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
- 8 Days Tibet Small Group Tour: Lhasa to Mt. Everest Base Camp
- Small Group China Adventure with Pandas
- Classic China Small Group Adventure
- 7 Days Lhasa Mt. Everest Kathmandu Overland Group Tour
- 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
- 7 Days Tibet Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Group Tour
- Yunan: Dali, Shangri-La, Lijiang Light Hiking Mini Group Tour 7D
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 8 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Tingri Age Range Ages 6+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Top China Travel From
15% off- US$1,046
Duration 10 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 2 Group Type Group Operator Bamba Travel From
15% off- US$3,622
Duration 8 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 2 Group Type Group Operator Bamba Travel From
15% off- US$2,832
7 Days Lhasa Mt. Everest Kathmandu Overland Group Tour
“The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and of course Everest Base Camp were unforgettable highlights.”
Jenny, traveled in September
Intimate groups of typically 6 travelers visit Tibet with an English-speaking guide. The small size enables personal visits to Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka Garden. Local Tibetan restaurants and comfortable Lhasa hotels enhance the experience.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lhasa, Yamdroktso Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhatse, Tingri, Gyirong, Kathmandu Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Great Tibet Tour From
15% off- US$1,214
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
8 Days Lhasa to Mt. Everest Group Tour
“An excellent tour! I enjoyed every minute of it and visited all the places I had hoped to see.”
Paul, traveled in November
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
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$980
Duration 7 days Destinations Lhasa, Yamdroktso Lake, Shigatse, Gyantse, Tingri, Everest Base Camp, Gyirong Age Range Ages 6+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Top China Travel From
15% off- US$1,082
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
Reviews of Small Group tours to China
- 11-Day Luxury China Samll Group Tour: No Shopping & All Inclusive
The logistics was great although the guides from Guilin and Shanghai did not allocate time for lunch.
- 7 Days Lhasa Mt. Everest Kathmandu Overland Group Tour
My Tibet tour with a great Tibet tour is amazing. My fellow travelers were very nice, all from the UK, the tour also went really well, the hotels were also very good. The round trip flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu is amazing. I suggest you choose the windows seat. You can view the Mount Qomolangma scenery. So please hold on to my passport copy, I might want to do the 15-day tour, to the western part of Tibet, in one or two years.
Amazing tour! Tibet is definitely one of the most worthwhile destinations—if not the most. There’s tons of cool stuff to see, an awesome exotic culture, and super tasty food—yak jerky was my favorite, so chewy and flavorful! Once you know about this place, you can’t sleep on it. Our guide Mengbo was kind and knowledgeable, the driver drove steadily and smoothly, and the customer service was great, too. Everyone was always ready to help out. No way I’d have had such an epic time without them. So glad I went—totally worth it! 10/10, would definitely recommend.
8 Days Lhasa to Mt. Everest Group Tour
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.