Tailor-made trips for 2027 & 2028
Gay China Luxury Tours & Holidays
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
China, the only great civilization from the ancient world to have survived into the present day, offers travelers an unparalleled journey through its rich history, diverse landscapes, and modern luxury. Luxury China vacations are a captivating blend of ancient wonders and contemporary opulence, providing an unforgettable experience for those seeking both cultural depth and indulgent comforts.
China moves between landmarks built on an entirely different scale, from the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, and landscapes just as varied, from Himalayan peaks to the karst rivers of Yangshuo.
More about China
Hike along the Great Wall, one of the world’s most recognizable feats of engineering, or wander the Forbidden City in Beijing, home to nearly a thousand surviving imperial buildings. Nature lovers can explore the vivid rock formations of Zhangye Danxia National Park, or drift along the rivers of Yangshuo through bamboo forest and karst peak. China’s scenery ranges from Himalayan peaks to tranquil river valleys, offering endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation.
China luxury travel is not just about historical monuments and natural wonders—it’s also about embracing the country’s modern elegance. In cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong, travelers move between five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and design-led shopping districts.
Shanghai and Beijing each have a small, low-key LGBTQ+ social scene, concentrated around the French Concession and Sanlitun respectively, while Hong Kong’s community is considerably more visible, with its own Pride celebrations and a long-running gay bar scene around SoHo.
A private, fully tailored trip lets you move through the country’s regions at your own pace, with private guides and access to cultural sites arranged around you. Explore the scale of Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, take in the carved temples of the Yungang Grottoes, or cruise the Li River past karst peaks that have shaped Chinese painting for a thousand years, with every detail of service and accommodation arranged to suit you.
From dynastic history to cutting-edge urban life, a China vacation combines adventure, culture, and considerable comfort in equal measure. Whether you are exploring its cities or its rural landscapes, China offers a journey that stays with you long after you return home.
Trips in China
Our itineraries are here to inspire you. Everything we do is tailor-made, so our team will customise one around your dates, pace and preferences.
Classical China: Imperial Cities to the Li River
Tailor-made HolidayEmbark on an unparalleled journey through the heart of China, weaving through the bustling streets of Beijing and Shanghai, and venturing into the historic depths of Shaanxi and the breathtaking landscapes of Guangxi. This meticulously crafted itinerary is designed to immerse you in a blend of China's majestic wonders and its undisturbed natural beauty, offering a unique perspective on a nation where ancient history and rapid modernization converge.
11 days tailor-made from £2,500 per person View trip
China & Japan by Bullet Train: Beijing, Kyoto & Tokyo
Tailor-made HolidayChina and Japan make a brilliant two-country trip, particularly when you use their high-speed rail networks to cover some of the longer distances. Start in Beijing, then travel by high-speed train to Xi’an, swapping the capital for the Terracotta Warriors without losing most of a day to airports. After Shanghai, fly across to Japan and continue through Kyoto and Tokyo, with the final journey aboard the Shinkansen. The trains are part of the appeal.
14 days tailor-made from £7,245 per person View trip
China and Vietnam: Great Wall to Halong Bay
Tailor-made HolidayEmbark on an unforgettable journey that begins in the historical heart of China, Beijing. Here, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, from the awe-inspiring Great Wall to the imperial majesty of the Forbidden City. Each step in Beijing offers a deep dive into the country's ancient history and vibrant modern life.
12 days tailor-made from £2,795 per person View trip
China’s Emeishan Hiking Adventure
Tailor-made HolidayEmbark on a captivating four-day hiking journey that begins in the majestic city of Leshan, home to the awe-inspiring Giant Buddha sculpted into the mountainside, a testament to ancient craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. This adventure invites you to explore the UNESCO Heritage site of Emeishan, a beacon of cultural richness and natural beauty, offering an unparalleled experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in China's profound heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
4 days tailor-made from £975 per person View tripStellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
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China in pictures
Is China LGBTQ+ friendly?
In China, same-sex relationships are legal, workplace protections cover sexual orientation and gender identity and legal gender changes are permitted. Equaldex gives China an Equality Index of 56 out of 100.
Source: Equaldex, checked 3 October 2026.
China is a quiet destination for LGBTQ+ travelers rather than an unwelcoming one. Same-sex relations have been legal since 1997, and Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen have small social scenes of bars and clubs, but public visibility is limited and LGBTQ+ events and content are often restricted.
For visitors, that mostly means a low-key, private experience. International and luxury hotels are used to international couples sharing a room, and public affection between any couple is uncommon in China, so most same-sex couples simply keep it for the hotel.
There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples. We plan China with private guides and hotels that welcome same-sex couples, and can add Taiwan, where the scene is far more open.
Travel Guides in China
Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Countries in Asia: Thailand, Taiwan, Japan & More
Gay travel in Asia is a story of contrasts. Thailand now has marriage equality and one of the region’s most visible LGBTQ+ travel scenes. Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019. Yet in Japan, where Tokyo has one of the world’s largest concentrations of gay bars, same-sex couples still cannot marry nationally.
Read
A City Guide to Hong Kong
Twelve hours later, or was it thirteen whatever, it was a long haul flight. But I'm reminded by my neighbour that it's another 12 hours to New Zealand where they were off to, so I feel lucky I guess. Still, I feel exhausted before I've even gotten off the plane. The air outside the airport, the big airport, is no reprieve either.
Read
Luxury Travel Experiences in Asia You Haven’t Heard Of
Asia is packed with luxury travel opportunities, but beyond the well-known hotspots lies a world of exclusive, offbeat experiences. From soaring above Bhutan’s mystical valleys by helicopter to soaking in private onsen baths at hidden ryokans in Japan. Whether it’s exploring Taiwan’s centuries-old tea culture in boutique mountain retreats or sleeping in a luxury tented camp in Thailand’s jungles, these handpicked experiences offer a fresh perspective on luxury travel in Asia.
ReadPlanning a Trip to China
General information
China is a wonderful country, with a rich heritage and a genuinely distinct culture. Your trip is likely to start in the capital city, Beijing. Here you will find a booming metropolis, so prepare yourself for busy streets. The city is home to many iconic sites, including the Bird’s Nest stadium, built for the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
In China, you’ll find the new intertwined with the old. Visit the Gulou, the famous drum tower which originally served for musical purposes; it was then used as a timepiece time during the Ming period, drumming without fail every hour. Head to the Zhonglou, the bell tower just opposite the drum tower. Both will give you a glimpse of old world Beijing.
The next place on your trip should be Xi’an, where you can see the famous terracotta warriors.
Last but definitely not least is Shanghai. Its modern and vibrant atmosphere will end your trip on the highest of highs. Known for its luxury hotels offering impeccable service, you will see evidence of China’s vast economic growth wherever you look.
China LGBTQ+ rights
China is a quiet destination for LGBTQ+ travelers rather than an unwelcoming one. Same-sex relations have been legal since 1997, and Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen have small social scenes of bars and clubs, but public visibility is limited and LGBTQ+ events and content are often restricted.
For visitors, that mostly means a low-key, private experience. International and luxury hotels are used to international couples sharing a room, and public affection between any couple is uncommon in China, so most same-sex couples simply keep it for the hotel.
There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples. We plan China with private guides and hotels that welcome same-sex couples, and can add Taiwan, where the scene is far more open.
What Everyone Does In China
Beijing is always the best place to start. Head to the Forbidden City, home to China’s largest collection of preserved ancient buildings.
History matters deeply in Chinese culture, and a civilization four thousand years old gives you a great deal of it to take in.
What Some People Do In China
Take a trip to Hong Kong, a former British colony and now a special administrative region.
Expect a recognizably Chinese culture with considerably more freedom of expression, alongside a visible, well-established LGBTQ+ community with its own Pride celebrations.
What No One Does In China
Head to Inner Mongolia and see the famous site of Xanadu, the pleasure palace built by Kubla Khan where Aleph the Sacred River ran. See if you can separate the facts from the myths.
Getting to China
China has a wide range of international airports including Beijing and Shanghai which are well connected both internationally and in the region.
Tell us how you like to travel. We will shape the trip around it.
How long you want to be away, how much you want to move, and what you would rather leave out entirely.
Frequently asked questions
About China
Is China LGBTQ+ friendly?
In China, same-sex relationships are legal, workplace protections cover sexual orientation and gender identity and legal gender changes are permitted. Equaldex gives China an Equality Index of 56 out of 100.
When is the best time to visit China?
April and May and September and October are the best times to visit most of China, with mild temperatures (around 15–25°C) and clearer skies for Beijing, the Great Wall, Xi'an and the Yangtze; the first week of October is a national holiday and very busy. June to August is hot, humid and rainy in much of the country, while December to February is cold in the north, quieter, and mild in the far south.
Can my trip to China be tailor-made?
Yes. Everything we plan is tailor-made. Our suggested China itineraries are starting points: your specialist shapes the route, the hotels, the pace and the length around your dates and preferences. As a guide, our suggested China itineraries run from 4 to 14 days.
Travelling with Out Of Office
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.