China

Plan your trip to China

China is a vast, diverse country spanning from tropical beaches and karst mountains to deserts, plateaus, and ancient imperial capitals—offering everything from world-class museums and culinary experiences to stunning natural landscapes. A first visit typically focuses on the eastern regions where infrastructure is developed and major attractions are concentrated, though adventurous travelers can venture west to remote areas like Tibet and Xinjiang. The sheer size means choosing your regions carefully and accepting you'll only scratch the surface.

Getting there & around

Major international airports serve Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Kunming. Domestic travel relies heavily on high-speed rail (efficient, comfortable, book ahead) and domestic flights (cheap, extensive). Driving yourself requires an International Driving Permit and significant patience with traffic and road conditions. Most visitors use trains and flights to hop between regions, with local buses or ride-hailing apps (Didi) for city transport.

How long to stay

Plan 10-14 days minimum to experience 2-3 distinct regions properly; 3 weeks allows for a meaningful arc from north to south or east to west. Two weeks hits the classic circuit (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, or Beijing, Guilin, Guangzhou) without feeling rushed.

When to go

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather nationwide. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid in the south, winter (November–March) can be bitterly cold in the north. Avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week holidays (late September, early October) when transport is packed and prices spike.

Suggested itinerary

1. Arrive Beijing, Forbidden City & Tiananmen — Land in Beijing and head straight to central attractions: walk Tiananmen Square, tour the Forbidden City (book ahead), and explore hutong neighborhoods on foot or rickshaw. Overnight in Chaoyang or Xicheng district.
2. Beijing: Great Wall & Ming Tombs — Day trip to a less-crowded Great Wall section (Juyongguan or Huailai), then visit the Ming Tombs on the way back. Return to Beijing for evening street food in Wangfujing or Qianmen.
3. Beijing: Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace — Explore the Temple of Heaven complex in the morning, then take a metro or taxi to the Summer Palace for lakeside gardens and temples. Stay another night or prepare to depart.
4. Fly to Xi'an, City Wall & Muslim Quarter — 2-hour flight to Xi'an; walk or bike the intact Ming City Wall, then spend evening exploring the bustling Muslim Quarter for street food and local atmosphere.
5. Xi'an: Terracotta Army — Full-day guided tour or independent trip to the Terracotta Army museum (35 km east), seeing thousands of clay soldiers in Pit 1 and smaller exhibits in Pits 2 and 3.
6. Xi'an: Big Goose Pagoda & Shanxi Transition — Visit Big Goose Pagoda and surrounding Tang Dynasty architecture, then take an evening train or flight toward the next region (Guilin/Guangxi is a popular next stop for scenery).
7. Arrive Guilin, Li River Cruise — Settle into Guilin and take the famous Li River cruise to Yangshuo (4–5 hours), passing dramatic karst peaks and water buffalo—one of China's most iconic journeys.
8. Yangshuo: Bamboo Rafting & Biking — Rent a bike to explore rural villages and rice terraces, or take a bamboo raft down a smaller river. Experience the slower pace and laid-back vibe that makes Yangshuo special.
9. Return to Guilin, Fly to Shanghai — Return to Guilin by bus and catch an afternoon or evening flight (2 hours) to Shanghai on the East Coast.
10. Shanghai: The Bund & Yu Garden — Stroll The Bund waterfront (colonial architecture and river views), explore nearby Yuyuan Garden and the Old City, then ride the subway to Nanjing Road for shopping and street scenes.
11. Shanghai: Water Towns & Modern Shanghai — Day trip to Zhujiajiao or Tongli water town (45 min by bus) to see canals, bridges, and traditional architecture, or stay in Shanghai for museums, Pearl Tower, and French Concession cafés.
12. Shanghai: Markets, Food & Departure — Visit a local market (Jing'an or Huimin), sample xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at a beloved restaurant, and prepare for international departure or extend into the Yangtze River region.

Frequently asked questions

Is China safe for tourists?

Yes, China is generally very safe for tourists with low street crime and heavy police presence in major cities. Use common sense (avoid isolated areas at night, watch valuables), stay aware of local scams, and register with your embassy before traveling. Political sensitivities exist; avoid discussing Tibet, Xinjiang, or Taiwan in ways that challenge the government line.

Do I need a visa to visit China?

Most nationalities need a Chinese visa (typically 30-day single entry, $140–170 USD). Some countries get visa-free access for 72–144 hours if flying into specific cities. Apply through a Chinese embassy or use visa agencies; processing takes 5–10 business days. Check the latest policy for your nationality before booking.

How much does it cost to visit China?

Budget travelers can manage $30–50 USD per day (hostels, street food, local transport); mid-range travelers spend $60–120 per day; luxury travelers $150+. Domestic flights and trains are cheap, but 5-star hotels and tourist restaurants in Shanghai or Beijing cost Western prices. Western food and alcohol are expensive; eating local saves money.

Can I use Google Maps and WhatsApp in China?

No—Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook are blocked by China's Great Firewall. Download offline maps before arrival, use Baidu Maps or Amap (Alibaba) instead, and rely on Wechat (owned by Tencent) for messaging. A VPN may work but is technically restricted; many travelers simply buy a cheap local SIM with data and use local apps.

What's the best region of China for first-time visitors?

The classic eastern triangle—Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai—offers imperial history, famous sights, and good infrastructure; adding Guilin or Chengdu adds natural scenery. These regions have English signage, widespread English speakers in tourist areas, and reliable transport. Western regions (Tibet, Xinjiang, Gansu) are rewarding but require more planning, Mandarin ability, and comfort with unpredictability.