China · HISTORICAL TOURS
The shortlist you would send a friend: 15 historical tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you pay.
Explore Hong Kong’s colonial past, feng shui wars, politics, and street food on a lively two-hour walking tour from Central to Man Mo Temple.
“It added honest perspective with a personal touch regarding the recent history of Hong Kong and a smattering of culture and food hits.”
Review of Beijing’s Lama Temple, Summer Palace and Panda Garden tour, with lunch, transport, shopping stops, guide tips and value advice.
“I normally don’t write reviews, but what happened to my family during this tour was so serious that I feel compelled to warn others. Our tour was originally supposed to include the Summer Palace, Panda Garden, and Lama Temple. We told Read more”
Review of Beijing’s 7-hour tour of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven, with lunch, transport, guides, and key warnings.
“Picked up late from the hotel I had to buy my own tickets with commissions (alipay) Refunded without the fees I paid Transfer back to my hotel wasn't arranged”
Explore Jewish Shanghai with a history expert, visiting the former ghetto, Ohel Moishe Synagogue, Huoshan Park, and refugee homes.
“Superb, knowledgable, highly recommend this window into a story not often heard about Shanghai's history.”
Explore Beijing’s hutongs, guild halls, old shopping streets, and calligraphy traditions on an affordable 3.5-hour walking tour.
“I had such a good time during this tour in Beijing and it exceeded all my expectations! Hao was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the city's history, providing various insights at every stop. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore Beijing in such unique way!”
Review of Beijing’s intimate tea, Guqin, and calligraphy workshop, with practical details on value, timing, venue, and who should book.
“I didn’t expect to feel so moved. Playing the Guqin while the master guided my fingers felt like stepping into another time. It was quiet, personal, and completely different from anything else in my itinerary.”
Compare Xi’an’s two terracotta armies, city wall, cave homes, Muslim Quarter, and Tang landmarks on a private two-day tour.
“We are soooo please with Cathy and Michael for showing us the sites we went. They are extremely friendly and supper professional! I highly recommend them to anyone for their service. Plus, they really know what they are talking about and Read more”
Review of a private two-hour Forbidden City tour in Beijing, with hotel pickup options, expert guides, Tiananmen advice, pricing, and practical tips.
“Mina gave us a fantastic, informative tour of the forbidden city. We hit all of the significant highlights, she was very friendly, and we recommend this tour.”
Review Xi’an’s full-day tour of the Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, city wall, Great Mosque, lunch, and private transport.
“The tour to the history museum was extremely informative. My guide, Lily, was very patient in explaining the history of ancient China. I was the only one on the tour so it was a one-to-one tour. The visits to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and ARead more”
Review of Guangzhou’s private historical tour, with Chen Clan Temple, Nanyue King’s tomb, Cantonese lunch, temples, Shamian Island, and more.
“The tour was fun. Our guide did a good job and the lunch was delicious.”
Explore Beijing’s Bell and Drum Towers with entry, an English PDF guide, ancient timekeeping, and a memorable drum performance.
“Una torre de tambores frente a un campanario. No está mal si ya has hecho todo lo que podías hacer en Pekín y te apetece saber cómo daban la hora en la ciudad antigua. Sin más”
Review Tiananmen Square entry reservation in Beijing, including costs, passport rules, queues, guides, timing, value, and practical visit tips.
“I had no idea of the time it takes to visit this place. Standing in line for 2 hours is minimum, so it takes at least half the day, if you rush it. In the end I missed it because I had to leave for another tour, so I stayed in line 1h for nothing. I believe the preparation of time should be listed loud and clear. Because if I knew it, I would have planned accordingly.”
Explore Kaiping’s UNESCO diaolou villages, Li Garden, Majianglong, Jinjiangli, and Chikan on a private tour from Guangzhou.
“It was a nice trip to visit beautiful historical old town & village. Location is not too far from Guangzhou city, we only spent 8 hours in total for this trip. It was also very quiet in weekdays.”
Explore Hong Kong’s vegetarian food scene with tofu, cheung fun, milk tea, local culture, and a private guide in a small group.
“We took a vegetarian food tour with Tony Yee, on 7 th june. The tour was very well organized.”
Compare six private Beijing tours covering the Forbidden City, Hutongs, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace.
“Our tour guide Lucy Yue is very professional guide with a lot of knowledge and knows how to use the short time well and efficiently. She is also very cheerful. Our driver mr Zhang Bo is a very skilled driver and very friendly. Lucy came with the suggestion to take our luggage and dropped us after the tour to our next hotel. We really appreciate here help. It saved us a lot of time.”
Pick a wall, a palace, a kitchen or a river.
