Spring
A beautiful season with blooming flowers and mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities.
Travel guide
China
China, a vast country with a rich tapestry of history and culture, offers diverse experiences from bustling cities to serene landscapes. Explore ancient traditions, modern marvels, and breathtaking natural wonders across its many regions.
Seebeer Edited by Nicholasjf21 ( talk ) · Public domain- Best monthsMarch to May, September to November
- AirportsMajor airports include Beijing Capital, Shanghai
- TransitExtensive high-speed rail network and public tra
- Power220V, Type A, C, and I plugs.
- TippingNot customary; rounding up is appreciated.
- LanguageMandarin is the official language.
01
When to go
The best time to visit China is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
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Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
Summer
Hot and humid, especially in southern regions; perfect for beach vacations.
Autumn
A season of vibrant colors and comfortable weather, great for sightseeing.
02
Where to stay
Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.
Cultural immersion
Hutong District, Beijing
Experience traditional courtyard living in the historic Hutongs, filled with local shops and eateries.
Can be crowded with tourists.
Modern charm
Xintiandi, Shanghai
A trendy area with a mix of modern and traditional architecture, offering vibrant nightlife and dining options.
More expensive than other neighborhoods.
Scenic beauty
Lijiang Old Town, Yunnan
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient architecture and stunning mountain backdrop.
Can be touristy during peak seasons.
Relaxation
Gulangyu Island, Xiamen
A car-free island famous for its colonial architecture and beautiful beaches.
Limited accommodation options.
Shopping
Zhongshan Road, Xiamen
A bustling shopping street with a variety of local snacks and cultural experiences.
Can be very busy, especially on weekends.
Historical
Xi'an City Wall, Xi'an
Stay near the ancient city wall for easy access to historical sites and local cuisine.
Limited nightlife options.
Culinary
Chengdu City Center, Sichuan
Known for its spicy food and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for exploring local culture.
Can be hot in summer.
Beach
Nanshan, Sanya
A coastal area with beautiful beaches and resorts, ideal for relaxation and water sports.
Tourist-heavy during holidays.
03
What to eat
Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.
Peking Duck
Famous in Beijing, try it at local restaurants in the Dongcheng District.
→ Best enjoyed with friends.
Hot Pot
A must-try in Chengdu, where you can choose from a variety of ingredients.
→ Expect a spicy experience.
Dumplings
Found throughout China, but especially famous in Xi'an and Shanghai.
→ Look for local street vendors.
Mapo Tofu
A spicy Sichuan dish best sampled in Chengdu.
→ Perfect for spice lovers.
Noodles
Try hand-pulled noodles in Lanzhou or cold noodles in Beijing.
→ A staple across many regions.
Mooncakes
Traditional pastries enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, available in many bakeries.
→ Great as gifts.
04
What to see
An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.
Great Wall of China
An iconic symbol of China, best visited at Mutianyu for fewer crowds.
Forbidden City, Beijing
A vast imperial palace complex showcasing ancient Chinese architecture.
Terracotta Army, Xi'an
An archaeological wonder featuring thousands of life-sized statues.
Li River, Guilin
Famous for its stunning karst landscape, best explored by boat.
Potala Palace, Lhasa
A magnificent structure that serves as a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism.
West Lake, Hangzhou
A picturesque lake surrounded by gardens and temples, ideal for leisurely walks.
Summer Palace, Beijing
A vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces, perfect for a day of exploration.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yunnan
A stunning mountain range offering hiking and breathtaking views.
Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai
A classical Chinese garden with beautiful rockeries and ponds.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Famous for its towering sandstone pillars, inspiring the floating mountains in Avatar.
The Bund, Shanghai
A waterfront area showcasing colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers.
Mount Huangshan
Known for its stunning sunrises and unique granite peaks, ideal for hiking.
Lijiang Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved ancient architecture.
Qingdao Beer Street
Famous for its local beer and seafood, perfect for an evening out.
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge
A historic bridge with great views of the Yangtze River.
Huanglong Scenic Area
Known for its colorful pools and diverse ecosystems, ideal for nature lovers.
05
Getting around
Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.
Air Travel
China's major airports include Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN).
PEKBeijing Capital
PVGShanghai Pudong
CANGuangzhou Baiyun
High-Speed Rail
The high-speed rail network connects major cities, offering a fast and efficient way to travel.
Public Transport
Cities have extensive public transport systems, including subways and buses.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are available for longer distances, providing quick access to remote areas.
Car Rentals
Car rentals are available but may require an international driving permit.
06
Practical notes
Plugs
China uses Type A, C, and I plugs, with a standard voltage of 220V.
Cash
While mobile payments are popular, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in China, but rounding up the bill is appreciated.
Language
Mandarin is the official language; learning a few basic phrases can be helpful.
Data
A travel eSIM covers maps and tickets after landing.
Trip Duration
A trip of at least 10 days is recommended to explore major attractions.