How to Navigate Travel in China in 2025
For eager travellers, this year marked a moment of rediscovery: new visa-free policies, smoother travel infrastructure, and a wave of excitement as both international visitors and locals embrace a heightened sense of curiosity.
Whether you’re drawn to ancient temples, neon skylines, or misty mountains, travelling through China is a journey through contrasts – and one that rewards patience, openness, and a bit of preparation.
Here’s what I’ve learned from my own travels across China over the past decade – the practical details and also the experiences that make the country truly unforgettable.
1
Entry & Visas: What’s Changed (and What Hasn’t)
China is open for tourists.
Tourist visas, port visas, and multiple visa-exemption policies are in place.Visa-free transit options are available: 24-, 72-, 144-, and 240-hour policies (that’s up to 6 days in some cities/regions)! Eligibility does vary by nationality and city that you plan to visit – check with your local Chinese embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
Visa-free entry for select nationalities (e.g. France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei) with additional 15-day and 30-day visa-free schemes for some countries. Policies are nationality-specific, so you’ll need to confirm this with your embassy before you book anything.
2
Connectivity & Essential Apps
Bring an unlocked phone if you want to be able to use a local SIM. For shorter trips, an eSIM is more convenient if your phone allows eSIM activation. There are plenty of companies out there like Airalo who offer various eSIMs depending on where you are travelling. Try using the search form below to see current deals.
Download a VPN – If you need to work using platforms like Google, WhatsApp, and western social media during your trip to China, you’ll need a VPN like Nord. You’ll need to set it up before you arrive, to ensure you can use it while travelling.
Download WeChat – it’s China’s super-app for messaging, networking, location sharing with friends, shopping mini programs, and so much more. You can even book flights, train tickets, cinema tickets, and purchase souvenirs from select brands during your visit.
Download Pleco (Chinese dictionary) or DeepL (translation web-app): You’ll need some nifty translation tools when you’re on-the-go in China. Shanghai is fairly easy to navigate if you don’t have any knowledge of Mandarin, but if you’re planning to explore further a field, these apps will definitely come in handy.
Download or use the website Trip.com for booking flights, trains, and hotels in China.
Download Baidu Maps or Apple Maps for navigating through city streets.
3
When NOT to Travel to China
I always recommended NOT travelling to China on the following dates / public holidays.
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): Dates for this shift every year, but generally Spring Festival falls from late January - early February, with the public holiday lasting at least a week. For 2026, the dates for Spring Festival are February 15 – 23, 2026.
May Day Holiday: 1 - 5 May every year.
National Day / Golden Week: 1 - 7 October every year.
These weeks mean packed trains, sold-out attractions, and closures (especially during Spring Festival). For a smoother travel experience, I would suggest booking a visit from April – June or September – November (this is when the weather is usually amazing, too!)
4
Where to Travel in China
China is enormous – not just in size, but in experience. Each region feels like a different world, from imperial capitals to misty mountain towns. Whether you’re traveling for history, food, art, or adventure, here are the cities and regions that capture China’s diversity.
Beijing — The Heart of History
If China had a soul, it would live somewhere between the Forbidden City’s crimson gates and the stones of the Great Wall. Spend your days walking through centuries – from the imperial gardens of the Summer Palace to the courtyards of old hutongs. Visit Tiananmen Square, climb the wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling, and taste Peking duck where it was born.
Shanghai — Futurism Meets Tradition
Shanghai is China’s showcase of modern ambition, where Art Deco mansions share space with space-age towers. Stroll the Bund at sunset for skyline views that rival any in the world, then wander into the French Concession, a leafy neighbourhood full of galleries, wine bars, creative boutiques, and some great local food spots. At night, the city lights feel endless – from rooftop cocktails in Pudong to jazz in hidden basements.
Xi’an — The Ancient Gateway
Once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, Xi’an carries China’s ancient pulse. The Terracotta Warriors remain its headline act, but don’t miss the Muslim Quarter, where cumin and chili fill the air and every alley hides a snack worth finding.
Cycle the city wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved in China, and watch the evening call to prayer echo between food stalls and lanterns.
Chengdu — Tea, Spice, and Slow Living
In Chengdu, the rhythm of life slows down to the pour of a teapot. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the early morning when the pandas are most playful, then linger over hotpot that numbs your lips and wakes your soul.
Locals spend hours in teahouses playing mahjong — join them. This is Sichuan’s gift: a place where indulgence and relaxation coexist.
Guilin & Yangshuo — Karst Mountains in the Mist
Southern China’s postcard region feels painted rather than built. The Li River winds through limestone peaks, farmers ride bamboo rafts, and the sunsets turn the water gold. Stay overnight in Yangshuo, a small town surrounded by karst cliffs and rice paddies — perfect for cycling, hiking, or just exhaling after big-city chaos.
Hangzhou — Poetic and Peaceful
A short train ride from Shanghai, Hangzhou has inspired poets for centuries. West Lake, ringed with pagodas and weeping willows, embodies China’s vision of beauty. Sip Dragon Well (Longjing) tea at its source, wander ancient streets in the Qinghefang district, and discover why Hangzhou has long been the “heaven on earth” of Chinese travel writing.
Suzhou – Gardens and Canals
Suzhou is serenity in architectural form – a network of waterways, stone bridges, and elegant classical gardens. The Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden show the height of Ming design. It’s also a quick day trip from Shanghai, perfect for travelers chasing a quieter, more poetic pace.
Guizhou – China’s Hidden Frontier
Still under the radar for most foreign visitors, Guizhou rewards the curious. Villages like Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village reveal vibrant minority culture, and the Mingshi Scenic Area offers towering karst landscapes with few crowds. If you crave authenticity away from tourist routes, Guizhou is a powerful reminder that much of China’s beauty lies off the map.
Bonus Destinations
Kunming & Dali: Kunming, the provincial capital, is known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, while Dali offers lakeside calm, old towns, and mountain air.
Hong Kong: Dynamic, cosmopolitan, and culturally rich – a global city with deep Chinese roots.
Macau: Portuguese heritage meets modern-day luxury; perfect for a quick side trip.
Hainan Island: China’s tropical playground, complete with beaches, coconut groves, and surf towns.
5
Getting Around – Take the Train!
China’s high-speed rail is fast, punctual, and scenic! I usually book tickets through the Trip.com app. You don’t even need to collect paper tickets at the station (like I used to 10 years ago!). Just rock up to the station with your passport and your e-ticket (which will be saved on the Trip.com app), scan your passport at the platform entry turnstile, and you’ll be good to go.
Top Tip: Always opt for the platform entry turnstile that has a member of staff present helping people through. I’ve sometimes found that the other turnstiles don’t always work with foreign passports (especially in smaller cities), so if anything goes wrong, the member of staff will be able to help you through manually.
6
Tickets & Timings For Attractions
Big-name sites can require advance booking and/or have unusual hours. Example: the Forbidden City usually needs a day-ahead reservation and is closed Mondays. Check hours before you set out so you don’t miss that one thing you crossed the world to see.
7
Paying in China: QR Code First, Cash Second
China is largely cashless – WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate. You can now link foreign bank cards inside these apps now, which makes like a whole lot easier.
Carry a bit of RMB cash with you for smaller shops (or in case your phone dies!)
Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard/Amex) are mostly reliably accepted in upscale hotels and international chains in big cities – not everywhere.
No tipping culture and no separate sales tax – for example, menu prices shown are exactly what you need to pay. Some upscale places may charge a 10% service fee though.
Haggling is rare day-to-day, but marketing bargaining still happens in places like Shanghai’s “Fake” Market.
8
Safety, Scams, and Taxis
I’ve felt very safe traveling solo in China, including late evenings in major cities. But here are some reminders:
Carry your passport (or at least a copy of it); many attractions require ID.
Consider travel insurance.
Watch for tea-house scams, bar/dating app scams, and the “Good Samaritan” gambit (someone creates or exploits a situation to pin a bill on you).
At airports and stations, use official taxi queues and ensure drivers run the meter. I often use DiDi (China’s Uber) to call a taxi or a car to take me somewhere as rides are logged and prices are given upfront.
9
Language
You don’t need to be fluent to get around China, a few simple phrases (and a smile) go a long way. Mandarin pronunciation can be tricky, but most people appreciate the effort, even if your tones aren’t perfect.
Print or save your hotel details in Chinese – handy for taxi drivers who might not be able to speak English.
Learn a few phrases; Pleco and Google Translate (offline) help a lot. Even if its just a simple “Hello” or “Thank you”, it means a lot!
Speak slowly and simply; add people on WeChat and use in-chat translation if needed. Kindness and patience go further than perfect tones.
Here are some words and expressions worth memorising – or screenshotting for your phone.
Basic Greeting & Politeness
“Hello.” / 你好。/ Nǐ hǎo.
“Thank you.” / 谢谢。/ Xièxie.
“You’re welcome.” / 不客气。/ Bú kèqi.
“Goodbye.” / 再见。/ Zàijiàn.
“Excuse me” or “Sorry.” / 对不起。/ Duìbuqǐ.
“No problem.” / 没关系。/ Méi guānxi.
“Please.” / 请。/ Qǐng.
“Yes.” / 是的。/ Shì de.
“No.” / 不是。/ Bú shì.
Getting Around
“I want to go to…” / 我要去… / Wǒ yào qù…
“Please take me to this address.” / 请带我去这个地址。/ Qǐng dài wǒ qù zhège dìzhǐ.
“How much is it?” / 多少钱？/ Duō shǎo qián?
“Stop here, please.” / 请在这里停。/ Qǐng zài zhèlǐ tíng.
“Left.” / 左。/ Zuǒ.
“Right.” / 右。/ Yòu.
“Straight ahead.” / 直走。/ Zhí zǒu.
“Train station.” / 火车站。/ Huǒchē zhàn.
“Airport.” / 机场。/ Jīchǎng.
Food & Drink
“I’d like to order this.” / 我要这个。/ Wǒ yào zhège.
“No spicy, please.” / 不要辣。/ Bú yào là.
“A little spicy is okay.” / 可以一点辣。/ Kěyǐ yìdiǎn là.
“No meat, please.” / 不要肉。/ Bú yào ròu.
“Tastes great!” / 很好吃！/ Hěn hǎochī!
“Can I have the bill, please?” / 请给我买单。/ Qǐng gěi wǒ mǎidān.
“Water.” / 水。/ Shuǐ.
“Beer.” / 啤酒。/ Píjiǔ.
“Tea.” / 茶。/ Chá.
Hotels & Shopping
“I have a reservation.” / 我有预订。/ Wǒ yǒu yùdìng.
“Where is the bathroom?” / 洗手间在哪里？/ Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?
“Can I pay with card?” / 可以刷卡吗？/ Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?
“Too expensive!” / 太贵了！/ Tài guì le!
“Can you make it cheaper?” / 可以便宜一点吗？/ Kěyǐ piányi yìdiǎn ma?
Everyday Situations
“I don’t understand.” / 我不懂。/ Wǒ bù dǒng.
“Can you speak English?” / 你会说英语吗？/ Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?
“Please write it down.” / 请写下来。/ Qǐng xiě xiàlái.
“I need help.” / 我需要帮助。/ Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù.
“Where is…?” / …在哪里？/ …zài nǎlǐ?
“Beautiful!” / 很漂亮！/ Hěn piàoliang!
Top tip: If you’re nervous about pronunciation, type the phrase in Google Translate or Pleco and play the audio to show or play for someone. Locals are used to helping foreign travelers – and even a few words in Mandarin can turn a transaction into a genuine connection.
10
What to Pack
Comfortable walking shoes, layers, a compact umbrella, sunscreen, and any specific meds/vitamins you rely on.
Toilet paper/tissues and hand sanitiser – many public restrooms (especially when you’re on the road) don’t stock TP…or hand soap…
Power: China uses plug types A, C, and I; electricity is 220V, 50Hz – bring a suitable adapter.
Portable battery: your phone is your lifeline (payments, maps, tickets).
Forgot something? Shops like Miniso, Watson’s, and WuMart have the basics.
11
Eating & Drinking in China
China is a paradise for food lovers. With thousands of regional dishes, even seasoned travelers are surprised by how much variety the country offers.
Don’t drink tap water; use bottled or boiled water (kettles are ubiquitous).
Follow your curiosity through regional cuisines – Sichuan (spicy), Dongbei (hearty), Cantonese (light/sweet), and beyond.
For a quick litmus test, eat where locals queue.
Meat is common in many dishes (even broths or sauces that look “vegetable-based”), so if you’re vegetarian or vegan, communication is key. Larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Shenzhen now have dedicated vegan or vegetarian restaurants, while local eateries often adapt dishes if you explain your needs clearly.
“I don’t eat meat.” / 我不吃肉。/ Wǒ bù chī ròu.
“I don’t eat fish.” / 我不吃鱼。/ Wǒ bù chī yú.
“I don’t eat egg.” / 我不吃鸡蛋。/ Wǒ bù chī jīdàn.
“I am vegetarian.” / 我吃素。/ Wǒ chī sù.
“I am vegan.” / 我是纯素食者。/ Wǒ shì chún sùshí zhě.
“Please, no meat or seafood.” / 请不要放肉或海鲜。/ Qǐng bú yào fàng ròu huò hǎixiān.
“Only vegetables, please.” / 只要蔬菜，谢谢。/ Zhǐ yào shūcài, xièxie.
“Is there any animal oil or broth?” / 有动物油或高汤吗？/ Yǒu dòngwù yóu huò gāotāng ma?
A quick tip: In smaller towns, the concept of “vegan” might be unfamiliar, but “吃素 (chī sù)” – literally “to eat vegetarian” – is widely understood and respected, especially in Buddhist or temple-run restaurants.
For guaranteed options, look for spots labeled 素食餐厅 (sùshí cāntīng) — “vegetarian restaurant.” Apps like HappyCow and Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) are also great for finding veggie-friendly dining nearby.
You’ll find international chains (KFC, McDonald’s, Starbucks) city-wide if you want a quick, familiar fix.
Public drinking is legal – enjoy responsibly; dealing with police is a hassle you don’t want.
12
Dining Style & Cultural Cues
Dining in China is about much more than food, it’s about connection, respect, and rhythm. Meals here are social events that reveal how people relate to each other. Whether you’re at a humble noodle shop or an elegant banquet hall, a few cultural cues will help you fit right in.
Family Style Is the Default
Meals in China are typically shared rather than individually plated. Dishes are placed in the centre of the table, and everyone helps themselves with chopsticks. Rice or noodles are served in small personal bowls, while main dishes – meats, vegetables, tofu, and soups – are communal.
If you’re eating with locals, don’t dive in first. Wait until the host invites everyone to begin, or until the eldest person starts eating. It’s a simple gesture of respect that goes a long way.
Chopstick Etiquette
Chopsticks are essential and symbolic.
Do not stick chopsticks upright in your rice bowl. It resembles incense at funerals and is considered bad luck.
Avoid pointing chopsticks at others or waving them midair while talking.
Quite often, there will be a communal set of chopsticks (for picking up food to place on your plate) and your own set of chopsticks (that you eat with).
When you’re finished, lay your chopsticks neatly across your bowl or chopstick rest, never leave them poking into your food.
If you’re new to using them, don’t worry, Chinese hosts are usually patient and often find foreigners’ chopstick attempts charming.
The Tea Ritual
Tea is ever-present, especially in southern and central China. When someone refills your cup, it’s polite to tap the table lightly with two fingers as a silent “thank you.” This gesture dates back to a Qing dynasty story of a disguised emperor pouring tea for his servants – a quiet bow of gratitude in fingertip form.
If you notice someone’s cup is empty, refill it for them – it’s a small but thoughtful act that shows attentiveness.
Hosting, Toasting, and Hierarchy
At formal or business dinners, there’s usually a seating order: the guest of honor sits facing the door, with hosts or senior guests flanking them. If you’re unsure where to sit, wait for your host to direct you.
When drinks are involved (beer, wine, or baijiu – China’s (very….) potent spirit), expect frequent toasts. Raise your glass with both hands, and if possible, position your glass slightly lower than your host’s when clinking – a sign of respect. If you don’t drink alcohol, it’s perfectly acceptable to toast with tea or juice instead.
Gratitude and Gesture
If you’re invited to a local’s home, bringing a small gift – fruit, tea, or something from your country – is thoughtful. Avoid clocks (they symbolise funerals), white flowers, or sharp objects (they “cut” relationships). When receiving something, accept with both hands.
13
Air Quality & Expectations
Air quality varies by city and season. It’s improved a lot since the 2010s, but there are still off days – especially in northern cities. Download an AQI app and carry a mask if you’re sensitive.
14
People & Pictures
Expect warmth and curiosity. In famous spots (Great Wall, Forbidden City), people may ask for photos with you. It’s usually friendly – only say yes if you’re comfortable, otherwise you can politely decline.
China in 2025 is open, connected, and ready to be rediscovered. Whether you’re here for culture, cuisine, or adventure, every city offers its own rhythm – and every journey teaches something new.