within China, accommodation, guided sightseeing, entrance fees and most meals are included, and travellers are accompanied by experienced guides who understand both the destination and the needs of Western travellers. For many clients, this provides complete peace of mind and allows them to relax and enjoy China without feeling overwhelmed.
“China is a destination that rewards curiosity and an open mind. With visa-free travel on the horizon, it feels more approachable than it has in years, but it remains a country where expert planning makes all the difference. Whether you are drawn to a tailor-made journey with private guides or the reassurance of an escorted tour with Wendy Wu Tours, the right approach can transform your experience.”
If China has been quietly sitting on your bucket list, now may be the perfect time to explore it properly. Get in touch and let us talk through the options to find the style of travel that suits you best.
