China Culture

China Culture

China Culture

China culture cannot be condensed to a single page, so we figured it would be wise to dedicate a whole section to it in our Travel Guide.

As a civilization spanning thousands of years, and a culture that draws influences from various wisdom traditions, neighboring countries, the personal agenda of different dynasties, and innumerable scientific, philosophical, and artistic endeavours, it seems like China culture is as expansive as the Forbidden City forecourt. Quite literally, it would take months to gain an understanding that goes beyond the superficial.

For our customers looking to gain some understanding of what’s behind the people, places, and things that make up China culture before embarking on a travel adventure, we’ve provided the basics here. Expect to find background information uncovering the essence of China culture, including its evolution from prehistoric times to contemporary life. We touch on Chinese art, literature, music , and the performing arts. 

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You will also find background on spiritual beliefs in China, language, and useful facts about the influences of minority cultures who have integrated into the predominant Han Chinese people, who make up approximately 95 percent of the 1.4 billion population.

And though China culture has drawn influences from people, places, and things from afar, as one of the world’s oldest cultures, its influence is also far-reaching. Advanced shipbuilding techniques and navigation technology, including the compass, saw early Chinese exploration, and consequently, dissemination of China culture such that led to its emergence as the main geographic region within the East Asian region.

With such an expansive history and far-reaching impacts arising from the Middle Kingdom, you may find it hard to know where to start. Let us step in and help. Explore our Travel Guide that’s been curated especially to make preparation for your China travel adventure as easy and fun as possible.


China Culture Articles

Faced with the virtually impossible task of distilling China culture into a single page, we’ve taken the approach that more is, well, more. In this selection of China culture articles, introduce yourself to China’s emperors, learn the difference between Sichuan and Szechuan, uncover the basics of Buddhism and Confucianism, discover the origins of traditional Chinese medicine, and more.  It’s all here in the Travel Guide!

Buddhism in China: Highlights for western travelers to discover and explore
Buddhism in China: Highlights for western travelers to discover and explore
Buddhism in China is woven into the country’s rich history and culture. This interconnectedness makes it virtually impossible to complete your travels ...
Chinese emperors: Fabulous facts and unlikely fiction
Chinese emperors: Fabulous facts and unlikely fiction
If you’re like most people who start reading about Chinese emperors, you’ll feel very quickly that you’ve disappeared down a gilded and extraordinarily...
Traditional Chinese music and performance arts: Making sense of the sound
Traditional Chinese music and performance arts: Making sense of the sound
Traditional Chinese music can seem quite confounding to the outsider.Between the large array of unusual instruments, ear-piercing sounds, elaborate co...
Chinese art: Where to start when you have no idea
Chinese art: Where to start when you have no idea
Chinese art offers a window into the long and fascinating history that is intrinsic to this   country’s legacy. However, a deep study of art in China w...
Traditional Chinese Medicine: TCM for beginners
Traditional Chinese Medicine: TCM for beginners
Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, has appealed to the curious and those wanting-to-be-cured for millennia. With its origins dating back as far as 3...
Celebrate Chinese New Year? This is how we do it!
Celebrate Chinese New Year? This is how we do it!
If you’re traveling in China early in the year, you’ll probably notice a buzz that seems to creep up out of nowhere. Typically composed and reserved as...
Chinese Etiquette Essentials: 10 Tips to Good Manners in China
Chinese Etiquette Essentials: 10 Tips to Good Manners in China
When traveling to China, understanding Chinese etiquette and customs are essential for putting your best foot forward. Chinese culture is a rich cultur...
Exploring the World of Chinese Martial Arts
Exploring the World of Chinese Martial Arts
When you think about China, one of the first things that comes to mind is Chinese martial arts. From the stories about monks from the ancient Shaolin M...
Jingdezhen porcelain: Discover Shanghai’s hidden secrets at Jingdezhen Porcelain Artware Co
Jingdezhen porcelain: Discover Shanghai’s hidden secrets at Jingdezhen Porcelain Artware Co
Chinese porcelain – specifically Jingdezhen porcelain – enjoys a history that is almost as expansive as China itself.For travelers to Shanghai, a firs...
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Do’s and Don’ts on a China Tour: How to Save Face Like a Local
Do’s and Don’ts on a China Tour: How to Save Face Like a Local
This do’s and don’ts in China is back pocket material to keep you out of trouble on your China tour.From table manners to Chinese temple etiquette, we...
Traditional Chinese architecture: 7 things to know before your first China tour
Traditional Chinese architecture: 7 things to know before your first China tour
If you’ve ever looked at the traditional Chinese architecture of any ancient building you could be deceived into thinking it all looks the same. From ...
More secrets of ancient Chinese architecture styles: Insider tips for Western travelers
More secrets of ancient Chinese architecture styles: Insider tips for Western travelers
Different styles, different placesWe’ve mentioned that a good rule of thumb to apply in the study of ancient Chinese architecture is that each distinc...
Discover the secrets of traditional Chinese architecture styles
Discover the secrets of traditional Chinese architecture styles
We’ve blogged before about how traditional Chinese architecture can be a little overwhelming and confusing, especially if you’re trying to decipher its...
Chinese Tea: The Elixir of life in all its forms
Chinese Tea: The Elixir of life in all its forms
There is something utterly calming and restorative that arises from the simple act of pouring boiled water onto crisp, tight tea leaves. The sound of w...
Fancy a Chinese tea ceremony? Here’s everything a westerner needs to know
Fancy a Chinese tea ceremony? Here’s everything a westerner needs to know
A Chinese tea ceremony is synonymous with life in China. Hardly a surprise given that tea has been cultivated in China for more than three thousand yea...
Searching for the best Chinese tea? Here’s the ultimate top 10 list for aspiring tea connoisseurs
Searching for the best Chinese tea? Here’s the ultimate top 10 list for aspiring tea connoisseurs
The best Chinese tea? Do this countdown with usWherever you go in China, you’ll hear claims from locals that the best Chinese tea is to be found in...
How to choose Chinese tea like a local: 8 things to look for before you buy
How to choose Chinese tea like a local: 8 things to look for before you buy
A little bit like buying a fancy bottle of wine, knowing how to choose Chinese tea like a local can be, well, a little confusing.In fact, because the ...

We can also organise private China tour guides who speak other foreign languages

Ask us about tour guides who speak en Français, auf Deutsch, in Nihon, and many other European and Asian languages.

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Popular China Culture Tours

Popular China culture tours are for avid culture fans. Love learning about the country you visit while traveling? Then our thoughtfully curated selection of tours featuring all aspects of Chinese culture will surprise and delight you. In fact, it is difficult to go anywhere in China without encountering the remarkable ancient culture, which distinguished this country from its neighbors for millennia. With a view to providing our customers with insights to the very best of culture in China in every destination, regardless of where you go, we take care that our culture tour itineraries are as informative as they are interesting. It’s just another way we enrich your experience of real China and bring travel dreams to life. Explore our tours for the very best in Chinese culture.

11 Days Beauty of China


Destination
Beijing Xi’an Guilin Shanghai
Tour Type
CustomPrivateSmall Group

11 Days Beauty of China

11 Days Beauty of China

13 Days China Wonders & Pandas


Destination
Beijing Xi’an Chengdu Guilin Shanghai
Tour Type
CustomPrivateSmall Group

13 Days China Wonders & Pandas

13 Days China Wonders & Pandas

13 Days Grand China with Panda


Destination
Beijing Xi’an Chengdu Yangtze River Shanghai
Tour Type
CustomPrivateSmall Group

13 Days Grand China with Panda

13 Days Grand China with Panda

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Testimonials


 Lorna P
Lorna P
Reviewed on 16 Nov. 2024
Tripadvisor score 35 day personalised trip of China & Tibet

Oct 2024 • Friends

2 couples just completed a 35 day tour of China using individual English speaking local guides in each area we visited. We planned what we wanted to see and China Tours organised all the linguistics. We travelled by bullet train, cars & a plane to access areas not included in group tours. China Tours also provided us with some smaller boutique hotels at our request, which were amazing. The difference in cost for this personalised tour was great value. All the guides and drivers were very experienced and did their best to give us the most enjoyable experience. China Tours head office representative was always available on WeChat for any questions or changes which could effect our trip. (Such as a typhoon in Hong Kong on our last 2 days) As very experienced self guided travelers we would highly recommend China Tours in a country where the language & logistics are challenging.
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Dennis Yip
Dennis Yip
Reviewed on 3 Nov. 2024
Tripadvisor score Exceptional Experience with ChinaTours!

Oct 2024 • Family

We recently booked a private family vacation with ChinaTours.com for a week-long adventure in Xi'an and Luoyang, and it was nothing short of exceptional! The itinerary was perfectly crafted, allowing sufficient time to explore the iconic sites like the Terracotta Warriors and the breathtaking Longmen Grottoes and many more. Kudos to Ms. Lora of ChinaTours, everything was tailored to our interests, allowing us to explore hidden gems and local favourites. Our English-speaking guides, Felix (方洪杰) for Xi'an & Shirley (周丹丹) for Luoyang, were very knowledgeable and engaging, making history come alive for us. They were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their cities, sharing stories and insights that enriched our experience beyond the typical tourist narratives. We had the opportunity to witness a few spectacular and mesmerizing cultural and historical performances at a grandeur scale, which added a personal touch to our understanding of the culture and history. The guides were very accommodating in the dining options, which allowed us to savour the delicious local cuisines of the Shaanxi and Henan provinces. The seamless transportation via the minivan and high-speed trains added to our travel experience, making everything relaxing and stress-free. ChinaTours truly thought of everything to ensure our family had an unforgettable trip in China. We highly recommend ChinaTours to anyone looking for a seamless and memorable visit to China!
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Excursion06754325819
Excursion06754325819
Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2024
Tripadvisor score Perfect trip in every way

Oct 2024 • Solo

This was a perfect trip in every way. Beautiful hotels, wonderful guides and drivers, sightseeing with explanations! I chose a private tour and the entire 3 week trip was exceptional . The itinerary was adjusted due to weather or unique museums exhibitions! All the hotels were excellent - clean ,modern and great locations with breakfast. New cars and excellent drivers. China Tours is my first choice as an exceptional tour company. They are number one! Very personalize travel , attention to detail and available 24/7. I will rebook with them!
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Robert N
Robert N
Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024
Tripadvisor score China Tours review

Oct 2024 • Friends

If you’re going to China on a vacation, China Tours is the Company you must go with. Their tour guides are knowledgeable, efficient, courteous, and giving. The itinerary we chose was amazing and we were guided through the entire trip by these wonderful tour guides. They were always on time and greeted you with a smile. Once again, I highly recommend China Tours.😊👍😁🤩
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norm T
norm T
Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024
Tripadvisor score China trip dated August 27, – September 16, 2024, seven cities in 3 weeks

Aug 2024 • Solo

China Tours did an excellent job of accommodating and coordinating the necessary paperwork, tickets, guides, setting up WeChat for direct communications such that I could communicate with my guides prior to my arrival, etc. for me to enjoy a relaxing adventure filled with new information. Regarding the guides, each one is very special, they are open to questions. Willing to adjust schedules, share personal information that we can compare to my western experience. Have a sense of humor about them, explain changes that need to be made, and each shares a perspective of China and its 5,000-year-old history and how it is a nation of tribes that work together resulting amazing functional society with the most sophisticated infrastructure the world has ever seen. China can be proud of each guide; each is an asset for changing the wests perspective and embracing all that China is doing to improve the world. I congratulate each of you for your dedication and work ethic to make my experience one I will always appreciate.
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deblau59
deblau59
Reviewed on 26 Oct. 2024
Tripadvisor score Fantastic Trip Down Memory Lane

Oct 2024 • Friends

Excellent Taiwan tour from China Travels. We found this company on the web and was super pleased with the communications and arrangements through Martha. I was traveling with my sister and 10 friends who had previously lived in Taiwan so we wanted to revisit our childhood. We started in Taipei, then went to Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Tainan. Taroko Gorge was on our list due to the earthquake damage from last year, we changed places. Our tour guide, Cathy Lin, was great as she added some activities and places to our itinerary that were hidden gems. Very responsive to our needs throughout the tour. My friends were super pleased with the trip. Highly recommend for future travel arrangements.
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dida d
dida d
Reviewed on 25 Oct. 2024
Tripadvisor score UNFORGETABLE JOURNEY 2024

Sept 2024 • Family

Our family of 4 were really had an amazing private journey with China Tours. We really had a memorable journey in Shanghai, Kunming, Dali and Lijiang. Thanks to Martha who helped us with everything we need during this trip. Thanks to all tour guides and our drivers who were always company us with their patience and expertise. Thumbs Up to all of you. Hoping to see you guys again in another journey.
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baholmes89
baholmes89
Reviewed on 24 Oct. 2024
Tripadvisor score CHINA WOW!

Oct 2024 • Couples

Fantastic trip. Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Yangtze River cruise, Shanghai. Guides on time, knowledgeable and good company. Everything went like clockwork. Martha organised all our requests and answered questions promptly. Hotels amazing, cars and drivers professional. Prices much cheaper than UK companies. Would recommend China Tours to all. 5*
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Thomas L
Thomas L
Reviewed on 23 Oct. 2024
Tripadvisor score Memorable 2 weeks in China.

Oct 2024 • Couples

We fully enjoyed the tour. Beautiful landscapes and comfortable hotels met our expectations. All the tour guides are first rate, many times they went above and beyond our expectations.
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kraig l
kraig l
Reviewed on 7 Oct. 2024
Tripadvisor score A Day in Xi’an with Cathy

Sept 2024 • Solo

I really enjoyed my recent private tour with China Tours! I remembered I took a China Tours about 13 years ago in Beijing and since I had a long weekend during a recent business trip, I decided to take the chance on them again and booked on-line. Working with Martha via email on short notice and right before the National Holiday, she was able to arrange a 1-day private trip for me to the Terracotta Warriors, Mosque, and the Xi'an Wall with Cathy K. as my tour guide. Even before my tour began, Cathy reached out to me and gave suggested a few sites to visit in the city the afternoon I arrived.

Morning of, pick up time was confirmed via WeChat and Cathy picked me up in a nice minivan and was escorted all day by a VERY knowledgeable tour guide in Cathy. She knew the tour well, the sites visited and their history, shared many welcoming stories and information. Her English was almost perfect and welcoming after a long business trip. More importantly, she knew her city well and made several great food recommendations - local lunch was amazing and so were the pomegranates! She even helped me purchase some jade necklaces as gifts.

Although it rained all day long, Cathy kept the tour upbeat and engaging - cannot say that about my sneakers that did not make the trip home.

The next day, Cathy went the extra mile by making sure I made it to the airport and my flight chatting me Chinese phrases for both the taxi driver and check in counter to ensure if needed I would not miss my flight.

I would like to give a BIG "XIE XIE" to CATHY K - an outstanding tour guide (and food connoisseur)! I very much enjoyed my day (wishing I had longer) and look forward to my return and another China Tours tour with hopefully Cathy K again.
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