china travel guide empty mountain bridge

Quick Navigation show

China Travel Guide: Explore Culture and Top Destinations

Intro to China Travel Guide

Vast, vibrant, and layered in legend, China invites travelers to explore one of the world’s oldest civilizations — while also racing into the future with dazzling cities, high-speed trains, and modern marvels.

Start planning your journey with our complete China Travel Guide — from the rice terraces of Yunnan and the deserts of Xinjiang to Beijing’s palaces and Shanghai’s skyline, discover how to make the most of your travels across this mighty country.

Discover the wonders of Asia’s largest country with our expertly crafted China Travel Guide — including detailed routes, planning tips, and essential insights on the best time to visit China.

How to manage your travel cost in China, and the most rewarding things to do in China.

Provinces to Explore in China

Municipalities to Explore in China

Beijing | Chongqing | Shanghai | Tianjin

Autonomous Regions to Explore in China

Guangxi | Inner Mongolia | Ningxia | Tibet | Xinjiang

Special Administrative Regions to Explore in China

Hong Kong | Macau

💡Quick Facts:
Destination: China
Continent: Asia
Country: People’s Republic of China
Administrative Division: 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, 2 Special Administrative Regions (Hong Kong, Macau)
City: Beijing (capital city)
Area: 9,596,961 km² (3,705,407 mi²)
Population: ~1.42 billion (2024 est.)
Density: ~148 people/km²
Capital: Beijing
Regions/Subregions:
• North China (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia)
• East China (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong)
• South China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hong Kong, Macau)
• Southwest China (Chongqing, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet)
• Northwest China (Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Xinjiang)
• Northeast China (Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang)
Official & Regional Languages: Mandarin Chinese (official), Cantonese, Shanghainese, Tibetan, Uighur, Mongolian (regional)
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB)
Time Zone(s): GMT+8 (China Standard Time) — single time zone nationwide
Airports: Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), Hong Kong International (HKG)
Climate: Diverse — arid deserts, subtropical coasts, alpine highlands, monsoon regions
Known For: Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Yangtze River, panda reserves, ancient temples, modern megacities

🛂Arrival Info:
• Visa required for most nationalities; visa-free entry for select countries and regions
• 72/144-hour transit visa exemption in select cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.)
• eVisa services for group tours (limited availability)
• Hong Kong and Macau have separate visa regimes
• Official Visa Portal: Chinese Visa Application Service Center
• Customs Info: China Customs

💉Health Info:
• Recommended Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis (for rural stays), Rabies (for extended stays)
• Air pollution can pose health risks in major cities (Beijing, Xi’an)
• Medical care is excellent in major cities, limited in rural areas
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended
• Tap water not potable; bottled water advised
✅ Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — Get coverage here
✅ Stay Informed with Official Updates: WHO – International Travel & Health | CDC – Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
• U.S. State Dept Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
• Petty crime (pickpocketing, scams) in tourist-heavy zones
• Internet access heavily censored; VPN recommended for unrestricted browsing
• Border areas with India, North Korea, and Central Asia may have travel restrictions
• Emergency contacts: Police (110), Ambulance (120), Fire (119)
✅ Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

📅Holidays:
• Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) — late January/February (date varies)
• Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) — April 4–6
• Dragon Boat Festival — June (dates vary)
• Mid-Autumn Festival — September/October (dates vary)
• National Day Golden Week — October 1–7

💰Visitor Info:
• Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB)
• ATMs widely available; cashless payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate urban areas
• Credit cards accepted at hotels and large stores; cash preferred in small shops
• Tipping not customary, but appreciated for exceptional service
• Duty-free limits apply for alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods
• Average Daily Budget: Budget $50–80, Midrange $150–250, Luxury $400+

✈️Airports:
PEK – Beijing Capital International Airport
PVG – Shanghai Pudong International Airport
CAN – Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
HKG – Hong Kong International Airport
CTU – Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
SZX – Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
International connectivity, domestic reach, and excellent airport infrastructure
✅ Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transport:
• High-speed rail network (CRH) is the largest in the world
• Metro systems in over 40 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
• Ride-hailing apps: DiDi (primary service), taxis available citywide
• Intercity buses and domestic flights connect rural regions
• Alipay and WeChat Pay widely used for transport tickets
• Traffic congestion in major cities; public transport preferred for urban travel
✅ Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

📶Connectivity:
• SIM cards from China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
• 4G/5G coverage excellent in cities; patchy in remote areas
• Wi-Fi widely available but subject to internet censorship (Great Firewall)
• VPN required for accessing Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram
• eSIM availability limited; physical SIM preferred for tourists
✅ Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIM here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
• Legal drinking age: 18
• Smoking banned in indoor public spaces (enforcement varies)
• LGBTQ+ status: Legal but limited social recognition
• Avoid political discussions or sensitive topics (Tibet, Taiwan, etc.)
• Modest dress in temples and religious sites
• Photography restrictions in military zones and sensitive government areas

🛡️Emergency Info:
• Emergency Numbers: Police (110), Fire (119), Ambulance (120)
• Embassies and consulates in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu
• Tourist police available in major cities and attractions
• Travel helplines vary by province; hotels can assist with local contacts
✅ Use embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌦️Weather:
• North China: Cold, dry winters; hot, humid summers
• South China: Subtropical, hot and humid with summer monsoons
• Western China (Tibet, Xinjiang): Highland climate with extreme temperature variations
• Best time to visit: April–June (spring), September–November (autumn)
• Summer (July–August) is peak domestic tourism; expect crowds and high humidity
✅ Stay prepared—check the weather forecast for your destination — Weather Forecast

China by Region – Where to Go

Each area of this China Travel Guide offers a window into the country’s staggering diversity — from Buddhist temples to neon-lit skylines, icy mountains to desert oases. Use this regional breakdown to uncover the most diverse places to visit in China — from the Great Wall to the tea fields of Yunnan.

North China

Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia

Beijing: The political and cultural heart of China. Walk the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, and stroll through ancient hutongs.
Datong & Pingyao (Shanxi): Historic towns with ancient Buddhist grottoes and preserved Qing Dynasty architecture.
Inner Mongolia: Grasslands and yurts await adventurous travelers in this frontier land of horse culture and desert dunes.

East China

Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Shandong

Shanghai: China’s financial hub with futuristic skyscrapers, historic French Concession lanes, and epic riverfront views.
Hangzhou & Suzhou: Known for classical gardens, canals, and silk trade legacy. Don’t miss West Lake in Hangzhou.
Qingdao (Shandong): A coastal city famous for beaches, German architecture, and Tsingtao beer.

South China

Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan

Guangzhou: A megacity known for Cantonese cuisine and a major transport hub to Southeast Asia.
Yangshuo & Guilin (Guangxi): Breathtaking karst mountains and bamboo rafting along the Li River.
Hainan Island: Often called “China’s Hawaii,” Hainan is a tropical escape with palm-lined beaches and resorts.

Central China

Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Jiangxi

Zhangjiajie (Hunan): Home to the “Avatar Mountains” — sandstone pillars and skywalks in a surreal national park.
Wuhan (Hubei): A dynamic Yangtze River city with lakes, spicy street food, and a youthful university vibe.
Luoyang (Henan): Once a cradle of Chinese civilization, known for the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple.

Southwest China

Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Tibet

Lijiang & Dali (Yunnan): Beautiful old towns with Naxi culture, snowcapped peaks, and ethnic minority traditions.
Chengdu (Sichuan): Capital of spice and pandas — home to hotpot, teahouses, and the Giant Panda Research Base.
Tibet: High-altitude wonders including Lhasa’s Potala Palace and sacred Mount Kailash.

Northwest China

Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai, Xinjiang

Xi’an (Shaanxi): Former imperial capital and gateway to the Terracotta Warriors.
Dunhuang (Gansu): A Silk Road oasis famed for the Mogao Caves and crescent-shaped desert springs.
Kashgar (Xinjiang): A Central Asian-style city with lively bazaars, mosques, and Uyghur heritage.

Top Places to Visit in China

These top places to visit in China reflect centuries of culture, stunning landscapes, and exciting local experiences. Each entry highlights iconic stops featured in many China tours and personalized itineraries.

Cultural Capitals

Beijing: Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven tell centuries of dynastic tales.
Xi’an: Terracotta Army and ancient walls evoke the power of the first Chinese emperors.
Nanjing: Once a capital city, it’s filled with historical museums, memorials, and scenic river views.

Nature Escapes

Jiuzhaigou Valley: Vivid turquoise lakes and colorful forests in Sichuan.
Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of Asia’s deepest gorges, ideal for trekking.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountains): Misty granite peaks that inspired Chinese scroll paintings.

Historic Sites

The Great Wall: Snaking across northern China, explore both restored and wild sections.
Shaolin Temple: The cradle of Kung Fu in Henan province.
Leshan Giant Buddha: A towering rock-carved statue overlooking a river in Sichuan.

Islands & Mountains

Hainan Island: A laid-back island escape with surfing, snorkeling, and resorts.
Mount Emei & Wudang Mountains: Spiritual peaks home to Buddhist and Taoist temples.
Mount Everest Base Camp (Tibet side): An unforgettable journey for the intrepid.

How to Choose Where to Go in China

China’s size can overwhelm, so choose based on your travel goals:

For Cities & Culture: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu — each offers a different lens into Chinese civilization.
For Nature & Adventure: Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet are top picks for mountains, treks, and ethnic diversity.
For Coastal Scenery: Consider Hainan, Xiamen, or Qingdao.
Efficient Pairings: Combine Beijing & Xi’an for a history-heavy route, or Shanghai & Suzhou for culture with modern comforts.

How to Get Around China

China has one of the world’s most advanced travel infrastructures:

High-Speed Rail: Covers all major cities (Beijing–Shanghai in under 5 hours). Book online or via apps like Trip.com or 12306.cn.
Domestic Flights: Ideal for long distances like Beijing to Lhasa or Chengdu to Kashgar.
Buses & Shared Vans: Useful for rural areas, often the only option to smaller towns or mountain villages.
Ride-Hailing Apps: DiDi is the Uber equivalent, available in most cities.
Metro Systems: Easy to use in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu.

Pro Tip: Google Maps doesn’t always work well. Use Baidu Maps or MAPS.ME when traveling locally.

Travel Budget & Costs in China

Curious about the travel cost in China? From budget tips to splurge-worthy experiences, we break down daily expenses to help you get the most value across all budgets.

China offers surprisingly flexible travel budgets:

Budget: $30–50/day — Hostels, street food, sleeper trains.
Mid-Range: $80–150/day — Boutique hotels, domestic flights, guided tours.
Luxury: $200+/day — 5-star hotels, private cars, fine dining.

Sample Prices:

Meal at a noodle shop: $3–5
Domestic train (Beijing–Xi’an): $60–90
Entry to Forbidden City: ~$10
Private day tour: $80–150

Money Tips:

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate — foreign cards may not work unless preloaded via apps like NihaoPay.
Always carry some cash for rural areas or markets.

Best Time to Visit China

Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. Ideal for cities and hikes.
Summer (June–August): Peak season; good for highland areas like Tibet and Qinghai.
Autumn (September–November): Best overall weather and fewer crowds. Great for photography.
Winter (December–February): Great Wall under snow, Harbin Ice Festival, but colder in the north.

Festival Tips:

Chinese New Year (late Jan–Feb): Travel chaos but festive atmosphere.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Lanterns and mooncakes light up cities in September.

Must-See Experiences in China

Want unforgettable things to do in China? This guide includes panda encounters, temple rituals, and culinary adventures — all featured in top-rated China tours that let you explore deeper.

Sip tea in Chengdu’s people’s park: A local tradition that blends leisure and gossip.
Walk on the Great Wall at Jinshanling: Less crowded and stunningly scenic.
Trek Tiger Leaping Gorge: Towering peaks and dramatic river views in Yunnan.
Eat hotpot in Chengdu: Sichuan’s fire-and-flavor ritual is a must.
Witness Shaolin monks perform Kung Fu: Near Dengfeng, where martial arts meet meditation.
Cruise the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo: Postcard-perfect limestone peaks.
Ride the world’s fastest trains: Like the Shanghai Maglev (431 km/h).
Explore the Bund at night in Shanghai: Skyline views that blend East and West.

Book immersive China tours and experience unforgettable things to do in China — from sacred temple rituals and highland treks to floating markets and lakeside food adventures.

Best Travel Itineraries in China

Deciding the best time to visit China depends on your itinerary. Whether you’re heading to the mountains or exploring cities, this China Travel Guide gives you the seasonal edge to plan smarter.

Classic 10-Day Culture Circuit

Beijing → Xi’an → Shanghai

Beijing (3 days): Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace
Xi’an (2 days): Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, Ancient Wall
Shanghai (3 days): The Bund, French Concession, Suzhou day trip
Transit: High-speed rail or flights between cities

Nature & Adventure (14 Days)

Kunming → Dali → Lijiang → Shangri-La → Chengdu

Trek in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Visit Tibetan towns in northern Yunnan
See pandas in Chengdu
Ideal for southwest explorers and hikers

Silk Road & Deserts (10 Days)

Xi’an → Dunhuang → Turpan → Urumqi → Kashgar

Journey along the ancient trade route
Sand dunes, Buddhist caves, and Uyghur markets
Requires flights and long train rides

Off-the-Beaten-Path (7 Days)

Guizhou Villages + Zhangjiajie National Forest

Explore rural Miao and Dong villages
Walk the glass bridge and skywalks of Zhangjiajie
For travelers seeking raw, authentic China

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Must-Try Dishes Across China

Peking Duck (Beijing): Crispy skin, carved tableside, wrapped in thin pancakes.
Xiaolongbao (Shanghai): Steamed soup dumplings with a delicate bite.
Sichuan Hotpot (Chengdu): Spicy broth with meats, tofu, and veg — bold and numbing.
Biang Biang Noodles (Shaanxi): Hand-pulled, thick wheat noodles with chili oil.
Dim Sum (Guangdong): Bite-sized treats like shrimp dumplings and pork buns.
Guizhou Sour Fish Soup: Tart and spicy, a local favorite among the Miao people.
Yak Butter Tea (Tibet): Salty and fatty — an acquired taste for altitude dwellers.

Unique Culinary Experiences

Street food alleys in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter and Chengdu’s Jinli Street.
Night markets in Guilin, Kunming, and Hainan Island.
Cooking classes in Yangshuo or Lijiang for hands-on foodie fun.

Taste your way through China with regional market tours and unforgettable culinary traditions.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in China

Safety Overview

Generally safe for travelers, even solo. Violent crime is rare.
Scams to watch for: tea house scams in tourist zones, fake taxis, and overpriced souvenirs.
Pollution: Air quality in major cities can be poor — check apps like AQICN.
Altitude sickness: Be cautious when visiting Tibet or western Sichuan.

Cultural Etiquette

Temples: Dress modestly, remove hats, and don’t photograph sacred objects without permission.
Gifts & Gestures: Use two hands when offering/receiving. Avoid pointing directly at people.
Language: Mandarin is the official language; translation apps (like Pleco or iTranslate) are helpful.
Toilets: Squat toilets are common outside cities. Carry tissues and hand sanitizer.

Where to Go Next – Pair China with These Destinations

Vietnam: Easy flights from southern China. Pair Yunnan or Guangxi with Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.
Mongolia: Continue north from Inner Mongolia into Ulaanbaatar and the steppes.
South Korea: A short hop from Beijing or Shanghai — contrast modern Seoul with Confucian China.
Nepal: From Tibet, travel into Kathmandu for Himalayan treks and spiritual sites.
Kyrgyzstan: Overland from Kashgar into Central Asia for Silk Road adventure continuation.

Vietnam T r avel Guide | South Korea Travel Guide | Mongolia Travel Guide | Nepal Travel Guide

Final Planning Checklist for China

Finalize itinerary: Choose regions based on interest and season (e.g., southwest for nature, east for cities)
Book key accommodations: Especially during national holidays and major festivals
Pre-book train tickets: Especially for high-speed routes and sleeper trains
Get a VPN: Many Western websites are blocked (Google, WhatsApp, etc.)
Download travel apps: DiDi, Pleco, WeChat, MAPS.ME, Ctrip (Trip.com)
Get a local SIM or eSIM: China Mobile and China Unicom offer prepaid options
Prepare offline resources: Maps, phrasebooks, QR payment backups
Review etiquette and safety tips: Including temple behavior, pollution prep, and regional norms
Check visa rules: Most travelers need to apply before arrival (except certain free-transit zones)
Insure your trip: Especially if heading to rural, high-altitude, or adventure areas