Why China Highlights Is the Best Tour Company for Your China Trip in 2025

Planning a trip to China can feel overwhelming — a vast country, a different language, complex visa rules, and countless must-see destinations. That’s where China Highlights comes in. This award-winning travel company has been crafting personalized China tours since 1998, and with over 10,000 traveler reviews and a 98.8% five-star rating, it’s one of the most trusted names in China travel.

What Is China Highlights?

Founded in 1998, China Highlights is a China-based travel company specializing in private, customized tours across the country. Unlike group package tours, China Highlights designs every itinerary around your specific interests, schedule, and travel style — whether you’re a solo adventurer, a family with young children, a couple on a honeymoon, or a group of history enthusiasts.

The company has been recognized with the World Travel Awards “China’s Leading Tour Operator” title, and consistently earns “Travelers’ Choice” status on TripAdvisor. These aren’t marketing claims — they are independently verified recognitions based on real customer feedback.

Top China Destinations You Can Explore

China Highlights covers virtually every corner of China. Here are some of the most popular destinations their travelers love:

Beijing — The Imperial Capital

No China trip is complete without Beijing. Walk the ancient stones of the Great Wall, wander through the Forbidden City, and explore the hutong alleyways of the old city. China Highlights’ Beijing tours are designed to go beyond the tourist crowds and show you the authentic side of China’s capital.

Xi'an — Home of the Terracotta Warriors

Xi’an is one of the world’s oldest cities and the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road. The legendary Terracotta Army, the well-preserved Ming-era City Wall, and the vibrant Muslim Quarter make Xi’an a destination unlike any other. China Highlights provides private guided visits with expert local storytellers who bring history to life.

Guilin & Yangshuo — Nature's Masterpiece

The karst peaks rising above the Li River in Guilin are one of the most iconic images of China. A private boat cruise along the Li River or a bamboo raft ride in Yangshuo is the kind of experience that stays with you for a lifetime. China Highlights curates these moments to feel unhurried and intimate.

Other Must-Visit Destinations

Shanghai — China’s cosmopolitan megacity, where old and ultra-modern coexist
Chengdu — Giant panda base and the gateway to Sichuan’s spicy food culture
Zhangjiajie — The real-life inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar
Tibet — The “Roof of the World,” with breathtaking monasteries and Himalayan scenery
Silk Road — Dunhuang, Kashgar, and ancient oasis cities along the historic trade route

What Makes China Highlights Different?

Dozens of tour companies offer trips to China — so why choose China Highlights? Here’s what sets them apart:

100% Private & Personalized

Every itinerary is built around you. China Highlights doesn’t slot you into a fixed group schedule. Your personal travel designer listens to your interests, adjusts the pace, and crafts a journey that matches your vision — whether that means spending an extra day at the Terracotta Warriors or skipping the tourist hotspots entirely for hidden local gems.

A Dedicated 4-Person Support Team

When you travel with China Highlights, you get four people working for you: a personal travel designer who plans your trip, a local storyteller (guide) who brings context and color to every site, a private driver with a comfortable vehicle, and a 24/7 support contact in case anything needs adjusting on the road. This level of support is rare in the industry.

Trusted by 10,000+ Travelers

China Highlights has collected over 10,000 verified reviews, with a remarkable 98.8% five-star rating. Travelers consistently praise the quality of the guides, the seamless logistics, and the feeling that every detail was taken care of. Reading these reviews, one theme comes up again and again: it felt like traveling with a knowledgeable friend, not a tour company.

China Visa-Free Policy: Good News for 2025 Travelers

One of the biggest recent updates for travelers planning a China trip is the expanded visa-free policy. China has extended visa-free entry for citizens of many countries — including Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Belgium, Canada, and the United Kingdom — allowing stays of up to 30 days without a visa, valid through the end of 2026.

US citizens and travelers from 54 other countries can still enjoy a 10-day visa-free transit. China Highlights stays up to date with the latest entry requirements and can help you navigate any visa-related questions as part of your trip planning.

Sample Tour Options to Inspire Your Trip

Not sure where to start? Here are a few highly-rated itineraries from China Highlights that give a sense of what’s possible:

12-Day China Classic Tour — Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai. The perfect introduction to China’s greatest highlights.
14-Day Natural Wonders Discovery — Adds Zhangjiajie to the classic route for a dramatic nature experience.
2-Week Essence & Panda Tour — Includes Chengdu’s Giant Panda Breeding Base for wildlife lovers.
3-Week Grand Tour Including Tibet — For travelers with time and a sense of adventure, covering China’s most iconic landscapes.
21-Day Silk Road Adventure — For history buffs: Beijing, Xi’an, Dunhuang, Kashgar, and beyond.

Remember, every one of these tours is fully customizable. Don’t like a particular stop? Swap it. Want an extra day somewhere? Done. China Highlights is built around your preferences, not a fixed schedule.

Is China Highlights Right for You?

Want a hassle-free trip where all logistics are handled for you
Prefer private travel over large tour groups
Are visiting China for the first time and want expert guidance
Have specific interests (culture, food, nature, history) you want to focus on
Are traveling as a family, couple, or small group with unique needs

If you’re the type of traveler who wants to be immersed, not just processed, China Highlights is worth every consideration.

✔ Trusted by 10,000+ travelers ✔ 98.8% five-star rating ✔ Free personalized itinerary

Is China Highlights a legitimate company?

Yes. China Highlights was founded in 1998 and has earned multiple industry awards including the World Travel Awards “China’s Leading Tour Operator.” They hold over 10,000 verified traveler reviews with a 98.8% five-star rating on platforms including TripAdvisor.

How much does a China Highlights tour cost?

Pricing varies depending on the itinerary length, destinations, number of travelers, and level of accommodation. China Highlights offers free personalized quotes — you describe your trip vision and a travel designer prepares a customized proposal with no obligation.

Can I customize my China Highlights itinerary?

Absolutely. Every China Highlights tour is 100% private and fully customizable. The sample itineraries on their website are starting points — your personal travel designer will adjust destinations, pace, activities, and hotels to suit your exact preferences.

Do I need a visa to visit China?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries including Australia, Germany, France, UK, and Canada currently enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to China through the end of 2026. China Highlights can help clarify the latest requirements for your specific passport.