If you are interested in the culture and history of Asian countries while also seeking a leisurely tropical beach vacation, then China and Bali offer an ideal combination. It is also very convenient to travel between these two countries.
Read on to find tips on how to plan your itinerary, costings, choosing the right time to go, and more.
Content Preview
How Long to Spend in China and Bali
A trip combining both China and Bali would typically require 2–3 weeks. Given China's vastness and diverse travel offerings, you could spend 1–2 weeks exploring the highlights of the country.
One week in China gives you time to see the must-see cities of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai and learn about China's traditions and modernity, covering the most renowned Chinese landmarks that you are probably familiar with.
You could spend another week exploring one or two other China destinations according to your interests, such as Chengdu for pandas or Guilin or Zhangjiajie for nature.
Bali, on the other hand, generally takes about 1 week to take in its key attractions and enjoy some relaxing beach time. We recommend including the southern beach area and the central region, which boasts waterfalls, ethnic villages, and the culture-filled town of Ubud. If your goal is simply to have some beach time, a 3–4-day stay would be ample.
Itinerary Suggestions
We offer two itinerary ideas for you to consider: one is a comprehensive 3-week journey and the other is a more basic 2-week itinerary.
1. 3-Week China and Bali Itinerary
| Day | City | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Beijing | Arrival and rest |
| Days 2–4 | Beijing | Explore the Great Wall, historical sites, and hutongs. |
| Days 5–7 | Xi'an | Visit the Terracotta Army and go on a food tour. |
| Days 8–10 | Chengdu | Visit the pandas and museums. |
| Day 11–12 | Shanghai | Go on a walking tour of the Bund and enjoy some free time. |
| Day 13 | Fly to Bali | N/A |
| Days 14–21 | Bali | Enjoy the beaches, Hindu temples, water rafting, night markets, and some local farming activities. |
In Beijing, explore the less-crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. If you have something special to celebrate, we would specially prepare a Great Wall picnic for you with wine, cakes, etc.
To help you learn more about the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912) when visiting the Forbidden City, your local guide would take you to some hidden halls to unlock secrets of China's royal family.
In Xi'an, we would arrange a special handicraft experience when visiting the Terracotta Army: you could make your own mini terracotta warrior as a souvenir. During the process, you would learn more about the making and preservation of the Terracotta Warriors.
In Bali, to experience the essence of the local culture, visit Uluwatu Temple and witness a traditional Kecak dance there. To learn about Balinese rural life, go to a traditional farming village, where you could also try some local farming activities.
For nature lovers, Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is a must with giant nutmeg trees and hundreds of macaque monkeys. Beach time is definitely a must on Bali. Seminyak and Nusa Dua are two recommended beach areas. Both have excellent resort choices. If you want to enjoy a quieter vibe, choose Seminyak Beach. If you're looking for various water activities, Nusa Dua is more suitable.
2. 2 Weeks in China and Bali
| Day | City | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Beijing | Arrival and rest |
| Days 2–4 | Beijing | Visit iconic buildings. |
| Days 5–6 | Xi'an | Explore the Terracotta Army and other historical buildings. |
| Day 7 | Shanghai | A city day tour |
| Day 8 | Fly to Bali | N/A |
| Days 9–14 | Bali | Enjoy beaches, a sunset cruise, and water activities. |
This itinerary focuses on the essence of each country.
In China, have a relaxing walk along the Great Wall and see the other highlights. For a more local experience, we could arrange a visit to a hutong family, where you could get a deeper understanding of the lives of the local Beijingers.
In Shanghai, embark on a deeply insightful cultural walk along the Bund. Step inside the old colonial architecture, and feel the charm of Shanghai's tradition and modernity as you witness the contrast between its modern skyline and old buildings along the Bund.
If you want to enjoy a more leisurely time in Bali, you could mainly focus on its beaches. Go on a sunset cruise at Jimbaran Beach and enjoy some quiet time at a high-end resort.
Feel free to contact us if you want to plan a trip to Bali and China. We would create a tailor-made trip based on your interests and requirements.
Costs
A China and Bali private tour costs about US$200–250 per day per person, including airfares between China and Bali, domestic transfers, 4- or 5-star hotels, lunches, attractions, and guides.
Therefore, a 2-week couple's trip may cost about US$5,500 to 7,000. A family trip with two adults and two kids would cost about US$10,000 to 12,000. (Kids under 10 get 30 to 50 percent off.) International airfares are not included.
The price gap between the low and high seasons isn't very wide. However, it's important to note that during certain major holidays, such as Christmas, hotel rates may surge by 50% to 100%.
To expand your choices, we suggest making your reservations 3 months ahead of your planned date.
When booking with us, you would receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to 3 weeks before departure (to read more about this, see our cancellation policy).
Best Times to Visit China and Bali
The best times to visit China are from March to May and from September to November. The best time to visit Bali is from May to October.
If you can't go during the best times for both of these countries (May, September, and October), we recommend making Bali a priority as the weather has a greater impact on beach activities. The weather has less of an impact when visiting China, especially in cities dominated by cultural attractions.
Bali's rainy season is from November to April. Some water activities might be affected, but many resorts have good discounted rates.
How to Travel Between China and Bali
Taking a flight is the most convenient and popular way to travel between China and Bali. Cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Xiamen in China have direct flights to Bali, with a flight duration of approximately 5 to 6 hours.
For the most relaxing tour plan, we recommend starting your journey in China and then heading to Bali to experience cultural exploration first and then enjoy some beach time to end your vacation.
Visa Requirements
For Bali: Bali is visa-free to 169 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
For China: Applying for a tourist visa (L visa) is needed for most countries. See the requirements for visa applications (for the USA) here. We would provide the invitation letter that you would need for a tourist visa application when booking a tour with us.
Tour China and Bali with Us
Feel free to contact us to create your ideal trip. We would customize your itinerary to encompass your desired mix of cultural and recreational activities, and we'd take care of accommodation, transportation, transfers, and other logistical arrangements to eliminate any hassles, allowing you to focus on enjoying a truly satisfying travel experience.