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
- 11-Day Luxury China Samll Group Tour: No Shopping & All Inclusive
- 9 Days Classic Tibet With Lhasa Small Group Tour | Western China Package Adventure (Max 15)
- China Golden Triangle and Avatar Mountains Small Group Adventure
- 11 Days Northern Xinjiang Group Tour with Nalati Grassland
- 8 Days Lhasa to Mt. Everest Group Tour
- Tibet 5 days Group tour Lhasa with Yamdrok Lake
- 8 Days Qinghai to Dunhuang Group Tour including Chaka Salt Lake
- 11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star Cruise
- Yunan: Dali, Shangri-La, Lijiang Light Hiking Mini Group Tour 7D
- 2-Day All-Inclusive Beijing Mini Group Tour: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and More Highlights
11-Day Luxury China Samll Group Tour: No Shopping & All Inclusive
“The places visited, the organization, the guides were excellent.”
Patricia, traveled in May
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
15% Off- US$1,937
9 Days Classic Tibet With Lhasa Small Group Tour | Western China Package Adventure (Max 15)
“This tour was well organized from start to finish and exceeded my expectations.”
Olaitan, traveled in June
Duration 9 days Destinations Lhasa, Nyingchi, Yamdroktso Lake, Shigatse Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $1,411
5% Off- US$1,340
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
5% Off- US$3,767
Duration 11 days Destinations Urumqi, Heavenly Lake, Hemu Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Joy Travel From
5% Off- US$2,188+$688 local payments
8 Days Lhasa to Mt. Everest Group Tour
“Benba and Tenzing did an excellent job throughout the trip to cater to each persons needs.”
Michelle, traveled in April
Small groups averaging 12 travelers follow English-speaking Tibetan guides through sacred sites like Tashilunpo Monastery. The intimate setting enables impromptu stops at local villages and markets between Lhasa and Shigatse, with careful attention at high-altitude spots like Karola Glacier.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhatse, Tingri Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Great Tibet Tour From
5% Off- US$1,046
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
5% Off- US$830
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
5% Off- US$1,687
11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star Cruise
“Well organised tour. Particularly impressed with the co-ordination of transfers between various parts of the tour.”
Ron, traveled in July
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, Three Gorges, 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
15% Off- US$2,328
Small groups of 2-4 travelers share an English-speaking guide-driver, while 5-10 guests receive separate guide and driver service. The itinerary covers Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake by eco-cart, and authentic Bai culture in Xizhou and Zhoucheng villages.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dali, Xizhouzhen, Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Top China Travel From
15% Off- US$1,173
2-Day All-Inclusive Beijing Mini Group Tour: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and More Highlights
“really very enjoyable and exactly as advertised – all of the best sites and no shopping.”
Andrew, traveled in December
Duration 2 days Destinations Beijing Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Travel China Guide From
15% Off- US$189
Reviews of Small Group tours to China
- 11-Day Luxury China Samll Group Tour: No Shopping & 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.
- 9 Days Classic Tibet With Lhasa Small Group Tour | Western China Package Adventure (Max 15)
The trip was amazing but at times, there was a breakdown in communication between the guides and the travellers e.g. when we were let loose to find our own lunch or dinner, there could have been clearer information provided to avoid travellers not eating due to confusion about venues etc.Many of our co-travellers went hungry as they hadn't been given clear instructions about accessing restaurants.
- 8 Days Lhasa to Mt. Everest Group Tour
The Tour was good with a caring, responsible informative guide.
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.