China Tours for Solo Travelers
A solo trip to China is planned but chaotic, and it's always amazing. You'll see the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, the Bund in Shanghai, and the karst peaks in Guilin. You'll see real differences. On tours, you can meet other travelers, try local foods, see how old and new things can live together, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
10 best China solo travel packages
Compiled by
NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar
- Great Wall to Great Cities: Epic China Adventure from Beijing to Shanghai
- Solo-ish China
- 11-Day Impressive China
- 11-Day Luxury China Samll Group Tour: No Shopping & All Inclusive
- North China Getaway
- Real China Highlights
- 8 Days Unique Experiences of Chengdu Chongqing Zhangjiajie Small Group Tour (Max 16)
- 11 Days China Natural Wonders Group Tour
- China Golden Triangle 8D Group Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
- 14 Days Beautiful China with Yangtze River Cruise and Guilin
Great Wall to Great Cities: Epic China Adventure from Beijing to Shanghai
“I was very impressed with the accounting for optional activities.”
ColleenGellein, traveled in March
Duration 10 days Destinations Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai Age Range Ages 18-55 Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator The Dragon Trip From $1,213
15% Off- US$1,031
Solo-ish China
“Seen so much, experienced so much, a wonderful guide, a nice group of people, good food.”
Margrit, traveled in October
Small groups welcome travelers age 18+, featuring shared cooking classes in Shanghai and group dinners in traditional settings. The itinerary winds through Luoyi Ancient Town and includes hiking the Great Wall at Jinshanling. Comfortable twin-share accommodation in hotels near Xi'an's Muslim Quarter and Beijing's historic sites.
Duration 11 days Destinations Shanghai, Zhujiajiao, Yangzhou, Xi'an, Luoyang, Jinshanling, Beijing Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $2,699
20% Off- US$2,159
11-Day Impressive China
“Excellent tour itinerary and accommodations at such a great value! Would definitely do it again.”
Richard, traveled in August
Cultural immersion awaits at Beijing's Forbidden City and Shanghai's Bund. Group activities ranging $35-89 foster new friendships. Single rooms available with $500 supplement at welcoming hotels like Continental Grand Beijing.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Juyongguan, Xi'an, Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 40 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intertrips From
20% Off- US$1,099+$120 upfront costs
11-Day Luxury China Samll Group Tour: No Shopping & All Inclusive
“Very happy with the tour organization and accommodation.”
Krystyna, traveled in July
Small groups of 2-18 visit Forbidden City and Terracotta Army. Cultural experiences include dumpling dinners in Xi'an and rickshaw rides through Beijing's hutongs, while enjoying single rooms in 5-star hotels.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Travel China Guide From $2,279
15% Off- US$1,937
North China Getaway
“Everything was so easy, and while I had traveled on my own once before, this time I just did more things.”
Anthony, traveled in March
Travelers averaging 40 years old share authentic moments from Great Wall walks to Huangshan hikes. Welcoming guesthouses near Gubeikou provide comfort while Shanghai's historic Bund beckons with like-minded adventurers.
Duration 9 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From
15% Off- US$1,110
Like-minded explorers aged 46+ share exciting activities like cycling in Yangshuo and walking Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, while maintaining personal space with flexible hotel arrangements.
Duration 12 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Yangshuo, Hong Kong Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Truly China Travel From
15% Off- US$3,338
8 Days Unique Experiences of Chengdu Chongqing Zhangjiajie Small Group Tour (Max 16)
“slow-paced exploration of a city that has mastered the art of being good over time.”
Adeline, traveled in March
Duration 8 days Destinations Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $1,597
5% Off- US$1,517
11 Days China Natural Wonders Group Tour
“Very well organised. Highly recommanded.”
TUDOR, traveled in July
Small groups of 18 travelers share experiences at Beijing hutongs and Zhangjiajie's glass bridges. The tour includes visits to Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors, with 4-star accommodations throughout China.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Top China Travel From
5% Off- US$2,303
China Golden Triangle 8D Group Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
“The tour was well put together. From picking up at Beijing airport to check in at the hotels.”
GEORGE, traveled in June
Intimate groups of max 18 people welcome individual travelers. The tour weaves through Beijing's Temple of Heaven, Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, and Shanghai's Nong Tang alleys. Private room options available in 4-star hotels.
Duration 8 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Top China Travel From
5% Off- US$1,451
14 Days Beautiful China with Yangtze River Cruise and Guilin
“Great experience in China. Top China Travel looked after us very well”
Erni, traveled in August
Travelers connect with groups averaging 62 years old, from Beijing's hutongs to Shanghai's Bund. Natural connections form during the Li River cruise, Longji Rice Terraces visit, and Three Gorges journey, while staying in comfortable 4-star accommodations.
Duration 14 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Longsheng, Ping’an, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Qutang Gorge, Three Gorges, YangtzeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Top China Travel From
5% Off- US$2,867
What people love about touring China solo
- 11-Day Impressive China
Fantastic! The trip was well planned and a learning experience , it tackled both the cultural aspects and the spiritual
- 11-Day Luxury China Samll Group Tour: No Shopping & All Inclusive
This tour is the greatest China esperience! All guides go above and beyond to immerse you in the ancient China history, local culture, natural wonders. Absolutely professional and courteous service, best accomodations, balanced time and activities for perfect vacation. Special thanks to TravelChinaGuide agent Emily - helping all the way in planning the tour. Highly recommended tour and TravelChinaGuide team, especially for the first-time visitors to China.
- Real China Highlights
I had a wonderful time! Guides were very accommodating and knowledgeable. Helped translate for me on several occasions! Tour has a very relaxed pace. Highly recommend.
What our customers ask about China Tours for Solo Travelers
What's the best time of year for solo travelers to join a China tour?
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant travel conditions with manageable temperatures and large numbers of fellow solo adventurers. During these peak months solo travelers make up 50-60% of tour participants. A recent TourRadar traveler noted "I went in September and there were 6 other solo travelers in my group of 15 making it easy to connect and explore places like the Mutianyu Great Wall together."
Which cities in China are most solo traveler-friendly on guided tours?
Beijing Shanghai and Xi'an stand out as the most welcoming cities for solo travelers. Each offers a good mix of famous landmarks and social settings. The Muslim Quarter in Xi'an and French Concession in Shanghai let travelers explore independently during free time while still feeling secure. As one TourRadar participant said "As a solo traveler I felt completely comfortable exploring the hutongs of Beijing and evening markets in Shanghai with guidance from our tour leader."
How social are the group tours in China for solo travelers?
The group dynamic on China tours naturally brings people together with solo travelers making up 40-60% of most groups. Tours create natural bonding moments through shared activities like dumpling-making in Xi'an tea ceremonies and group meals. A TourRadar guest shared "The group was very social and the guides were excellent at bringing everyone together especially during the Huizhou village homestay and shared meals at places like the Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao."
How much free time is typically available for solo exploration on China group tours?
Tours usually set aside 2-3 hours daily for independent activities particularly in the evenings. Hotels like the Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao place you close to key attractions for easy exploring. A TourRadar participant shared "I appreciated having free evenings to explore places like the Bund in Shanghai or join optional activities with other solo travelers from the group."
How do meals work for solo travelers on China group tours?
The meal setup includes daily breakfast at accommodations like the Shanghai Metropolo Jinjiang plus several shared dining experiences featuring local dishes. A TourRadar guest commented "As a solo traveler I loved the group dining experiences - from dumplings in Xi'an to Peking duck in Beijing it was a great way to socialize and try authentic dishes without worrying about ordering alone."