CHINA
Plan your trip to China in 2025 with this complete guide—top destinations, best travel times, budgets, food, festivals, and insider tips..
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Language | English and Mandarin |
| Currency | Chinese Yuan (CNY or RMB) |
| Safety Level | Very High in tourist zones |
| Internet | Strong, but restricted (VPN needed) |
| Visa Required? | Yes (L-Visa or Group Visa) |
Best Time to Visit China
The best time to visit China depends on what kind of experience you are looking for and which region you’re exploring. Since China is a massive country with different climates, every season offers something unique.
Beijing, Xi’an, North China
Best Time to Visit: Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Famous For: History, palaces, temples
Avg. Local Travel Expense (Per Day): ¥300–¥1,200 ($40–$160)
Shanghai, Hangzhou, East Coast
Best Time to Visit: Mar–May
Famous For: Skylines, water towns, nightlife
Avg. Local Travel Expense (Per Day): ¥350–¥1,400 ($45–$190)
Chengdu, Yunnan, West China
Best Time to Visit: Apr–Jun / Sep–Nov
Famous For: Pandas, mountains, nature
Avg. Local Travel Expense (Per Day): ¥250–¥1,000 ($35–$140)
Guilin, Zhangjiajie, South
Best Time to Visit: Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Famous For: Scenic mountains, rural beauty
Avg. Local Travel Expense (Per Day): ¥300–¥1,100 ($40–$150)
Tibet, Xinjiang
Best Time to Visit: Jun–Sep
Famous For: Spiritual travel, high-altitude adventure
Avg. Local Travel Expense (Per Day): ¥400–¥1,500 ($55–$200)
Top Destinations in China
Travel Costs in China
How to Prepare for Your Trip to China
Planning your dream trip to China. Here’s your step-by-step guide to preparing smoothly and smartly — with an official website to book flights, hotels, SIM, insurance, activities, and more.
1. Book your air tickets
If you book your flight ticket to China, ensure that you book 2–3 months in advance for the best deals. Let us make your journey easier by giving you the official website link below:
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🛫Compare hundreds of airlines and travel agents on Skyscanner to find the best price in seconds. Ideal for flexible travelers.
MY PICK
🔍Fast, clean interface with powerful filters. Great for tracking prices and spotting the cheapest days to fly on Google flights
HOT DEALS
🔥 Smart search that mixes and matches airlines for the lowest fare. Ideal for adventurous or budget travelers on kiwi.com
2. Apply for your China Tourist Visa
Start early for tourism or business. You’ll likely need a L-Visa to visit China official website link below:
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🌐 Fast, easy, and user-friendly visa processing with a great mobile experience. Ideal for tourists and business travelers alike.
MY PICK
✅ Reliable, transparent service with detailed documentation guidance. Great for first-time or cautious travelers.
HOT DEALS
🛂 Official partner of embassies worldwide. Best choice for in-person appointments and biometric services.
3. Buy a China-compatible travel SIM or e-SIM
When you’re traveling, it’s hard to find a good data plan, and always avoid international roaming because it may be too expensive. Choose an e-SIM to connect with family and friends.
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📱 Stay connected from the moment you land! Trusted by millions for smooth and affordable USA data.
MY PICK
🌍 Unlimited data, zero worries. Perfect for travelers who stream, browse, and explore non-stop.
HOT DEALS
💸 Budget-friendly roaming made easy! Grab the best deals for short or long stays in the US.
4. Book your hotel or Airbnb
In the modern world, it is easier to find the best hotel and Airbnb than ever before. You can book online by clicking the link below:
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🏨 Millions of trusted reviews, 24/7 support & last-minute deals — your perfect stay is just a click away!
MY PICK
🏡 Feel at home anywhere in the USA — from cozy cabins to chic city lofts. Live like a local with Airbnb!
HOT DEALS
💥 Bundle and save big! Hotels + Flights + Cars = major discounts. Don’t miss today’s exclusive offers!
5. Buy travel insurance.
It is necessary to take care of yourself and your luggage from any kind of loss, such as covering flight delays, lost baggage, or medical emergencies.
POPULAR
💼 Trusted by backpackers and globetrotters — flexible, reliable, and built for adventures.
MY PICK
🌍 Perfect for digital nomads and long-term travelers — affordable, monthly plans you can pause anytime.
HOT DEALS
🇮🇳 Top coverage trusted by Indian travelers — ideal for family trips, solo journeys, and business travel.
6. Book Local Tours, Tickets, and Attractions
Use Get Your Guide, Viator, or Klook to book tickets for local travel to a city like Shanghai and local expenses Download Travel Apps (with VPNs):
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🎟️ Skip the lines & explore like a pro — curated tours, real reviews, and stress-free local adventures!
MY PICK
🗺️ Top-rated experiences, hassle-free bookings & expert guides — travel smarter, not harder.
HOT DEALS
🚗 Get around like a local! Safe, reliable rides just a tap away — no rental car, no stress.
7. Currency Exchange & Forex Card
Carry some cash currency of CNY (RMB) for their local expenses or get a forex card and China is mostly cashless. Use WeChat Pay or Alipay linked to a global card:
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🌐 Instant access to multiple currencies, global payments & ATM withdrawals.
Pack your bag with us to China
Check out these must-have essentials for your trip to China. Tap on the images below to explore them on Amazon.
Summer
For boys:
For Girls:
Winters
For boys:
For Girls:
Note: Clicking the product image will take you directly to Amazon to purchase. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
😄 Fun Travel Questions You’re Too Shy to Ask About China
1. Can I survive in China with zero Chinese?
Answer:
Sure, but expect to become a master of Google Translate and pantomime! Big cities have English menus, but learning “ni hao” (hello) and “xiexie” (thank you) will make you a total rockstar. 🇨🇳😆
2. Will I actually see people doing Tai Chi in the park?
Answer:
Yes! Early mornings are basically Tai Chi central. Join in if you’re feeling zen—it’s the real deal. 🥋🌳🧘♂️
3. Is Chinese food in China different from what I get back home?
Answer:
100%! Forget the “orange chicken” – get ready for mouth-numbing Sichuan peppers, hand-pulled noodles, and enough dumplings to feed an army. 🍜🥟🔥
4. Will I see people spitting in the street?
Answer:
Yeah… it’s a thing. Just roll with it—it’s part of the local color! 🤭
5. Can I just drink tap water like I’m in Europe?
Answer:
Nope! Stick to bottled water or boiled water if you want to keep your stomach happy. 🚰😅
6. Will I become a social media star by accident?
Answer:
Quite possibly! Curious locals might want selfies with you—smile and embrace your 15 minutes of fame. 🤳📸
7. Can I wear shorts to temples and historical sites?
Answer:
Better to keep it respectful—long pants are the way to go if you want to avoid disapproving stares (or getting politely shooed away!). 🩳🛕😉
8. Is using chopsticks mandatory?
Answer:
It’s definitely encouraged! You’ll earn major cool points, but no shame if you need to practice (or ask for a fork in a noodle emergency!). 🥢😂
9. Are Chinese toilets really… different?
Answer:
Yes, squats are common in public bathrooms. Bring tissues and brace yourself—adventure is calling! 🚽🧻😬
10. Will I really see pandas just chilling in the park?
Answer:
Not quite—you’ll have to go to a panda reserve (like in Chengdu) to see those bamboo-chomping fluffballs up close. 🐼❤️
Explore the Asia
