Tour-to-China (TtoC) is a small travel service company focused on serving people with average incomes, dedicated to making trips across China affordable for this group. We sincerely hope every traveler who chooses TtoC can experience our attentive and thoughtful service.

China is not only home to prosperous cities but also vast rural regions. You can explore the allure of cities, and also enjoy unique experiences only the countryside can offer. Many travelers are curious about the differences between Chinese and overseas rural life and are eager to explore them firsthand. Therefore, they have expressed their desire to travel to rural areas to us. Meeting travelers' real travel needs has always been our core business pursuit.

For this reason, we have developed a dedicated product — the Rural Tourism Model. This is a specialized travel offering designed to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of rural life in China.

The rural tourism model refers to a way of travel that relies on distinctive regional resources such as original village landscapes, traditional customs, natural resources and everyday rural life across various locations to plan itineraries in accordance with local conditions. Through this model, travelers can immerse themselves in authentic countryside experiences, including local scenery, traditional festivals, farmhouse cuisine, farming activities and rural markets.

As rural areas vary greatly from region to region, there is no single standard for this type of product. Experiences may differ depending on the distribution of local tourism resources. Although this model differs from city-based travel, it does not mean a compromised experience — on the contrary, it often brings unexpected delights.

It should be noted that rural areas are naturally different from cities. Accommodation, transportation and dining arrangements may not meet the comfort standards of urban travel services. Therefore, if you choose this rural travel option, please be mentally prepared for a noticeable difference in comfort level compared with city tours.

In addition to the Rural Tourism Model, we offer a range of other travel service options to suit different needs. If this model does not match your preferences, you may refer to the following alternatives.

Tourism Service Model 1: Fixed Itinerary Tours

Tourism Service Model 2: Name-Your-Price Model 

Tourism Service Model 3: Lowest Price Model 

Tourism Service Model 4: Free-Attraction Route Model 

Tourism Service Model 6: Fully Customized Travel Model

Tourism Service Model 7: Assisted Guidance Model 

Now let's take a closer look at the service process and offerings of the Rural Tourism Model.

Passport Requirements

Before starting your trip to China, the first thing to check is whether you already have a valid passport. For first-time international travelers, getting a passport is the starting point of the entire journey.

If you do not yet have a passport, you will generally need to prepare a valid form of identification and apply through the passport authority in your country. The specific process and required documents may vary, so it is recommended to check the official guidelines in advance and allow enough time for processing.

If you already have a passport, there is no need to apply again. However, it is still important to review its status before your trip. Make sure it remains valid for at least six months, has sufficient blank pages for visas and entry stamps, and is in good condition without any damage or irregularities.

A passport is a long-term travel document and can be used for multiple trips within its validity period, so it does not need to be renewed for every journey. That said, as it is essential for international travel, you should keep it safe and consider having a digital or printed copy as a backup.

Itinerary Planning

The rural areas across China's north, south, east, west and central regions each have their own unique characteristics. Therefore, before designing your itinerary, we first need to understand which region you are interested in visiting. If you already have a preferred destination, we will build the travel plan directly around that area.

If you have not decided on a destination yet, we can also provide a selection of well-developed itineraries for you to browse and choose from, helping you better understand the different rural travel experiences across China.

During the initial communication stage, we will also collect some basic information, including your travel dates, duration of stay, number of travelers, and any other specific requirements. Once these details are confirmed, we will provide a clear pricing structure and quotation based on your selected itinerary. The overall cost structure is transparent and easy to understand, allowing for better budget planning.

Throughout the planning and adjustment process, you are welcome to share your preferences at any time. We will further discuss and refine the itinerary together until the final travel plan and pricing are confirmed.

In general, payment is made after the visa application has been successfully approved. If the trip is ultimately not started, 5% of the total amount will be retained as a cancellation fee, and the remaining balance will be refunded.

Visa Application

Once your itinerary is confirmed, you can begin applying for your visa to China. A visa is a mandatory legal requirement for foreign travelers entering China, so it is advisable to plan ahead and allow sufficient processing time to avoid any disruption to your travel schedule.

Before submitting your application, you should first determine the appropriate visa type. For standard sightseeing trips, a tourist visa is typically sufficient. At the same time, please refer to the latest official requirements from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country or region and prepare all necessary documents in advance. These usually include a passport with sufficient validity, a completed visa application form, a standard passport photo, as well as supporting documents such as round-trip flight reservations, accommodation bookings, and a travel itinerary. Specific requirements may vary slightly by location, so it is strongly recommended that you check official guidelines beforehand and prepare accordingly.

During the application process, we will provide supporting assistance as needed, including officially formatted itineraries, invitation letters (if required) and other officially recognized materials, to help ensure a smooth submission.

Processing times may vary depending on your location, application period, and document review procedures. We recommend applying as early as possible and allowing ample time, especially during peak seasons, to ensure your overall travel plans proceed smoothly.

Flight Booking

You may begin arranging your flight booking while your visa application is in progress or after it has been approved. Once your itinerary is confirmed, your arrival city is usually determined as well. For travelers choosing the Rural Tourism Model, most destinations do not have direct international access. You will typically need to arrive in a nearby major city first, and then continue your journey by high-speed rail, domestic flights, or ground transportation. Therefore, when booking flights, it is important to align with your itinerary, prioritize entry cities that are closer to your destination with convenient connections, and consider factors such as travel dates, layovers, total flight time, and pricing within your budget.

Flight costs usually make up a significant portion of the overall budget. Round-trip tickets are generally recommended, as they are often more cost-effective and are also more easily accepted during visa review and immigration checks. As for arrival times, there is no need for concern. Transportation options such as taxis, ride-hailing services, and airport shuttle buses are typically available throughout the day and usually operate until the last arriving flight. Fares are regulated, so there is normally no significant surcharge for different time periods. And we also offer airport transfer services, which you may choose if needed.

During the booking process, please make sure that all personal details, including your name and passport information, are entered exactly as shown on your passport to avoid any issues with boarding or subsequent travel. It is also advisable to select tickets that allow changes or cancellations, in case of visa delays or itinerary adjustments, helping to minimize potential losses.

If you would like us to assist with flight booking, we will recommend suitable flight options based on your confirmed travel dates, destination, and specific requirements for your final confirmation. The flight cost and service fee will be included in the total package price. If you prefer to book your own flights, you may also entrust us with flight inquiries only, to avoid price discrepancies and additional airfare costs caused by information gaps.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is designed to address unexpected situations during your trip, such as delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and accidents, providing financial protection and contingency support throughout your journey. For this reason, we generally recommend that travelers arrange appropriate insurance before departure. For international travel in particular, insurance can offer essential protection and help avoid significant financial burden in case of unforeseen events.

In terms of coverage, it is advisable to prioritize key items such as medical expenses, personal accident coverage, and emergency medical assistance. These are especially important when traveling abroad and can effectively reduce risks in unexpected situations. Depending on your itinerary, you may also consider adding coverage for trip delays, cancellations, and baggage loss to better manage potential uncertainties. The scope of coverage and insured amount can be selected based on the duration of your trip, mode of travel, and individual needs.

For travelers choosing the Rural Tourism Model, insurance becomes even more important. Some rural areas are relatively remote, and medical facilities may be less accessible compared to urban areas. In addition, itineraries may include farming activities, outdoor experiences, or extended transfers between locations. Therefore, it is recommended to choose insurance with broader coverage, including emergency assistance and medical evacuation services, to ensure timely support if needed.

When purchasing insurance, please ensure that the coverage period includes your entire stay in China, with an additional one to two days as a buffer in case of flight delays or itinerary changes. It is also important to carefully review the coverage details, exclusions, and claims procedures to ensure the policy meets your travel needs.

After arranging your insurance, we recommend keeping both digital and printed copies of your policy for easy access if required. If needed, we can also provide general guidance based on your itinerary to help you choose a suitable insurance plan.

Luggage Preparation

Preparing your luggage in advance according to your itinerary can greatly improve the comfort and convenience of your trip. It is recommended to consider your travel dates, length of stay, and the climate of your destination when packing, so as to avoid bringing too much or missing essential items.

As a general guide, you may include the following: your passport and visa documents, flight information and itinerary confirmation, clothing suitable for the local weather, basic medications and personal necessities, mobile phone and charging devices, as well as a reasonable amount of cash and payment methods such as bank cards or credit cards.

Clothing choices are closely related to your destination. In China, clothing needs vary significantly by season, and even within the same season, different regions may have noticeable temperature differences. For example, southern regions are usually milder in spring, while northern areas may still be quite cold. Our team will provide you with weather updates for your travel dates and destination, along with appropriate clothing suggestions to help you prepare accordingly. 

For travelers choosing the Rural Tourism Model, it is advisable to bring one or two extra warm layers to accommodate temperature changes. In addition, as rural areas may not have the same infrastructure as cities, and your itinerary may include farming activities, outdoor experiences, or countryside walking, it is recommended to bring suitable outdoor clothing and comfortable, durable footwear.

In terms of packing, it is generally advisable to bring appropriate clothing from home to avoid unnecessary expenses. However, there is no need for excessive concern if something is missing. Even in rural areas, basic clothing items are usually available for purchase nearby at reasonable prices for emergency use.

When packing, make sure to keep all important documents with you, including your passport, visa, flight details, and insurance policy, and store them in an easily accessible place. It is also recommended to keep digital copies, such as on your phone or in cloud storage, in case of loss or emergencies.

Before departure, please also check your airline’s baggage allowance, including weight and size limits, to avoid extra charges for oversized or overweight luggage. In addition, familiarize yourself with the regulations for carry-on and checked baggage, especially restrictions on liquids and electronic devices, to ensure a smooth security check. If you are unsure about any items, feel free to consult us at any time.

Payment Setup

Before your trip, it is recommended to become familiar with commonly used mobile payment platforms in China, such as WeChat Pay and Alipay. These applications are widely accepted across the country and cover most daily payment scenarios. You may download and explore their basic functions in advance, but full payment functionality typically requires identity verification after entry into China. This usually includes uploading passport information and providing an officially recognized valid entry record before the payment features can be fully activated.

In addition to payment apps, you may also wish to familiarize yourself with some commonly used daily applications, such as navigation tools, ride-hailing services, translation tools, basic communication apps, and social media platforms. These applications can be very helpful in daily travel and communication. However, there is no need to worry—if you are not familiar with them, we will also provide guidance after your arrival to help you get used to them quickly.

Although this trip is based on the Rural Tourism Model, mobile payment is highly developed in China, and most rural areas also support WeChat Pay and Alipay for everyday transactions, covering the majority of consumption needs.

However, compared to urban travel, cash is still used to a certain extent in rural areas, especially in small local shops or market settings. Therefore, it is also recommended to carry a reasonable amount of cash as a supplementary payment method to ensure a smoother travel experience.