Eastern Asia
Eastern AsiaChinaTravel guide
- Beijing
- Chengdu
- Guangzhou
- Hangzhou
- Harbin
- Kashgar
China combines thousands of years of history with busy modern cities. Travellers can explore palaces, mountains, beaches and many different regional cultures.
Why go
Historic sights such as the Forbidden City in Beijing.
The limestone landscapes of Guilin and granite peaks of Huangshan.
Modern cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Regional food, traditional crafts and Chinese gardens.
Getting there
By air
- Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are the main international gateways. Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xi'an and Urumqi also have international flights.
- Flights can be expensive or hard to find around Chinese New Year, major Chinese holiday weeks and university holidays.
- Chinese-run travel agencies may offer cheaper fares than those advertised in English. Ask about discounted tickets.
By land
- China has land borders with 14 countries, plus crossings from Hong Kong and Macau. Many western crossings are in remote mountain areas.
- International train routes described in the source connect China with North Korea, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Laos and Vietnam. Some services remain suspended.
- Frequent high-speed trains link Hong Kong's West Kowloon Station with Shenzhen, Guangzhou and other mainland cities. Allow extra time because both immigration checks take place at West Kowloon.
By sea
- Ferries connect Hong Kong and Macau with mainland Pearl River Delta cities, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai.
- Overnight ferries connect South Korea with several Chinese ports. Schedules change often, so check with the ferry company or port.
Customs
- Visitors aged 18 or over may bring up to 1.5 litres of alcohol and either 400 cigarettes, 20 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco without duty. These allowances are halved when entering through Hong Kong or Macau.
- Foreign visitors have a duty-free allowance of ¥2,000 for other goods.
- Declare Chinese cash above ¥20,000 or foreign currency worth more than US$5,000 when entering or leaving.
Getting around
Maps and directions
Amap has an English version and shows walking, driving and public transport routes. Baidu Maps is only in Chinese, but sometimes shows routes missing from Amap. Google Maps does not work in China. Apple Maps uses Amap's data and is described as reliable. Keep addresses in Chinese characters. Similar street names can refer to separate roads.
Trains
Trains cover most of the country, and high-speed trains are often a good choice. Many higher-level trains have announcements in Chinese and English. Domestic tickets are electronic and linked to your identity document. Carry the document used to buy the ticket. Arrive at least 20 minutes early, or 30 minutes early at a large station. Gates close before departure. Check the station name carefully because a city may have separate stations for ordinary and high-speed trains. Keep valuables close on board.
Domestic flights
Flying is useful for long distances, especially in western China, where high-speed rail is more limited. Many hotels, hostels, travel agencies and ticket offices can help buy discounted tickets. Leave contact details so the seller can tell you about changes. Delays and cancellations are common. If you bought your ticket overseas, check the flight status a day or two before departure. Keep checked baggage receipts because staff may compare them with your bags before you leave. Power banks need the China Compulsory Certification mark, shown as CCC or 3C, to be taken on flights. Security may confiscate one without it.
City buses
City buses are cheap and cover many routes. Some major routes have English stop announcements. Fares are usually about ¥1–3, with higher fares possible in the suburbs. Many cash boxes give no change, so carry ¥1 coins. Many cities allow payment through a WeChat travel code. This requires passport registration and separate approval for each city. Hold on firmly because drivers may brake or move quickly.
What to see and do
Forbidden City, Beijing
A major historic palace attraction. Tickets must be reserved online in advance and are linked to your identity document.
Guilin
Known for its striking limestone landscapes, which have inspired painters and poets.
Huangshan
Its granite peaks have inspired Chinese art and poetry for generations.
Jiuzhaigou
The source highlights its breathtaking natural scenery.
Shanghai and Shenzhen
These busy modern cities show China's rapid development.
Hainan
An island destination in tropical southern China.
Food and drink
Rice and fried rice
Rice is a staple in southern China. Fried rice is a common quick street meal.
Congee
Rice porridge, called zhōu, is a common breakfast.
Noodles
Rice and wheat noodles are important staples served in many different ways.
Tofu
Soybean-based tofu comes in many forms, including crisp, strongly flavoured and pungent varieties.
Regional cooking
Expect seafood stews near the coast, stir-fried vegetables in southern cities and hearty meat dishes in the northeast.
Convenience-store meals
Urban convenience stores commonly sell filled rolls, sandwiches, meat buns and ready-made meals. Many provide a microwave.
Money
Chinese yuan, also called renminbi; currency code CNY and symbol ¥.
- Prices may be written as yuan, 元, RMB or ¥. In speech, kuài also means yuan.
- Carry small notes and coins because businesses may have no change. Some businesses refuse cash in practice.
- Banks offer packs of small notes and coins called pocket money bags. Supermarkets and convenience stores may also exchange money into smaller amounts.
- Credit cards are not widely used, especially in smaller and cheaper hotels. Many hotels ask for a cash deposit of a few hundred yuan.
Tipping: Tipping is generally not expected, including at hotels. Taxi drivers may appreciate rounding up after extra help, but it is optional; some spas in Shenzhen and Zhuhai demand tips.
Typical costs
- A basic daily budget is about ¥200–300 when eating local food, using public transport and staying in budget accommodation.
- City buses usually cost about ¥1–3, with higher fares possible for suburban journeys.
- A hot meal in a long-distance train dining car costs around ¥25.
- A small bottle of drinking water commonly costs ¥2.
- The source says rooms costing ¥180 or more are generally easier to find.
- Paid bicycle parking commonly costs ¥1–2 per day.
Language
- Standard Mandarin is the official language and is widely understood.
- Regional languages include Wu, Cantonese, Min and Hakka. Speakers of different regional languages may not understand one another.
- Minority languages include Uyghur, Kyrgyz, Kazakh, Tibetan, Manchu, Mongolian and Korean.
- Chinese Sign Language is widely used by deaf people. Tibetan Sign Language is a separate language.
- 最低多少 — zuìdī duōshǎo
- What is the lowest price?
- 发票 — fā piào
- An official sales invoice issued through the tax authorities.
- 米饭 — mǐfàn
- Cooked rice.
- 面 — miàn
- Noodles.
- 北 běi / 南 nán / 东 dōng / 西 xī / 中 zhōng
- North / south / east / west / central, often used in street names.
Staying safe
- Street crime is generally low, but theft and scams occur. Watch your belongings in crowds and on public transport.
- Bicycles, electric bicycle batteries and chargers can be stolen. Use monitored bicycle parking where possible.
- Carry your passport for tickets and tourist attractions. For reserved attractions, bring the same document used when booking.
- Avoid drugs and political activity. The source warns that speech, privacy and other freedoms are restricted and punishments can be heavy.
Local customs
Do
- Use a person's family name with a title in formal situations. Chinese names usually put the family name first.
- Learn a little of the local language if possible. People often appreciate the effort.
- Follow local customs and use full names or suitable titles when unsure how to address someone.
Don't
- Do not use the informal name prefixes Lǎo or Xiǎo unless you know the person well.
- Do not smoke on high-speed trains or inside station buildings outside designated smoking areas. On ordinary trains, smoking is banned in seating and sleeping areas.
- Do not assume leaving a tip is expected. Staff may return money left on a table.
Staying healthy
- Drink boiled tap water or sealed bottled water. Ordinary water filters do not necessarily make tap water safe to drink.
- Choose freshly cooked, hot food. Avoid raw meat left unrefrigerated in hot weather.
- Be careful with alcohol, especially when others encourage heavy drinking.
- Pack for the region and season because climates vary greatly. Northern winters are bitterly cold, and southern buildings may have limited heating.
Phone and internet
- Google Maps does not work in China, and its coverage can be patchy even through a virtual private network, which routes your connection through another server.
- Amap offers English maps and public transport directions. Baidu Maps is in Chinese, while Apple Maps uses Amap's data.
- Dazhong Dianping is widely used for restaurant ratings but is only available in Chinese.
Where to stay
- Accommodation ranges from shared dormitories to luxury hotels. Overnight sleeper trains are another option.
- The source says licensed hotels outside restricted areas must accept foreigners, but some still refuse because of registration difficulties. Trip.com listings are usually used to receiving foreign guests.
- Reception staff copy your passport and entry documents for registration. Occasionally, a hotel may take you to the local police station.
- If finding a room after arrival, try to arrive before 18:00. Cheap hotels are often near train or bus stations, and local police may help if you cannot find anywhere.
Outdoor adventures in China
China offers Great Wall walks, mountain hikes, tea-field cycling and wildlife parks. Hangzhou has several detailed walking routes, while Kashgar is a base for canyon treks and trips to mountain lakes. Conditions vary widely, from tropical Hainan to the harsh western highlands.
Great Wall hiking
HikeBeijingnear Beijing
Join a guided walk with a hiking group or an operator such as Beijing Hikers.
- The unrestored Jiankou section is dangerous.
Chengdu Panda Research Base
WildlifeSichuannear Chengdu
Early morning; feeding is around 09:30–10:00Take metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue station and leave through Exit B for the HiPanda ticket and shuttle counter. Public bus 198 and taxis are alternatives.
- Cost: Listed prices: ¥54 for entry with return shuttle, or ¥55 entry; English-speaking guide ¥100. Prices dated April 2019.
Baiyun Mountain
HikeGuangdongnear Guangzhou
1–1.5 hours uphillVisit the mountain park just north of central Guangzhou and follow its hiking paths. A cable car also goes to the top; buy tickets at the base station.
Shipton's Arch Trek
TrekXinjiangnear Kashgar
1 dayArrange the trek with Kashgar Guide at 407 Wusitang Boyi Road.
- The route crosses rocky riverbeds through steep-walled canyons.
Karakoram Highway: Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake
More to doXinjiangnear Kashgar
1 dayBook a group trip or a private car and driver through an agency around Kashgar's Old Town.
- Permit: A free permit, meaning official permission to enter the area, is required. Get it before departure from the office just north of Kashgar airport.
- Cost: In April 2025, a private SUV with a Chinese-speaking driver cost RMB 1,000, including entry to both lakes.
Chimelong Safari Park
SafariGuangdongnear Guangzhou
Visit the safari park within the Chimelong theme parks in Panyu District, south Guangzhou.
Siberian Tiger Park
WildlifeHeilongjiangnear Harbin
About 1 hour for the bus rideTake a taxi to 88 Songbei Street, or bus 88 to Shangye Daxue followed by bus 54. Inside, view the tigers from a bus surrounded by metal caging.
- Cost: ¥100 including entry and the park bus; a taxi from central Harbin is listed at ¥40. Prices dated November 2023.
West Lake circuit
HikeZhejiangnear Hangzhou
About 5 hours at a slow paceWalk around West Lake on your own. Two causeways provide shortcuts across the lake.
West Lake and Longjing tea-village cycling route
CyclingZhejiangnear Hangzhou
Early morningStart north of West Lake. Ride west towards Zhejiang University, then follow Lingyin Road past the Botanical Gardens into Longjing Village. Continue through tea villages and bamboo forest to the river, returning past Six Harmonies Pagoda and the zoo.
Baochu Pagoda ridge walk
HikeZhejiangnear Hangzhou
Easy About 2 hours, plus optional side walksClimb from Beishan Road to Baochu Pagoda. Continue over rocks and along the ridge's stone paths towards the corner of Shuguang Road and Beishan Road. Walk back or return by bus or taxi.
- Cost: The return bus is listed at ¥1–3.
- Part of the route involves climbing over rocks.
Wushan Square to Fenghuang Hill and Yuhuang Hill
HikeZhejiangnear Hangzhou
About 4 hours at a slow paceWalk south from Wushan Square through the park. Cross Wansongling Road and enter the forest about 100 metres to the left. Follow stone paths to Fenghuang Hill and Yuhuang Hill, then descend west to Hupao Road and return by bus from the zoo stop.
- Navigation can be confusing.
- Take care around the circular road on the western descent.
Xixi Road to Wushan Square mountain circuit
HikeZhejiangnear Hangzhou
10–12 hours with stops for a group of regular fitnessFollow the circuit from Xixi Road through Northern Peak, Shi Peak, Wuyun Hill, Jiuxi, Hangzhou Zoo, Yuhuang Hill and Fenghuang Hill to Wushan Square.
Meijiawu overnight hike
HikeZhejiangnear Hangzhou
2 days, with an overnight stayHike out to Meijiawu, stay at a guest house and return the next day by a different route.
Six Harmonies Pagoda to Longjing tea fields
HikeZhejiangnear Hangzhou
Start by the river at Six Harmonies Pagoda. Follow the hike behind the pagoda into the Longjing tea fields near the tea museum.
Lingyin and Beifeng Hill
HikeZhejiangnear Hangzhou
Head to the Lingyin Temple area west of West Lake for nearby hikes. A cable car also reaches the top of Beifeng Hill.
West Lake boat trip
More to doZhejiangnear Hangzhou
Hire a small non-motor boat with a driver, or use the ferries to travel around West Lake and its two islands.
- Cost: A private boat with a driver is listed at ¥120 per hour.
Great Wall camping at Chenjiapu
More to doYanqing District, Beijingnear Beijing
OvernightVisit Chenjiapu village and arrange camping through the Chen family at Great Wall Fresh. They offer tent rentals and homestays.
Great Wall camping in Huailai County
More to doHebei
OvernightHead west of Chenjiapu village into Huailai County. Bring your own tent for the described 1 km stretch of restored Wall.
Mutianyu Great Wall toboggan ride
More to doHuairou District, Beijingnear Beijing
Visit the Mutianyu section and take its rail slide down from the Wall in a wheelless sled.
Dujiangyan Panda Base
WildlifeSichuannear Chengdu
A full day for the volunteer activityTravel about an hour by car from Chengdu to the base. The described volunteer activity involves feeding bamboo and cleaning panda enclosures.
Chengdu Zoo
WildlifeSichuannear Chengdu
Take metro Line 3 to Chengdu Zoo station. The zoo is at 234 Zhaojue Temple Road South.
- Cost: ¥20 entry.
Vasque mountain race
More to doZhejiangnear Hangzhou
Around OctoberTake part in the approximately 35 km race through Hangzhou's mountains, tea fields and lakeside. Entry arrangements are not specified.
Hangzhou marathon
More to doZhejiangnear Hangzhou
NovemberChoose the marathon, half marathon or one of the shorter distances. Entry arrangements are not specified.
Airports, metros and trains in China
Airports with scheduled flights
- BAVBaotou Donghe International AirportBaotouMain international airport
- PEKBeijing Capital International AirportBeijingMain international airport
- PKXBeijing Daxing International AirportBeijingMain international airport
- CGQChangchun Longjia International AirportChangchunMain international airport
- CSXChangsha Huanghua International AirportChangsha (Changsha)Main international airport
- CTUChengdu Shuangliu International AirportChengdu (Shuangliu)Main international airport
Metro and subway
- BeijingBeijing Subway409 stations909 kmsince 1971
- ChangchunChangchun Rail Transit108 stations159.8 kmsince 2017
- ChangshaChangsha Metro148 stations228.49 kmsince 2014
- ChangzhouChangzhou Metro43 stations54 kmsince 2019
- ChengduChengdu Metro363 stations716.37 kmsince 2010
- ChongqingChongqing Rail Transit286 stations576 kmsince 2004
- DalianDalian Metro100 stations237.7 kmsince 2003
- DongguanDongguan Rail Transit39 stations95.26 kmsince 2016
- FoshanFoshan Metro49 stations98.5 kmsince 2010
- FuzhouFuzhou Metro102 stations205.8 kmsince 2016
- GuangzhouGuangzhou Metro317 stations779.9 kmsince 1997
- GuiyangGuiyang Metro82 stations149.05 kmsince 2017
- HangzhouHangzhou Metro254 stations516.2 kmsince 2012
- HarbinHarbin Metro78 stations91.57 kmsince 2013
- HefeiHefei Metro195 stations275.5 kmsince 2016
- HohhotHohhot Metro43 stations49 kmsince 2019
- Hong KongMass Transit Railway99 stations209.1 kmsince 1979
- JinanJinan Metro103 stations182.4 kmsince 2019
- JinhuaJinhua Rail Transit30 stations107.17 kmsince 2022
- KunmingKunming Metro103 stations165.85 kmsince 2012
- LanzhouLanzhou Metro27 stations35 kmsince 2019
- LuoyangLuoyang Subway33 stations43.6 kmsince 2021
- MacauMacau Light Rapid Transit15 stations16.3 kmsince 2019
- NanchangNanchang Metro113 stations160.2 kmsince 2015
- NanjingNanjing Metro272 stations658.1 kmsince 2005
- NanningNanning Metro95 stations132 kmsince 2016
- NantongNantong Rail Transit43 stations60 kmsince 2022
- NingboNingbo Rail Transit164 stations359.05 kmsince 2014
- QingdaoQingdao Metro176 stations359.36 kmsince 2015
- ShanghaiShanghai Metro415 stations889.96 kmsince 1993
- ShaoxingShaoxing Metro40 stations65.2 kmsince 2021
- ShenyangShenyang Metro143 stations216.7 kmsince 2010
- ShenzhenShenzhen Metro339 stations642.02 kmsince 2004
- ShijiazhuangShijiazhuang Metro60 stations76.5 kmsince 2017
- SuzhouSuzhou Metro285 stations346.76 kmsince 2012
- TaiyuanTaiyuan Metro47 stations52.384 kmsince 2020
- TaizhouTaizhou Rail Transit15 stations52.4 kmsince 2022
- TianjinTianjin Metro237 stations378.8 kmsince 1984
- ÜrümqiÜrümqi Metro23 stations32.88 kmsince 2018
- WenzhouWenzhou Rail Transit36 stations116.5 kmsince 2019
- WuhanWuhan Metro297 stations581.02 kmsince 2004
- WuhuWuhu Rail Transit36 stations46.2 kmsince 2021
- WuxiWuxi Metro89 stations145.2 kmsince 2014
- XiamenXiamen Metro70 stations98.4 kmsince 2017
- Xi'anXi'an Metro244 stations423.91 kmsince 2011
- XuzhouXuzhou Metro67 stations95.452 kmsince 2019
- ZhengzhouZhengzhou Metro233 stations449.81 kmsince 2013
Trains
- Rail network
- 165,000 km
- Electrified
- 122,000 km
- High-speed lines
- 50,400 km
- Top speed
- 350 km/h
People and safety in China
Religion
Most people are No religion. Very mixed.
- No religion52%
- Folk religions22%
- Buddhist18%
- Christian5%
- Muslim2%
- Other<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
- Legal gender change is recognised.
- Some laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #89 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
93% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 86 of 198 countries can visit China easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required85
- Freedom of movement1
- Visa required112
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe41 of 46 countries
- Asia23 of 49 countries
- Oceania6 of 14 countries
- Americas14 of 35 countries
- Africa2 of 54 countries
Questions
Which territories belong to China?
Hong Kong and Macau.
Do I need a separate visa for China's territories?
Often yes. Territories such as Hong Kong and Macau can have their own entry rules, so check each one before you travel.
Can I travel without booking everything online?
Travel agencies, ticket offices and many hotels can help buy flights, while bus stations sell tickets at counters. Some popular attractions, including the Forbidden City, require advance online reservations.
Can I pay with cash?
Carry small notes and coins because businesses may have no change, and some refuse cash in practice. Smaller hotels commonly ask for cash and may require a deposit.
How early should I reach a train station?
Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure, or 30 minutes at a large station. Bring the identity document linked to your ticket because gates close before departure.
Can I drink tap water?
Drink it only after boiling. Hotels provide kettles or sealed bottled water, and bottled drinking water is widely available.
Which language will help me most?
Standard Mandarin is widely understood. Keep addresses in Chinese characters because pronunciation written in Roman letters is not enough to communicate an address reliably.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is generally not expected, including for hotel services. Rounding up a taxi fare after extra help is optional.
Will every hotel accept foreign guests?
The source says licensed hotels outside restricted areas must accept foreigners, but some still refuse because they cannot or will not handle registration. Hotels listed on Trip.com are usually familiar with foreign guests.
Which map app can I use?
Amap has an English version and shows walking, driving and public transport routes. Apple Maps is described as reliable, while Google Maps does not work in China.
Reviewed by @snuck