YPT Tours to China
As our spiritual home since 2008, as well as the place where our trips to North Korea originate, China tours and travel have always been extremely important to YPT.
Now, after the Middle Kingdom’s long closure to tourism due to Covid-19, Young Pioneer Tours are pleased to again be offering a full range of China tours and travel packages.
This includes favourites such as our trips to Tibet and Xinjiang, as well as real YPT originals, such as our North Korean Borderlands and Red China tours. And with tourists not yet swarming back to China, there is surely no better time to get off of the beaten track here.
China is the home of the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and the start point of the Silk Road, but beyond that it offers an endless array of fascinating-weird places and YPT are the ones to take you there.
Group Tours to China
YPT are currently working on group tours to Tibet and Xinjiang, among others. Check this page and our social media accounts for the latest news!
Independent Tours to China
YPT have been running China travel packages since 2008, particularly as extensions to our North Korean tours. In 2009, we ran our first tour to Tibet and have since expanded to cover a whole heap of some of the lesser-known tourist sites of the People’s Republic.
We now also offer a number of independent tours throughout the country, as well as our bespoke whole of China tour, which you can check out below.
Example Classic China Tour (Hong Kong to Beijing Overland)
The following is our “Classic China Tour”, which acts as Part 1 of our China Overland Tour. This is an example of one of our China tour programs, and can be adapted, or combined with other places to suit your needs.
If you would like us to design a bespoke China itinerary for you then please get in touch and tell us your needs.
Day 1 – Hong Kong
- Arrival in Hong Kong at own leisure and transfer to our centrally located hotel
- Pre-tour meeting at 6pm in the hotel lobby
- First dinner in one of our favourite restaurants, they clearly have some of the best Dim Sum on the planet in this city.
- Overnight in Hong Kong.
Day 2 – Hong Kong
- Breakfast in our hotel before heading out to explore the city.
- First, we ascend Victoria Peak via the iconic tram, marvelling at panoramic vistas of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour.
- Next, we embark on a scenic journey aboard the Star Ferry, crossing to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) where we soak in the bustling atmosphere and waterfront views.
- Finally, we indulge in a delightful evening in Wan Chai, exploring its vibrant dining and nightlife scene, savouring delicious cuisine, and enjoying drinks amidst the lively ambiance.
- Overnight in Hong Kong.
Day 3 – Shenzhen to Yangshuo
- We begin by crossing into mainland China early in the morning.
- Then, we board the ~2.5h fast train from Shenzhen to Yangshuo.
- After dropping our bags in the hotel and a quick lunch we head out on our Yangshuo Motorbike tour exploring the countryside and amazing karst geological scenery.
- We will have typical Yangshuo food and stop for beers by the river to spot cormorant fishermen or go for a swim ourselves before experiencing a magical sunset.
- Finally, we conclude our day with a captivating night tour in Yangshuo.
- Overnight Yangshuo.
Day 4 – Yangshuo
- Breakfast in our hotel.
- In the morning, we embark on a scenic hike around the area to immerse ourselves in nature.
- Following the hike, we embark on a relaxing Li River cruise, taking in the stunning landscapes along the way.
- Afterwards, we indulge in a bike ride to explore the Moon Hill caves and unwind with a rejuvenating mud bath experience.
- Traditional Yangshuo dinner: ever had beer fish before?
- Overnight in Yangshuo
Day 5 – Guilin to Shanghai fast train
- Breakfast in our hotel
- We then start with a guided walking tour of Guilin city centre and its picturesque parks, immersing ourselves in the local culture and scenic beauty.
- Then we will board our private minivan for a drive out to the Longji rice terrasses and as well a visit to the minority villages around the area, learning about the traditions of the Yao and Zhuang people.
- Night train to Shanghai, fully loaded with snacks.
- Overnight in train
Day 6 – Shanghai day tour and overnight
- Breakfast in the city after dropping off our bags.
- We start our day by visiting Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai’s busiest and most famous shopping streets, known for its vibrant atmosphere and array of shops and restaurants.
- Next, we head to The Bund, where we stroll along the waterfront promenade to admire the iconic skyline of Shanghai, featuring historic buildings on one side and the modern skyscrapers of Pudong on the other.
- Afterward, we explore the French Quarter, characterized by its charming colonial architecture, tree-lined streets, and cozy cafes, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s historical and cultural blend of East and West.
- Overnight in Shanghai
Day 7 – Shanghai to Beijing
- Early boarding of the fast train to Beijing and breakfast inside.
- We start our exploration with a visit to Wangfujing, one of Beijing’s most famous shopping streets known for its bustling markets and traditional snacks.
- Next, we embark on a comprehensive walking tour of Beijing, immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture of the city as we visit iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
- To conclude our day, we indulge in the vibrant street food scene of Beijing, sampling local delicacies and experiencing the flavours of authentic Chinese cuisine in lively outdoor markets and food stalls.
- Overnight in Beijing
Day 8 – Forbidden City – Camping on secret wall
- Breakfast in our hotel.
- We begin our journey with a visit to the majestic Forbidden City, exploring its grand halls and historic courtyards that once housed Chinese emperors.
- Next, we venture to the iconic Great Wall of China, marvelling at its awe-inspiring architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- To conclude our adventure, we embark on an unforgettable overnight camping experience at the Great Wall, where we can witness the sunset and sunrise over this ancient wonder, immersing ourselves in its rich history and natural beauty.
Day 9 – End of tour
- Freshen up and shower at the hotel.
- End of trip with YPT able to organize further travel throughout China or neighbouring countries.
Bespoke China Tours
Aside from our extensive list of group and independent tours to China YPT also offer regional packages to the most popular areas, as well as slightly more obscure bespoke China Tours.
Many of these link to their own pages with more information, if they do not please get in touch to plan your China tour with YPT.
Tibet Tours
The first destination that YPT offered after the DPRK and one which prior to Covid was a yearly favourite. One that we have brought back as a group tour, as well as being able to offer independently. You can check our dedicated Tibet page here as well as some of our favourite places.
Xinjiang Tours
Another pre-Covid favourite for our Pioneers that has very much been resurrected. We can offer this individually, as a special interest, or combined with various countries within the region. You can check our dedicated Xiniang page here as well as our personal experience and view on it.
Ordos and Kangbashi Tours
Young Pioneer Tours were the first company to offer tours to Kangbashi and Ordos and have not only taken journalists here, but also filmed movies. When it comes to Ordos YPT are the experts and can offer bespoke Kangbashi tours throughout the year. You can check our dedicated page here.
North Korean Borderlands Tours
Formerly one of our most underrated but popular tours. This trip offers a rare glimpse into North Korea through its long border with China. Currently, this is the closest you will get to visiting the DPRK. Borderlands trips cover a set itinerary although this can be adapted for your personal needs.
Red China Tours
With its extremely unique and intense communist history perhaps nowhere can beat the PRC when it comes to so called red tourism. We currently offer one tour per year, as well as the chance to do bespoke tour.
China Overland Tour
In 2019 YPT designed the perfect circular overload tour around China taking in all the main sites, as well as YPT specialties. This tour is perfect for school and student groups and can be in its entirety, or in part.
City Break/North Korea Tour extensions
As part of our North Korean Tour program, YPT can offer a number of city breaks as part of a combo with the country. These include, but are not limited to, Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. And if none of these match your preference, YPT can arrange a bespoke trip that incorporates what you want to do in China with North Korea. You find the extension overview here.
Dandong China Tours
With many of our North Korea tours originating and ending in the city of Dandong, this makes it the perfect place to check out either individually, or as part of a DPRK Tour. You can check out our guided Dandong Tours page here.
China – South Korea Combo Tours
YPT can arrange tours that originate in either China, or South Korea before utilizing ferry between the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China. These can further be incorporated with our North Korea and Dandong Tours.
China – Vietnam Combo Tours
With a long shared border and history, combining a tour of Vietnam with China is an excellent option for those wishing to see the two countries. Click the link to see our Vietnam tours.
China – Mongolia Combo Tours
With the Trans-Mongolian train connecting China conveniently with Mongolia, we will embark on an adventure that leads us from the Great Wall to the Gobi Desert, and the historic figure of Genghis Khan. During their terrible but fascinating conquests, the Mongols created the largest empire ever to exist. Don’t miss out on our other Mongolia Tours as well.
China – Kyrgyzstan Combo Tours
Archaeological heritage in ancient cities, stunning nature, the magic of the history of the Silk Road. Come with us on this truly unique tour as we explore the obvious but also the lesser seen parts of Urumqi, Kashgar, Cholpon-Ata, and beyond. We know what´s really going on in these far away places in Central Asia. Don´t miss out on our other Kyrgyzstan Tours as well.
Pamir Highway Tour – China and Tajikistan
The Pamir Highway, known as M41 during the Soviet times, was the very route that was a vital part of the ancient Silk Road. The very same path that Marco Polo travelled and what connected many mighty civilisations and empires. On our Pamir Highway tour, we will take you through the most impressive, remotest, and wildest mountain ranges in the world. Don´t miss out on our other Tajikistan Tours as well.
Karakoram Highway Tour – Pakistan to China
Join Young Pioneer Tours as we embark on the ultimate road trip, the Karakoram Highway, regarded as one of the best journeys in the world. Your tour will take you across northern Pakistan to China’s most northwestern locations. You’ll follow in the footsteps of weary travellers from the ancient Silk Roads and witness new empires and their allies emerging in modern times.
Great Chinese Train Journeys
With a rail network spanning 159,000 kilometres, China offers some of the most breathtaking train journeys on the planet through both its high speed and traditional railways. Almost all cities are connected by train, with services such as the Beijing to Lhasa line being famously iconic. YPT can arrange tickets throughout China, as well as those connecting with various international routes.
School Trips to China
Young Pioneer Tours can arrange school trips to China, as well as ones within the wider region. Trips can be arranged pretty much anywhere within China and designed around the needs of your school or college.
Business Interest Trips
YPT can arrange business interest trips to China for matching, meeting suppliers, or just a general interest trip, be it for school, college, or pure tourism. Our standard business tour to China itinerary takes us to Yiwu, Guangzhou and Shenzhen and is available in request.
Filming in China/Media trips to China
Through our partners at Pioneer Media, YPT can arrange permission to film, or enter as journalist in China, as well as acting as your perfect media consultant. Previous credits from filming in China include the award winning Ghostbox Cowboy filmed in Ordos Ghost City. Other examples of coverage we organized in China include a tour for a family who adopted a child from Yanbian and came back to visit their hometown and Chinese foster family.
Frequently asked Questions about travel to China
The countries included on the new 15 day visa free scheme include:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Spain and Switzerland.
Other countries previously allowed visa exempt travel to China include:
For up to 90 days: Albania, Armenia, San Marino
For up to 60 days: Mauritius
For up to 30 days: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Georgia, Grenada, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Malaysia, Mongolia, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Suriname, Thailand, Tonga
This now means that nationals of 41 countries can travel to China visa free. The nation was previously known for its strict visa policy, which required considerable documentation and planning in order to visit the history-laden nation. You can find more detailed information here and how this will make future visits to DPRK much easier.
If you´re not on the visa exemption list or want to stay longer in the country, you will still have to apply for a tourist visa for single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry, or the 72h/144h transit visa options. This really depends on your travel plans and we are happy to advise you on the best choice.
The main risk of traveling to China is getting detained as a result of political tensions between China and Western nations. When traveling on private or group tours, the risk of any sort of detention or questioning is massively reduced, as with our tours you will be accompanied by a YPT tour leader.
Particularly, the new visa policies making China more accessible for many is a strong hint towards a more pro-tourism government directive. As the country tries to draw in even more tourists, we anticipate that the country will become safer for tourists.
You should always do your own research about insurance, but we at YPT use IATI. Using our referral link below will give you a 5% discount off their usual price: https://www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en/?r=23612524710385
This gives our professional bilingual guides a unique insight into travel throughout China and therefore means we get to offer lots of cool extras compared to our competitors.
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