{ "site": { "name": "China Tailor Made", "url": "https://chinatailormade.com", "description": "Independent, source-checked China travel guides, an interactive city map, and human trip planning for first-time visitors.", "email": "hello@chinatailormade.com", "lastChecked": "28 October 2026", "socials": [ { "id": "instagram", "label": "Instagram", "handle": "@33watermelon", "href": "https://www.instagram.com/33watermelon/" }, { "id": "tiktok", "label": "TikTok", "handle": "@etha.lh", "href": "https://www.tiktok.com/@etha.lh" } ] }, "urls": { "agents": "https://chinatailormade.com/agents/", "llms": "https://chinatailormade.com/llms.txt", "mcp": "https://chinatailormade.com/mcp", "skill": "https://chinatailormade.com/skills/china-tailor-made/SKILL.md", "content": "https://chinatailormade.com/agent/content.json", "sitemap": "https://chinatailormade.com/sitemap.xml" }, "cities": [ { "slug": "beijing", "name": "Beijing", "chinese": "北京", "region": "North", "tagline": "Imperial scale, hutong mornings.", "summary": "The capital is a greatest-hits trip on its own: palaces, a wall you can walk, and neighbourhoods that reward getting lost.", "intro": [ "Beijing is the version of China most first-timers picture, and for once the cliché holds up. The Forbidden City is genuinely vast, the Great Wall at Mutianyu is walkable without a tour, and the old hutong lanes still hold courtyards, breakfast stalls and tiny bars.", "It is also a city of long distances. A good Beijing trip is built around two or three clusters a day, not a checklist. Give the city four full days and you can see the headline sights without spending half the trip in traffic." ], "bestFor": [ "First trip", "History", "Architecture" ], "days": "4–5 days", "bestTime": "April–May, September–October", "index": { "english": 3, "payments": 4, "transit": 5, "ease": 3 }, "indexNote": "Excellent metro and airport links; English thins out quickly outside hotels and major sights.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Beijing Capital and Daxing are 240-hour transit ports; the transit area covers Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.", "englishNote": "Signage in the metro and major attractions is bilingual. Taxi drivers and neighbourhood restaurants usually are not; have the Chinese address ready.", "paymentNote": "Alipay and WeChat Pay work almost everywhere, including small shops. Keep a little cash for the odd cash-only stall.", "transitNote": "The subway is fast, cheap and signed in English. Avoid peak hours with luggage; airport express trains beat taxis in traffic.", "arrival": "Capital Airport (PEK) is northeast of the city; Daxing (PKX) is far south. Both connect by airport express or metro. A taxi from PEK to the centre is usually 45–75 minutes outside rush hour.", "airport": "PEK / PKX", "highlights": [ { "name": "Forbidden City", "note": "Book ahead with your passport; closed Mondays." }, { "name": "Great Wall at Mutianyu", "note": "Cable car up, toboggan down, fewer tour buses than Badaling." }, { "name": "Temple of Heaven", "note": "Go early for the park life around the main hall." }, { "name": "Hutong walk", "note": "Start around Gulou and wander south towards Houhai." }, { "name": "Jingshan Park", "note": "The classic view over the Forbidden City roofs." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Peking duck", "note": "Book a proper roast duck restaurant; skip the tourist-menu versions." }, { "name": "Jianbing", "note": "A folded breakfast crêpe; best from a busy street cart." }, { "name": "Zhajiangmian", "note": "Thick wheat noodles with fermented bean sauce." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Dongcheng hutongs", "note": "Atmospheric, central, good for a first visit." }, { "name": "Sanlitun", "note": "International food and nightlife; less traditional." }, { "name": "Qianmen", "note": "Walkable to the Forbidden City, but very touristy." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$55–80/day", "mid": "$120–180/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Reserve the Forbidden City and any major museum before you fly; passport-based booking is normal.", "Use the metro for sightseeing and DiDi for late nights. Carry your passport; it is your ID at attractions.", "Do not try to combine the Great Wall and the Forbidden City on the same day." ], "skip": [ "Skip Badaling if you want a quieter wall walk; Mutianyu or Jinshanling are better value.", "Skip the Wangfujing snack street if you want real food; it is a performance for tourists." ], "coordinates": [ 39.9042, 116.4074 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Beijing", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Beijing" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Beijing", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/beijing" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/beijing/" }, { "slug": "shanghai", "name": "Shanghai", "chinese": "上海", "region": "East", "tagline": "Art deco lanes, neon skyline.", "summary": "China’s easiest landing pad: a walkable core, serious food and a skyline that earns its reputation.", "intro": [ "Shanghai is the softest landing in mainland China and the best place to shake off jet lag. The Bund, the former French Concession and the Pudong skyline are close enough to cover on foot and by metro, and the city has the deepest bench of bars, galleries and restaurants in the country.", "It is also a useful base. Suzhou and Hangzhou are short high-speed train rides away, which makes Shanghai a natural first or last stop on a two-week route." ], "bestFor": [ "First trip", "Food", "Design" ], "days": "3–4 days", "bestTime": "March–May, September–November", "index": { "english": 4, "payments": 5, "transit": 5, "ease": 4 }, "indexNote": "The most foreigner-friendly big city in mainland China; English is common in hotels, cafés and museums.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Pudong and Hongqiao are 240-hour transit ports; the transit area includes Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.", "englishNote": "English menus and bilingual signage are widespread. Outside the centre, a translation app still helps.", "paymentNote": "Card-linked Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere, from metro gates to tiny noodle shops.", "transitNote": "The metro is the default. Buy a transport QR code in Alipay or use the machines; taxis are metered and reliable.", "arrival": "Pudong (PVG) handles most international flights; Hongqiao (SHA) is closer to the city and also serves domestic routes. The Maglev connects PVG to the metro network in about 8 minutes.", "airport": "PVG / SHA", "highlights": [ { "name": "The Bund", "note": "Walk it at dusk, then take the ferry across to Pudong." }, { "name": "Former French Concession", "note": "Plane trees, lane houses, coffee and boutiques." }, { "name": "Yu Garden", "note": "Go at opening time; the surrounding bazaar is a circus later." }, { "name": "Shanghai Museum", "note": "Strong ancient bronzes and calligraphy; free but book ahead." }, { "name": "West Bund", "note": "Contemporary art museums along the river." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Xiaolongbao", "note": "Soup dumplings; bite a hole first, do not burn your mouth." }, { "name": "Shengjianbao", "note": "Pan-fried pork buns, crisp bottom, molten centre." }, { "name": "Scallion oil noodles", "note": "Simple, cheap and usually excellent." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Former French Concession", "note": "Best for walking, cafés and boutique hotels." }, { "name": "Jing’an", "note": "Central, polished and well connected." }, { "name": "Lujiazui", "note": "Skyline views; less lived-in at street level." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$65–90/day", "mid": "$140–220/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Do not book a hotel in Pudong just for the view; stay west of the river for a better first trip.", "Use the Metro plus walking. Shanghai traffic makes short taxi rides feel longer than they are.", "Book museums and the Shanghai Tower observation deck online; popular slots sell out." ], "skip": [ "Skip the fake-market alleys around Nanjing Road; the real markets are elsewhere.", "Skip a guided Bund walk if you are comfortable reading plaques; the riverfront is easy to do yourself." ], "coordinates": [ 31.2304, 121.4737 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Shanghai", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Shanghai" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Shanghai", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/shanghai" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/shanghai/" }, { "slug": "xian", "name": "Xi’an", "chinese": "西安", "region": "Northwest", "tagline": "Terracotta army, midnight noodles.", "summary": "The Silk Road capital packs 3,000 years of history into a walled city you can cycle in an afternoon.", "intro": [ "Xi’an is where imperial China feels close enough to touch. The Terracotta Army is the headline, but the city wall, the Muslim Quarter and the Shaanxi History Museum make it more than a day trip from Beijing.", "The old core is compact and flat. Two full days covers the essentials; three gives you time for the museums and a slower food crawl." ], "bestFor": [ "History", "Food", "First trip" ], "days": "2–3 days", "bestTime": "April–May, September–October", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 4, "transit": 4, "ease": 3 }, "indexNote": "Major sights are bilingual, but everyday English is limited. The grid layout makes navigation easy.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Xi’an Xianyang is a 240-hour transit port; the permitted area covers Shaanxi province.", "englishNote": "Bring a translation app and saved Chinese names for the Terracotta Army and your hotel.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment is standard. Some small Muslim Quarter stalls prefer cash, so keep ¥100–200 handy.", "transitNote": "Metro lines reach the walled city, the station and the airport. The Terracotta Army is a metro-plus-bus or DiDi run.", "arrival": "Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is about 40–60 minutes from the city by airport bus, metro or taxi. The high-speed rail station is north of the centre.", "airport": "XIY", "highlights": [ { "name": "Terracotta Army", "note": "Go early; the site is huge and tour groups arrive mid-morning." }, { "name": "City wall", "note": "Rent a bike and ride the full 14 km loop." }, { "name": "Muslim Quarter", "note": "Come hungry, graze, and ignore the souvenir tat." }, { "name": "Shaanxi History Museum", "note": "One of China’s best; free tickets require advance booking." }, { "name": "Big Wild Goose Pagoda", "note": "The square in front is lively after dark." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Roujiamo", "note": "Xi’an’s answer to a pulled-pork sandwich." }, { "name": "Biangbiang noodles", "note": "Wide, chewy, chilli-oiled; the character is absurdly complex." }, { "name": "Yangrou paomo", "note": "Lamb soup with torn bread; a full meal in a bowl." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Bell Tower", "note": "Dead central and walkable to the wall and Muslim Quarter." }, { "name": "South Gate", "note": "Quieter at night, close to the wall." }, { "name": "Qujiang", "note": "Modern hotels and the pagoda area." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$40–60/day", "mid": "$85–130/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Book the Terracotta Army and Shaanxi History Museum in advance; walk-up tickets are unreliable.", "Stay inside or just outside the wall; the city is flat and easy to walk.", "Do the Muslim Quarter hungry but not starving; portions are large and choice is overwhelming." ], "skip": [ "Skip the Tang-dynasty dinner show if you want food, not spectacle.", "Skip Huaqing Palace unless you are a devoted Tang-history fan; it is a long detour." ], "coordinates": [ 34.3416, 108.9398 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Xi'an", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Xi'an" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Xi’an", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/xian" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/xian/" }, { "slug": "chengdu", "name": "Chengdu", "chinese": "成都", "region": "Southwest", "tagline": "Pandas, teahouses, slow afternoons.", "summary": "Sichuan’s capital is China at its most relaxed: pandas in the morning, tea in the park, hotpot after dark.", "intro": [ "Chengdu has built an entire identity around not rushing. The pandas are the reason many people come, but the teahouses, the food and the leafy backstreets are why they stay longer than planned.", "It is also a gateway to Sichuan’s bigger landscapes: Leshan’s giant Buddha, Mount Emei and the start of the western Sichuan loop. Three days in the city plus a day trip is a comfortable first visit." ], "bestFor": [ "Food", "Pandas", "Slow travel" ], "days": "3–4 days", "bestTime": "March–June, September–November", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 5, "transit": 4, "ease": 4 }, "indexNote": "Less English than Shanghai, but a very forgiving city: cheap, walkable in the centre and full of places to sit.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Chengdu Tianfu and Shuangliu are 240-hour transit ports; the permitted area covers Sichuan province.", "englishNote": "Hotels and major sights have English; local restaurants often do not. Picture menus and translation apps solve most of it.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment dominates, even at tiny noodle shops. Cash is accepted but often requires waiting for change.", "transitNote": "The metro is extensive and signed in English. DiDi is cheap; rush hour is slow.", "arrival": "Tianfu (TFU) is the main international airport, far southeast of the city; Shuangliu (CTU) is closer. Both have metro links. Allow 60–90 minutes from TFU.", "airport": "TFU / CTU", "highlights": [ { "name": "Panda Base", "note": "Arrive at opening; pandas are active early and sleep by mid-morning." }, { "name": "People’s Park teahouse", "note": "Order jasmine tea, sit, and watch the city slow down." }, { "name": "Wuhou Shrine", "note": "Three Kingdoms history in a garden setting." }, { "name": "Leshan Giant Buddha", "note": "A long day trip by high-speed train; go early." }, { "name": "Sichuan opera", "note": "Face-changing is touristy but genuinely fun." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Sichuan hotpot", "note": "Order a split pot if you cannot handle the numbing heat." }, { "name": "Mapo tofu", "note": "The real thing is fragrant and numbing, not just spicy." }, { "name": "Dan dan noodles", "note": "A cheap, perfect lunch." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Chunxi Road", "note": "Central, busy and convenient for a first trip." }, { "name": "Kuanzhai Alley", "note": "Restored lanes, touristy but pleasant." }, { "name": "Wuhou", "note": "Quieter, close to the shrine and good local food." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$40–60/day", "mid": "$80–130/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Go to the panda base at opening and leave by 10:30; later is a crowd with sleeping pandas.", "Ask for mild spice (微辣) if you are not used to Sichuan pepper; it is a different kind of heat.", "Keep a packet of tissues; many local restaurants do not provide napkins." ], "skip": [ "Skip the panda-themed souvenir streets if you have already seen the real thing.", "Skip a day trip to both Leshan and Emei in one day; each deserves its own." ], "coordinates": [ 30.5728, 104.0668 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Chengdu", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Chengdu" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Chengdu", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/chengdu" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/chengdu/" }, { "slug": "chongqing", "name": "Chongqing", "chinese": "重庆", "region": "Southwest", "tagline": "A city stacked on hills and neon.", "summary": "China’s most cinematic megacity: monorails through buildings, river fog and a hotpot culture that does not mess around.", "intro": [ "Chongqing is not a city you understand from a map. Roads stack over rooftops, a monorail runs through an apartment block, and the riverside skyline looks invented. It is also the fiery heart of Sichuan-style hotpot.", "Two nights is enough for the greatest hits; add a day for the old town and a Yangtze River cruise if you want to slow down." ], "bestFor": [ "Food", "Cityscape", "Night photography" ], "days": "2–3 days", "bestTime": "March–May, September–November", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 4, "transit": 3, "ease": 3 }, "indexNote": "Spectacular but vertical; expect stairs, hills and confusing exits. English is limited outside hotels.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Jiangbei International is a 240-hour transit port; the permitted area covers Chongqing municipality.", "englishNote": "Metro signage is bilingual, but addresses and taxi drivers are not. Keep your hotel name in Chinese.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment is standard; some small hotpot places still prefer cash for deposits.", "transitNote": "The metro is the best way around, but exits can be several floors apart. DiDi is cheap; walking routes often involve stairs.", "arrival": "Jiangbei International (CKG) is northeast of the centre, connected by metro line 10 and the airport express. A taxi to Jiefangbei takes 30–50 minutes.", "airport": "CKG", "highlights": [ { "name": "Hongya Cave", "note": "Go after dark for the stacked lights; the food inside is secondary." }, { "name": "Liziba monorail", "note": "The train-through-a-building shot; ride line 2." }, { "name": "Yangtze River Cableway", "note": "A short, scenic crossing; queue early or late." }, { "name": "Ciqikou old town", "note": "Touristy but atmospheric; go before 10am." }, { "name": "Nanshan viewpoints", "note": "The best skyline view is across the river." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Chongqing hotpot", "note": "Beef tallow, extreme heat, no compromise. Order a mild pot if needed." }, { "name": "Chongqing xiaomian", "note": "Breakfast noodles; mix before eating." }, { "name": "Suanlafen", "note": "Cold jelly noodles, sour and chilli-heavy." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Jiefangbei", "note": "Central, dense and close to Hongya Cave." }, { "name": "Nan’an", "note": "Best skyline views; quieter nights." }, { "name": "Guanyinqiao", "note": "Younger, cheaper, great food." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$35–55/day", "mid": "$75–120/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Use metro exits as landmarks; street-level navigation is unreliable in a vertical city.", "Do not schedule a tight transfer after a hotpot dinner; give yourself time.", "Carry your passport for hotel check-in and attraction bookings." ], "skip": [ "Skip the Yangtze cruise if you only have two nights; the port transfer eats a day.", "Skip the fake old-town shopping streets; Ciqikou is enough." ], "coordinates": [ 29.563, 106.5516 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Chongqing", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Chongqing" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Chongqing", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/chongqing" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/chongqing/" }, { "slug": "hangzhou", "name": "Hangzhou", "chinese": "杭州", "region": "East", "tagline": "Lake light, tea hills, slow paths.", "summary": "The poem-and-postcard city: a huge lake, temple incense and tea villages within a short ride of Shanghai.", "intro": [ "Hangzhou is the antidote to Shanghai’s intensity. West Lake is the centrepiece, but the best days happen just beyond it: a tea village on the hills, a temple walk, a canal-side neighbourhood at dusk.", "It works as a two-night stop between Shanghai and the south, or as a slower base for a week of cycling and tea drinking." ], "bestFor": [ "Nature", "Tea", "Couples" ], "days": "2–3 days", "bestTime": "March–May, September–November", "index": { "english": 3, "payments": 5, "transit": 4, "ease": 4 }, "indexNote": "Comfortable and well signed; the lake area is easy on foot and bike, with good English at hotels.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Xiaoshan International is a 240-hour transit port; the permitted area includes Zhejiang province.", "englishNote": "English is common around West Lake and hotels; tea-village owners may rely on translation apps.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment is universal; some tea houses accept cash but prefer QR.", "transitNote": "The metro reaches the lake’s edge and the high-speed station. Bikes are the best way around the lake.", "arrival": "Xiaoshan International (HGH) is 30–50 minutes from West Lake by metro or taxi. Hangzhou East is the main high-speed rail station.", "airport": "HGH", "highlights": [ { "name": "West Lake loop", "note": "Cycle or walk the quieter west side at sunrise." }, { "name": "Lingyin Temple", "note": "Go early; the grottoes opposite are part of the visit." }, { "name": "Longjing tea village", "note": "Walk between tea fields and taste the spring pick." }, { "name": "Xixi Wetlands", "note": "Boat rides and birdlife; a good rainy-day option." }, { "name": "Grand Canal", "note": "The Gongchen Bridge area is the most atmospheric stretch." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Longjing shrimp", "note": "Tea leaves in the dish; subtle and seasonal." }, { "name": "Dongpo pork", "note": "Slow-braised belly, sweet and rich." }, { "name": "Beggar’s chicken", "note": "Clay-baked; order it for a group." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Hubin", "note": "Closest to the lake, convenient and busy." }, { "name": "West Lake hills", "note": "Quieter, greener, better for tea." }, { "name": "Wulin", "note": "Central shopping and metro links." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$50–75/day", "mid": "$110–170/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Do the lake early; tour groups arrive after 10am.", "Stay near the lake or a metro stop, not at the high-speed station.", "Book a tea-village visit directly rather than a combined bus tour." ], "skip": [ "Skip the lake cruise if the weather is hazy; the bike path is better value.", "Skip Songcheng theme park unless you want a staged historical show." ], "coordinates": [ 30.2741, 120.1551 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Hangzhou", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Hangzhou" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Hangzhou", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/hangzhou" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/hangzhou/" }, { "slug": "suzhou", "name": "Suzhou", "chinese": "苏州", "region": "East", "tagline": "Gardens, canals, quiet precision.", "summary": "The refined stop between Shanghai and Hangzhou: classical gardens, canal lanes and some of China’s best noodles.", "intro": [ "Suzhou is a city of small, exact pleasures: a moon gate framing a rockery, a canal lane at dusk, a bowl of noodles with a spoonful of crab roe. The gardens are UNESCO-listed and best seen slowly.", "It is an easy day trip from Shanghai, but a night here is worth it. The old town empties out after the tour buses leave." ], "bestFor": [ "Gardens", "Architecture", "Slow travel" ], "days": "1–2 days", "bestTime": "April–May, September–November", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 5, "transit": 4, "ease": 4 }, "indexNote": "Compact and calm; less English than Shanghai, but the old town is easy to navigate.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Suzhou has no international airport; enter via Shanghai, which is a 240-hour transit port and whose permitted area includes Jiangsu.", "englishNote": "Garden signage is bilingual; small restaurants and taxi drivers usually are not.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment is standard; cash works in older shops.", "transitNote": "High-speed trains from Shanghai take 23–35 minutes. The metro connects the station, old town and gardens.", "arrival": "Most visitors arrive by high-speed train from Shanghai (Suzhou or Suzhou North station). Taxis and metro are easy from both.", "airport": "Via SHA / PVG", "highlights": [ { "name": "Humble Administrator’s Garden", "note": "The biggest and busiest; book an early slot." }, { "name": "Lingering Garden", "note": "More intimate, with extraordinary rockeries." }, { "name": "Pingjiang Road", "note": "Canal-side lanes; go early or late." }, { "name": "Suzhou Museum", "note": "I. M. Pei’s final museum; free but reserve ahead." }, { "name": "Tongli or Zhouzhuang", "note": "Water towns within an hour; pick one, not both." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Suzhou noodles", "note": "Clear broth, springy noodles, a topping of your choice." }, { "name": "Squirrel fish", "note": "Sweet-and-sour showpiece; order for the table." }, { "name": "Crab roe noodles", "note": "Autumn luxury; check the price before ordering." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Pingjiang Road", "note": "Canal lanes and guesthouses; atmospheric but busy." }, { "name": "Guanqian Street", "note": "Central, practical, close to gardens." }, { "name": "Jinji Lake", "note": "Modern Suzhou; good for business hotels." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$40–60/day", "mid": "$90–140/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Reserve the Suzhou Museum and Humble Administrator’s Garden online before you arrive.", "Stay in the old town for one night; the day-trip crowd disappears by 5pm.", "Take the train from Shanghai rather than a bus; it is faster and more comfortable." ], "skip": [ "Skip a water-town day trip if you only have one night; the old town itself is the attraction.", "Skip the silk factory “museum” tours; they end in a salesroom." ], "coordinates": [ 31.2989, 120.5853 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Suzhou", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Suzhou" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Suzhou", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/suzhou" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/suzhou/" }, { "slug": "guilin-yangshuo", "name": "Guilin & Yangshuo", "chinese": "桂林 · 阳朔", "region": "South", "tagline": "Karst peaks and river light.", "summary": "The landscape on the back of the ¥20 note: limestone towers, rice paddies and a river that rewards an early start.", "intro": [ "Guilin is the gateway; Yangshuo is where the landscape gets good. The Li River between them is the classic journey, but the quieter days happen on bikes and scooters in the countryside around Yangshuo.", "Give this area three or four days. One day for the river, one for the countryside, one for Longji’s rice terraces if you are willing to go further." ], "bestFor": [ "Nature", "Cycling", "Photography" ], "days": "3–4 days", "bestTime": "April–October (green); September–October (clear)", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 3, "transit": 2, "ease": 3 }, "indexNote": "Beautiful but more fragmented; English is strongest in Yangshuo’s tourist strip, weaker in villages.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Guilin Liangjiang is a 240-hour transit port; the permitted area includes much of Guangxi, including Guilin and Yangshuo.", "englishNote": "Yangshuo has plenty of English menus and guides; rural Guangxi does not.", "paymentNote": "Hotels and tour operators take mobile payment; small village stalls may only take cash.", "transitNote": "Buses and DiDi connect Guilin, Yangshuo and the river docks. A scooter or e-bike is the best way around Yangshuo.", "arrival": "Guilin Liangjiang (KWL) is 45–60 minutes from Guilin city and about 1.5 hours from Yangshuo. High-speed trains also stop at Guilin and Yangshuo.", "airport": "KWL", "highlights": [ { "name": "Li River cruise", "note": "The four-hour Guilin–Yangshuo route is the classic; book a small boat if possible." }, { "name": "Yulong River", "note": "Bamboo rafts and cycling paths; quieter than the Li." }, { "name": "Xianggong Hill", "note": "The sunrise viewpoint; arrange a driver the night before." }, { "name": "Longji rice terraces", "note": "A full day from Guilin; best in spring or autumn." }, { "name": "Yangshuo countryside", "note": "Rent a bike and follow the Yulong River paths." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Guilin rice noodles", "note": "Breakfast of champions; mix in the pickles and chilli." }, { "name": "Beer fish", "note": "Yangshuo’s signature dish; best shared." }, { "name": "Stuffed river snails", "note": "A local snack; messy and worth trying." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Guilin city", "note": "Gateway, transport hub and the Two Rivers & Four Lakes area." }, { "name": "Yangshuo town", "note": "Convenient, touristy, close to the river." }, { "name": "Xingping", "note": "Quieter base with the best karst views." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$35–55/day", "mid": "$80–130/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Do not skip Yangshuo by staying only in Guilin; the landscape is south of the city.", "Book the Li River cruise through your hotel and confirm the boat type and pickup.", "Bring cash for village stalls and small raft operators." ], "skip": [ "Skip the “impression” night show if you are tired; the countryside at sunrise is better.", "Skip a one-day Guilin city tour; the city is not the reason you came." ], "coordinates": [ 24.7785, 110.4966 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Guilin", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Guilin" }, { "label": "Wikivoyage — Yangshuo", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Yangshuo" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/guilin-yangshuo/" }, { "slug": "zhangjiajie", "name": "Zhangjiajie", "chinese": "张家界", "region": "Central", "tagline": "Sandstone pillars above the clouds.", "summary": "The Avatar mountains are real: a national forest of vertical pillars, glass walkways and cable cars.", "intro": [ "Zhangjiajie is a landscape-first destination. The Wulingyuan scenic area is a maze of shuttle buses, cable cars and viewing platforms; the trick is to pick two or three valleys rather than trying to see everything.", "Three days is the sweet spot: one for Yuanjiajie and the Avatar viewpoints, one for Tianmen Mountain, one for a slower valley walk or the glass bridge." ], "bestFor": [ "Nature", "Hiking", "Photography" ], "days": "3 days", "bestTime": "April–May, September–November", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 3, "transit": 2, "ease": 2 }, "indexNote": "Spectacular but logistical; English is limited and the scenic area is huge. Plan transfers carefully.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Zhangjiajie Hehua is a 240-hour transit port; the permitted area covers Hunan province.", "englishNote": "Shuttle maps and signs have English, but staff and drivers often do not. Save Chinese place names.", "paymentNote": "Hotels and bigger restaurants take mobile payment; ticket offices may prefer card or cash.", "transitNote": "The scenic area uses mandatory shuttle buses. Staying in Wulingyuan saves a long daily commute.", "arrival": "Hehua International (DYG) is 30–40 minutes from Wulingyuan. High-speed trains arrive at Zhangjiajie West, further from the park.", "airport": "DYG", "highlights": [ { "name": "Yuanjiajie", "note": "The Avatar Hallelujah Mountain viewpoint; go early." }, { "name": "Tianmen Mountain", "note": "Cable car, cliff walk and the 999 steps." }, { "name": "Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon", "note": "Glass bridge; separate ticket and a long queue." }, { "name": "Golden Whip Stream", "note": "A flat valley walk under the pillars." }, { "name": "Baofeng Lake", "note": "A short boat ride; good for a slower afternoon." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Sanxiaguo", "note": "A dry-pot stew; the local specialty." }, { "name": "Smoked pork", "note": "Tujia-style, smoky and salty." }, { "name": "Tujia sour soup", "note": "Tangy and warming after a wet hike." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Wulingyuan", "note": "Best base for the national forest." }, { "name": "Zhangjiajie city", "note": "Convenient for Tianmen and transport." }, { "name": "Tianmen area", "note": "Close to the cable car; quieter nights." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$40–60/day", "mid": "$85–130/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Stay in Wulingyuan, not Zhangjiajie city, for the national forest.", "Buy tickets online and check which gate your route starts from; the park is enormous.", "Carry rain gear and snacks; weather changes fast and food inside the park is limited." ], "skip": [ "Skip the glass bridge if you are short on time; the national forest is the main event.", "Skip a guided “all highlights in one day” tour; it is mostly bus transfers." ], "coordinates": [ 29.117, 110.479 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Zhangjiajie", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Zhangjiajie" }, { "label": "Wikivoyage — Wulingyuan", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Wulingyuan" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/zhangjiajie/" }, { "slug": "guangzhou", "name": "Guangzhou", "chinese": "广州", "region": "South", "tagline": "Dim sum mornings, subtropical nights.", "summary": "The capital of Cantonese food and a practical gateway to the south, with a walkable colonial island and a sci-fi skyline.", "intro": [ "Guangzhou is a food city first and a sightseeing city second, which is exactly the right order. Dim sum here is a morning ritual, and the old Liwan district still feels like the city’s kitchen.", "Two days covers the food, Shamian Island and the Canton Tower. It is also a useful stop for the Canton Fair or a onward train to Hong Kong and Shenzhen." ], "bestFor": [ "Food", "City life", "Business" ], "days": "2–3 days", "bestTime": "October–December, March–April", "index": { "english": 3, "payments": 5, "transit": 4, "ease": 4 }, "indexNote": "Trading-city pragmatism: good English in hotels and business districts, excellent food at every price.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Baiyun International is a 240-hour transit port; the permitted area covers Guangdong province.", "englishNote": "English is common in business hotels and malls; less so in old-school dim sum halls.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment is universal; even market stalls use QR codes.", "transitNote": "The metro is extensive and bilingual. Avoid rush hour on line 3.", "arrival": "Baiyun International (CAN) is about 45–60 minutes from the centre by metro line 3 or taxi.", "airport": "CAN", "highlights": [ { "name": "Shamian Island", "note": "Colonial architecture and a slow riverside walk." }, { "name": "Chen Clan Ancestral Hall", "note": "Lavish carvings and a good introduction to Lingnan culture." }, { "name": "Canton Tower", "note": "Go at sunset for the river and skyline." }, { "name": "Yongqing Fang", "note": "Restored lanes with cafés and design shops." }, { "name": "Liwan food walk", "note": "The old neighbourhood is the best place to graze." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Dim sum", "note": "Go before 11am; order too much, share everything." }, { "name": "Roast goose", "note": "Crisp skin, rich meat; a Cantonese benchmark." }, { "name": "Wonton noodles", "note": "A simple bowl that tells you a lot about the kitchen." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Zhujiang New Town", "note": "Modern, central and close to the tower." }, { "name": "Liwan", "note": "Old Guangzhou and the best food." }, { "name": "Tianhe", "note": "Convenient for business and shopping." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$45–65/day", "mid": "$95–150/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Do dim sum as a late breakfast, not lunch; the best halls are busiest before noon.", "Stay near a metro line; the city is large and humid.", "Carry an umbrella; subtropical showers arrive fast." ], "skip": [ "Skip the Canton Tower observation deck on a hazy day; the view disappears.", "Skip the theme parks if you are here for food and culture." ], "coordinates": [ 23.1291, 113.2644 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Guangzhou", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Guangzhou" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Guangzhou", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/guangzhou" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/guangzhou/" }, { "slug": "shenzhen", "name": "Shenzhen", "chinese": "深圳", "region": "South", "tagline": "China’s newest city, at full speed.", "summary": "A tech metropolis with parks, galleries and a Hong Kong border; best as a short, modern contrast to older Chinese cities.", "intro": [ "Shenzhen went from fishing villages to megacity in forty years, and it still feels like it is being built. The appeal is contemporary: design districts, huge parks, good coffee and a fast train to Hong Kong.", "It is not the place for imperial history. Two days is enough for the city’s highlights, or one day if you are transiting to Hong Kong." ], "bestFor": [ "Modern city", "Design", "Hong Kong stopover" ], "days": "1–2 days", "bestTime": "October–April", "index": { "english": 3, "payments": 5, "transit": 5, "ease": 4 }, "indexNote": "Young, efficient and bilingual in tech districts; less traditional than Guangzhou.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Shenzhen ports are 240-hour transit ports; the permitted area covers Guangdong province. Hong Kong and Macau are separate immigration areas.", "englishNote": "English is common in tech companies, hotels and malls; taxi drivers may not speak it.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment is universal, including on the metro and in taxis.", "transitNote": "The metro is fast and easy; high-speed trains connect to Hong Kong West Kowloon in about 15 minutes.", "arrival": "Bao’an International (SZX) is 40–60 minutes from the centre by metro. Many travelers arrive by high-speed train from Hong Kong or Guangzhou.", "airport": "SZX", "highlights": [ { "name": "OCT Loft", "note": "Design studios, galleries and cafés in a converted factory district." }, { "name": "Shenzhen Bay Park", "note": "A long waterfront walk with Hong Kong across the water." }, { "name": "Dafen Oil Painting Village", "note": "Copy-art workshops and a strange, fascinating market." }, { "name": "Ping An Finance Centre", "note": "Observation deck with a view over the delta." }, { "name": "Nantou Ancient Town", "note": "The old village inside the new city." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Chaoshan beef hotpot", "note": "Order the rare cuts; the broth is the point." }, { "name": "Dim sum", "note": "Shenzhen does Cantonese breakfast well." }, { "name": "Seafood", "note": "Head to the coast for the freshest catch." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Futian", "note": "Central, convenient and close to the border." }, { "name": "Nanshan", "note": "Tech, parks and good coffee." }, { "name": "Luohu", "note": "Older commercial heart, close to Hong Kong." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$55–80/day", "mid": "$110–170/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Bring your passport for the Hong Kong border and for hotel registration.", "Use the metro; Shenzhen is spread out and traffic is heavy.", "Check your visa status for Hong Kong separately; mainland entry rules do not apply there." ], "skip": [ "Skip the window-of-the-world theme parks; the real city is more interesting.", "Skip Shenzhen entirely if you want history and old neighbourhoods." ], "coordinates": [ 22.5431, 114.0579 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Shenzhen", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Shenzhen" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Shenzhen", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/shenzhen" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/shenzhen/" }, { "slug": "nanjing", "name": "Nanjing", "chinese": "南京", "region": "East", "tagline": "Ming walls and leafy avenues.", "summary": "A former imperial capital with a monumental city wall, excellent museums and a slower pace than Shanghai.", "intro": [ "Nanjing wears its history heavily, from the Ming city wall to the solemn memorial for the 1937 massacre. It is also a green, walkable city with a strong museum scene and some of the best duck in China.", "Two days is enough for the wall, the museums and the old Confucius Temple district. It pairs well with Shanghai or Suzhou by high-speed train." ], "bestFor": [ "History", "Museums", "Food" ], "days": "2 days", "bestTime": "March–May, September–November", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 5, "transit": 4, "ease": 4 }, "indexNote": "Relaxed and well connected; less English than Shanghai but easy to navigate.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Lukou International is a 240-hour transit port; the permitted area covers Jiangsu province.", "englishNote": "Museum signage is bilingual; everyday English is limited.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment is standard; cash works in older shops.", "transitNote": "The metro connects the station, old town and museums. The city is flat and good for walking.", "arrival": "Lukou International (NKG) is 40–60 minutes from the centre by metro line S1. Nanjing South is the main high-speed rail hub.", "airport": "NKG", "highlights": [ { "name": "Ming city wall", "note": "Walk a section near Zhonghua Gate for the scale." }, { "name": "Nanjing Museum", "note": "One of China’s largest; reserve ahead." }, { "name": "Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum", "note": "A long, ceremonial approach up Purple Mountain." }, { "name": "Confucius Temple", "note": "Canal-side evenings and snack streets." }, { "name": "Memorial Hall of the Victims", "note": "Sobering and essential; allow time." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Salted duck", "note": "Nanjing’s signature; buy from a busy shop." }, { "name": "Duck blood vermicelli", "note": "A warming bowl, often breakfast." }, { "name": "Soup dumplings", "note": "The Jiangsu version is sweeter than Shanghai’s." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Xinjiekou", "note": "Central, convenient and close to the metro." }, { "name": "Confucius Temple", "note": "Atmospheric at night, touristy by day." }, { "name": "Xuanwu", "note": "Near the lake and Purple Mountain." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$40–60/day", "mid": "$85–130/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Reserve the Nanjing Museum in advance; walk-in slots disappear.", "Use the metro between sights; the city is larger than it looks.", "Dress respectfully at the massacre memorial." ], "skip": [ "Skip a rushed day trip from Shanghai; Nanjing deserves a night.", "Skip the fake antique market if you want real history; the museums are better." ], "coordinates": [ 32.0603, 118.7969 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Nanjing", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Nanjing" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Nanjing", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/nanjing" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/nanjing/" }, { "slug": "qingdao", "name": "Qingdao", "chinese": "青岛", "region": "East", "tagline": "Sea air, red roofs, cold beer.", "summary": "A breezy coastal city with German-era architecture, a serious beer culture and beaches within the city limits.", "intro": [ "Qingdao is the rare Chinese city that feels like a seaside holiday. The old town climbs a hill above the bay, the German concession left red-roofed villas, and the local beer is genuinely part of daily life.", "Two or three days is plenty: old town, Badaguan, a beach afternoon and a brewery stop. It is a good summer escape from Beijing or Shanghai." ], "bestFor": [ "Coast", "Beer", "Summer" ], "days": "2–3 days", "bestTime": "May–October", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 4, "transit": 3, "ease": 4 }, "indexNote": "Relaxed and walkable in the old town; English is limited outside hotels and bars.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Jiaodong International is a 240-hour transit port; the permitted area covers Shandong province.", "englishNote": "Tourist areas have English menus; local seafood restaurants often rely on pictures.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment is standard; cash is accepted at older restaurants.", "transitNote": "The metro connects the airport, station and old town. Walking is best around the bay.", "arrival": "Jiaodong International (TAO) is about 50–70 minutes from the old town by metro line 8 plus a transfer, or 45–60 minutes by taxi.", "airport": "TAO", "highlights": [ { "name": "Old Town", "note": "St. Michael’s Cathedral, steep lanes and sea views." }, { "name": "Badaguan", "note": "Villa-lined streets; best in late spring." }, { "name": "Tsingtao Brewery Museum", "note": "Touristy but fun, with a tasting at the end." }, { "name": "No. 1 Bathing Beach", "note": "The classic city beach; crowded in summer." }, { "name": "Laoshan", "note": "A day trip for coastal hikes and tea." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Clams", "note": "Stir-fried with chilli and garlic; a local staple." }, { "name": "Seafood dumplings", "note": "Mackerel and prawn are the ones to order." }, { "name": "Tsingtao beer", "note": "Drink it cold and local; the museum is optional." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Old Town", "note": "Atmospheric, walkable and close to the sights." }, { "name": "Badaguan", "note": "Quieter, leafy and near the beaches." }, { "name": "May Fourth Square", "note": "Modern hotels and waterfront." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$45–65/day", "mid": "$90–140/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Visit the old town on foot; streets are steep and parking is a pain.", "Check the beach water quality before swimming; conditions vary.", "Book seafood restaurants with prices displayed to avoid bill surprises." ], "skip": [ "Skip the beer museum if you are short on time; the old town is better.", "Skip Qingdao in winter if you want the coastal experience." ], "coordinates": [ 36.0671, 120.3826 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Qingdao", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Qingdao" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Qingdao", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/qingdao" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/qingdao/" }, { "slug": "xiamen", "name": "Xiamen", "chinese": "厦门", "region": "South", "tagline": "Island breezes and Fujian flavour.", "summary": "A laid-back island city with colonial lanes, a car-free heritage island and some of China’s most underrated food.", "intro": [ "Xiamen is a gentle city: sea views, palm-lined boulevards, a university campus that looks like a park and the car-free island of Gulangyu just offshore. It is a good pause between Shanghai and the south.", "Two or three days covers Gulangyu, the old town and the coast. Add a day for the Fujian tulou if you want a dramatic change of scenery." ], "bestFor": [ "Coast", "Food", "Slow travel" ], "days": "2–3 days", "bestTime": "March–May, September–November", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 4, "transit": 3, "ease": 4 }, "indexNote": "Relaxed and compact; Gulangyu is the main tourist crush, the rest is easy.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Gaoqi International is a 240-hour transit port; the permitted area covers Fujian province.", "englishNote": "Tourist areas have English; local seafood places often do not.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment is standard; small island stalls may prefer cash.", "transitNote": "Buses, metro and ferries cover the city. Gulangyu requires a ferry reservation.", "arrival": "Gaoqi International (XMN) is 20–30 minutes from the centre by taxi or metro. Ferries to Gulangyu leave from the international cruise terminal for tourists.", "airport": "XMN", "highlights": [ { "name": "Gulangyu", "note": "Book the ferry in advance; go early and stay after the day-trippers leave." }, { "name": "Nanputuo Temple", "note": "A working temple with a mountain walk behind it." }, { "name": "Huandao Road", "note": "Coastal cycling and sea views." }, { "name": "Shapowei", "note": "Old fishing harbour turned café district." }, { "name": "Fujian tulou", "note": "A long day trip to the earthen roundhouses." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Oyster omelette", "note": "Crisp, savoury and ubiquitous." }, { "name": "Satay noodles", "note": "A Fujian-Chinese classic; rich peanut broth." }, { "name": "Shacha noodles", "note": "Smoky, savoury and deeply local." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Siming", "note": "Central, close to the coast and old town." }, { "name": "Gulangyu", "note": "Car-free heritage island; stay overnight if you can." }, { "name": "Jimei", "note": "Quieter, with the school village architecture." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$40–60/day", "mid": "$85–130/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Reserve the Gulangyu ferry with your passport; tourist boats leave from the cruise terminal.", "Stay in Siming for easy access to food and the waterfront.", "Try the local breakfast; Xiamen’s snack culture is the highlight." ], "skip": [ "Skip Gulangyu if you hate crowds; the old town and coast are enough.", "Skip the tulou day trip if you only have two days." ], "coordinates": [ 24.4798, 118.0894 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Xiamen", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Xiamen" }, { "label": "Wikivoyage — Gulangyu", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Gulangyu" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/xiamen/" }, { "slug": "kunming", "name": "Kunming", "chinese": "昆明", "region": "Southwest", "tagline": "Spring weather, Yunnan gateways.", "summary": "A mild, unfussy city that works as a launchpad for Yunnan’s mountains, lakes and minority cultures.", "intro": [ "Kunming is not a bucket-list city, and that is its charm. The weather is mild year-round, the food is excellent and the city is a practical gateway to Dali, Lijiang and the rest of Yunnan.", "Give it one or two days: the flower market, Green Lake, the provincial museum and a bowl of crossing-the-bridge noodles. Then move on." ], "bestFor": [ "Yunnan gateway", "Food", "Mild weather" ], "days": "1–2 days", "bestTime": "Year-round; March–April and September–November", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 4, "transit": 4, "ease": 4 }, "indexNote": "Easy, affordable and well connected; English is limited but the city is forgiving.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Changshui International is a 240-hour transit port; the permitted area covers Yunnan province.", "englishNote": "Hotels and major sights have English; local restaurants often do not.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment is standard; markets may take cash.", "transitNote": "The metro connects the airport and stations. High-speed trains run to Dali and Lijiang.", "arrival": "Changshui International (KMG) is 30–50 minutes from the centre by metro line 6. Kunming South is the high-speed rail hub.", "airport": "KMG", "highlights": [ { "name": "Green Lake", "note": "A local park with birdlife and tea houses." }, { "name": "Yunnan Provincial Museum", "note": "Good context for the province’s ethnic diversity." }, { "name": "Flower market", "note": "Dounan is a spectacle, especially early morning." }, { "name": "Stone Forest", "note": "A long day trip; go early." }, { "name": "Dianchi Lake", "note": "A big, breezy lake with birdwatching in winter." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Crossing-the-bridge noodles", "note": "A ritual bowl; add ingredients in order." }, { "name": "Wild mushroom hotpot", "note": "Seasonal and serious; only eat at reputable places." }, { "name": "Erkuai", "note": "Rice cakes, grilled or stir-fried." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Green Lake", "note": "Central, leafy and walkable." }, { "name": "Nanping", "note": "Shopping and food, close to the centre." }, { "name": "Dianchi", "note": "Lake views and quieter hotels." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$35–55/day", "mid": "$75–120/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Use Kunming as a one-night gateway, not a destination in itself.", "Book Dali and Lijiang trains in advance during holidays.", "Be careful with wild mushrooms; only eat them cooked at reputable restaurants." ], "skip": [ "Skip the Stone Forest if you have seen dramatic karst elsewhere.", "Skip a long stay unless you are using it as a Yunnan base." ], "coordinates": [ 25.0389, 102.7183 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Kunming", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kunming" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Kunming", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/kunming" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/kunming/" }, { "slug": "dali-lijiang", "name": "Dali & Lijiang", "chinese": "大理 · 丽江", "region": "Southwest", "tagline": "Old towns under Yunnan mountains.", "summary": "Two very different Yunnan bases: Dali for lake life and Bai culture, Lijiang for a dramatic old town and snow mountain views.", "intro": [ "Dali and Lijiang are often sold together, but they reward different moods. Dali is slower and more spread out around Erhai Lake; Lijiang is more concentrated, more polished and more crowded, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the horizon.", "Four or five days lets you do both without rushing: two nights in Dali, two in Lijiang, with a driver or train between them." ], "bestFor": [ "Mountains", "Old towns", "Slow travel" ], "days": "4–5 days", "bestTime": "March–May, September–November", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 3, "transit": 2, "ease": 3 }, "indexNote": "Beautiful but spread out; English is strongest in guesthouses and cafés, weaker in villages.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. For 240-hour transit, check the current Yunnan port and permitted-area list; Kunming and Lijiang airports are the usual gateways.", "englishNote": "Guesthouses often have English-speaking owners; local buses and markets do not.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment works in towns; carry cash for village stalls and rural drivers.", "transitNote": "Trains connect Kunming, Dali and Lijiang. A private driver is the best way to explore Erhai Lake.", "arrival": "Dali and Lijiang both have airports, but most travelers arrive by train from Kunming. Lijiang is about 2 hours from Dali by train.", "airport": "DLU / LJG", "highlights": [ { "name": "Dali old town", "note": "Walled grid with Bai architecture and cafés." }, { "name": "Erhai Lake loop", "note": "A full-day drive or cycle with village stops." }, { "name": "Cangshan", "note": "Cable car and hiking trails above Dali." }, { "name": "Lijiang old town", "note": "Go early; the canals and lanes are best before the crowds." }, { "name": "Jade Dragon Snow Mountain", "note": "Book tickets and oxygen in advance." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Yunnan rice noodles", "note": "A regional staple, different from Kunming’s version." }, { "name": "Naxi hotpot", "note": "Lijiang’s local specialty; rich and warming." }, { "name": "Rushan cheese", "note": "Grilled Bai cheese; try it from a street stall." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Dali old town", "note": "Atmospheric base for the lake." }, { "name": "Shuanglang", "note": "Erhai Lake views and quieter nights." }, { "name": "Lijiang old town", "note": "Central but crowded; stay on the edge." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$35–55/day", "mid": "$75–120/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Do not try to see both old towns in one day; the transfers are slow.", "Book Jade Dragon Snow Mountain tickets in advance; altitude sickness is real.", "Stay outside the busiest lanes of Lijiang old town if you want sleep." ], "skip": [ "Skip the staged “ancient” shows if you want real local life.", "Skip Erhai Lake on a rainy day; the views are the point." ], "coordinates": [ 25.6065, 100.2676 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Dali", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Dali" }, { "label": "Wikivoyage — Lijiang", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Lijiang" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/dali-lijiang/" }, { "slug": "harbin", "name": "Harbin", "chinese": "哈尔滨", "region": "Northeast", "tagline": "Ice city, Russian echoes.", "summary": "A winter city with a singular festival: ice palaces, snow sculptures and a food culture built for cold nights.", "intro": [ "Harbin is a seasonal city, and the season is winter. The Ice and Snow World is the main event, but the Russian-era architecture, the frozen river and the hearty food make it more than a festival town.", "Two or three days is enough. Come prepared for serious cold, and book accommodation early during the festival." ], "bestFor": [ "Winter", "Festivals", "Architecture" ], "days": "2–3 days", "bestTime": "December–February", "index": { "english": 2, "payments": 4, "transit": 3, "ease": 3 }, "indexNote": "Winter infrastructure is good, but the cold is the main variable. English is limited.", "entry": "Nationwide 30-day visa-free entry applies to eligible passports. Taiping International is a 240-hour transit port; the permitted area covers Heilongjiang province.", "englishNote": "Hotels and major attractions have English; taxi drivers usually do not.", "paymentNote": "Mobile payment is standard; keep your phone warm or it will die in the cold.", "transitNote": "The metro and taxis cover the city. The ice festival is a taxi or shuttle ride from the centre.", "arrival": "Taiping International (HRB) is 40–60 minutes from the centre by airport bus or taxi. Harbin West is the high-speed rail station.", "airport": "HRB", "highlights": [ { "name": "Ice and Snow World", "note": "Go after dark for the lights; book tickets ahead." }, { "name": "Central Street", "note": "Russian-era buildings and the city’s main promenade." }, { "name": "St. Sophia Cathedral", "note": "The icon of Harbin’s Russian past." }, { "name": "Songhua River", "note": "Frozen in winter; walk carefully where locals do." }, { "name": "Snow sculpture park", "note": "Daytime counterpart to the ice festival." } ], "food": [ { "name": "Guobaorou", "note": "Sweet-and-sour pork; the local benchmark." }, { "name": "Harbin red sausage", "note": "Smoky, garlicky and best from a deli." }, { "name": "Modern ice cream", "note": "Eat it outside in the cold; it is a local ritual." } ], "areas": [ { "name": "Central Street", "note": "Central, walkable and close to the cathedral." }, { "name": "Songbei", "note": "Close to the ice festival; quieter." }, { "name": "Daoli", "note": "Local food and older streets." } ], "budget": { "lean": "$40–60/day", "mid": "$85–140/day" }, "firstTimer": [ "Bring proper winter gear: insulated boots, gloves, hat and a warm layer.", "Book ice festival tickets and hotels well in advance.", "Keep your phone in an inside pocket; cold drains batteries fast." ], "skip": [ "Skip Harbin outside winter unless you have a specific reason to be there.", "Skip the tiger park if animal welfare matters to you." ], "coordinates": [ 45.8038, 126.5349 ], "sources": [ { "label": "Wikivoyage — Harbin", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Harbin" }, { "label": "Lonely Planet — Harbin", "href": "https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/harbin" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/cities/harbin/" } ], "guides": [ { "slug": "240-hour-visa-free-transit", "title": "240-hour visa-free transit in China: the rules that actually matter", "keyword": "240 hour visa free transit China", "description": "Who qualifies for China's 10-day transit waiver, which ports and regions you can use, and the onward-ticket mistakes that get travelers denied boarding.", "category": "Entry", "readingTime": "8 min read", "updated": "2026-10-28", "relatedCities": [ "beijing", "shanghai", "guangzhou", "chengdu", "xian" ], "sources": [ { "label": "NIA — Visa-free transit policies (20 Aug 2026)", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183412/content.html" }, { "label": "Visa for China — 240-hour transit FAQ and port list", "href": "https://www.visaforchina.cn/YYC3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/changjianwenti/362332771198308352.html" }, { "label": "China Briefing — 240-hour transit explainer", "href": "https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-resumes-144-hour-visa-free-transit-policy-for-foreigners-who-can-apply/" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/guides/240-hour-visa-free-transit/" }, { "slug": "alipay-wechat-pay-foreigners", "title": "Alipay and WeChat Pay for foreigners: set up both before you fly", "keyword": "Alipay and WeChat Pay for foreigners", "description": "A practical setup guide for foreign cards, the fees that surprise people, limits, verification, and what to do when a QR code will not scan.", "category": "Money", "readingTime": "8 min read", "updated": "2026-10-28", "relatedCities": [ "shanghai", "beijing", "chengdu", "shenzhen" ], "sources": [ { "label": "Alipay+ — Pay in the Chinese mainland", "href": "https://www.alipayplus.com/pay-in-the-chinese-mainland/" }, { "label": "Trip.com — How to use Alipay in China for foreigners", "href": "https://www.trip.com/guide/phone/how-to-use-alipay.html" }, { "label": "MyChinaGuide — Money and payment wiki", "href": "https://mychina.guide/wiki/money_and_payment" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/guides/alipay-wechat-pay-foreigners/" }, { "slug": "china-train-travel-foreigners", "title": "China train travel for foreigners: 12306, passports and station survival", "keyword": "China train tickets for foreigners", "description": "How to book high-speed rail with a foreign passport, which seat class to choose, and why you need to arrive at the station earlier than you think.", "category": "Transport", "readingTime": "8 min read", "updated": "2026-10-28", "relatedCities": [ "beijing", "shanghai", "xian", "hangzhou", "guilin-yangshuo" ], "sources": [ { "label": "China Railway 12306 — English site", "href": "https://www.12306.cn/en/" }, { "label": "MyChinaGuide — Getting around wiki", "href": "https://mychina.guide/wiki/getting_around" }, { "label": "Trip.com — China train booking", "href": "https://www.trip.com/trains/" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/guides/china-train-travel-foreigners/" }, { "slug": "china-visa-free-entry", "title": "China visa-free entry in 2026: who can go, and for how long", "keyword": "China visa free entry", "description": "The two visa-free routes most tourists use: 30-day unilateral entry for 50 passports, and 240-hour transit for 57. Official rules, traps, and how to check your case.", "category": "Entry", "readingTime": "7 min read", "updated": "2026-10-28", "relatedCities": [ "beijing", "shanghai", "xian", "chengdu" ], "sources": [ { "label": "NIA — List of countries covered by unilateral visa exemption (17 Feb 2026)", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183390/content.html" }, { "label": "NIA — Visa-free transit policies (20 Aug 2026)", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183412/content.html" }, { "label": "Visa for China — 240-hour transit FAQ", "href": "https://www.visaforchina.cn/YYC3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/changjianwenti/362332771198308352.html" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/guides/china-visa-free-entry/" }, { "slug": "china-esim-internet-vpn", "title": "Internet in China: eSIM, local SIM and VPNs without the guesswork", "keyword": "China eSIM and VPN for tourists", "description": "How to stay connected in China: which eSIMs bypass the firewall, when you need a local number, and how to set up a VPN before you land.", "category": "Connectivity", "readingTime": "7 min read", "updated": "2026-10-28", "relatedCities": [ "shanghai", "beijing", "shenzhen", "hangzhou" ], "sources": [ { "label": "Trip.com — How to get a China phone number as a foreigner", "href": "https://www.trip.com/guide/info/china-phone-number.html" }, { "label": "Roam — China eSIM with phone number", "href": "https://www.roamiapp.com/blog/china-esim-phone-number-registration/" }, { "label": "Klook — Apps for China travel", "href": "https://www.klook.com/blog/useful-apps-china/" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/guides/china-esim-internet-vpn/" }, { "slug": "essential-apps-china", "title": "The apps that actually make China easier (and the ones that do not)", "keyword": "China travel apps", "description": "A short, tested stack for payments, maps, taxis, trains, translation and food — plus what to install before you lose Google.", "category": "Apps", "readingTime": "6 min read", "updated": "2026-10-28", "relatedCities": [ "shanghai", "beijing", "chengdu", "chongqing" ], "sources": [ { "label": "Klook — Apps for China travel", "href": "https://www.klook.com/blog/useful-apps-china/" }, { "label": "Trip.com — Alipay guide for foreigners", "href": "https://www.trip.com/guide/phone/how-to-use-alipay.html" }, { "label": "MyChinaGuide — Getting around wiki", "href": "https://mychina.guide/wiki/getting_around" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/guides/essential-apps-china/" }, { "slug": "china-trip-checklist", "title": "The China trip checklist: six weeks out to arrival day", "keyword": "China travel checklist", "description": "A realistic pre-departure checklist for visas, payments, connectivity, bookings, health and the first 24 hours in China.", "category": "Planning", "readingTime": "7 min read", "updated": "2026-10-28", "relatedCities": [ "beijing", "shanghai", "xian", "chengdu" ], "sources": [ { "label": "NIA — Visa-free transit policies", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183412/content.html" }, { "label": "NIA — Unilateral visa exemption list", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183390/content.html" }, { "label": "China Railway 12306 — English site", "href": "https://www.12306.cn/en/" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/guides/china-trip-checklist/" } ], "itineraries": [ { "slug": "5-day-beijing-first-landing", "title": "5 days in Beijing: one city, no rush", "keyword": "Beijing itinerary 5 days", "description": "A five-day Beijing route for a first China trip: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, hutong mornings and enough slack for jet lag.", "days": 5, "pace": "Easy", "route": [ "Beijing" ], "bestFor": "First-time visitors who want one city done properly", "updated": "2026-10-29", "relatedCities": [ "beijing" ], "sources": [ { "label": "NIA — Visa-free entry rules", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183390/content.html" }, { "label": "The Palace Museum — official site and opening notices", "href": "https://www.dpm.org.cn/" }, { "label": "Wikivoyage — Beijing", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Beijing" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/itineraries/5-day-beijing-first-landing/" }, { "slug": "6-day-qingdao-coast", "title": "6 days in Qingdao: coast, beer and a slower pace", "keyword": "Qingdao itinerary", "description": "A six-day Qingdao route for sea air, red roofs, beer and a city that is easier to like when you stop rushing between sights.", "days": 6, "pace": "Easy", "route": [ "Qingdao" ], "bestFor": "Travelers who want a coastal city and a break from big-hitting itineraries", "updated": "2026-10-29", "relatedCities": [ "qingdao" ], "sources": [ { "label": "NIA — Visa-free entry rules", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183390/content.html" }, { "label": "Wikivoyage — Qingdao", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Qingdao" }, { "label": "China Railway 12306 — English site", "href": "https://www.12306.cn/en/" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/itineraries/6-day-qingdao-coast/" }, { "slug": "7-day-first-trip", "title": "7 days in China for the first time: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai", "keyword": "China itinerary 7 days", "description": "A realistic one-week first trip with high-speed rail, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army and enough time to actually eat.", "days": 7, "pace": "Balanced", "route": [ "Beijing", "Xi'an", "Shanghai" ], "bestFor": "First-time visitors who want the big three without a tour", "updated": "2026-10-28", "relatedCities": [ "beijing", "xian", "shanghai" ], "sources": [ { "label": "China Highlights — 2-week China itineraries (timing reference)", "href": "https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/2-weeks-china-itinerary.htm" }, { "label": "China Railway 12306 — English site", "href": "https://www.12306.cn/en/" }, { "label": "NIA — Visa-free entry rules", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183390/content.html" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/itineraries/7-day-first-trip/" }, { "slug": "240-hour-shanghai-layover", "title": "The 240-hour transit trip: Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou", "keyword": "240 hour visa free transit itinerary", "description": "How to use China's 10-day transit waiver for a Yangtze Delta trip — legally, realistically, and without crossing outside the permitted area.", "days": 8, "pace": "Easy", "route": [ "Shanghai", "Suzhou", "Hangzhou", "Shanghai" ], "bestFor": "Eligible passport holders transiting to a third country", "updated": "2026-10-28", "relatedCities": [ "shanghai", "suzhou", "hangzhou" ], "sources": [ { "label": "NIA — 240-hour visa-free transit policy", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183412/content.html" }, { "label": "Visa for China — port and permitted-area FAQ", "href": "https://www.visaforchina.cn/YYC3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/changjianwenti/362332771198308352.html" }, { "label": "China Briefing — 240-hour transit explainer", "href": "https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-resumes-144-hour-visa-free-transit-policy-for-foreigners-who-can-apply/" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/itineraries/240-hour-shanghai-layover/" }, { "slug": "8-day-nanjing-suzhou-shanghai", "title": "8 days in the Yangtze Delta: Nanjing, Suzhou and Shanghai", "keyword": "Yangtze Delta itinerary", "description": "A slower eight-day route through Nanjing, Suzhou and Shanghai, with short high-speed trains and enough time for gardens, museums and neighbourhoods.", "days": 8, "pace": "Balanced", "route": [ "Nanjing", "Suzhou", "Shanghai" ], "bestFor": "Travelers who want classical China and a global city without long train days", "updated": "2026-10-29", "relatedCities": [ "nanjing", "suzhou", "shanghai" ], "sources": [ { "label": "China Railway 12306 — English site", "href": "https://www.12306.cn/en/" }, { "label": "NIA — Visa-free entry rules", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183390/content.html" }, { "label": "Wikivoyage — Suzhou", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Suzhou" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/itineraries/8-day-nanjing-suzhou-shanghai/" }, { "slug": "10-day-classic-china", "title": "10 days in China: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai", "keyword": "China itinerary 10 days", "description": "The classic 10-day route with pandas, hotpot and high-speed rail — paced so you are not changing hotels every night.", "days": 10, "pace": "Balanced", "route": [ "Beijing", "Xi'an", "Chengdu", "Shanghai" ], "bestFor": "Travelers who want history, food and a slower city in one trip", "updated": "2026-10-28", "relatedCities": [ "beijing", "xian", "chengdu", "shanghai" ], "sources": [ { "label": "China Highlights — 2-week China itineraries", "href": "https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/2-weeks-china-itinerary.htm" }, { "label": "Trip.com — Best cities to visit in China", "href": "https://www.trip.com/guide/destination/best-cities-to-visit-in-china.html" }, { "label": "China Railway 12306 — English site", "href": "https://www.12306.cn/en/" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/itineraries/10-day-classic-china/" }, { "slug": "10-day-chengdu-chongqing-xian", "title": "10 days in western China: Chengdu, Chongqing and Xi'an", "keyword": "Chengdu Chongqing Xian itinerary", "description": "A ten-day western China route built around pandas, hotpot, hill cities and the Terracotta Army, with realistic rail days and two-night bases.", "days": 10, "pace": "Balanced", "route": [ "Chengdu", "Chongqing", "Xi'an" ], "bestFor": "Food-first travelers who also want the Terracotta Army and a big-city contrast", "updated": "2026-10-29", "relatedCities": [ "chengdu", "chongqing", "xian" ], "sources": [ { "label": "China Railway 12306 — English site", "href": "https://www.12306.cn/en/" }, { "label": "NIA — Visa-free entry rules", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183390/content.html" }, { "label": "Wikivoyage — Chengdu", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Chengdu" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/itineraries/10-day-chengdu-chongqing-xian/" }, { "slug": "11-day-yunnan-kunming-dali-lijiang", "title": "11 days in Yunnan: Kunming, Dali and Lijiang", "keyword": "Yunnan itinerary", "description": "An eleven-day Yunnan route with spring weather, Erhai Lake, old towns and mountain views, paced for altitude and slow travel.", "days": 11, "pace": "Easy", "route": [ "Kunming", "Dali & Lijiang" ], "bestFor": "Travelers who want landscapes, old towns and a slower pace than the big-city circuit", "updated": "2026-10-29", "relatedCities": [ "kunming", "dali-lijiang" ], "sources": [ { "label": "China Railway 12306 — English site", "href": "https://www.12306.cn/en/" }, { "label": "NIA — Visa-free entry rules", "href": "https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183390/content.html" }, { "label": "Wikivoyage — Yunnan", "href": "https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Yunnan" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/itineraries/11-day-yunnan-kunming-dali-lijiang/" }, { "slug": "14-day-china-itinerary", "title": "14 days in China: the grand tour without the death march", "keyword": "China itinerary 14 days", "description": "Two weeks across Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai, with realistic transit days and room to breathe.", "days": 14, "pace": "Balanced", "route": [ "Beijing", "Xi'an", "Chengdu", "Guilin & Yangshuo", "Shanghai" ], "bestFor": "Two-week first trips that want both cities and landscape", "updated": "2026-10-28", "relatedCities": [ "beijing", "xian", "chengdu", "guilin-yangshuo", "shanghai" ], "sources": [ { "label": "China Highlights — 2-week China itineraries", "href": "https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/2-weeks-china-itinerary.htm" }, { "label": "Passport Nomads — 2-week China itinerary", "href": "https://passportnomads.com/2-week-china-itinerary/" }, { "label": "China Railway 12306 — English site", "href": "https://www.12306.cn/en/" } ], "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/itineraries/14-day-china-itinerary/" } ], "packages": [ { "id": "route-check", "name": "Route Check", "price": 49, "from": null, "unit": "per trip", "turnaround": "3 business days", "summary": "You have a draft route. We find the days that do not work before you book anything.", "bestFor": "Travelers with a draft route", "includes": [ "Written review of your dates, cities and transport", "Over-packed days, awkward transfers and booking traps flagged", "One revised route with realistic travel times", "One round of follow-up questions by email" ], "note": "Send your draft as a list, spreadsheet or screenshots.", "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/plan/?package=route-check#inquiry" }, { "id": "custom-itinerary", "name": "Custom Itinerary", "price": 149, "from": null, "unit": "per trip", "turnaround": "5 business days", "summary": "A day-by-day China route built around your pace, interests and tolerance for early trains.", "bestFor": "First-timers who want a plan, not a tour", "includes": [ "30-minute call or voice-note briefing", "Day-by-day route with realistic transit times", "Neighbourhood and hotel-area recommendations", "Booking links for trains, attractions and transfers", "Two revisions and a pre-departure checklist" ], "note": "Covers up to 14 days and four bases. Longer trips get a custom quote.", "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/plan/?package=custom-itinerary#inquiry" }, { "id": "trip-desk", "name": "Full Trip Desk", "price": 349, "from": null, "unit": "per trip", "turnaround": "7 business days", "summary": "We plan the trip, coordinate selected third-party bookings, and stay reachable while you are in China.", "bestFor": "Travelers who want a human on the ground", "includes": [ "Everything in Custom Itinerary", "Coordination with third-party providers for selected trains, drivers and attractions", "Restaurant, app and payment setup walkthrough", "WhatsApp support during your trip (up to 14 days)", "One emergency re-plan if weather or trains disrupt you" ], "note": "Flights, hotels and tickets are billed at cost when we coordinate them, with no booking markup.", "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/plan/?package=trip-desk#inquiry" }, { "id": "family-group", "name": "Family & Group Desk", "price": null, "from": 499, "unit": "per group", "turnaround": "7 business days", "summary": "A route that works for grandparents, children and the one person who refuses to wake up early.", "bestFor": "Families and groups of 5–10", "includes": [ "Pace and accessibility review", "Connecting rooms and transfer planning", "Food, allergy and picky-eater notes", "Group-friendly booking sequence", "WhatsApp support during the trip" ], "note": "Quoted after a short call; payment starts once the scope is agreed.", "url": "https://chinatailormade.com/plan/?package=family-group#inquiry" } ] }