Local Living Tours & Trips in China
There's no better way to delve into culture than to live like a local. Spend time with them for an insight into what life is like in China. With 24 local adventures lasting 6 days to 26 days, you're sure to create memories to last a lifetime.
- Choose from 24 China tours
- 3 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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I would like to express my highest appreciation for our guide, Jay Jiang, following our recent journey with Intrepid Travel. Having travelled extensively and experienced many guided tours around the world, I can say with complete confidence that Jay Jiang is, without exception, the finest guide I have ever encountered. This is not only due to his outstanding professionalism, organisation, and the evident pride he takes in his work—qualities one might expect from an excellent guide—but far more because of who he is as a person. Jay Jiang is a man of genuine kindness, integrity, and quiet strength. He treats people with respect and warmth, and approaches his role with a rare sense of care and responsibility. Throughout the journey, he created an atmosphere in which everyone felt welcomed, supported, and at ease. What made this experience truly exceptional is that Jay Jiang did not simply guide us through China—he helped us understand it. Through his knowledge, insight, and thoughtful explanations, he offered a deeper perspective on the country, its history, and its development. His way of sharing went beyond facts; it reflected wisdom, reflection, and a sincere desire for us to truly connect with what we were seeing and experiencing. At the same time, Jay Jiang brought lightness and joy to the group. His sense of humour, his ability to engage with everyone, and even moments such as singing a Chinese song for us, made the journey not only informative but also genuinely enjoyable and memorable. He answered questions with patience and a smile, and his presence consistently uplifted the group. Jay Jiang embodies what a truly exceptional tour leader should be. He combines professionalism with humanity in a way that is rare and deeply appreciated. He has my utmost respect and gratitude. In my view, Jay Jiang deserves the highest possible rating. He is not only an outstanding guide, but also a person of remarkable character who leaves a lasting impression. Thank you, Jay Jiang, for an unforgettable experience through China.
China AdventureMy wife and I were generally pleased with the total experience. There were a few hiccups but our main contact, Ben, was fast to respond to us. He was our lifeline!
China Encompass 16Days: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Three Gorges, Yangshuo, Hong Kong
10 best Local Living China tour packages
Compiled by

NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar
- China Adventure
- Journeys: Pandas & the Peaks of Zhangjiajie National Geographic
- China Encompass 16Days: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Three Gorges, Yangshuo, Hong Kong
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- Classic China Small Group Adventure
- Classical China (9 destinations)
- Discover China and Lhasa (9 destinations)
- Tailor-Made 12-Day Classic China Tour, Fully Guided & All Inclusive
- Best of Yunnan - 10 days
- China Explorer
Try authentic Chongqing hot pot in a converted WWII air raid shelter and take the public cable car across the Yangtze River to see the city from above. In Changsha, a local master teaches you about Nvshu script, the world's only women-exclusive writing system. Later walk the tree-lined streets of Shanghai's French Concession.
Duration 17 days Destinations Hong Kong, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Changsha, Shanghai, Wuxi, Xi'an, Beijing Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$4,790
Drift along the Li River on a bamboo raft as karst peaks rise around you in Yangshuo, then stop for lunch at Jia Community Restaurant where local women cook fresh dishes with ingredients from nearby farms. Later head to Qixianfeng Tea Plantation for a tea ceremony, watching farmers use hand-frying methods passed down for generations.
Duration 10 days Destinations Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Yangshuo, Hong Kong Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures From
- US$3,149
China Encompass 16Days: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Three Gorges, Yangshuo, Hong Kong
“There were a few hiccups but our main contact, Ben, was fast to respond to us. He was our lifeline!”
James, traveled in June
Bike through Yangshuo's karst hills along Yulong River with a local guide, passing rice paddies and small villages. Later you'll try Chongqing hot pot and walk Xi'an's Muslim Quarter where locals shop and eat. Stay in 4-star hotels in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, then cruise the Yangtze River on a 5-star ship.
Duration 16 days Destinations Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Yichang, WuhanSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Silk Road Trips From
- US$4,199
The tour takes you to Drepung Monastery, once home to 7,700 lamas and Asia's largest monastery, where you'll watch traditional monk debates at Sera Monastery founded in 1419. See the birthplace of Tibetan civilization at Tsedang with ancient royal tombs along the Yarlung River, try local food, and meet pilgrims circling Jokhang Temple.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lhasa, Tsetang Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Silk Road Trips From
- US$2,659
Duration 8 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- US$2,832
Do a tea ceremony at the Ming Dynasty Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai's Old City, then wander through Tianzifang's craft shops and galleries. In Beijing, ride a tricycle through Hutong neighborhoods and check out a Siheyuan courtyard house, then stay overnight at Wutai Mountain's monastic area with 40+ monasteries.
Duration 12 days Destinations Shanghai, Luoyang, Sanmexia, Xi'an, Pingyao, Mount Wutai, Yanmenguan, Datong, Beijing Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
- US$2,746
Take part in a traditional tea ceremony at UNESCO-listed Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai's Old City, then head to Lhasa's Barkhor Market around Jokhang Temple where Tibetan tribes gather. Join locals doing Tai Chi in Chengdu's People's Park and ride a tricycle through Beijing's Hutong neighborhoods.
Duration 14 days Destinations Shanghai, Luoyang, Sanmexia, Xi'an, Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Lhasa, Beijing Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
- US$6,035
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