SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES IN CHINA
Megacity Skylines, The Great Wall & The Forbidden City
Dreaming of exploring China, but not quite feeling the vibe of backpacking through this massive country all by yourself? A group trip to China is your answer!
Featured group trips
Handpicked experiences worth checking out
Why choose a group trip to China?
A group trip to China is guaranteed to be an absolute trip of a lifetime! It is, hands down, the best way to tackle this massive country. You'll hit up all the legendary highlights like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. Together with your crew, you’ll navigate the high-energy streets of Beijing and Shanghai, and escape to breathtaking nature and endless rice terraces. A group trip gives you the perfect, hassle-free way to experience China’s rich culture and history, all while making memories with new friends. Basically, it’s the ultimate way to get the absolute best of China without having to stress over any of the logistics.
Who is a China group trip for?
Honestly? A group trip to China is for everyone. If you’re traveling solo, it’s the ultimate way to share these epic moments with others (and skip the struggle of planning everything yourself). But it’s also perfect for couples or friends traveling together! It is an incredibly easy way to experience a massive amount of cool stuff in a short amount of time. You don’t have to worry about planning a single thing, and you’ll have a local guide loaded with insider knowledge to show you the ropes.
At KILROY, we offer group trips tailored specifically for 18-to-thirtysomethings, as well as trips open to all ages. We’re happy to chat through all the options and help you find the perfect match for your style!
The Forbidden City, Beijing
Girls on the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China
zhangjiajie national forest park
Cooking Class
Panda Sanctuary
Bike runs in the city
Need help planning your group trip?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
Paul
Getting around China: From bullet trains to domestic flights
When traveling through China, you’ll be covering massive distances, making the journey itself a huge part of the adventure! Navigating this giant country means mixing up how you get around. High-speed bullet trains are a super popular, comfy, and efficient way to zip between major hubs like Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai while watching the incredible landscapes fly by.
For longer stretches—like traveling between the north and south—a quick domestic flight is sometimes the best way to save time. This makes it easy to transition seamlessly from bustling megacities to serene nature reserves and remote villages.
Sleeper cabin on the train
Frequently asked questions
Unlike most places where you just tap a Visa or Mastercard, China is almost entirely cashless and relies on mobile payment apps—specifically Alipay and WeChat Pay. You can (and should) link your international credit card to these apps before you land. If your card gets temporarily flagged by your bank during a transaction, having a tour leader or group mate to quickly transfer local currency or spot you is a massive lifesaver!
China blocks popular Western apps like Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Spotify. To stay connected with family and share your trip, you will need to download a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your phone and laptop before you enter the country. Make sure your VPN is active before crossing the border, as downloading them inside China is incredibly difficult.
This is a classic "expectations vs. reality" situation! While hotels have Western toilets, public restrooms in parks, train stations, and smaller towns almost exclusively feature squat toilets.
The Golden Rule: Always pack your own pocket tissues or toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as public restrooms rarely provide them.
In massive hubs like Beijing and Shanghai, you will find English signs in metro stations and major tourist areas. However, once you step off the beaten path into breathtaking places like Yangshuo or local food markets, English is rarely spoken. Having a local guide who translates menu items, explains cultural etiquette, and helps you buy train tickets is the ultimate hack to truly experiencing the country without the language barrier
You should go on a group trip to China if you ...
... want to make instant friends
Meet cool people right away and share mind-blowing experiences. It’s the perfect setup for solo travelers who want a crew to explore the world with.
...don't want the stress of planning
Skip the hassle of booking hostels, routes, and activities. We handle the logistics so you can live in the moment and enjoy the best local insider tips.
...want expert advice
Our experts will help you find the trip that fits your vibe. We can also easily connect your China group trip with the rest of your backpacking plans!
