Travel Tips
China
The Great Wall, ancient capitals and futuristic cities show the enormous range of China.
What I love about China
People often ask me what I love most about a country. Every country has its good and bad sides, but here I share the positives I found on my travels.
How much it has changed. Compared with 30 years ago, China is a different country, now one of the biggest economies in the world. Even on my trip through the east, from Beijing to Shanghai via Tianjin, Wuxi and Suzhou, the development was amazing.
- Capital
- Beijing
- Currency
- Chinese yuan (CNY)
- Language
- Mandarin Chinese
- Best overall
- April to May and September to October
- Emergency
- Police 110, fire 119, ambulance 120
- Electricity
- 220V, plug types A, C and I
Top Destinations
Many visitors need a visa, though visa-free and transit programs have expanded. Check the rule for your passport with the official Chinese embassy. Passport validity rules vary, so check the requirements before you book.
Read about visa on arrival, e-visas and online registration →
Still have specific visa questions?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are very cold in the north. Avoid national holiday weeks.
Not sure which month suits your trip?
Beijing
The Forbidden City and access to the Great Wall.
Great Wall
Choose quieter sections such as Mutianyu.
Xi'an
Home to the Terracotta Army.
Shanghai
Futuristic skyline and the historic Bund.
Zhangjiajie
Towering sandstone pillars and glass walkways.
Need help choosing where to go?
- Days 1 to 4 Beijing and Great Wall
- Days 5 to 6 Xi'an, by high-speed train
- Days 7 to 8 Zhangjiajie
- Days 9 to 11 Shanghai
Want a route planned around your dates?
- High-speed trains are excellent. Carry your passport when buying tickets and riding.
- Set up translation and map apps before you go, as many Western apps are blocked without a VPN.
Not sure how to get between places?
- Mobile payments dominate. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card before you go, and carry some cash.
- Buy an eSIM before you fly or a local SIM on arrival, so maps work from day one.
Questions about costs, cash or SIM cards?
- Peking duck.
- Dumplings, in many regional styles.
- Sichuan hotpot, if you like it spicy.
Want tips on what and where to eat?
- Keep your passport with you, as many hotels and trains require it.
- Check which apps and websites will work, and download offline maps first.
Planning a trip to China?
Book a one-on-one call and bring your questions about your route, costs and visa.
Information on this page may change, so please confirm the latest visa and entry requirements and your government travel advice on official websites before you travel.