China – Destination Guide

China is a land of breathtaking contrasts – where ancient dynasties meet modern megacities, sacred mountains rise beside futuristic skylines, and traditional teahouses sit steps away from neon-lit skyscrapers. From the Great Wall to the karst peaks of Guilin, the Terracotta Warriors to Shanghai’s Bund, China offers a vast world of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you come for the food, the temples, or the adventure – China will leave you awestruck.

🏙️ Regions to Explore

🌆 Beijing

The heart of China’s imperial past and present, Beijing brims with monumental landmarks.

• Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling
• Visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
• Wander through the tranquil Summer Palace
• Explore the narrow hutongs (alleys) by rickshaw
• Try crispy Peking duck and street dumplings

🏮 Shanghai

A dazzling blend of East and West, old and new, Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan city.

• Stroll the historic Bund and gaze across the Pudong skyline
• Visit Yu Garden and the Old Town Bazaar
• Take in city views from Shanghai Tower or the Oriental Pearl TV Tower
• Shop and dine along Nanjing Road and Xintiandi
• Ride the world’s fastest magnetic levitation (Maglev) train from the airport

🐉 Xi’an

Once the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an is rich in ancient history.

• Marvel at the life-sized Terracotta Army
• Walk or cycle along the old city walls
• Visit the Muslim Quarter for local snacks and souvenirs
• Explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

⛰️ Guilin & Yangshuo

A photographer’s dream, this region is famous for its limestone peaks and misty river scenes.

• Cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo
• Cycle or bamboo raft through rice fields and karst mountains
• Visit the Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon’s Backbone)
• Take in sunset views from Xianggong Hill

🏯 Chengdu & Sichuan Province

Home to giant pandas and bold, spicy flavors.

• Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
• Experience a traditional Sichuan opera face-changing show
• Sample hot pot and dan dan noodles
• Visit Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha

🕍 Tibet

A spiritual and breathtakingly scenic region nestled in the Himalayas.

• Visit the Potala Palace in Lhasa
• Explore monasteries like Sera and Jokhang Temple
• Journey to Mount Everest Base Camp (with required permits)
• Experience traditional Tibetan culture and prayer rituals

🌊 Hong Kong & Macau

Dynamic coastal regions offering a unique mix of Chinese and Western influences.

• In Hong Kong: visit Victoria Peak, explore street markets, and relax on beaches
• In Macau: see colonial architecture and enjoy world-class dining and entertainment

✈️ Getting There

Major International Airports

• Beijing Capital International (PEK) – Main gateway to northern China
• Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) – Ideal for eastern China and coastal cities
• Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) – Southern hub close to Hong Kong and Macau
• Hong Kong International (HKG) – Excellent access to southern China and beyond

Airport Transfers

• High-speed trains connect major cities in under 5 hours
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps like DiDi are reliable and affordable
• Airport express trains operate in most major cities

🚆 Getting Around

• China’s high-speed rail network is world-class, connecting most major cities efficiently.
• Domestic flights cover longer distances affordably.
• Within cities, metro systems are clean, safe, and multilingual.
• Long-distance buses connect rural and remote areas.
• Ride-hailing apps are widely used, and taxis are metered.

🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements

Most travelers need a visa to enter China.

• Apply for a Tourist (L) Visa at your local Chinese embassy or consulate before travel.
• A standard tourist visa allows 30 days per entry.
• Visa-free entry is available for short stays in Hong Kong, Macau, and select cities (e.g., 72–144-hour transit visa exemptions in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou).
• Check the latest details on: https://www.visaforchina.cn

💰 Money & Costs

• Currency – Chinese Yuan (CNY or RMB)
• ATMs are widespread; major international cards accepted in big cities.
• Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate daily life – some tourist areas now allow foreign card linking.
• China offers excellent value, though major cities are pricier.

🍜 Food & Drink

China’s cuisine is incredibly diverse – each region offers distinct flavours.

• Beijing – Peking duck, dumplings, zhajiangmian noodles
• Sichuan – Spicy hotpot, mapo tofu, kung pao chicken
• Cantonese (Guangdong) – Dim sum, barbecued meats, congee
• Shanghai – Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), sweet soy dishes
• Yunnan – Mushroom hotpots, rice noodles, tropical fruits
• Drinks – Try jasmine tea, baijiu (rice spirit), or local beers like Tsingtao

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March–May) – Mild weather, blooming flowers, ideal for sightseeing
• Autumn (September–November) – Clear skies, perfect for hiking and travel
• Summer (June–August) – Hot and humid, but great for mountain regions
• Winter (December–February) – Cold in the north, but fewer crowds and great skiing in Harbin

🎎 Top Experiences

• Walk the Great Wall of China at sunrise
• Visit the Forbidden City and Summer Palace in Beijing
• See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an
• Cruise the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo
• Visit Giant Pandas in Chengdu
• Explore Shanghai’s skyline from the Bund
• Discover the Tibetan monasteries of Lhasa
• Celebrate Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival

🎒 Packing List

• Lightweight clothing in summer; layers in spring/autumn
• Warm coats, gloves, and scarves for northern winters
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Rain jacket or umbrella
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Universal power adapter
• Small translation device or app for convenience

⚙️ Practical Info

• Electricity – 220V, plugs type A, C, and I (bring a universal adapter)
• Water – Drink bottled or boiled water only
• Vaccinations – Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and routine vaccines recommended
• Travel Insurance – Essential for medical coverage and trip protection
• Safety – China is generally very safe for travelers; scams occasionally occur near tourist sites
• LGBTQIA+ Travelers – Same-sex relationships are legal, but public affection is less common in smaller cities
• Climate Resilience / Tourist Taxes – Currently no nationwide tourist tax; some cities may introduce small eco-conservation fees
• Connectivity – Local SIM cards or eSIMs available at airports; VPN required to access Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

🗣️ Language

Mandarin Chinese (普通话 – Pǔtōnghuà) is the official national language of China and is spoken by the majority of the population as either a first or second language. China is home to dozens of other languages and dialects, including Cantonese (widely spoken in Guangdong province and Hong Kong), Wu (Shanghai), and many others. English is spoken in major tourist areas, international hotels, and by younger generations in larger cities, but outside of these settings, communication can be challenging – downloading a translation app such as Google Translate or Pleco before your trip is strongly recommended.

Common Phrases (Mandarin)

• 你好 Nǐ hǎo (nee how) – Hello
• 谢谢 Xièxiè (syeh-syeh) – Thank you
• 请 Qǐng (ching) – Please
• 对不起 Duìbuqǐ (dway-boo-chee) – Sorry / Excuse me
• 是 / 不是 Shì / Bú shì (shir / boo shir) – Yes / No
• 你会说英语吗？Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma? (nee hway shwoh ying-yoo mah) – Do you speak English?
• 洗手间在哪里？Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ? (shee-show-jyen dzye nah-lee) – Where is the bathroom?
• 这多少钱？Zhè duōshǎo qián? (juh dwoh-shaow chyen) – How much does this cost?
• 我想要… Wǒ xiǎng yào (woh shyang yaow) – I would like…
• 买单，请 Mǎidān, qǐng (my-dan ching) – The bill, please
• 干杯！Gānbēi! (gan-bay) – Cheers!
• 救命！Jiù mìng! (jyo ming) – Help!
• 晚安 Wǎn’ān (wahn-ahn) – Good night
• 再见 Zàijiàn (dzye-jyen) – Goodbye
• 欢迎 Huānyíng (hwahn-ying) – Welcome

🤲 Etiquette Tips

• Always accept and offer items with two hands
• Avoid discussing politics or sensitive topics
• Tipping is not customary but appreciated in tourism services
• Learn a few basic phrases – “Ni hao” (hello), “Xie xie” (thank you)

🌈 LGBTQIA+ Travellers

China presents a complex and shifting environment for LGBTQIA+ travellers – same-sex relationships are not criminalised, but legal protections are absent and the social and political climate has become notably more restrictive in recent years.

• Same-sex relationships are legal in China, but there is no recognition of same-sex partnerships or marriage, and no anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity
• LGBTQIA+ content is increasingly censored online and in media, and public LGBTQIA+ events including Pride gatherings have been suppressed or cancelled in major cities since the late 2010s
• Shanghai and Beijing have historically had small but established queer scenes with dedicated venues – these continue to operate but with a lower profile, and the environment can change with little warning
• Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract unwanted attention in most settings – discretion is strongly recommended throughout the country, including in major cities
• Transgender travellers should be aware that gender recognition processes in China are restrictive, and ensuring travel documents are consistent with presentation is advisable to avoid complications at borders and checkpoints
• International LGBTQIA+ travellers are unlikely to be specifically targeted, but the broader climate warrants caution and awareness throughout the trip

⚠️ Traveller Safety

China is generally safe for tourists in terms of violent crime, with low rates of serious incidents against visitors, though travellers should be aware of a distinct set of considerations unique to the country’s political and regulatory environment.

• Violent crime against tourists is rare – petty theft and scams targeting foreigners can occur in busy tourist areas, around major attractions, and in transit hubs, so keep valuables secure and be alert to common tourist scams
• China operates under strict laws around speech, photography, and political expression – avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, and sensitive areas, and exercise caution around any political discussion or social media activity while in country
• Internet access is heavily restricted – many commonly used apps and platforms including Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp are blocked, and a VPN should be set up before arrival if access to these services is needed
• Air quality in major cities including Beijing and Shanghai can reach poor to hazardous levels, particularly in winter – travellers with respiratory conditions should monitor air quality indices and carry appropriate masks
• Travel in Tibet and Xinjiang is subject to additional permit requirements and heightened restrictions – research entry requirements carefully and be aware that conditions in these regions are subject to change
• Emergency number is 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), 119 (fire)

❤️ Why Visit China

China is a country of extraordinary contrasts – a place where ancient wonders meet cutting-edge innovation, and where every province feels like a world of its own. Whether it’s standing on the Great Wall, sipping tea by a river in Guilin, or exploring Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, China is a journey through time, taste, and tradition. It’s vast, fascinating, and unforgettable.