China small group trips

April to May and September to October, when days are mild and Beijing's skies are clearest. Summer is hot and humid with heavy rain in July and August, and winter is cold in Beijing but quiet. We avoid Chinese New Year and the holiday weeks in early May and early October, when sites and trains are packed.

Answer for China: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

Moderate fitness is enough. Expect 3 to 5 hours a day on foot, mostly on stone paving. The Great Wall at Mutianyu has steep steps, but the cable car takes you up and down and you choose how far to walk. The 13.7 km wall ride in Xi'an is flat, or you can walk part of it or ride the electric cart.

Answer for China: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

Yes, and it is published up front: a room of your own is CAD 590 on top of the twin-share price, shown before you book rather than at checkout. Solo travellers join the same group, sit at the same tables and get the same time with the guide as everyone else.

Answer for China: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

The small-group trip runs with 7 to 12 guests, never more. That keeps everyone close to the guide in the Forbidden City, lets the group board trains and move through security quickly, and means meals are at one table in local restaurants rather than in a banquet hall.

Answer for China: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

Choose a date and send a request to book. We confirm your place within 24 hours, with the final timings, and no payment is taken until we have confirmed. We need your passport details at that point, because train tickets and the Forbidden City are booked in your name.

Answer for China: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

Canadians can currently visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under a policy set to run until 31 December 2026; we confirm the rule for 2027 dates. US citizens need a visa, or can use the 240-hour visa-free transit if they fly in from one country and out to a different third country. We check your passport's rule when you book.

Answer for China: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

April to May and September to November, when Beijing and Xi'an are mild and the Li River is usually calm. Summer is hot and wet in the south, with high water that can stop rafting and typhoons in Hong Kong. We avoid Chinese New Year and the holiday weeks in early May and early October.

Answer for China: Beijing to Hong Kong via Xi'an, Chengdu and Yangshuo

Most people feel only breathlessness on stairs and a restless first night at about 3,300 m. We climb in steps, with three nights in Lijiang at 2,400 m first, and keep the first Shangri-La evening easy. If you have heart or lung conditions, or have had altitude sickness before, ask your doctor before booking.

Answer for Yunnan: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La

A room of your own is CAD 985 more, shown before you request to book, and solo guests get the same seat rotation and attention as everyone else. At Rongbuk rooms are simple; we tell you the exact arrangement when that stay is confirmed.

Answer for Tibet: Lhasa, Everest Base Camp and the road to Kathmandu

The small group starts from CAD 3,495 per person sharing a room, taxes included, and a private trip from CAD 6,290. Send your preferred dates as an enquiry. We check availability and provide the final quote, itinerary and booking terms before you accept. No payment is taken when you send the request.

Answer for China: Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang, Longji and Yangshuo