The 10 Best Self-Guided Tours & Rentals in China, China

January 18, 2022 Matilde Konrad

China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a unitary sovereign state in East Asia and the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.404 billion. Covering approximately 9,600,000 square kilometers (3,700,000 sq mi), it is the third- or fourth-largest country by total area, depending on the source consulted. China also has the most neighbor countries in the world. Governed by the Communist Party of China, it exercises jurisdiction over 22 provinces, five autonomous regions, four direct-controlled municipalities (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Chongqing), and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
Restaurants in China

1. MuTianYu Great Wall of China Day Tour by Taxi with Licensed English Cab Drivers

3B Taxi
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

1. driving by licensed cab drivers, safe , reliable, experience; 2. full day service: earlier morning, morning, and afternoon... 3. most 5 seats VW Passat cars are new in 2018 , or Buick GL8 7 seats, comfortable with air condition; 4. will show to buy the cable car ticket, shuttle bus ticket, show the way to visit; 5. no shopping stop; no hidden fees; 6. have gotten many 5 star reviews;

Inclusions: Toll, Fuel surcharge, Parking Fees, Bottled water, Hotel/airport pickup and drop-off, Round-trip, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Gratuities, Tour Guide, professional guide, local guide, meals, tickets

Reviewed By Therealsnoggy

We booked online and the driver met our flight which arrived early morning, and took us straight to Mutianyu Great Wall. He had some English and also a translator app. He offered us free water, fruit, nuts and postcards and fridge magnets which was a lovely touch. He helped us buy tickets and waited while we explored the amazing wall, and then took us to our hotel, with a quick tourist stop by the lake. I can recommend this as a way of seeing the Great Wall easily and cost effectively. If you have an early flight and won't be able to check in to your hotel, it makes sense, as the Wall was very quiet and we got lots of great photos with only us there, whereas later on it becomes crowded. A great start to our holiday.

2. Private Half Day Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Tour guide

Xi'an, Xi'an, Shaanxi Xian Tour Expert - Day Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Terracotta Warriors: which is about 40 kilometers away from the downtown area of Xi'an, at east side outskirts of the city, discovered accidentally in 1974,by local farmers who digging the well.this incredible army contain more than 8000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots who are going to guard emperor Qin's tomb in full battle formation since 210BC. Each figure is unique,even today the excavation still continue in 3 pits.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Tour guide, local food or snacks, Lunch, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By mishdoyle

To be clear this isn’t a “guided tour”, but transportation and excellent guidance and conversation by Bruce. Bruce picked me up in a timely manner from my hotel in the morning with a smile on his face. We had a lovely chat about China, it’s people, customs, history and philosophy. He was very funny and his English was spot on. One of the best English speakers I’ve run into in China! We discussed what I wanted to see and do on the Mt. and when we arrived he bought the tickets for the cable cars and busses that I needed. I decided to go to the plank wall and was grateful it was open. All map signs on the wall have Chinese and English, however when you get to the plank wall “check in” desk there is no written English and the 2 guys checking passports do not speak any English. First I was told I couldn’t do the was because I was over 50. I argued I wasn’t OVER 50, but that I WAS 50....so they allowed me on. Then, I discovered that you can only go in pairs..meaning no solo climbers. Disappointed, I started to walk away but a very lively Chinese girl in line who spoke a little English helped me out and paired me with a solo guy in her group. In reality it seems they want groups of 4...not sure why, as you climb as like a group of 12!? Anyway, the wait ended up being about 2 hours and the climb took about 45 to 1 hour (from suit up to finish). It this point it was 4pm and due to the cable car closing I didn’t have time to finish the rest of the hike (but was successful in what I came to do). I went down the mountain the same way I came up (West Peak). When I got off the bus there was Bruce waiting for me at the bottom. He went out of his way to make sure I had a great trip by helping out some friends. By this action alone, I can tell that he is a compassionate, honest man with a good soul. He deserves abundant success. On the way back to Xi’an we had a wonderful conversation and shared favorite music. By far the best tour I’ve taken in China by the most compassionate man with stellar taste in music! Thank you Bruce!

3. iPanda,iChengdu!

The Temple House, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, China iPanda Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

In addition to see lovely pandas,you will have a leisurely and relaxing experience by learing how to play Sichuan Majong game with our locals.This is to lgive you the answer about how to enjoy a local panda life and why Chengdu is Chengdu! From here,you will feel an authentic Chengdu,the hometown of Pandas!

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch

4. Leshan Giant Buddha Day Tour

Chengdu, Sichuan, China Panda China Go
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Our driver has many years of experience in receiving foreign tourists, and has prepared a written description of the Leshan Giant Buddha in the car to ensure that you can complete the entire tour smoothly, and there is no guide to save you a part of the cost.

Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Bottled water, Driver, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities, Tourist guide, Tickets

Reviewed By 123pordiego

If you are looking to have an incredible trip ask for Wu Cheng. He is very professional and give his 100% to help you in anything you need. He was all the time nice and very flexible with the time and the places you want to visit. I strongly recommend this tour and to him. About the Buddah, please consider weather conditions and the fact that you have to go downstairs and upstairs. It worth it, but will require some physic condition to get it.

5. Beijing VIP Photograph Trip: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace

Encounter China Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Are you often amazed by the chinese traditional architecture on TV and magazine? Would you like your own photograph trip with comfortable skip-the-line service to visit the most well-renowned attractions of Beijing in one day ? Your friendly guide would company you to explore the two most famous highlights of Beijing--Tian'anmen Square,Forbidden City and summer palace. With your guide's fantastic skills of photograph and knowledgeable explanation of chinese history and culture, your long trip would be a beautiful memory in life. The charms of Beijing imperial palaces would make you fall in love with this 5000 year-old nation immediately. As a privilege for your private tour with a licensed guide, you will be able to skip the line and get access into the tian'anmen square and forbidden city without waiting in queues.

Inclusions: Professional private english-speaking local guide, Transport by private vehicle with a professional driver, Entrance tickets to the mentioned attractions, All the toll and parking fees, local taxes

Exclusions: Any personal expense, Gratuities, Lunch

Reviewed By 421subhar

She is really kind and helpful. We had an amazing day together. And got to alot of the history of beijing.

6. Shanghai Highlight Tour

Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai, 58 Mao Ming Nan Lu, Huangpu Qu, Shanghai Shi, China Wheely Bike Tours
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4.7 based on 71 reviews

Wheely Bike Tours offers a fun, healthy and green alternative in sightseeing - explore the local lifestyle and culture melting of Shanghai. Cruise the dynamic streets of Shanghai-China's most vibrant city by bicycle and experience the energy of its 25 million inhabitants. Taste its urban life, the city with the many contradictions but also seamless melting of eastern and western cultures. Wheely will visit the backstreets which are normally not seen by visitors, actually not even the long-term foreign residents know these parts. We will also view the most famous landmarks from a perspective not experienced before! This tour is a unique combination of sightseeing, exercise and exploring. We stop frequently to balance sightseeing with the pace of our cycling and the desires of the guests. The tour covers the French Concession area, a variety of Lilongs and bazaars, old streets and alleys, and to top things of, we will enjoy the beautiful skyline of Pudong while stopping on the Bund.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages, Soda/Pop, Snacks

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Reviewed By Guido O

Went tot the French Concession today with this excellent company. Our tourguide was the wonderfull Coca, who speaks excellent English and even some German. We had a very nice few hours, during which we saw some very interesting and beautiful parts of the French Concession. Highly recommended!

7. Self-Guided Private Day Tour of Longji Terraces From Guilin

Top China Travel

Book this self-guided private day tour with a private vehicle and driver to explore Longji Terraces Fields Scenic Area on your own with hotel pickup and drop-off from Guilin. Choose the English-speaking driver option to break your language barrier!

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip private transfer by air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking option at time of booking

Exclusions: Guide, Food and drinks, unless specified, Personal expenses, Travel insurance, Optional activities, Personal expense, Gratuities

Reviewed By Elizabeth G

This tour is good if you have a short time in Beijing and want to tick these three off in a fairly 'hands-off' tour style. We were taken to a pearl shop and chinese medicine school but were in no way pressured to buy anything (and the foot massage was lovely - worth the 5 cny for sure)

8. Shanghai City Bicycle Rental

Huangpu, Shanghai, China Bike China Tours

Nowdays self-guided bike tour have become more popular because of the flexibility and independence.The cost are less than guided bicycle tour but still maintain a level of enjoyment that allows you to creat a tour itinerary to your exact requirements & own schedule.

Inclusions: Local taxes, Use of bicycle, Use of helmet, Use of bike lock

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By andmauber

Mei was an excellent tourist guide and we were beyond happy to meet her and travel with her! Te amo Mei!

9. Amazing Local Food Tour in Central Xi'an

Xi'an, Xi'an, Shaanxi Xian Tour Expert - Day Tour

Satisfy your taste for traditional Chinese food during this 3-hour culinary tour in Xi'an. Take you to the famous Muslim street, stopping at several restaurants that are local favorites. Try typical local dishes such as persimmon cake, steamed buns, parched chicken and soup dumplings,beef .Learn about the history and culture of the quickly changing city through your guide's informed commentary. All tastings are included and add up to more than enough for a full meal. This tour is running at night  at 7PM. During this time, you will be able to see the night Xi'an, to taste local food as well as desert

Inclusions: 3-hour culinary tour and tasting in Xi'an., Taste Various types local food., Learn about how locals eat and spend free time in Xi'an.

Exclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off

Reviewed By jamlajatt

An amazing, mind blowing immersion into 2000 year old Chinese history. Never knew the Chinese used chrome plating for the weapons found with the terracotta army. Excellent tour guide by a lovely lady named Vivian who was very knowledgeable and with perfect English. Very charming. Highly recommended. Booked through hotel at very short notice and prompt pickup and return. You definitely should use them for peace of mind and an in depth experience.

10. One Day Chengdu Panda Base & Luodai Ancient Town Tour

Panda China Go

The Panda is the Highlights in Chengdu tour,Chengdu giant panda center of breeding and research attracts almost 100,000 overseas visitors each year. Covering tens of hectares with bamboo groves and a native-like habitat, have more than 50 pandas,only here,you can see the baby panda in summer.  Luodai Ancient Town is 20 kilometers away from Chengdu City, is the largest Hakka community in southwest China. Hakka is one ethnic groups in China. Luodai was established in years of the Three Kingdoms(221BC)and is a provincial level ancient town with profound culture It was named for the matter that Liu Shan (Last emperor of Shu Han), lost his jade belt in the octagonal well In this town, most of the existent architectures are in the style of the late Qing dynasty.

Inclusions: Private transportation with comfortable 5 seats Passat business car or similar level, Including parking fee,fuel cost,toll,, experienced and friendly driver, Chartered car from hotel to panda base,luodai old town and back trip, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Personal expense, Panda base Tickets, Lunch, Tour guide service

Reviewed By 123pordiego

If you are looking to have an incredible trip ask for Wu Cheng. He is very professional and give his 100% to help you in anything you need. He was all the time nice and very flexible with the time and the places you want to visit. I strongly recommend this tour and to him. About the Buddah, please consider weather conditions and the fact that you have to go downstairs and upstairs. It worth it, but will require some physic condition to get it.

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