Your starting point as a first-time visitor — the visas, the seasons, the route and the pace, explained plainly before you book anything.
For first-time visitors, China's scale can feel hard to grasp, encompassing imperial capitals, vast deserts once crossed by Silk Road caravans, and a Great Wall stretching over 21,000 kilometres. With thoughtful planning, however, it becomes navigable.
If you are planning a first trip to China, here is how we recommend approaching it.
China's entry policies have changed significantly in recent years, and many travellers may now enter visa-free for short stays, depending on their nationality and travel circumstances. Others may qualify for China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows eligible travellers to stay for up to 10 days while transiting onward to a third country or region. For travellers who still require a tourist visa, we recommend beginning the application process well in advance.
While ORILIVANT CHINA JOURNEYS does not process visas directly, we partner with trusted visa agencies who can assist with applications and documentation when required. We advise confirming eligibility early in the planning process.
We generally recommend spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for first-time visitors, when temperatures are moderate across much of the country.
Spring brings apricot, peach and magnolia blossoms, while autumn brings ginkgo-lined avenues and red maple foliage across temple grounds and parks. In Xi'an and Chengdu, daytime temperatures during these seasons typically range from about 15–26°C, comfortable for walking and outdoor sites. Winter can also work well in Beijing and Shanghai, with fewer crowds and clear skies.
Major national holidays see significantly higher domestic travel. Chinese New Year (typically late January to mid-February), Labour Day in early May, summer school holidays, the Mid-Autumn Festival (mid-September to early October), and Golden Week in early October bring busy transport hubs and popular sites operating near capacity. When schedules allow, travelling outside these periods generally makes for a more comfortable experience.
For a first trip to China, we recommend allowing around twelve days. China is larger than most first-time visitors expect, and distances between regions are considerable. For example, Beijing to Xi'an takes around four and a half hours by high-speed train, while Xi'an to Shanghai takes around six hours. Each place also moves at its own pace. With fewer days, the experience can feel rushed; with more time, it becomes possible to explore more fully. Around twelve days strikes a comfortable balance between range and depth.
Many first trips to China with ORILIVANT CHINA JOURNEYS begin in Beijing. It is where China's imperial past is most visible, in palace complexes, ceremonial temples, and the Great Wall stretching across the hills. Starting here provides context.
From there, we suggest a second destination that reflects your interests and a different chapter of the country's story. For some, that means Xi'an, where China's first unified empire took shape, reflected today in the Terracotta Warriors. For others, it may be Chengdu for pandas and a cuisine rooted in regional identity. Others continue to Yunnan for time in rural villages and mountain landscapes, or to Guilin for life along the Li River.
The journey could conclude in Shanghai or Hong Kong, China, where contemporary China comes into view through financial centres, layered architecture and international influences.
There is no single correct route for a first trip to China. What matters most is that the journey reflects your interests, your pace, and the kind of experience you hope to have. We design your trip around what feels most meaningful to you.
China's transport network is one of the most advanced in the world. When possible, we recommend high-speed rail over domestic flights, as stations are centrally located and the journey itself becomes part of the experience. Trains connect major cities efficiently and comfortably. Tickets are released 15 days before departure, and premium seats are limited. Because bookings open to the public at the same time, preferred classes can sell out quickly, particularly on busy routes. If the preferred class is unavailable, we secure the closest alternative.
Domestic flights are widely available and business class is often accessible at a reasonable supplement. First-class cabins operate only on certain aircraft, so availability depends on the route and travel date.
On the ground, we use professional chauffeurs and premium vehicles suited to each region, from spacious vans to electric sedans in cities such as Shanghai and Chengdu. Airport VIP services can also be arranged for those who value additional efficiency on arrival.
Accommodation plays a significant role in how China is experienced. We work with a range of carefully selected properties, from international five-star hotels and heritage boutique residences to newly opened design-led hotels and distinctive local stays.
A privately guided journey with ORILIVANT CHINA JOURNEYS in mainland China typically starts at around US$220 per person per day, net, based on two travellers sharing.
This includes:
In Hong Kong, China, journeys generally start from around US$600 per person per day (net), as overall travel costs are higher.
What makes an ORILIVANT CHINA JOURNEYS journey different is the people behind it, often the part travellers remember most from a first trip to China. Across the country, we work with experienced local guides, experts and long-standing hosts who add perspective beyond the landmarks. The goal is not simply to move through places, but to experience China through meaningful encounters.
Every ORILIVANT CHINA JOURNEYS trip is designed individually, but we have a few journeys that can serve as a starting point. One of them is designed specifically with first-time visitors in mind, moving from imperial capitals to cultural heartlands and finally into modern city life.
A travel consultant replies within one working day, with first thoughts, route ideas and honest advice — no obligation.
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