A unique combination of history, culture, traditions, diverse natural beauty, and mouthwatering cuisines, China has always captured the imagination. It’s the perfect destination for parents and kids on the hunt for a happy, educational adventure, or historical buffs who want an ultimate cultural discovery. China also welcomes natural lovers with unparalleled landscapes, from mountains and rivers, to canyons and deserts. To plan a trip to China requires time, research, and insider advice.
Before your trip
China visa
Prepare your passport (valid for more than 6 months), visa application form, round-trip air ticket reservation form and other documents to apply for a China tourist visa. Chinese Embassy, Consulate abroad or officially authorized visa centers offer the visa application service. Currently there are dozens of countries enjoying 30-day China visa-free, and 72/144-hour transit visa-free.
Travel insurance
For international travelers, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance for your China tours that covers medical assistance, lost baggage and itinerary changes, such as Allianz, AXA.
Download useful apps
We recommend that you download Alipay and connect it with your international credit card so that you can use electronic payments when travel in China. Of course international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are available in some hotels in big cities. Also cash can be used anywhere.
Classic itineraries
7-10 days is suitable for first time travelers to China:
Beijing (3 days): On your Beijing tours, visit some of China’s iconic landmarks like the Great Wall. Combine your Forbidden City tour with the Hutongs. Also don’t miss the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven.
Xi’an (2 days): Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses in one of the most prestigious historical capitals in China, if not the world. Bike ride on the ancient city walls. Eat local food in Hui Min Street. It is also home to China’s most treacherous mountain – Mount Hua.
Shanghai (2 days): on your Shanghai tour, unveil the city’s history, present and future. Stroll along the Bund and enjoy the garden art of Yuyuan Garden. For families with children, a day trip to Disney or Suzhou is also recommended.
10-14 days in-depth China tour:
We suggest you add Guilin (including Li River cruise), Chengdu (Panda Base and Jiuzhaigou), or Yunnan (Lijiang Old Town and Shangri-La) for your in-depth trip to China.
Transportation
High-speed rail travel is an option in most cities in China. You can buy tickets on the 12306 website – available in English. Given the vast expanse of China, there are some cities that are not suitable for high speed rail travel, such as Beijing to Chengdu or Guilin, so it is recommended that you take a flight.
Accommodation and food
Regarding accommodation, it is recommended that you choose international five-star hotels near the metro station (e.g. Intercontinental, Marriott) or local budget class brands (e.g. Yaddo, All Seasons). Boutique hotels such as Banyan Tree, which incorporate local culture and architecture, are also excellent choices.
When you plan your trip to China, don’t forget the must-try cuisines such as Peking Duck, Sichuan Hot Pot, Cantonese Morning Tea, Xi’an Pork Buns, and so on. For international travelers, it is recommended that you avoid street food that is raw and cold (such as cut fruits) or street barbecues (unhygienic).