The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to China Travel
China is one of the most complex and fascinating countries I’ve ever explored. It’s got some of the most amazing nature in the world, and it’s barely explored by foreign tourists. It’s a place where ancient traditions blend with futuristic cities, where every region feels like its own country, and where culture, history, and cuisine hit you with full force from the moment you arrive. Traveling in China can feel overwhelming at times. The language barrier, the scale, the cultural differences — but it’s exactly these things that make it so rewarding.
For the sake of this blog, I will only be talking about traveling in what is referred to as mainland China. This does not include Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Though China claims to own these, and even if they did, the culture, visas, and even currencies are different; you don’t have restricted internet, the list goes on.
When to Visit China
China is massive and spans several climates, so where you’re headed will dictate the best time to visit. Generally:
- Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) are ideal for most regions: pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and stunning natural beauty.
- Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, especially in the south. It’s also high season for domestic tourism.
- Winter (December–February) can be freezing in the north, but it’s great for visiting places like Harbin for the Ice Festival or seeing the Great Wall under snow.
Avoid traveling during Golden Week (October 1–7) and Chinese New Year (unless that’s what you want to see), when millions of Chinese people are also on the move.
Understanding Chinese Culture
Thousands of years of philosophy, religion, dynasties, and rapid modernization deeply influenced Chinese culture. While the core values of respect for family, elders, and harmony persist, you’ll notice striking contrasts between rural and urban areas. The country operates on collective values over individual ones, and etiquette can vary greatly from Western norms.
Queues don’t exist, no one waits to get on or off the metro, and it sometimes feels like they have no sense of personal space. They will also constantly spit (making as much noise as possible) as you walk around the city.
As you can expect, everywhere is crowded. Anywhere that is an attraction or viewpoint of even minor significance, you best believe there will be 10 tour groups with megaphones there. Everywhere except hikes, that is. 99% of Chinese people are beyond lazy when traveling, and will not walk anything more than a few hundred meters, which means you’ll get most hikes to yourself. Can’t complain there.
That being said, that means they always turn nature into an amusement park. There will be golf carts and cable cars to just about every viewpoint, and if not, there will be someone there to even carry them up in chairs to the viewpoint. It’s some of the things Westerners aren’t used to, but it’s just, unfortunately, part of their culture.
A Brief History of China
China’s history stretches back over 5,000 years. From ancient dynasties like the Qin, Han, and Tang to the Mongol invasion and the rise and fall of imperial rule, China has seen it all. In 1949, the People’s Republic of China was established under Communist rule. Since the late 20th century, economic reforms have transformed the country into a global superpower. This long and often tumultuous history is reflected everywhere, from ancient temples to Mao-era buildings to ultra-modern cities. It often feels like China has become the most developed country in the world overnight.
Getting to China
China has major international airports in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Most travelers arrive via flights, though it’s also possible to enter overland from countries like Vietnam, Laos, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and several others. If you’re already in East or Southeast Asia, budget airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, and Spring Airlines often have deals into secondary Chinese cities as well.
China for First-Timers: Visa, SIM, ATMs, and More
Visa
As of 2024, China started offering visa-free access to many European nations for 14 days, but now that has increased to 30 days and added Australia, New Zealand, many South American, and even some Asian countries like Korea, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Other nationalities, such as the USA and Canada, require a visa to enter China, which must be obtained in advance. You’ll typically need to provide an itinerary, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket. Processing times vary, so plan ahead. There is a popular 72 or 144-hour visa-free transit option, which many people use for a quick layover trip in a city like Beijing or Shanghai.
Internet
China infamously has strict internet censorship (the “Great Firewall”), so you’ll need a VPN to access Western sites, or anything owned by Google or Meta. This includes Google Search, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. Install a VPN before you arrive. Though I usually use NordVPN, only very specific VPNs work for getting around the Great Firewall, and as of right now, these include: Astrill VPN, Mullvad VPN, and LetsVPN. Make sure to check before going.
Getting a SIM card is essential in China. You need internet for just about everything – from buying ticket entrances or even taking public transport. I thought you also needed it for paying for things, but WeChat and AliPay work offline, and I’ll get to that later. It is possible to get a local SIM card (try China Unicom or China Mobile), but China was the first country where I got an e-SIM, and I’m glad I did.
The e-SIM has a built-in bypass for the Great Firewall, so even if your VPN doesn’t work, you can use your SIM card to access Western sites. On the other hand, having a Chinese number may be helpful if you’re unable to get WeChat. Often, budget accommodations only have a phone number on the door to contact them to get in.
Want to take out the stress of getting a SIM Card in another country and be connected as soon as you step in?
Even after you have gotten through all of that, you’ll realize Google Maps doesn’t work very well. Roads and locations are inaccurate; at best, you can use it to see where a city is on the map. Now there are two options: if you have an iPhone, you can use Apple Maps. It was near torture having to use it during my time there. The navigation to get from one point to another works fine, even helping you with which exit to take from the massive metros.
However, the lack of features I am used to on Google Maps, with regard to locations such as pictures, reviews, and being able to pin things on the map in different collections, made it a struggle. The other option, especially for those without an iPhone, is to get a local app such as Baidu Maps and Gaode Maps (Amap). They are great apps, but unfortunately, they don’t have an English version.
Money & ATMs
China is mostly cashless, and even street vendors use QR codes. The dominant apps are WeChat Pay and Alipay, both of which now allow foreign cards. I highly recommend setting these up before you go, because if your bank requires a code sent to your phone number, that may be a problem later on. 99% of places will accept both; however, I did encounter a couple that only accepted WeChat. It’s still wise to carry some cash (Chinese Yuan, CNY), especially in rural areas. ATMs are widely available in cities.
Communication
I had a really interesting experience trying to communicate in China. Like in most foreign countries, when the locals don’t speak any English (which was almost everyone in China), the best way is to use a translator app, such as Google Translate, using a VPN. The translations aren’t always perfect, but usually they’re enough to get by.
The difference in China, though, is that outside of big cities, the locals would speak to me in Mandarin as if I were fluent. It’s almost as if they didn’t understand that there were different languages in the world. Many times, they were confused when I took out the translator app, and I always struggled to tell them that I don’t speak the same language as they do.
China by Region: What to Expect
As I mentioned, China is huge, and each region really could be its own country. That being said, the network of high-speed trains makes it surprisingly easy to get around. You can travel from Beijing to Shanghai (1200 km) in just over four hours. These trains are fast, comfortable, and generally affordable, which means you can explore vastly different parts of the country without much hassle. From the deserts of the northwest to the lush hills of the south, each region offers something totally unique in terms of landscapes, food, dialects, and traditions. The regions aren’t as well defined in China as they are in Indonesia or Brazil, but these are the most commonly accepted regions.
Northeastern China
This lesser-visited region includes the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning. Major cities include Harbin, known for its epic Ice and Snow Festival, and Shenyang, a former imperial capital. Winter is the best time to visit if you want to see the frozen sculptures and snowy landscapes, but it gets extremely cold. It’s similar to Northeast India in the sense that it’s just a bit separated from the rest of the country, with rural areas bordering North Korea and Russia.
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Northern China
Home to Beijing, China’s capital, and nearby Tianjin, this region is packed with historical and political landmarks. You’ll find the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and access to the Gobi desert and grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Autumn is ideal for clear skies and cooler temperatures. People in the North (like in Beijing or Xi’an) can seem more reserved or direct and are often said to be less friendly than those in the South.
Eastern China
This region includes the economic powerhouses of Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing. It’s known for its modern cities, classical gardens, and water towns. Spring and autumn are the best times to avoid summer humidity and winter cold. Everything here is well-connected by train, so it’s easy to get around. It’s possible to go from the city of Qingdao to South Korea by ferry!
Southern China
Southern China includes Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. This is one of the more popular areas for tourism, with lots to see. Highlights include the dramatic karst mountains of Guilin and Yangshuo, the tropical beaches of Hainan Island, and the bustling city of Guangzhou. It’s hot and humid in the summer, with typhoon risk along the coast, so spring or late autumn is best. This region is also closest to Hong Kong and Taiwan, if that’s where you are visiting from.
Southwestern China
This is one of the most diverse regions in China, with Yunnan, Sichuan, Tibet, and parts of Chongqing. Chengdu is a major hub known for spicy food and panda conservation. One of the biggest natural highlights is Jiuzhaigou Valley, a dreamlike national park filled with turquoise lakes, colorful forests, and waterfalls—best visited in autumn. Yunnan deserves a whole trip of its own and offers beautiful spots like Lijiang, Dali, and the rice terraces of Yuanyang. Zhangjiajie, the inspiration for Avatar, also lies on the edge of this region. Tibet also has lots to see, but it requires a special permit and must be visited on a guided tour with a licensed agency.
Northwestern China
This is the region if you want to really get off the beaten path and have some real adventures. Covering vast deserts and mountains, this region includes Xinjiang, Gansu, and Qinghai. You’ll find Silk Road cities like Dunhuang and Kashgar, stunning desert dunes, and the Tibetan Plateau. Travel is more rugged here, and foreign visitors often need special permits, particularly in Xinjiang. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit, but conditions vary greatly depending on elevation. Though it’s technically part of the region on the map, Xi’an is not as restricted and much closer to the rest of the country. It’s a must-visit for the Terracotta Warriors and a fascinating mix of Han and Muslim culture.
Getting Around China
For accommodation, flights, trains, and even some attractions, Trip.com is your best friend. You can book everything directly through the app. You can book some things through 12GoAsia, but options are limited.
Flights
Domestic flights are cheap and frequent, especially between major cities. Use apps like Trip.com to book.
Trains
China’s high-speed rail network is world-class. Trains are efficient, affordable, and often faster than flying for mid-range distances. Book in advance during peak seasons. The train stations feel like airports and have high security. To get on the trains, you don’t need an actual ticket; just scan your passport, scan your face (if it works), and the gates will open. I often had to get on the special assistance lane as the machines had problems scanning passports.
Buses
Useful for getting to smaller towns or rural areas. It’s not as easy to book them online, but you can just go to the bus terminal and book it from there. Long-distance buses are common, though often slower than trains.
Local Transport
Many cities have excellent metro systems, which make it very easy to get around. You have to go through security every time you go through the metro, and they put your waterbottle through a scanner to make sure it’s water. Apps like DiDi (China’s Uber) are very foreigner-friendly and also super affordable. Bike-share systems are also popular in urban areas.
Accommodation in China – My Experience
I visited in November and found accommodation really easy to book. I always booked either the day before or even the same day, and I never had issues with availability. This worked for very affordable places, mostly hostels or simple private rooms. Booking.com doesn’t work in China, but Trip.com does, and there are tons of options available. But that’s where the positives end.
The hostels I stayed at during the first half of my trip were generally empty or filled with Chinese guests who seemed to be using the place as a long-term home, and they weren’t exactly polite about it (some even smoked in the rooms).
Often, there was no one at the front desk and just a phone number to call. Since I didn’t have a local SIM, I always had to find someone on the street to call on my behalf. When staff were present, they never spoke English, which is totally fine, but unlike in other countries, they didn’t make much effort to help either. And most of the time, there wasn’t even a real mattress, just a couple of layered sheets that somehow passed as a bed.
Things completely changed in the second half of the trip when I discovered that Hostelworld actually works in China. In Chongqing and Chengdu, I booked through there and had a totally different experience. The staff spoke English, were super friendly, and were genuinely helpful with travel tips. The beds had real mattresses, and best of all, there were lots of other backpackers around, so I didn’t have to do everything alone. The prices were a bit higher, but honestly, totally worth it.
Major Cultural Events and Festivals
- Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb): The biggest holiday, celebrated with fireworks, family gatherings, and massive migration.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept/Oct): Centered around mooncakes and family reunions.
- Dragon Boat Festival (June): Boat races and sticky rice dumplings.
- National Day (October 1–7): Huge travel week, avoid if possible.
Chinese Food You Have to Try
China has eight major culinary regions, and trying local food is one of the highlights of any visit. Honestly, most of the time, I had no idea what I was eating; I was just pointing and hoping for the best. Most of the time, it worked pretty well. A few must-tries:
- Peking Duck – Crispy roast duck, a Beijing specialty.
- Xiao Long Bao – Soup dumplings from Shanghai.
- Hot Pot – Especially spicy in Chongqing and Sichuan.
- Mapo Tofu – Sichuan dish with numbing peppercorns.
- Lanzhou Noodles – Hand-pulled noodles from the northwest.
- Dim Sum – Southern Chinese small plates, perfect for brunch.
- Jianbing – Street food breakfast crepes, widely available.
