China Small Group Tours
Imagine the sights and sounds of Beijing, navigating the Forbidden City's grand staircases, taking in the imposing Great Wall, and standing before the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors. Remember to explore Drepung Monastery, tour Potala Palace, and visit Yamdrok Lake. Take a stroll on Barkhor Street, and head up Shanghai Tower. China is totally unique and it’s waiting for you.
10 best China small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaChina travel expert at TourRadar
- China Golden Triangle and Avatar Mountains Small Group Adventure
- 9 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Everest Namtso Group Tour
- 6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour: Explore Tibet's religion, cultural gems, and captivating landscapes
- 15 Days Kailash and Manasarova Small Group Tibet Tour: A pilgrim’s final trip fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet
- 11-Day Classic China Tour: Quality Small Group & Luxury Hotels, All Inclusive
- 8 Days Qinghai to Dunhuang Group Tour including Chaka Salt Lake
- Tibet 5 days Group tour Lhasa with Yamdrok Lake
- 11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star Cruise
- 2-Day All-Inclusive Beijing Mini Group Tour: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and More Highlights
- Two Weeks Impression China Trip: Small Group & Luxury Hotels, All Inclusive
Duration 10 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator Bamba Travel From
- US$3,767
9 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Everest Namtso Group Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We both enjoy our tour in Tibet. Dajie brought us to a local countryside which is not listed in the itinerary.”
Lilylucky, traveled in July
Small groups traverse China's Tibetan region with dedicated attention at Jokhang Temple and Tashilhunpo Monastery. The format allows natural exploration of Lhasa's local markets and meaningful exchanges with Buddhist monks.
Duration 9 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhatse, Tingri, Namtso Lake Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Great Tibet Tour From
- US$1,450
6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour: Explore Tibet's religion, cultural gems, and captivating landscapes
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The hotel has no air conditioning and I was arranged a room at the south side which was a boiler room.”
Ivy, traveled in June
Groups of 2-12 travelers tour central Tibet's main sites in shared vehicles, seeing UNESCO-listed Potala Palace, Tashilhunpo Monastery's giant Maitreya Buddha, and Pelkor Monastery's 100,000 Buddha statues. The 6-day tour costs around $160/day with 3-star hotels and welcome dinner included.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse Age Range Ages 7+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Tibet Vista From
- US$799
15 Days Kailash and Manasarova Small Group Tibet Tour: A pilgrim’s final trip fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The small group consisted of 10 people from difference countries. All were friendly and nice and I enjoyed travelling with them.”
Kai, traveled in September
Duration 15 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhatse, Saga County, Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash, Tarchan, Sakya Age Range Ages 7+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Tibet Vista From
- US$2,069
11-Day Classic China Tour: Quality Small Group & Luxury Hotels, All Inclusive
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were very happy with the hotels, tour schedule plus local foods whenever we got to the different locations.”
Stephanie, traveled in March
Small groups of 2-18 travelers receive dedicated attention at the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. The intimate setting allows for Tai Chi lessons in Xi'an's City Wall Park and home visits with local families in Beijing's Hutong alleys.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Travel China Guide From $2,279
12% Off- US$2,006You save $273
Duration 8 days Destinations Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Mogao Caves Age Range Ages 6+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator Top China Travel From
12% Off- US$1,687
Groups of 2-12 travelers get focused attention from English-speaking guides at Tibet's key monasteries and natural sites. The small size makes it easy to watch daily monk debates at Sera Monastery (3:00-5:30 PM) and share a traditional welcome dinner together on day 2.
Duration 5 days Destinations Lhasa, Yamdroktso Lake Age Range Ages 6+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Top China Travel From
12% Off- US$830
11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star Cruise
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Travelling in a small group, having informed guides, and easy access to main sites.”
Leanna, traveled in March
Small groups of 2-18 travelers connect deeply with local culture through family visits in Beijing's hutongs and Xi'an's cave dwellings. The intimate size allows for exclusive dining experiences, including a la carte meals at selected local restaurants.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Qutang Gorge, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Travel China Guide From $2,739
12% Off- US$2,410You save $329
2-Day All-Inclusive Beijing Mini Group Tour: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and More Highlights
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 2 day mini tour was an excellent glimpse into Beijing and Chinese culture.”
Vasanthi, traveled in May
Duration 2 days Destinations Beijing Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Travel China Guide From
12% Off- US$189
Two Weeks Impression China Trip: Small Group & Luxury Hotels, All Inclusive
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organised and stress free trip with fantastic guides and drivers!”
Ian, traveled in October
Limited to 2-18 travelers, this tour provides close-up experiences at Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace. Private Hutong rickshaw rides and local family visits in Beijing create meaningful cultural exchanges. Mostly couples aged 5+ share these memorable moments.
Duration 14 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Qutang Gorge, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Travel China Guide From $3,509
12% Off- US$3,088You save $421
Reviews of Small Group tours to China
The tour was great! I had a wonderful time and Tibet was spectacular. Our driver was very professional and I felt safe in the car. Lobsang was a wonderful guide with great energy and he seemed very knowledgeable and passionate. Thank you once again for helping me every step of the way, I couldn’t have asked for better assistance. I would without hesitation recommend your agency to my friends or book with you again if I go on another tour.
9 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Everest Namtso Group Tour
- 11-Day Classic China Tour: Quality Small Group & Luxury Hotels, All Inclusive
The tour is a great professional with knowledge guide person such as Carol in Xi'an or Randy in Beijing. We were very happy with the hotels, tour schedule plus local foods whenever we got to the different locations. We strongly recommend your company to any travelers who would like to discover China trip. Will come back to you soon in another tour in near future.
- 11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star Cruise
The trip was wonderful! As a senior woman traveling alone I could not have asked for a better trip. Everything was well organized and the guides were so friendly and knowledgeable. Arriving in China by myself I was nervous but the tour guide was waiting for me at arrivals at the airport, which right away put me at ease. In Chongquing , I was the only person arriving on that particular day. I had a guide and driver to myself that day. I believe the tour guide went way above what was required. He introduced me to some of the history of the city, and showed me the market area. He answered my many questions about the city and was so pleasant and concerned that I should not become too tired. Every tour guide treated us so well. I often felt like I had a member of my family with me because of the concern of the tour guides. When taking the bullet train, I was taken right to the car I was traveling in! When I arrived in Shanghai my new guide was there waiting for me. The five star hotels were very comfortable. The different sites we visited were interesting. I traveled in a group which was 18 when we started on the last days was only 9 because the others were visiting other cities. It was a great group of people, everyone arrived on time whenever a meeting time was set. At lunch we just enjoyed each other's company. This was my first visit to China and I was amazed at what a first world country with an rich history. Thank you for organizing this trip, I have memories for many years to come.
What our customers ask about China Small Group Tours
What type of accommodation can I expect on a small group tour in China?
Small group tours provide comfortable lodging in 4-5 star hotels that are centrally located. Guests can expect properties like the Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong in Beijing the Crowne Plaza in Xi'an and the Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World. A recent TourRadar traveler noted: "The accommodation was excellent throughout with sumptuous breakfasts and great central locations."
What unique experiences are offered on small group tours in China?
These tours give travelers access to local homes traditional tea ceremonies and cultural demonstrations. In Xi'an visitors can make dumplings with local families join private Tai Chi lessons and get special access at the Terracotta Warriors site. The tours include stays at upscale hotels such as the Crowne Plaza Xi'an and Radisson Blu Shanghai New World. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We particularly enjoyed having informed and caring guides and authentic local experiences like our fabulous lunch meal in Shanghai."
How does transportation work on small group tours in China?
Transportation includes private coaches high-speed trains and flights between major cities. Groups take the bullet train from Beijing to Xi'an which takes 5 hours and fly to destinations like Zhangjiajie. The smaller group size means comfortable travel in private vehicles including trips to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Travelers report: "Everything was well coordinated with seamless transfers between various parts of the tour."
What meals are included on small group tours in China?
Tours generally cover daily hotel breakfasts authentic Chinese lunches at selected local restaurants and special dining events like the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show in Xi'an. Welcome lunches often valued at 150 USD per person and farewell dinners featuring regional dishes are common inclusions. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The authentic meals were a highlight especially experiencing local cuisine with our small group."
How does pricing compare between small group and large group tours in China?
Small group tours cost between USD 150-300 daily while larger groups range from USD 80-150. The higher rates reflect perks like exclusive hotels including the Sunworld Hotel in Beijing or Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel in Xi'an private transport focused guide attention and flexible scheduling. TourRadar data shows small group tours average USD 284 per day.
What is the typical small group size for tours in China?
Groups usually consist of 2-18 travelers creating a more personal experience. TravelChinaGuide's tours keep numbers low to ensure quality time at major sites like the Terracotta Warriors and Great Wall. A TourRadar participant shared: "I liked the small group size. It made visiting places like the Forbidden City much more manageable and intimate." This format allows for special activities like visiting Beijing hutong families and dumpling-making sessions at Xi'an's Tang Paradise Hotel.