Destinations worth the detour

China is vast, and the right season differs by region. The same place looks entirely different in June and in October. So rather than pick a destination first, we ask about your dates and interests and choose the region together.

Each destination page covers key sights, what each season is like, how to get there and a four-day sample plan.

The destination hub gathers twelve regions: Qinghai, Gansu, Zhangjiajie, Dunhuang, Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Xi'an, Shanghai, Beijing, Guilin, Xinjiang, and Tibet. Each has its own best season and altitude, so in the same week one region calls for short sleeves while another needs a winter coat. Higher areas ask you to build in time to acclimatise, and the rainy season can affect roads. That is why many travellers pair two or three contrasting regions in a single trip instead of going deep into just one. Picking the season you want first makes the rest of the choice much easier.

Between regions you use high-speed rail and domestic flights, split according to the leg. Nearby cities are easy by rail, while long or rugged stretches are faster by air. Within a province you usually continue by car, then fly to a distant region and pick up another vehicle on arrival. We help with arrival and orientation in whichever city you land in, and link the intercity legs for you as well. Itineraries run as private small groups of two to eight with a dedicated car, and quotes are given on request.