China is closer
than you think.
A clear, practical guide to discovering China — from ancient wonders and electric megacities to quiet tea houses and unforgettable regional food.
A country of a
thousand journeys.
China is vast, varied and full of surprises. Start with the places that match your pace, interests and the time you have.
Beijing
Imperial landmarks, hutong lanes and the Great Wall.
Shanghai
Art deco heritage, contemporary design and waterfront nights.
Xi’an
Terracotta warriors, city walls and Silk Road stories.
Chengdu
Pandas, teahouses and the bold flavors of Sichuan.
START
GOES A LONG WAY.
Feel prepared.
Travel freely.
Everyday logistics can look different in China. A few things arranged before departure — from payment apps to connectivity — can make the first day much easier.
- ✓ Check current entry and visa requirements for your passport.
- ✓ Set up payment options and bring a backup card.
- ✓ Plan how you'll access maps, translation and mobile data.
- ✓ Save your hotel address in Chinese characters.
Choose your own
pace of discovery.
Whether you have a long weekend or a full month, a good route balances headline sights with room to wander.
The classic introduction
Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai — a first look at China's past and present.
Beyond the landmarks
Add Chengdu for teahouse culture, pandas and Sichuan cuisine.
Mountains and water
Pair major cities with Guilin and Yangshuo's karst landscapes.
Little things that make
a big difference.
Travel with curiosity and respect. These quick guides cover the questions many first-time visitors ask.
How to order food
Menus, sharing dishes, spice levels and useful phrases.
Read guide ↗ CULTUREEtiquette made simple
Small gestures that help you connect respectfully.
Read guide ↗ GET AROUNDHigh-speed rail 101
Tickets, stations, luggage and what to expect.
Read guide ↗ COMMUNICATIONUseful Chinese phrases
A few words can make everyday moments easier.
Read guide ↗Pick your season.
Pack accordingly.
China spans many climate zones. Weather, holidays and crowds can shape your route as much as distance does.
Spring
Mild temperatures and blossoms in many regions. A comfortable time for city walking, gardens and river scenery.
Summer
Hot and humid in much of the east, with peak domestic travel. Mountain and highland regions offer cooler alternatives.
Autumn
Often the most comfortable season for sightseeing, with clear skies in many cities — and popular holiday periods to plan around.
Winter
Cold in the north, milder in the south. Fewer crowds outside holiday weeks and a very different atmosphere in historic cities.
Questions travelers
ask first.
Short answers to the practical questions that come up most often. Each one links to a fuller section.
It depends on your nationality, purpose of visit, length of stay and travel dates. Some travelers may qualify for visa-free entry or transit arrangements, while others need a visa before departure.
Check the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence and official immigration announcements, then confirm details for your exact dates. Read the entry basics →
Mobile payments are very common in Chinese cities, and some services allow eligible international visitors to link overseas cards. Setup steps, supported cards and limits vary.
The safest approach is to prepare more than one option: an app where available, a backup card and some cash. See payment tips →
Roaming, travel eSIMs and local SIMs can all work, depending on your phone and provider. Some international apps or services may not function normally on local networks.
Download offline maps, translation packs and tickets before you fly, and research connectivity options in advance. Plan your connectivity →
In major hotels and tourist areas you may find English support, but a few phrases go a long way in everyday situations. A translation app and saved Chinese addresses solve most practical gaps.
Learn greetings, “thank you”, “how much?” and how to show your destination in Chinese. Useful phrases →