China is steeped in ancient traditions, historical sites and incredible culture. From authentic Chinese cuisine to breathtaking national parks, those who travel China return with a deeper appreciation of this mysterious land.
We explore everything you need to know before embarking on a China tour. From unique customs to the best places to visit, we take you through Chinese culture, fats and travel tips.
When we talk about culture, few countries can rival what China has to offer. It is quite literally a cultural melting pot, with 56 recognised ethnic groups living throughout the country. Each group has its own traditions, cuisine, dialects and festivals, all of which can be explored when you travel China. With multiple religious beliefs influencing various aspects of China culture, there is always something different to explore. From wandering the big cities to mingling in remote communities with the Dong and Miao people, a comprehensive tour through China can be a perspective-shifting experience even for the seasoned traveller.
Most people have dined out on some Chinese takeaway, but that’s nothing compared to the rich and diverse cuisine on offer when you visit China. If you’re a food lover travelling to China, you’re in for a treat. You’ll get to indulge in various types of street food from stalls and markets and try some recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Whether it’s traditional Peking duck, intense Sichuan flavours, handmade dumplings or noodles, China is packed with great culinary experiences for everybody’s tastes. Best of all, a China tour with Crooked Compass lets you explore the traditions and history behind local cuisine, and maybe even learn to make some for yourself.
As we touched on, there are several ethnic and religious groups residing in China, each with its own history and traditions. The three major philosophical groups in China are Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, and they all influence everything in China, from architecture to social customs.
On a Crooked Compass tour to China, you’ll get to explore some of these deeply religious historical sites, from Buddhist temples to ancient monasteries. Not only do travellers get to experience some amazing architecture, but gain a deeper understanding of the philosophies behind many Chinese customs.
Due to China’s large population, many people assume it’s all about crowded, bustling cities. The opposite is true. China comes in at around 9.597 million km2, making China 24% larger than Australia. So, while China has a large population, it also has vast landscapes to accommodate everyone.
Across this vast landscape is plenty of natural beauty to explore, such as the mountains in Guilin to the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Park. For lovers of the outdoors, China offers some of the most picturesque settings on earth.
Of course, China’s most famous landmark is arguably the Great Wall. But there is so much more to see, from sculptures and statues to ancient cities like Xi’an. Zian is home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, and is a must-see on any China tour.
Shanghai is also full of impressive landmarks, as are most parts of China. From the Forbidden City in Beijing to ancient pagodas and palaces, there is a lot of China’s imperial past on display for all to enjoy. You can even follow Marco Polo’s journey along the famous Silk Road.
At the date of writing, Australia is on China’s visa waiver program, meaning Australians can visit China for no more than 15 days with an ordinary Australian passport. However, if you’d like to stay longer and explore more of China’s wonders, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
It’s important to note that certain areas are off-limits for tourists, so you’ll need to plan ahead and make sure you’re allowed to visit your intended destinations. With a Crooked Compass China tour, you won’t need to worry about this because we’re already approved to visit all the great places on our itineraries.
Like most places around the world, travellers need to be mindful of local customs and respect them. China has many customs worth learning, whether it’s using two hands to give or receive items or waiting for a host to toast before a meal. Understanding these customs ensures you’re always respectful and get the most out of your visit to beautiful China.
From bustling cities to breathtaking landscapes, China is a country full of surprises. With an ancient history, long-held traditions and stunning modern cities, there really is something for everybody in China. Crooked Compass offers a range of China tours to suit everybody’s preferences. Our tours immerse you deeply in China culture, history and traditions, offering a meaningful and life-changing travel experience unlike any other. Contact our team to explore your options for travelling China today!
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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