Southern China Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Southern China tour packages
- What people love about Southern China Tours
- Travel Southern China your way
- Top operators in Southern China
- Discover Southern China tours for every budget
- Southern China tours for every group
- Top Southern China travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Southern China
- Contact our Southern China travel experts
The best Southern China tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern China travel expert at TourRadar
The northernmost frontier of Vietnam unfolds along the Chinese border, with stops at Lung Cu Flag Pole offering spectacular views into Southern China. This 5-day route reveals cross-border cultural influences at H'mong King Palace and Nam Dam village, where Dao people maintain traditional clay houses. The tour suits comfort-seeking travelers with easy physical demands.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Ha Giang, Dong Van Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Up Travel Vietnam From
- US$500
Northern Vietnam's remote beauty unfolds on this approx. $110/day adventure through Ha Giang Loop. From Hanoi to iconic sites like Ma Pi Leng Pass and Nho Que River, guests stay in traditional homestays with Tay minority families. Suitable for travelers aged 12+, featuring visits to H'mong King Palace and authentic local cuisine across Dong Van, Meo Vac, and Du Gia villages.
Duration 4 days Destinations Hanoi, Ha Giang, Dong Van Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Up Travel Vietnam From
- US$430
11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The extras, like the visits to people's houses, the home cooked meal, the journey to the farmer out in Guilin, all added that special touch.”
Alan, traveled in October 2019
Southern China's limestone peaks stretch from Guilin to Yangshuo's countryside. A Li River cruise passes dramatic karst mountains, while Reed Flute Cave reveals illuminated chambers. Traditional farming villages provide cultural insights.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator TravelChinaGuide Tours From $2,239
15% Off- US$1,903You save $335
Ha Giang Easy Rider Motorbike 4 days/3 nights
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I highly would recommend others to this Life changing and eye opening experience.”
Steven, traveled in October 2024
Mountain passes and ethnic minority villages dot Southern China's border region. Traditional markets bustle with local life, while authentic homestays offer cultural immersion in remote communities.
Duration 4 days Destinations Hanoi, Ha Giang, Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Du Gia Age Range up to 80 year olds Operated in English Operator Vietnam Real Tour From
15% Off- US$219
Shanghai's contrasts come alive through traditional Yuyuan Garden and Shikumen alleys, balanced by the futuristic Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Lujiazui district. The tour includes 4-star accommodation and authentic local dining experiences.
Duration 3 days Destinations Shanghai Age Range 2 to 75 year olds Operated in English Operator Top China Travel From
15% Off- US$300
What people love about Southern China Tours
It was a fantastic trip . The two girls Tina in Beijing and Celine In Xi’an were amazing . Very knowledgeable. We saw so much and it was an amazing place . The food was good and the hotels were 5 star really. The only thing is maybe we could just say stop for and hour at a couple of places were there was a market that we walked through where we could just look around by a souvenir or just sits down get a drink and soak up the atmosphere of the place . In Shanghai we could have had an hour to look around the French quarter and take it all in . We did not need to to the shops as that was the point but he Mosque in Xi’an would have been another spot we could have just sat had a drink or a quick look at sovereign whatever anyone wanted to do for an hour . Guilin was the same when we walked up the old street we needed to rest get a cold drink and icy pole as it was so hot the blind after the cruise. Just a note that maybe in Shanghai the day we arrive maybe an activity for the evening (A dinner some where ax a group) as he hotel is a fair way out of town and it took us a while to get in . Apart from that I would still recommended this 11 days . You saw all you need and more and the activities were really good . So thank you all. If you haven’t visited China yet I would recommend this tour . Loved it . Regards Vicky from Melbourne Australia
11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai
- 11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai
It was an excellent tour for the price. Everything was very well organized and the guides were terrific. It was all as advertised and more. My only complaint was that some of the museum visits were far too brief. Giving only one hour for a major museum covering thousands of years of history and culture was just not adequate.
Candy was our guide for Beijing, Tracy for X'ian and Sherry for Guillin. All our guides were courteous, helpful, knowledgeable and experienced. We were in safe hands and through their efforts had a holiday of a lifetime.
11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai
Travel Southern China your way
The limestone karst landscapes of Southern China set up perfect conditions for mixing different activities each day. Our active tours through Guilin, Yangshuo and nearby areas let you cycle past rice paddies in the morning then switch to paddling down the Li River later that same day. Yangshuo's become a favorite spot with our travelers - you can join local tai chi sessions at sunrise or head up to Seven Fairies Peak tea plantation to see traditional cultivation methods firsthand. The Beijing to Shanghai 10-day route includes something special - you'll actually camp on unrestored sections of the Great Wall and wake up to watch the sunrise right from your tent (though we do move to local guesthouses when it gets cold). Moving south, our multi-day journeys through Kunming and Dali get great feedback from travelers who love how we balance physical challenges with genuine cultural experiences. You'll walk through Tibetan villages, explore old towns and climb up to spots like the Wangu Pagoda for wide views over Lijiang. For those looking for a proper workout, the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek covers 16km and climbs nearly 3900 meters while following the Yangzi River - it's demanding but the views are worth every step. Our guides really know how to mix things up: you might spend your morning learning about tea production on Xianggong hill, walk through ancient stone villages in the afternoon and finish with dinner on a rooftop overlooking Shanghai's lights. They'll also take you to places like the converted farmhouse where you'll learn to cook local dishes after cycling through quiet village roads.
See all Active toursSouthern China really opens up when you start in Kunming and wind your way through to Shangri-La, where Tibetan influences mix with Chinese culture. Our travelers tell us they love how these tours balance structure with freedom - you'll get expert-led walks through Xizhou's traditional courtyards, tasting Bai snacks along the way, then have time to explore places like The Loft on your own, a former factory that's now home to local artists. For those up for a physical challenge, the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek takes two days through terrain that climbs to 3,900 meters above the Yangzi. The 4-6 hour daily hikes are adjusted based on the group and conditions, but you'll feel like you've earned those views.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 85 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Southern China with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided toursExplore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Southern China. We have 77 adventures that vary from 3 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Partially Guided tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in Southern China
Travelers who've explored with Truly China Travel consistently mention how well everything flows together on their tours. The company's getting particularly good feedback about "The Essence of Guilin" - lots of our customers point out how Daniel stays on top of communication and really knows his stuff. The guides Anna and Green have made quite an impression too, with one person mentioning they felt like they got "VIP treatment" throughout the whole experience. For those looking to explore on two wheels, Mr Biker Saigon has built up a solid reputation with their Ha Giang Loop cycling tours in Northern Vietnam. They've figured out how to handle different cycling abilities on the same trip, which isn't easy - you'll find both casual riders and experienced cyclists giving them high marks. The support team stays close by while letting you tackle those mountain roads and rice terraces at your own pace. What stands out in both cases is how the companies handle the practical details - from quick responses to questions before the trip to making sure everything runs smoothly once you're there. The guides know when to share interesting local insights and when to step back and let travelers take it all in.
- 5.0 (13 reviews)
- Tours
- 3 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 4h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $128
- 4.5 (3,072 reviews)
- Tours
- 7 tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 12h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $375
- 5.0 (70 reviews)
"My Guide Arther and Driver were amazing, the itinerary was perfect, the hotels were great and the food was also great. It was very expensive due to traveling on my own but there weren’t any alternatives but it was a not to miss part of the world
- Tours
- 7 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 2h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $330
Discover Southern China tours for every budget
Looking for great value in Southern China? Our most popular route takes you through Ha Giang and North Vietnam over 9 days. You'll hike up to Heaven's Gate, make your way down to Nam Dam village and paddle kayaks on the Nho Que River. The local Dao families host you in their homes, giving you a real look at daily life. Another solid option runs through Guilin where you'll drift along the Li River before wandering Yangshuo's old streets. These budget-friendly tours mix the big sites like the Terracotta Warriors with hands-on experiences - you'll learn to cook local dishes and visit tea farmers at work.
Our luxury Southern China tours put Zhejiang's culture and landscapes front and center. You'll stay in excellent 4- and 5-star hotels while exploring Suzhou's Lingering Garden and Hangzhou's West Lake. Private drivers get you around smoothly, expert guides bring the history alive and nice touches like Pearl River evening cruises make it special. Our travelers really love the private tea ceremonies in Meijiawu village and taking boats through quiet water towns like Tongli and also Zhujiajiao.
Southern China budget tours- Southern China luxury tours
Southern China tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
96 tours in Southern ChinaExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Southern China. We have 96 adventures that vary from 3 days to 20 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
68 tours in Southern ChinaVisit Southern China with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
68 tours in Southern ChinaPrivate tours work brilliantly in Ha Giang where you can really go at your own pace. Stop for photos at Ma Pi Leng Pass whenever you want, take time watching village life unfold and tackle the Sky Path trek however suits you best. With your own guide and driver, you can combine Hanoi's history, Ha Long Bay's islands and Ha Giang's remote corners. Our customers tell us that having a private guide lets them connect more deeply with local culture, especially during homestays with minority communities.
Top Southern China travel itineraries to fit your plans
For quick Southern China trips, our 3-day tours focus on specific areas like Guangdong and also Guilin. The Gulong Canyon tour combines walks on glass bridges suspended 72 meters high with relaxing boat rides through Dongtian Rock Cave - it's particularly good for nature lovers. From Hanoi, you can take the Ha Giang Loop by Jeep to see incredible limestone formations and mountain passes, stopping at local villages and markets along the way. Shanghai tours blend old and new perspectives, taking you through traditional Shikumen alleyways to the modern Pudong financial area, finishing with a Huangpu River cruise.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Hanoi, Quan Ba, Dong Van, Meo Vac
Week-long trips give you proper time to soak in the region's variety. Many travelers choose the Ha Giang - Ba Be Lake combo, which starts in karst country before moving to Vietnam's biggest natural lake. The route mixes hiking through H'mong and Hoa villages with peaceful boat rides near limestone cliffs, and you'll sleep in traditional stilt houses while learning about local farming. Other routes connect Kunming to Shangri-La, where Chinese and also Tibetan influences meet.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Hanoi, Ha Giang, Quan Ba, Meo Vac, Dong Van, Halong Bay
Ten-day routes let you combine major Chinese highlights with southern spots. Several start in Beijing at the Great Wall before heading south to Guilin and also Yangshuo. You'll take a Li River cruise between limestone peaks and bike through rice fields. Some variations add Xi'an's Terra Cotta Warriors and Shanghai's modern cityscape. Our guests often mention how these longer trips mix cultural visits with natural settings - one day you're making dumplings with locals, the next you're walking through rice terraces.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Hong Kong
Demographics
Solo travel really works well in Guilin, where our small-group tours give you space to explore at your own rhythm. Evening boat rides through the Two Rivers and Four Lakes let you take in Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Mountain without any rush - it's a highlight many of our solo guests mention. Another solid option runs through Yunnan from Kunming to Shangri-La. You'll connect with other travelers while keeping your independence, especially during the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek where you walk 4-6 hours daily at whatever pace suits you. The local guesthouses along the route add authenticity, and by the time you reach Shangri-La at 3,200 meters, you can wander the rebuilt Dukezong Ancient Town and often find yourself sharing yak butter tea with Tibetan families.
Empty section - insufficient couples tour data
The Ha Giang loop is a real favorite with our younger travelers, and it's clear why. You'll trek the Sky Path along limestone cliffs, kayak the green waters of Nho Que River and push yourself physically while learning about local life. After climbing to Heaven's Gate for valley views, you'll stay with Dao families in Nam Dam village - our travelers say this mix of activity and culture makes the trip special. Going north from Kunming to Shangri-La offers another great route. You'll trek Tiger Leaping Gorge, learn cooking in converted farmhouses, cycle through Yangshuo's karst landscape and even try tea picking at Seven Fairies Peak plantation. The homestays in traditional villages really round out the experience.
- Solo Travelers139 tours
- Couples31 tours
- Seniors (50+)71 tours
Best time to visit Southern China
- Spring 2025
March through May is when Southern China really comes into its own. The Longji terraces transform into shimmering water mirrors as farmers prep their fields, and our travelers can't get enough of those misty morning views over the karst peaks during Li River cruises. Tiger Leaping Gorge trails firm up nicely after winter - just right for those 4-6 hour daily walks. Up in Vietnam's northern edges, the Ha Giang loop opens up beautifully too. Our customers particularly enjoy staying with Dao families and kayaking the clear waters of Nho Que River this time of year.
- 129 tours
- 131 tours
- popular 133 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer paints Southern China in deep greens, and photographers on our tours make the most of it. Several routes blend Beijing and Xi'an's culture with Guilin's natural side. Cycling through Yangshuo's countryside is a favorite - you can stop at local homes and join cooking classes using ingredients from nearby farms. The Li River bustles with activity, and you'll spot fishermen working with their cormorant birds. It gets warm, but our guides know every shady rest spot and where to find the best cool drinks during city walks. The evenings really come alive too - our customers love watching Yangshuo's Liu Sanjie show or taking night boats through Guilin's lit-up lakes.
- popular 124 tours
- 120 tours
- 121 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn turns Longji's rice terraces to gold just before harvest, and the comfortable temps make it perfect for exploring. Our travelers choose this season for Tiger Leaping Gorge hikes and wandering Dali's old streets. The Li River runs crystal clear, making it a photographer's dream. Around Yangshuo, you can watch farmers bringing in crops and even join tea picking at Seven Fairies Peak. Many routes connect these countryside experiences with Beijing and Shanghai's attractions, letting you explore the Forbidden City and Yu Gardens without summer heat or winter's chill.
- 127 tours
- popular 128 tours
- 119 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Southern China's winter tours shine brightest around Guilin and Lijiang. The mountains wear their snow caps well, and Longji's rice terraces take on a special kind of quiet beauty when dusted white. Our travelers tell us they love having Tiger Leaping Gorge almost to themselves during these quieter months. A popular multi-day route links Beijing and Shanghai through Guilin, so you get the Forbidden City and Great Wall plus those distinctive Li River formations. The guides handle winter changes smoothly - when Xi'an's Tang Dynasty show takes its winter break from December to February, they've got excellent backup entertainment lined up. Winter also works perfectly for wandering Yunnan's old towns like Dali and Lijiang, where Jade Dragon Snow Mountain makes an impressive backdrop for photos.
- 71 tours
- popular 110 tours
- 106 tours
Contact our Southern China travel experts
Kate
Expert in Southern China at TourRadar
Kate is one of our seasoned Southern China Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Southern China tours answered!
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