China Travel Guide
China is a country that feels like ten different worlds stitched into one epic map. It’s fast, fascinating, sometimes overwhelming, and endlessly rewarding once you find your rhythm. Think neon-lit mega cities with skylines that look like sci-fi sets, quiet ancient water towns where time slows right down, misty mountains that belong in a painting, deserts that stretch forever, and countryside so green it looks edited. Add in world-famous landmarks, deep history, wildly regional food, and everyday life that runs on a whole different operating system, and you’ve got a place that keeps surprising you.
China sits in East Asia and is one of the largest countries on the planet, with huge variety in landscapes, languages, and culture from region to region. Its capital, Beijing, is a big-hitting mix of imperial compiler-level history and modern city energy. You can walk the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, then be eating dumplings in a buzzing night market an hour later. Beyond Beijing, China opens up into completely different trips. You can wander Shanghai’s glossy waterfront, cruise past karst peaks in Guilin and Yangshuo, see the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, hike in Zhangjiajie’s dramatic pillars, or head west to places like Yunnan for old towns, tea regions, and mountain scenery.
Whether you’re into history, food, cities, hiking, culture, or just want a trip that feels genuinely huge in every sense, China has got you covered. 🇨🇳✨
Best Time To Visit
China is no stranger to big weather, and it really matters when you go. One week can be crisp blue skies in Beijing, the next can be sticky heat in Shanghai, and down south it can be raining like someone left the tap on.
Spring (April to May) is one of the best times to visit for most travellers. Temperatures are comfortable, the skies are often clearer, and it’s ideal for big hitters like Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and Guilin without melting. It’s also great for hiking and nature spots before summer humidity kicks in.
Autumn (September to October) is the other sweet spot. Think mild days, lower humidity, and lovely light for sightseeing and photos. It’s brilliant for the Great Wall, city exploring, and mountain scenery. Just note that early October can be very busy around China’s National Day holiday, so prices and crowds can jump.
Summer (June to August) is hot and humid in many eastern cities, and some regions get heavy rain. The upside is it’s great for higher altitude areas like Yunnan and parts of western China, plus evening street food and night markets really come alive. Pack light clothes, a rain layer, and patience for sweaty metro stations.
Winter (November to March) is cold in the north, but it can be a win if you like quieter sights and crisp air. Beijing and Xi’an are far less crowded, Harbin is famous for its ice festival, and southern areas like Guangzhou and parts of Yunnan stay milder for comfortable exploring.
What To Expect
Capital: Beijing
Language: Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the official language, and you’ll also hear loads of regional languages and dialects depending on where you are. In big cities and tourist hotspots, English shows up in hotels, airports, major train stations, and popular attractions, but it can drop off fast once you’re outside the main tourist lanes. A couple of easy wins: “Nǐ hǎo” (hello), “Xièxie” (thank you), “Shì” (yes), “Bú shì” (no), “Duō shǎo qián?” (how much?). Translation apps are your best travel buddy here.
Currency: The Chinese Yuan (Renminbi, RMB), usually written as CNY or with the symbol ¥. Handy ballpark maths: ¥100 ≈ £10–£12 / €12–€14 / $13–$15, and ¥1,000 ≈ £100–£120 / €120–€140 / $130–$150 (rates wobble, so a quick currency app check before you go saves guesswork).
Cash Machines & ATMs: ATMs exist in cities and larger towns, but China is very mobile-payment first. Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for everything from metro tickets to bubble tea, and some smaller places may not take foreign cards at all. Cash is still accepted in many places, but it’s not always the smoothest option, so set up at least one mobile payment method before you arrive if you can.
Plugs: Types A, C, and I are common. Standard voltage is 220 V, frequency 50 Hz. A universal adapter is the safest bet, especially if you’re hopping between hotels and regions.
Safety: China is generally very safe for travellers, including in big cities, but keep basic city smarts switched on. Watch your stuff in crowded stations and markets, be cautious with “too friendly” strangers offering tours or tea ceremonies, and take extra care crossing roads because traffic can be… creatively interpreted. Long-distance travel is very organised, just busy.
Never ever: Don’t assume your usual apps will work exactly the same as at home. Some services can be limited, so download offline maps, have a translation option ready, and keep key addresses saved in Chinese characters for taxis and hotels. Also, don’t wing it with payments on day one. Getting your money setup right will save you a lot of “why can’t I buy this dumpling?” stress 😅🥟
Travel Guides
City Guides
Itineraries + Map
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit (City Specific)
China Travel Tips and Advice
Everything Else
Search for your Accommodation
Find the Cheapest Flights
Book tours and purchase tickets
Top 5 Things to See and Do in China
1. Walking the Great Wall (pick a section, thank yourself later)
The Great Wall is one of those bucket list sights that actually delivers. The trick is choosing the right section for your vibe. Some parts are restored and easy, with cable cars and snack stalls, while others are wilder and more rugged, with fewer people and more “wow, this is ancient” energy. Go early for calmer views and better light, and pack water because those steps do not play fair 🧱🏞️
2. Time-Traveling Through Beijing’s Imperial Sights
Beijing is where China’s history feels properly massive. The Forbidden City is the headline act, endless halls, courtyards, and details that make you realise emperors did not do “minimalist”. Pair it with the Temple of Heaven for peaceful park vibes, and wander a hutong neighbourhood for a glimpse of old Beijing life. It’s a full day of big history, but it never feels dull, just… wow, humans built this? 🏯✨
3. Eating Your Way Through Xi’an and Meeting the Terracotta Army
Xi’an is a history heavyweight, mainly because it comes with an entire underground army. The Terracotta Warriors are genuinely surreal in person, rows and rows of faces staring back like you’ve interrupted a very serious meeting. Back in the city, walk or cycle the old city wall, then head to the Muslim Quarter for noodles, skewers, and snacks that will have you saying “just one more” on loop. Xi’an is a perfect mix of ancient and delicious 🥟🛡️
4. Getting Misty-Mountain Magic in Guilin and Yangshuo
If you’ve seen those dreamy China landscape photos with pointy green peaks and rivers winding through them, that’s this area. Guilin and Yangshuo are all karst mountains, bamboo rafts, and cycling routes through fields and tiny villages. It’s slower, greener, and a brilliant break from city pace. Go early in the morning for calm river scenes and fewer crowds, and bring a light rain layer because the south likes surprise showers 🌿🚲
5. Feeling Like You’ve Entered Another Planet in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie is properly dramatic. Those tall stone pillars rising out of the mist look unreal, like the landscape was designed by someone with a flair for theatre. Trails and viewpoints give you nonstop scenery, and if you’re brave, there are glass walkways that will make your legs question your life choices. It can get busy, so start early and plan your route so you’re not queueing for half the day. It’s one of the most unique places you’ll ever see, no exaggeration 🪨🌫️
China Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – ¥60–¥150 / £7–£18 / $8–$21 / €8–€18
- Hostel Private Rooms – ¥180–¥450 / £22–£55 / $25–$63 / €26–€54
- Budget Hotels – ¥220–¥600 / £27–£73 / $31–$84 / €32–€72
- Airbnb Private Rooms – ¥180–¥450 / £22–£55 / $25–$63 / €26–€54
- Airbnb Apartments – ¥350–¥900 / £43–£110 / $49–$126 / €42–€108
- Campsites – ¥50–¥150 / £6–£18 / $7–$21 / €6–€18
Transportation
- Local Metro/Bus (per ride) – ¥2–¥6 / £0.25–£0.75 / $0.30–$0.85 / €0.25–€0.75
- High-Speed Train (advance tickets) – ¥80–¥450 / £10–£55 / $11–$63 / €10–€54
- Intercity Bus – ¥40–¥200 / £5–£25 / $6–$28 / €5–€24
- Taxi (per km) – ¥2–¥4 / £0.25–£0.50 / $0.30–$0.55 / €0.25–€0.50
- Car Rental (per day) – ¥250–¥600 / £30–£73 / $35–$84 / €30–€72
Food
- Budget Meal – ¥15–¥40 / £2–£5 / $2–$6 / €2–€5
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – ¥50–¥150 / £6–£18 / $7–$21 / €6–€18
- Coffee – ¥18–¥45 / £2–£5.50 / $2.50–$6.50 / €2–€5.50
- Beer – ¥8–¥25 / £1–£3 / $1–$3.50 / €1–€3
Activities
- Museum Entry – ¥0–¥60 / £0–£7 / $0–$8 / €0–€7
- Guided Tours – ¥150–¥600 / £18–£73 / $21–$84 / €18–€72
- Theatre or Show Tickets – ¥120–¥600 / £15–£73 / $17–$84 / €14–€72
- Day Trips – ¥250–¥900 / £30–£110 / $35–$126 / €30–€108
China Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – €35–€70 per day (≈ £30–£60 / $38–$76 / ¥270–¥540)
China can be surprisingly budget-friendly if you travel smart. Think hostel dorms, cheap metro rides, and eating like a legend at noodle shops, dumpling spots, and busy little local canteens. Your biggest cost swing is transport, high-speed trains are amazing but add up, so mix in slower trains or night trains when it makes sense. A lot of your best days cost very little too: wandering old streets, parks, markets, and just letting a city unfold around you (plus you’ll accidentally eat 12 snacks, which is basically cultural research) 🥟😅
Midrange – €80–€150 per day (≈ £70–£130 / $88–$165 / ¥620–¥1,160)
This is the comfy sweet spot in China. You can stay in solid hotels, take more high-speed trains, and use taxis or ride-hailing when you cannot be bothered with another metro transfer. You’ll be able to mix street food with proper sit-down meals, pay for the big sights without wincing, and add a guided tour here and there for places like the Great Wall or the Forbidden City. It’s also the budget where you can travel faster and waste less time, which in China can make the whole trip feel smoother.
Upscale – €200+ per day (≈ £170+ / $220+ / ¥1,550+)
Now you’re in stylish hotels, nicer restaurants, and “yes, we’re taking the fast train and the private guide” territory. In Beijing and Shanghai, that means top-end stays, great food, and more convenience. For scenic areas like Guilin, Zhangjiajie, or Yunnan, it can mean better located hotels, private drivers, and upgraded experiences that cut out the hassle. China at this level feels polished and easy, with fewer compromises and more time spent enjoying the good bits.
China Money-Saving Tips
Bring a reusable water bottle – In China, tap water is generally not recommended for drinking, so use your bottle but refill with filtered water at hotels, refill stations, or use big bottled water you buy once and top up from 💧
Use public transport smartly – Metro systems in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai are cheap, fast, and way less stressful than traffic. Grab a transport card or use approved mobile payments where possible so you’re not queuing for tickets every two minutes.
Travel off-peak – Midweek travel is usually cheaper and calmer, and it makes popular sights much more enjoyable. Try to avoid early October (National Day week) and other big holiday periods if you hate crowds.
Stay in budget digs – Hostels and mid-range hotels can be excellent value, especially if you book early. In mega cities, staying a few metro stops outside the main tourist centre can save money without costing you convenience.
Eat local, not “tourist-menu” – Small noodle shops, dumpling places, and local canteens are usually cheaper and better. If a street is full of locals eating, that’s your green flag.
Shop supermarkets for snacks and breakfast – Convenience stores are everywhere, but supermarkets can be better value for fruit, yoghurt, drinks, and easy picnic bits. Great for saving money on constant café stops.
Join walking tours or do self-guided routes – Some cities have great guided walking tours, but you can also DIY it with a map and a list of sights. Parks, temple areas, and old neighbourhoods are perfect for free wandering days.
Hunt combo tickets and passes – Big attractions sometimes have package tickets or discounts for students and families. Always ask or check at the ticket office, it’s an easy win when it works.
Prioritise free parks and viewpoints – China does parks really well. City parks, riverside walks, older neighbourhoods, and market streets can be some of the best parts of the trip and cost basically nothing.
Skip overpriced “experiences” when DIY works – You don’t always need a pricey tour for scenic areas. Many places are easy to reach by train and local transport, and you can explore at your own pace without paying the “ensure you are having fun” tax 😅
Book trains early – High-speed trains can sell out on popular routes and holiday weekends. Booking ahead usually gets you better times, better seats, and less last-minute panic.
Set up payments before you arrive – Mobile payments are a big deal in China, and some places barely handle foreign cards. If you can get a working setup for Alipay or WeChat Pay, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle (and weirdly, money too).
Aim for shoulder season – April to May and September to November are often the sweet spot for decent weather, fewer crowds, and better accommodation deals across a lot of the country.
How to Get Around in China
Getting Around China: The Basics
China is massive, but travel is surprisingly efficient once you get the hang of it. Big cities have excellent metros, high-speed trains are a total game-changer, and long-distance buses fill the gaps. The main thing is to plan a little ahead because tickets, stations, and routes can feel intense at first. Once you’re in the flow, it’s smooth.
Walking
Walking is great in older neighbourhoods, scenic areas, and city centres with pedestrian streets and parks. In mega cities, walking can be a lot because crossings are busy and distances are bigger than they look on the map. Early mornings and evenings are ideal, especially in summer. Comfy shoes are essential, and in winter, Beijing can be properly cold, so dress like you mean it.
Public Transportation
Public transport in major Chinese cities is excellent, especially metro networks.
Tickets: Usually bought via machines, transport cards, or mobile payments depending on the city.
Metro systems: Fast, cheap, air-conditioned, and often the quickest way across town.
City buses: Very cheap, but less tourist-friendly if you do not read Chinese, so metro is usually the easier choice.
Airport Transfers
Major gateways include Beijing (PEK and PKX), Shanghai (PVG and SHA), Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX), Chengdu (CTU), Xi’an (XIY), and Hong Kong (HKG) if you’re combining trips.
City connections: Many airports have metro links, airport trains, or dedicated airport buses.
Taxis and ride-hailing: Handy for late arrivals or lots of luggage, just make sure you’re using official pickup points.
Private transfers: Worth it if you arrive late, travel as a group, or want zero stress on day one.
Trains
Trains are one of the best ways to travel China. High-speed rail is fast, comfortable, and connects most major cities.
Great for routes like Beijing to Shanghai, Shanghai to Hangzhou, Xi’an to Chengdu, and loads more.
Book ahead for popular routes and peak holiday periods.
Stations are big and security checks are normal, so arrive early and keep your passport handy.
Buses and Coaches
Buses are useful for smaller towns, rural areas, and scenic spots where trains do not reach easily.
Great for certain national parks, mountain areas, and last-mile connections from train stations.
Comfort varies, so for longer distances trains are usually the nicer option.
Timetables can be less clear for non-Chinese speakers, so plan routes in advance where possible.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are common, but language barriers can make things tricky.
Have your destination saved in Chinese characters, not just English.
Ride-hailing can be convenient, but payment setup matters, so sort that early if you can.
Avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides at airports and stations.
Car Rental
Self-driving is possible, but it’s not the easiest choice for most travellers due to traffic, rules, and navigation challenges.
A driver can be a great option for day trips, countryside routes, or areas with limited public transport.
For cities, public transport is almost always easier than dealing with parking.
Cycling
Some cities and scenic areas are great for cycling, especially in calmer neighbourhoods, parks, and places like riverside paths.
Bike share schemes exist in some cities, and rentals are common in touristy scenic areas.
In busy traffic, cycling can be stressful, so pick your routes wisely.
Apps to Use
Maps and translation tools are your best friends. Download offline maps, keep key addresses in Chinese characters, and use a translation app for menus and signs. Train booking apps or platforms help for tickets and seat choices.
Money & Tickets
Cards are not always accepted everywhere, and mobile payment is huge. If you can set up Alipay or WeChat Pay, life gets much easier. Carry some cash as backup, but do not rely on it for every purchase.
Tips for Smooth Travel
Arrive early for trains, stations are busy and security checks take time.
Avoid major holiday weeks if you hate crowds, they can be next-level.
Keep your hotel address saved in Chinese characters for taxis.
Pack a power bank, you’ll use your phone a lot for maps, tickets, and translation.
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