Great Wall, Beijing

China Tours from San Francisco

San Francisco has a population with over 20% ethnic Chinese residents. Even without setting foot in China, visitors can catch glimpses of Chinese culture right in the city. You may have encountered traditional Chinese architecture in San Francisco’s Chinatown or tasted authentic Chinese delicacies such as Peking duck and dumplings. Yet these fleeting impressions merely scratch the surface of China’s profound charm. A dedicated journey to China will unfold countless unexpected delights and immersive experiences for you.

Traveling from San Francisco to China is relatively convenient, with daily non-stop flights operating from San Francisco International Airport to Beijing and Shanghai. The one-way flight duration ranges from 12 to 14 hours. Nevertheless, crafting a China tour can be remarkably challenging. Endowed with a time-honored history, diverse ethnic cultures and breathtaking natural scenery, China features countless top-tier attractions and vibrant cities. Selecting the finest highlights and arranging a reasonable schedule to maximize your travel experience requires substantial time and meticulous preparation.

As a locally based Chinese travel operator with over 30 years of industry expertise, we have curated a selection of premium China travel itineraries rooted in professional experience and authentic customer feedback. Our carefully crafted travel routes cover China’s most representative destinations: Beijing, the nation’s illustrious capital; Shanghai, a dynamic metropolis at the forefront of technological innovation; Xi’an, the renowned hometown of the Terracotta Army; and the idyllic scenic areas of Guilin and Yangshuo. Furthermore, we provide fully personalized travel services. You are free to add any preferred destinations, and we will tailor a one-of-a-kind itinerary to match your travel expectations.

Things to Know When Planning a China Tour from San Francisco

How to travel from San Francisco to China?

San Francisco International Airport offers non-stop flights to four major Chinese cities: Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Wuhan. Flights to Shanghai and Beijing run with the highest frequency on a daily basis. The latest flight schedule details are listed below:
Routes Flight Information
San Francisco International Airport → Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Monday, Thursday, Saturday: 3 flights daily


MU590 12:00/17:00
UA857 13:30/17:25
CA7210 13:30/17:25
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: 2 flights daily
UA857 13:30/17:25
CA7210 13:30/17:25
San Francisco International Airport → Beijing Capital International Airport

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday:  1 flight daily


UA888 10:45/15:25
Wednesday, Saturday: 2 flights daily
CA986 13:00/18:15
UA888 10:45/15:25
San Francisco International Airport → Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Wednesday, Sunday: 1 flight daily CZ658 00:35/06:20
San Francisco International Airport → Wuhan Tianhe International Airport Tuesday, Friday: 1 flight daily CZ660 00:35/06:00

Notes: All departure and arrival times shown above are local time.

Do I need a visa to travel from San Francisco to China?

Yes, travelers from San Francisco are required to obtain a Chinese tourist visa, which can be applied for at the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco. The essential application materials include a passport valid for no less than six months with a minimum of two blank visa pages, a recently taken white-background passport photo, and a fully completed visa application form. It is strongly advised to submit your visa application at least one month prior to your departure date.

If your travel itinerary is within 10 days, you may opt for China’s 240-hour transit visa exemption policy by transferring via a third country or region, offering a more convenient travel arrangement.

What food can I expect travelling from San Francisco to China?

In San Francisco, Chinese restaurants often artfully tailor their dishes to local palates, making generous use of sweet-and-sour sauces and deep-fried creations. Yet on your trip through China, you will step into a dazzlingly diverse world of authentic flavors. Brace yourself for the fiery thrill of Chongqing hot pot, where blistering chili oil and numbing Sichuan peppercorns weave together. Travel south to Guangzhou, and you’ll encounter the refined elegance of Cantonese cuisine: light, refreshing, and devoted to celebrating the pure, natural essence of every ingredient. In Xi’an, the experience shifts dramatically. The streets are steeped in irresistible aromas, cumin-dusted lamb skewers sizzle over glowing charcoal, and the Chinese hamburger - a tender, juicy meat-filled flatbread - is nothing short of mouthwatering.

What are the must-sees for my China tour from San Francisco?

Unlike San Francisco’s beautiful natural landscapes and coastline, a trip to China reveals far more of its profound historical heritage. You can visit Beijing to see the 600-year-old imperial palace and the Great Wall winding like a giant dragon, go to Xi’an to witness the underground army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, from over 2,000 years ago, and explore Sanxingdui near Chengdu, where you’ll discover a mysterious ancient Shu civilization dating back more than 3,000 years and marvel at the breathtaking bronze masks and the sacred tree.

The trip length varies according to the number of destinations on your itinerary. A classic 7-to-10-day tour covers 2 to 3 core cities. For an in-depth exploration of China’s most iconic scenic and urban highlights, a trip of over 20 days is highly recommended.