China Tour Packages From UK

Travel from UK to China is getting more and more popular in recent years! Millions of travelers from UK prefer to book China trip for holidays as China is a country that diverse and so fast-changing. Shanghai Private Tour select some popular China tours that starts and ends in UK, the hotels, meals, city transportation and entrance fees are all included, which make your China trip from UK in an easy and hassel-free way. With a knowledegable guide, you'll be amazed by the spectacular nature, profound history and culture. Easy to Book & Pay! Great Reviews!

Top Selling China Tour Packages From United Kingdom

8 Days China Panda Tour From UK to Beijing Xi'an Chengdu

Are you looking for trips to China from UK? This 8 Days China Panda Tour From UK takes you to travel to Beijing, Xian and Chengdu, the three most popular holiday destinations in China by tourists. Spend your wonderful time to explore Chinese cultural heritages including not only the famous Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, but also the leisure city Chengdu with lovely panda. China panda tour from Beijing to Xian to Chengdu within 8 Days includes accommodation as well as flights, an expert guide, meals, transport and more.

5 Days Beijing & Xian Tour Package From London

5 Days Beijing & Xian Tour Package from London is special designed for those who want to visit China but short on time. This China tour takes all the hassle out of visiting the area, and make the best of your time to see the must-see sites of Beijing & Xian. Your knowledgeable guide will patiently take you to visit Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing, explore Terra Cotta Warriors and Ancient City Wall in Xian, and much more. Transportation, bullet train tickets, entrance fees, hotel accommodation, and select meals are all included.

Frequently Asked Questions about planning a China tour from United Kingdom

1. Is China a safe place for tourists?
China is a extremely safe country for tourists from United Kindom and women don't have to be particularly concerned. However, all single travelers should use common sense and take precautions because being on your own just might single you out for some swindling. Be careful when taking a taxi at night or staying alone in a hotel.

2. What language is mostly spoken in China?
Though English is the second language in China, it is not widely used in most part of China. So if you travel to China from UK, speak English for dining or shopping might be diffecult since Chinese mostly speak Mandarin, which is our official and most common speaking language in China. Mandarin is commonly referred to as "Chinese". It is the most commonly adopted Chinese language variant in government, education, business and media. It's also spoken popularly more than any other Chinese language dialects in some cities, such as Hokkien in Fujian and Cantonese in Hong Kong and parts of Guangdong. 

3. What are the traffic rules in China? Is it the same as in UK?
In the United Kingdom, British people drive on "the wrong side" of the road- i.e. on the left hand lane, and the driver sits on the right hand side of the car. However, in mainland China people drive on the right-hand side of the road. In Hong Kong and Macau they drive on the left. When there is no center line on the road, according to the rule, vehicles should drive in the center of the road. In case of two vehicles coming towards each other in opposite directions, both should move to their right.

If you want to drive in China, it takes some time to "reprogram" the mind to think in the opposite sense at junctions and on roundabouts and motorways, so the main thing is not to drop your guard 2 or 3 days into your visit as this is when most accidents involving foreign drivers happen. 

Actually, for most of foreigners, they perfer taking ublic transportation or rent a car rather than driving in China by themselves. Chinese drivers are over experienced, the taxi driver was swerving in and out of lanes, cutting in front of people and even driving in between lanes. In fact, because of all the unpredictable swerving, it seems drivers are more observant, with quicker reactions than most in the UK.

3. What's time difference between China and UK?
There is a time difference between China and UK, China is 8 hours ahead of the center of the United Kingdom. China doesn't observe daylight saving time. Daylight saving in London started on 31 March 2019 and ended on 27 October 2019. The time different will be 7 hours during the Daylight saving period.

4. What is the best time for British people plan a China Tour from United Kingdom?
The UK is located right in the middle of the zone of moderate climate and its weather conditions are almost typical. The country is located on islands so unlike continental moderate climate weather in the UK is wet. China is a big country with diverse climate, and China is the same as the UK, both of which have four seasons, spring(from March to May), summer(from June to August), autumn(from Spetember to November) and winter (from December to Fabruary). Some areas of China are better visited at certain times of the year.
Spring(Mar.-May.) & Autumn(Spet. to Nov.) in UK: Spring in the UK is rather dry season however it is still quite cold. During whole March in the UK, sky is covered by heavy clouds. At the middle of spring tourists start to arrive. At May national parks, reserves and other sights are already working to the fullest. Visitors should be prepared to sudden shifts of weather. While in Autumn, weather in UK is pleasant. falling leafs and colors of autumn create wonderful scape for sightseeing and simple wandering among picturesque streets of British towns.
Spring(Mar.-May.) & Autumn(Spet. to Nov.) in China: Spring and autumn are the best time to travel around China. Most cities like Beijing, Xian, Shanghai,etc will be at comfortable temperatures, and mountainous regions will be slightly chilly but not too cold. In autumn, certain parts of the country will look gorgeous as the leaves change colour. If you're able to, you should visit China from UK in spring or autumn.

Summer(Jun.-Aug.) in UK: June is the best month to visit the country. Winds are calmed down, rains don't bother as much as at late spring and there are more daylight hours. July & August provide warm and bright days and spectacular sunsets. Summer evenings are quite cool so light jacket is necessary.
Summer(Jun.-Aug.) in China: Mountainous regions were perfect at this time of year, but most of Eastern China was extremely hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. If backpacking China in the summertime, pack light clothes that dry fast. Stay hydrated because you'll be sweating a lot if you're spending time outdoors.

Winter(Dec.-Feb.) in UK: Winter in UK is wet. Northern regions are snowy while coasts are under torrential rains and squally winds. Typically umbrellas can't stand such weather so it would be better to have dense raincoat. Winter in the United Kingdom is a time to shelter under a warm blanket with a cup of fragrant English tea, and not for sightseeing or other activities.
Winter(Dec.-Feb.) in China: Winter in China varies vastly in the northern and southern parts of the country. Hong Kong and other southern cities will be quite comfortable, but Beijing, Harbin and other northern cities sees sub-zero temperatures and the occasional snowfall. Mountainous regions will be snow-covered which may make travel difficult but it will be extramely beautiful. Moreover, air pollution is at it's worst in the wintertime, so if you have sensitive lungs consider avoiding China at this time of year.

5. What's Food Culture Deffrences between China and UK?
You may have had Chinese food in Chinese restaurants in UK. There are indeed some differences between China eating and UK Eating.
1. Chinese usually eat communally and share their dishes with others. People in UK usually enjoy individual servings.
2. Chinese cooks chop everything into bite size pieces, thus people don't need knives to cut it, and just pick up their
food with chopsticks while British people prefer to cook food in big pieces and serve it with knives and forks for cutting it up.
3. People usually don't remove bones in China, and just cut them and the meat into pieces. They cook fish whole. People in UK usually eat filleted fish, and meat with whole bones, or no bones.
4. Chinese always cook vegetables — frying, stewing, boiling, and steaming — sometimes with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. While people in England like boiling vegetables in water, are virtually unknown in China.
5. People in China traditionally eat at round tables, particularly family meals, as it's convenient to share dishes with others, especially with a lazy Suzy. Roundness symbolizes unity in China. People in UK eat at square tables, which is more convenient for individual meals, with long tables for bigger groups.

6. Is visa required if UK citizens are traveling to China?
UK citizens normally need a visa to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, but not Hong Kong or Macao.  You must have a passport with six month's validity along with a completed application form, passport photocopies, supporting documents, photographs and an invitation letter to apply for the Chinese visa by post or in-person at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

7. What's the difference option about relationships between China and UK?
In UK, there is no rigid social hierarchy that demands any specific kind of relationships. Calling people older than you by their first name is well-accepted and in many cases, even expected. There is great fluidity between relationships in the UK culture, where all kinds of interaction is relaxed and encouraged. In case of familial relationships, parents are actively involved in their child's upbringing, but it isn't expected that children take care of their parents in their old age. Independence is valued and encouraged. Within friends, it is not expected that favors need to be especially appreciated or specifically returned. The concept of relationships is in itself very relaxed in the UK culture.

In China, there exists a social structure that inevitably results in a rigid social hierarchy. Elders are not expected to be called by their first names by those younger to them, and titles or other specified terms are to be used when addressing older people. The Chinese culture is very relationship-oriented, and people tend to value relationships more. Once they are established, great care is taken to maintain them. In familial relationships, children are expected to take care of their aging parents. In friendly relations too, if someone bestows a favor upon you, you are expected to return it as well as fully appreciate it. The Chinese culture fiercely values all sorts of relationships.

8. How to Use a Squat Toilet in China?
When you travel to China first time, how to use squat toliet can be a problem since the squat toilets are not seen in UK, but it's quite common in China. There are some tips for you to use squat tolite in right way.
Step 1: When you use Chinese bathroom, firstly, you need to bring your own toilet paper.
Step 2: If you're wearing any clothes that are long enough to possibly drag on the floor, make sure you roll that up before going into the bathroom, or the stall. The floors can often be wet – either from recently being mopped, or from patrons' inaccuracy.
Step3: Once inside the stall, you'll want to make sure you're far enough back so your front end doesn't over shoot the front of the toilet (hence, the accuracy problem). Also, you'll want to not be so far back as to overshoot the back of the toilet. Nearly every squat toilet will have raised grooves where your feet should go. These raised grooves help keep your feet from sliding (and theoretically dryer), but be careful, they can still be slippery.
Step 4: Once lined up correctly, and with your feet in the right spots, just bend your knees all the way putting yourself in a backwards N (?) position. You will feel some pressure on your knees, especially after several minutes.
Step 5:Once you're ready to clean up, make sure you place all your paper products in the trash can that will definitely be in the stall with you. Once again, outside of nice hotels and restaurants, most Chinese plumbing cannot handle toilet paper, so if you try to flush it, you may very well cause the whole thing to stop up. This is true even in most modestly-priced hotel rooms. So, use the waste basket for everything.
Step 6: How to flush – Most squat toilets are flush toilets, which means there will be a handle to pull, lever to move, button to push, or some other inventive mechanism to release the water. However, what should you do if you don’t see any of these, and instead there is a bucket of water sitting somewhere near the toilet? If you see a bucket of water, there will usually be a plastic ladle (scooper) inside. The water is (theoretically) clean and the ladle is for patrons to scoop water from the bucket and dump it in the toilet, thereby 'flushing' it. You should definitely use it and dump as much water as necessary. Of course, most hotels in China have standard Western-style toilets. Public restrooms in big cities usually have at least one Western-style toilet which you can choose if you really hate the idea of a squat style toilet.

9. Exchange Rate Pond to Chinese Yuan?
The exchange rate between Pond to Chinese Yuan is 1Pond to 9.12Yuan. At present, China will accept and convert into Chinese Renminbi such foreign currencies as US dollar British pound, Euro, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, Austrian schilling, Belgian franc, Canadian dollar, HK dollar, Swiss franc, Danish Krone, Singapore dollar, Malaysian ringgit, Italian lira, Macao dollar, Finnish markka, and Taiwan dollar. Exchange rates are issued every day by the State Administration of Exchange Control. Before leaving China, unused Chinese Renminbi can be converted back into foreign currency with a "foreign exchange certificate" which is valid for six months. 

10. How to travel from UK to China by Flight?
Normally, the duration of flights from UK to China is around 10 hours. The most popular destinations to fly to China from the UK are Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai. British Airways normally operates daily flights to Shanghai and Beijing from Heathrow. Autumn is a great time to visit as you'll find cheap flights to China are easier to come by, especially if you do some planning in advance. 

11. What is the best way to get around in China?
1). Flying domestically in China is a good way to get around, especially over long distances or if you're short on time. Domestic flights are quite cheap, even cheaper than taking the train in some cases. But flights in China are often randomly delayed due to some reasons. Depending on the route, it may save time to take the train than flight: For example, Beijing to Shanghai is 5.5 hours by high-speed train and costs $80. Flying between the two cities takes 2 hours, but you also need to add some time for airport security as well as getting to/from the airport. In this case, the train makes more sense. However, if you need to cover a large distance (let's say Kunming to Beijing), then flight is a better option. A 3.5-hour flight for $85 makes a lot more sense than an 11-hour high-speed train ride for $165 (or 46-hour slow sleeper train ride).

2). Trains in China are amazing: Outside of the most mountainous places in the country, China is extremely well connected by train. 
China got the largest high-speed rail network in the world, and trains are typically very punctual. Trains are a comfortable and easy way to get around while backpacking China. High-speed trains are fast but pricey:  The best way to travel quickly between a number of larger Chinese cities – high-speed train numbers begin with a 'G' prefix and typically only offer seating (they run during the daytime, so this isn't a problem). 2nd class is the cheapest option, but it is still quite comfortable enough.
Here are some useful high-speed rail routes:
Beijing – Shanghai – 5.5 hours, $80 for 2nd class
Beijing – Xi’an – 4.5 hours, $74 for 2nd class
Xi'an – Chengdu – 3 hours, $38 for 2nd class
Hong Kong – Shanghai – 8.5 hours, $144 for 2nd class
Hong Kong – Guangzhou – 1 hour, $31 for 2nd class
Guangzhou – Yangshuo – 2.5 hours, $20 for 2nd class
Shanghai – Hangzhou – 1 hour, $10 for 2nd class
For booking trains in China and viewing all available options, recommended web: www.trip.com.

3). Slow train is a perfect option for long overnight journeys
There's something very relaxing about rolling through the countryside with a book and some tasty ramen. You can get almost anywhere in China by slow train. Like the high-speed trains, they're also very punctual. Slow trains typically have three different classes – hard seat, hard sleeper, and soft sleeper. If you're taking a short ride in the day time, go for hard seat. It's not actually hard, and experiencing a hard seat carriage on a Chinese train is an experience in itself. Hard sleeper is the most common option for long overnight journeys. Like hard seat, hard sleeper isn't actually hard. It's a decently comfortable bunk, there are six beds per section. Soft sleeper is the most comfortable, but also the most expensive option. There are four beds per section, and it has a door that can be closed to keep out any noise from the hallway.
For booking trains in China and viewing all available options, recommended web: www.trip.com.

4). Buses are frequent, cheap, and fairly punctual:  If there's anywhere that trains don't go to in China, then buses will. 
The main downside to bus travel is that journey times can depend greatly on traffic conditions. Buses also need to stop at road checkpoints in certain provinces, whereas trains obviously don't. Most large cities have a number of bus stations, so double-check that you're going to the right one if you plan on taking buses in China.

12. Can British People drink Tap Water in China?
We suggest the tourists don't drink tap water in China when you travelling. The tap water is undrinkable in most of cities in China. All local water should be considered contaminated. Bring all tap water to a good rolling boil if you want to drink, brush your teeth or make ice cubes. Otherwise, buy capped bottled water from reputable brands.

13. What are the electrical plugs used in China? Is it as the same as in United Kingdom? 
The standard voltage used in China is 220V, 50HZ. China and UK are using the different volage abd pluges. In England the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.This type is of British origin. This socket only works with plug G. Perhaps you will need adapters for some sockets, many middle and high-class hotel wash rooms have transformer plugs for electric shavers and hair dryers, but it is better to be prepared with an adapter plug. 

14. How can I use Google in China, who can I contact my family in UK when I travel China?
Purchase a VPN Before Arriving in China. The Great Firewall of China blocks all access to Facebook, Google, Twitter, and YouTube. There were periods where I was even blocked from this Earth Trekkers website. It can be incredibly frustrating, especially during long term travel, to lose access to websites used to stay in touch with people back at home.

One way around this is by purchasing a VPN, or a Virtual Private Network. A VPN disguises the computer's IP address so it looks like you are connected from the US or Australia even if you are in China. VyprVPN charges around $10 monthly for the service, it worked fairly well but it was not perfect. Still, it was worth having this service. Without it you might don't have any access to the outside world but China. Please note, make sure you purchase the VPN before getting to China. China blocks access to the VPN companies so you will be out of luck trying to purchase one if you are already in China.

Useful Tips to Know before you are traveling to China from United Kingdom
Are you planning on traveling to China from UK and take an unforgettable trip in this charming country? To ensure that you have a successful trip, Shang Private Tour provide some useful tips that you need to know. For more questions on how to travel from UK to China, email [email protected] or call+86 137-3541-1378 for details.

Bring toilet paper
One of the unusual things to know before going to China is that most Chinese toilets do not provide toilet paper. Hotels and nicer restaurants will have it available, but it’s always a good idea to carry a roll of toilet paper or a box of tissues!

Bring hand soap or hand sanitizer
Like toilet paper, hand soap is not standard in many Chinese bathrooms. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you just to be sure.

Catching taxis in China
Taxis in China are cheap and plentiful. Most drivers will not speak English, so it’s a good idea to get your destination address written in Chinese by somebody at your hotel.

Personal space
China is a crowded place, and the locals have become accustomed to a much smaller personal space than we are accustomed to in the west. Don’t be surprised if you’re jostled or shoved when queuing – it's just part of Chinese culture.

Internet & SIM Card in China
You should get a Chinese SIM card when you arrive in China since internet access in China is restricted – many sites are completely blocked unless you have a VPN. But what about internet access? Actually it is easy to stay connected while in China. If you pick up a local SIM card, you'll have signal basically everywhere you go. Purchasing a China Unicom SIM card is recomended as the other telecoms in China often don't work with foreign phones. Head to a China Unicom shop with your passport and pick a plan. Costs are fairly reasonable, CNY 100 for one week use with unlimited data. As for WiFi in China, WiFi is often pretty slow in China and usually requires a Chinese phone number to connect to it. I’d recommend getting a decent data plan and using that instead.

Tipping Practice for Visitors to China
It is a common practice for visitors to tip the tour guide and driver in recognition of their good service. Hotel bellboy expects your tips as well. It is not customary to leave tips at hotel or local restaurant as the bill usually includes 10-15% service charge.

Taking photos in China
The Chinese love to take photographs, and don’t be surprised if a local tries to snap a sneaky photo of you or even comes up to ask for a picture with you. Like in most other countries, it always pays to ask permission before photographing a person or a government building.

Download Weixin (or WeChat)
China's premier messaging app is Weixin (WeChat in English) and everybody you meet – expats and locals alike – will have it. Download the free app and set it up, as it's a great way to keep in touch with locals who may not have social media like facebook, whatapp.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to get off the beaten track. While Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an are worthy of their international fame, there is so much more to China than these cities and their cultural sites. China is a massive country with a rich history, over thirty distinct cultural groups, and a huge variety of landscapes to explore – don't limit yourself to the same few sites everybody else visits.

Bargain in China
At markets in China, bargaining is expected and you may even get lucky when asking for discounts in stores and shopping malls where prices are displayed - it never hurts to ask. When visiting market stalls it's a good idea to shop around before purchasing an item as prices may vary and this then gives you an idea of how much you should be paying. When you're ready to discuss prices, go in low and work your way up to the amount you're willing to pay and don't forget to smile and be friendly - it will get you further.

Pharmacies in China
Chinese pharmacies offer both western and eastern medicine at very reasonable prices. Prescription medication can usually be purchased without a prescription (within reason) by simply providing the pharmacist with your identification.

Finding a doctor in China
Chinese hospitals can be crowded and daunting, but most major cities also have specialized hospitals catering to foreigners living and working in the country. Even in the crowded public hospitals, many doctors will speak English.

Don't be shy in restaurants
Chinese waiters and waitresses aren’t as proactive as you may be used to, so don’t be afraid to throw your hands up and call for the fuyian if you want service. Also be aware that conventional western service is hard to come by. Don’t be surprised if your starter, main, and dessert all arrive at once while your friend still waits for their first dish.