China Tours from USA
China — a destination like no other. Customized China trips for American travelers — Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, pandas & beyond.
- Private customized itineraries
- Expert local guides
- Trusted by US travelers since 2014
- 24/7 local support in China
China tours from the USA offer American travelers a unique opportunity to explore rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities. From the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to stunning natural scenery, there is something for every type of traveler.
The Most Recommended China Tours for Americans
Hand-picked itineraries designed for first-time and returning US visitors — all fully customizable.
Why Choose China Educational Tours
Specialists in customized China travel for American families, students, and individual travelers.
Local Expertise
On-the-ground team with deep knowledge of every destination
100% Customized
Every itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and budget
No Shopping Traps
We want your China trip to be full of good memories.
24/7 Support
Reach us anytime via WhatsApp before and during your trip
Trusted Reviews
Highly rated on TripAdvisor by travelers from the USA
Helpful Info for American Travelers
Everything you need to know before booking your China trip from the United States.
Flights from USA to China
An average of around three million Americans have visited China each year since 2015. With such a high demand, there are now more than 300 flights between the two countries each week. Top departure cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C., Detroit, New York, and Houston.
| Departure City | Arrival City | Flying Time |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Beijing | 11hrs 11mins |
| Shanghai | 11hrs 26mins | |
| Hong Kong | 12hrs 05mins | |
| San Francisco | Beijing | 12hrs 05mins |
| Shanghai | 13hrs 10mins | |
| Chengdu | 14hrs | |
| Guangzhou | 14hrs 20mins | |
| Hong Kong | 14hrs 40mins | |
| Los Angeles | Beijing | 12hrs 40mins |
| Shanghai | 13hrs 40mins | |
| Chengdu | 14hrs 20mins | |
| Changsha | 14hrs 10mins | |
| Guangzhou / Shenzhen | 14hrs 50mins | |
| Hong Kong | 15hrs 05mins | |
| Chicago | Shanghai | 14hr 30mins |
| Beijing | 13hr 35mins | |
| New York | Shanghai | 15hrs |
| Guangzhou | 15hrs 45mins | |
| Beijing | 13hr 40mins | |
| Detroit | Shanghai | 14hrs 20mins |
| Beijing | 13hrs 10mins | |
| Boston | Shanghai | 14hrs 40mins |
| Beijing | 13hrs 50mins |
* The information above is for reference only. Actual flight time is based on the specific schedule on your travel date.
Tips on how to get a good deal on international flights
- The best prices are often found 2 to 6 months before departure.
- Generally, the earlier you book, the better the deal — but last-minute deals within 30 days can also appear.
- Check each airline's official website (Delta, American, United) instead of discount aggregators.
- Skyscanner is a great discount site often overlooked in the U.S.
- Also check Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, and China Airlines.
- Compare the FULL price including baggage fees and departure taxes.
Visas for China
American citizens nearly always need a pre-arranged visa to visit China's mainland (HK and Macau offer visa-on-arrival). Americans will need an L-type tourist visa — each stay is up to 30 days.
Apply online at the China Visa Application Service Center. China maintains an Embassy in Washington D.C. and consulates in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Houston.
Note: Passports are usually mailed to the processing consulate and returned by mail.
Processing Times
- Regular service: 4 business days (+ 7–10 days mail)
- Express service: 2–3 business days (+ 7–10 days mail)
- Rush service: 1 business day (+ 7–10 days mail, emergencies only)
| Number of Entry | U.S. Citizen | Non-U.S. Citizen* |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | $140 | $30 |
| Double Entry | $140 | $45 |
| Multiple Entries (6 Months) | $140 | $60 |
| Multiple Entries (12+ Months) | $140 | $90 |
* Non-U.S. citizen fees may vary. Express: +$25/visa. Rush: +$37/visa.
Sample Costs for Traveling in China
| Meal for 1 – inexpensive restaurant | Meal for 2 – mid-range restaurant | McDonalds (per person) | Domestic Beer (16oz) | Imported Beer (16oz) |
| $2–$6 USD | $15–$40 USD | $5–$8 USD | $1–$2 USD | $3–$5 USD |
| Bottled water (16oz) | Fresh Milk (1 gallon) | Banana (1 pound) | Apple (1 pound) | Taxi flag-down fare |
| $0.3–$5 USD | $7–$10 USD | $4–$6 USD | $0.75–$1.5 USD | $2–$3 USD |
China offers excellent value for American travelers — quality dining, transport, and attractions at a fraction of US prices.
What US Travelers Say
"My wife and I just came back from a private tour with China Education Tours. It was an incredible trip and surpassed our wildest expectations."
"We highly recommend Penny and China Educational Tours to anyone seeking a personalized travel experience backed by outstanding customer service."
"Will certainly go back to cover many other cities... Loved our tour guides — professional and personalized."
