China is a country where every city offers an incredible mix of history, culture, and modern life. From the ancient terracotta warriors of Xi’an to the lively streets of Qingdao, China’s cities are packed with sights that tell stories thousands of years old. What makes touring here so rewarding is the variety—whether you’re interested in iconic landmarks, local cuisine, or scenic landscapes, there’s always something to discover. We particularly love the chance to explore Xi’an’s historic sites and taste its famed food streets, or to cruise the West Lake in Hangzhou, soaking in some of China’s most beautiful scenery.
If you’re planning a trip, choosing the right city tour can elevate your experience from passable to unforgettable. The options below include private, customizable experiences that cater to your interests, from in-depth explorations of Guilin’s caves and parks to visiting the colorful Red Beach in Panjin. These tours are designed to give you authentic insights and memorable moments—helping you make the most of your time in China.
1. Full Day Xi’an Private: Terracotta Warriors and City Tour
At number 1, this full-day private tour in Xi’an combines the legendary Terracotta Warriors visit with a walk through the historic city center, including Bell & Drum Tower Square. It offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and local flavor. The tour starts with a pickup from Beilin, and after a comfortable drive, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours exploring the world-famous Terracotta Army, with a guide sharing fascinating insights about how these life-sized statues were buried for over 2,000 years.
The tour then continues to the Bell & Drum Towers, where you’ll learn about their significance in ancient Xi’an, followed by a walk through the bustling food street and the Great Mosque, showcasing the city’s rich blend of Islamic and Chinese culture. The itinerary includes a photo stop and shopping opportunities, making it a well-rounded day.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized attention—guests rave about the knowledgeable guide and the flexibility to customize your time. For $161 per person, it offers excellent value given the depth of experience and the chance to see Xi’an’s most iconic sights in one day. Best suited for history lovers and those wanting a comprehensive introduction to Xi’an’s treasures.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers who want a private, immersive day exploring Xi’an’s highlights with local insight.
2. All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Red Beach in Panjin City
At number 2, this private tour takes you to the stunning Red Beach in Panjin, famed for its striking crimson reeds. This location is a natural marvel, offering a unique landscape where reed-covered wetlands turn a vivid red in spring, summer, and fall. The tour begins with your guide meeting you at Panjin Railway Station, after which you’ll enjoy a local meal and then drive about an hour to the Red Beach Scenic Resort.
Once there, you’ll spend about 2-3 hours walking along the 18-kilometer Red Coastline, observing tens of thousands of waterfowl and the alkaline grasses that give the beach its signature hue. The scenery is especially dramatic during sunset, when the colors deepen and the environment feels almost otherworldly. This tour’s value lies in the exclusive access and the chance to experience a natural spectacle that few travelers get to see.
The tour includes admission tickets, and you can choose to extend your visit with bird-watching or photography. At approximately $410 per person, it is priced for those seeking a unique, scenic adventure outside China’s more typical city sights. It’s perfect for nature lovers and photographers eager to capture something truly special.
Bottom Line: A scenic, nature-focused trip ideal for those wanting to see one of China’s most colorful geological phenomena.
$410.26 per person
3. Guilin: Private Customized Tour of City’s Top Sights
Ranking third, this private, customizable tour of Guilin offers flexibility and expert guidance. For around $118, you get to explore Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, the Reed Flute Cave, and Seven Star Park, all in one day. Your local guide will tailor the itinerary to your interests, ensuring you spend more time where it matters most to you.
The Elephant Trunk Hill is an iconic symbol of Guilin, with its natural arch resembling an elephant dipping its trunk into the river. The Reed Flute Cave impresses visitors with stalactites and stalagmites that look like natural sculptures. Fubo Hill offers panoramic views, while Seven Star Park provides a peaceful escape with lakes and pagodas. One guest shared, “Our guide Emily was superb—she went above and beyond,” highlighting the personalized service.
This tour provides a relaxed pace, perfect for travelers who want an in-depth visit without feeling rushed. The ability to customize your day makes it highly appealing, especially for returning visitors or those with specific sites they wish to see. The value is high, given the private guide and flexible schedule.
Bottom Line: A tailored tour suited for those wanting a personal touch and a relaxed exploration of Guilin’s top attractions.
$118 per person
4. Hangzhou: Private Customized Tour of City’s Top Sights
At number 4, this private tour in Hangzhou focuses on the UNESCO-listed West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Meijiawu Tea Village. For around $198, you get a full day at your own pace, with a private guide arranging the itinerary to fit your interests. The highlight is a 30-minute boat ride on West Lake, providing stunning views of pagodas, bridges, and lush scenery.
The Lingyin Temple is one of China’s oldest Buddhist monasteries, with intricate statues and peaceful gardens. The Meijiawu Tea Village offers a chance to taste traditional Chinese tea and see how it’s made, adding a cultural flavor to your day. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple.
Guests appreciate the flexibility to skip or focus on certain sights, and the chance to enjoy Hangzhou’s natural beauty without rushing. The tour’s value comes from its personalized approach in a city famed for its picturesque landscape.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a relaxing, customizable day exploring Hangzhou’s cultural and scenic spots.
$198 per person
5. Qingdao: City Highlights and Tsingtao Beer Museum
Rounding out our list, this day tour in Qingdao combines city sightseeing with a visit to the Tsingtao Beer Museum. For about $198, your guide will show you around Xiaoyushan Park and the Badaguan Neighborhood, both offering scenic views and architectural interest.
The highlight is touring the Tsingtao Brewery Museum, where you’ll learn about the beer’s history and brewing process—plus sample some fresh brews. The tour offers a mix of outdoor and indoor attractions, with enough time to soak in Qingdao’s seaside charm.
This tour is perfect for beer lovers or those interested in Qingdao’s coastal vibe. The combination of scenic city sights and a fun tasting experience makes it a well-rounded day. It’s great for travelers who enjoy a little local flavor and cultural insight, especially if they want to combine sightseeing with leisure.
Bottom Line: A lively tour perfect for those who want to explore Qingdao’s highlights and enjoy fresh local beer.
$198 per person
How to Choose the Right City Tour
When selecting your China city tour, consider your interests and travel style. If history and ancient sites appeal most, the Xi’an full-day tour is a clear winner. For nature lovers seeking unique landscapes, the Red Beach in Panjin offers a rare photo opportunity. Those wanting a personalized experience in Guilin or Hangzhou will find the private, flexible tours ideal, especially if you prefer to avoid large groups.
Budget and time also matter: the Guilin tour offers excellent value, while the Red Beach trip is more of a splurge for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Think about what kind of pace suits you—relaxed, immersive, or fast-paced—and look at reviews for guides who get high marks for their knowledge and friendliness.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred dates and guides. Also, check the availability of local experiences like food street visits or scenic boat rides to maximize your time.
Final Thoughts
China offers a rich array of city tours, from ancient relics to scenic landscapes and cultural experiences. For a full immersion, the Xi’an tour with the Terracotta Warriors is hard to beat, especially for history enthusiasts. Nature lovers will find the Red Beach trip unforgettable, while those seeking a customized experience will enjoy the flexibility of Guilin or Hangzhou adventures.
Whatever your interests, these tours provide a great way to see China’s cities with insight and comfort. To make the most of your trip, consider booking early and clearly defining what you want—whether it’s history, scenery, or local flavors. With these options, you’re well on your way to discovering China’s vibrant urban tapestry.