Last update: 20 Oct 2026
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China Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
China – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type I
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) £1 ≈ CN¥8.88 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in China, particularly in urban areas. Mobile payment services like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in China and is not expected, although it may be appreciated in high-end restaurants or by hotel staff for exceptional service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in many places in China, but it is common in restaurants and bars. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and public transport, but enforcement can vary. |
| Chinese New Year (January/February) |
Major holiday with family gatherings and public celebrations |
|---|---|
| National Day (1 October) |
National holiday with parades and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | DiDi, Uber |
| Other: | China is known for its vast cultural heritage, including historical landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. It offers diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for China, China
Climate and season vary a lot by region: Beijing and Xi'an best in spring and autumn, Guilin and Yunnan mild in spring and autumn, Harbin icy from December to February, tropical south (Hainan, Hong Kong) best from November to March
Chinese New Year (late January to mid February) and Golden Week (1 to 7 October): very crowded, transport and hotels fully booked and prices spike
Typhoon season July to September affects the southeast coast, including Hong Kong and Hainan
Don't miss
- 🏯 Walk the Great Wall of China at sunrise
- 🗿 Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an
- 🚤 Cruise the Li River amid Guilin’s karst peaks
- 🎎 Wander through Beijing’s Forbidden City imperial halls
- 🥟 Taste authentic dim sum and local street dishes
- 🌄 Explore Zhangjiajie’s glass bridge and sandstone pillars
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to China?
China suits travellers who come for history and scale. Beijing holds the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Sections of the Great Wall are within a day trip. Xi'an has the Terracotta Army, the buried guard of the First Qin Emperor. Shanghai has a historic waterfront and a futuristic skyline. The country has around 60 properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List, from the Mogao Caves and Potala Palace to the classical gardens of Suzhou and the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie. Landscape is also a reason to go. Guilin has limestone peaks along its winding rivers. Chengdu is the place to see giant pandas and linger in teahouses. The west and southwest have mountains and canyons. Food varies enormously between regions, which makes eating itself a reason to travel. Travel is easy in some ways and hard in others. Trains are fast and cities are safe, but signs outside the big sights can be Chinese only and foreign apps and sites are blocked. Cash is rarely used, so set up a phone payment app before you arrive. Ten days to two weeks suits a classic loop of Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, while summer brings heat and storms along the coast.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Hong Kong
A vibrant global city where East meets West, featuring iconic skyscrapers, historic temples and diverse culinary scenes. Its bustling streets blend modern energy with traditional charm, offering endless exploration opportunities for visitors seeking cultural depth and urban excitement. -
2
Shanghai
This bustling metropolis in eastern China boasts the iconic Bund waterfront and the soaring Oriental Pearl Tower. Its blend of historic lanes and neon‑lit skyscrapers offers a dynamic contrast, while early mornings on the Huangpu River reveal quieter streets. -
3
Beijing
A sprawling metropolis where imperial history meets modern innovation, Beijing offers iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square alongside contemporary art districts, high‑speed rail connections and a vibrant culinary scene that reflects its diverse cultural heritage. -
4
Chengdu
This bustling city in southwestern China, Chengdu, is famed for its giant panda research base and ancient Wuhou Shrine. Beyond the pandas, visitors savor spicy hotpot, stroll through Jinli Ancient Street and escape city bustle by hiking Mount Qingcheng. -
5
Macau
A glittering enclave on China’s southern coast, Macau boasts the historic Senado Square and the towering Ruins of St. Paul’s. Its fusion of Portuguese charm and modern casinos draws crowds, yet early‑morning strolls reveal quiet temples and fresh seafood. -
6
Hangzhou
This vibrant city in eastern China, famed for West Lake and the historic Lingyin Temple, draws travelers worldwide. Its canals echo ancient poetry while modern tech hubs offer seamless navigation, making it a balanced blend of tradition and innovation. -
7
Xi'an
Ancient city walls encircle this historic metropolis in Shaanxi Province, where towering pagodas and bustling markets blend seamlessly. The Terracotta Army stands guard nearby, while vibrant cultural performances illuminate the night sky over centuries-old streets. -
8
Suzhou
Ancient canals and stone bridges define this historic city in Jiangsu Province. The Grand Canal flows through Suzhou, offering serene boat rides past classical gardens and white-walled residences that feel timeless and peaceful. -
9
Guangzhou
This bustling southern metropolis in Guangdong province boasts Canton Tower and historic Shamian Island. Visitors enjoy vibrant street markets, early‑morning dim sum and efficient metro access, making it a gateway to both tradition and modernity. -
10
Kunming
Capital of Yunnan province, Kunming offers a temperate climate and serves as a gateway to diverse ethnic cultures. The city features modern infrastructure, historic sites like Green Lake Park and access to nearby attractions such as the Stone Forest.
🏯Places worth seeing
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Spring Festival/Chinese New Year (January 28-February 4, 2025)
-
Tomb Sweeping Festival (April 4-6, 2025)
-
Labor Day Holiday (May 1-5, 2025)
-
Dragon Boat Festival (May 31-June 2, 2025)
-
Mid-Autumn Festival (October 2025)
-
National Day Golden Week (October 1-8, 2025)
-
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (Winter)
-
Shanghai International Film Festival (June)
-
Beijing International Music Festival (October)
-
Yunnan Torch Festival (June)
Knowledge before you go
- Set up WeChat or Alipay before arrival since cash is rarely used.
- Download a licensed VPN and offline maps before you fly because Google and many foreign apps are blocked.
- Carry your passport on trains and in hotels because it's required for tickets and registration.
- Avoid the early October and Lunar New Year holiday weeks when crowds and prices are at their highest.
How to travel to China
Most international visitors arrive by air at Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun or Chengdu Shuangliu. Kunming, Xiamen and Shanghai Hongqiao also handle flights. Hong Kong has its own entry rules and a separate airport. Airports are large and usually connected to the city by metro, airport express train or taxi. By land, trains and buses cross from Hong Kong and neighbouring countries such as Vietnam and Laos. Border rules vary by crossing and nationality, so check before you plan an overland route. Many visitors need a visa, which you apply for online and then attend a visa application centre in person for fingerprints. Citizens of some countries can enter visa-free for short stays for tourism and business. These rules have been extended before. Check the rules for your passport before you book. Your passport needs six months of validity and two blank pages. Hotels register foreign guests with the police when you check in.
Access summary
- Beijing/Great Wall/Xi’an: Fly to Beijing Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX).
- Shanghai/Suzhou/Hangzhou: Fly to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA); high-speed trains.
- Guangzhou/Guilin/South China: Fly to Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN); extensive China Southern hub network.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in China
China has hotels at every price level, from hostels and guesthouses to international chains and boutique courtyard houses. Choose the base by city. In Beijing the areas near the Forbidden City and the old lanes known as hutongs are convenient and atmospheric. In Shanghai the former French Concession and the Bund are central and walkable. Xi'an works best inside or near the old city wall, close to the Muslim Quarter and the bell tower. Chengdu has hotels near the central squares and a number of guesthouses near the teahouse neighbourhoods. In Guilin and Yangshuo, guesthouses and small hotels are among the karst peaks and have views of the river. Foreign guests must be registered with the police and hotels usually handle this at check-in. Some small budget hotels aren't licensed to take foreign guests, so confirm before you book. Book well ahead for national holidays in early October and around the Lunar New Year, when prices rise and rooms sell out.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around China
China is huge, so the key is choosing the right mode for each leg. High-speed trains link most major cities, flights cover the longest distances and the metro is the easiest way around inside cities.
Trains and flights:
High-speed trains link most major cities and are fast and comfortable. You must show your passport to buy a ticket and to board. Book ahead around public holidays when trains sell out. Domestic flights are useful for very long distances such as Beijing to Chengdu or Kunming.
Metro and taxis:
Inside cities the metro is the easiest way to get around, with signs in English in the big cities. Taxis are cheap. Use marked taxis with a meter, insist on the metered fare and ask for a receipt showing the taxi number. Ride-hailing apps work in cities but often need a local phone number or a payment app.
Payments:
Smartphone payments with WeChat and Alipay are almost universal. Outside major cities foreign cards aren't always accepted and ATMs are limited, so keep some cash.
Car:
You need a Chinese driving licence to drive, so most visitors skip hire cars and hire a driver for day trips such as the Great Wall.
Food in China
Chinese food is a collection of regional cuisines. Dumplings, steamed buns, noodle soups and fried rice are found everywhere. Tea is the main drink and teahouses make a relaxing stop. Street stalls and food courts are cheap, while sit-down restaurants often use round tables for sharing. Tap water isn't safe to drink, so stick with bottled or boiled water and choose busy places with good turnover. Vegetarians can find tofu and vegetable dishes but many sauces contain meat or fish stock. Use translation apps with pictures to order. Don't leave drinks unattended in bars.
Beijing and Xi'an:
Beijing is known for roast duck served with thin pancakes and for hand-pulled noodles. Xi'an is known for noodles, flatbread and spiced lamb from the Muslim Quarter.
Sichuan and Cantonese:
Sichuan food in Chengdu uses chillies and numbing pepper. Hot pot there is a social meal. Cantonese cooking in the south is lighter and includes dim sum, roast meats and seafood.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in China are around 72% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to CNY) is 1% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
China is safe from serious street crime but pickpocketing at tourist sites and tea tasting scams are common. Laws are strict on drugs and political activity, so avoid protests and be careful what you post. Use only metered taxis.
Health & Medical
Large cities have good hospitals with English-speaking staff, but treatment is not free and can be expensive. Dengue occurs in the south from May to November and altitude sickness affects parts of the west. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential. Call 120 for an ambulance.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies. Newer metro stations, trains and airports have lifts and step-free routes, but the Great Wall, temples and old towns have steep steps and uneven ground. Pavements can be crowded. Plan routes in advance and consider a driver for day trips.
Tap water
Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled or boiled water. Hotels often supply kettles or free bottles and bottled water is cheap everywhere. Brush your teeth with bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach.
Packing recommendations for China
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🧼
Hand sanitiser
👛
Cash in small denominations
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
🤧
Tissues
🔐
VPN service
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
Type A/C plugs
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for China
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