China Tour & Trip Reviews
Editor’s Take
What to Look For in China Tour Reviews
Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.
Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country - however in China it’s a bit of a different story.
Negative or lower rated reviews for China tours often bring up the culture shock - though most have a positive word to say about their tour guide and the trip itinerary in general. So in the case of China reviews, the tour itself may have been enjoyable but the country was different than expected.
As you read China reviews, consider that China - while a wonderful country with amazing history and people - can be very challenging for travelers, particularly western travelers.
The language barrier is one of the primary reasons that traveling with a local guide is essential in China. They are invaluable for keeping things calm in the often crowded and confusing areas you visit, make sure you find things to eat that you’ll enjoy, and can also help you experience more rural countryside regions, that would be extremely difficult to navigate independently if you don’t speak the language.
That said, while most guides in China speak english, sometimes their accent will be thick and difficult to understand. This can be quite frustrating for some and possibly lead to a lower review score. Be sure to take this into account as you read China tour reviews.
Accommodations in China may also be quite different in terms of comfort level, depending on where in the country you’re traveling, and the tour style. Many China tours feature overnight trains, which can be quite an experience - not always super comfortable.
Homestays and local hotels are very common on China tour itineraries, and these too aren’t every travelers cup of tea. Be prepared with an open mind and adventurous spirit, ready to learn about a very different culture from your own.
If you want a professional take on traveling in China, see the Travelstride China Guide »
Tour Reviews
DL
Dawn Lewis
Meagan has been great!! December 2023
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
NB
Nancy Bogdonanwicz
I very much like the new structure and… December 2023
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
DC
Daisy Cardenas
10/10 Recommend December 2023
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Our travel agent, Maaike, has exceeded all expectations as she has been helpful, communicative, and extremely organized. She is truly an asset to EF Tours.
RH
Ruthann Haider
Elisabeth is wonderful December 2023
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
L
Leon
In een week tijd zijn 2 maiden calls… December 2023
- Value 1.0
- Guide 1.0
- Activities 1.0
- Lodging 1.0
- Transportation 1.0
- Meals 1.0
TB
Tami Brock
SEKY loves Mindy! December 2023
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
MP
Michael Pérez
Portual/Spain 2023 December 2023
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Only down side was that our hotel in Fuenlabrada was right next to a major highway and not near any supermarket or shopping area to purchase things kids might need toward the end of the trip. The hotel itself was very nice, it's location however was not in a good spot.
TO
Tim O'Brien
Setting up my service trip to the Dominican Republic December 2023
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
JH
Jan Haney
Master Planner December 2023
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
She is the epitome of graciousness, patience, and knowledge while you are trying to make big decisions!
ML
Mindy L
Great tour but sub-par food December 2023
- Value 4.0
- Guide 4.0
- Activities 4.0
- Lodging 4.0
- Transportation 4.0
- Meals 4.0
DO
Daan Osinga
Wij zouden een restitutie krijgen ivm December 2023
- Value 1.0
- Guide 1.0
- Activities 1.0
- Lodging 1.0
- Transportation 1.0
- Meals 1.0
S
Sandy
Request George December 2023
- Value 4.0
- Guide 4.0
- Activities 4.0
- Lodging 4.0
- Transportation 4.0
- Meals 4.0
PK
Peter Kok
Uitstekende cruises maar waardeloze… December 2023
- Value 1.0
- Guide 1.0
- Activities 1.0
- Lodging 1.0
- Transportation 1.0
- Meals 1.0
Deze keer direct geboekt bij HAL en daar nu al spijt van. Totaal niet bereikbaar (chat is dicht, telefoonnummer is 1.80 eur per min en geen email). Website en app zijn zeer buggy en het online betalen geeft alleen maar foutmelding. De uiterste betalingsherinnering ontvang je drie dagen na de datum...
De andere reviews geven hetzelfde beeld. Volgende cruise maar weer via een agent of een andere maatschappij.
JB
Joe Brownlie
ONE STAR IS TOO MUCH December 2023
- Value 1.0
- Guide 1.0
- Activities 1.0
- Lodging 1.0
- Transportation 1.0
- Meals 1.0
ON THE 26TH.WE WENT TO A SHORE EXCURSION MEETING IN THE THEATRE. WE WERE INFORMED THAT A SHUTTLE BUS, WOULD BE PROVIDED. TO A SHOPPING CENTRE. ON OUR FIRST STOP.
WE HAD BOOKED A CRAFTCENTRE AND SHOPPING TOUR, THAT DAY.
WE TRIED TO CANCEL THE TOUR BUT THE TOUR WAS THE FOLLOWING DAY. 48HOUR DEADLINE APPLIED.
WE WENT ON THE TOUR.
1ST STOP.
NOT MY WORDS. THE GUIDES WORDS. "A FLEA MARKER". SOME PEOPLE, US INCLUDED, DIDN'T GET OFF THE BUS. I NOTED TWO PURCHASES. FILTHY PLACE.
2ND STOP.
A SHOPPING CENTRE. WE HAD 60 MINUTES TO SHOP. EVEN IF YOU ONLY SPENT TEN MINUTES IN EACH SHOP. THAT'S 6 SHOPS TOTAL. NO TIME FOR ESCALATORS, FINDIND SHOPS, TRYING ON CLOTHING AND WALKING BACK TO MEETING POINT.
3RD STOP.
HUGE TWO SIDES OF STREET SHOPPING CENTRE. ONCE AGAIN, ONE HOUR TO SHOP.
I POINTED THIS OUT TO THE GUIDE, GUEST SERVICES AND FINALLY, THE EXCUSIONS DESK. THE ALLOTED TIME WAS SUFFICIENT TO THEM.
ON THE 4TH OF DECEMBER, WE WENT ON THE ART AND CRAFT SHOPPING.
AT THE SECOND STOP, THE CRAFT SHOP. THE BUS CLIPPED THE ENTRANCE PILLAR. TAKING OUT TWO WINDOWS, COVERING MY WIFE AND SEVERAL OTHERS IN GLASS. THE SLITHERS OF GLASS WERE STICKING TO THE SUNTAN LOTION.
SEVERAL PEOPLE FILLED IN AN ACCIDENT REPORT AT THE SHOP.
WE RETURNED EVENTUALLY TO THE BOAT, ON A NEW BUS.
WE LATER RECEIVED A LETTER.
AS A GESTURE OF GOOD WILL, THE EXCURSION FEE WAS BEING REDUCED BY 50%.
MY WIFE AND I, WENT TO THE EXCURSIONS DESK.
I POINTED OUT. THAT (HAL) HAD A DUTY OF CARE,TO IT'S PASSENGERS. SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE MET US ON ARRIVAL ON BOARD. ASKED IF EVERYONE WAS OK. BUT NO, WE WILL THROW SOME MONEY AT THEM AND THEY WILL HOPEFULLY GO AWAY.
I DON'T WANT YOU MONEY (HAL), HOW ABOUT SHOWING YOUR PASSENGERS THAT YOU CARE. YOU LET YOUR PASSENGERS AND YOURSELVES DOWN. BIG TIME.
WE DON'T INTEND TO GO ASHORE ON THE REMAINING DAYS.
SHAME ON YOU.
NOT EVERYTHING IS SOLVED WITH MONEY.
MJG
Marjorie Jiron Gaete
I am very grateful. December 2023
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Thank you very much!

$ 2,640 12-days trip

$ 2,473 11-days trip

$ 8,050 11-days trip

$ 6,435 16-days trip