Museums · CHINA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 9 museum tours in China worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you book.
Meet your English or Spanish guide near Donganmen, learn the story of Tiananmen Square, then walk through the Forbidden City for 3 to 4 hours. Choose ticket-only, small-group, or private touring, with Royal Treasures Museum access available on selected options.
“The meeting point could be closer to the entrance, because it's a lot of walking inside the palace anyway.”
You’ll leave central Xi’an by air-conditioned minivan, spend about three hours among the Terracotta Warriors’ three excavated pits, and return near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. An English-speaking guide, museum ticket, bottled water, headsets, and a Chinese buffet lunch are included. Groups usually number about 12.
“Well organized, with real info about the site. Efficient, and the guide was incredible with a perfect English! I also liked the timing. I highly recommend!”
Spend up to four hours exploring Jingshan Park, climbing Prospect Hill for a sweeping Forbidden City view, and visiting imperial pavilions. Your $6 ticket includes entry and an English PDF guide. Choose a self-guided visit, or add a separate guide if you want deeper historical context.
“The ticket provider was very kind to text me all the info, i even asked for more help and he/she were more than happy to help me at any time, it was just excellent! I loved it”
Reserve your Forbidden City admission in advance, then enter through the Meridian Gate by showing the passport used for booking. Explore the Hall of Supreme Harmony area, imperial residences, gardens, and Palace Museum collections at your own pace. A guide option may be available, but ticket-only bookings include no guide or transport.
“Everything worked well. The ticket was purchased in advance. I just showed my passport at the security check and was granted entry.”
Visit the Terracotta Army with an English-speaking guide, then watch Xi’an’s Romantic Show with dramatic water and sand effects before exploring Datang Everbright City. Private hotel pickup within Xi’an’s 3rd ring, air-conditioned transport, entrance fees, and a top-tier show seat are included.
“We were very happy with Nancy, she was extremely well informed, an excellent communicator and seemed to go out of her way to make this a great experience. She organized a terrific vegetarian lasagna much for us. We liked her very much.”
Start at Aberdeen Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 6 for a teak sightseeing boat ride, audio commentary, and a visit to a restored 1980s fisherfolk houseboat. You’ll see old fishing craft, waterfront landmarks, and the former Jumbo Floating Restaurant site. Optional boat noodles or a seafood meal extend the visit.
“It was interesting to see around the bay and the old burnt out Jumbo restaurant. Other than that, there wasn’t much else. The houseboat was good but took 5 mins to go round not 20 mins. I do appreciate we were the only two people on the trip this morning. It probably would have taken longer if there had been more people. I had ordered the noodles but didn’t have them at the end because I’d eaten the snack at the start. I don’t think I would recommend this activity.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at your hotel, then visit the Lama Temple, home to a 54-foot sandalwood Maitreya Buddha. Continue through quiet hutong lanes to the Confucius Temple and Guozijian Museum, then finish near Wudaoying Hutong. Private transport and dim sum are optional.
“Very good tour guide. Aurora has been explained every detail in a understandable and easy way and the tour became more interesting.”
Visit Jingshan Park beside Beijing’s Forbidden City for a self-guided day among imperial buildings, old trees, rare flowers, and the Wanchun Pavilion viewpoint. Your $6 ticket covers admission, cultural exhibits, and access to the summit. Bring the passport used for booking.
Meet near JinYu Hutong Station, show your passport, and enter Beijing’s Palace Museum with a prebooked ticket. Allow about four hours for the halls, imperial courtyards, treasures, and garden. A helpful local representative assists at entry, but no guide, transport, or extra museum tickets are included.
“Positiva. Siamo entrati senza problemi. Magari il prezzo è un po’ più alto ma onestamente in questo caso penso sia stato essenziale perché prenotare online autonomamente è quasi impossibile. Perché aprono le vendite un giorno alla volta e finiscono subito i biglietti.”
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