Introduction

Traveling to another country with a completely different language and culture can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you are coming to China across negative news headlines that make you second-guess your plans.

Don't be worried, the reality on the ground is often very different from what you might expect.

China is a remarkably safe country to travel through, with cities that feel secure even late at night. High technology is seamlessly woven into daily life, making travel and living here more convenient than you could imagine. And perhaps most memorable of all, the warmth and friendliness of the Chinese people—you'll quickly see for yourself just how welcoming they are.

What makes China truly unforgettable is its vast and diverse landscape. Stretching from the snow-capped mountains of the north to the tropical beaches of Hainan, from ancient imperial palaces to the futuristic skylines of Shanghai, China offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. Ultimately, traveling in China is about immersing yourself in a culture that's both ancient and modern. It's a journey that combines safety and hospitality with incredible variety, leaving you with stories and memories you'll cherish long after you've returned home.

This CHINA TRAVEL GUIDE includes everything you need to know up to date before traveling to China!

Visa and Entry

China has recently expanded its "30-Day Visa-Free Entry" and "240-Hour(10-Day) Transit Exemption" policies.

Travelers holding an ordinary passport from the following countries are eligible for the "240-Hour(10-Day) Transit Exemption" rule.

Americas: Argentina 🇦🇷, Brazil 🇧🇷, Canada 🇨🇦, Chile 🇨🇱, Mexico 🇲🇽, and the United States 🇺🇸

Europe: All 25 Schengen Area member states🇪🇺, plus Albania 🇦🇱, Belarus 🇧🇾, Bulgaria 🇧🇬, Croatia 🇭🇷, Cyprus 🇨🇾, Ireland 🇮🇪, Monaco 🇲🇨, Montenegro 🇲🇪, North Macedonia 🇲🇰, Norway 🇳🇴, Romania 🇷🇴, Russia 🇷🇺, Serbia 🇷🇸, Ukraine 🇺🇦, United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

Asia & Middle East: Brunei 🇧🇳, Indonesia 🇮🇩, Japan 🇯🇵, Qatar 🇶🇦, Singapore 🇸🇬, South Korea 🇰🇷, and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪

Oceania: Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿.

Under "240-Hour Transit Visa", entry and exit must be made through one of 60 designated ports across 24 provinces in China. WhereToChina.com is designed to guide you! Every ENTRY CITY, PROVINCE, AND SELECTED SIGHTSEEING SPOT WITHIN THE ALLOWED REGIONS has its own dedicated page on our website!

Transit to a Third Country: Travelers must hold confirmed onward tickets (paper or e‑ticket) to a third country (or region) beyond China. Hong Kong and Macau are considered third territories for this purpose.
Duration & Scope of Stay: Travelers can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) starting from 00:00 the day after entry. Movement is allowed across provincial regions supported by the policy, but must remain within designated areas and exit through approved ports.

You may also qualify for the "30-Day Visa-Free Entry" for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange, and transit if you are holding an ordinary passport from the following countries:

Europe: Andorra 🇦🇩, Austria 🇦🇹, Belgium 🇧🇪, Bulgaria 🇧🇬, Croatia 🇭🇷, Cyprus 🇨🇾, Denmark 🇩🇰, Estonia 🇪🇪, Finland 🇫🇮, France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪, Greece 🇬🇷, Hungary 🇭🇺, Iceland 🇮🇸, Ireland 🇮🇪, Italy 🇮🇹, Latvia 🇱🇻, Liechtenstein 🇱🇮, Luxembourg 🇱🇺, Malta 🇲🇹, Monaco 🇲🇨, Montenegro 🇲🇪, Netherlands 🇳🇱, North Macedonia 🇲🇰, Norway 🇳🇴, Poland 🇵🇱, Portugal 🇵🇹, Romania 🇷🇴, Slovakia 🇸🇰, Slovenia 🇸🇮, Spain 🇪🇸, and Switzerland 🇨🇭

Asia:Brunei 🇧🇳, Japan 🇯🇵, South Korea 🇰🇷, and Malaysia 🇲🇾.

Americas: Argentina 🇦🇷, Brazil 🇧🇷, Chile 🇨🇱, Peru 🇵🇪, and Uruguay 🇺🇾.

Oceania: Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿.

The 30-Day Visa-Free Entry program comes with fewer regional restrictions, allowing you to explore a wider range of provinces and cities—including Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and many more destinations beyond those currently featured on our site.

Internet and Mobile

Internet

When traveling in China, one of the biggest surprises for many visitors is the restricted internet access to certain daily sites. Popular platforms and services such as Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and some international news sites are blocked under the "Firewall." While many local apps like WeChat, Baidu, and Alipay offer powerful alternatives, they may feel unfamiliar to first-time travelers. This can make staying connected with friends, checking Gmail, or using Google Maps more difficult if you rely only on the open internet.

To get around these restrictions, locals and most foreign travelers use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN allows you to securely connect to servers outside of China, giving you access to the websites and apps you normally use at home. It's important to download and SET UP A VPN BEFORE YOU ARRIVE, since many VPN providers' websites are blocked once you're in China. Connections can be unstable, and not every VPN works reliably. Choosing a well-known, paid VPN service and having it ready in advance is the best way to ensure you stay connected during your trip.

Apple users: Download back your Apple Maps, it works with the Chinese local internet smoothly!

Mobile Service

For mobile service, most international numbers work in China through roaming, and many carriers allow access to outside servers without needing a VPN. However, roaming charges can be quite expensive depending on your plan. A more affordable option is to purchase a local tourism SIM card, widely available at airports, convenience stores, and through travel agencies. These prepaid SIMs typically come with generous data packages at reasonable prices.

Another convenient choice is an eSIM, which lets you activate mobile data on your phone without a physical card. Many international providers now offer China-compatible eSIMs that you can buy and install online before your trip. This is especially useful if you want to avoid the hassle of finding a SIM card after landing.

That said, whether you use a SIM card, eSIM, or Wi-Fi, access to international websites and apps will still be restricted due to China's internet controls. Some eSIM providers may offer full-access plans. To ensure a smooth online experience, it's best to prepare a trusted VPN in advance and pair it with your mobile service.

Download before you Go

China is at the forefront of a next-generation payment ecosystem. The majority of transactions are made simply by scanning QR codes, whether you're buying street food or shopping in luxury malls. While cash is still accepted in most places, the convenience of mobile payments is hard to beat. We highly recommend downloading Alipay or WeChat Pay and setting up your account before you arrive—this will make every purchase in China a smooth and effortless experience.

Alipay

Alipay Overseas is designed for international travelers, providing a comprehensive mobile payment solution for their trips to China. This platform enables foreign visitors to access China's cashless payment ecosystem by linking international payment cards such as Visa or Mastercard. After binding their cards, users can make secure payments by scanning QR codes at millions of merchants with automatic currency conversion at real-time exchange rates. The service supports multiple payment scenarios in China, including integration with public transportation systems (such as metro services in major cities like Shanghai via dedicated applications), ride-hailing services (e.g., Didi), food delivery ordering, and ticket purchases for key tourist attractions. Equipped with multi-language interface support and real-time transaction alerts,

WeChat

WeChat Pay International acts as your all-encompassing travel companion, integrating payment capabilities with WeChat's core features to guide you through China's bustling cashless landscape and daily life. Beyond payments, WeChat serves as your social hub with instant messaging and video calls to connect with contacts worldwide, while its Moments feature lets you share travel experiences. The platform also offers built-in translation tools to overcome language barriers. Connect your international payment card (Visa/Mastercard) to effortlessly make payments by scanning QR codes everywhere in China. Secure reservations for high-speed trains (through the official 12306 platform), summon on-demand rides (Didi), and engage in essential travel activities via integrated mini-programs — such as buying priority museum tickets, booking cultural tours, or securing hotel reservations—directly within the WeChat ecosystem. With real-time foreign currency displays, automatic exchange rate calculations, and multilingual customer support, every transaction is simplified, secured, and made worry-free for international travelers exploring China.

Transportations

Flights

China has one of the biggest domestic flight systems. Foreign travelers can book flight tickets through global travel platforms such as Trip.com, booking services for domestic and international flights departing from China. Payment can usually be made via international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), as well as popular digital payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Use your passport as the ID when booking.

Train

China boasts the world's most advanced high-speed rail system. Every major city is equipped with multiple high-speed train stations, connecting travelers to destinations across the country with speed and convenience. Tickets can be purchased 15 days before departure through platforms like WeChat, Alipay's built-in apps, or Trip.com, making the booking process simple and accessible.

High-speed trains generally offer three classes of seating: Second Class, First Class, and Business Class. Second Class provides the most affordable option, while First Class offers wider seats and more comfort. Business Class is the most luxurious, featuring spacious, fully-reclining seats comparable to airline lie-flat business class, along with extra amenities for a premium travel experience.

When you arrive at the station, your passport serves as your ticket. Be sure to use the "Manual Ticket Checking Lane" at the gate and have your passport ready for inspection. It's best to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure, as security checks and large crowds can take time. Trains in China are known for their punctuality and will depart exactly on schedule, so don't be late!

Regular trains are also available for travelers heading to more rural destinations or those seeking a more budget-friendly option. These slower trains cover areas not always accessible by high-speed rail and provide a wider range of travel experiences.

Regular trains in China generally offer several types of seating and sleeping arrangements: standard seats, hard sleepers (3 bunks stacked on each side of an open compartment), and soft sleepers (2 bunks on each side in a private room with a door). This makes them a flexible choice for both budget travelers and those who prefer more privacy and comfort.

Tips: There are several train stations in each city. Check carefully which station you are departing from.

Bus/Metro/Taxi

Search for the "Ride Code" mini-program on WeChat, activate your city's transit QR code, then use it to pay for buses or subways.

You can also easily get around the city using mini-programs Didi (Chinese version of Uber)in the Transportation section on Services page.

Open the Alipay App and tap "Transport";Tap "Get now" to collect your Bus/Metro Code in Alipay. Then you can present your Bus/Metro Code at bus and subway gates

Useful Tips

China is the ultimate travel destination, filled with endless wonders for every traveler to discover and enjoy! Here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your journey:

Always carry your passport with you! It's required not only for taking trains but also for entering many scenic sites. Treat it like your most important travel ticket and keep it safe at all times.
Not all accommodations can host foreigners. Some hotels are not licensed to host foreign guests. Fortunately, most major travel booking platforms clearly mark which hotels can accept international travelers. From budget hostels to luxury resorts, you'll find a wide range of options available across the country.
Avoid Chinese National Holidays. Major holidays such as Chinese New Year (late January or February), National Day Golden Week (October 1–7), and May Day (May 1–3) see huge crowds across the country. Trains, flights, and hotels often sell out weeks in advance, and popular scenic spots become extremely crowded.
Don't let language be an obstacle! While the language barrier can feel challenging when exploring China, it shouldn't stop you from enjoying this incredible country. Downloading a reliable translation app before your trip will make communication much easier.
Don't be afraid of the Police! Chinese police are very approachable and willing to help. If you run into an emergency, they will do their best to assist you. The emergency number in China is "110".
Pollution is not a concern anymore. China's environment has seen profound improvements over the past decade. From 2013 to 2022, national average levels of PM2.5—tiny particles that pose serious health risks—fell by about 41%, marking a significant step toward cleaner air and healthier living conditions.
Enjoy the food, but don't drink tap water directly. China has strong food safety standards for both restaurants and street food. Try to avoid "delivery-only" venues on delivery apps. When it comes to water, avoid drinking directly from the tap—always boil it first or opt for bottled water.
Enjoy connecting with the locals! Chinese people are among the friendliest you'll meet, and many will be genuinely happy to welcome you. Be prepared for warm interactions with a variety of individuals. Teenagers may approach you for a friendly chat as a way to practice their English.

Now you're ready to navigate China with ease and confidence. It's time to pack your bags and set off on your adventure to discover the magic of China!