China is a vast and diverse country with many attractions to see and explore. There are plenty of options for day trips from major cities, offering visitors a chance to experience the country’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Here are some popular day trip destinations in China:
The Great Wall of China: Located just a few hours’ drive from Beijing, the Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic sights in the world. Visitors can hike along the wall and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Terracotta Warriors: The Terracotta Warriors and Horses are a collection of sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Located in the city of Xi’an, they are a must-see for history buffs.
Suzhou: Known as the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou is a picturesque city with beautiful canals, gardens, and traditional architecture. It is located just a short train ride from Shanghai.
These are just a few examples of the many day trip options available in China. With its rich history and diverse landscapes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Best China Day Trips
| Su Zhou and Zhou Zhuang Water Village Day Tour | Beijing: Jinshanling Great Wall Group Tour with Lunch | Shanghai: Private and Personalized Guided Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Duration | 10 hours | 9 hours | 4 hours |
| Starting Time | 8:00 Am - 9:00 AM | 6:00 AM | 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Meeting Point | Downtown Shanghai hotel pick-up | Shanghai hotel pick-up | Pickup from hotel |
| Includes | Entrance tickets, Boat ride in Zhou Zhuang Village, Guide, Chinese style lunch | Entrance fees, Lunch, Guide, Transport | Private and personalized tour, Local English-speaking guide |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best China Day Trips For [2024]
- Su Zhou and Zhou Zhuang Water Village Day Tour
- Beijing: Jinshanling Great Wall Group Tour with Lunch
- Shanghai: Private and Personalized Guided Tour
- Full-Day Tour of Leshan’s Giant Buddha from Chengdu
- Private Trip of Tianmen Mountain, Sky Walk And Glass Bridge
- Luoyang: Full-Day Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple
- Full-Day Private Tour of Tianmen Mountain
Best China Day Trips Reviews
#1. Su Zhou and Zhou Zhuang Water Village Day Tour
Suzhou is a city located in eastern China’s Jiangsu Province, famous for its classical gardens, silk production, and water villages. Zhouzhuang is a water town situated near Suzhou, known for its ancient bridges, canals, and architecture.
Visitors can easily reach Suzhou and Zhouzhuang by train or bus from Shanghai, which is approximately 100 kilometers away. Day tours are available from Shanghai to both locations, and some tours include transportation, admission fees, and a guide.
In Suzhou, some popular attractions include the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Lingering Garden, and the Master of Nets Garden. You can also take a boat ride through the city’s picturesque canals. In Zhouzhuang, visitors can stroll along the historic bridges and narrow streets and visit attractions such as the Twin Bridges, the Shen’s House, and the Zhang’s House.
Keep in mind that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and safety protocols may be in place. It’s essential to check the latest travel advisories and guidelines before planning your trip.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. Beijing: Jinshanling Great Wall Group Tour with Lunch
Jinshanling Great Wall is a section of the Great Wall of China located in the northeast of Beijing, about 140 kilometers from the city center. It is known for its stunning views and well-preserved architecture, making it a popular destination for hikers and history enthusiasts.
Group tours to the Jinshanling Great Wall are available from Beijing, and some tours include transportation, admission fees, and lunch. The tour typically departs from Beijing in the morning and returns in the afternoon, giving you several hours to explore the wall and take in the scenery.
During the tour, you will hike along the Great Wall and pass through watchtowers and fortresses. The Jinshanling section of the wall is less crowded than other parts, making it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery in a peaceful environment.
The tour usually includes a traditional Chinese lunch, and some tours also offer the opportunity to visit a nearby village and learn about the local culture and lifestyle.
Keep in mind that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and safety protocols may be in place. It’s essential to check the latest travel advisories and guidelines before planning your trip, and make sure to follow all local health and safety regulations while on the tour.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. Shanghai: Private and Personalized Guided Tour
Shanghai is a dynamic city in eastern China that is known for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and modern architecture. If you’re interested in exploring the city with a private and personalized guided tour, there are many options available to suit your interests and preferences.
Private tours offer a more flexible and personalized experience than group tours, allowing you to customize your itinerary and explore the city at your own pace. Some popular attractions and activities that you may want to include in your tour are:
- The Bund: This is a waterfront area that features colonial-era buildings, modern skyscrapers, and stunning views of the Huangpu River. It’s a great place to take a stroll and soak up the city’s energy.
- Yu Garden: This is a classical Chinese garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. It features rock formations, pavilions, and ponds that are designed to create a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
- Shanghai Tower: This is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, and it offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck.
- Old Town: This is a historic area of the city that features traditional Chinese architecture, narrow alleyways, and street markets selling souvenirs and snacks.
- French Concession: This is a neighborhood that was once a French settlement and features European-style architecture, trendy shops, and restaurants.
When booking a private guided tour, make sure to communicate your interests and preferences to your guide so that they can tailor the itinerary to your needs. Some tour companies also offer specialized tours focused on topics such as food, art, or history, so you can choose an option that matches your interests.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. Full-Day Tour of Leshan’s Giant Buddha from Chengdu
Leshan Giant Buddha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous landmarks in China. It is located in the city of Leshan, approximately 130 kilometers south of Chengdu. If you’re interested in visiting this historic site, there are full-day tours available from Chengdu.
The tour typically starts in the morning, with a pick-up from your hotel in Chengdu. You will then travel by bus or private car to Leshan, which takes about two hours. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to explore the site and learn about its history and significance.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-meter-tall statue carved into a cliff overlooking the confluence of three rivers. It was built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. Visitors can walk down a stairway that leads to the base of the statue, offering a close-up view of its intricate details.
After visiting the Buddha, the tour usually includes a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample Sichuan cuisine and other regional specialties.
In the afternoon, you can continue your tour by visiting other nearby attractions such as the Lingyun Temple or the Wuyou Temple. Alternatively, you can explore the city of Leshan on your own, browsing local markets or taking a boat ride to see the Buddha from the river.
The tour typically ends with a return trip to Chengdu, arriving in the evening. Keep in mind that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and safety protocols may be in place. It’s essential to check the latest travel advisories and guidelines before planning your trip.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. Private Trip of Tianmen Mountain, Sky Walk And Glass Bridge
Tianmen Mountain is a scenic area located in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including a cable car ride through a mountain tunnel, a skywalk, and a glass bridge. Private trips to Tianmen Mountain are available for those who want to explore the area at their own pace.
The trip typically starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Zhangjiajie, followed by a scenic drive to Tianmen Mountain. Upon arrival, you will take a cable car ride that goes through a 7.5-kilometer-long tunnel carved into the mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Once you reach the mountaintop, you can explore the area on foot and visit the various attractions, such as the Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Door, which is a natural archway that offers breathtaking views of the valley below. You can also walk on the skywalk, a glass-bottomed walkway that extends out from the mountain and gives visitors the sensation of walking on air.
Another highlight of the trip is the glass bridge, which is the longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The trip also includes a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample Hunan cuisine and other regional specialties.
Private trips offer a more flexible and personalized experience than group tours, allowing you to customize your itinerary and explore the area at your own pace. Make sure to communicate your interests and preferences to your guide so that they can tailor the itinerary to your needs.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. Luoyang: Full-Day Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple
Luoyang is a city in central China that is known for its historic landmarks, including the Longmen Grottoes and the Shaolin Temple. If you’re interested in visiting these attractions, there are full-day tours available from Luoyang.
The tour typically starts in the morning, with a pick-up from your hotel in Luoyang. You will then travel by bus or private car to the Longmen Grottoes, which takes about 30 minutes.
The Longmen Grottoes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous attractions in Luoyang. They consist of thousands of Buddha statues and carvings that were created between the 5th and 8th centuries. Visitors can walk along the cliffs and view the intricate carvings up close.
After visiting the Longmen Grottoes, the tour usually includes a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample Henan cuisine and other regional specialties.
In the afternoon, you can continue your tour by visiting the Shaolin Temple, which is about an hour’s drive from the Longmen Grottoes. The Shaolin Temple is a historic temple complex that is famous for its association with martial arts and kung fu. Visitors can watch kung fu demonstrations and visit the temple’s pagodas, halls, and gardens.
The tour typically ends with a return trip to Luoyang, arriving in the evening. Keep in mind that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and safety protocols may be in place. It’s essential to check the latest travel advisories and guidelines before planning your trip.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. Full-Day Private Tour of Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Mountain is a stunning natural landmark located in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China. It is known for its cable car ride through a mountain tunnel, a skywalk, and a glass bridge. Private tours of Tianmen Mountain are available for those who want to explore the area at their own pace.
The tour typically starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Zhangjiajie, followed by a scenic drive to Tianmen Mountain. Upon arrival, you will take a cable car ride that goes through a 7.5-kilometer-long tunnel carved into the mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Once you reach the mountaintop, you can explore the area on foot and visit the various attractions, such as the Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Door, which is a natural archway that offers breathtaking views of the valley below. You can also walk on the skywalk, a glass-bottomed walkway that extends out from the mountain and gives visitors the sensation of walking on air.
Another highlight of the trip is the glass bridge, which is the longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The tour also includes a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample Hunan cuisine and other regional specialties.
Private tours offer a more flexible and personalized experience than group tours, allowing you to customize your itinerary and explore the area at your own pace. Make sure to communicate your interests and preferences to your guide so that they can tailor the itinerary to your needs.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.