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
- 11 Days Northern Xinjiang Group Tour with Nalati Grassland
- China Golden Triangle and Avatar Mountains Small Group Adventure
- Hong Kong to Beijing Group Adventure 18D/17N
- 8 Days Lhasa to Mt. Everest Group Tour
- 6 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Group Tour
- Tibet 5 days Group tour Lhasa with Yamdrok Lake
- Yunan: Dali, Shangri-La, Lijiang Light Hiking Mini Group Tour 7D
- 11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star Cruise
- 2 Weeks All-inclusive China Trip: Boutique Small Group & Live Shows
11-Day Luxury China Samll Group Tour: No Shopping & All Inclusive
“Very educational, cultural tour. Organization was perfect.”
Sabri, traveled in September
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
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
15% Off- US$2,188+$688 local payments
Duration 10 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 2 Group Type Group Operator Bamba Travel From
15% Off- US$3,767
Hong Kong to Beijing Group Adventure 18D/17N
“The tour offered a broad range of activities and trips while also ensuring plenty of free days.”
Sally, traveled in October
Duration 18 days Destinations Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Chengdu, Leshan, Xi'an, Dengfeng, Luoyang, Beijing Age Range Ages 18-55 Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Bamba Travel From
15% Off- US$2,441
8 Days Lhasa to Mt. Everest Group Tour
“The arrangement route is nice, with 3 days at Lhasa for acclimatization. It is an excellent tour and I would recommend to my friends GTT if they want to come to visit Tibet.”
Timmy, traveled in October
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
15% Off- US$1,046
6 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Group Tour
“I felt relaxed during my trip. I will recommend this Tour to my friends and family who would like to travel to Tibet.”
bessie, traveled in September
Local English-speaking guides lead intimate group tours through Tibet, costing approx. $160 per day. Sacred sites like Jokhang Temple and Pelkor Chöde Monastery become more accessible. Morning pickups at 9:30 AM provide relaxed starts, with oxygen tanks available for high-altitude comfort.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Great Tibet Tour From
15% Off- US$910
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
15% Off- US$830
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
11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star Cruise
“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, 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
2 Weeks All-inclusive China Trip: Boutique Small Group & Live Shows
“The group size was no more than 7 once we left Beijing and this made for a fun and friendly tour.”
Richard, traveled in September
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, 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 $3,509
15% Off- US$2,983
Reviews of Small Group tours to China
- 11-Day Luxury China Samll Group Tour: No Shopping & All Inclusive
I was supposed to get a Sim card to use while in China. My tour director emailed me saying Tour radar would provide me with that she reached our to them and they would contact me. It didn't happen. I called and the agent said they cut ties with esim. Credited me $15.00. Ordered one that didn't work at all . The guide there got me one for$200y that didn't fully work. That prevented me from fully enjoying vacation. Lack of communication makes it hard for someone who travels to a country he's not familiar with.
- Hong Kong to Beijing Group Adventure 18D/17N
I'm glad that I have visited China and seen for myself this interesting and mysterious country. The tour offered a broad range of activities and trips while also ensuring plenty of free days. Travel between each destination was well organized and we were supported well through the endless passport controls and security checks. Apart from Hong Kong and Beiijing accommodation was comfortable, clean and inviting. All accommodation was located close to main attractions and plentiful restaurants and shops. The trips and activities were reasonably priced until Beiijing. A change in the program on the last two days meant that I missed visiting Tiannemen Square and the Summer Palace. This was disappointing. Most Adventure Leaders were efficient and helpful, but Ping who led us in Yangshuo was exceptional in every way - making sure that you felt supported. Likewise in Chengdu Linda went the extra mile to help you. Communication prior to travel wasn't great - responses to inquiries was slow and it was confusing who you should be dealing with. All in all, a well organized tour, interesting variety of activities and reasonably priced.
- 8 Days Lhasa to Mt. Everest Group Tour
I have returned home from my trip to Tibet, which was wonderfully arranged by you and your team. I want to express our heartfelt thanks for all the arrangements, the detailed itinerary, and the assistance with permits and flights. Our guide, Doji, was very professional and enthusiastic. He had a deep understanding of Tibet's history, culture, and traditions, which gave us a deeper appreciation for each site we visited. He patiently answered our questions, was attentive to our moods, and ensured that we safely and comfortably enjoyed each day of our journey. The hotels in Lhasa were excellent, with ethnic characteristics and oxygen machines, and the facilities were complete. The accommodations at Everest Base Camp were a bit basic, but understandable given the high altitude. The service throughout the entire trip was very thoughtful. From arranging the itinerary to airport transfers, tour explanations, every detail was carefully considered. Our needs were fully met, allowing us to enjoy the journey wholeheartedly without worrying about other things. Overall, the 8-day trip to Tibet, including Lhasa and Everest Base Camp, was an unforgettable experience. I was deeply attracted by the magical land and the devout Buddhist culture. If I have the opportunity, I would love to visit other places in Lhasa, such as Nyingchi and Mount Kailash. Once again. Thank you for your thoughtful service. Best wishes, Karina
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.