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China Tour & Trip Reviews
14,501 Reviews
4.3 out of 5
88% Recommend
Value
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
Recommends
Meagan has been great!! December 2023
5.0
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- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Meagan has been great at reaching out and explaining the process. I love the templates to email to parents and students to promote the trip.
NB
Nancy Bogdonanwicz
Recommends
I very much like the new structure and… December 2023
5.0
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- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
I very much like the new structure and how the team at EF is always available and is very prompt with replies to emails and text messages. This is sooooo much better than a year ago, when it took forever to get a reply or any information about my tour. Much Better, thank you!!!
Read more
DC
Daisy Cardenas
Recommends
10/10 Recommend December 2023
5.0
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- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
I've traveled with different companies before but EF is by far the BEST in handling logistics and itineraries. Their various support teams are incredibly helpful.
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.
Read more
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
Recommends
Elisabeth is wonderful December 2023
5.0
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- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Elisabeth is wonderful. She is patient and informative. She is prompt in her replies to me. A real travel professional.
L
Leon
Does Not Recommend
In een week tijd zijn 2 maiden calls… December 2023
1.0
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- Value 1.0
- Guide 1.0
- Activities 1.0
- Lodging 1.0
- Transportation 1.0
- Meals 1.0
In een week tijd zijn 2 maiden calls door HAL geannuleerd wegens operationele problemen. Deze zijn vervangen door een fjord cruise zonder enkele vorm van compensatie. Als we kosteloos hadden kunnen annuleren dan hadden we dit momenteel zeker gedaan.
Read more
TB
Tami Brock
Recommends
SEKY loves Mindy! December 2023
5.0
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- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Simply put: Mindy made my experience wonderful. So far, she has been the most helpful tour director I have ever had. She was kind, informative, and respectful. She also understood the subtle needs of my population, their parents, and the community. Mindy is an asset to EF and the travelers in her service area. Thank you, Mindy Lail!
Read more
MP
Michael Pérez
Recommends
Portual/Spain 2023 December 2023
5.0
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- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Our trip was postponed from late June to Thanksgiving break due to United Airlines delays and cancelations. Ef Tours re-booked the entire trip within weeks of having to postpone the trip. Ef Tours had me poll my travelers and we decided as a group to do Thanksgiving break. Everything worked out very well. Temperatures were cooler and there were far fewer tour groups compared to summer travel. I can't thank Ef Tours enough for rescheduling and re-booking everything so smoothly. Our tour guide Miguel Saim was also amazing!!
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.
Read more
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
Recommends
Setting up my service trip to the Dominican Republic December 2023
5.0
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- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Setting up my service trip to the Dominican Republic and hosting the informational meeting was easy with the help of Caitlin. She was filled with tips, strategies, and resources to make the planning process so simple. This could not have been easier.
Read more
JH
Jan Haney
Recommends
Master Planner December 2023
5.0
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- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
One name: Amelia Kristofik!
She is the epitome of graciousness, patience, and knowledge while you are trying to make big decisions!
She is the epitome of graciousness, patience, and knowledge while you are trying to make big decisions!
ML
Mindy L
Recommends
Great tour but sub-par food December 2023
4.0
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- Value 4.0
- Guide 4.0
- Activities 4.0
- Lodging 4.0
- Transportation 4.0
- Meals 4.0
Our tour was fantastic! Spain and Portugal are absolutely beautiful. I would definitely recommend EF tours. The only negatives were, I felt the guided tours seemed a little rushed at times. However my biggest complaint was the dinners that were already pre-arranged. The food was very basic and underwhelming. For the amount of money that we spent to go on this tour, I expected more than French fries be served with each meal. Food that was more authentic to the culture and area would have been more appreciated.
Read more
DO
Daan Osinga
Does Not Recommend
Wij zouden een restitutie krijgen ivm December 2023
1.0
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- Value 1.0
- Guide 1.0
- Activities 1.0
- Lodging 1.0
- Transportation 1.0
- Meals 1.0
Wij zouden een restitutie krijgen ivm. foute in rekening gebrachte kosten. Na enig heen (en weer??) gebel en na 4 x mijn boekingscode doorgegeven te hebben kreeg ik ,na dreiging met maatregelen, ineens een telefoontje uit Seattle. Was niet thuis. Na twee dagen een bericht van hun bank, HSBC dat ik mijn bankrekeningnummer moest doorgeven (hoewel ze dat uiteraard al hadden). Dat moest via een door hen aangegeven link omdat het anders niet 'veilig' zou (kunnen) zijn.De link werkte niet! Rotterdam (opnieuw) gebeld. Ik moest maar contact opnemen met seattle.Uiteraard geweigerd. Tel. doorgeven kon niet 'ivm. veiligeheid' Waarom? Ik had eerder al 3 keer mijn nummer opgegeven via de mail. Tenslotte maar gedreigd met juridische stappen. Ineens zou service zijn best doen om e.e.a. te achterhalen. Zijn dit bekende vertragingstaktieken van HAL.? Cruise was prima, I Administratief is die fa. een bende! Ik wacht nog steeds.
Read more
S
Sandy
Recommends
Request George December 2023
4.0
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- Value 4.0
- Guide 4.0
- Activities 4.0
- Lodging 4.0
- Transportation 4.0
- Meals 4.0
Loved our tour guide, George! The hotel choices could have been better, especially in Paris.
PK
Peter Kok
Does Not Recommend
Uitstekende cruises maar waardeloze… December 2023
1.0
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- Value 1.0
- Guide 1.0
- Activities 1.0
- Lodging 1.0
- Transportation 1.0
- Meals 1.0
Uitstekende cruises maar waardeloze klantenservice, bereikbaarheid, website, app.
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.
Read more
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
Does Not Recommend
ONE STAR IS TOO MUCH December 2023
1.0
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- Value 1.0
- Guide 1.0
- Activities 1.0
- Lodging 1.0
- Transportation 1.0
- Meals 1.0
JOINED THE WESTERDAM ON THE 25TH OF NOVEMBER.
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.
Read more
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
Recommends
I am very grateful. December 2023
5.0
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- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
I am very grateful for the beautiful opportunity that EF Educational Tours gave me by sending me to the Paris Training in November 2023. Everything worked perfectly well. Kudos to the EF leaders and Trip Manager for making this experience unforgettable. I enjoyed every moment and sharing experiences with other teachers was excellent.
Thank you very much!
Read more
Thank you very much!
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