ASTA Member
American Society of Travel Advisors — the travel industry's leading trade association, upholding professional and ethical standards.
Est. 1988 · Private China Journeys
China comes alive
when you get closer.
Luxury China Tours & Yangtze River Cruises
Small-group and private tours across China — from the Great Wall to the Three Gorges, with English-speaking guides and handpicked hotels.
- Creating Journeys Since 1988
- 10,000+ Travelers Served
- English-Speaking Guides
- Premium Hotels & Ships
- ASTA Member
Personalized Discovery
China, Close Enough
Since 1988, we have done one thing: made China feel close enough to walk into. Not a fly-through — a trip you can actually be in. The Wall under your feet, the Yangtze outside the balcony, and none of the noise that usually sits between you and the place.
You set the pace. Private departures and small groups, never a coach circuit. Stay longer in a courtyard if you want; leave when you are ready.
You have someone to talk to. English-speaking guides throughout — not a phrasebook on legs, but people who can open the room.
You sleep properly. Handpicked hotels and leading river ships, so the next morning is for the country, not for logistics. Bring curiosity. We will take the rest.
Experience China by water
The Legendary Yangtze River
Sail through the Three Gorges aboard the river’s leading ships — private balcony cabins, shore excursions including Fengdu, Shennong Stream and the Three Gorges Dam, and an American-managed fleet on selected departures.
Traveler Stories
What Our Guests Say
★★★★★
"The Yangtze cruise was the highlight of our trip. Everything was arranged perfectly — the guides, the hotels, the pacing. We didn't have to worry about a thing."
Sarah & James P.
11-Day Yangtze Tour · 2025
★★★★★
"We've traveled all over Asia but this was something special. The Forbidden City tour alone was worth it — our guide made history feel alive."
Michael T.
8-Day Classic · 2025
★★★★★
"East Marvel customized a 14-day trip for our family of six. Every detail was thoughtful — from kid-friendly restaurants to the panda base in Chengdu."
The Williams Family
Custom Tour · 2024
Where to go
China's Most Iconic Destinations
Each place has a different job on the itinerary. Start with the cities you care about; we'll connect them at a pace that works.
Planning Ahead
Essential Travel Info
Do I need a visa for China?
Maybe not — citizens of 50 countries (UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Korea, and most of Europe) can now enter visa-free for up to 30 days, and US travelers often qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit.
Check your exact route in seconds — by nationality and where you land.
Check your visa →China is a mostly cashless society. Mobile payments are the easiest way to get around.
Alipay & WeChat Pay: These two apps are accepted everywhere, from luxury malls to street vendors. International visitors can now easily link their Visa, Mastercard, or Discover cards to both apps before arriving.
Cash & Credit Cards: Major hotels and large international stores accept foreign credit cards. It's always a good idea to carry a small amount of Chinese Yuan (RMB) in cash for emergencies.
Many Western websites and apps are blocked in China due to the firewall.
Travel eSIM / Roaming: The most hassle-free way to bypass the firewall is to use an international roaming plan from your home carrier, or buy a travel eSIM (like Airalo or Holafly) before your trip. These route your data through international servers.
VPN Apps: If you plan to rely on local Wi-Fi, you must download and install a reliable VPN app *before* you arrive in China.
Before you fly
Handpicked Travel Guides
Practical pages our team actually sends before you fly — visa paths, first itineraries, and the river.
China visa-free entry, 2027
Which waiver path fits your passport and route — including 30-day and 240-hour transit.
Planning a first trip to China
A sensible city order, how many nights, and when a cruise belongs in the middle.
China Tourist Visa Application Guide in 2027: Requirements & Steps
Complete 2027 guide to the Chinese tourist visa (L visa): requirements, documents, photo specs, invitation letter rules, and the step-by-step application…
Best Time to Visit China 2027: Season by Season Guide
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October after Golden Week) give first-time visitors the best weather and crowds for Beijing, Guilin, and the Yangtze.
Yangtze cruise options
Compare ships, balcony cabins, and which sailing fits a Beijing–Shanghai trip.
Tibet Travel Permit 2027: How Foreigners Enter Lhasa
Foreign passports need a Tibet Travel Permit—you cannot apply yourself.
Find your journey
Travel for What You Love
A journey is more than a place. These themes match why you're going — a first China trip, family time, the river, or a deeper region.
Why Choose Us
Crafting Journeys Since 1988
Our belief
The trip works when you get closer.
Not more cities. Better days. English-speaking guides, hotels we stand behind, and a river ship chosen for your dates — not a generic “cruise included” line.
Our promise
Your travel advisor
One person who knows the file. A first outline within 24 hours. No obligation.
Your local storyteller
English-speaking guides who can hold a Forbidden City morning without rushing you past the point of the visit.
Your private car or small group
Groups never exceed 16 travelers. Private departures move on your schedule.
Support while you're there
Ships, tickets, and day-of changes handled — you're never left waiting on a generic inbox.
Take The Next Step
Ready to Plan Your China Journey?
Browse by packages, cruises, or destinations.
Add your interested trip ideas to and send us a combined inquiry, or simply contact us.
A dedicated travel advisor replies within 24 hours — 1-to-1, no obligation.
Accredited & Trusted
Recognized by the travel industry