Ni hao! China is very different from my small Scottish town and yet, is one of my absolute favourite destinations to visit. In terms of sheer variety and experiences, few places can rival it, other than maybe the USA.
I’ve visited the country twice. My first visit was in 2018, when I went with my Dad and Step Mum to visit her family in Guangzhou. We also went to a few rural areas, and when the trip was over, I went down to Hong Kong for a week.
On my second visit, I spent about a month taking trains and solo travelling through Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu. I was even fortunate enough to take a 10 day trip through Tibet, and visit Mt Everest!
Whether it is seeing the pandas in Chengdu, walking the Great Wall near Beijing, or gazing at Hong Kong’s jaw-dropping skyline, China is overflowing with incredible sights and experiences, wherever you go.
Add that to its rich history, vibrant culture, friendly locals, great food, and excellent public transport, it’s no wonder China ranks high on my list of favourite countries. I’m already looking forward to the next adventure there!
Quick Info
Population: 1.4 billion
Capital: Beijing
Language: Mandarin
Currency: Chinese Yuan
Size: 3,705,407 square miles
National Animal: Panda!
Where I've Been
Advice
Where To Go
Unfortunately, China is one of those countries with so many incredible destinations that it’s impossible to see them all in one trip. I could easily write a guide 20,000 words long on places worth visiting! But instead, here are just a few of my top recommendations:
Beijing The capital, and probably the best city in the country to visit. Beijing is packed with must-see attractions, the crown jewel being the Forbidden City, China’s most well-preserved imperial palace. It’s also the perfect base for visiting the Great Wall of China, with several sections accessible as easy day trips from the city.
Xi’an One of the most historic cities in the country, with some of the most interesting attractions. The ancient city wall is beautiful, and perfect for a scenic walk or cycle around. But Xi’an’s biggest draw is the TerracottaWarriors, an astonishing collection of 8,000 life-sized clay statues of soldiers and horses, created over 2,000 years ago and only rediscovered in the 1970s. Often called the 8th wonder of the world, it’s one of China’s most famous treasures!
Just outside Xi’an is MountHuashan, a breathtaking mountain range, home to one of the worlds most dangerous hikes. The infamous ‘plank walk’ clings to the side of a cliff, with a 2,000-foot drop below. A harness is mandatory.
Chengdu If you love Pandas, Chengdu is a must! The city is entirely Panda-themed, and nearby Panda Breeding Centres allow you to see these adorable bears up close. While in the region, you can also visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the worlds largest stone Buddha statue, and take a trip to the futuristic city of Chongqing.
Tibet This is the largest and most stunning region of China. Its capital, Lhasa, is full of important Buddhist sites, including Potala Palace, the historical home of the Dalai Lama. Outside of Lhasa you’ll find many more religious landmarks, plus some natural wonders, including the heavenly Namtso Lake, and of course, Mount Everest!
You can’t visit Tibet independently, and will need to join a group tour. But trust me, it is well worth it!
Hong Kong A British territory up until 1997, Hong Kong offers a unique mix of British and Chinese culture, setting it apart from mainland China. With English as an official language and visa-free entry for many visitors, it is a much easier place to visit than the rest of China.
The city’s skyline is iconic, with skyscrapers tightly packed into a small area, making for a spectacular sight, especially at night. For the young at heart, there’s even a Disneyland, and if you’re into nature, there are some great hiking trails nearby too.
Transport
Arriving You’ll probably be flying into Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong, as these are the largest and most accessible airports. Most airports in the country are well connected to local public transport, so getting to your hotel will be easy.
You can also take a ferry from South Korea or Japan, or travel by train from Russia or Mongolia via the famous Trans-Siberian Railway!
It’s important to note that Hong Kong and mainland China operate under different border controls. Travelling between the two is much like crossing between separate countries, so make sure you’re aware of the different visa requirements, local laws, and internet restrictions before making the trip.
Trains / Subway China has some of the best public transport in the world, especially when it comes to trains. The whole country is linked together really well, and many of the routes are ‘high speed’, where trains can go over 200mph! I remember waiting for a train at a station once when a bullet train shot past at top speed. It was CRAZY!
The trains are also great value. Going from Beijing to Guangzhou (1,200 miles) takes 8 hours and costs ¥862 (£93) for a basic ticket. If you’re looking to save money, you can always get the cheaper slower trains.
Train stations in China are more like airports in other countries. They’re gigantic, have strict security, operate with passports, and are generally outside of the city centre. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive and find your platform, as it can be confusing.
For booking train tickets, I recommend using Trip.com, which specializes in Chinese travel. It’s much more user-friendly than navigating the official train booking system.
Most of the bigger cities will have subway systems, which are well-run and easy to use. Although, they do get very, very busy during rush hour, so try to avoid those times.
For navigation, Google Maps is near useless in China. If you have an iPhone, Apple Maps works great. If you’re on Android, consider Baidu maps.
Bus While the trains are good value, buses are even cheaper. If you’re really on a shoestring budget then by all means, go for the bus, but I don’t think it’s worth it. Buses are uncomfortable, crowded, and more complicated to use. They might be necessary for more rural areas, but when you can, just stick to trains.
Car Renting a car in China isn’t common, and for good reason. The process is complex, and it’s not allowed in many parts of the country. On top of that, Chinese roads can be chaotic, and driving might not be the safest choice for those unfamiliar with the environment. Plus, all the signs are written in weird shapes!
If you’re determined to rent a car, you’ll likely need to hire a driver to go along with it. Alternatively, Didi, the local equivalent of Uber, is widely available and reliable. Taxis are also abundant, and for something a bit more fun, you can try a rickshaw! It is a small, motor-powered vehicle with a seat in the back. Be sure to negotiate the price upfront, and take it all in!
Accommodation
When applying for your visa, you’ll likely need to submit your entire itinerary in advance, including details of where you’ll be staying. China isn’t the kind of country you can easily travel to without a plan. You’ll need to know what you’re doing ahead of time.
Many accommodation providers in China don’t accept foreign guests, and booking directly can be a bit of a hassle. To simplify things, I recommend using Trip.com, which specializes in Chinese travel. All of their listings will accept foreign guests, and there are more options than on other sites. The reviews are also particularly helpful!
Hostels Hostels are becoming increasingly popular in China, and they’re one of the best places you can stay! They are very catered towards foreigners, and will likely have English-speaking staff, which can be a huge help.
Expect to pay around ¥50-100 (£6-11) per night, although prices will be higher in Beijing and Hong Kong.
Hotels Hotels are plentiful across China, and range from budget to luxury! The cheapest ones probably won’t have any English-speaking staff, and may not be very nice, so I would avoid them.
On the opposite end, top-tier hotels like the Hilton or other five-star chains offer great value. Prices for a luxury stay typically range from ¥700-900 (£80-103), which is significantly cheaper than similar accommodations in the USA or UK. Although don’t expect prices that cheap in Hong Kong! Western culture means Western prices, sadly.
For a solid mid-range option, expect to pay around ¥200-400 (£23-46) for a three- or four-star hotel. Prices vary widely depending on the location, so it’s always a good idea to check Trip.com for deals. Ideally, choose a hotel with good reviews and English-speaking staff.
Other Accommodation Airbnb is another option, but booking these on the mainland can sometimes require registering with the local police station, which can be an extra hassle. I’d recommend avoiding it unless you’re in Hong Kong. Camping isn’t legal in most areas, so it’s best to avoid that option as well.
Food
Food Food is a huge part of Chinese culture, and there’s so much to explore! In many restaurants, meals are a social event, where one person orders a variety of dishes to be shared, and everything is brought to the table family style.
If you’re from a Western background, it is a different experience. Restaurants can be quite lively, and there are some cultural differences, such as needing to clean your own dishes before the meal starts, smoking being common, and practices like picking at teeth or even spitting on the table being normal. These behaviours aren’t rude, it is just how things are.
If you’re travelling solo or in a small group, streetfood is a great option. You’ll find it everywhere, especially in cities. Whether it’s from food carts or small “hole-in-the-wall” spots, the variety is huge, and even picky eaters (like me) will find plenty to enjoy.
Some good options are dumplings (dim sum), sweet and sour pork, noodle soup, and fried vegetables. Honestly, there are too many options to list! If you love trying new foods, you’ll be in heaven. Chinese food is typically fresh and healthy compared to Western cuisine, and finding junk food can be surprisingly hard.
If you’re concerned about the food, don’t worry! There are also plenty of simple, safe options like fried noodles and rice. You do need to be aware of food hygiene, but you can normally judge a place by how busy it is (busy is good). As for spices, it is a good idea to double-check how spicy something is before ordering, especially if you’re in Sichuan.
Western food is available, but tends to be lower in quality and pricier compared to local options. If you’re worried about the food, I’d suggest just sticking to basic Chinese food (rice, noodles, dumplings), or heading to a fast food establishment like McDonalds or KFC, which are popular throughout the country.
For a fast food meal, you can expect to pay around ¥40 (£5). It is cheaper than in Western countries, but pricey in comparison to street food, where you can get a full meal for around ¥20 (£2). The farther you travel from big cities, the cheaper the food gets.
As for utensils, most meals are eaten with chopsticks. You might be able to request a fork, but I recommend giving the chopsticks a go! Try using them more like a spoon, where you hold the bowl up to your face and then just shovel the food into your mouth. Not joking, that’s what the locals told me to do!
Drinks Tea is the most popular drink in China! It’s normally a green or herbal variant, so don’t expect any milk or sugar in it. Water with meals is normally served hot, as it’s believed that drinking cold water with hot food is unhealthy.
Also, don’t drink the tap water! Always make sure you have some bottled water on you. You can buy them in most places, in addition to various sodas and juices.
If you’re into alcohol, beer is very popular, but there’s also Baijiu, a strong Chinese spirit that can be up to 60% alcohol. It’s usually reserved for special occasions, and tends to be more expensive.
Money
Digital Payments Is China a card or cash economy? I’d say neither. It is a digital payment economy, dominated by two apps: Alipay and WeChat.
You can download these apps on your phone, set them up, and link your debit or credit card. When in China, you typically pay by scanning a QR code displayed by the vendor, which makes paying for things incredibly easy.
In my experience, these apps were accepted almost everywhere. Many places didn’t take cash or card, but would always accept at least one of Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Each app has its own perks too. Alipay lets you set up a transport card, making it easy to pay on subway systems in several cities. WeChat, on the other hand, has ‘mini-apps’ you can use to buy attraction tickets, and it’s also Chinas main messaging platform. Both apps can be used for vending machines, laundry services, and more.
One of my top tips for travelling to China is to set up both Alipay and WeChat Pay before you leave home. And make sure you have a data connection in China to use them on the go!
Cards Using a foreign card in China can be tricky, although major tourist spots like hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions, usually do accept them. However, I wouldn’t rely on cards, and recommend being prepared to pay with cash or through Alipay/WeChat Pay.
The exception to this is in Hong Kong, where you should be able to use your cards almost everywhere. Try not to rely on American Express though, and stick to Mastercard or VISA.
Cash Bank of China ATMs are easy to find in cities, and should allow Mastercard and VISA withdrawals. In rural areas, however, ATMs are less common, so it’s wise to stock up on cash before heading out there. In the countryside, you should expect to pay for everything in cash.
In my experience, the ATMs in China could be… difficult. Sometimes I had to try three or four different machines before finding one that would accept my card and dispense money.
When something doesn’t have a written price, expect to haggle. You can normally knock 25% off whatever price you are given! Don’t go crazy though, and accept that you will pay a higher price than locals. Be considerate and don’t be a bad tourist!
The currency in mainland China the Yuan (¥), or the ‘Renminbi’. One Yuan is composed of 10 Jiao, and one Jiao is composed of 10 Fen. You’ll mostly be dealing with Yuan notes, but you might occasionally come across some coins or Jiao notes.
The variations of cash are: 1 Jiao/5 Jiao coins, ¥1 coins, and ¥5/¥10/¥20/¥50/¥100 notes.
At the time of writing in October 2024, the exchange rates are: £1 = ¥9.3 / $1= ¥7.1 / €1 = ¥7.7
In Hong Kong, they’ve got a completely different currency, which is the Hong Kong Dollar. This is similar to the US Dollar, where a dollar is made up of 100 cents. The variations of cash are: 10¢/20¢/50¢ coins, $1/$2/$5/$10 coins, and $10/$20/$50/$100/$500/$1000 notes.
At the time of writing this in October 2024, the exchange rates are: £1= HK$10.1 / $1= HK$7.8 / €1 = HK$8.5
Tipping Tipping is not common or expected.
Budget China is one of the more expensive countries in Asia to visit, but it’s still quite affordable on a global scale. For a decent hotel, street food, and mid-range public transport, I’d suggest budgeting around ¥500 a day (£56). If you’re staying in hostels, you can lower that to around ¥300 (£33). On the higher end, for nicer hotels and first-class transport, budget around ¥800 a day (£89).
Hong Kong is supposedly one of the most expensive cities in Asia, so you’ll need more money there. Still, I found it pretty cheap. In 2018 I stayed in one of the best hostels in the city, and ate at western restaurants most of the time. Despite this, my daily spend was only HK$450, which is ¥374 (£42).
Climate
Temperature In Southern China, summers are VERY hot. It can get up to 40c (104f), with like 800% humidity. From personal experience, it can be unbearable, so I’d recommend avoiding this time if possible. Winter on the other hand is pretty comfortable down South, with temperatures around 15c (60f).
In North East/Central China, summers are just as harsh, but the winters are much colder. It can drop as low as -20c (-4f) in places like Beijing and Harbin. The further North you go, the colder it gets! If you’re planning to attend the Harbin Ice Festival, be prepared for some seriously cold weather.
Strangely, Tibet isn’t too bad. You think it would be uninhabitable in winter, but during the day it only really goes as low as 0c (32f). In summer, Tibet is wonderful! Nice and cool while the rest of the country is on fire. The region is very sunny, and actually renowned for its great weather.
Weather China experiences two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season.
The wet season occurs throughout the summer, especially from June to August, and brings lots of rain across the entire country. Mixed with the high temperatures and extreme humidity, this is the worst time to visit. Oh, and did I mention the typhoons?
The dry season occurs during the winter months, typically from December to February, and brings sunny, dry weather to most regions. This is the best time to visit China, but keep in mind that some areas can get very cold. Personally, I think cold, sunny days are the best kind of weather!
Visiting in the other months (March to May, and September to November), generally brings good weather too. As for snow, it’s common in Northern China, but quite rare in the South.
Daylight In the South, near Hong Kong, winter days see around 10.5 hours of daylight, while summer brings up to 13.5 hours. Meanwhile, up North near Beijing, winter days have around 9.5 hours of daylight, but summer stretches out to a full 15 hours. Overall, you’ll have plenty of daylight to explore year-round!
Natural Disasters The main thing to be wary of in China are the Typhoons. These happen all along the coast, and can hit anywhere from Hong Kong to Beijing. They can damage buildings, cause flooding, and disrupt air travel.
If you’re caught out in one, the extreme winds will also be dangerous. But if you stay up to date with the news and stay inside while they pass, you should be fine. Flooding can be extreme in China, so always listen closely to any advice from local authorities, and try to avoid flood-risk areas during storms!
China is also prone to earthquakes, with the last big one happening in 2008, measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale. The biggest risk area is the Sichuan Province, which is where you’d be if you were to visit Chengdu. My best advice here would be to not get caught in an earthquake. But just to be safe, read up about it before you go, and maybe ask the hostel/hotel receptionist if they have any advice about what to do if one were to occur.
Wildlife
Dangerous Animals China has plenty of wildlife you should be aware of. For starters, there’s the Chinese Bird Spider in Southern China. This tarantula’s bite can cause severe nerve damage. This isn’t the only poisonous spider in China, so if you’re bitten by a spider at any point, get a picture of it, kill it out of revenge, and then go to a doctor ASAP.
Snakes are also common, and there are at least 35 venomous species! They’re mostly found in southern China, and the infamous Chinese Cobra is one of the most dangerous. Again, get medical help immediately if bitten.
In terms of larger animals, Asian Black Bears can be found in the country. While they’re one of the more aggressive species of bear, an encounter is unlikely. There are also a couple of Tiger species that call China home, but you’re very very unlikely to see one.
If you have a dangerous encounter with a mammal in China, it’s more likely to involve a pack of straydogs, which can sometimes be a problem in rural areas. Throwing rocks, or even pretending to, is a good way to scare them off.
The most terrifying thing, by far, is the Asian Giant Hornet. It’s the largest hornet in the world, and a few stings are enough to kill a healthy adult. In 2013, 42 people in the Shaanxi Province were killed by the hornets in the span of three months! What’s worse, they’re attracted by flailing arms. If you run, they’ll chase you. Thankfully they’re only found in the more rural areas, and encountering them as a tourist is very unlikely.
On Land The national animal is the Giant Panda, and if you want to see one you should head down to Chengdu. Spotting one in the wild is rare, but at the breeding centres in Chengdu you can see loads, and even participate as a Panda caretaker for the day!
Other than Pandas, China has lots of amazing wildlife, ranging from Tigers to Elephants to Monkeys to Yaks! I suggest looking up the different wildlife in the regions you plan to visit, and then seeing what wildlife viewing opportunities are available.
Still freaked out by the hornets? Yeah, me too. To clear your mind, try Googling the Tibetan Sand Fox, the Red Panda, and the Sable. These are all native to China, and super cute! 🙂
There are lots of monkeys in China, with the most famous one being the Golden Monkey. Then there are the big cats, including the Siberian Tiger and the North China Leopard. Unfortunately, both are critically endangered and hard to spot in the wild.
Best of all, Tibet is also home to the Snow Leopard, which I think is the most beautiful animal on the planet. Unfortunately, it is also endangered, and ‘rare’ doesn’t even begin to describe how unlikely you are to see one. You’d likely need a professional tracker and weeks of patience for a chance to catch a glimpse at one.
At Sea China is more known for its land mammals, but one cool thing it does have is the Pink Dolphin. You can spot them in the waters around Hong Kong, and they’re even the city’s mascot!
Things To Know
Politics China is a communist country, which makes travel there a bit different from most countries. The current president is Xi Jinping. He’s been the president since 2013, and may remain there indefinitely. While the word ‘communist’ can evoke certain ideas, China is a safe place for tourists and welcomes foreign visitors.
However, it’s important to avoid disrespecting the country or its leaders, as this can get you into trouble. Patriotism runs high, and criticism of China can be risky. Protests and demonstrations, if they occur, can sometimes lead to violent clashes with the police, so it’s best to stay clear of these situations.
Freedom of speech and information is also more limited in China. Sensitive topics, such as the Hong Kong protests, Tibets independence, and Tiananmen Square, are better left unmentioned during your trip.
Connectivity In China, a large part of the internet is blocked off by the ‘Great Firewall of China‘, so you won’t be able to access a lot of what you are used to back home. Anything from Google or Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp), will be entirely blocked. But most Microsoft (Office, Bing, Outlook) and Apple (iMessage, Apple Maps, Apple Translate) services will work okay.
Historically a VPN was the only solution, but nowadays, an eSim will bypass the restrictions. I strongly suggest buying one and activating it before you travel to China. The traffic is routed through a third country, such as Singapore, and bypasses the Great Firewall, so nothing is restricted.
I got my eSim through MobiMatter, and it was the 3HK one. They have different options, depending on how much data you need. I got 45GB for a month and it was fine. I’d suggest getting one with the intention of not using WiFi at all while in China.
With MobiMatter, if you use code JOHN.46464 at checkout, you’ll get 50% cashback (up to $5) on your purchase, which can be used towards your next eSim!
If you do decide to go down the VPN route, make sure you do your research. Mainstream VPNs like Norton may not work due to Chinas advanced firewall, so choose one specifically designed for use in China (such as ExpressVPN or Astrill). I’d still suggest having an eSim as a backup, as if the VPN doesn’t work out, you’ll struggle to buy a new VPN or an eSim from within China.
Language Mandarin, the official language of China, is spoken by most of the population. It is worth learning a few key phrases, especially since English is not widely spoken.
In Hong Kong, Cantonese is more common, but English is also an official language, and about half the population speaks it. As an English speaker, you’ll have no problem getting around in Hong Kong without needing to learn Cantonese.
On the mainland, English is not common at all. Public transport stations in the larger cities will have English signage, and tourist areas will have English speakers too, but in rural areas, don’t expect to see any English. Make sure you’ve got a translation app on your phone, or have learned some Mandarin!
Sports There’s no one single dominant sport in China, but it’s still a sporty country. Some of the top sports are Badminton, Ping Pong, Basketball, Martial Arts, and Football. It’s a very athletic country, and consistently ranks near the top of the Olympic medal table.
The fastest-growing sport is football (soccer), and some huge investments are being made into the national league. The Chinese government is actually aiming to win the FIFA World Cup by 2050!
Safety China is a very safe country, so you don’t need to worry about being the victim of any crimes. It can sometimes have a reputation of being ‘unsafe’, but this is false, and it is safer than virtually any Western nation. Pickpocketing does exist, but it’s not a major concern.
Scams are common in tourist-heavy areas, especially in Beijing. A common one involves a girl (or two) approaching a male tourist, speaking perfect English, saying how they’re visiting from another part of China, and asking if you want to explore together (or that they want to practice their English). At some point, they will lead you to an overpriced bar or café, where you’ll eventually be stuck with an enormous bill.
I never fell for it, but I did have a few girls approach me and give the same story, so it appears to be a pretty common scam. It is easy to avoid though.
Also, unless you are in Hong Kong, don’t drink the tap water.
Discrimination China follows a ‘don’t encourage, don’t discourage’ approach toward LGBTQ+ individuals. What that means is, nobody cares. Gay marriage is illegal, but in general, most of the country is impartial on the subject. You won’t get any abuse for being gay in public, but try not to flaunt it.
China has a reputation for ignorance around racial differences, but this usually stems from curiosity rather than malice. People may make crude remarks or apply stereotypes, but it’s rarely intended to be harmful. The Chinese people are very expressive and speak their mind, so it’s just something you need to get used to. You need to have an open mind if you want to travel to China.
As a white person, I got a lot of stares, and people were constantly asking to take pictures with me. This would be the same for any non-Asian, and certain traits (such as blonde hair) will make you stand out even more. You’ll mostly avoid it in the big cities, but if you go into rural areas, expect a lot of attention.
But as I said, it’s not done out of hate, just curiosity! This isn’t a big tourist country, and many Chinese people have had little exposure to foreigners, especially in more rural areas. It’s like if an alien visited your own country. You’d stare at it, take pictures, want to touch it, and probably make all sorts of assumptions about it. That’s sort of how Chinese people see you. You’re an alien visiting their country, and they’re curious.
Personally, I thought all the attention was pretty cool. I felt like a celebrity!
Everyone I met in China was very, very kind and welcoming. The country ranks near the top of my list, in terms of the ones with the nicest people. I didn’t have a single bad experience with anyone being rude or ignorant, but that doesn’t mean that others won’t.
Religion China is an atheist country, and most people do not practice religion. However, folk history is a huge part of the country, and even non-religious people take part in the different traditions and rituals. There’s a folk religion, which is the most popular belief system in the country, along with Buddhism.
Health Healthcare in China is good in the cities, but in the more rural areas, it can be difficult to find. If you’re going to a rural area, take a first aid kit with all the medicines you might need. In a city, you should be able to get all of these from a pharmacy, although the staff may not speak English.
In the big cities, there will normally be a healthcare clinic which caters to tourists. This would be the best place to go, although it will be more expensive. Healthcare isn’t free for anyone in China, so make sure you have good insurance before you leave! If you get sick or injured during your trip, and it isn’t an immediate emergency, I would suggest phoning your insurance company for advice on what hospital to go to.
No vaccinations are required for entry, but if you’ve recently travelled to South America or Africa, you may need proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination. And while not required, it’s advisable to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A/B and rabies.
Other problems to be aware of are altitude sickness in Tibet, and heat exhaustion during the coastal summer months. Make sure you’re aware of both and have appropriate medication with you. Additionally, about half of the visitors to China experience traveller’s diarrhoea, so pack accordingly!
Entry Requirements For Hong Kong or Macau, most nationalities can visit visa-free for 90 to 180 days. For mainland China, however, you will likely need a visa, unless you’re from a select group of countries.
In 2023, China began relaxing visa rules, and are offering 15-day visa-free travel to residents of a number of Western countries, including Australia, Ireland, and Germany! While not yet available for the UK or USA (as of October 2024), new countries seem to be added to this list every couple of months, so be sure to check!
Most people can also get a free transit visa, which allows them to visit a single city for 2-3 days. This could be a good option for a short visit, but the terms vary by city.
As a tourist, you’ll want an ‘L’ visa. These can be 30 or 60 days, with single or multiple entries. You should apply for it before you leave, and you’ll normally get one within a week. The price varies by country, with UK citizens paying £85, USA citizens paying $140, and most other countries paying a lot less. You need to apply in person, although in some countries you can go through visa agencies at an extra cost.
When applying, you’ll need two passport photos, a detailed itinerary, and proof of onward travel. China isn’t a country where you can travel spontaneously, you’ll need to plan your trip in advance. That said, once you have your visa, you don’t need to follow the exact route or dates you set out in your itinerary.
You can also apply for a visa while outside of your home country. I’ve applied twice, once from New York, and again from Bangkok. A lot of people apply for one while visiting Hong Kong too. As you need to enter China within three months of receiving your visa, you might need to do this, if you’re visiting as part of a longer-term trip.
Power Outlets China has a few different types of sockets, but the most common is the type A two-pin power socket. You should probably be fine with just that, but it would be better to have an adapter which can switch between type A, C, and I. In Hong Kong, British style type G plugs are widely used.
Adapters will be pretty easy to find in any city, and you could probably get one before leaving the airport.
Bucket List Experiences
Visit Hong Kong
With its vibrant mix of British and Chinese cultures, Hong Kong stands out as a lively city. The dramatic skyline of skyscrapers mixed with rugged mountains creates a stunning visual experience.
Take the train to Tibet
Departing from several Chinese cities, this is the highest railway in the world, and offers breath-taking views. Expect to pay at least ¥1000 for a soft sleeper ticket.
Hike at Huashan Mountain
For an extreme thrill, hike the 'plank walk', with a 1 mile drop below you, attached to the wall by a harness. You can visit the mountain on a day trip from Xi'an.
See the Flag Raising Ceremony
This important cultural event happens every day at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. It is free, but you need to reserve a spot, and battle with massive crowds at 4am.
See the Leshan Grand Buddha
Certainly one of the most impressive Buddhas in the world. It's 71 metres tall, and carved into a red stone cliff! You can visit on a day trip from Chengdu.
Visit Tibet
Tibet is one of the most rural and scenic regions of China, and such an amazing place to visit. You can only visit on a tour though, which start at ¥3,600 for 4 days.
Cycle the Xi'an City Wall
This is a stunning 8.5 mile long, temple filled wall which surrounds the old city of Xi'an. Once you're there, renting a bike and cycling around it is a popular thing to do!
Go to the Harbin Ice Festival
This is a festival full of beautiful ice sculptures and works of art. It happens from December to February, and there's 5 different parks to enter, with prices range from free to ¥330.
Walk on the Great Wall
The Great Wall of China is one of the most well known landmarks in the world, and a must-visit when you're in China. The easiest way to do it is on a day trip from Beijing.
See the Pandas in Chengdu
These adorable bears are the iconic animal of China, and are native to the areas around Chengdu. You probably won't see a wild one, but you can visit a breeding centre.
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