China Travel Guide

Essential information and insider tips for planning your perfect China trip

Topics: AccommodationActivitiesAttractionsBudgetCommunicationCultureEntry & ExitFamilyFestivalsFoodHealthInternetLocal LifeMoneyPhotographyPlanningSafetyShoppingSouvenirsTransportVisaWeatherWildlife

Planning a trip to China in 2026 is easier than ever. Citizens of 50+ countries — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore — can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, and a 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy applies at major airports for 53 countries.

The guides below answer the questions our travel consultants hear every day: when to go, what to pack, how to get around by high-speed rail, how to pay with WeChat Pay or Alipay, how to stay safe and how to budget. They are written by our Beijing-based team and updated for 2026.

Accommodation 1

Accommodation

Accommodation in China: Hotels, Hostels & Unique Stays

Find the perfect place to stay in China — from luxury hotels to boutique guesthouses, with booking tips and recommendations.

7 min read

Activities

Unique Activities in China: Beyond Sightseeing

Experience authentic China — cooking classes, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, kung fu lessons, and cultural workshops.

8 min read

Attractions

Great Wall of China: Complete Visitor Guide

Everything you need to know about visiting the Great Wall — which section to choose, how to get there, and insider tips.

7 min read

Budget

China Travel Budget: Cost Breakdown by Style

Plan your budget for China — daily costs for budget, mid-range, and luxury travel, with money-saving tips.

7 min read

Communication

Communication in China: Apps, SIM Cards & Internet

Stay connected in China — VPN setup, WeChat essentials, SIM card options, and navigating the Great Firewall.

6 min read

Culture

Chinese Tea Culture: Types, Ceremonies & Best Places

Discover China's tea heritage — from green Longjing to aged Pu'er, tea ceremonies, and the best tea houses to visit.

7 min read

Culture

Chinese Kung Fu: Styles, History & Where to Learn

Explore the world of Chinese martial arts — from Shaolin to Tai Chi, history, styles, and where to experience kung fu in China.

8 min read

Culture

Chinese Zodiac: Find Your Animal Sign & Compatibility

Discover your Chinese zodiac animal, personality traits, lucky elements, and compatibility with other signs.

6 min read

Culture

Chinese Etiquette: Cultural Do's and Don'ts

Navigate Chinese culture respectfully — dining etiquette, gift-giving, body language, and social customs.

6 min read

Entry & Exit

China Entry & Exit Guide: Customs & Immigration

Complete guide to entering and exiting China, including customs regulations, immigration procedures, and what to declare.

5 min read

Family

Family Travel in China: Tips for Traveling with Kids

Plan a family-friendly China trip — kid-approved activities, safety tips, packing essentials, and age-appropriate itineraries.

7 min read

Festivals

Chinese New Year 2026: Traditions, Dates & Travel Tips

Everything about Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) — dates, traditions, foods, and how it affects travel in China.

7 min read

Festivals

Chinese Festivals Calendar: Complete Guide 2026

Plan your China trip around major festivals — Mid-Autumn, Dragon Boat, Qingming, and more, with dates and celebration tips.

8 min read

Food

Chinese Food Guide: Regional Cuisines & Must-Try Dishes

Explore China's eight great culinary traditions, from Sichuan spice to Cantonese dim sum, with recommendations for every region.

9 min read

Health

Health in China: Medical Care & Travel Insurance

Stay healthy in China — vaccination recommendations, medical facilities, pharmacy basics, and insurance coverage.

6 min read

Internet

Internet in China: VPN, Apps & Digital Life

Navigate China's digital landscape — essential apps, VPN setup, mobile payments, and staying connected.

7 min read

Local Life

Experiencing Local Life in China: Beyond Tourism

Immerse yourself in authentic Chinese life — morning exercises, local markets, neighborhood walks, and cultural exchanges.

7 min read

Money

Money in China: Currency, Payments & Banking

Handle money in China — RMB basics, mobile payments, ATM usage, exchange rates, and budgeting tips.

6 min read

Photography

Photography in China: Best Spots & Tips

Capture stunning images in China — iconic photography locations, best times for light, and essential camera gear.

7 min read

Planning

Plan Your China Trip: Step-by-Step Guide

Everything you need to plan the perfect China trip, from choosing destinations to booking transportation and accommodation.

10 min read

Planning

Packing List for China: What to Bring & Leave

Complete packing guide for China trips — essentials by season, visa documents, adapters, and what not to pack.

5 min read

Planning

Off-Season Travel in China: Benefits & Destinations

Discover the advantages of traveling to China in off-season — fewer crowds, lower prices, and unique seasonal experiences.

6 min read

Safety

China Safety Guide: Staying Safe While Traveling

Essential safety tips for China — common scams, health precautions, emergency contacts, and how to stay secure.

6 min read

Safety

Common Scams in China: How to Avoid Them

Protect yourself from tourist scams in China — tea house scams, fake tours, counterfeit goods, and safety tips.

6 min read

Shopping

Shopping in China: Markets, Bargaining & Souvenirs

Shop like a local in China — best markets, bargaining tips, authentic souvenirs, and how to avoid tourist traps.

7 min read

Souvenirs

Best Souvenirs from China: Authentic & Meaningful Gifts

Shop for authentic Chinese souvenirs — silk, tea, porcelain, crafts, and how to avoid fake products.

6 min read

Transport

China Transportation Guide: Trains, Flights & Metro

Navigate China efficiently — high-speed rail booking, domestic flights, metro systems, and taxi tips for travelers.

9 min read

Visa

China Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about China visa types, application process, exemptions, and the 30-day visa-free policy for eligible countries.

8 min read

Weather

China Weather Guide: Best Time to Visit

Plan your China trip with our comprehensive weather guide covering all seasons, regions, and the best months to visit each destination.

6 min read

Wildlife

Giant Panda Experience: Where to See Pandas

Complete guide to seeing giant pandas in China — breeding centers, volunteer programs, and the best times to visit.

6 min read

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China Travel Guide

Accommodation 1

Accommodation in China: Hotels, Hostels & Unique Stays

Activities 1

Unique Activities in China: Beyond Sightseeing

Attractions 1

Great Wall of China: Complete Visitor Guide

Budget 1

China Travel Budget: Cost Breakdown by Style

Communication 1

Communication in China: Apps, SIM Cards & Internet

Culture 4

Chinese Tea Culture: Types, Ceremonies & Best Places

Chinese Kung Fu: Styles, History & Where to Learn

Chinese Zodiac: Find Your Animal Sign & Compatibility

Chinese Etiquette: Cultural Do's and Don'ts

Entry & Exit 1

China Entry & Exit Guide: Customs & Immigration

Family 1

Family Travel in China: Tips for Traveling with Kids

Festivals 2

Chinese New Year 2026: Traditions, Dates & Travel Tips

Chinese Festivals Calendar: Complete Guide 2026

Food 1

Chinese Food Guide: Regional Cuisines & Must-Try Dishes

Health 1

Health in China: Medical Care & Travel Insurance

Internet 1

Internet in China: VPN, Apps & Digital Life

Local Life 1

Experiencing Local Life in China: Beyond Tourism

Money 1

Money in China: Currency, Payments & Banking

Photography 1

Photography in China: Best Spots & Tips

Planning 3

Plan Your China Trip: Step-by-Step Guide

Packing List for China: What to Bring & Leave

Off-Season Travel in China: Benefits & Destinations

Safety 2

China Safety Guide: Staying Safe While Traveling

Common Scams in China: How to Avoid Them

Shopping 1

Shopping in China: Markets, Bargaining & Souvenirs

Souvenirs 1

Best Souvenirs from China: Authentic & Meaningful Gifts

Transport 1

China Transportation Guide: Trains, Flights & Metro

Visa 1

China Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Guide

Weather 1

China Weather Guide: Best Time to Visit

Wildlife 1

Giant Panda Experience: Where to See Pandas

Need Help Planning?