china travel 2024

Rachel Meets China

Traveling to China? 50 Things To Know in 2024

Planning a trip to China in 2024? Now is the perfect time to travel to China since many countries have a Visa-Free travel policy to China in 2024.

China has something to offer for every interest, whether it’s visiting cultural and historical sites, perusing local food markets, going on hikes through breathtaking natural scenery, or experiencing the megacities and nightlife.

However, organizing a trip to China can be more difficult than planning a trip to other parts of the world. There are a number of things to consider, such as the language barrier, applying for a visa, itinerary planning, packing, currency exchanges, ticket booking, and getting used to local customs. But don’t worry—I’m here to help!

Since 2015, I’ve been an expat living in China, and I am currently based in Beijing. I’ve visited more than 25 different parts of China on my travels, and I also stayed in China during the COVID period. From navigating the language barrier to understanding cultural norms, my experiences in China have given me valuable insights that can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these tips will help you make the most of your time in this fascinating country. Here are 50 things you should know before traveling to China in 2024. 

Tourism in China & COVID Policies in 2024

Technology & apps, planning a trip to china, booking tickets, money & paying for things in china, chinese language tips.

• Packing for China

Eating and Drinking in China

Other tips for traveling in china.

1. China is open for tourists! For 3 years tourist visas were not issued because of COVID, but it was announced that China will resume issuing all types of visas for foreigners including the tourism visa, port visa, and multiple visa-exemption policies starting from March 15, 2023.

Note: Foreigners who plan to travel to China in the near future are suggested to consult with their local embassies or consulates for more information.

2. China also offers a visa-free transit, which many people may not know about. The visa-free transit policy in China, offering 24-, 72- and 144-hour periods of visa-free transit officially resumed in January 2023. This means you could have up to 6 days in China without a visa! Note: This option is not available to all passports and countries. Check the latest and detailed information with the Chinese embassy of your country.

3. Since January 8, 2023, there is NO more quarantine when arriving in China!

4. China Visa-Free Travel: China  earlier announced visa-free entry  for citizens of some countries including:

• the Netherlands

China has also announced a 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of six additional European countries: Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

Check with your country’s embassy for more details.

5. Masks: When outside in public in China, masks are not always required, and more people are not wearing masks now. However, in certain places, such as official public attractions and public transportation like subways, planes, and trains they are still worn.  It is not as strictly enforced as it used to be, but you should have masks with you for flying into China, and in case you need to wear one elsewhere.

6. Download a VPN (Virtual Private Network) before you fly to China. In China, the Great Firewall is very real. Google and Google-based apps and other websites are blocked, as well as social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, and so on.

It’s best to download one onto your phone and computer in advance, as once you arrive it’s tricky (but not impossible) to do. I used Express VPN for several years, but switched to Astrill in recent years because it has I feel it works more consistently.

Click here to sign up for Astrill

7. Bring an unlocked phone if you want to use a Chinese SIM card during your trip. I would highly recommend getting a Chinese SIM card. This way you can access internet wherever you are and if you need help. Also, many public places that offer WiFi require a SMS verification. It just makes things more convenient to have access to things. You could buy a SIM card in advance on Amazon, or even buy one in most airports when you arrive.

8. Download WeChat, China’s top social media app. It’s more than just a media app for messaging friends and sharing updates, it’s also used for booking train tickets and movie tickets, sending money to friends, sharing locations and maps, and using a plethora of other mini-apps within the app. It’s like Facebook, What’s App, Venmo, and more all rolled into one. It’s recommended to download before you arrive, as it will ease communication with drivers, tour guides, new friends, and other people you meet here.

9. There are many other useful apps you should download before you come to China. Here are a few of my recommendations:

• A translation app like Pleco. Downloading an offline translation app is a good idea!
• CTrip for booking plane and train tickets, as well as hotels.
• A map app. I use Baidu Maps, which is in Chinese, but I find it more useful than Google Maps. Google Maps will work if you have a VPN on, but generally I find it less accurate.
• I also have a conversion app I use for calculating USD to RMB.
• If you have connected a bank card to WeChat or Alipay, you can use Didi (an app for calling taxis).

10. Avoid traveling during holidays in China, especially the two big holidays when most people are traveling.

The first holiday to avoid is Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, which is generally sometime between end of January through February, but the exact dates change every year because of the Lunar Calendar.

The second holiday to avoid is China National Day, which falls on October 1st every year. China National Day, officially the National Day of the People’s Republic of China, is annually celebrated on October 1st to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. This week is called “Golden Week”, as most people will have a holiday from October 1 – 7.

These are large human migration times in China, as people will have time off to go home to see their families or travel. It’s difficult to book train tickets during this time, and tourist destinations (especially Beijing) will be really crowded. Also, many shops and places will close during Spring Festival, depending on the city you’re in. So generally, it’s best to avoid these times.

11. Research Where To Travel.

China is a vast country with diverse regions and cultures, so research and planning ahead can help make the most of your trip. China’s big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an have so much to offer and you definitely must visit the Great Wall, the Bund, and the Terracotta Warriors. But also, China is a HUGE country with so much to see and there’s more to China than big cities! If you’re visiting for more than one week and have time to travel around more, I highly recommend visiting some mountains, smaller villages, or less traveled places.

Here are the top 10 cities that are usually visited in China:

• Beijing :  The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven
• Xi’an:  The Terracotta Warriors and the Muslim Quarter (the best food!)
• Shanghai:  The Bund and Nanjing Shopping Road
• Guilin and  Yangshuo :  Rafting and hiking in stunning mountains
• Hangzhou and Suzhou:  The West Lake and “Venice” of the East

Not sure where to go? Check out my post: Where To Travel In China: China Travel Quiz and Best Destinations To See .

12. As a foreigner, the best app to use to book trains, planes, and hotels is Ctrip. It accepts both Chinese and Western forms of payment, is in English, and offers great customer service. If you can read Chinese or are more familiar with Chinese apps, you can use the official booking apps, like 12306.

13. Try China’s high-speed rail system. It’s amazingly fast, convenient, and always punctual, and you don’t need as much time for security as you do for flying. It’s also just a cool way to see more of the countryside of China! You can also take an overnight sleeper train in China for long travels.

14. Check tourist attraction schedules in advance. Some tourist attractions might require booking in advance or have unusual hours or days when they are closed. For example, the Forbidden City requires booking a day in advance usually, and is closed on Mondays. Plan in advance so you don’t miss out on any attractions you want to see!

15. Consider if you want to travel with a tour group or book by yourself.

Depending on the type of trip you want, both options are fantastic and have unique advantages. Although I personally like to plan more of my own trips, in more remote locations it may be advantageous to join a tour group or hire a driver to make your travels more convenient.

I recently took a solo trip to the southern mountains in Chongzuo, Guangxi, where I needed to hire drivers since it was a more remote area. Read more: A Guide To Visiting Mingshi Scenic Area: Daxin, Chongzuo, Guangxi

There’s also some really cool specialty tour trips like Lost Plate Food Tours which will help you navigate a city and introduce you to the best local dishes. Lost Plate is an award winning food tour group in China and Asia that dive into local culture with excellent guides and incredible food. I’ve been on two of their tours in Beijing , and they were heavenly. They also do tours in Xi’an, Ningxia, Lijiang, Chengdu, and Suzhou.

If you want to  book a tour , use my code for a discount at checkout: RACHELMEETSCHINA

15. China is largely a cashless society now. Most people pay with WeChat or Alipay, which are apps on your phone that connect to your bank card. All around China you will see QR codes for mobile payment everywhere from taxis to restaurants, making it a very convenient way to pay.

You can now connect a foreign bank card to Alipay! Check out this guide to connect your card to Alipay. That being said, of course cash is still used and is always good to carry in case.

16. You can exchange your currency for Chinese yuan before you leave or after you arrive in China. I would recommend exchanging a small amount to start you off, then just withdrawing RMB from an ATM with a debit card, as it is usually cheaper than exchanging in your home country. It is best to stick with major banks such as the Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank, or HSBC. Be sure to check which cards are supported before you use the ATM.

17. Not everywhere will accept credit card, especially more local places. However, in bigger cities, some hotels, upscale restaurants, and foreign brand-name stores accept credit cards. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are all widely accepted in big cities in China. Check with your bank about the kinds of international fees you may incur.

18. You don’t need to tip in China! Unless you feel there is a particularly special reason to tip (like you had an amazing tour guide for your trip) there is no reason to tip and would be kind of weird and strange to staff.

19. There is no sales tax in China. The price you see at markets and stores is the price you pay. This also goes for restaurants, there is no additional tax at most places.

20. Haggling: I think it’s a common misconception that in China you will haggle for things all the time. Most stores, malls, and restaurants will have set prices for things, and in my daily life here in China I never haggle.

However, there are a few markets where it’s still possible to barter with store owners, like at the Pearl Market and the Silk Market in Beijing. This is becoming less common I feel, as most store owners will just have a set price with a label on the item.

Below is a video I made about some culture shocks I felt as an American coming to China. This may not be your experience if you are from a different country! But these might be helpful for you!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Weiss (@rachelmeetschina)

21. Carry your passport or a photocopy of your passport and visa pages with you. For many tourist attractions in China like the Forbidden City you’ll need your passport anyways, so it’s good to have on hand. If you’re just going out for the evening, I recommend keeping your passport in a safe place and just having a photocopy of your passport and visa.

22. Don’t forget to buy travel insurance for your trip.

23. It IS safe to solo travel in China. I’m often asked about solo travel, especially as a female traveler in China. Yes, the traffic and noise and culture shock can feel overwhelming or chaotic, but I feel very safe traveling by myself in both big cities and remote places. I’ve walked home late at night in Beijing too many times to count, and also take dozens of planes, trains, and buses by myself. Of course, you should always be cautious. Read more of my guide: Tips For Traveling Solo in China

24. Be aware of scams. Just like traveling anywhere, there are scams that can happen in China. Some common ones include tea house scams – where someone will “invite” you to a tea shop and then drop a huge bill on you. For those of you using dating apps like Tinder and Tantan in China, be aware of some catfishers or people who meet up and take you to a bar then also leave you with a bill. Another interesting scam is the Good Samaritan Scam . Just keep your wits about you.

25. When taking a taxi, make sure you go to an official taxi zone if you’re at the airport or train station. This ensures they are a legit service and will run the meter. I walk straight past the other people who call out for me (they might overcharge you, unless you can speak Chinese and can directly talk to them). If you’re in a smaller city, just be careful and still make sure they run the meter for you.

26. Print out your hotel confirmation in Chinese! This is a huge lifesaver to quickly show taxi drivers or other people to help you.

27. Try to learn some simple Chinese phrases for traveling and ordering food. China is a large country and on the whole there is a low percentage of people who speak English. However, in bigger cities at international shops and restaurants it’s far more likely you’ll meet people who speak some English or are fluent. And even in smaller cities I’ve met students and other people who can speak some English. But it’s still good as a traveler to learn a few phrases!

Even better: Learn a few phrases about your country or hometown to make a connection with people you meet. “Wo shi Meiguoren” (I am American) and “Wo laizi Dalasi” (I’m from Dallas) usually get me fun responses from Chinese people who love NBA. If you can’t speak a lot, smiling can go a long way.

28. Download a translation app to have on the ready. Pleco is a popular app, as well as Google Translate. Try to have an offline version downloaded, in case your phone dies or you don’t have service.

Also, Wechat and Google translate camera function will translate any written Chinese text for you, so you can take photos of menus. The Google translate voice to text function can really speed up conversations pretty well. Many foreigners often use these features to screenshot apps to translate options quickly. (Remember for Google you will need a VPN for it to work, so it’s not the most reliable option).

29. If you don’t speak any Chinese at all and you’re speaking to someone who doesn’t speak much English, speak very slowly, using as few words as possible and very simple words. This sounds like common sense, but I’ve seen some foreigners get frustrated and yell quickly at someone. You’re in their country; just be respectful, as they are another human being. People are usually very friendly in China and happy to help, even with language barriers. This is where you can also whip out WeChat, add them as a contact, and use the translation function to chat back and forth.

And if you speak more slowly, someone might be able to catch more of the words and get the gist of what you’re trying to communicate. A few Chinese used English loan words or they sound similar, like coffee (kafei), salad (shala), sofa (shafa), pizza (pisa), Coka cola (Kouke kele) and so on. This is not a hard and fast rule at all though, but sometimes works out in your favor.

Packing for China

30. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking in China!

31. Pack lots of layers! From Beijing in the north to Guangzhou in the south, China is such a large country and the weather may vary greatly depending on the season when you’re traveling. An umbrella or rain jacket and quick drying fabrics are a great idea.

32. This might be the most important tip I can share with you: be prepared for squatty toilets, and carry a pack of tissues or toilet paper with you everywhere!

Many places don’t stock toilet paper. Everyone just carries their own. Of course, hotels, nicer restaurants, and malls will have their own toilet paper, and will usually have Western toilets. But many smaller cities and bus and train stations may not have Western toilets at all.

33. Other good things to pack for China: Specific toiletries, medicine, vitamins, hand sanitizer, power convertor, sunscreen,  razors, snacks, band-aids, face masks, and feminine products.

34. Electrical Outlets and Plugs: China uses three associated plug types, types A, C and I. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins, plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type I is the plug which has three flat pins in a triangular pattern. China operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. Keep this in mind when bringing over your electronics, hair dryers, etc.

This photo below shows the common outlets you’ll see in China.

35. Battery Packs are a lifesaver! I never travel without one in China. In China, your mobile phone is your lifeline. It’s used for paying for things, booking taxis, using Translation apps, and so on. If your phone dies, you could be SOL. So, I recommend bringing one with you. In China, many public places will have battery pack systems as well that you can rent out and return to other locations.

36. China can be quite a loud and noisy place. It’s quite normal to see people chatting loudly on trains, buses, etc. Just be prepared and pack ear plugs and headphones in case you’re a light sleeper on trains and planes.

37. Forget something? No stress. In China you’ll find shops like Miniso, Watson’s, or WuMart that will have accessories, toiletries, lotions, hygiene products, laundry detergent, and other items on hand. Your hotel, hostel, or guide should be able to help you navigate and find shops for what you need, or even help you have it delivered to your hotel.

38. Do not drink the tap water in China. Most people will drink boiled hot water in China (everyone has kettles here) or will buy bottled water. The tap water is unfiltered and might make you sick.

39. Try the many diverse regional Chinese cuisines. Cuisine differs from province to province, and even city to city. Research the cities you plan to go to so you can learn about their specialties! It’s a treat to try the variety of Sichuan (spicy), Dongbei (rich and hearty), Cantonese (sweet), and other cuisines of China. Try all the Chinese food because it’s amazing!

Here’s a quick guide to 12 Popular Chinese Dishes & How To Order Them in China

40. Not sure where or what to eat? Look around at where locals are lined up or sitting.

My favorite meals in China aren’t the super fancy ones at hotels, but rather the local mom and pop shop in a small street. Local Chinese people will know the best places. It’s also fun to ask the waiter or owner of the shop what dishes they recommend. Also, you’ll commonly hear people eating loudly and slurping noodles, which is generally a compliment to the chef.

Like I mentioned before, a great way to explore local food is through a food tour! Once again, check out Lost Plate for a food-experience that will blow your mind.

If you want to  book a tour , make sure you use my code for a discount at checkout: RACHELMEETSCHINA

41. Traveling in China as a vegan or vegetarian can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

Copy or screenshot some phrases in Chinese to tell someone your dietary requirements. Some people and restaurants can be quite accommodating and nice. But also, don’t be surprised if somethings get lost in translation, or other items are cooking along with meat. There are more vegetarian and vegan restaurants now in larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. I recommend looking up specific city locations you’re going to.

42. There are many international food options in China.

If you’re worried about eating only Chinese food or just need a break for a meal, you can find KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and McDonald’s in most cities, as well as many other International cuisines.

Additionally, there are also restaurants that serve Korean, Japanese, Italian, and other international cuisines. However, I always recommended trying mostly local Chinese food as it’s a unique and integral part of the country’s culture and cuisine.

43. It is legal to drink on the streets and in public places in China. Convenience stores sell alcohol available at any time of the day so have fun BUT be responsible. Remember, as a foreigner it’s important to keep in mind you are in another country. Respect their rules (and having to deal with police is a huge hassle that may not lean at all in your favor).

44. Restaurant styles: family style or individual.

Some restaurants will serve food family style at a large round table, with many dishes ordered for everyone to share. Other restaurants are more casual, where you can order your own dish for yourself. If you’re invited to a nice dinner, the host or guest of honor will sit directly opposite of  the door.  Also, don’t stick your chopsticks standing up in your rice! This is a taboo and bad luck.

45. Carry some snacks  and comfort food with you. This is not only a good idea for long travel days on trains or buses, but also good if you’re a picky eater or have certain food requirements, or if you’re traveling with childen. In big cities you can find shops like 7/11 and Family Mart, and small cities also have convenience shops and grocery stores where you can pick up extra snacks, instant noodles, water, coffee, and other things.

47. Chinese people are so friendly and hospitable. Everywhere I’ve traveled I’ve met wonderful hotel owners, restaurant staff, and random people on the street. Sometimes you might get asked very direct questions, which is just part of their cultural language frame and also curiosity. For example, many taxi drivers often like to ask me if I have a boyfriend. And several years ago, upon finding out I was American, they liked to ask me about Trump.

46. Be mindful of pollution

InChina, pollution is a significant issue, particularly if you have respiratory health issues. If you have sensitivity to the air, try to avoid crowded areas or use a mask. Many people download an AQI app to check pollution, and carry a mask for it. Honestly, the pollution has gotten MUCH better in China than in the 2010s, but that bad reputation still carries through. There are, of course, some bad days, like in Beijing. But, don’t let that ruin your idea of China travel.

48. People might ask to take your photos. This often happens at famous tourist attractions like the Forbidden City and Great Wall, but also in many other settings. Mostly people want to be friendly to you as a foreigner, and think it’s fun to take a photo.

49. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and meet new people!

50. Embrace the adventure. There are many incredible experiences to have in China if you just lean in and say yes to what it sends your way!

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Thank you for all the hard work it obviously took to compose this! You’re Amazing!

STEVE SENICK

Thank you! Hope it is helpful for those traveling to China now!

Beautiful captures!

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China’s Travel Economy Is Slowly Coming Back. Here’s Where It Stands.

Over a year after China opened its borders following the pandemic, international trips are still lagging, although domestic travel is more popular.

By Tiffany May

Reporting from Hong Kong

Since China reopened its borders in 2023 after three years of Covid isolation, domestic travel has thrived and high-speed rail has grown increasingly popular. But international trips in and out of the country are lagging, and flight capacity is still just two-thirds of prepandemic levels.

The economic stakes are high. Before the pandemic, Chinese travelers were the world’s biggest spenders, accounting for 20 percent of global tourism spending, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

In the past year, the Chinese authorities have tried to spur more inbound travel. Among the changes: China has waived travel visas or agreed to extend the length of visa-free travel for visitors from eight countries, including Germany and France.

The main factor holding back international travel by Chinese will continue to be China’s economy. Growth has bounced back from the pandemic, but the weight of a severe real estate downturn has dampened consumer spending and confidence inside China. And global geopolitical tensions remain a wild card. China is engaged in trade disputes with the United States and Europe, home to many major multinational companies. As they think twice about their business in China, travel suffers.

Here’s what to know about the state of China’s travel economy.

Travel to China ground nearly to a halt in the pandemic. It won’t fully recover until 2025.

Throughout the pandemic, China enforced some of the strictest travel rules in the world. Overseas travelers who managed to enter the country sometimes had to quarantine at their own expense for as long as two months.

As of December, international flight capacity — essentially the number of available seats on flights coming from and going to China — was only 62 percent of what it was in December 2019, according to OAG, a flight data analytics firm. But domestic travel has picked up: Over the 3-day weekend at the end of last month, the number of those fliers exceeded prepandemic levels by nearly 10 percent.

At the start of last year, there were only about 500 international flights every week in China, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the aviation regulator. Now there are about 4,600, and that number is expected to increase to 6,000 by the end of the year — about 80 percent of prepandemic levels.

A big test will come next month during the spring festival around the Lunar New Year, typically a heavy travel period when millions of workers travel to their hometowns. Chinese airlines will schedule 2,500 additional international flights to accommodate spring festival visits, China’s aviation regulator said last week.

China’s transport officials said they expected 480 million rail trips to be made during a 40-day travel surge around the spring festival in the weeks before and after the Lunar New Year, a nearly 40 percent increase from last year.

High-speed rail has become a more popular way to travel within the country. China State Railway Group, the national rail operator, said rail trips exceeded 20 million at the start of the Golden Week holiday in October, a high, and the average daily number of passenger trips throughout the year exceeded 10 million.

Most analysts said they believed that the full recovery of international travel wouldn’t happen until 2025.

In a January research note, economists at Nomura, a Japanese bank, said the pace of the sector’s recovery would largely be determined by how much Chinese travelers were willing to spend. Pandemic-era problems like delays in issuing visas and passports that lasted through 2023 have been addressed.

“While supply-side constraints eased, the demand-side drag is now starting to kick in, and sizable headwinds remain for China’s outbound tourism recovery in 2024 and possibly 2025,” the Nomura economists wrote.

Applying for a visa and visiting China are a bit less complicated.

In December, China started allowing visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia and the Netherlands to travel for 15 days without visas, a change it said would last through November 2024. China’s National Immigration Administration said 147,000 visas had been granted in the first six and a half weeks of the program. China also reached agreements to make visa-free travel more accessible for tourists from Thailand and Singapore.

For Americans, visa applicants will no longer need to submit documents such as hotel booking records, an itinerary or an invitation letter. The authorities have also cut all visa application fees by 25 percent until the end of the year.

It has also gotten easier for foreigners to pay for things when visiting China. Last July, the main payment platforms, WeChat Pay and AliPay, said they would support foreign credit cards and allow visitors to pay like locals. China has moved away from paper money and coins , a trend that accelerated during the pandemic.

Flights between China and the United States have been only slowly restored. Before the pandemic, there were more than 300 flights every week between the two countries. That number was 36 a week in September and has gradually increased. In November, the countries agreed to increase flights to 70 a week.

Geopolitical tensions and reluctant Chinese travelers could derail the sector’s recovery.

The fraught Chinese-U.S. relationship will continue to lurk in the background of international travel to China.

The U.S. State Department maintains a “Level 3” travel alert on China, warning Americans to “reconsider travel” to the country because of “the risk of wrongful detentions,” among other reasons.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has its own travel notice, warning that travelers to the United States have been “harassed and interrogated” at the border with “various excuses,” and that Chinese citizens have been arbitrarily arrested and prosecuted.

The changing tastes and expendable income of Chinese travelers could shape how the travel economy’s recovery plays out.

“As Chinese households become more price-sensitive and rational, domestic tourism is more preferred, given that it usually takes less time and money,” said Ying Zhang of the Economist Intelligence Unit, a research business.

Tiffany May is a reporter based in Hong Kong, covering the politics, business and culture of the city and the broader region. More about Tiffany May

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CDC Yellow Book 2024

Author(s): Sarah Borwein, Kate Gaynor

Destination Overview

Infectious disease risks, environmental hazards & risks, safety & security, availability & quality of medical care.

China, the world’s most populous country (>1.4 billion people), is the fourth largest geographically, behind Russia, Canada, and the United States. Divided into 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 Special Administrative Regions ( Map 10-12 ), China is home to diverse customs, languages, and topographies. The climate varies from tropical in the south to subarctic in the north, with wide variations between regions and seasons.

The long history and varied natural beauty of China can be traced through its 56 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, the terracotta warriors of Xi’an, and the spectacular mountainous sanctuaries of the west. Recent additions include Quanzhou; Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan; Mount Fanjing in southwest China; the archeological ruins of Liangzhu City in the Yangtze River Delta; the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of the Bohai Gulf; the Tusi tribal domains in western China; and the Grand Canal, the oldest (dating back to 468 bce) and longest (1,115 miles; 1,794 km) man-made canal in the world.

In 2019, >145 million people visited China, and the number of outbound travelers reached nearly 155 million, 3 times more than in 2010. Tourism in China has grown at an extraordinary pace over the past decade, although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that began in 2020 has, as everywhere, drastically reduced both inbound and outbound travel. By early 2022, China’s borders remained effectively closed to international tourism; domestic travel, however, had rebounded sharply, reaching (or even exceeding) 2019 levels. Domestic travelers have been flocking to the usual tourist destinations, including sightseeing in Beijing and the Great Wall, touring Shanghai, cruising the Yangtze River, and visiting the Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) site in Anhui Province (see  Box 10-02 for a list of other popular tourist destinations).

Aside from tourism, increasing numbers of people travel to China to visit friends and relatives, to study, to adopt children, or to do humanitarian aid work. These non-tourist travelers might be at greater risk of becoming ill because they underestimate health hazards, are less likely to seek pretravel advice, and are more likely to stay in local or rural accommodations. People traveling to China to adopt often worry about the health of the child (see Sec. 7, Ch. 5, International Adoption ), sometimes neglecting their own health.

China has the world’s second largest economy and more billionaires (658) than any other country in the world. At the same time, per capita income is still below the world average, with wide disparity in wealth and development between the more urban east and the rural west. Health risks vary accordingly.

Map 10-12 China

View Larger Figure

Box 10-02 Popular tourist destinations in China

• GUILIN: uniquely shaped limestone karst mountains, featured in paintings
• HAINAN ISLAND: tropical beaches, luxury resorts
• HARBIN: spectacular annual winter ice festival
• HONG KONG: futuristic architecture, East-meets-West mystique
• MACAU: giant modern casinos contrast with a fascinating Portuguese heritage
• SICHUAN PROVINCE: home to China’s iconic symbol, the giant panda (for more details, see Box 10-03 )
• TIBET: accessible by the world’s highest railroad (maximum elevation 5,072 m; ≈16,600 ft)
• YUNNAN PROVINCE: attractions include the Stone Forest outside Kunming, the historic cobblestone city of Lijiang, the Shangri-La valley, and the Tiger Leaping Gorge
• ZHANGJIAJIE NATIONAL FOREST PARK (HUNAN PROVINCE): dizzying glass-bottomed canyon bridge, the tallest and longest glass bridge in the world; mountains inspired the setting for the movie Avatar

Travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccine. Travelers also should be current on vaccines against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, measles-mumps-rubella, and varicella. China began a massive measles vaccination campaign in September 2010 that has decreased the number of reported measles cases; a brief resurgence occurred during 2013–2015, but high measles vaccination coverage has resulted in historically low numbers of measles cases since 2017. Nonetheless, a few travelers made news headlines by triggering outbreaks in their home countries after returning from China. The reported incidence of rubella has fallen, but availability of data is patchy. Cases of pertussis and varicella occur regularly.

Vaccine Quality & Availability in China

China is making considerable advances in vaccine production, working with established pharmaceutical companies in a joint venture approach or by developing and manufacturing vaccines locally. One example is the recent introduction of the Sinovac-CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine produced by Sinovac Biotech Ltd., a Chinese biopharmaceutical company based in Beijing.

In the past, counterfeit and improperly stored vaccines were a major issue, but China has waged a robust response to recent vaccine scandals and these issues are now rare, at least in major urban areas. Vaccine shortages are, however, frequent. For example, meningococcal vaccines were in short supply in parts of China during 2017–2018, and as of late 2021, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for adults was not available anywhere on the mainland. Travelers should not assume they can complete an unfinished vaccination series once in China; thus, ensure that all travelers going to China are up to date with routine vaccination series before travel. By contrast, circumstances in Hong Kong are different; international vaccines are in use there and are generally available.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Hepatitis b.

Hepatitis B infection is endemic to China (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 8, Hepatitis B ). Nearly one-third of the 350 million people worldwide infected with the hepatitis B virus reside in China. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends hepatitis B vaccine for all US adults aged 19–59 years; hepatitis B vaccine should be considered for nonimmune travelers to China.

Enteric Infections & Diseases

Brucellosis.

Brucellosis occurs in pastoral areas of China, particularly the northwest. Travelers should strictly avoid raw or unpasteurized milk products and undercooked meat products (see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 3, Brucellosis ).

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is highly endemic in China and can be acquired by drinking untreated water, eating undercooked meats, or staying in areas with poor sanitation (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 10, Hepatitis E ). Pregnant people in their third trimester are at particular risk for severe disease. Because no routine vaccine is available, advise travelers to practice good hand hygiene and to adhere to safe food and water precautions (see Sec. 2, Ch. 8, Food & Water Precautions ).

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region borders Pakistan, a polio-endemic country. Adults traveling to this region who will be working in health care facilities, humanitarian aid settings, or refugee camps should be vaccinated against polio, including a single lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine as an adult (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 17, Poliomyelitis ).

Travelers’ Diarrhea

The risk for travelers’ diarrhea (see Sec. 2, Ch. 6, Travelers’ Diarrhea ) appears to be low in so-called “luxury” accommodations in China but moderate elsewhere. Travelers should adhere to safe food and water precautions, and strictly avoid undercooked fish and shellfish and (as noted previously) unpasteurized milk (see Sec. 2, Ch. 8, Food & Water Precautions ).

Other than in Hong Kong, tap water is not safe to drink, even in major cities. Most hotels provide boiled or bottled water, and bottled water is readily available.

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is not a significant risk in China’s major urban areas. Consider vaccinating travelers planning visits to rural areas, adventure travelers, and travelers visiting friends and relatives. Advise them to adhere to safe food and water precautions.

Respiratory Infections & Diseases

Coronavirus disease 2019.

Located in central China at the confluence of the Han and Yangtze rivers, Wuhan is a city of 11 million people and a major travel hub accessible by air, land, and water. On December 31, 2019, Chinese officials reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) an outbreak of unusual pneumonia cases linked to a seafood market there. The outbreak spread globally, and on March 11, 2020, WHO officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

In response to the outbreak, officials in China combined a swift and stringent lockdown of Wuhan and Hubei Province, with public health messaging, widespread testing, contact tracing, and isolation of all cases and quarantine of contacts. They also built several brand new, full-service COVID-19 hospitals within a matter of days, and established a network of fangcang (makeshift) hospitals in public venues (e.g., convention centers, sports stadiums).

Patients with mild illness were isolated in these newly established facilities, thereby reducing the risk of infecting household members. Confirmed or suspected cases were required to be seen at a small number of government- designated fever clinics. Indoor mask-wearing was strictly enforced. Tracking mobile phone applications assigned users a color-coded QR code based on their risk for infection. A green QR code became mandatory for entry into many facilities including stores, restaurants, and public transportation.

All travelers going to China should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines .

Tuberculosis

China remains moderately endemic for tuberculosis (TB). Travelers can become infected through exposure to a person with active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Consuming unpasteurized milk products poses a risk for infection with Mycobacterium bovis , another mycobacterium that can cause TB disease in people. For long-term travelers or travelers whose itineraries place them at increased risk for exposure, consider predeparture TB testing with retesting upon their return home. For more details, see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 22, Tuberculosis , and Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 23, . . . perspectives: Testing Travelers for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection .

Sexually Transmitted Infections & HIV

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis, are a growing problem in China, particularly along the booming eastern seaboard. Drug-resistant gonorrhea is increasingly prevalent. Make travelers aware of STI risks and the importance of using condoms when having sex with anyone whose HIV or STI status is unknown. As previously noted, travelers also should receive hepatitis B vaccination before travel.

Soil- & Waterborne Infections

Schistosomias & leptospirosis.

Although eradication programs have been quite successful, schistosomiasis (see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 20, Schistosomiasis ), primarily due to Schistosoma japonicum , continues to be reported in various areas, including the Yangtze and Mekong River basins. Advise travelers to avoid freshwater swimming, which also decreases their risk of contracting the bacterial illness, leptospirosis (Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 10).

Vectorborne Diseases

Chikungunya & dengue.

Chikungunya has been reported in China, but the level of risk is not well quantified. Dengue, however, is known to be a more significant health risk (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 4, Dengue ). In 2014, China experienced its worst dengue outbreak in decades; Guangdong province reported >40,000 cases in just 2 months. Dengue epidemics occur in China every 4–6 years, mostly in the southern provinces. Travelers should practice insect bite precautions during the summer months (see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods ).

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) occurs in all regions of China except Qinghai, Xinjiang, and Xizang (Tibet) (see Table 5-13). China has successfully reduced the incidence of JE through vaccination and, as of 2008, included JE in its expanded national immunization program; JE remains a potential threat to unvaccinated travelers, however.

Although JE season varies by region, most cases occur in local residents during June–October. In addition to season of travel, the risk to travelers depends on their activities, destination, and duration of stay. JE vaccine is recommended for travelers planning to spend ≥1 month in endemic (mainly rural) areas during June–October, when risk for transmission is greatest.

Consider vaccinating shorter-term travelers (<1 month) who plan to visit rural areas, and travelers at increased risk for JE virus exposure based on anticipated activities or itineraries (e.g., those spending substantial time outdoors or staying in accommodations without air conditioning, mosquito nets, or window screens). Sporadic JE cases have occurred on an unpredictable basis in short-term travelers, including in peri-urban Beijing and Shanghai. See Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 13, Japanese Encephalitis , for more detailed information.

In the 1940s, China reported >30 million cases of malaria per year. A 70-year eradication campaign progressively reduced numbers, and in 2021, WHO declared China malaria-free. Travelers should still follow insect bite precautions, however, because of the risk for infection with other vectorborne diseases (see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods ).

Plague outbreaks occur sporadically in the northern and southwestern areas of the country (see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 15, Plague ). Plague is rarely seen in tourists but is a risk to campers, hikers, hunters, spelunkers, and others exposed to wild rodents or flea-infested cats and dogs.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is present in northeastern parts of China and is a risk during March–November. Consider recommending TBE vaccination for travelers engaging in outdoor activities (e.g., camping, hiking) in endemic areas (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 23, Tick-Borne Encephalitis ). Even among vaccinated travelers, reinforce the importance of taking preventive measures (e.g., wearing long pants tucked into socks, using insect repellent, regularly checking for ticks).

Box 10-03 Visiting a giant panda reserve in Sichuan Province: health considerations for travelers

The giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) is China’s national emblem and one of its most iconic images. Native to south central China, the giant panda’s natural habitat has been greatly encroached upon and only a small number of these animals now exist in the wild, in remote areas where seeing them is almost impossible. In response, the Chinese government established over 60 giant panda reserves across southwestern China. Travel to Sichuan province to visit one or more of these habitats and to see the stunning scenery has become increasingly popular. In some locations, especially during the hot summer months, giant pandas spend much time inside, viewable only through glass. The Sichuan giant panda reserves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Located just 10 km (≈6 mi) north of the city of Chengdu, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a well-developed park.

In some reserves (including the Chengdu Research Base), visitors can get closer to the animals by joining a Panda Volunteer program. Participation in these programs is generally available only to adults and must be arranged and paid for in advance. Programs can vary from one day to one month in length and some might require participants to provide certification of good health. Opportunities to photograph the wildlife can be limited.

Animal bites

Sichuan Province has a large population of free-roaming dogs. Consider any dog bite a rabies risk. Because of the distance from definitive medical care, including postexposure prophylaxis, encourage travelers planning to visit Sichuan to consider rabies preexposure prophylaxis.

Despite their cute and cuddly appearance, giant pandas are wild animals with a very powerful bite. They can also be infected with rabies. Travelers should avoid any temptation to get close to giant pandas for a “selfie” or a hug.

Elevation & Terrain of Giant Panda Reserves

The terrain harboring the giant panda reserves is often rugged and at elevations ranging from 1,100 m (≈3,600 ft) to 4,400 m (≈14,400 ft). Advise tourists visiting reserves at high elevation to acclimatize slowly, and to consider carrying acetazolamide.

The region has many smaller reserves, some of which are peri-urban, others of which can be quite remote and require considerable travel or trekking, making them inaccessible to physically challenged or less physically fit travelers.

Road travel risks apply to these more remote reserves.

Travelers to less urban reserves should be prepared for remoteness and travel with a well-stocked travel health kit.

Food & Water Precautions and Sanitation

Travelers to Sichuan Province should follow safe food and water precautions.

Flush toilets are unlikely to be available.

Air Pollution

Rapid economic expansion and industrialization since 1978 has resulted in serious air pollution issues, along with water and soil contamination, that peaked in 2013. Regional haze triggered public anxiety and official concern, leading to the Air Pollution and Control Plan, which was implemented in 2013; subsequently a series of other initiatives to control soil, water, and plastic waste pollution began.

To tackle air pollution, China introduced several policies and measures targeted at reducing emissions and promoting alternative energy production. Increased use of natural gas and restrictions against burning coal are key to these plans. Other measures included closing highly polluting factories, moving factories farther away from population centers, afforestation projects (planting trees in areas where there had been no trees before), and promoting the use of electric vehicles. These measures have resulted in a dramatic reduction in air pollution, particularly in fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Once renowned for its toxic haze, Beijing is no longer among the 10 most polluted cities in the world. Nonetheless, pollution remains a problem in many parts of the country; and China still accounts for over half of the world’s 200 most polluted cities. In the spring of 2021, several large sandstorms originating in southern Mongolia blanketed eastern China in hazardous dust. These sandstorms are unpredictable and are likely to continue. Travelers can check 5-day air quality forecasts .

Short-term exposure to the levels of air pollution in China’s megacities can irritate the eyes and throat. Travelers with underlying cardiorespiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or congestive heart failure, might find their condition exacerbated. In addition, exposure to high levels of air pollution significantly increases the risk for upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including otitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Children and older people are most vulnerable.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical- style facemasks were fashionable in China’s large cities, especially Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai; facemasks provide wearers no protection from air pollution, however. Properly fitted N95 masks can filter out particulates and might be advisable for people determined to engage in outdoor exercise at times when air quality is very poor (see Sec. 4, Ch. 3, Air Quality & Ionizing Radiation ). Many facilities, particularly schools, have installed sophisticated central air-filtering devices and constructed enclosed sports venues.

Altitude Illness

Western China is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world. Some popular destinations are Xining (2,295 m; ≈7,500 ft), Lijiang (2,418 m; ≈7,900 ft), Shangri-La (3,280 m; ≈11,000 ft), and Lhasa (3,658 m; ≈12,000 ft). Preparation and gradual ascent to acclimatize are the mainstays travelers should follow to prevent the onset of altitude illness (see Sec. 4, Ch. 5, High Elevation Travel & Altitude Illness ).

Visitors planning high elevation travel whose itineraries do not permit gradual acclimatization— or people otherwise known to be at risk for developing acute mountain sickness (AMS)—should carry their own supply of acetazolamide, because it is not reliably available in China. Dexamethasone, used to both prevent and treat AMS and high-altitude cerebral edema, and to potentially prevent high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), reportedly is available in China. Similarly, nifedipine (as a prevention and treatment for HAPE) reportedly is available. The quality and ready availability of either of these drugs is unknown; thus, as with acetazolamide, travelers should carry a personal supply in a travel health kit.

Animal Bites & Rabies

An analysis of data collected by the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network showed that dog bites are surprisingly common among tourists to China. In addition, in China (as in much of Asia) rabies remains a serious problem. Animal rabies is endemic in China and might even be increasing, especially in the dog population. Thus, travelers should consider any dog or other mammal bite received anywhere in China, including urban areas, a high risk for rabies infection (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 18, Rabies ).

Because international-standard rabies immune globulin is often unavailable, animal bites can be trip-enders, requiring evacuation to Bangkok, Hong Kong, or home, to receive appropriate postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). Rabies is a particular risk for younger children, who are more likely to approach animals and less likely to report bites or scratches. Incorporate a discussion of rabies risk and prevention during pretravel consultations, and develop a strategy with travelers for dealing with possible exposures, including purchasing medical evacuation insurance coverage (see Sec. 6, Ch. 1, Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance ). Consider providing long-term travelers and expatriates going to live in China with the rabies preexposure vaccination series.

Human rabies deaths in China peaked at 3,300 cases in 2007 and decreased to 290 cases in 2019; the decline in human rabies deaths is mainly attributable to widespread use of PEP and public PEP awareness.

Natural Disasters

Five of the 10 deadliest natural disasters in history have occurred in China. In the last few decades, almost every type of major hazard except volcanic eruption has hit China, including cold waves, droughts, earthquakes, forest and grassland fires, hailstorms, heat waves, red tides, sandstorms, and torrential rains resulting in debris flows and landslides. Typhoons and storm surges occur regularly along the southern and eastern seaboards.

Earthquakes cause significant death and destruction. For instance, devastating earthquakes struck the western provinces of Qinghai in 2010 and Sichuan in 2019. Advise US citizen travelers to enroll with the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP; https://step.state.gov/step); STEP will provide travelers with information and alerts from local US embassies or consulates about disasters, safety, and security issues at their destination.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is a major issue in the northern provinces of China, where (despite the progress in reducing air pollution noted previously) smog blocks out sunlight, leading to inadequate vitamin D absorption even during the summer months. To decrease the risk of osteomalacia and osteoporosis in travelers spending >6 months in China, prescribe vitamin D supplementation.

Wet Markets

So-called “wet markets” are common throughout China, south Asia, and southeast Asia. The term wet market is a generic one, encompassing many types of marketplaces selling perishable goods; some sell only fruit and vegetables, but others sell live animals that are slaughtered on-site after purchase. Most do not sell wild or exotic animals, and the tendency to lump all wet markets together has fueled Sinophobia related to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The exotic animal trade has been banned in China, but smuggling of animals (e.g., pangolins) is highly profitable and difficult to control. A coordinated international response will be required to curb the exotic animal trade. Travelers should avoid visiting markets selling live animals because these have been linked with many zoonotic outbreaks, including monkeypox and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Avian influenza transmission is another reason for travelers to avoid live animal markets.

Rates of violent crime are low in China, but minor theft, pickpocketing, and various forms of scams and fraud do occur, especially in densely populated and more heavily touristed areas. Scams targeting foreign businesses also have been reported. Travelers should remain vigilant about their personal belongings, and avoid responding to emails from, or giving out sensitive information to, unknown sources.

Political Unrest

Travelers should be aware of and avoid involvement in protests and flare-ups of unrest in places as diverse as Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang Province. Travelers also should avoid public criticism of the Communist Party or the government. The internet is censored, and many widely used social media sites might be unavailable.

Traffic-Related Injuries

Traffic in China is often chaotic. The rate of traffic crashes, including fatal ones, is among the highest in the world (see Sec. 8, Ch. 5, Road & Traffic Safety ). Traffic crashes, even minor ones, can create major traffic jams and sometimes turn into violent altercations, particularly when foreign travelers are involved (see Sec. 4, Ch. 11, Safety & Security Overseas ).

China has not signed the convention that created the International Driving Permit and requires travelers to have a Chinese license to drive. Recent regulations have allowed foreign travelers to obtain a temporary (≤3 months) driver’s license, if they have a valid overseas driver’s license and a notarized copy translated into Chinese; in addition, travelers are required to attend lessons on Chinese road safety regulations.

Driving is on the right side of the road in mainland China and Taiwan, but on the left in Hong Kong and Macau. If travelers choose to drive, advise them to avoid driving at night or when weather conditions are bad, and to not assume that traffic rules or rights-of-way will be respected. Despite national seatbelt legislation being in effect since 2004, seatbelt use is inconsistent, and rear seatbelts often are unavailable. Use of child safety seats recently become mandatory. For all these reasons, travelers likely will find it safer and simpler to hire a local driver or to use public transportation than to drive themselves. Travelers should take care when opening the door of a taxi or private vehicle, to avoid hitting cyclists or pedestrians.

Electronic Bicycles

Electronic bicycles (E-bikes) are popular in China and do not have to be registered. E-bike riders often travel in pedestrian and bicycle lanes as well as with traffic. Because E-bikes have no engine noise, pedestrians might not readily identify an oncoming E-bike. Motor vehicles and E-bikes often drive without lights, making night travel dangerous. Bicycle helmets are rarely worn in China; a new 2020 law requiring helmet use for riders of motorcycles and E-bikes has resulted in a shortage of available helmets.

Strongly encourage travelers to invest in travel health insurance, including medical evacuation insurance coverage (see Sec. 6, Ch. 1, Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance ). Many hospitals do not accept foreign medical insurance, and patients are expected to pay a deposit to cover the anticipated cost of treatment before care is delivered. Many major cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have medical facilities that meet international standards. Hospitals in other cities might have “VIP wards” ( gaogan bingfang ) with English-speaking staff. The standard of care in such facilities is somewhat unpredictable, however, and cultural and regulatory differences can cause difficulties for travelers. In rural areas, rudimentary medical care might be all that is available.

Blood & Blood Product Safety

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus transmission from poorly sterilized medical equipment remains a risk in remote areas. The blood supply is heavily regulated and generally deemed safe, but is very limited, especially for rare types, including Rhesus negative blood; hospitals usually have only a few units of blood on hand. Rhogam legally is available only in Hong Kong, and recently in Shenzhen, under a new program permitting drugs and medical equipment already marketed in Hong Kong to be used in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau “Greater Bay Area” after approval.

Emergency Medical Services

Emergency medical services are scarce in many parts of China, most acutely in rural areas. In major cities, 2 types of ambulance are available: general ambulances and ambulances that carry more advanced medical equipment. No recognized paramedic profession exists in China, and ambulances might be staffed instead with doctors or nurses with variable levels of training. In many rural areas, rather than waiting for an ambulance to arrive, injured travelers might be better off taking a taxi or other immediately available vehicle to the nearest major hospital.

Medical Tourism

Most people who choose to try traditional Chinese remedies do so uneventfully, albeit not without accepting some risk. Remind travelers that acupuncture needles can be a source of bloodborne and skin infections; acupressure might be preferable. Herbal medicine products can be contaminated with heavy metals or pharmaceutical agents.

China is currently witnessing an influx of patients coming from Africa seeking treatment not available in their home countries. Medical tourists from high-income countries looking for as-yet unapproved experimental treatments are also a growing market (see Sec. 6, Ch. 4, Medical Tourism ).

Pharmacies often sell prescription medications over the counter, but these can be counterfeit, substandard, or contaminated (see Sec. 6, Ch. 3, . . . perspectives: Avoiding Poorly Regulated Medicines & Medical Products During Travel ). Advise travelers to bring all their regular medications in sufficient quantity. If travelers need more or other medications, recommend that they visit a reputable clinic or hospital. China allows travelers to bring controlled medications into the country in quantities “reasonable for personal use.” Especially for controlled medications, travelers are expected to carry a copy of the written prescription with them and, whenever possible, a signed note from the prescribing physician written on letterhead stationery.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Sarah T. Borwein, Roohollah Changizi

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TRAVEL to CHINA – Tips and Information Guide for 2024

Everything you need to know about planning travel to China in our comprehensive destination guide.

From hiking the Great Wall of China to conquering your fear of heights at the highest glass bridge in the world, these are just some of the reasons why you should travel to China.

China is one of the most amazing countries in the world that is deservedly on nearly every traveller’s bucket list.

There aren’t that many countries that possess such various geographical climates, rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and culture that persisted as the result of over 4,000 years of accumulated historical heritage. 

Whether you want to roam its markets or its mountains and jungles, China has something to offer for everyone. 

This country boasts in the diversity in its cuisine in addition to that of its languages, people, climate regions and biodiversity.

When you visit China you will be thoroughly amazed that the diet and culinary options vary from region to region.

This in itself gives you more than enough reason to visit China from one end to the other.

So if you’re planning your trip to China and you want your trip to be packed with experiences, new sights, and exotic cuisine while being vastly different from any other previous trip you’ve taken, then our China travel guide should make the planning as fun as the travel experience itself!

China Travel Guide

Before heading towards China, check out some basic information you might need:

General Information

• Capital: Beijing
• Other Main Cities: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Urumqi, Shenzen, Chengdu, Xian 
• Currency: Renminbi
• Language: Standard Chinese, Mongolian, Uyghur, Tibetan and Zhuang
• Population: 1,403,500,365
• Area: 9,596,961 sq.m2  
• Electricity Voltage: 220V
• Electricity Sockets: Type A, C and I

Top 5 Places to Visit in China

• Mount Huangshan – the UNESCO World Heritage is one of the most scenic highlights in the world. The impressive landscape features daunting peaks, thick forests composed of oddly-shaped pine trees and dense clouds covering the sky. It’s a perfect weekend trip if you want to see the most notable peaks and viewpoints of the Yellow Mountains .
• Suzhou – another UNESCO World Heritage site, a town nicknamed the ‘Venice of the East.’ If you’re visiting Shanghai, don’t miss the opportunity to pay a visit to this water town. The canals, gardens, narrow alleyways, picturesque pagodas and bridges make it a perfect day trip for some relaxation time.  
• Hangzhou – one of the seven ancient capitals of China and one of its Four Garden Cities. It’s known for the West Lake and stunning and well-preserved nature. The lake area consists of about 60+ cultural sites and spots to enjoy its nature . You can book a guided cruise tour that combines the best of natural sites but also incorporates this city’s rich history. 
• Guilin – this site has well-deserved its reputation for being one of the biggest natural gems in the world. The oddly-shaped hills (Karst Mountains), mysterious caves and its riverside decorated with the tall bamboo trees, paints a scenery unique to China.
• Beijing – C hina’s capital that is home to over 21 million people is not only the political center of the country but also has other impressive cultural and historical highlights that are not to be missed! Those include one of the World’s most recognizable landmark, the Great Wall of China and, equally as fascinating Forbidden City – today, a declared UNESCO World Heritage which was home to the rulers of the famous Ming and Qing dynasties.

Top 5 Travel Experiences in China

• Hiking the Great Wall of China – There are many sections of the wall that you can hike. We recommend the Jinshanling section, as most agrees it not only has the most beautiful scenery but is also the most accessible. The Chinese government has invested a lot into the infrastructure of this section, vastly improving the paths, cableway, roads and adding new hiking routes and even, organizing a shuttle bus.  You can even camp on the Great Wall of China if you want!
• Walk Over the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge – This is the longest and highest glass bridge in the World. It will be not only a memorable but also an adrenaline-inducing experience. This area is incredibly special, especially because of the Avatar Mountains and all the beautiful nature in this national park.
• Visit the Panda Reserve in Chengdu – if you’re an animal lover then you won’t regret taking the time to explore the reserve. The Chinese consider pandas sacred animals, and they are doing everything they can to ensure that we will be able to remove pandas from the endangered animals’ list. This gorgeous reserve is a testament to their dedication . Check out our post on how to spend 3 days in Chengdu .
• Mogao Caves , Dunhuang – More popularly known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, these are a series of caves (492 caves) where ancient Buddhist carvings, manuscripts and murals from the 14th century can be found. This place is well worth the time, energy and money you’d need to see it. The world-class experts will guide you through over 41,800 meters of Buddhist history.
• Visit the Forbidden City – This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beijing is incredibly important for the history and culture of the Chinese people. It is a wonderful example of traditional Chinese architecture, it’s home to the famous Palace Museum and it is the largest ancient palatial structure in the whole world!

Best Time To Visit China

When considering when to plan your trip to China one of the most important things to keep in mind are the season and the weather.

Some people plan their trips around certain events. While others plan around the seasons/weather. 

When NOT to Visit China

When organizing your trip to China, a good starting point is to first decide when NOT to go!

A good rule of thumb is to avoid every public Chinese holiday ! But that might prove a little bit trickier than you’d expect since some follow the lunar calendar and are different year to year. 

And it sounds counterintuitive to avoid China at certain times. But during public holidays China turns into an entirely different country for a traveller.

This is because transportation tickets are more expensive. Booking a train ticket will prove to be almost an impossible feat and all tourist sites will be overcrowded.

Not to mention that a lot of places will be closed for a couple of days or even a week. So you might miss an opportunity to visit locals’ favorite small eateries or some traditional venues.

So for visitors who really want to take their time and enjoy China’s main highlights, this would definitely be the worst time to visit.

Avoid the Spring Festival (more known as Chinese New Year/ Chunjie) – mid to late January to mid-February.

This is the most important holiday and you can expect to see millions of Chinese traveling all over the country.

It’s known to be the biggest annual mass migration in the world.

You should also avoid visiting China during the Golden Week or the week of National Day.

It’s from the 1st – 7th of October. And while the number of people that participate is lower than during the Spring Festival, there are still a lot of people moving and a lot of places closed to the public.

A lot of Chinese travelers also go abroad during this time so you can expect ticket prices for Japan and Thailand to go up.

If you want to visit during those dates, then just make sure to book well in advance and keep in mind that you will be paying more for everything – from accommodation to street food.

Other popular events are the Lantern Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival .

Those events should not interfere with your travel but expect slightly larger crowds at certain sites.

When to Visit China

So now that we tackled when NOT to visit China, what is the best time to visit China?

China occupies a landmass with various climates spanning all over the country. 

The best times for a visit are generally in spring (March-May) and autumn (September–November).

If you’re having trouble deciding when to visit, a useful trick is to also divide China by regions and seasons.

As we said, spring is a great time to travel pretty much all over China.

But in the north, it might be colder during early spring or late fall. But the weather should still be manageable.

The exception is Tibet . This is because it is closed to foreign visitors for two months every spring. 

From April to June, you can visit just about anywhere.

The best times to visit some places in northern China, Hainan or Tiber are during mid-summer. 

Some destinations are almost unbearably hot during summer and if you are sensitive to high temperatures, you should keep that in mind.

The places that we would avoid during the summer are:

• Nanjing (Jiangsu)
• Wuhan (Hubei)
• Chongqing (Sichuan)
• Inner Mongolia

Other Travels Seasons

The factor that you should include when planning when to visit is the rainy season.

From April to August if you’re planning to visit southern China, your flight just might be delayed or even cancelled due to bad weather conditions.

At this time of year, it’s best to travel via high-speed trains – they’re rarely delays, fast and comfortable. 

As with many other places in the world, in July and August students are on a school break and many families use that time to go on a summer vacation.

Prices will be higher in summer and you should plan well in advance.

Autumn is ideal if you want to visit spots that otherwise experience unbearably high temperatures in summer.

We would suggest during autumn that you plan to visit the Great Wall, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. 

To see the incredible feat of mankind, the Great Wall, surrounded and bathed in autumn colours, is a visual experience like no other. 

If you’re thinking to book your trip during your winter holidays you will be rewarded with fewer crowds and cheaper prices if you can withstand the cold.

During winter you can visit the Harbin Ice Festival (24th of December to 25th of February).

The snow and the scale of ice sculptures that are illuminated at night are an amazing sight to see.

The necessity of warm clothing can never be overemphasized as the temperatures drop during night low as -24 °C and are hardly ever over zero during the day. 

A less known fact is that Tibet is great for winter traveling.

During the high season, there is a limited time how much you can spend at the Potala Palace . But you can spend as long as you wish during winter.

The capital of Tibet, Lhasa, also has warmer winters than Beijing. 

If that’s not a good enough reason to travel to Tibet during winter, we will also mention that it’s definitely a more economical option and permits to enter the region are easier to get.

You will get a more authentic experience during winter because that’s also when many pilgrims arrive in Tibet. 

Food In China

• Beijing Duck – This dish is a must when you’re in Beijing, the birthplace of this iconic dish. The sweet and savory duck is served with spring onions, cucumbers, pancakes and other different sides (every restaurant has its own spin on this Chinese classic).
• Hot Pot – This can be an amazing choice or an utter disaster if you do not understand the Chinese spices and ingredients. It’s a pick your own destiny. First, choose the soup for your pot. This dish is all about the spice, but if your counterpart can’t handle the spice as well as you, you can split the pot into two. After choosing from a wide array of vegetables and meats you walk over to the sauce bar. The sauce bar offers barbecue sauce, freshly cut herbs, sesames and pastes, meats and vinegar. Ask a local to guide you through the process and help with their suggestions.
• Hong Shao Rou – This means red braised pork belly. It’s a dish that originated in Shanghai and is popular all across China. It’s cooked with garlic, chilli peppers, rice wine, ginger, soy sauce, sugar and deeply aromatic spices.
• Dumplings – These can be eaten at any time of the day.  They are usually dipped in soy sauce or vinegar with garlic. Dumplings are a staple of Chinese cuisine and there are many variations to cater to all tastes. The dumpling dough can be based on potatoes, flour or bread and the filling can be made from almost anything – various meats, fish, vegetables or cheese.
• Chow Mein – This is a dish made popular by the locals of Northern China, which today has reached global fame. It’s a dish made out of thin noodles (bean and cornflour dough) and is accompanied by sliced meats, Chinese vegetables and an egg.

Travel Itineraries Suggestions for China

China is vast. As the 3rd largest country in the world, China has much to offer by way of travel experience.

But trying to see the entire country can be daunting.

Here is a suggested 12-day itinerary to give you the best chance to see the highlights in the least amount of time we’d recommend when you visit China.

Beijing (3-4 Days)

Perhaps the biggest reason why people go to China is to see the Great Wall of China.

Our main piece of advice is to skip the Badaling , which is the busiest section of the wall. 

Visit a part of the wall that is unrestored but still tourist-friendly, such as Jinshanling, Huanghuacheng or Gubeikou .

The easiest section to visit would be to take a bus to Mutianyu . 

There you won’t have the wall to yourself. But you will have successfully avoided most of the crowds and will see beautiful views.

The second day, go and roam Beijing’s hutongs.

These are a network of alleyways and courtyard houses that make up Beijing.

There are day tours that usually include the Wudaoying Hutong , Houhai Lake, the Lama Temple and the Bell and Drum Towers .

B ut if you have the time, the best way is to simply let yourself get lost.

If you have a budget set aside for activities, hutong tours are interesting as you’d get to learn more about history and culture.

On your third day, make sure to go and see the Tiananmen Square that carries a portrait of Mao right over the entrance to the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City is huge and you could spend a full day there.

But for most travellers, even two hours is enough to see all the highlights before starting to feel overwhelmed.

For the rest of the day, go to Jingshan Park and enjoy the views of Beijing and the Forbidden City!

Xi’an (2 Days)

Rent a bike at one of the main gates of the wall and do a round trip tour around the ancient wall. 

When you get off the wall, take some time to explore the art district near the South Gate .

The area is brimming with small shops and souvenirs.

This stunning neighborhood is a joy to photograph. 

Take one afternoon to go roaming around the Huimin Jie Muslim market.

From bargaining for interesting souvenirs to bring back to your loved ones to eating some of the most delicious and cheapest street food you’ll ever have.

Also, you are only a day trip away from Xi’an are the terracotta warriors.

You can see rows upon rows of life-sized terracotta warriors.

Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong (2 Days)

Hiking through Jiuzhaigou is one of the most beautiful trails you’ll encounter. It is full of crystal lakes and rivers that will mesmerise you.

The waters are so crystal clear that they reflect the sky.

The next day visit Huanglong , known for its calcite deposit pools.

These vibrantly colored pools are why Chinese have nicknamed the Huanglong – “fairyland.”

Songpan (1 Day)

If you’re a fan of horses then definitely don’t miss out on a horse trek across the Tibetan plateau.

You will be able to travel with a local guide that will show you parts of China that most visitors don’t get to see.

Chengdu (2 days)

A bus ride to Chengdu is four to six hours (there are flight options available too). This will leave you just enough time in the afternoon to explore teahouses and the city’s scenic gardens.

For dinner, you should go and get the traditional eating experience – the hot pot (from Chongqing and Sichuan).

The next day you might want to take the two-hour trip to see the largest Buddha in the world.

There are many tourist buses that operate on a daily basis.

One of the highlights of Chengdu is their Panda Reserve .

Morning visits are the best because that’s when the pandas are most active.

They also have a baby area, where you can observe cubs play with toys and roll around.

Shanghai (2-3 days)

To visit Shanghai, try to have at least two full days available to give this city justice.

Some of Shanghai’s highlights are: the Bund, the Yu Yuan Gardens , the French Concession and Jing’an Temple .

A lot of visitors claim that the best soup dumpling eatery is outside the Yu Yuan Gardens. Just follow the queue.

To see the ever-rising skyscrapers expand before you in every direction you look, just go up to one of Shanghai’s buildings.

The usual go-to observatory spots are the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Jin Mao Tower . 

Visa Requirements For China

If you are travelling to China you will have to apply for a visa from the Chinese embassy or their consulate.

This is unless you are a citizen from one of the visa-exempt countries.

An important side note : Hong Kong and Macau, have their own independent border control policy.

This means that they have their own visa requirements for which you have to apply separately from your Chinese visa.

There are only seventeen countries that are allowed to travel without a previously issued visa to China.

The countries that are exempt from visa are :

Stay up to 90 days:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Stay up to 60 days:

Stay up to 30 days

•  Seychelles
•  United Arab Emirates

Stay up to 15 days:

For further information and up-to-date changes, click here .

READ MORE: Our experience with getting a Chinese visa in Vietnam .

How to Travel to China

There are plenty of ways to travel to China. Whether you prefer to travel by air, land or sea you will find many options and rates for your travel into the country.

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from most countries in the world to China.

China air transport hubs are:

The biggest and most used airlines are:

• China Eastern Airlines
• China Southern Airlines
• Hainan Airlines

International flights connect China with major cities all around the world. Further, Chinese domestic flights connect all major cities within the country.

The only two cities in China that have two airports are Shanghai (Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport) and Beijing (Nanyuan Airport and Capital International Airport).

So be mindful of that when booking your flight.

There are eighteen cities in China that offer 72-hour visa-free transit so visitors can have a short stay in the most popular cities. Just note that these also tend to be the most expensive ones too.

From Europe:

Getting to China from Europe could be tricky and it most likely requires transfers.

That being said, you can still get to China from many European cities, such as Amsterdam, Milan, Rome, Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt, Manchester, Madrid, London, Zurich, Barcelona and Helsinki.

From the US:

It is possible to catch a direct flight from the US to China.

Most flights originate in San Francisco, Seattle, Detroit, Los Angeles, Seattle or Chicago and terminate in either Beijing or Shanghai.

Of course, pricing and availability vary. And you can expect the flights to be operated by one of the three big companies: Delta, American or United Airlines.

There are a variety of ways and border crossings when you want to visit china overland.

Travelling by train and vehicle are the most common.

The most usual way to get from Europe to China via train is to hop on the Trans-Siberian railway. 

The Trans-Siberian train is a lot easier to arrange when it comes to booking a ticket or organizing your visas. And it is significantly faster.

The Trans-Siberian route, from Moscow – Beijing, is just one train. So in terms of being pragmatic and budget-friendly, this is the option we would recommend.

But that said, there’s another possible route: the Silk route via Kazakhstan. 

Here you have the following options :

• London – Moscow
• Moscow – Astana or Almaty (Kazakhstan). This is the direct route for China
• Moscow – Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
• Moscow – Tashkent (Uzbekistan), if you wish to start from Uzbekistan
• Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara and Urgench for Khiva, these trains link Tashkent with three cities in Uzbekistan
• Tashkent – Almaty
• Almaty/ Astana – Ürümqi, which is the next step to China
• Ürümqi – Xian – Beijing

Train tickets are more expensive than traveling by air and transit times are longer too.

But i f you do want to spend some time in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan then taking this route is a nice way to do sightseeing.

If you’re coming from USA/Canada, the easiest way would be to book your ticket to Moscow and then decide whether you want to take the Silk or the Trans-Siberian route.

We do not suggest driving because you could only drive to China, not inside the country.

International driver’s licenses are not valid in China.

So even if your starting point is from one of the neighbouring countries, it’s less hassle to book a train or hop on an airplane.

China Travel Tips

If you’re not from China or eastern Asia, you could find the culture and way of interacting to be quite strange.

The way of expressing emotions and opinions is quite different in China as compared to Western cultures.

But that’s just the beauty of cultural variety.

Besides that, there are certain things that you should pay attention to in order to have a good time in China.

And there are also things that you should know so that you will be respectful towards the locals.

Here are some tips we have for you during your stay in China:

• Don’t be afraid of raised voices! A lot of the time you will encounter Chinese people talking very loudly. In most cultures that would signalize that a heated discussion is about to turn into a brawl. But actually, Chinese people can tend to just talk loudly and passionately. 
• Be sure to have Travel Insurance for the duration of your trip. One incident can cause a major impact on your wallet – not to mention your travel plans.
• Don’t tip. This might go against your personal beliefs, but Chinese don’t tip and neither should you. This will only confuse them or some may even find it insulting.
• Buy a VPN. There are a lot of useful websites that are not accessible in China (like Facebook or Google!) We recommend ExpressVPN. Use this link to get 30 days free when you sign up.
• The preferred method of payment is cash. Most places only accept cash unless you are visiting upscale hotels and restaurants.
• Use the Yuan currency only. The Hong Kong dollar or US dollar won’t be accepted.
• Install Pleco – the best app for Chinese language for travellers.
• Haggle. When merchants see that you are not a native Chinese, they will almost always rise the market price. It’s not unusual to haggle. Some merchants even respect you more if you do.
• Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer. In a lot of toilets in China, you won’t always find these essentials.
• If in need of help, turn to the youth. Statistics have shown that a majority of Chinese under the age of 25 speak conversational English.

Budget for Travelling in China

China is a huge country and prices vary significantly depending on what region and what time of the year you’re visiting.

Since you’re probably interested in the range of prices of certain things you’ll definitely spend money on, we’ve decided to help.

Here’s a list of some essential expenses and their general cost range as you travel to metropolitan areas:

• Accommodation : $4 – $400+
• Food : $0.50 – $45+
• Drinks : $0.40 – $15
• Domestic/Local Transportation : $0.30 – $30
• Tours : $15 – $600+

When it comes to accommodation, the cheapest form is hostels. 

In less touristy areas you can find mixed dorm beds from $4 USD per night.

Even in major cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, the prices start from $3 USD per night!

As for food, the best way to save money is to eat street food or visit a food court at a shopping mall.

The street food in China is not only cheap but also incredibly good. Even the wealthiest love to indulge in street food.

A filling meal from a street vendor would cost you up to $5 USD. But it’s usually less than that.

For transport costs, you can rent a bike, which is around $3 USD, depending on how much terrain you want to cover.

If you don’t have a budget for cultural activities, you’ll be relieved to know that there are many museums that don’t charge admission!

Flashpacker

There are a lot of mid-range accommodation options, from private rooms in hostels to private rooms in shared Airbnb and hotels.

Private rooms in hostels cost a little bit more than two beds in a mixed dorm room (around $8 USD per night) or a private room in an Airbnb (from $20 USD per night).

Mid-range hotel prices start from around $30 USD per night.

Eating out in local restaurants usually costs from $10-15 USD per meal.

The cost of an average alcoholic beverage in a bar would be around $8-10 USD.

Transport costs, such as taxi, could cost from $9 USD, of course depending on the time of the day (night fare is more expensive) and the distance you will cover.

But always ask for the price in advance before getting into the taxi!

Double rooms in a luxury hotel or a private home booked through Airbnb start from around 120$ USD per night.

Eating out at the most excellent restaurants (hotel restaurants or local ones) will cost you from $45 USD per meal.

There is an array of cultural activities available to all tastes and depending on your interest – whether it’d be visiting the Chinese national opera or the hottest night club – prices vary.

If you’re used to travelling in luxury through other countries, you can expect that China not only delivers the luxury to which you’re accustomed but also costs considerably lower when compared to other countries.

You could treat yourself to one of the most luxurious tours, such as a Zhujiajiao Water Village Tour from Shanghai.

Transportation In And Around China

China is a huge country and if you plan to travel around it – you’ll need some help.

Keep in mind that renting a car won’t be an option, since no international driver’s licence is valid in China!

Here are all the other ways to travel in cities and between them:

Chinese airlines are safe and comfortable.

There are over 1,200 routes and nearly 1,000 are domestic routes. 

The most popular airports for domestic travel are in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing. 

Besides Macau and Hong Kong, there are over 200 airports in China that connect over a hundred internal cities and eighty foreign cities.

The most popular and reliable airlines are:

• Eastern Airlines
• Air China Limited
• Shandong Airlines
• Southern Airlines
• Shanghai Airlines
• Xiamen Airlines
• Shenzhen Airlines
• Sichuan Airlines

Public buses are generally crowded, but very affordable.

Try to avoid peak hours, as traffic jams occur in large and populous cities quite often. 

The buses generally run from 6:30 in the morning to 7:30 in the evening. 

In some cities they run through the night.

When you board the bus, at the front door there will be a coin box where you are expected to pay for your fare.

However, some buses have a ticket conductor that oftentimes charges according to how much distance you will cover.

The Intercity Long-Distance Bus

The intercity long-distance bus is another increasingly popular option attributed to the development and extension of highways.

All cities have coach stations which are located at the city’s railway station.

The long-distance buses operate between almost all Chinese cities.

The run time is usually from early morning to late in the evening, and for longer distances – there are fewer services throughout the day.

The buses usually have a toilet, TV, air-conditioning and some might even have a sleeping berth if it’s an overnight trip.

Mini-buses operate to try and alleviate the pressure of bus transportation.

The tickets are a bit higher in price and they’re determined by the distance you take.

Still, it is best to avoid peak hours which are from 7 am–9 am and 5 pm–7 pm.

Pay close attention to your belongings as pickpockets operate most during rush hour.

Tour buses usually feature a Chinese character ‘游’ in front of the bus number.

Tour buses are commonly seen in major Chinese cities where there are many famous highlights.

They have a predetermined scenic route and usually have a tour guide on board to share interesting bits of history and fun facts.

Trolleybus/Electric Buses

From 2010, trolleybuses have joined the public transit system in 14 Chinese cities. 

All trolleybus systems in China hail from after the 1950s except in Shanghai.

Shanghai’s trolleybus system was opened in 1914 and is still operating – making it the oldest operating trolleybus system in the world.  

Traveling by railway is the main means of transportation in China and its network is one of the biggest in the world. 

The mileage of operating railways adds up to 124,000 kilometres and the number of passengers has surpassed 2.5 billion. 

Out of the 124,000 kilometres of railway, the 22,000 kilometres are utilized by the high-speed railways. 

The Chinese railway connects almost every place in China – even the most remote ones – and is the backbone of the Chinese traffic network.

The domestic trains are divided into five categories:

• High-speed/bullet trains 
• Fast trains
• Tourist trains
• Express trains
• Normal trains

The High Speed/Bullet Train

This remarkable train, on average, operates fast as 250-300 km/h.

The price of tickets depends whether you want to buy first, second or business class as well as if they have a VIP category.

Some overnight trains offer soft and luxury soft sleeper options.

Many trains sell standing room tickets which cost the same as second class tickets.

The facilities are similar to those of an airplane. 

The seats can be adjusted and you have use of a foldable table. Further, electrical sockets and meals and snack services are provided at a price.

This website will help with booking tickets and schedules.

The major cities have metro systems either already in operation, in planning stages or under construction.

The underground transit is developing at rapid speeds.

This is because one of the priorities to make China a greener country is to reduce the pollution of its cities and improve the quality of living.

Chinese metro systems are immaculate. They transfer large amounts of people, are very frequent and nearly always on time.

This contributes to diminishing the traffic jams and above ground transit.

The Shanghai Metro is the longest metro system in the world. 

Taxi is a very convenient mode of transport and surprisingly not too expensive.

In major cities, all vehicles have a meter.

If you’re situated in a smaller town, ask at your hotel for a price estimate.

And if you’re thinking of covering a long distance, it’s possible to negotiate a deal. 

Taxis are available at nearly all times and everywhere.

Chinese taxi drivers have a reputation of being very honourable. But it is always good practice to exercise caution.

China has over 110 thousand kilometres of navigable streams, lakes, rivers and canals.

The Grand Canal is 1794 kilometres long. It connects seventeen cities (from Beijing to Hangzhou) and five rivers (Huaihe, Qintang, Haihe, Yangtze and Huanghe.)

Since so many railways and highways have been built in recent years, waterway transport has diminished.

But there are still ways to move around the country via waterway – especially the Yangtze cruise (Baidi to Yichang), Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Li River cruise (Guilin – Yangshuo).

Accommodation in China

There is a lot of variety and options when it comes to accommodation in China.

On one hand, you can stay in a very cheap hostel (which doesn’t mean that it lacks quality!).

But China is also full of luxurious hotels and villas.

When picking a place to stay, you should be aware of the fact that, in the Chinese language, there are different words for hotel and they indicate the status of the place. 

• Dajiudian – “Big wine shop” – luxury accommodation
• Shan Zhuang – “Mountain resort” – accommodation in the countryside
• Binguan & fandian – a general term for a hotel and can mean anything from an average hotel to a smart hotel.
• Kèzhàn – Basic guesthouse
• Zhāodàisuŏ – Hostel
• Lǚguăn/ lǚshè – inn
• Zhùsù – accommodation

China is one of the best places in the world when it comes to the number of affordable accommodation options!

The network of hostels in China is ever-expanding and most of them are affiliated with the International Youth Hostel Association.

They tend to have clean and modern facilities, nicely designed social spaces, friendly and English speaking staff and fast Wi-Fi.

Getting around China is challenging if you don’t speak the language, but the staff from hostels usually are willing to help you on your way.

They will gladly write the places that you need to visit or a couple of useful phrases to ease day to day communication. 

Also, even booking a private room in a hostel is considerably cheaper when compared to European countries.

The quality of hostels is good and the prices tend to be very low.

If you’re in Shanghai, staying at the Mingtown Nanjing Road Youth Hostel will cost around $9 per night.

The dorms have 6 beds and male and female dorms are separate.

A deluxe private room in Beijing’s Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel costs around $50 and breakfast is included in the price.

The hostel also has a couple of free thematic nights, such as the free vegetarian dumpling party or the professional and traditional Chinese Kongfu tea course!

When it comes to cheap hotels, you will usually find these located near bus or train stations.

Chinese locals usually rent beds and not rooms, so doubling up with strangers isn’t uncommon, especially as a means of saving money.

But foreigners are not allowed to share a room with Chinese people.

Instead, they have to rent a whole room. But usually, you will be able to negotiate a good price.

If you’re an avid camper, just know that it is only possible to camp in Hong Kong.

There are free campsites all over the New Territories and in the beautiful nature of Qinghai, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet.

But just know that to camp, you would have to obtain a government-issued permit.

Hong Kong, Macau and few southwestern provinces have a number of privately owned guesthouses.

They range in size and quality, from tents to family mansions.

A double room in one of these guesthouses is usually cheaper than in a hotel.

There is at least one mid-range hotel in every town in China. 

But the quality of the hotel is hard to predict from the price itself. 

An old hotel with faulty bathrooms and washed out sheets could charge you the same as a newly opened establishment.

The general rule is to always try to book the newer place. 

In more isolated places, you should be able to find a double room for $20 USD per night. But in bigger cities from $40 USD per night.

One thing you can always rely on when staying in a Chinese hotel is that you will be left with a pair of plastic or paper slippers and a vacuum flask of hot water that can be refilled by the staff!

If you’re in Chengdu, the Chengdu Rising Butterfly Hotel is one of the best options.

Either a business twin room or a queen room costs a little over $50. And in some cases, breakfast is included in the price.

The Holiday Inn Express Yizhuang in Beijing will be a great experience.

The price of a standard room with free breakfast for two is usually around $70. But you can often find discounts and pay around $40!

Luxury hotels are situated in larger cities and offer the same level of service as any four or five-star hotel anywhere else in the world.

They have the same facilities that are to be expected: gyms, swimming pools and business centers.

The price of a double room will be from $120 upwards and an additional 15% service charge will be added. 

The Niccolo Chengdu hotel is one of the most popular of its kind.

The very luxurious hotel will offer an incredible experience that will satisfy any type of guest – all for the price of $150 per night!

The Upper House in Hong Kong is the epitome of glamour and it’s especially great for business travel.

It has the largest hotel rooms in Hong Kong, along with ocean views and an amazing location.

The prices start at around $400, but the largest penthouse costs over $2000!

Safety While Travelling in China

China is regarded as a pretty safe and non-violent country.

If there is unrest it’s typically contained within certain areas.

Petty Crime

The biggest dangers are petty crimes such as pickpocketing – which with administering precaution is preventable.

Travellers are targets for pickpockets and thieves.

These thieves usually operate near train and bus stations, hard-seat train carriages, intercity but also long-distance buses (especially take precaution if you’re boarding the sleeper bus) and public toilets.

It is not advisable for women to travel solo. 

Always check your restaurant bill to make sure you are not being charged extra for hidden expenses and avoid paying by credit card so you can make sure they won’t add any extra charges.

Safety in Taxis

The most widespread scam are the taxi scams at the Beijing Airport.

Always queue at the taxi rank and insist that the driver uses his meter.

Avoid pedicabs and motorized three-wheelers. Many times these drivers will agree on an initially negotiated price and then after you arrive at the destination they insist on a different sum, which sometimes can even be 10x the initial agreement. 

Traffic Accidents

One of the dangers when traveling in China are the high numbers of traffic accidents.

The World Health Organization (WHO) made an estimate that there are approximately 600 vehicular deaths per day.

When taking a long-distance bus you’ll find that there are no seatbelts. Even taxis outside of major cities oftentimes don’t have rear seatbelts fitted.

The biggest danger is crossing the street no matter how ridiculous it sounds.

In China there are a large number of electric cars and hoverboards that run silently and you probably wouldn’t even hear them until it’s too late.

The red lights in China don’t mean much for Chinese drivers as they often run through them. So even the green figure signaling that it’s safe to cross doesn’t always mean that.

Medical System In China

The healthcare system in China is a mix of public and private services.

Major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have hospitals with world-class care and specialist services.

Rural regions sometimes lack even the very basic healthcare services.

Sometimes healthcare options are limited to only types of traditional medicine such as acupressure, herbal remedies and acupuncture.

You should always travel with travel insurance ! A comprehensive travel medical insurance is mandatory for visitors.

If you are treated at a private hospital the price difference between a private and a public hospital is significant.

If you’re suffering serious health issues and at the time of medical assistance you’re in one of the more remote areas, you will have to organize an expensive airlift.

Preparation is key to easy and safe travels.

Make sure that your policy includes medical evacuation, translation service and private hospitals to ensure maximum comfort.

Packing List For Travel To China

While there is always a variety of packing options depending on the season and length of travel, these are the travel essentials we recommend for your trip to China.

Note: This list is intended for trips during spring and summer.

Clothing And Wardrobe For Men And Women

• 3x Comfortable, long pants 
• 5x Short-sleeved shirts
• 2x Long-sleeved shirts
• 1x Wool sweater
• 1x Windbreaker/rain jacket 
• 1x Fleece jacket
• 1x Flip flops 
• 1x Adventure sandals
• 1x Waterproof shoes
• 1x Hiking shoes
• Undergarments
• Breathable socks 

Miscellaneous Items

• Extra SD memory card
• A cellphone (make sure to have an offline Translator App, phrasebook, copies of  needed travel documents and ids, currency converter, copy of your insurance card/policy and emergency contact info)
• Portable battery
• Power adapter
• Sunhat with a wide brim and a chin strap
• Insect repellent
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer 
• Guide book and a map
• Pocket knife
• Book with everyday phrases in Chinese
• Reusable water bottle

Check Out Our China Travel Blogs

Surviving the world’s most dangerous hike – mt huashan, the 10 best things to do in hangzhou, china (2024 guide), 26 awesome things to do in beijing, china (2024 guide), the perfect 3 days in taipei itinerary [2024 guide], 3 days in chengdu, china – the perfect itinerary, tianducheng – china’s strange city of paris, mount cangshan – hiking high in dali, falling in love with shaxi, china, the ‘real’ china – the ancient village of chengyang, camping on the great wall of china (the complete guide), a day in kashgar – china’s eclectic uyghur city, karakul to mutzagh ata – trekking the karakoram highway.

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China Tour Packages & Top China Vacations for 2024/2025

China is so big, so diverse and so fast-changing. No matter it’s your first time to visit China or your tenth, you’ll be amazed by the time-honored history, profound culture, stupendous natural scenery, and friendly Han people and ethnic minorities...

To take you out of the guidebooks and into the real world of China, we are here to offer you the private China vacations with best travel experience possible. From our TOP 10 China vacation tour packages and the most classic China vacations, you’re bound to find something that’s just right for you. From our China vacation tours from the popular gateway cities, you’re on the way to link your country and China in convenient way and enjoy unbeatable value for money.

Our PRIVATE CHINA VACATION Features:

• Flexibility: departure date depends on your plan;
• Budget: all arrangements are according to your budget;
• Private: No join-in groups; private guides, drivers, cars;
• Comfort: travel at your pace; highest quality travel service at the best prices;
• Peace of mind: our travel consultants will ensure that your trip to China and in China is totally worry free.

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Best China Tour Packages - Perfect for the First-timers

We have made things easier for you. Here are the best 5 China tour itineraries which have been chosen by 85% fist-visitors, and have covered classic Beijing, Xian, Shanghai as well as beautiful Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Yangtze, Tibet, etc. Enjoy exclusive private tour package covering accommodation, flight/bullet train transfer, private car, own tour guide, meals, fun activities…

8 Days Best of China Tour

10 Days Classic China Tour

13 Days China Landscape Tour

15 Days Panoramic Impression of China

17 Days China Paradise Tour with Yangtze Cruise

Find China Tours by Interests

Looking for unique China experiences? Want to get under the skin of every destination you visit? China and our team can always satisfy you. Culture exploration, nature fun, hiking, family holiday, honeymoon… no matter what travel style you want, you can always find an ideal tour with us.

• Classic China Beijing, Xian, Shanghai…
• Natural China Zhangjiajie,Guilin…
• Cultural China Xian, Silk Road…
• Family-friendly Chengdu, Shanghai…
• Adventure & Hiking Tibet, Xinjiang…
• Holidays & Resorts Club Med, Sanya...

Beijing / Xian / Shanghai

trip details »

Beijing / Xian

Hong Kong / Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin / Shanghai

Shanghai / Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing / Xian / Beijing

Hong Kong / Guilin / Chengdu / Yangtze Cruise / Zhangjiajie / Shanghai / Xian / Beijing

Shanghai / Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin / Chengdu / Lhasa / Xian / Beijing

Beijing / Xian / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi

Luoyang / Shaolin Temple / Luoyang

Chengdu / Leshan Giant Buddha / Jiayang Steam Train / Chengdu

Chengdu / Siguniangshan / Jinchuan / Danba / Tagong / Xinduqiao / Leshan / Chengdu

Kunming / Stone Forest / Luoping / Kunming

Huangshan / Wuyuan

Guilin / Yangshuo / Longsheng

Xiamen / Nanjing Tulou / Yongding Tulou / Xiamen / Wuyishan

Jingdezhen / Wuyuan

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La

Chengdu / Wolong / Mount Siguniang / Danba / Tagong / Xinduqiao / Kangding / Chengdu

Yellow Mountain - Hongcun - Jiusha - Yangchan - Huangshan

Urumqi - Wu'erhe - Kanas - Burqin - Urumqi - Turpan - Urumqi

Kunming / Dali / Lijiang

Harbin / China Snow Town / Harbin

Chengdu / Xiling Snow Mountain / Chengdu

• Zhangjiajie

Changbai Mountain

Harbin / Yabuli Ski Resort / Harbin

Tunxi - Huangshan - Hot Spring - Hongcun

Jilin / Beidahu Ski Resort / Jilin

Xining - Zhangye - Badain Jaran Desert

Shanghai / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan

Lanzhou / Zhangye / Jiayuguan / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi / Kashgar

Hailar (Hulunbuir) - Erguna - Shiwei- Manzhouli - Arxan - Hailar (Hulunbuir)

Chengdu / Leshan / Emei / Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou

Kunming / Stone Forest / Yuanyang / Jianshui / Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La

Guilin / Longsheng / Yangshuo / Zhaoxing / Kaili / Fanjingshan

Lhasa / Gyangtse / Shigatse / Mt.Everest / Namtso Lake

Shanghai / Guilin / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Zhangjiajie / Beijing

Shanghai / Xian / Beijing

Chengdu / Leshan / Emeishan / Xian / Beijing

Xian / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi / Kashgar

Beijing / Xian / Lhasa / Chengdu / Shanghai

Shanghai / Hangzhou / Putuoshan / Xiapu / Xiamen / HK

Beijing / Pingyao / Xian / Luoyang / Shanghai

Beijing / Datong / Pingyao / Xian / Luoyang / Dengfeng / Zhengzhou

Beijing / Xian / Luoyang / Dengfeng / Zhengzhou / Shanghai

Beijing / Xian / Lhasa / Chengdu / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Shanghai

Beijing / Luoyang / Xian / Guilin / Shanghai

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangtze River / Shanghai

Beijing / Xian / Chengdu / Shanghai

Beijing / Chengdu / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

Beijing / Luoyang / Xian / Chengdu / Guilin / Shanghai

Shangri-La / Meili Snow Mountain / Yubeng / Shangri-La

Chengdu / Mount Siguniang / Danba / Tagong / Xinduqiao / Leshan / Emei / Chengdu

Kashgar / Karakul Lake / Hotan / Ala'er / Kucha / Urumqi

Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Everest

Shanghai / Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri la / Xian / Beijing

Lanzhou - Norden Camp - Lanzhou

Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin

Lijiang / Shangri-La

China Tours Starting From Gateway Cities

For your convenience, we have created many valuable China tours which start from the most popular China gateway cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Guangzhou, etc. Here are the most recommended tour packages:

Find China Tours By Month

There is always a tour for you no matter when you come to China. To help find your idea China trip, we have selected some recommended tours for each month.

6 Days In-depth Luxury Sanya Tour with Two Free Days

Price from Request

10 Days Most Classic China Tour

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Shanghai

Price from $1,999

17 Days China Paradise Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Price from $3,499

6 Days Kunming, Dali & Lijiang Essence Tour

Price from $972

6 Days Harbin Tour with China Snow Town & Yabuli Skiing

Harbin / China Snow Town / Yabuli Ski Resort / Harbin

14 Days Wild China Tours from Shanghai to Yunnan on Expresses

Shanghai / Zhangjiajie / Kaili / Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri-la / Kunming

Price from $2,758

9 Days Pandas Terracotta Warriors Plus Great Wall Tour

Price from $1,529

10 Days Classic Beijing Xian Lhasa Tour

Beijing / Xian / Lhasa

Price from $1524

11 Days Amazing Yunnan Tour

Price from $1859

6 Days Classic Beijing Xian Tour

Price from $850

6 Days Harbin, China Snow Town & Changbai Mountain Tour

Harbin / China Snow Town / Changbai Mountain

13 Days Best China Vacation

Price from $2,478

13 Days China Superb Landscape Tour including Zhangjiajie

Beijing / Xian / Zhangjiajie / Guilin / Shanghai

Price from $2,695

12 Days Wonders of China Tour (Flights + Comfortable Hotels)

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Zhangjiajie / Shanghai

Price from $2375

9 Days East China & Huangshan Mountain Tour

Price from $1,572

8 Days Classic Yunnan Tour

Price from $1,318

9 Days Guilin Guizhou Minority Culture and Landscape Exploration by High Speed Train

Guangzhou / Guilin / Yangshuo / Longji / Zhaoxing / Rongjiang / Kaili

Price from $1531

7 Days Scenic Tibet Private Tour

Lhasa / Nyingchi

9 Days Ancient Treasures of China Tour

Beijing / Datong / Pingyao / Xian

Price from $1,388

10 Days Classic Silk Road Tour

Price from $2,566

6 Days Inner Mongolia Bests Discovery Tour

Hohhot / Ulanqab / Huitengxile Grassland / Hohhot / Baotou / Yemingsha of Kubuqi Desert / Ordos

Price from $975

10 Days Classic Sichuan & Yunnan Highlights Tour

Chengdu / Leshan / Mount Emei / Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming

Price from $1757

12 Days Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Xian Beijing China Tour

Price from $2,132

8 Days Zhangye Danxia and Badain Jaran Desert Tour

Price from $1657

6 Days Hulunbuir & Greater Khingan Highlights Tour

Hailar / Hulunbuir Grassland / Erguna / Greater Khingan Range/ Shiwei / Heishantou / Hailar

14 Days Best China Zhangjiajie Landscape Tour with Yangtze Cruise

Price from $2439

8 Days Classic Mount Everest Tour from Lhasa

Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse/ Everest

Price from $1,589

6 Days Diverse Guizhou Tour (Guiyang / Kaili / Fanjingshan)

Guiyang / Anshun / Kaili / Fanjingshan

10 Days Yunnan & Guizhou Amazing Minorities Tour

Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming / Fanjingshan / Kaili / Zhaoxing / Congjiang

Price from $1667

11 Days Essence of China Culture Tour by Bullet Trains

Price from $1,984

9 Days Kanas Lake Fairyland Tour from Urumqi

6 Days Best of Yunnan Tour

Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming

Price from $1,035

6 Days Zhangye Jiayuguan Dunhuang Tour

Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang

Price from $946

7 Days Shangri-La Tour with Meili Snow Mountain & Yubeng Village Hiking

Price from $1033

7 Days Best of Guizhou Tour with Nature & Culture

Guiyang / Anshun / Libo / Kaili / Congjiang / Zhaoxing

6 Days Western Sichuan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

Price from $1038

8 Days Best of China Tour (Flight/Bullet Train Covered)

Price from $1,432

3 Days Classic Harbin Winter Tour

Frequent question asked by our clients.

Here we list out the most frequently asked questions that our former customers about tour planning, travel documents, itinerary, hotel, booking, dinning. You are also welcomed to submit your question to us, our travel experts are always ready to help. Read more tips »

All our tours are private tour packages except for some programs operated by our partners, such as Yangtze Cruise, Tibet Group Tour, etc. Private tour package means high standard of tour services and more flexibility. Travel with our tour package, you will have your own tour guide and vehicle who only serve for you. Besides, itinerary, hotels, meals and tour activities can all be customized according to your personal need. And for sure, all above services are covered in your tour price, which means you don’t have to worry about extra payment or hidden costs. While providing you the best tour service, we also ensure our tours are valuable and affordable for you.

Where to go? For the first-timer China tour, you can go to classic destinations, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Yangtze River, Tibet, etc. To add some different experience, you can travel classic destinations with some other unique destinations. For Nature Enjoyment : Yunnan, Tibet, Sichuan, Gansu, Guizhou, Huangshan, Inner Mongolia, Yangtze River; For Culture Exploration : Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Tibet, Xinjiang, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Pingyao, Luoyang, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Xiamen, etc. For Family with Kids : Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc. For Adventure : Sichuan, Gansu, Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan, etc.

When to go? Since China is so large and diverse, you can always find suitable destinations to visit in each season, or each month. In the big metropolis, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Chengdu, the season doesn't matter as much as visiting natural destinations, because their best highlights are all conveniently located in or near the city downtown, and it is always very easy to book flights, trains and hotels. But some destinations are only recommended to be visited in specific seasons. Generally speaking, autumn is the best season to travel China when the weather is pleasant and scenery is finest. To avoid the crowds, you can avoid traveling during the festivals, such as National Holiday, Middle Autumn Festival, etc.

Unless you are qualified for Visa-free policies, such as long-term residential visa, transit visa free, or you are from specific countries, you are required to have a Tourist Visa (L Visa) for your China tour. You can apply for Chinese visa in Chinese embassies or consulates in your country. To successfully obtain a Chinese Visa, applicants need to prepare some materials to prove his/her legal identity and purpose of visiting. The most important requirements are basic documents, including your passport and a completed visa application form. And supporting documents relate to your itinerary like flight ticket and hotel booking record and visiting schedule and Invitation Letter, etc. are also very helpful.

Making a booking with us is quite simple: 1) Send an Inquiry; 2) Get a tour package with quotation from us; 3) Amend the tour according to your requirement; 4) You confirm the tour and pay a deposit; 5) Pay the balance; 6) Enjoy your tour.

You can make payment either by Wechat Pay, Alipay, or Bank Transfer, PayPal, even cash. Your travel consultant will instruct you to complete the payment.

If you must cancel your trip, please submit your cancellation in written form by email or fax with your signature as early as possible. The final refund amount depends on when we receive your cancellation notice or letter, and actual expense, such as hotel booking, tickets reservation, etc. Your travel consultant will help you with the detailed process.

It depends on your group size and budget. We have sedan car, SUV, business van (MPV), different types of buses available. No matter where you are going to visit, your vehicle is licensed, air conditioned, clean, and expertly maintained. To maximize your comfort, we use vehicles with extra space for you and your luggage.

In each destination, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with great location! We only use hotel with good-ratings, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices. If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Ask A Question

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Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once enquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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China Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

China is a country filled with micro-cultures, languages, cuisines, and ethnicities. Rapid change has attracted curious people from around the globe and there is a thriving expat scene for anyone looking to teach overseas.

While I dislike the pollution of many of the big cities, the countryside, the food, people, and the history you’ll discover here will leave you in awe and forever changed. This is a country with layers where everything is filled with meaning and history.

This travel guide to China can help you plan your visit to this gigantic country (there’s over a billion people here covering 9.5 million square kilometers) with advice on things to do, how to get around, stay safe, save money, and much, much more!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money Saving Tips
• Where To Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on China

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in china.

1. Visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong is bustling metropolis that combines high rise buildings with traditional street markets and temples. You have a large expat population, good shopping, fantastic nightlife, and delicious food. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world and I never get tired of visiting!

2. Explore Shanghai

One of China’s largest, busiest, and most visited cities, Shanghai is like visiting the future — fast trains, lights everywhere, efficient organization, and a cosmopolitan vibe. I love Shanghai. To get a sense of historical China, head to the Old City and see the YuYuan Gardens. For some of the best shopping in China, head to Nanjing Road.

3. Wander Beijing

Visit Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, countless shopping malls, the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and of course, the Great Wall. There’s nothing like Beijing in the world, and, though horribly polluted and with awful air quality, it’s still a city you have to visit in order to understand modern China and its dynamism.

4. The Great Wall of China

Stretching over 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall offers both busy tourist sections as well as secluded ruins (you can even camp beside it in some areas). If you’re on a budget, you can take the public bus to the wall near Beijing. The bus is 12 CNY and admission to the wall is 40 CNY (45 CNY in the summer).

5. See Xi’An

Xi’an is one of the ancient capitals of China and home to the famed Terracotta Army (which is over 2,000 years old), city wall, and architecture of the Muslim quarters. Those three things are pretty much why everyone comes here but there’s also an incredible hike on Mount Hua if you’re looking for adventure.

Other Things to See and Do in China

1. tian’anmen square.

You’ve no doubt seen it in films and on TV, but it is hard to get an idea of the sheer size of this square until you’re standing square in the middle of it. There’s plenty to see here including the Tiananmen Tower, the Great Hall of the People, the People’s Heroes Monument, the National Museum and Mao Zedong’s mausoleum. While you are allowed to take photos in the square itself, you cannot use your camera in the mausoleum.

2. Gorge on food

China is a food lover’s paradise. Eating here will certainly put your take-out back home into perspective. In such a huge country, it’s no surprise that different areas have different culinary delights. It’s entirely possible to enjoy the four styles of Chinese cooking (Cantonese, Beijing, Shanghai, and Sichuan) while on your trip. For spicy food, head to Sichuan or Hunnan in Central China (be sure to try the hot pot while you’re there).

You’ll find more salty items like dried meats and pickled vegetables in the north (where fresh produce is less common) while in cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai you can pretty much find everything!

There are plenty of options for vegetarians in China as well, and even vegans can get by without too much difficulty.

3. Cruise the Li River

For a true sense of natural beauty, cruise down the Li River. The river is 272 miles long and has dozens of places to explore along the way. Some of the best photography spots can be found in Xiaolong, Laozhai Hill, and the karst mountains near Guilin. For tours, prices start at 500 CNY per person, depending on how long (or luxurious) of a cruise you want.

4. Visit the Forbidden City

This famous attraction in Beijing was the imperial palace from the time of the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty (1420-1912 CE). The “city” covers over 175 acres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcoming over 16 million visitors each year. Today, the Palace Museum holds artifacts from both dynasties and is a great place to learn about China’s history. The buildings, which cover over 180 acres, have been heavily renovated over the years but it’s still an epic complex worth visiting.

5. Travel (part of) the Silk Road

Dating back over 2,000 years, this unofficial route is a must-see for visitors looking to get off the main tourist trail. There is no “official” road to follow, but you can trace your way along the traditional route as far and wide as you’d like (the Silk Road originally spanned from Chang’an to Romend, Italy). Its total length was over 3,800 kilometers (2,400 miles), half of which was within Chinese territory. Be sure to see the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the ancient city of Turpan, and the Rainbow Mountains near Zhangye.

6. Explore Tibet

Also known as “the Roof of the World”, this area is perfect for adventurous travelers that are looking for unique attraction. Explore the snowy mountains, exotic customs, and Buddhism. Tibet has had tumultuous past, so during your visit, it’s wise not to bring up the Dali Lama. The region was annexed by China in the 1950s, forcing the Dalai Lama and his government into exile. Some 400,000 Tibetans were killed directly or indirectly by the occupation, with other estimates placing that number over 1 million. Avoid talking about the history and politics of the region as is it understandably a very sensitive subject for both sides. You’ll need a special permit to visit the region as well.

7. Potala Palace

This Tibetan palace was home to the Dalai Lamas up until 1959, when he was forced to flee or be killed. Established as a holy site in the 7th century, the many halls, temples, and courtyards have been constructed from wood and stone. The current building, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates to the 17th-century and has poured copper in its foundation to stabilize it against earthquakes.

8. Take in the Karst mountains

Illustrated on the back of the 20 yuan banknote, these mountains are a stunning sight to see in person. They’re huge! You can take a boat trip down the Li River, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the quieter backroads and take in the picturesque landscape. Prices begin around 20 CNY for a half day. Guilin is a great hopping-off place for this.

9. The Mogao Grottos of Dunhuang

Also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, these grottos are home to the largest, best-preserved, and richest Buddhist art in the world—the first cave was carved here in 366 AD. There are almost 500 individual temples here and it’s one of the main stops on the Silk Road if you are tracing the footsteps of Marco Polo.

10. Take a free walking tour

All of the major cities in the country offer various types of walking tours, many of which are free and last a few hours. If you want to learn about the history of China’s major cities, this is a great way to start! Whenever I land in a new city, this is how I kick off my trip as it helps me get the lay of the land. Free walking tours are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Xi’an, and many other cities around the country. Just Google “free walking tour in X” to find the companies that are available during your visit. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end (that’s how they get paid!).

11. Let loose in Macau

Macau is considered the “Las Vegas of Asia” and is a fun destination for anyone looking to splash out. Macau started as a Portuguese colony and remained one for over 300 years so the city has an interesting mix of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a “Special Administrative Region” which means it has a lot of autonomy from the mainland government It is also home to the highest bungee jump in the world, boasting a plunge of a whopping 233 meters (764 ft)! I don’t love the city as much as I do Hong Kong but you’ll find a lot of good food and architecture here. If you’re not here to gamble, you only really need one night here!

12. Visit the Pandas in Chengdu

Pandas are an endangered species and rare to see in the wild. If you want to get your fix while in China, head to the Panda Research Base in Chengdu. If you get there early you can beat the crowds and watch the pandas relax, eat, and sleep (that’s all they really do — but it’s still worth seeing!). Admission is 55 CNY per person.

13. Take a class

Calligraphy classes, cooking classes, tea ceremonies — you can find all sorts of amazing, culturally-enriching classes and lessons in all of the major cities in China. Some last an hour, some last multiple days, but no matter what you’re interested in you can find a class to teach you something new! Expect to pay between 300-900 CNY for a calligraphy class while cooking classes start at around 300 CNY per person. You’ll find the most options in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Viator.com is a great resource for finding classes near you. You can also use cookly.me to find cooking classes and prices all around the country as well.

China Travel Costs

Accommodation – Prices start at around 30 CNY for an 8-10 bed dorm in many of the smaller cities. Expect to pay closer to 85 CNY in Hong Kong and Beijing. For a private room, prices begin around 110 CNY though expect to pay almost double that in the larger cities. Hostels here are generally well equipped and have free Wi-Fi, drinking water, lockers, and even warm blankets in the winter! Hostels in cities will have western-style toilets, though in more remote parts of the country you may find squat toilets more common.

Budget hotels begin around 75 CNY per night for basic accommodations, with higher prices in Hong Kong. Budget hotels will usually include heat or AC, your own bathroom, a kettle, and TV (though you’ll only get Chinese stations). Keep in mind that any hotels offering free breakfast will likely be serving a Chinese breakfast (dumplings, rice congee, vegetables, etc.).

Airbnb is plentiful in China and can be found in all the major cities though it’s much less common in rural areas. Prices range from 175-750 CNY depending on the city and the type of apartment.

There are plenty of campgrounds around the country. Expect to pay around 20 CNY per night for a basic plot. Wild camping is a grey area; it’s both legal and illegal at the same time to allow local authorities the final say. I would avoid wild camping and stick to official campgrounds as to avoid any problems.

Food – Food in China is cheap. I mean, really cheap. A meal from a street vendor usually goes for around 7-14 CNY. For this, you might get noodles, rice, pork buns, or soup. A full meal in a sit-down restaurant will cost between 15-54 CNY plus the fee for a bowl of rice and clean bowls (yes, these cost extra!), which is often around 4 CNY. If you stick to the local food, you’ll find it hard to go broke. You could spend less than 70 CNY for an entire day’s worth of food.

In western China, southwestern China, and the interior, food is much cheaper than in the big cities and you can eat for under 35 CNY per day — about half the costs of the big cities as long as you stick to street food/local restaurants.

For Western food, you can expect to pay much higher prices for food that will be a disappointment compared to home — especially if you’re outside of the more Westernized cities like Hong Kong. A western-style sandwich or fast food meal can run about 40 CNY and a cup of coffee can be similarly-priced to back home — sometimes more!

Vegetarians and even vegans will be able to get by relatively easily in the cities with a little planning as China’s history with Buddhism has made the country quite veg-friendly.

Since food is so cheap, there’s no need to self-cater or cook your own meals. You are better off eating the street food and at the restaurants. Moreover, many hostels don’t have kitchen facilities for you to use even if you did go grocery shopping. Therefore, self-catering is not something I recommend. The food is cheap and plentiful, so enjoy it! If you will be buying your own groceries, expect to spend between 250-400 CNY depending on your diet.

Activities – In general, sights are affordable in China — even popular attractions such as the Great Wall or the Forbidden City are under 68 CNY. While the Great Wall never kept out invaders, it’s beautiful and is only 45 CNY, the Forbidden City is 60 CNY (40 CNY if you visit between November and March). Smaller temples, activities, and sights are much more reasonably priced and cost under 20 CNY.

While attractions and temples are less than 70 CNY, prices for hikes and outdoor activities tend to be more expensive, often costing around 200 CNY. For example, a trip to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain costs around 200 CNY, a visit to the Jiuzhai Valley is also 200 CNY (as much as 2,000 CNY if you want to go as part of a tour) and a three-day pass to the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian province is 140 CNY while admission to the Yellow Mountains in Anhui province is 190 CNY. You’ll still need to pay for transportation to these places as well.

Backpacking China Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit China? Here are some suggested budgets you can use to help you plan, based on your individual style of traveling. Keep in mind that if you’re staying in cities like Hong Kong, Beijing, or Shanghai you should expect to spend at least 20% more.

On a backpacker’s budget, you should plan to spend between 215-285 ($30-50 USD) per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating fast food occasionally but mainly cooking your own meals, using public transportation, and participating in basic activities like visiting museums.

On a mid-range budget of 645-1,000 CNY ($90-140 USD) per day, you can stay in budget hotels, take buses between destinations, eat fast food, and do more excursions.

For a luxury budget of 1,500 CNY ($210 USD) per day, you can afford to stay in nice hotels, take the high-speed train, do some guided tours, and eat out for every meal.

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

China Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Given the size of China as well as its general affordability thanks to cheap food and accommodation, there are plenty of ways to save money when you visit here. Here are some of the best ways to save money during your next trip:

• Use sleeper trains – Use sleeper trains (doorless compartments with bunks) to travel overnight since distances between cities can be quite large. Spending a night on the train will save you paying an extra night of accommodation. Lower bunks are less expensive, so purchase a few days in advance to take advantage of these savings. Some stations have ticket offices for foreigners if you need help navigating your options.
• Ask for Xiao Pan – If eating alone, ask for “xiao pan”. These are small portions and work out at 70% of the size and price of a normal dish.
• Hard Seats – Travel on the “hard seats” on trains or buses. These are the cheapest and most basic seats but are not “hard” as the name would lead you to believe (they’re just regular seats).
• Take a walking tour – Free walking tours are available in most Chinese cities. They generally last a couple of hours and are a great way to get the lay of the land and learn some of the local history.
• Avoid Golden Week – Golden Week is the busiest holiday of the year and is a time when the entire country is off. Held at the start of October, prices will rise, transportation is booked out weeks in advance, and the large cities are essentially gridlocked. Avoid visiting during this time. (Or, at the very least, avoid the big cities!)
• Stick to public transportation – You can get pretty much anywhere in all the major cities by bus or subway — and it’s super affordable. Do as the locals do if you want to save money.
• Buy water jugs – Instead of buying bottled water every day (as the tap water is not potable), bring a reusable water bottle and buy the biggest jugs you can find. They are only around 15 CNY and will last weeks. If you’re not staying that long, get your fellow travelers to chip in. You’ll save money and prevent more single-use plastic from ending up in a landfill. Conversely, bring a LifeStraw or SteriPen to purify your own water.

Where To Stay in China

Hostels are common all across China. Here are my recommended places to stay in the country:

• Hong Kong Hostel (Hong Kong)
• Kelly’s Courtyard (Beijing)

How to Get Around China

While most cities in China are great to discover on foot, the pollution can be quite hard on the body for extended periods. Be sure to check the air quality every morning before heading out.

Bus – Buses are generally cheaper than trains when it comes to intercity travel so they are your best bet for short distances (anything under 8-10 hours). For example, the 9-hour ride from Beijing to Anshan is around 220 CNY while the train is between going to be at least 350 CNY (and the train only saves you 90 minutes). The two-hour bus ride from Beijing to Tianjin is around 80 CNY while the trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou is 3 hours and costs around 120 CY.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – For long-distance travel around the country, trains are an affordable and often unique choice. On a high-speed train, the ticket from Beijing to Shanghai is around 555 CNY for 2nd class, around 935 CNY for 1st class, and around 1,800 CNY for a VIP seat. The journey takes around 4.5 hours.

For the full-day train that takes between 14-22 hours, a soft sleeper ticket is 525 CNY while a superior sleeper is 880 CNY. You can also get a regular hard sleeper seat for just 180 CNY but 22 hours in a seat is asking a lot!

The 5-6 journey ride from Beijing to Xi’an will cost 515 CNY for a second-class seat, 825 CNY for a first-class seat, and 1,630 CNY for a VIP ticket.

For overnight trains, keep in mind that the lower bunk is usually cheaper as it is closer to the noise. Top bunks will be more expensive, though they occasionally have very little space to offer (even though you pay more); it is not uncommon to be unable to sit all the way up. But you do get more privacy, which is worth it in my opinion!

Flying – There are plenty of regional carriers in China when it comes to flights. In fact, there are over 30 domestic airlines in the country! Some of the larger ones are Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Southwest Airlines. Just keep in mind that many flights rarely leave on time, so be mindful of your connections when booking!

Round-trip flights from Beijing to Shanghai can cost as little as 1,150 CNY for the two-hour journey.

From Beijing to Hong Kong will cost at least 900 CNY and take just under four hours. Xi’an to Shanghai will cost at least 950 CNY and take just over two hours. Beijing to Taipei will cost around 1,600 CNY and take just over three hours.

Car Rental – China does not recognize the International Driving Permit, making it virtually impossible to rent a car here unless you apply for a Chinese license. I don’t advise renting a car here.

When to Go to China

Since China is such a large country, climate and temperature change drastically from region to region. Sub-tropical Hong Kong is going to have much different weather than the steppes of Inner Mongolia or the mountain ranges of Tibet and Western China.

Summers in China (June-August) is the peak time to visit, though it also the hottest time. Temperatures will soar into the 30s (87-92 F) and can get quite humid. The pollution and air quality can also be ongoing concerns during this time. Expect inflated prices and larger crowds during these months.

September-October is a great time to visit China, as long as you can dodge the hectic Golden Week holiday in early October. The weather will cool to just under 20C (68 F), which is much more pleasant for hiking and exploring.

Traveling to China in the winter is rare, unless you’re heading to Hong Kong where the weather is still pleasant at 20C (68 F). Places like the Great Wall are occasionally closed due to weather, and regions like Tibet can drop to -13 C (9F) overnight. That being said, China has a fun winter festival called the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival where you’ll find huge, record-breaking ice sculptures.

How to Stay Safe in China

China is quite safe for travelers owing to its heavy crack down on crime and the fact that it is a full-on surveillance state. However, there are still a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to stay safe during your visit.

For starters, watch what you eat. Sanitation standards are not exactly the most stringent here, so always use hand sanitizer before you eat and make sure you only go to restaurants that appear clean. Street food — while delicious — can also cause some upset so be prepared. You may need some time to adjust to the local cuisine upon arrival.

Petty theft is rare, though you should still take precautions. Don’t flash your valuables or leave them in unsecured pockets. Most petty thefts occur when travelers don’t pay attention to their things. Don’t be one of those travelers!

As a tourist, you’ll also likely get ripped off here and there. Expect to see inflated prices often, so be sure to ask your hostel/hotel staff for price estimates in advance if you need to go to a market. While commercial supermarkets and shops won’t be an issue, local markets and small stores might try to fleece you. Be firm and barter hard when you have to.

As for scams, they are unfortunately common here. The most common is when someone approaches you and asks to practice their English with you (they are usually a “student.” You’ll head to a café, have some tea and food, and then you’ll be stuck with the bill. As a general rule, if folks ask you to practice English with them just politely decline.

Traffic in China can also be a bit of challenge. Pedestrians don’t have the right of way, so always look both ways before crossing. When in doubt, stick to the locals and follow their lead. They know what to do!

China cracks down on drug use very hard, dishing out hard labor and death penalties to anyone caught with large amounts of drugs. You may also get extorted by the police for a bribe if you’re caught with drugs, so it’s generally a good idea to avoid all drugs while you’re here.

When you’re here, you’ll also want to avoid talking politics — especially when it comes to regions like Tibet and Hong Kong. Information about these regions is highly censored and political discussions are highly monitored online. Play it safe and avoid talking politics.

Lastly, try to avoid using illegal taxis. Marked taxis will use a meter and have set prices, so stick to them (or use the ride-sharing app DiDi). When looking for a cab you’ll likely get approached by illegal taxis. Avoid them if you can unless you’re comfortable negotiating a fare and taking an illegal ride (which I don’t recommend).

Worried about travel scams? Read about these 14 major travel scams to avoid .

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

China Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

China Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on China travel and continue planning your trip:

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do in 4 (or More) Days

My Favorite Restaurants in Hong Kong

What Hitchhiking Solo as a Female in China Taught Me

7 Lessons Learned from 3 Months in China

How to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

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What every American traveling to China in 2024 needs to know

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated December 14, 2023 | China blog , Travel

OK, so you’re American and you’re traveling to China.

Firstly, congratulations! That is so exciting.

Having spent loads of time in China myself, I’m pleased to be able to share my best tips with you so that you can feel more confident and organized.

These are all the main things you should consider before jumping on the plane.

Not from the US? You may still find this article helpful but I’d suggest referring to my mega China travel tips page for more details.

1. Don’t tip

Great meal in China? Don’t tip. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

My first tip – don’t tip.

The Chinese don’t tip, and neither should you. It might feel strange at first, but you’ll get used to it.

There are some exceptions to the rule, for instance if you receive amazing service at a luxury hotel, but generally you can keep your purse closed for your entire trip.

If you want to hear my personal stories about tipping in China, or you want more information about the exceptions, visit this page on China tipping .

2. Shop around for flights

Airfares have been higher than usual so try to get a good deal. Image by goffkein.pro on Shutterstock.

This might sound like common sense.

But with China-US relations at a sobering low, the number of direct flights between the two countries has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.

The result? Higher than normal airfares.

This is why it’s even more important to shop around for a good deal. I recommend bundled flight and hotel deals through Trip .

(In case you don’t know, Trip is one of the best travel companies for China because it started there and has a huge offering of hotels, flights, tours, and train tickets.)

3. Plan your flight route

Flights from the US to China vary in terms of the route, flight time and cost. Image by Max Lewandowski on Pexels.

Speaking of flights, will you be flying out of the west coast or east coast?

And which Chinese city will you be flying into?

China is a huge country like the United States, so this will dictate not only how long your flight is , but also the options you have for a possible stopover (which may make the flight cheaper).

If you’re heading to southern China and you’re on a budget, you might find it’s more economical to fly to Bangkok, Thailand and transfer there.

There are lots of options, so it pays to do your research.

4. Consider U.S. government travel advice

Make sure you’re aware of the travel advice. Image by Yamil Najul on Shutterstock.

Before you buy your flights, it’s worth knowing the U.S. government’s official stance on visiting China.

Of the four travel advisory levels, the People’s Republic of China is regarded as Level 3: “reconsider travel”.

The U.S. government says you should “reconsider travel to mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.”

I believe the United States is the only country in the world with such advice at the moment (correct me if I’m wrong, in the comments below).

Other countries, such as Canada and Australia, have a lower level of advice, which is to “exercise a high degree of caution”.

It’s such a shame that the USA and China aren’t getting along at the moment.

5. Get a VPN before you leave

You need a VPN if you want to use hotel Wi-Fi. Image by Privecstasy on Unsplash.

If you want to stay connected with all your loved ones in the United States, and keep using all the sites and apps you’re used to, you’ll need a VPN if you want to use Wi-Fi in China.

Censorship is extensive and the Chinese authorities are making it harder and harder for the VPN companies.

Of course, you can survive in China as an American without a VPN but life is much, much harder. Almost every major American social media and news site is banned, not to mention sites that make our lives easier like Google.

Refer to my page on the best VPN for China which only highlights the ones that work in China.

It’s worth pointing out that the Chinese government isn’t trying to make it hard for foreigners regarding internet access. The restrictions are in place to control what the locals see.

6. Allow enough time for your Chinese visa

Allow time to get your Chinese visa. Image by Toa55 on Shutterstock.

One of the downsides of being a US citizen traveling to China is the visa process .

Unless you live near one of the Chinese consulates (and you do a walk-in), you’ll need to pay an agent to handle this for you.

You cannot do visa applications by mail. It’s a pain in the butt, and makes your trip a little more complex and costly.

For walk-ins, consulates are located in:

• Washington DC (the embassy)
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco

There used to be one in Texas but it’s closed at the moment.

You can refer to the Chinese embassy’s US page for more info.

When using an agent, allow about a week for visa processing, provided you’ve submitted everything perfectly the first go.

If you need a visa agent, I recommend using a trusted one such as iVisa:

Remember not to buy your airfare until your visa has been issued and you’ve got your travel documents back.

7. Brace yourself for the steps and stairs

One tiny, tiny section of the Great Wall. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

A lot of Chinese tourist attractions have loads of steps and stairs. And I’m talking thousands.

There are no elevators at the natural attractions, either. So, if you’re very unfit and you want to see some of China’s best attractions, you might need to rethink your trip.

From my experience traveling around China the past couple of decades, here are the main culprits with an insane amount of stairs and steps:

• The Great Wall of China (sorry!)
• Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin
• Any mountain (it probably goes without saying) such as Huashan Mountain
• Zhangjiajie, the area that inspired the backdrop in the movie Avatar
• Giant Buddha in Leshan

And there are many more!

Oh, and if you’re in a wheelchair, you’re going to have an extremely hard time in China even in the major cities.

Getting through a temple or the Forbidden City would be impossible (as Chinese traditions involve stepping over the bottom of a doorway), let alone being able to get up and down sidewalks.

8. Ditch the credit cards

Cash or card? You won’t hear that expression in China. Image by Rann Vijay on Pexels.

In recent years, China has become a lot more advanced than the US when it comes to consumer payments.

You’ll never see a Chinese person pull out a plastic card from their wallet. Everyone pays for stuff using a phone app – either WeChat Pay or Alipay.

The good news? You can too!

If you’re comfortable submitting your personal details (including passport details) to WeChat or Alipay, you’ll be able to pay for everyday stuff in China.

Your only other real option is cash, and that’s a pain because Chinese ATMs only spit out 100 yuan notes.

Small vendors often don’t have change for large denominations. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but trust me, cash is getting really hard to use in China.

Sign up for Alipay or WeChat Pay, or both, before you head off. If you only sign up for one, my personal preference is Alipay as I find it a lot easier to navigate.

And when you sign up, make sure all your personal details match up, or your application will be rejected.

Customer service for both apps is appalling (it’s practically non-existent), so don’t bother contacting them if you have any issues.

You can check out my China travel apps page for more apps that will make your trip easier.

9. Expect a different hotel experience

A typical Chinese hotel room in a big city. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Hotels in China are OK, but they’re certainly not great (unless you’re staying in luxury).

When it comes to dealing with foreigners, Chinese hotel staff are generally helpful but quite shy and reserved. They’re afraid of making mistakes when speaking English.

From my experience staying at countless hotels across China, here are the main things an American traveling to China needs to know:

• Bottled water is provided daily because the tap water is unsafe to drink
• Most hotel rooms don’t have a minibar (but amazing Chinese food won’t be far away)
• Front desk staff can barely crack a smile
• Western breakfast is usually terrible (no fresh dairy, no cereal, bad coffee etc), so choose the buffet option if there is one
• If the Wi-Fi password isn’t printed anywhere, it’s probably 12345678 or 88888888
• Other guests can be noisy so bring earplugs
• Many rooms and hallways smell like cigarette smoke
• Toilet tissue is low quality and they don’t provide enough for two people.

I’ve also found that many Chinese hotels don’t understand what privacy means.

Even if you hang the ‘do not disturb’ sign on your door, you may find that hotel staff have entered the room to clean and so on. This has happened to me countless times.

I hope all of this doesn’t sound too negative. I’m just trying to give an honest appraisal so you know what to expect.

(I’ve written a whole article called What are Chinese people like? if you want to dig deeper into the Chinese psyche.)

10. Good luck with food

The so-called vegetarian dumplings which had prawn in them. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Chinese food is delicious and so much better than the ‘fake’ Chinese food in the United States.

General Tso’s chicken? Errr, the Chinese have never heard of it!

If you’re part of a tour, then your guide will probably take your group to restaurants to eat. But if you go it alone, here’s my advice:

• Choose a restaurant with photos on the wall or menu, so you can point
• Use a translator on your phone, such as Google Translate (remember to get your VPN )
• Chinese people don’t understand allergies (they don’t exist in China) so if you’re allergic to something know exactly what you’re ordering
• Food will come out at any random order, so don’t expect the rice first
• Locals love spicy food so if you don’t want a scorching mouth, say “Bù yào là” or show them the Chinese characters (不要辣) on your phone.

This list is by no means exhaustive but hopefully it helps you a little!

And remember to get China travel insurance in case you get really sick from food or something else. Medical care isn’t cheap in China.

11. BYO toilet paper

A rare sight – a Chinese toilet with paper provided. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

And finally, the bathroom.

If you’re brave enough to use a Chinese squat toilet , then don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper. It’s not provided, except at hotels.

Similarly, you should BYO hand sanitizer because hand wash or soap isn’t provided in local loos.

It sounds funny to say it, but ‘holding on’ until you get back to your hotel is often your best option.

I hope you liked this special list with US citizens in mind. There’s some more general travel information below, otherwise check out my page on what not to do in China for more helpful advice. Have an amazing time in China!

Main image credit: Krakenimages.com on Shutterstock.

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Helpful resources.

Need help with your trip? Here are some helpful resources:

• See the China travel agency list if you’re looking to join tour groups
• Get a new U.S. passport if yours has less than six months on it
• Familiarize yourself with the food you cannot bring to China
• Don’t forget your China vaccinations especially if you’re going to rural areas or you’ll be around animals.

Assistance for U.S. citizens in China

Hopefully you won’t require consular services, but if you do then here are the contact details for the U.S. embassy in Beijing:

• Address: No. 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang, Beijing
• Phone: (+86) 10 8531 4000
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn

There are also consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan and Shenyang.

FAQ for Americans traveling to China

Are americans allowed to go to china right now.

They sure are. China is open and warmly welcomes American tourists.

Is China good for Americans?

Yes, China is good for Americans because it’s safe, there are lots of attractions, and things are cheap.

What should I know before traveling to China?

The main things are to get a VPN if you want to connect with the outside world via Wi-Fi, don’t tip anyone, download Alipay or WeChat for easy payments, and bring toilet tissue everywhere you go.

Is it safe to travel to China as an American?

Yes, China is safe for American citizens. Just remember to follow all local laws and you should be fine.

Is it safe to bring my phone to China?

Of course. In fact, you’ll need your phone to make payments in China, unless you only want to use cash which can be troublesome at small businesses.

Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms for more info.

Mike Cairnduff

Mike has lived and worked in China, and has traveled extensively across the country. He loves Chinese food and has a keen interest in Chinese culture. You can follow him on X and LinkedIn .

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China Tours & Trips

China, Asia's largest country, swings between the stunning modern vibes of Beijing and Shanghai and the centuries old culture and traditions of Tibet . Take a walk on the Great Wall of China , have a river cruise on Yangtze river with one of our adventures or visit Yunnan and fall in love with this country.

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China Express

Great fun packed itinerary and wonderful leading by the guide Howard from Xian. Amazing, just go.

8-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

We had Maggie in Beijing, Susan in Xi’an, and Chris is Shanghai. This tour deserves 5 stars all around, but the only reason I take one off is because of Chris in Shanghai. He didn’t meet us at the airport (all the other guides did) he started the tour later, but then was late to the hotel. This would not have been a huge deal, but we didn’t cover all of what the itinerary said in Shanghai, and he sold us on an extra tour at night that covered the parts we didn’t do during the day plus an extra thing we had asked. It felt weird, because Maggie and Susan were literally bending over backwards to make sure we were having a wonderful time. I was vegetarian, and they made sure that every restaurant we went to made dishes for me. At the restaurant in Shanghai, it was clear he did not relate it to the restaurant and I was given a plate of peas to eat when I asked if any of the dishes on the table were vegetarian. I feel so guilty not giving this tour 5 stars because it really was one of the best tours I have EVER been on other than the Shanghai portion. It may look like there’s a lot in the itinerary, but I NEVER felt rushed. Any questions or concerns I had were dealt with immediately and Susan and Maggie were so kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. I would HIGHLY recommend using this tour company - and I don’t think I’ve ever said that about a tour group before.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai

All the guides were very nice. To call this a no shopping tour is misleading. Several times we were put in shopping situations that were not mentioned in the description or were sprung on us in transit.

China Delights Small Group Tour

This is a great tour that packs a lot in. Time flies as you see so much although you won't spend long at many of the sites. My favourite bits of the itinerary were: - The Great Wall at Mutianyu (Beijing) we took the chair lift option which meant we could ride the toboggan back down. - Terracotta Warriors (Xian) half day - Li River Cruise (Guilin) - Huangpu River Cruise (Shanghai) which luckily turned into an evening cruise as we couldn't get on the earlier one. Those are the highlights but there are so many other things such as the Tang Dynasty Dancing and Dumpling Dinner and Summer Palace in Beijng and Reed Flute Caves in Guilin. In particular Guilin so picturesque and Shanghai so modern. We were lucky with our first two guides, Tina (Beijing) and Celine (Xian) who were both excellent. Autumn in Guilin and Mindy in Shanghai were good too. Autumn stayed with us to help us find and order food in the evenings so a couple of long shifts for her. Celine helped arrange a birthday cake for one of our younger travellers. Included meals were excellent. Full banquets usually in local restaurants but we really enjoyed the home cooked lunch as well. Food was plentyful. We even enjoyed the set meal box on the cruise. Hotels were generally of a good standard. Check-in at The Great Wall Hotel in Beijing was really slow though and trying to find a table for breakfast was difficult and located a fair distance away from where the restaurants are (need to get the subway to reach them) The hotel in Guilin was the worst one, the rooms being some distance away from the lift and lobby and small bathrooms. The hotel in Shanghai was excellent. It was nice touch that we got framed photo souvenirs of our trip from Beijing although I think both myself and my sister should have received one each as we paid for single supplements. Some feedback I'd give would be that they need to let us know about the optional night tours that are available on the website/ itinerary before we come out so that we can budget properly. There was a night visit for the Big Goose Pagoda in Xian with the musical fountain light show which we would have liked to have gone to didn't go to due to the weather. We found that the night cruise in Guilin was expensive as the premium we paid for the guide to buy the tickets and come onboard with us was excessive. We could have just walked to the ticket office and bought the tickets ourselves. The night tour of Shanghai was just as expensive but at least that included a coach to drive us around as well as the guide. Having said that, we could have used the subway and got around ourselves and because it started so late, we didn't see much. It is worth going up Jin Mao Tower. Overall, we had a great time on this trip and would recommend Travel China Guide.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Train & Rail
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China Highlights (5 destinations)

The Essence of Guilin

Great experience from the first day to the last day. Tour guide George and driver Wang assisted in picking up and dropping off and was punctual throughout. Bravo hotel in Guilin and New Century hotel in Yangshuo was great located with many choices of buffet breakfasts, very nice room and comfortable bed. Sailing through the 2 rivers and 4 lakes in the downtown of Guilin was brilliant. Longji rice terraces hike was such beautiful picture scroll with stunning views at the top and Li river cruise were majestic, cycling through the scenic town and country side of Yangshuo was absolutely exciting. Overall a fantastic experience that I would recommend to everyone.

11 Days China Natural Wonders Small Group

Would recommend to anyone looking to travel to China. TCT looked after us very well, collected from airports and stations without issues, helped us check in etc. The guides were excellent, and very helpful. The itinerary was well put together, fitted a lot in without being exhausting. Just a couple of hotels could have been better, would recommend to the company to use a different hotel in Beijing and Zgangjijie.

Looking for tours beyond just China?

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Great Wall & Warriors - 10 days

The tour was great. Maybe we went to too many places for shopping instead of the summer palace or places we could use the time. All tour guides were excellent. The Terracota factory is not worth it, or the 4 hours at a mall in Beijing that can be use for summer palace.

China Express - 8 days

I travelled with On the Go on the China Express tour and had an absolute blast! Normally I am the type of traveller to "go solo" and do my own thing and have my experiences that way. I must admit, I would never have seen half the things I would have compared to doing it with On the Go. Each day is brilliantly organised, you get to make friends with the people you travel with from all over the world, but there is not too many people that you feel like a sheep. China is the kind of country where have a local tour guide really enhances your whole holiday as well. Organising something as easy as a taxi yourself requires you to know Chinese, you cant just show them an address. You get to learn a lot more about the culture, history and see some really interesting places which are more local than what a guide book can tell you. I would highly recommend On the Go, my whole trip was flawless, the ground staff couldn't be more helpful and it was a great way to see one of the most interesting countries in the world without feeling overwhelmed.

Wild Yunnan 8D: Kunming-Dali-Lijiang- Shangri-La

Since we were traveling in an unpopular travel time, we had our own private tour guide. Our guide, Nancy, was also our driver for Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La. The whole itinerary was very good scheduled and not to packed, so we had time to stroll around the cities by ourselves as well. We were very happy overall and will definitely recommend this tour

Great Wall to Great Cities: Beijing to Shanghai China Journey

I was very impressed with the accounting for optional activities, and with the knowledge of the guides.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Great itinerary and travel between all the destinations was well managed and pain free. The accommodation was a lower standard as this is a lower budget tour but all of the locations allowed for easy access to the local attractions. All of the hotels/hostels were clean and air conditioned, we were more interested in the sights anyway! Our guide was the best and balanced knowledge with ensuring the group had fun, she was happy to change plans and arrange alternatives if any or all of the group wished to do different things. A really great group of people added up to a fantastic, memorable trip that I would happily recommend to anyone wanting the 'Real China' trip.

Hong Kong to Chengdu Express: 9-Day Chinese Journey

I will use tourrader again

Incredible Zhangjiajie

7 Days Lhasa To Shigatse and Namtso Group Tour

I love this trip so much! It is a lifetime experience I will never forget. The guide was very caring. I was a little dizzy on the first day. The guide constantly asked about my condition. He was also humorous and knowledgeable on Tibetan Buddhism and history. We learned a lot along the way. At EBC, we were so lucky to have good weather. When we look out from the window of the nomad tent, breathtaking! I see the starry sky! With the good arrangement and accompaniment, our trip has become more meaningful and wonderful. Thanks for everything. I highly recommend it to our friends.

What people love about China Tours

As a couple surprised by an fantastic individual tour by three very articulate guides and proficient drivers around Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Learnt not only about history but culture and language today. Felt very safe even when venturing out alone around cities without guides. Our only issue was we could not get internet to connect but that is going to be more us being technophobic. However so supported by guides that not required.

This tour is the greatest China esperience! All guides go above and beyond to immerse you in the ancient China history, local culture, natural wonders. Absolutely professional and courteous service, best accomodations, balanced time and activities for perfect vacation. Special thanks to TravelChinaGuide agent Emily - helping all the way in planning the tour. Highly recommended tour and TravelChinaGuide team, especially for the first-time visitors to China.

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• China Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

• Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025)

China is a year-round travel destination. Regardless of when you go, there is always a place that is worth visiting.

However, weather-wise, the best times to visit China are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) . These periods offer tourism-friendly weather in the most popular destinations throughout the country.

In the following article, we will provide recommendations for the best destinations and activities to explore in each season and month.

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• Best Times to Visit China

The Worst Times to Visit China

China travel guide by month, best times to visit china for great weather, sightseeing, festivals, and low prices.

The best time to visit China could vary significantly depending on your China vacation purposes, budget, and weather preferences.

• Spring and autumn are the best times for the most pleasant weather and stunning natural landscapes. They are also good times for enjoying outdoor activities.
• If you're looking to enjoy good weather and avoid crowds , we recommend April, September, and mid to late October.
• For families with children , the available time usually revolves around the summer vacation period. If you prefer a quieter environment and less crowded attractions, June could be a good choice.
• If you are interested in experiencing China's festivals , we recommend visiting during Chinese New Year, which usually falls in late January and early February.
• November to March is the off-season. It is a time to benefit from less-crowded attractions and favorable prices . March and November could be smarter choices. The weather in these two shoulder-season months is better compared to other months in the off-season.

Most sightseeing in cultural and historical destinations, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an, is hardly affected by weather conditions. These destinations are suitable for visiting all year round.

No matter in what season you visit, we will carefully customize your itinerary based on your travel time to ensure that you enjoy the many charms of China without any hassles.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

While there are certain times to travel that may be considered worst, such as those having large crowds or bad weather, the impact of these conditions could be significantly minimized with proper planning, enough knowledge of the destination, and the right destination selection . That's what we could do for you. We would try our best to ensure you have an enjoyable travel experience by skillfully managing these factors.

To Avoid Crowds

If you don't like crowded environments, you should avoid traveling during the Chinese holidays. Most of the attractions are flooded with Chinese tourists during festivals and holidays, especially the two golden weeks:

• Labor Day holiday (May 1–5)
• National Day holiday (October 1–7)

If you are traveling during the above periods, book well in advance (at least 6 months) and get ready for the crowds.

In this case, we have three suggestions.

First, get up early to visit as you would enjoy a quieter scenic spot . Compared to the noisy environment, you will find that your early rise is worth it.

Second, choose less popular destinations , such as the Silk Road .

Third, skirt around the peak travel period and visit before or after the holidays . April, late May, and late October could be good times for the good weather, fewer crowds, and nice scenery. Travel costs are also down compared to the costs during holidays.

To Avoid the Rainy Season

If you don't like rain, you'd better avoid visiting in the rainy months.

For southern cities, such as Shanghai and Guilin, June, the rainiest month, is not a good choice for a visit, especially if you are looking for outdoor activities.

But you don't need to worry too much about the rainy season. China is a large country and the rainy season will be slightly different in each city, which provides you with a variety of options. Just contact us for recommendations and itinerary planning.

The northern cities of China, such as Beijing and Xi'an, are generally less affected by the rainy season, which occurs in July and August. There are only occasional short bursts of rain, which have little impact on the tourist experience.

China has four seasons: spring (officially March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). The north has longer winters and the south has longer summers.

China is vast, with destinations for every season. Whether you visit in winter or summer, there's a suitable place.

Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information. All our tours can be adjusted/customized based on your requirements. Just contact us .

China Weather in January

• North China (Beijing): freezing, -8–2°C (18–35°F)
• South China (Shanghai): chilly, 2–8°C (35–46°F)

On the whole, most cities in China are cold in January with low rainfall, except for the extreme southern, including Hainan Island, which still retains a warm 22–26°C (72–79°F) range.

There is snow in the north, but there is little snowfall in the south. If you want to see beautiful snow scenery and do some exciting snow activities, Beijing, Harbin, and many northern cities are recommended.

Seeing the snow-covered Great Wall, skiing in a winter games venue, and exploring a special residence in the north (a cave dwelling), which is warm in winter and cool in summer, are some of the best winter activities.

Harbin's Ice and Snow Festival , which often has more than one large castle that is made of ice and snow, is also popular among travelers.

January is a good time to experience the culture and atmosphere of Chinese New Year . You could explore interesting temple fairs, watch wonderful folk-art performances, and learn about the many customs of Chinese New Year.

If you want to have a warm winter holiday, Hainan Island (i.e. Sanya) could be your choice with its beautiful beaches and sunny weather. Yunnan is also recommended for its mild weather.

See more on China Weather in January (with travel info).

China Weather in February

• North China (Beijing): cold, -5–6°C (23–42°F)
• South China (Shanghai): chilly, 3–9°C (37–49°F)

The weather in February is very similar to January, with a slight increase in temperature.

February is not the peak season (except for the increase in domestic travel during the Chinese New Year holidays), so you could enjoy less-crowded attractions. The cold weather does not have a big impact on sightseeing, especially in the historical/cultural destinations, such as Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai.

The Lantern Festival, a traditional Chinese festival, usually falls in February. Many areas, such as Shanghai's Yu Garden, have lantern shows and fairs where you could see lantern displays and parades, and eat traditional festival snacks.

See more on China Weather in February (with travel info).

China Weather in March

• North China (Beijing): cold, 2–12°C (35–54°F)
• South China (Shanghai): chilly, 7–13°C (45–55°F)

In March, the temperature gap between the north and the south narrows and it begins to warm slowly, gradually entering spring.

March is good for sightseeing at natural attractions, such as in Guilin and Yunnan . Outdoor activities, such as biking and hiking, are suitable at this time.

Moreover, you could expect fewer tourists in March than in the coming peak months.

See more on China Weather in March (with travel info).

China Weather in April

• North China (Beijing): mild, 9–21°C (49–69°F)
• South China (Shanghai): warm, 12–19°C (54–66°F)

In April, the weather in China is generally mild and pleasant, although specific temperatures and conditions vary by region.

The southernmost regions have significantly higher temperatures, making them suitable for outdoor activities, such as flower viewing, hiking, or picnicking in the countryside.

Some cities in the south will have drizzle, which brings fresh air and magical misty scenery. The rains can actually enhance views, with mountain mists in areas like the Li River (Guilin) and the Yellow Mountains.

In the northern regions, the weather is cooler but still enjoyable for sightseeing and exploring historical sites, such as the Great Wall, or visiting cultural attractions, such as museums and temples.

See more on China Weather in April (with travel info).

China Weather in May

• North China (Beijing): warm, 15–27°C (59–80°F)
• South China (Shanghai): warm, 17–24°C (63–75°F)

In May, the weather in China is generally warm and pleasant as spring transitions into early summer.

The pleasant weather is suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing in most cities, such as exploring Yunnan and historical sites like the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The first week of May (Labor Day holiday) is one of the peaks of China's travel season. Airlines, trains, hotels, shops, and restaurants are very busy. Contact us for an early booking!

After May's first week, you can discover China in relatively uncrowded springtime days (early summer days in more southern China).

See more on China Weather in May (with travel info).

China Weather in June

• North China (Beijing): hot, 20–30°C (68–86°F)
• South China (Shanghai): muggy, 22–27°C (71–81°F)

In June, China experiences varied weather conditions across different regions. Southern China enters the rainy season with higher temperatures and occasional thunderstorms.

You could explore the picturesque landscapes of Yunnan or visit the famous Yellow Mountains .

Northern China enjoys warmer temperatures and sees increased tourist activity at landmarks such as the Great Wall or the Forbidden City.

It doesn't rain much in the north. Outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, are popular choices during this month.

See more on China Weather in June (with travel info).

China Weather in July

• North China (Beijing): hot, 23–31°C (73–88°F)
• South China (Shanghai): hot, 26–32°C (78–89°F)

In July, China is getting hotter, especially in southern regions. There are occasional typhoon rains in coastal areas, such as Shanghai and Guangdong, but these don't last long.

Northern regions also have high temperatures. Indoor cultural attractions with air-conditioning would be a good choice, such as museums, the Terracotta Army, etc.

July is the peak season for tourism in China because of the summer vacation. If you want to avoid the crowds, some less-traveled destinations, such as Inner Mongolia , are recommended.

If you still don't want to miss the popular attractions, such as the Great Wall, we could arrange less-traveled sections for you, such as hiking at a wild and less-crowded section of the Great Wall or a night tour of the Great Wall.

See more on China Weather in July (with travel info).

China Weather in August

• North China (Beijing): hot, 21–30°C (70–86°F)
• South China (Shanghai): hot, 26–31°C (78–88°F)

In August, China is still hot across the country. Like July, there could be occasional showers of rain.

August offers optimum conditions for mountain and highland destinations, such as Tibet , Yunnan , Guilin , and Zhangjiajie .

If the heat and crowds are challenges for you, a private tour will make your trip easier and more comfortable. Your guide can help you to avoid the crowds and private air-conditioned transport will keep you cooler. See more on How to Plan a Summer Trip to China .

Visitors will taper off in late August with the end of the summer vacation.

See more on China Weather in August (with travel info).

China Weather in September

• North China (Beijing): warm, 16–26°C (60–78°F)
• South China (Shanghai): less hot, 21–27°C (70–81°F)

In September, China experiences pleasant weather as summer transitions into autumn.

The temperature begins to cool down, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing in most cities. It is especially good to enjoy various natural sights. It is one of the best times to travel to China.

Although September is still the peak travel season in China, compared with the summer vacation and golden weeks, the flow of visitors in September is relatively small.

See more on China Weather in September (with travel info).

China Weather in October

• North China (Beijing): cool, 8–19°C (46–66°F)
• South China (Shanghai): warm, 16–22°C (61–72°F)

October is also one of the best times to visit China.

In October, China enjoys cool and comfortable weather. The cool weather is perfect for outdoor sports and for visiting large outdoor structures, such as the Great Wall.

It is also the prime time for admiring natural landscapes, especially the breathtaking autumn foliage.

Popular natural destinations include Guilin , Zhangjiajie , Jiuzhai Valley , and the Yellow Mountains .

However, it is important to note that the first week of October is a golden week for tourism. If you want to go to popular destinations, be prepared to expect crowds.

Traveling after the golden week is what we recommend, with more reasonable prices, comfortable weather, similar beautiful scenery, and fewer crowds.

See more on China Weather in October (with travel info).

China Weather in November

• North China (Beijing): chilly, 0–10°C (32–50°F)
• South China (Shanghai): mild, 10–15°C (50–59°F)

In November, China experiences varied weather conditions across different regions.

Northern China starts to get colder with occasional snowfalls, making it suitable for enjoying winter activities like skiing in resorts, such as Yabuli.

Southern China remains mild and pleasant, offering opportunities to visit cities like Shanghai and Guilin. Sightseeing, visiting historical sites, and experiencing local cuisine are popular activities during this month.

See more on China Weather in November (with travel info).

China Weather in December

• North China (Beijing): cold, -6–3°C (21–37°F)
• South China (Shanghai): chilly, 4–11°C (39–51°F)

In December, China experiences cold weather in most regions.

Northern areas, such as Harbin, offer the fascinating Ice and Snow Festival with intricate ice sculptures and winter sports.

Cities in the south have also begun to see significant cooling. Further south, such as in Guangdong and Hong Kong, relatively mild temperatures are maintained.

December is ideal for exploring cultural attractions and enjoying local cuisine.

See more on China Weather in December (with travel info).

Tour China with Us

Our travel advisors are very happy to give you suggestions and guidance for your trip planning. They can tailor-make your trip according to your interests and requirements, and help to find the best time of year for you to go to China.

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China Travel Surges for May Holiday but Consumers Remain Wary

FILE PHOTO: A woman helps a child to climb the stairs amid tourists visiting the Badaling section of the Great Wall, in Beijing, China October 1, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/File Photo

(This May 1 story has been refiled to say 'new cities' instead of 'lower-tier cities' in paragraph 13)

By Sophie Yu and Alessandro Diviggiano

(Reuters) - Travel by rail and car across China surged on Wednesday, the first day of a major public holiday, as consumers remained focused on keeping expenses down in a challenged economy.

In the run-up to the five-day holiday that began with May Day, domestic airline fares were falling and forecasts suggested more travelers were opting to drive rather than fly, or had booked early to save.

Travel of all kinds has rebounded since China lifted strict COVID control measures at the end of 2022, but consumer spending on those trips has failed to keep up, limiting the boost to the broader economy.

China has set an economic growth target for 2024 of around 5%, which many analysts say will be a challenge to achieve without much more stimulus.

China's manufacturing and services activity both expanded at a slower pace in April, official surveys showed on Tuesday, suggesting some loss of momentum.

"There is indeed significant pressure," Lin Yu, 38, who was visiting Beijing from Hangzhou. "Every family's situation is different, and it clearly also depends on the industry you work in."

By the fourth week of April, the average price for an economy flight in China had dropped 38% from the first week of the month to the equivalent of just under $97, according to VariFlight, an aviation data service provider.

"Chinese airlines must adapt to these changes," said Zheng Hongfeng, VariFlight, who said the fare declines showed travelers were booking early in a highly competitive market.

About 58 million cars are expected to be on roads every day during the holiday while railways carried more than 20 million passengers on Wednesday alone, state media reported.

The number of trips taken during the first quarter was up almost 17 percent from a year earlier, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

A three-day public holiday during April was the first time average spending per trip rose beyond 2019 levels. By that measure, spending was up then just over 1%.

Some companies have shifted to try to appeal to consumers watching their spending as they watch the road.

Yum China, the operator of KFC in China, said this week 30% of its new stores would be in new cities or roadside locations like highway rest stops.

Same-store sales at those locations were up 20% during Lunar New Year in February, Yum China CEO Joey Wat said.

"They're key to capturing the spike in travel volume during holidays," she said.

(Writing by Kevin Krolicki, editing by Christina Fincher)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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China Travel Advisory

Travel advisory april 12, 2024, mainland china, hong kong & macau - see summaries.

Updated due to new national security legislation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Summary:  Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services . Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction . 

Mainland China – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws , including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions .

Summary:  The People’s Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law.

The Department of State has determined the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the PRC government exists in the PRC.

U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens in the PRC may be subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law.

Foreigners in the PRC, including but not limited to businesspeople, former foreign-government personnel, academics, relatives of PRC citizens involved in legal disputes, and journalists have been interrogated and detained by PRC officials for alleged violations of PRC national security laws. The PRC has also interrogated, detained, and expelled U.S. citizens living and working in the PRC.

PRC authorities appear to have broad discretion to deem a wide range of documents, data, statistics, or materials as state secrets and to detain and prosecute foreign nationals for alleged espionage. There is increased official scrutiny of U.S. and third-country firms, such as professional service and due diligence companies, operating in the PRC. Security personnel could detain U.S. citizens or subject them to prosecution for conducting research or accessing publicly available material inside the PRC.

Security personnel could detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the PRC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR governments.

In addition, the PRC government has used restrictions on travel or departure from the PRC, or so-called exit bans, to:

• compel individuals to participate in PRC government investigations;
• pressure family members of the restricted individual to return to the PRC from abroad;
• resolve civil disputes in favor of PRC citizens; and
• gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.

U.S. citizens might only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart the PRC, and there may be no available legal process to contest an exit ban in a court of law. Relatives, including minor children, of those under investigation in the PRC may become subject to an exit ban.

The PRC government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a U.S. citizen and choose to enter Mainland China on travel documents other than a U.S. passport and are detained or arrested, the PRC government may not notify the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulates General or allow consular access.

Check with the PRC Embassy in the United States for the most updated information on travel to the PRC. In some limited circumstances travelers to Mainland China may face additional COVID-19 testing requirements to enter some facilities or events.

The Department of State does not provide or coordinate direct medical care to private U.S. citizens abroad. U.S. citizens overseas may receive PRC-approved COVID-19 vaccine doses where they are eligible.

Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC. A positive drug test, even if the drug was legal elsewhere, can lead to immediate detention, fines, deportation, and/or a ban from re-entering the PRC. PRC authorities may compel cooperation with blood, urine, or hair testing. Penalties for drug offense may exceed penalties imposed in the United States.

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

XINJIANG UYGHUR AUTONOMOUS REGION, TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION, and TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS PREFECTURES

Extra security measures, such as security checks and increased levels of police presence and surveillance, are common in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, and Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures. Authorities may impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice.

If you decide to travel to Mainland China:

• Enter the PRC on your U.S. passport with a valid PRC visa and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for Mainland China .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Exercise caution in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
• Keep a low profile.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Beijing or the nearest U.S. Consulate General immediately.
• Review the  China Country Security Report  from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Embassy Beijing on  Twitter ,  WeChat , and  Weibo .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the PRC.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Summary: Hong Kong SAR authorities have dramatically restricted civil liberties since the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) imposed the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR on June 30, 2020. Following the Hong Kong SAR government’s enactment of its own Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on March 23, 2024, Hong Kong SAR authorities are expected to take additional actions to further restrict civil liberties.

The 2020 National Security Law outlines a broad range of vaguely defined offenses, such as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities. The 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance builds on this framework with additional vaguely defined offenses, such as treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets, sabotage against public infrastructure, and external interference. According to the legislation, these offenses are applicable to foreign nationals within the Hong Kong SAR and to individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, located outside its borders. Under these provisions, anyone who criticizes the PRC and/or Hong Kong SAR authorities may face arrest, detention, expulsion, and/or prosecution. Hong Kong SAR authorities are attempting to enforce these provisions against individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, residing outside of their jurisdiction by offering cash rewards for information leading to their arrests in the Hong Kong SAR.

Dual Nationality: The Hong Kong SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter Hong Kong SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau .

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges under the 2020 National Security Law and/or the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to the Hong Kong SAR:

• Enter the Hong Kong SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Hong Kong SAR .
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
• Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the Hong Kong SAR or prior to arriving in the Hong Kong SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Hong Kong SAR.
• Monitor local media, local transportations sites, and apps like  MTR Mobile  or  Citybus  for updates.

Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Summary:  The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Macau SAR due to People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic personnel.

Even in an emergency, the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to the Macau SAR, to apply for and receive visas before entering the Macau SAR. Approval takes at least five to seven days, significantly limiting the U.S. government’s ability to offer timely consular services in the Macau SAR.

Dual Nationality: The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter the Macau SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau .

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to the Macau SAR:

• Enter the Macau SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Macau SAR .
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the Macau SAR or prior to arriving in the Macau SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Macau SAR.
• Monitor local media and the Macau Government Tourism Office website for updates.
• Review your flight status with your airline or at the Macau International Airport website.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Pair of giant pandas set to travel from China to San Diego Zoo under conservation partnership

SAN DIEGO — A pair of giant pandas will soon make the journey from China to the U.S., where they will be cared for at the San Diego Zoo as part of an ongoing conservation partnership between the two nations, officials said Monday.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said its caretakers recently visited China to meet the giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, ahead of their planned trip to Southern California. An exact date for the handoff hasn’t been set.

Yun Chuan, a mild-mannered male who’s nearly 5 years old, has “deep connections” to California, the wildlife alliance said. His mother, Zhen Zhen, was born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007 to parents Bai Yun and Gao Gao.

Xin Bao is a nearly 4-year-old female described as “a gentle and witty introvert with a sweet round face and big ears.”

“Our conservation partners in China shared photographs and personality traits of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, but meeting them in person was so special,” said Dr. Megan Owen, the alliance’s vice president of conservation science. “It’s inspiring as people from around the world come together to conserve, protect, and care for these special bears, and we can’t wait to welcome them to San Diego.”

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has a nearly 30-year partnership with leading conservation institutions in China focused on protecting and recovering giant pandas and the bamboo forests they depend on.

China Tours & Vacations

Welcome to China – one of the world's oldest and most enduring cultures; all yours to explore.

The Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, the giant panda and the flowing Yangzi – China is home to some of the world’s most remarkable places. And as you venture deep into the cityscapes from  Shanghai to Beijing , float past Yangshuo's limestone karsts and explore the tranquil monasteries in  Emei Shan  and Lhasa, you’ll be struck by how diverse this land can be. The rich tapestries of history, the charm of local villagers, the diversity of regional culinary traditions and sublime natural beauty, all coming together to create an experience like nothing else. Welcome to China – one of the world’s oldest and most enduring cultures; all yours to explore.

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China at a glance

Capital city.

Beijing (population approximately 21.5 million)

Approximately 1.4 billion

Renminbi (CNY)

Mandarin, Cantonese and many other dialects

(GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type C (European 2-pin) Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)

Learn more about China

Culture and customs, from ancient cultures....

As one of the world's oldest cultures, China has so much history to observe, taste, admire and learn about. Ancient mythology and spirituality are infused throughout the traditional dance, art, music and literature of China, with many contemporary customs directly attributed to centuries-old traditions.

Much of Chinese philosophy is interwoven with interactions and relationships between people and things – the Five Elements theory of wood, fire, earth, metal and water; the yin and the yang; the Chinese Lunar Calendar and Zodiac – and underpin many rituals and customs still present in China.

Ancient cultures and ruling dynasties of China in times’ past are present in philosophy, religion (Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism) and customs (tai chi, fengshui, fortune-telling and tea ceremonies). Culturally, China has gifted the world everything from martial arts to mah-jong, and we all continue to enjoy the rich cuisine, delicate art and evocative dance.

...to modern times...

China’s cultural identity is dominated by the Han – the largest ethnic group in mainland China, accounting for approximately 92 per cent of Chinese citizens. There are, however, another 105 million people who identify as one of over 50 other ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang (southern China), Hui (northwest China), Uyghur (Central Asia) and Tibetan (Tibet autonomous region). Together, these ethnic groups have constructed a much more diverse China than new travellers may initially be aware of – all with unique customs, longstanding traditions and countless stories to tell. Over 800 million Chinese citizens speak Mandarin while many others use Cantonese, especially along the southeastern coastline. Although both languages may be considered very difficult to learn, it is important to learn at least a few phrases when travelling to show respect to the locals.

...and the balance of the two

While modern China is changing at a rapid pace, much of China still clings to age-old traditions and ways of life. This culture clash is particularly evident when visiting large cities like Beijing that are home to ancient hutongs alongside modern skyscrapers, time-worn temples and glorious World Heritage sites, all found within walking distance of each other. With centuries of dramatic history and ethnic identities key to uncovering the diversity of the country’s people, China remains one of the world's most fascinating places to travel.

History and government

Early history.

As one of the world's oldest civilisations, China has an intriguing history that spans thousands of years. The Yellow River is known as the Cradle of Chinese Civilisation as it is thought that what we now know as ‘China’ originated on the banks of this river.

China's early history is dominated by periods of dynastic rule, fragmentation and imperialist expansion, with each dynasty contributing something different to the history books. Construction of the Great Wall of China was thought to have started during the Qin Dynasty, with the Ming Dynasty enhancing the wall at a later stage. The Tang Dynasty is known as a time of prosperity and artistic expression, the Song Dynasty is famed for being a time of scientific and technological discovery, and Kublai Khan's Yuan Dynasty saw an overall population decline that has been attributed to everything from an administration error to the arrival of the Bubonic Plague.

Once the Yuan Dynasty was overthrown by the Ming Dynasty in 1368, population numbers began to increase again and urbanisation grew quite rapidly. Private enterprise flourished, with small-scale paper, silk and cotton trading providing trade income to the masses. The following period of rule known as the Qing Dynasty stretched from 1644 to 1911. This is generally seen as a time of rebellion and upheaval with the Taiping Rebellion, Nien Rebellion, Panthay Rebellion and Boxer Rebellion all testing the Qing's ability to rule. Thankfully, remnants of most of these periods of history can be found in China today.

Recent history

The Republic of China was formed in Nanjing in 1912 after a military uprising. Leadership changed hands many times throughout the following years until the People's Liberation Army succeeded in ousting the US-backed Chiang Kai-Shek after a long and bloody battle.

Mao Zedong became Chairman, or leader, of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and China's society was systematically converted to communism. Land reforms and the collectivisation of agriculture significantly altered the structure of society and daily life. Dramatic population, cultural and economic changes led to events that Western societies remember as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Mao's death in 1976 triggered leadership changes and economic reforms, the impact of which has rippled into the future.

More recently, China has seen  Hong Kong  and Macau returned from foreign rule and enjoyed a period of increased economic growth. The country basked in the international spotlight as the host city of the 2008 Summer Olympics and with a strengthening economy, wide-scale global influence and dominant rule by the Communist Party of China, China is now one of the world’s global superpowers.

For travellers, China’s rich and engaging history, especially through dynastic rule and its cultural philosophies, has created a country so fascinating, so layered and so rewarding to explore. Opening the first chapter of China’s history book begins the moment you arrive.

Eating and drinking

Whether it’s slurping down a bowl of noodles at a Silk Road street market, having a mouth-numbing Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu or waving down the dim sum trolley at a morning yum cha, you won’t go hungry in China.

Chinese cuisine focuses on colour, aroma and taste, and nearly every region and minority group has its own cooking style. Chinese cuisine has traditionally been broken down into eight major schools of cooking: Anhui, Cantonese, Fuijan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan and Zhejiang. They’re also grouped into northern, southern, western and eastern cooking styles.

Rich and hearty northern cuisine – flavoured with lots of salt, ginger, garlic and soy sauce – is what fed the emperors. Southern cuisine – particularly from the Cantonese school – is what you’ve likely sampled at your local Chinatown, such as dim sum. Western cuisine brings the heat thanks to ample use of Sichuan peppercorn and piping hot chilli peppers, and eastern cuisine tends to be sweeter in flavour and feature a wide variety of vegetables, shellfish, fish and other types of seafood.

Dishes to try in China

• Sichuan hot pot Taste a bit of Chinese history by dipping into a fiery Sichuan hot pot filled with meat, vegetables, noodles and chilli. While each region in China has different varieties, Sichuan lays claim to the spiciest.
• Cantonese dim sum (Yum Cha) Sitting down to a dim sum banquet is one of Hong Kong's great culinary experiences. Bamboo baskets of salty dumplings and pots of cleansing tea change hands in this traditional feast that will leave you feeling very full.
• Green tea China is home to one of the world's largest tea drinking cultures, with most locals sipping a few cups of tea daily. Green tea may have recently risen in popularity in Western societies, but it’s been used as a medicine in China for thousands of years.
• Peking duck This famous roast duck dish from Beijing dates back to Imperial China. It’s one of the best flavour combinations in the world: succulent slices of duck served between delicate pancakes with green onions and a sweet dark sauce.
• Street snacks A lot of  Asia’s  best food is found in markets, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and street-side stalls. Think baozi (steamed stuffed buns), jiaozi (dumplings), jianbing (fried chive pancakes), yang rou chan (lamb kebabs) and so much more. China may be famous for giant feasts served on a lazy susan, but don’t dismiss what can be found on a budget.

Learn more about Chinese food

Find out what to drink in China

Geography and environment

Located in east Asia along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, China is the third-largest nation in the world by total land area, behind  Russia  and  Canada . It shares its border with 14 countries including Russia, Kazakhstan and  Mongolia  in the north, and India, Laos and  Vietnam  in the south.

Soaring peaks, high plateaus and desert occupy the western half of this vast country. In the southwest, Mount Everest and the Himalayas form the border with  India ,  Nepal  and Bhutan. In the north, the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts stretch from west to east along the border with Mongolia. The terrain slopes into broad plains and deltas in the east. Two major rivers flow through central China – the Yellow River in the north and the Yangzi in the south – where rice paddies flourish.

China, as well as 16 other countries around the world, is known as ‘megadiverse’ – a grouped classification of biodiverse countries that contain over 70% of the world’s endemic flora and fauna. China itself is home to over 550 species of mammals, 1221 species of birds, 146,000 types of flora and 10,000 species of fungi.

Despite this, China has a series of challenges in terms of safeguarding its environment and biodiversity. China’s industry is booming and air pollution is on the rise. It has become the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitter and to deal with this, China has become the world’s leading investor in renewable energies and is making a big effort to reduce widespread air pollution in its major cities.

China has a multitude of different shopping experiences, from the massive malls of Beijing to the fashion boutiques of Shanghai and the small village markets that are dotted around the country.

In Beijing, your best bet for shopping is along Wangfujing Street for designer labels, Hongqiao Market for a wide range of pearls and Yaxiu Market for gifts and souvenirs. Nanjing Road and Xujiahui are Shanghai’s shopping hotspots and the eclectic Huaihai Road has been likened to Tokyo’s Harajuku fashion district, so that’s also worthwhile visiting.

Things to buy in China

• Silk As the home of this popular fabric, China’s silk is undoubtedly legendary. It’s been greatly admired by the world for centuries, so don’t leave China without picking some fabric, handmade clothing or a scarf or two.
• Chinese Calligraphy Art This beautiful art form has been practised in China for centuries. Buy an antique artwork or get a customised piece featuring your name made on the spot.
• Paper Cut Art This traditional art is a painstaking process that ultimately creates an intricately beautiful result. Associated with Chinese New Year, paper art souvenirs can be found all year round, with designs of flowers, animals and people the most common.
• Chinese Knots These traditional, decorative handicrafts are seen as a symbol of health and prosperity and make brilliant gifts for friends back home. The tassel-style gifts are said to ward off evil spirits and are often given as good luck charms during Chinese New Year celebrations.

It's a good idea to check with customs to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws, especially with food, plant or wood-related products.

Festivals and events

Festivals in China are an integral part of celebrating local cultures and traditions. They are a time for families to return home and gather for a day – or days – filled with food and festivities.

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)

The most important holiday in the country, Chinese New Year is such a big deal that it’s celebrated over 15 days. The main event is New Year’s Eve, when red decorations are hung all around and people travel home to celebrate. Children receive red envelopes stuffed with cash and fireworks and firecrackers go off at midnight. Lanterns, bracelets, cards and tokens are all coloured red as this is considered to be the colour of good fortune.

Lantern (Yuan Xiao) Festival

Though it marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival is a festival in its own right that takes place 15 days after Chinese New Year. It’s a fantastic time to be in China as the country lights up with colourful lanterns.

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

Ever wanted to visit a real-life winter wonderland? Then head to Harbin in January to see massive illuminated sculptures made of snow and ice. Past creations have included the Great Wall (which doubled as an awesome slide), the pyramids of  Egypt  and even a Disney castle.

Dragon Boat (Duanwu) Festival

Equal parts frantic dragon-boat racing and sticky-rice consumption, this three-day festival – meant to commemorate ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan – is celebrated all across China. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, people flock to waterways to feast on zongzi (rice dumplings) and realgar (or xionghuang) wine as they watch the colourful boats race.

Learn more about festivals in China

China travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit China?

From the rugged mountain interior of Emei Shan to the glittering coastal city of Shanghai, China is home to a diverse range of landscapes and climates. We recommend checking out our regional breakdown to help you figure out the best time to visit China.

Tourism is generally at its peak in summer, so if you’re not into crowds, you may want to avoid June, July and August. If you’d still like the weather to be somewhat warm, a shoulder season month like November or May might be best – you’ll usually only need a light jacket or fleece, but the bulk of the crowds are gone.

Do you need a visa for China?

Visitors from most nations are required to obtain a visa for trips to mainland China. Be sure to apply before leaving your home country – if you don’t, your applications might be denied.

For most travel plans, you will need a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days. Generally, a standard 30-day single-entry visa can be issued in four to five business days and at a higher cost for an express application. Once issued, the visa must be used within three months.

For immigration purposes, Hong Kong is not considered part of mainland China and most nationalities, including EU, Australian, US, Canadian and South African citizens, do not require a visa to visit for varying periods of stay.

Please check with your local embassy for specific requirements for Hong Kong and mainland China, as requirements and conditions continuously change. Check with your Chinese embassy or a registered Visa Application Service Centre about what you need to do to apply well before your departure date.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 20 March 2023

Is tipping customary in China?

Generally, tipping is not expected in mainland China, although leaving spare change at restaurants and giving a small amount to hospitality staff is becoming more commonplace (although not mandatory). For example, tipping porters and bartenders a small amount is no longer unusual. The culture of tipping is different in Hong Kong, where taxi drivers and restaurants will usually round up the bill, and service staff will generally expect a tip.

What is the internet access like in China?

Internet access is generally good in hotels and tourist areas, but it's limited in rural and remote areas. Some fast food chains, restaurants and cafes have free wi-fi available, but may require a Chinese phone number to receive the login code. The login prompts may also be in Chinese.

Chinese governments and authorities keep strong controls over internet access and many Western websites, including social media and news outlets, are censored. Sites and apps including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google products (YouTube, Maps, Gmail, Drive), WhatsApp, Snapchat and Dropbox, as well as many international news outlets, will not work.

You may wish to download the WeChat app during your visit, which is the country’s most popular method of communication. It’s like WhatsApp crossed with Facebook, kind of.

For many expats and travellers, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is used to limit this censorship. If you are insistent on using certain websites abroad, look into purchasing a reputable VPN – keep in mind most of the free ones, and some of the paid VPNs will not work. If you do decide to go down this route, still consider what you search for online or access while in China, as some of this content could land you in hot water with authorities if found out.

With all this in mind, you’ve got the opportunity to switch off and enjoy the sights around – that’s one way of looking at it!

Will my mobile phone work in China?

Mobile phone coverage is generally excellent in China's cities, and still very good in remote and rural areas.

If you have an unlocked phone, purchasing a local SIM on arrival is probably the cheapest and most reliable option to use your phone on the go.

If you wish to use global roaming while in China, be sure to contact your service provider to understand how much this will cost, as it's often extremely expensive.

What are the toilets like in China?

Squat toilets are most common in China, though Western-style flushable toilets can sometimes be found in modern hotels and restaurants. Be sure to carry your own toilet paper or tissue and hand sanitiser as these are rarely provided, especially in public places.

What will it cost for a ...?

China’s unit of currency is the Renminbi (CNY), or yuan. Prices here are approximate and shown in US dollars for ease of comparison:

• Subway ride = 0.50 USD
• Can of soft drink = 0.50-0.75 USD
• Bottle of beer = 1-1.50 USD
• Basic lunch = 2.10 USD
• Basic rice or noodle dinner = 3.50 USD
• Three-course dinner = 12 USD

Can I drink the water in China?

While water quality is improving, drinking tap water still isn't recommended in China due to the presence of pollution and natural contamination of water supplies.

For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available, often boiled to use for tea. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards widely accepted in China?

Credit cards may work in big vendors in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong but it's not guaranteed and less likely to work in smaller cities or towns.

WeChat and Alipay are the most prominent online payment methods in China. We strongly suggest you set up either WeChat or Alipay on your device before arriving.

This will require you to link a credit or debit card to the app and also set up a data roaming package so that you can make payments locally. A 3% transaction fee may also be charged for foreign accounts. Please check the terms and conditions when setting up an account.

What is ATM access like in China?

Bank of China or HSBC ATMs are the most widely accessible and reliable. However, it's rare to make cash payments in China nowadays, and even if vendors accept cash, they may not have the right change.

WeChat and Alipay are the most prominent payment methods now. We strongly suggest you set up WeChat or Alipay on your device prior to arriving. This will require you to link a credit or debit card to the app and set up a data roaming package so that you can make payments locally.

A 3% transaction fee may also be charged for foreign accounts. Please check the terms and conditions carefully.

What is the weather like in China?

China is huge – and so its weather is super diverse. Depending on what time of year you visit China and where you go, you can experience unrelenting heat and humidity in summer and thick snow cover throughout  winter .

China’s northern regions have hot and dry summers, while destinations on the eastern coastlines and in the south are more humid with a larger chance of monsoon rains and typhoons.

There’s a chance of snow across most of the country; however, this is much more likely in the northern reaches (Beijing and surrounds). Late winter and early spring can often bring a dust storm rolling in from the Gobi Desert to Beijing and northern China. Rainfall in Shanghai and the east coast is abundant between April and September but almost non-existent for large chunks of the year in Central and Western parts of the country.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in China?

• 1 January : New Year’s Day
• 4 February : Chinese New Year or Spring Festival (eve of the first lunar month)
• 5 April : Qingming Festival
• 1 May : Labour Day
• 7 June : Dragon Boat Festival
• 30 September : National Day

For a current list of public holidays in China, including those with moveable dates, go to timeanddate.com.

Is China a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Equal rights have a long way to go in China. The government heavily censors portrayals of same-sex relationships and, up until 2001, homosexuality was considered a mental illness. Same-sex couples are unable to marry or adopt in China, and discrimination laws and legal protections are not equal between LGBT and non-LGBT-identifying citizens.

That being said, China is a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ tourists who travel with discretion. Chinese people are generally tolerant and homophobic-related violence is incredibly rare. Low-key gay scenes/communities can be found in larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. While it’s common for friends of the same sex to hold hands, keep in mind any further displays of affection are frowned upon for both same-sex and heterosexual couples.

As with any public display or protest in China, there is much resistance from authorities and the government to any form of mass demonstration organised within China. Various events have been banned in recent years, not because they are promoting LGBTQIA+ rights, but because they are publicly promoting anything at all.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. For travellers who do not wish to share a room, most of our tours have the option to pay for an individual room.

Is China accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Accessibility varies in China depending on where you are. Things are improving every year but given the vast size of China and varying rates of growth, you may find old areas are a lot more difficult to travel through than modern cities. In Shanghai, for example, most  public transport  is wheelchair-friendly, as are a lot of the sights, whereas Beijing is a lot more difficult to navigate.

In Chinese culture, disability has traditionally been seen as something to overcome rather than something to accommodate, which has hampered efforts to improve both cultural acceptance and access. This is changing, which is fortunate not only for travellers, but also for the 80+ million Chinese people living with physical and mental limitations.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in China?

What you decide to pack and wear in China will depend on where you are and what time of year it is. The climate across China can vary a lot. Besides the usual lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes, you may want to consider packing a reusable dust mask as dust storms are common in certain regions across China.

Is it safe to travel to China?

China is generally a safe country to travel to, as long as you know where you’re going and stay alert. China is visited by travellers from all around the world and is of no danger to any person who understands local cultures and obeys local laws.

In saying this, China’s government does keep quite a tight lid on foreign influences, such as websites and news coverage, with internet censorship and public surveillance a common occurrence all over the country. Demonstrations and protests are prohibited in public places in China, and if you find yourself in one, or you take a photo or video of the event, this could land you in trouble.

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Giant pandas from China to visit San Diego zoo under conservation partnership

Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, who are five and four, have a trip planned to southern California as part of partnership between US and China

A pair of giant pandas will soon make the journey from China to the US, where they will be cared for at the San Diego zoo as part of an ongoing conservation partnership between the two nations, officials said on Monday.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said its caretakers recently visited China to meet the giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, ahead of their planned trip to southern California . An exact date for the handoff has not been set.

Yun Chuan, a mild-mannered male who is nearly five years old, has “deep connections” to California, the wildlife alliance said. His mother, Zhen Zhen, was born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007 to parents Bai Yun and Gao Gao.

Xin Bao is a nearly four-year-old female described as “a gentle and witty introvert with a sweet round face and big ears”.

“Our conservation partners in China shared photographs and personality traits of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, but meeting them in person was so special,” said Dr Megan Owen, the alliance’s vice-president of conservation science. “It’s inspiring as people from around the world come together to conserve, protect, and care for these special bears, and we can’t wait to welcome them to San Diego.”

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has a nearly 30-year partnership with leading conservation institutions in China focused on protecting and recovering giant pandas and the bamboo forests they depend on.

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