Days 1–3 · Beijing
Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and a full day at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
China travel guide
China Holiday Packages from Australia
China rewards a well-planned trip: the Great Wall and Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, the karst rivers of Guilin and Shanghai's skyline, all linked by one of the world's best high-speed rail networks. This guide covers a proven route, realistic costs, the current visa position for Australian passport holders and when to travel. Our Mandarin-speaking Sydney consultants then tailor it to you.
A classic 10-day China itinerary
Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai, connected by high-speed rail and short internal flights. Available as an escorted group departure or a private trip on your own dates.
Day 4 · Bullet train to Xi'an
High-speed rail south, evening walk through the Muslim Quarter.
Day 5 · Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors, the city wall by bicycle and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Days 6–7 · Guilin & Yangshuo
Li River cruise through the karst peaks, Yangshuo countryside and rice terraces.
Days 8–9 · Shanghai
The Bund, Yu Garden, the French Concession and a day trip to the water town of Zhujiajiao.
Day 10 · Departure
Private transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
More ideas on the China destination page.
What this holiday costs
Return flights Sydney–Shanghai or Beijing
From around $800 economy, $1,200 in peak seasons
10-day escorted package (land only)
From $2,499 per person, twin share
Hotels, 4-star city
Roughly $130–$240 per room per night
High-speed rail, Beijing–Xi'an second class
Around $95 per adult per sector
Meals and daily spending
Allow $60–$110 per person per day
All figures are indicative guides in Australian dollars for planning only. Final pricing depends on your travel dates, airline, hotel category, group size, exchange rates and availability at the time of booking, and is confirmed in writing before you pay.
Best time to travel
Spring · March to May
Mild and green, with blossom in Beijing in April. One of the two best windows for sightseeing; avoid the May Day holiday week.
Summer · June to August
Hot and humid in the east with afternoon storms. Good for Tibet, Yunnan and the north; school holidays make major sites busy.
Autumn · September to November
Clear skies, comfortable temperatures and autumn colour around Beijing — the strongest season overall. National Day week in early October is very busy.
Winter · December to February
Cold and dry in the north, with the Harbin Ice Festival in January. Cheapest hotels, but Chinese New Year travel needs early booking.
Seasonal dates shift each year with the weather; we track the forecasts and advise on departure dates before you commit.
Visa and entry tips
- Australian passport holders travelling for tourism currently enter mainland China without a visa for short stays under the visa-free trial arrangement.
- Your passport should have at least six months' validity and blank pages, and you may be asked to show return or onward travel.
- Longer stays, business travel, work and study still require a visa applied for through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre.
- Hong Kong and Macau have separate entry rules; our consultants check your nationality and route before you book.
Entry rules can change at short notice. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate and with Smartraveller before you travel. We assist with documentation but cannot guarantee entry decisions.
Ready to plan your China holiday?
Tell us your dates, travellers and the cities you want to see. Our Sydney consultants build the itinerary, book the rail and internal flights, and arrange bilingual guides throughout.