🇨🇳China

About China

China covers a span of climates and landscapes that takes weeks to cross. Beijing, the capital, is built around the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, with the Great Wall at Mutianyu and Badaling within day-trip distance. Xi'an guards the Terracotta Army, Shanghai's Bund faces the Pudong towers across the Huangpu, and Hangzhou's West Lake and Suzhou's canal gardens sit an easy train ride from the coast. Further out, Guilin and Yangshuo are limestone karst country, Zhangjiajie's sandstone pillars rise in Hunan, Jiuzhaigou's lakes lie in Sichuan, and Chengdu runs panda research bases alongside a serious tea-house culture. High-speed rail has changed the country: Beijing to Shanghai takes about four and a half hours, and second-class tickets are reasonable when booked ahead. Food is regional and cheap at street level, from Peking duck in Beijing to hotpot and mapo tofu in Chengdu and Chongqing, and dim sum in Guangzhou. Budget travellers manage on $35–60 a day, mid-range $70–130 and luxury $180–350 or more, with Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen the most expensive. April and May, then September and October, bring the mildest weather, though the National Day holiday in early October makes domestic travel difficult. Late April and September are the calmest months.

China at a Glance

When to Visit China

High Season (April-May, September-October): Spring and autumn are peak travel seasons in China. Temperatures are comfortable (10-25°C in most regions), with clear skies and beautiful scenery. National Day Golden Week (October 1-7) is the busiest travel period - avoid domestic travel during this week if possible. Labor Day (May 1-5) also sees huge crowds. Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage draw many visitors. Shoulder Season (March, June, November): Good value times to visit. March is still cool but starts warming up, with fewer tourists. June is warm and green before the peak summer heat and rains. November offers cool, crisp weather and autumn colors in the north. Prices are lower than peak season and crowds are manageable. Low Season (December-February, July-August): Winter (December-February) is cold in most of China (-10 to 5°C in the north, 5-15°C in the south). However, winter is great for Harbin Ice Festival and skiing. Prices are lowest. Summer (July-August) is hot and humid across much of China (25-35°C+), with monsoon rains in the south. Summer is peak domestic travel season due to school holidays.

Visa Policy for China

Entry rules for China depend on your passport. We track visa-free stays, e-visas and visa-on-arrival rules for US & Canadian, EU & UK, Chinese, and Australian & Japanese passports — with official sources and last-verified dates.

Visa policies are subject to official sources. Please verify with the embassy/consulate before travel.

Travel Budget for China

Budget: $35-60/day (Budget hostel or budget hotel 100-200 RMB, street food and local restaurants 30-60 RMB, metro/bus 5-15 RMB, free parks + one paid attraction 30-80 RMB. Street food is excellent and very cheap. High-speed rail second class between cities is affordable if booked in advance.) Mid-Range: $70-130/day (3-4 star hotel or boutique 300-600 RMB, restaurant meals 80-150 RMB, high-speed rail or domestic flights 150-400 RMB, attractions and shows 80-200 RMB. Includes more comfortable travel and some premium dining experiences.) Luxury: $180-350+/day (5-star luxury hotel 800-2,000+ RMB, fine dining 300-600 RMB, business class train or private car 400-800 RMB, premium experiences and private guides 200-500 RMB. China has incredible luxury options in major cities.) Per person per day in USD, excluding international flights. Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are the most expensive. Second-tier cities and rural areas are significantly cheaper (30-50% less). China offers excellent value compared to Western countries, though prices have been rising.

Prices are per person per day in USD, excluding international flights.

Must-Visit Attractions

Travel Guides for China

Other Countries in Asia

Frequently Asked Questions about China