China Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore China: From Beijing to Shanghai

National flag of China

Top 15 Most Searched Questions About China

The capital of China is Beijing, home to 22 million people, known for landmarks like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Most travelers need a visa; a tourist visa (L visa) costs $140 for US citizens and $30-$90 for others, valid for 30-90 days. Some nationalities can get visa-free transit for 72-144 hours in cities like Beijing. More details in our Documents tab.

China uses the Chinese Yuan (¥). More details in our Currency tab.

China is generally safe with low violent crime rates, but petty theft can occur in crowded areas like Shanghai. More details in our Safety tab.

Mandarin is the official language; regional dialects like Cantonese are common. English is limited outside major cities—basic Mandarin phrases are helpful.

China is known for the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, pandas, and cultural traditions like the Lunar New Year. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather; avoid the Lunar New Year (January/February) due to crowds.

Budget travelers can manage $50-$100 per day in cities like Beijing; a meal costs $5-$15, less in rural areas.

No, tap water isn’t safe to drink; bottled water costs $0.50-$2 per liter.

Must-visit spots include Beijing’s Forbidden City, Shanghai’s Bund, Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and Guilin’s karsts. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

China’s climate varies: Beijing averages 25-35°C in summer, -5 to 5°C in winter; Shanghai is humid, 25-35°C in summer, 0-10°C in winter.

Yes, the Lunar New Year (January/February) features dragon dances; the Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October) includes mooncakes and lanterns.

Popular souvenirs include silk products, tea sets, calligraphy art, and panda-themed items.

High-speed trains cost $20-$100 for regional trips; domestic flights are $50-$200; city metros like Beijing’s cost $0.50-$1 per ride; taxis start at $2-$5.

Try Peking duck, dumplings, and hotpot. More details in our Local Cuisine tab.

About China

China, located in East Asia, spans 9.6 million square kilometers and shares borders with 14 countries, including Russia, India, and Vietnam. Beijing, the capital, houses 22 million of the country’s 1.41 billion people (2023 estimate). The population is predominantly Han Chinese, with 55 ethnic minorities like Tibetans and Uighurs. Mandarin is the official language, with regional dialects like Cantonese widely spoken. Most travelers need a visa; a tourist visa (L visa) costs $140 for US citizens and $30-$90 for others, valid for 30-90 days; visa-free transit (72-144 hours) is available in cities like Beijing for some nationalities. In 2023, China welcomed 65.7 million tourists, contributing $155 billion to the economy. Tourism, manufacturing, and technology drive economic growth. The climate varies: Beijing averages 25-35°C in summer and -5 to 5°C in winter, while Shanghai is humid, 25-35°C in summer and 0-10°C in winter; typhoons can affect the southeast in summer. Budget travelers can manage $50-$100 per day in cities like Beijing, with a meal costing $5-$15 and a tea $1-$3; guided tours to sites like the Great Wall cost $30-$80. High-speed trains range from $20-$100 for regional trips, domestic flights cost $50-$200, and city metros like Beijing’s cost $0.50-$1 per ride. Taxis start at $2-$5 for short trips. Cultural events like the Lunar New Year (January/February) offer nationwide celebrations, while the Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October) features mooncakes and lanterns. China’s history spans over 5,000 years, from the Xia Dynasty to its role as a global superpower today, shaping global culture and innovation. Known for landmarks like the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and modern hubs like Shanghai, China offers a rich blend of ancient traditions, natural beauty, and modernity for every traveler.

Visa & Passport for China: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay with at least two blank pages. Children need their own passport; they cannot travel on a parent’s passport. For more information on passports and entry requirements, visit fmprc.gov.cn.
  • Visa Requirements: Most travelers need a visa; a tourist visa (L visa) costs $140 for US citizens and $30-$90 for others, valid for 30-90 days, requiring an embassy application. Visa-free transit (72-144 hours) is available in cities like Beijing for some nationalities (e.g., UK, Australia). More information on visas can be found at fmprc.gov.cn, cs.mfa.gov.cn, and nia.gov.cn.
  • Other Requirements: Proof of onward travel and hotel bookings may be required. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended due to variable healthcare costs.

Driving in China: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: Foreigners need a Chinese driving permit; an International Driving Permit isn’t valid. Car rentals cost $40-$100 per day; gas averages $4-$5 per gallon.
  • Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Speed limits are typically 30-40 mph in cities, 60-75 mph on highways. Seat belts are mandatory; the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02%—fines start at $300.
  • Road Conditions: Major cities like Beijing have good roads, but rural areas may have uneven surfaces—drive cautiously. Traffic in cities like Shanghai can be chaotic; parking costs $1-$3/hour.
  • Transport Options: High-speed trains cost $20-$100 for regional trips; domestic flights are $50-$200; city metros like Beijing’s cost $0.50-$1 per ride; taxis start at $2-$5.
  • Emergency Number: Call 110 for police, 120 for medical emergencies; response times vary but are faster in urban areas.

Currency in China: Using the Chinese Yuan for Your Trip

  • Chinese Yuan (¥): The official currency. Exchange rates fluctuate—1 USD ≈ 7.1 CNY (May 2025).
  • Money Exchange: Exchange money at banks or airports in cities like Beijing—avoid unofficial vendors due to scams. ATMs are widely available; fees may apply ($1-$3 per withdrawal).
  • Payment Methods: Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are dominant; cash is still useful in rural areas. Cards are accepted in major cities but less so elsewhere.
  • Costs: A meal at a casual restaurant costs $5-$15, a tea $1-$3, and a souvenir like a silk scarf costs $5-$20.

Legal Guide for China: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession carries severe penalties, including imprisonment. Public protests are illegal—fines or detention may result.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing politics, especially topics like Tibet or Taiwan. More details in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography at military sites or government buildings is prohibited—fines start at $50. Always ask before photographing people.
  • Public Behavior: Smoking in public places like trains is banned—fines start at $30. Spitting in public can lead to fines of $10-$50 in cities like Shanghai.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to ¥5,000 ($700) in goods duty-free; declare cash over $5,000—currency controls are strict.
  • Emergency Contact: Call 110 for police or 120 for medical emergencies; response times are reliable in most cities.

Travel Safety in China: Staying Safe During Your Trip

  • Crime: China has low violent crime rates, but petty theft occurs in crowded areas like Shanghai’s Nanjing Road. Keep valuables secure.
  • Road Safety: Urban traffic can be chaotic—use pedestrian crossings. Biking in cities like Beijing requires caution; helmets aren’t mandatory but recommended.
  • Health Risks: Tap water isn’t safe to drink—use bottled water. Air pollution in cities like Beijing can be high (AQI 100-200 in winter); consider a mask.
  • Natural Hazards: Typhoons can affect the southeast (June-September)—monitor weather alerts. Earthquakes are a risk in regions like Sichuan; follow local guidance.
  • Outdoor Safety: Hiking on the Great Wall requires proper footwear—sections can be steep. Sunburn is a risk in southern areas like Hainan; use SPF 30+ sunscreen.
  • Medical Facilities: Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing is recommended for emergencies; care is good in cities but limited in rural areas. Travel insurance is advised.
  • Emergency Contacts: Call 110 for police, 120 for medical emergencies. The UK Embassy in Beijing can be reached at +86 10-5192-4000.

Culture & Etiquette in China: What to Know

  • Greetings: A nod or slight bow is common; handshakes are okay in business settings. Use both hands when giving or receiving items like business cards.
  • Dining Customs: Sharing dishes is common—don’t take the last piece unless offered. Tipping isn’t expected in restaurants; it may even be refused.
  • Community Respect: Avoid loud behavior in public spaces like temples. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas or at cultural sites like the Forbidden City.
  • Festivals: The Lunar New Year (January/February) features dragon dances and fireworks. The Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October) includes mooncakes and family gatherings.
  • Language Tips: Mandarin dominates; English is limited outside tourist areas. Learn basic phrases like “nǐ hǎo” (hello) or use translation apps.
  • Social Practices: Punctuality is crucial for meetings or tours. Gift-giving is common—red envelopes are popular, but avoid clocks as they symbolize death.

Local Cuisine in China: Dishes & Drinks to Try

  • Peking Duck: Crispy roasted duck served with pancakes and hoisin sauce—$10-$30.
  • Dumplings: Steamed or fried, often filled with pork or vegetables—$3-$10.
  • Hotpot: A communal dish with a simmering broth and raw ingredients—$10-$25 per person.
  • Baijiu: A traditional spirit made from fermented grains—$5-$15 per bottle.
  • Tea: Try varieties like Longjing green tea—$1-$5 per serving.
  • Where to Eat: In Beijing, Quanjude near the Forbidden City offers authentic Peking duck, a highlight in our Top Attractions tab. In Shanghai, street vendors on Nanjing Road serve dumplings.

Top Attractions in China: Must-Visit Places

  • Great Wall of China (Beijing): An ancient marvel stretching over 13,000 miles. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Forbidden City (Beijing): A historic palace complex at the heart of the capital. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • The Bund (Shanghai): A waterfront promenade with stunning skyline views. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Terracotta Army (Xi’an): Thousands of ancient clay soldiers guarding an emperor’s tomb. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Li River (Guilin): Scenic karst landscapes and dramatic limestone peaks. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Chengdu Panda Base (Chengdu): A sanctuary for giant pandas and conservation efforts. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Where to Eat: In Beijing, Quanjude near the Forbidden City serves traditional Peking duck with a historic ambiance. In Shanghai, try dumplings from street vendors on Nanjing Road with the skyline as a backdrop.

Flights to China: Travel Options

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is a major entry point, with flights from London, New York, and Sydney. A taxi from PEK to central Beijing costs $15-$25 and takes 45 minutes. In Shanghai, Pudong International Airport (PVG) serves the east; a taxi to the city center costs $20-$30 and takes 40 minutes.

Generate Your Packing List for China

Travel Tips for China

  • Connectivity: SIM cards from China Mobile offer 10-20 GB for $10-$30, available at airports. Wi-Fi is common in cities but censored—use a VPN for unrestricted access.
  • Health Preparation: No specific vaccines required; pharmacies are widespread in cities for minor issues. Healthcare varies—carry travel insurance for emergencies.
  • Weather Preparation: Pack for diverse climates—light layers for Shanghai (20-35°C in summer), heavier layers for Beijing winters (-5 to 5°C). Comfortable shoes are a must for attractions like the Great Wall.
  • Navigation: High-speed trains ($20-$100) are efficient for long distances; domestic flights ($50-$200) are good for cross-country travel. City metros cost $0.50-$1—use apps like Baidu Maps (Google Maps is blocked).
  • Peak Season: Avoid Lunar New Year (January/February) due to crowds—book accommodations early to avoid $100-$300 nightly rates in cities like Beijing.