Practical articles we add to as we keep planning trips across China.
The magazine covers the points where planning a China trip actually gets stuck: how to judge a travel agency, how to spend the first day after landing, and which regions to see in what order — the parts that search results rarely answer, written from operating on the ground.
Articles appear newest first. A new piece shows up at the top of this page, and you can also browse by region, practical topic or traveller type. Pick whichever is closest to your trip.
Zhangjiajie splits into Wulingyuan and Tianmen Mountain. Here is how to divide the days, combine shuttles and cable cars, and choose where to stay.
Read
Xinjiang is huge, so distance decides everything. Compare the north around Kanas with the south around Kashgar by terrain, season, and trip length.
Read
Traveling China with parents comes down to walking load, altitude and rest. This guide covers stairs, cable cars, medicine, insurance and health checks.
Read
Korean passport holders can enter China visa-free for tourism stays up to 30 days. See how the 30 days are counted, what immigration checks, and what to carry.
Read
China trip costs depend on structure, not a single price. See how group size, days, hotel class and location, distances, season, and transport move a quote.
Read
How Shanghai's two airports differ, how to reach the city after landing, where to stay your first night, and a realistic arrival-day route.
Read
The Qinghai and Gansu Grand Loop runs from Xining through Qinghai Lake, Zhangye, and Dunhuang. Here is who it suits and how to order the altitude.
Read
How a private car and dedicated guide change a China trip: a day in the life, what shifts on intercity travel, and the trial and error a guide removes.
Read
A China photo trip should be planned around light, not sight lists. This guide covers shooting hours, sunrise and sunset routes, tripod and drone rules.
Read
A China honeymoon is about moving at your own pace as a couple. Combine one city with one nature region, pick quiet hotels and avoid group departures.
Read
High-speed rail is the backbone of intercity travel in China. Compare seat classes, booking channels, passport boarding, station timing, and luggage.
Read
Traveling China with kids is less about how much you see than balancing movement and rest. This guide covers travel time by age, naps, strollers and altitude.
Read
Dunhuang blends desert, oasis, and Silk Road heritage. Here is how Mogao Caves booking works, when to visit the dunes, and how to group the western ruins.
Read
A checklist for choosing a China travel agency: who runs the vehicles and guides, how to verify a no-shopping promise, and what a quote should disclose.
Read
How a small-group China tour differs from a coach package: vehicle size, waiting time, restaurant choice, same-day flexibility, and routes for older travelers.
Read
How Chengdu and Guangzhou differ, how to reach the city from each airport, first-day routes for both cities, first meals, and where to stay.
Read
How Beijing's two airports differ, how to reach the city, which hours to avoid for traffic, what to do with heavy bags, and a first-day route.
Read
Mobile QR payment is the default in China. Learn how to register a foreign card, why payments fail, and when you still need cash alongside.
Read
Why a China airport pickup helps, how booking works, meeting your driver in arrivals, handling delays and late landings, and what to verify before you book.
Read
An honest comparison of a local China travel agency and an online booking platform: strengths, limits, a comparison table, and when each one wins.
ReadOn what we repeatedly verify while running our own vehicles and guides in China. The aim is to give you criteria you can judge with, not to promote a particular product.
Check whether it runs pickup, vehicles and guides itself across all of China, and whether one person stays with your trip throughout. JoyoTour has operated for 27 years since 1999 and has 150 itinerary designers worldwide.
We aim for five to ten a week. New pieces appear at the top of this page.
Rules and operations change, so re-check official sources before you travel. Anything that affects your itinerary we confirm with you during planning.
Yes. The articles give you the criteria; the actual itinerary is designed around your party, dates and stamina. JoyoTour sends a first draft within three working days and revises it until you are satisfied.
Over WhatsApp or email. Whichever page you are on, the contact details in the footer reach a human planner.
Message us on WhatsApp or email with the basics and your dedicated planner will send a draft itinerary and estimate within 24 hours.
There is no form here. Use the channels below and your dedicated planner will reply personally.