Life of Travel
China
Destination Guide
Ancient wonders, modern marvels, diverse landscapes, and 5,000 years of civilization
Welcome to China
China is a land of superlatives: the world's oldest continuous civilization, largest population, and most dramatic contrasts. Walk the Great Wall, discover the Terracotta Warriors, cruise the Li River, and experience ultra-modern cities like Shanghai and Beijing. From Sichuan's spicy cuisine to Guilin's karst landscapes, China rewards the adventurous traveller with experiences found nowhere else.
China In Photos
Forbidden City
Li River
Shanghai
Giant Panda
Best Time to Visit
Autumn
September to November
Best weather nationwide. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures. Great Wall autumn colors stunning.
Spring
April to May
Pleasant temperatures, flowers blooming. Avoid first week of May (Labor Day holiday crowds).
Avoid: Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), National Day (Oct 1 to 7), and Labor Day (May 1 to 5). Massive domestic travel causes crowds and high prices.
Top Destinations
Tap each card to learn more
Beijing
Capital city with Forbidden City, Great Wall, and imperial history
Best for: Great Wall • Forbidden City • History • Culture
Shanghai
Ultra-modern metropolis with colonial heritage and futuristic towers
Best for: Skyline • Shopping • Food • Family Activities
Xi'an
Ancient capital with Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Quarter
Best for: Terracotta Army • City Walls • History • Street Food
Guilin
Stunning karst landscapes and Li River scenery
Best for: Li River Cruise • Karst Scenery • Photography • Cycling
Chengdu
Panda capital with incredible food and laid-back vibes
Best for: Giant Pandas • Sichuan Food • Tea Houses • Culture
Harbin
Winter ice festival capital and Russian architecture
Best for: Ice Festival • Winter • Russian Heritage • Skiing
Top Things to Do
- 🏯Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections
- 👑Explore the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven in Beijing
- ⚔️Marvel at Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, one of archaeology's greatest finds
- 🐼Visit giant pandas at Chengdu's breeding research base
- 🚢Cruise the Li River through Guilin's karst landscapes
- 🌃Experience Shanghai's futuristic skyline from the Bund
Great Wall
Panda Base
Shanghai View
China Travel Tips
Download WeChat and Alipay before arrival. Cash is increasingly rare. International cards accepted at some places
VPN needed for Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp. Download before arriving in China
High-speed trains are excellent. Book on Trip.com or 12306 app. First class is worth the upgrade
English is limited outside tourist areas. Google Translate offline or Chinese translation apps essential
Prices are often negotiable at markets. Start at 30% of asking price and work up
Travel Requirements
Valid Passport
Minimum 6 months validity with blank pages required
Visa Required
Most nationalities need visa in advance. Transit visa-free for 144 hours through major cities
VPN
Download before arrival for Google, social media, and Western websites
Payment Apps
Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay before travel. Cash backup recommended
Sample 14 Day Itinerary
Days 1 to 4: Beijing
Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall at Mutianyu, Summer Palace, Hutong walking tour, Peking duck dinner
Days 5 to 6: Xi'an
High-speed train to Xi'an. Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall cycling, Muslim Quarter food tour
Days 7 to 9: Chengdu
Train to Chengdu. Giant Panda Base, Leshan Giant Buddha day trip, Sichuan hot pot, tea house culture
Days 10 to 11: Guilin/Yangshuo
Fly to Guilin. Li River cruise to Yangshuo, cycling through karst scenery, West Street, bamboo rafting
Days 12 to 14: Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai. The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, Pudong observation deck, shopping on Nanjing Road
Frequently Asked Questions
Most nationalities need a visa obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy. However, 144-hour transit visa-free policies exist for many countries when arriving and departing through different cities. Check current requirements for your nationality.
Absolutely. Children love the Great Wall, giant pandas in Chengdu, and the futuristic cities. The high-speed trains are an adventure in themselves. Many hotels offer family rooms, and Chinese people are very welcoming to children. Planning with private guides makes everything easier for families.
Download a VPN before arriving. ExpressVPN, Astrill, or NordVPN work. Without VPN, you can use Chinese alternatives: Baidu (search), WeChat (messaging), Amap/Baidu Maps (navigation).
In major tourist areas, yes. Download Chinese characters for your destinations, use translation apps, and have your hotel write addresses in Chinese. English signage exists at main attractions.
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