China Culture

China Culture

China Culture

A glimpse into Chinese culture before traveling to China

China culture cannot be condensed to a single page, so we figured it would be wise to dedicate a whole section to it in our Travel Guide.

As a civilization spanning thousands of years, and a culture that draws influences from various wisdom traditions, neighboring countries, the personal agenda of different dynasties, and innumerable scientific, philosophical, and artistic endeavours, it seems like China culture is as expansive as the Forbidden City forecourt. Quite literally, it would take months to gain an understanding that goes beyond the superficial.

For our customers looking to gain some understanding of what’s behind the people, places, and things that make up China culture before embarking on a travel adventure, we’ve provided the basics here. Expect to find background information uncovering the essence of China culture, including its evolution from prehistoric times to contemporary life. We touch on Chinese art, literature, music , and the performing arts. 

Read more

You will also find background on spiritual beliefs in China, language, and useful facts about the influences of minority cultures who have integrated into the predominant Han Chinese people, who make up approximately 95 percent of the 1.4 billion population.

And though China culture has drawn influences from people, places, and things from afar, as one of the world’s oldest cultures, its influence is also far-reaching. Advanced shipbuilding techniques and navigation technology, including the compass, saw early Chinese exploration, and consequently, dissemination of China culture such that led to its emergence as the main geographic region within the East Asian region.

With such an expansive history and far-reaching impacts arising from the Middle Kingdom, you may find it hard to know where to start. Let us step in and help. Explore our Travel Guide that’s been curated especially to make preparation for your China travel adventure as easy and fun as possible.


China Culture Articles

Faced with the virtually impossible task of distilling China culture into a single page, we’ve taken the approach that more is, well, more. In this selection of China culture articles, introduce yourself to China’s emperors, learn the difference between Sichuan and Szechuan, uncover the basics of Buddhism and Confucianism, discover the origins of traditional Chinese medicine, and more.  It’s all here in the Travel Guide!

Buddhism in China: Highlights for western travelers to discover and explore
Buddhism in China: Highlights for western travelers to discover and explore
Buddhism in China is woven into the country’s rich history and culture. This interconnectedness makes it virtually impossible to complete your travels ...
Chinese emperors: Fabulous facts and unlikely fiction
Chinese emperors: Fabulous facts and unlikely fiction
If you’re like most people who start reading about Chinese emperors, you’ll feel very quickly that you’ve disappeared down a gilded and extraordinarily...
Traditional Chinese music and performance arts: Making sense of the sound
Traditional Chinese music and performance arts: Making sense of the sound
Traditional Chinese music can seem quite confounding to the outsider.Between the large array of unusual instruments, ear-piercing sounds, elaborate co...
Chinese art: Where to start when you have no idea
Chinese art: Where to start when you have no idea
Chinese art offers a window into the long and fascinating history that is intrinsic to this   country’s legacy. However, a deep study of art in China w...
Traditional Chinese Medicine: TCM for beginners
Traditional Chinese Medicine: TCM for beginners
Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, has appealed to the curious and those wanting-to-be-cured for millennia. With its origins dating back as far as 3...
Celebrate Chinese New Year? This is how we do it!
Celebrate Chinese New Year? This is how we do it!
If you’re traveling in China early in the year, you’ll probably notice a buzz that seems to creep up out of nowhere. Typically composed and reserved as...
Chinese Etiquette Essentials: 10 Tips to Good Manners in China
Chinese Etiquette Essentials: 10 Tips to Good Manners in China
When traveling to China, understanding Chinese etiquette and customs are essential for putting your best foot forward. Chinese culture is a rich cultur...
Exploring the World of Chinese Martial Arts
Exploring the World of Chinese Martial Arts
When you think about China, one of the first things that comes to mind is Chinese martial arts. From the stories about monks from the ancient Shaolin M...
Jingdezhen porcelain: Discover Shanghai’s hidden secrets at Jingdezhen Porcelain Artware Co
Jingdezhen porcelain: Discover Shanghai’s hidden secrets at Jingdezhen Porcelain Artware Co
Chinese porcelain – specifically Jingdezhen porcelain – enjoys a history that is almost as expansive as China itself.For travelers to Shanghai, a firs...
Load More
Do’s and Don’ts on a China Tour: How to Save Face Like a Local
Do’s and Don’ts on a China Tour: How to Save Face Like a Local
This do’s and don’ts in China is back pocket material to keep you out of trouble on your China tour.From table manners to Chinese temple etiquette, we...
Traditional Chinese architecture: 7 things to know before your first China tour
Traditional Chinese architecture: 7 things to know before your first China tour
If you’ve ever looked at the traditional Chinese architecture of any ancient building you could be deceived into thinking it all looks the same. From ...
More secrets of ancient Chinese architecture styles: Insider tips for Western travelers
More secrets of ancient Chinese architecture styles: Insider tips for Western travelers
Different styles, different placesWe’ve mentioned that a good rule of thumb to apply in the study of ancient Chinese architecture is that each distinc...
Discover the secrets of traditional Chinese architecture styles
Discover the secrets of traditional Chinese architecture styles
We’ve blogged before about how traditional Chinese architecture can be a little overwhelming and confusing, especially if you’re trying to decipher its...
Chinese Tea: The Elixir of life in all its forms
Chinese Tea: The Elixir of life in all its forms
There is something utterly calming and restorative that arises from the simple act of pouring boiled water onto crisp, tight tea leaves. The sound of w...
Fancy a Chinese tea ceremony? Here’s everything a westerner needs to know
Fancy a Chinese tea ceremony? Here’s everything a westerner needs to know
A Chinese tea ceremony is synonymous with life in China. Hardly a surprise given that tea has been cultivated in China for more than three thousand yea...
Searching for the best Chinese tea? Here’s the ultimate top 10 list for aspiring tea connoisseurs
Searching for the best Chinese tea? Here’s the ultimate top 10 list for aspiring tea connoisseurs
The best Chinese tea? Do this countdown with usWherever you go in China, you’ll hear claims from locals that the best Chinese tea is to be found in...
How to choose Chinese tea like a local: 8 things to look for before you buy
How to choose Chinese tea like a local: 8 things to look for before you buy
A little bit like buying a fancy bottle of wine, knowing how to choose Chinese tea like a local can be, well, a little confusing.In fact, because the ...

We can also organise private China tour guides who speak other foreign languages

Ask us about tour guides who speak en Français, auf Deutsch, in Nihon, and many other European and Asian languages.

Enquire Now

Popular China Culture Tours

Popular China culture tours are for avid culture fans. Love learning about the country you visit while traveling? Then our thoughtfully curated selection of tours featuring all aspects of Chinese culture will surprise and delight you. In fact, it is difficult to go anywhere in China without encountering the remarkable ancient culture, which distinguished this country from its neighbors for millennia. With a view to providing our customers with insights to the very best of culture in China in every destination, regardless of where you go, we take care that our culture tour itineraries are as informative as they are interesting. It’s just another way we enrich your experience of real China and bring travel dreams to life. Explore our tours for the very best in Chinese culture.

11 Days Beauty of China


Destination
Beijing Xi’an Guilin Shanghai
Tour Type
CustomPrivateSmall Group

11 Days Beauty of China

11 Days Beauty of China

13 Days China Wonders & Pandas


Destination
Beijing Xi’an Chengdu Guilin Shanghai
Tour Type
CustomPrivateSmall Group

13 Days China Wonders & Pandas

13 Days China Wonders & Pandas

13 Days Grand China with Panda


Destination
Beijing Xi’an Chengdu Yangtze River Shanghai
Tour Type
CustomPrivateSmall Group

13 Days Grand China with Panda

13 Days Grand China with Panda

Travel Memories

Read what people say about travelling with ChinaTours.com


Customers from USA

Customers from USA

Customers from Cambodia

Customers from Cambodia

Customers from Spain

Customers from Spain

Customers from USA

Customers from USA


View More Travel Memories

Testimonials


Tracy M
Tracy M
Reviewed on Apr. 29, 2025
Tripadvisor score Great experience

Apr 2025 • Friends

The trip went very smoothly , all guides met us at every stop without issues, trips were very informative and covered lots if different things, would recommend this company
Read more Read less
Peter V
Peter V
Reviewed on Apr. 28, 2025
Tripadvisor score China and the Silk Road

Apr 2025 • Couples

it was just fantastic! All the guides were so kind, spoke good English and were always on time. The tour itself was amazing, we saw so many beautiful places. We are already thinking about maybe coming back next year! So also thank you for all this great organisation!
Read more Read less
JENNIFER L
JENNIFER L
Reviewed on Apr. 27, 2025
Tripadvisor score Highly recommend China Tours and their team!

Apr 2025 • Family

Our 5 city tour started in Beijing with Rita as our guide. She was eager, energetic and had the best snacks waiting for us upon arrival! She had great recommendations for restaurants and feedback on the local spots. She definitely set the tone for our 11 day trip and made our stay in Beijing enjoyable and memorable. Thank you for everything, Rita!
Read more Read less
Maahi L
Maahi L
Reviewed on Apr. 22, 2025
Tripadvisor score lovely experience with china tour

Apr 2025 • Family

I had a great experience with China Tour, particularly with Linda, who was exceptionally sweet, helpful, and kind. She greatly simplified our trip to China by assisting us in communicating with the locals.
Read more Read less
Myles M
Myles M
Reviewed on Apr. 15, 2025
Tripadvisor score China Tours is Awesome and a Pleasure

Apr 2025 • Couples

China Tours was amazing to work with. They were so accessible and accommodating to any challenges. They planned the sites based on the day and conditions and experience. The driver and the guide were very nice and helpful. They take great care in assisting and they are very personable to make you at ease. I highly recommend their private tour options. The sites were amazing and I will continue to use them for other cities. My experience at Beijing was extraordinary.
Read more Read less
Rebekka B
Rebekka B
Reviewed on Apr. 12, 2025
Tripadvisor score Great Beijing experience!

Apr 2025 • Family

Amazing guiding in Beijing with our guide Linda! She is very knowledgeable and took so good care of everyone in our group. Would 100% recommend:)
Read more Read less
Cesar G
Cesar G
Reviewed on Apr. 11, 2025
Tripadvisor score Great Time!!!

Apr 2025 • Friends

Thank you so much, Fabiana! Touring Beijing with Fabiana was a wonderful experience... very professional, very caring... definitely one to repeat!
Read more Read less
Agustina M
Agustina M
Reviewed on Apr. 11, 2025
Tripadvisor score Beijing in two days 😊

Apr 2025 • Couples

Fabiana is the most! He fulfilled everything agreed; he was telling us the whole story of the places we visited.. his Spanish is very good!! Always with nice energy and a big smile.. I highly recommend it. Super punctual the chauffeur who took us everywhere, thank you both!
Read more Read less

For the very best in China tours

Filter our search options to find the best suited tour

Destination

Tour Durations

Reveal Tour Options

Quick Question

Expected reply 24 - 48 hours

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.