China · CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOURS

The 15 Best City Highlights Tours in China

53 tours  ·  from $10 a head

One guided day that takes the pressure off arriving somewhere enormous. The 15 below cover the first-day runs in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, priced and clear on how much of it is bus time.

Beijing: Forbidden City Tour(Group/Private)-Tickets Included - Meeting Tian’anmen Square without wasting the morning
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Beijing, Forbidden City Tours, Private, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Beijing

Beijing: Forbidden City Tour(Group/Private)-Tickets Included

1.Forbidden City Tour(Group/Private)-Tickets Included

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 7,974 reviews · 3 - 8 hours · from $4Our pick

Choose a small-group or private visit to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City, led by experienced English-speaking guides such as Mina, Miko, Maria, or Jay. Palace Museum entry is arranged for you. Longer options add the Clock and Treasure museums or Coal Hill Park, while a private booking can include hotel pickup.

“Our guide Susan spoke perfect English and had a fantastic knowledge of Chinese history. It was exactly why we booked private tour. There is no way we could navigate through tiananmen square so quick by ourselves. Lots of different queues in different places. Susan was absolutely incredible.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights - The French Concession and its local park
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Shanghai, Full-Day, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai

Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights

2.Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 995 reviews · from $115Top rated

Spend 7 to 8 hours seeing Shanghai’s strongest contrasts, from Yu Garden and the Old Town bazaar to the Bund and Pudong skyscrapers. Your private guide can reshape the day around your interests, help order lunch, and explain local customs. Choose a guide-only, car, or all-inclusive package, with guides such as Annie, Sammy, and Fei Fei often praised for warm, clear English.

“My day with Sammy was just awesome! We really had a great time and Sammy showed me a lot of beautiful sights in Shanghai. I enjoyed it very much. I learned a lot about the City and its history.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mini Group Discovery Forbidden City Tour with Hotel Pickup option - Meridian Gate and the ceremonial approach
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Beijing, Forbidden City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Beijing

Mini Group Discovery Forbidden City Tour with Hotel Pickup option

3.Mini Group Discovery Forbidden City Tour with Hotel Pickup option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 512 reviews · from $36

You’ll spend about four hours touring the Forbidden City with a small group of up to 15 people and a professional guide such as Sofia, Lucy, Marco, or Jeffrey. Hotel pickup, admission, and the Antiquarium are included. Expect substantial walking, no hotel drop-off, and a passport check at entry.

“Our tour guide, Sofia, was excellent. She had an amazing amount of knowledge about the Forbidden City and all of the dynasties. I would recommend this tour for anyone looking to visit the Forbidden City and to learn about Chinese history.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mini Group: Beijing Forbidden City Tour with Great Wall Hiking at Mutianyu - The drive to Mutianyu changes the mood
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Beijing, Forbidden City Tours, Great Wall Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Mutianyu Great Wall Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Beijing

Mini Group: Beijing Forbidden City Tour with Great Wall Hiking at Mutianyu

4.Mini Group: Beijing Forbidden City Tour with Great Wall Hiking at Mutianyu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 344 reviews · from $159

This roughly eight-hour Beijing tour pairs Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with two hours at Mutianyu Great Wall. Expect central hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and a group capped at 15. Cable car or toboggan tickets and lunch cost extra.

“A wonderful way to spend the day. Our guide was informative and we were able to see a lot in a short period of time. Our guide was nice but a very fast walker which made it hard to stop and take pictures other then the basic tourist images.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Xi'an in A Day: Terracotta Army+City Highlights+Family Lunch - The Terracotta Army: the mornings big event
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Xi'an, Lunch Experiences, Terracotta Warriors Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Xi'an

Xi’an in A Day: Terracotta Army+City Highlights+Family Lunch

5.Xi’an in A Day: Terracotta Army+City Highlights+Family Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 304 reviews · 1 day · from $24Best value

See the Terracotta Army, Xi'an City Wall, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in one full day with an English-speaking guide such as Andy, Willow, Min, or Maryam. The highlight is lunch at a local family's home near Lintong. Choose carefully between the $24 ticket-only option and the fully guided tour with transport, lunch, and entrance fees.

“Best tour I’ve ever taken in China so far. Andy is amazing, he’s very knowledgeable, always ready to answer any questions, he also knows the right and good spots for photos. The lunch at his parent’s house was incredible, authentic and delicious, we also got the chance to meet with his wife and kids. I truly recommend this tour. Everything was perfect!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai City Tour - The Bund: Shanghai’s best opening scene
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Shanghai, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai

4-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai City Tour

6.4-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 235 reviews · from $115

Build a four-hour Shanghai itinerary around two or three sights, then explore with a private English-speaking guide and air-conditioned car. Guides such as Snow, Kalvin, Kiki, Jenny, and Caroline adjust the pace for temples, gardens, food stops, shopping, or skyline views. Morning, afternoon, and evening departures are available.

“Caroline was an excellent guide who went over and above to make the tour work, as my tour coincided with half the streets in the Bund being closed to cars and pedestrians.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Shanghai: 8-Hour Private City Tour - A 30-minute tea ceremony in an old Chinese teahouse
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Shanghai, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai

Shanghai: 8-Hour Private City Tour

7.8-Hour Private City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 230 reviews · 8 hours · from $135

Spend eight hours with a private English or Chinese-speaking guide and driver, visiting Yu Garden, Shanghai Old Street, Xintiandi, Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, and Shanghai Tower. Guides such as Tom, Vicky, Patrick, and Mary tailor the day to your interests, arrange photo stops, and help with local food. Tickets and lunch cost extra.

“We had an excellent day with our guide Linda. The tour was a great way to see the city and learn more in depth about Shanghai. She also helped to find a meal that my wife, who is gluten free, could have which is difficult to find on your own in China. Would highly recommend the tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4-Hour Private Shanghai City Tour with Old and New Highlights - Yu Garden: Traditional Design in a Busy District
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Shanghai, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai

4-Hour Private Shanghai City Tour with Old and New Highlights

8.4-Hour Private Shanghai City Tour with Old and New Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 199 reviews · from $93

Build a private 4 to 5-hour Shanghai tour with guides such as Annie, Sammi, Lea, or Roy. Start with hotel pickup, then mix Old Town, Yu Garden, the Bund, Shanghai Tower, French Concession, or lesser-known stops. Choose a car, Uber, or metro, and add lunch or dinner if desired.

“Was a great tour with nice mix between history and more modern aspects. Roy was super guide and the transport option very convenient. Would highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hong Kong City Tour + Lunch + Peak Tram - Tai Kwun and the story of the former police compound
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Hong Kong, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Hong Kong, Viewpoints & Observation Decks

Hong Kong City Tour + Lunch + Peak Tram

9.Hong Kong City Tour + Lunch + Peak Tram

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 154 reviews · from $48

Walk Hong Kong Island with a licensed guide such as Joe, Amy, Grace, Monica, or Gary. See Tai Kwun, PMQ, Cat Street, Man Mo Temple, and Sheung Wan, then eat dim sum with an egg tart and tea or coffee. Depending on your option, add the Peak Tram and Star Ferry.

“Monica was very knowledgeable about HK history bringing each location to life. The stories about the history of the food shops was fantastic. Great introduction to HK for a quick stopover or to begin a more thorough journey.”

Check availability →Read our full review

A Private City Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz - Central landmarks and Lan Kwai Fong
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Hong Kong, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Hong Kong

A Private City Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz

10.A Private City Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews

Build a private 4.5-hour Hong Kong itinerary with an English-speaking guide and Mercedes-Benz transport. Guides such as Wing, Gary, Rain, and Chan can adapt the route to your interests, help with photos, and fit major sights such as Victoria Peak, Stanley, Aberdeen, Soho, and Man Mo Temple into a short visit.

“Was not the best car to travel in. It was a Mercedes van with lots of rattles. Seats were not very comfortable. We expected more but mainly because it was a Mercedes.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Customised Private Guangzhou City Tour with Flexible Itinerary - Liurong Temple and the Flower Pagoda
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Guangzhou, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Guangzhou

Customised Private Guangzhou City Tour with Flexible Itinerary

11.Customised Private Guangzhou City Tour with Flexible Itinerary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · from $180

Build a 4 to 10-hour Guangzhou day around your interests with Damon, Candice, Xaq, or Zack. Visit Baiyun Mountain, Chen Clan Academy, old neighborhoods, temples, markets, or modern landmarks in a private air-conditioned car. Downtown hotel pickup, drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and a professional driver are included.

“We enjoyed the tour in guangzhou. Guangzhou is a very beautiful city. Food is so sumptuous. Damon, our tour guide was so accommodating and attentive to my elderly parents. His communication before and during the tour was really good.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Day Private Classic Beijing City Sightseeing Tour Package - Day one begins at the Temple of Heaven
2-Day Experiences, City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Beijing, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Beijing

2-Day Private Classic Beijing City Sightseeing Tour Package

12.2-Day Private Classic Beijing City Sightseeing Tour Package

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · from $368

You’ll explore Beijing with a private guide and driver over two full days, visiting the Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, and Summer Palace. Guides such as Coco and Susan are praised for clear English, humor, and thoughtful help. Lunches, admission, and hotel transfers are included, but cable car and toboggan tickets cost extra.

“We truly enjoyed our days with Coco - she was knowledgeable, fun to be around, perceptive and sympathetic to any needs we had and ultimately a wonderful guide. We felt like we saw and did all that we had hoped to in Beijing - at a pacRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Shanghai: 4-Hour Private Customizable City Tour - The Bund: Shanghai’s grand riverfront introduction
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Shanghai, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai

Shanghai: 4-Hour Private Customizable City Tour

13.4-Hour Private Customizable City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 99 reviews · 4 hours · from $91

Build your own four-hour Shanghai tour with an English-speaking guide such as Annie, Sammi, Robert, or Sunny. Visit the Bund, Old Town, Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Tower, French Concession, or local food spots. Choose a private car or Uber and metro, with downtown pickup and drop-off included.

“We liked the tour. Summy really loves Shanghai and helps to feel the same way.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour - Shanghai Tower: big views, extra cost
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Shanghai, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai

4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour

14.4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · from $79

Meet a private Shanghai guide at your hotel and build a four-hour plan around two or three interests. Choose landmarks, temples, gardens, markets, or neighborhoods, then explore by foot, metro, or upgraded private car. Guides such as Penny, Kelly, Kathy, and Fei Fei are known for clear English, local history, practical city tips, and flexible pacing.

“Kathy our tour guide knew all the things to see and we did a lot in a very short time. Her knowledge was excellent along with her English. Pointing out key features in the Gardens that we would have missed if we just walked through added additional knowledge as we toured. The temples with her knowledge added a lot of insight.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Shanghai: 4-Hour Guided City Highlights Tour - The Bund, Shanghai’s best visual introduction
City Highlights Tours, City Highlights Tours in Shanghai, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai

Shanghai: 4-Hour Guided City Highlights Tour

15.4-Hour Guided City Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 4 hours · from $96

Meet your English-speaking guide at your hotel for a private four-hour tour in an air-conditioned car. Visit the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, and French Concession, then adjust the route for places such as Shanghai Old Street or Pudong landmarks. Guides including Kalvin, Jenny, Judy, and Snow are praised for flexible pacing and personal local stories.

“A very fun tour with beautiful sights and fun history. Our guide, Jane, was extremely knowledgeable and super charismatic. She gave us a great tour. Also, our driver, Mr. Shen, provided us with a very smooth and air conditioned ride. Would definitely recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in City Highlights Tours

★ 4.93-Hour Old Shanghai City TourFrom $7545 reviews
★ 5.0Mount Huangshan: Highlights Tour in Huangshan full-dayFrom $1983 reviews
★ 4.0Stone Forest, Roast Duck Lunch and City TourFrom $715 reviews
★ 4.8City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea TastingFrom $465 reviews
★ 4.3Guilin Highlight Sightseeing Private Day City TourFrom $1455 reviews
★ 4.7Private Guided City Tour with a LocalFrom $2004 reviews
★ 5.08-Hour Guided Tour of Old and New City HighlightsFrom $15513 reviews
★ 5.0Chongqing Private City Tour: Must-Sees All-in-OneFrom $1014 reviews
★ 5.01-day Essential Guided City Tour without Car44 reviews
★ 5.0Temple of Heaven+Forbidden City Private City TourFrom $1394 reviews
★ 5.0Forbidden City Tour w/Traditional Costume ExperienceFrom $153 reviews
★ 4.8Beijing：Forbidden City Tour—Temple, Summer Palace&Great WallFrom $486 reviews
★ 4.8Lama Temple E-Ticket or Full-Day Guided City TourFrom $1219 reviews
★ 4.6Small-Group Beijing City Highlights Tour With LunchFrom $17933 reviews
★ 5.0All Inclusive Shanghai City Tour : Old and New HighlightsFrom $22344 reviews

Keep browsing

Walking Tours39Cycling Tours12Layover Tours25Bullet Train Day Trips19Viewpoints & Observation Decks9Private Drivers53
Scroll to Top

Explore China

Pick a wall, a palace, a river or a kitchen.

The wall

Great Wall DaysMutianyuBadalingJinshanlingSimatai & Gubei

Imperial Beijing

Forbidden CityTiananmen SquareSummer PalaceTemple of HeavenHutongs

Food and tea

Food ToursCooking ClassesTea TastingsMarket WalksBar Nights

Rivers and mountains

Li River CruisesHuangpu CruisesYangtze CruisesGorges & CavesHiking Trips