China Travel Guide
From the majestic Great Wall winding across mountain ridges to the Forbidden City in Beijing, the karst peaks of Guilin, the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, and the modern skyline of Shanghai — experience the rich history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant culture of one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
34 Provincial Divisions
¥150–300 Budget
Daily backpacker budget
Apr–May
Best travel seasons
Ancient Wonders & Vibrant Culture
Great Wall, cuisine, history & landscapes
China Itineraries
Travel itineraries covering China’s major cities, ancient towns and spectacular landscapes, from short visits to extended overland adventures.
View Itineraries →Top Sights in China
Discover the Great Wall, Forbidden City, giant pandas, ancient temples, historic towns and the breathtaking mountains of Yunnan.
Explore Sights →China Travel Tips
Practical advice on Alipay, WeChat, SIM cards, high-speed trains, metro travel, language barriers and travelling independently in China.
Read Tips →Top Highlights in China
Travel Budget Guide
Realistic costs for your 30-day trip to China
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm: ¥50 – 100 / night
3★ Hotel / Guesthouse: ¥150 – 300 / night
4★ Hotel / Boutique: ¥350 – 600 / night
Food & Drinks
Street food / Noodles / Baozi: ¥10 – 25
Local Restaurant Dinner: ¥40 – 80
Beer / Soft Drink: ¥15 – 30
Coffee / Milk Tea: ¥12 – 28
Transportation
City Metro / Bus: ¥3 – 10
High-Speed Train (300 km): ¥120 – 280
Didi / Taxi ride: ¥20 – 60
Overnight Hard Sleeper: ¥150 – 280
Attractions & Activities
Temple / Museum Entry: ¥20 – 60
Great Wall / Zhangjiajie: ¥120 – 250
National Park Entry: ¥50 – 150
Guided Day Tour / Hike: ¥150 – 350
Best China Itineraries
Transport
How to Get to & Around China
Everything you need to know about arriving in China and travelling around this vast and fascinating country
International Arrival
China has numerous international airports connecting the country with destinations throughout Asia, Europe, Australia and beyond.
Major International Airports:
- Beijing Capital (PEK)
- Beijing Daxing (PKX)
- Shanghai Pudong (PVG)
- Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)
- Chengdu Tianfu (TFU)
- Kunming Changshui (KMG)
Many international travellers arrive in Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou before continuing to other Chinese destinations.
Airport Transfers: Major airports generally offer combinations of metro, airport trains, buses, taxis and Didi services.
Our Tip: Check which airport your flight uses, particularly in cities with more than one airport. Beijing and Chengdu both have multiple major airports that can be considerable distances apart.
High-Speed Trains
China operates the world’s largest high-speed railway network, connecting major cities and many regional destinations with modern, efficient trains.
High-speed trains are one of the easiest ways to travel independently around China.
Popular Routes:
- Beijing to Shanghai – approximately 4.5–6 hours
- Shanghai to Hangzhou – approximately 1 hour
- Chengdu to Chongqing – approximately 1–2 hours
- Kunming to Dali – approximately 2–2.5 hours
- Lijiang to Shangri-La – approximately 1–1.5 hours
Tickets: Book through the official China Railway 12306 platform or international booking services such as Trip.com.
Tickets are linked to your passport, which is checked during station entry and boarding.
Important: Chinese cities often have several railway stations. Always check your departure station carefully and allow sufficient time for baggage screening and passport checks.
Overnight Trains & Buses
Traditional overnight trains remain an affordable way to cover long distances in China, particularly on routes where high-speed services are unavailable or expensive.
Sleeping Options:
- Hard sleeper – open compartments with six berths
- Soft sleeper – more private four-berth compartments
- Selected services offer additional sleeper categories
Overnight trains can save the cost of a night’s accommodation while allowing travellers to cover considerable distances.
Long-Distance Buses: Useful for reaching smaller towns, rural areas and destinations not conveniently connected by rail.
In mountainous regions such as Yunnan and Sichuan, buses and shared transfers are often necessary for reaching remote attractions.
Our Tip: Book sleeper berths in advance, particularly during holidays and busy travel periods. For long journeys, a soft sleeper can be worth the additional cost if you prefer more privacy and comfort.
Metro, Didi & Local Transport
China’s major cities have extensive public transport networks, making independent travel relatively straightforward once you become familiar with the system.
Metro: Modern, inexpensive and generally easy to navigate, with numbered lines and English signage in many stations.
Didi: China’s main ride-hailing service, available through its own app or through Alipay.
Public Buses: An inexpensive option for travelling around cities and towns, although routes may be difficult to understand without Chinese.
Mobile Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used for transport, shopping and everyday purchases.
Walking: Often the best way to explore historic neighbourhoods, ancient towns, markets and pedestrian streets.
Budget Tip: Combine the metro with walking for most city sightseeing. Use Didi for places that are difficult to reach by public transport, particularly when travelling with luggage.
Things to Do in China: Top Attractions & Travel Guide
Top Destinations in China
Four incredible destinations showcasing China’s history, culture, natural beauty and extraordinary diversity.
Beijing
China’s historic capital is home to some of the country’s most extraordinary cultural landmarks, combining imperial architecture, ancient neighbourhoods and modern city life.
Must-See Highlights:
- The magnificent Forbidden City
- The Great Wall of China
- Temple of Heaven and traditional parks
- Historic hutongs and courtyard neighbourhoods
Shanghai
China’s dazzling international metropolis combines futuristic skyscrapers, historic waterfront architecture, traditional gardens and fascinating neighbourhoods.
Must-See Highlights:
- The Bund and its historic waterfront
- Pudong’s extraordinary modern skyline
- Yu Garden and traditional Chinese architecture
- Former French Concession neighbourhoods
Sichuan Province
Famous for giant pandas, fiery cuisine, ancient temples and spectacular mountain landscapes, Sichuan offers a fascinating combination of culture, history and natural beauty.
Must-See Highlights:
- Chengdu and its famous giant pandas
- The magnificent Leshan Giant Buddha
- Historic Huanglongxi Ancient Town
- Jiuzhaigou’s extraordinary lakes and waterfalls
Yunnan Province
One of China’s most culturally diverse and geographically spectacular regions, Yunnan is home to historic towns, traditional villages, dramatic mountains and fascinating ethnic cultures.
Must-See Highlights:
- Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring
- Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Shangri-La and its Tibetan cultural heritage
- Tiger Leaping Gorge and the Baishuitai terraces
Food & Drink
Diverse, bold and incredibly delicious Chinese cuisine
Must-Try Dishes
• Peking Duck – Crispy roast duck with pancakes
• Xiaolongbao – Soup dumplings from Shanghai
• Lanzhou Lamian – Hand-pulled beef noodles
• Sichuan Hotpot – Spicy numbing broth feast
• Jianbing & Baozi – Classic street breakfast
Drinks to Try
• Chinese Tea – Green, oolong, pu’er & jasmine
• Fresh Soy Milk (Doujiang)
• Milk Tea – Classic or bubble versions
• Tsingtao or local craft beer
• Baijiu (for the brave)
Where to Eat
• Street food stalls & night markets
• Local noodle shops & dumpling houses
• Hotpot restaurants (Sichuan style)
• Traditional tea houses & dim sum halls
Budget Tip: Excellent meals often under ¥30
Food Experiences
• Sichuan hotpot night with locals
• Dumpling or noodle-making class
• Traditional tea ceremony experience
• Night market food hopping
• Street breakfast tour (jianbing & youtiao)
Essential China Travel Tips
Essential Travel Information for China
Everything you need to know before your trip
Need To Know
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY / ¥)
Language: Mandarin (English limited outside major cities)
Visa: Many nationalities qualify for 30-day visa-free entry. Others may need a visa or qualify for visa-free transit. Check the rules for your passport.
Tap Water: Not safe to drink — use bottled or boiled
Daily Budget: ¥200–400 (budget) / ¥500–800 (comfortable)
Practical Tips
• Set up WeChat Pay & Alipay before arrival
• Download a reliable VPN (essential)
• Use Didi for taxis and Pleco for translation
• Carry your passport for train tickets & hotels
• Tipping is not expected in most places
When To Go
Best Time: April–May & September–October
Spring & Autumn: Mild weather, fewer crowds
Avoid Chinese New Year & Golden Week
Top Events:
• Chinese New Year (dates vary)
• Mid-Autumn Festival
• Harbin Ice Festival (winter)
Getting There & Around
• Fly into Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou
• World-class high-speed rail network
• Didi & metro systems in major cities
• Overnight hard-sleeper trains for longer routes
