From remote mountain trails to cultural hidden gems, we design seamless, small-group adventures that combine exploration, and authentic local experiences.

Explore 11 Expeditions in China with Shambhala

January

Northeast China

Learn more

Late March

The Tea Route

Learn more

April

Ethnic China

Learn more

May

Wild West I

Learn more

Late June

Duku Highway

Learn more

July

Mongol Crusades

Learn more

August

Wild West II

Learn more

September

Western Tibet

Learn more

October

Trans- Taklamakan

Learn more

November

Silk Road Frontier

Learn more

All Year Long

China Digital Economy

Learn more
A man in winter clothing, wearing sunglasses and a fur-lined hood, stands outdoors in snowy weather.
Contact us

Bespoke Expeditions

Create your own adventure here.

Contact us

Why travel with Shambhala Expeditions

You're not just booking a trip – you're joining the Shambhala Circle and embarking on a journey that will change your perspective on travel to China forever.

Icon of four stacked layers or sheets.

Expertly Curated Adventure Routes

Explore China’s most breathtaking and off-the-beaten-path destinations, from Yunnan’s misty mountains to Xinjiang’s desert landscapes. Each route is crafted by experienced local and expat explorers to deliver the perfect mix of thrill, culture, and discovery.

Map pin icon on a black background

Authentic Local Experiences

Go beyond the tourist spots and connect with China’s true heart. Meet local communities, taste regional cuisines, and uncover traditions most travelers never get to see — guided by bilingual experts who know the country inside out.

Icon of a camera with a simple outline in black and white.

Hassle-Free Travel for Expats

We take care of everything — permits, transport, accommodation, and local logistics — so you can focus on the adventure. Designed with expats in mind, our trips remove the language and planning barriers that often make travel in China challenging.

White outlined heart on a black background.

Safety and Comfort Guaranteed

Adventure with confidence. We provide reliable transportation, quality accommodations, and 24/7 English-speaking support to ensure every journey is both exciting and secure.

A geometric maze-like pattern in dark blue on a black background.
Discover our story

What our Expeditioners are saying

Hear directly from our Expeditioners about how they found their travel families, said YES to adventure, and became part of the Shambhala Circle.

“A perfect blend of thrill and comfort. The Yunnan trekking route was superbly organised, permits, transfers and local guides all handled flawlessly. Felt safe the whole time and got to see places I’d never find on my own.”

Emma, 🇫🇷 France

A woman with dark, shoulder-length hair, smiling, sitting on a striped blanket on a beige sofa, wearing a black fuzzy top, white pants, jewelry, and barefoot.

“Amazing cultural stops and authentic food experiences. The guides were bilingual and really connected us with local families. Would love a slightly slower pace on day 3, but overall an unforgettable trip.”

Marco, 🇮🇹 Italy

A young man with a beard and mustache wearing a black cap and black shirt, standing outdoors in front of a building with horizontal blinds.

“Great value for adventurous well planned and very responsive team support. Minor transport delay on arrival but the team handled it quickly. Highly recommend for anyone wanting off-the-beaten-path in China.”

Travis, 🇺🇸 USA

A young man with a beard and mustache smiling outdoors during sunset, wearing a dark baseball cap backward and a dark gray t-shirt with a pink Superman logo.

“Booked a weekend river-rafting escape and it exceeded expectations. Smooth logistics, professional guides, and comfy lodgings at night, perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation.”

Aisha, 🇧🇷 Brazil

A young woman with long wavy hair, wearing hoop earrings, and a floral patterned shirt with the number 50 on it, standing against a brick wall.
Join the circle
A black and white maze design with a central loop and surrounding pathways, created with bold lines on a black background.
Man in black winter coat, wearing sunglasses and an ushanka hat with fur, standing outdoors in snowy environment.

FAQ — Your Questions, Answered

Planning an adventure in China can feel overwhelming. We’ve gathered the most common questions from our expat travelers to help you plan with confidence and ease.

Mountain landscape with a monastery, surrounded by trees, rocks, and prayer flags.
  • Our routes are designed by experienced local and expat explorers who know China beyond the guidebooks. Each trip combines breathtaking landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and smooth logistics — crafted specifically for the expat community.

  • Not at all! All our tours are led by bilingual guides fluent in English and Mandarin. We handle all local communication so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

  • Yes — we manage all necessary travel permits, local transport, and accommodation arrangements. You just show up ready to explore.

  • Absolutely! Many of our guests are solo expats looking to meet like-minded adventurers. We keep group sizes small to maintain a friendly, community feel.

  • We’ll send a detailed packing list before your departure, customized for your route and season. Generally, comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, and a sense of adventure are a must!

check our full faq
A decorative emblem with a complex geometric pattern in shades of blue, resembling a maze or labyrinth, enclosed within a hexagon outline.

Join the Shambhala Circle

Join our Shambhala Expeditions newsletter to never miss an update and get exclusive access to:

  • 📣 Early bird prices

  • 🤫 Exclusive Expedition launches only for newsletter members

  • 🗺️ Insider travel tips

A scenic landscape of a river flowing through green fields and small houses, with limestone karst mountains in the background during sunset.
Shambala Expeditions logo with a geometric mountain design in black and white.

Get in Touch

Got a question about one of our expeditions, or just want to say hi?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another adventure, our team is here to help with routes, dates, and details.

Drop us a message below — we’ll get back to you soon!

A man in winter gear, wearing a fur-lined hood, sunglasses, and a black jacket, standing outside in a snowy landscape.
Green WhatsApp chat button with white text and icon