Choose your cities, set a comfortable pace and connect the details before booking.
Start with the experience, not a long city list
For a first visit, begin by choosing what you want from the trip. Beijing suits a heritage-led introduction; Shanghai offers a contrasting modern-city chapter; Guangzhou can fit a business and leisure visit. Travelling between too many cities can use the days you hoped to spend exploring. Pick a small number of places, then work backwards from the time available.
Plan complete travel days
A flight or train time is only one part of the journey. Add hotel checkout, station or airport transfers, security procedures and the arrival transfer. A practical itinerary leaves a slower first day and avoids placing an essential attraction immediately after a long connection. Tell the agency when an early start, extensive walking or frequent hotel changes would be uncomfortable.
Ask for a quotation you can compare
Compare the proposed hotel, room type, transport, guide arrangements, meals and attraction entries. A lower headline price can leave out items you need. International flights, visas and optional activities should be explicitly listed. Keep your dates flexible until the team has checked the suppliers, and review the change and cancellation conditions before confirming.
Keep preparation in the right order
Check official entry requirements for your nationality and purpose, confirm the important documents and then align tickets with the final plan. Discuss any dietary, mobility or room needs early. Your trip will be easier to customise when the initial enquiry explains your group, interests and priorities in a few clear sentences.
