Travel to China

Your complete guide to exploring the Middle Kingdom

Visa Requirements

Everything you need to know about getting a China visa

Visa Types

  • L Visa (Tourist): For leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting friends. Valid for 30-90 days.
  • M Visa (Business): For commercial and trade activities. Requires invitation letter.
  • Z Visa (Work): For employment in China. Requires work permit.
  • X Visa (Student): For studying at Chinese institutions.
  • G Visa (Transit): For transiting through China (up to 144-hour visa-free transit in major cities).

Required Documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Recent passport photo
  • Flight itinerary
  • Hotel reservations or invitation letter
  • Proof of financial means

Digital Payment Setup

China is largely cashless - here's how to prepare

Mobile Payment

Alipay (支付宝)

The most foreigner-friendly payment app in China.

Setup Steps:
  1. Download Alipay from your app store
  2. Register with your phone number
  3. Add your international credit card
  4. Complete identity verification
  5. Top up balance or link card for payments
Alipay now supports international credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and JCB.
WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay (微信支付)

Integrated into WeChat, China's super app.

Setup Steps:
  1. Download WeChat and create account
  2. Go to Me > Services > Wallet
  3. Add your bank card
  4. Verify your identity
  5. Start scanning QR codes to pay
WeChat Pay verification can be challenging for foreigners. Alipay is recommended as primary option.

Top Destinations

Must-visit places for first-time visitors

Great Wall

Beijing

The capital city home to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven. A must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Best Time: March-May, September-October

Must-See: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace

Shanghai

Shanghai

China's financial hub blending modern skyscrapers with historic Bund architecture.

Best Time: March-May, September-November

Must-See: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower

Xi'an

Xi'an

Ancient capital famous for the Terracotta Warriors and rich history.

Best Time: March-May, September-October

Must-See: Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter

Guilin

Guilin & Yangshuo

Stunning karst landscape and the Li River. Perfect for nature lovers.

Best Time: April-October

Must-See: Li River Cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Longji Rice Terraces

Chengdu

Chengdu

Home of giant pandas and famous for spicy Sichuan cuisine.

Best Time: March-June, September-November

Must-See: Panda Base, Jinli Street, Mount Qingcheng

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie

Famous for towering sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar's floating mountains.

Best Time: April-June, September-November

Must-See: National Forest Park, Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain

Essential Travel Tips

Important information for a smooth trip

Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and many Western websites are blocked in China. Here are your options:

  • VPN: Install a reliable VPN before arriving (ExpressVPN, NordVPN)
  • Chinese SIM: Purchase at airport or China Mobile/Unicom stores (bring passport)
  • eSIM: Some providers offer China data plans without VPN needs
  • Roaming: International roaming may bypass restrictions but can be expensive

English is not widely spoken outside major hotels and tourist areas.

  • Download translation apps: Google Translate, Pleco, Baidu Translate
  • Learn basic Mandarin phrases: Nǐ hǎo (Hello), Xièxiè (Thank you), Duōshǎo qián? (How much?)
  • Have your hotel's address written in Chinese for taxi drivers
  • Use picture menus or point-and-order in restaurants

China has excellent transportation infrastructure:

  • High-speed trains: Fast, clean, and affordable. Book via Trip.com or at stations
  • Metro: Available in all major cities with English announcements
  • Taxis: Use Didi (Chinese Uber) or official taxi stands
  • Flights: Domestic flights are affordable for long distances

Chinese cuisine varies greatly by region:

  • Sichuan: Spicy and bold flavors
  • Cantonese (Guangdong): Mild, fresh, and slightly sweet
  • Shanghai: Sweet and oily with seafood
  • Beijing: Hearty, wheat-based dishes like noodles and dumplings

Tipping: Not expected in most restaurants. 10% in high-end establishments.

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