China Travel Guide
Welcome to China, a land where ancient traditions meet futuristic innovation! From the Great Wall’s serpentine majesty to Shanghai’s glittering skyline, China offers an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a firsttime visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you navigate the highlights and hidden gems of this vast nation.
1. Beijing 
Beijing, China’s political and cultural heart, boasts more than 3,000 years of history and served as the capital for 13 dynasties, including the Yuan, Ming, and Qing. Nestled on the North China Plain, this megacity seamlessly blends ancient grandeur with modern innovation.
Must-visit Attractions
The Great Wall: Hike along this UNESCO World Heritage marvel, with Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections offering stunning views.
Forbidden City: Step into the imperial past at this 600-year-old palace complex.
Temple of Heaven: Witness locals practicing tai chi or flying kites in this serene Ming Dynasty park.
2. Xi’an 
Xi’an, the Silk Road’s eastern terminus, is famed for its Terracotta Army and well-preserved Ming-era city walls.
Must-visit Attractions
Terracotta Army: Marvel at Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s 8,000 lifesized clay warriors.
Ancient City Wall: Rent a bike to circle this wellpreserved 14thcentury fortification.
3. Shanghai 
Shanghai, a global financial hub, marries colonial-era charm with futuristic skylines. Its strategic location at the Yangtze River Delta fuels its role as China’s economic gateway.
Must-visit Attractions
The Bund: Contrast colonialera architecture with Pudong’s futuristic skyscrapers.
Yu Garden: Unwind in this classical Ming Dynasty garden, a peaceful oasis amid the urban bustle.
4. Guilin 
Guilin, nestled in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is celebrated for its ethereal karst scenery shaped over 300 million years. Its name derives from fragrant cassia trees, and its landscapes—towering limestone peaks, winding rivers, and mist-shrouded valleys—have inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries.
Must-visit Attractions
Li River Cruise: Drift past surreal karst mountains and rural landscapes immortalized in Chinese art.
Bamboo Rafting: Glide down the Yulong River for a quieter, more intimate experience.
5. Chengdu 
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, blends laid-back charm with cutting-edge innovation. Known as the "Land of Abundance", it’s a gateway to Tibet and a global hub for panda conservation.
Must-visit Attractions
Giant Panda Sanctuaries: Visit the Chengdu Research Base to see China’s beloved “national treasures.”
Sichuan Cuisine: Spice up your trip with fiery hotpot and mouthnumbing Mapo Tofu.
Significant Requirements & Tips for China Travel Documents
1. Significant Travel Documents to Enter China
To ensure a smooth entry into China, international travelers must prepare the following essential documents:
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of return and have at least two blank visa pages.
China Visa: Most foreign nationals require a tourist visa (L visa). Apply in advance if you cannot obtain a visa on arrival. Required documents include a completed visa form, a recent passport photo, and proof of accommodation or flight bookings (if traveling independently).
Flight Tickets and Accommodation Reservations: Carry both hard and soft copies to avoid delays during immigration.
Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, it is highly recommended to cover medical expenses and trip cancellations.
2. Optional Documents for Your China Tour
While not required, these documents can enhance your travel experience:
Tibet Permittent: To visit Tibet, you must apply for a Tibet Travel Permit at least 15 days before your trip. This permit is mandatory for entry.
If you're only staying in Lhasa, the Tibet Travel Permit is enough. However, if you plan to explore other regions like Shigatse (Everest Base Camp) or Ngari (Mount Kailash), you’ll also need an Alien’s Travel Permit and a Military Area Entry Permit.
Important notes:
You cannot apply for the Tibet Travel Permit yourself—it must be arranged through a licensed travel agency. Independent travel is not allowed.
You may need to submit additional documents, such as a work certificate and a health certificate from a doctor confirming you’re physically fit for high-altitude travel (including normal blood pressure and heart condition).
This ensures you can safely adjust to Tibet’s high elevation.
Invitation Letter: If you’re joining a guided tour, a letter from a registered Chinese travel agency is needed.
Identification: A copy of your ID card or driver’s license can be useful for hotel checkins or local transportation.
Emergency Contacts: Have local embassy and friends/relatives details handy in case of emergencies.
3. Can I Visit China Without a Visa?
China offers visafree entry to citizens of 38 countries (e.g., France, Germany, Japan, South Korea) for tourism, business, or transit purposes, allowing stays of up to 30 days.
Eligibility: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, and you must enter China from an approved port of entry.
Documents to Carry: Even with visafree status, present your passport, flight tickets, and accommodation bookings to verify your purpose of visit.
Exclusions: Visafree does not apply to work, study, or journalism.
4. Travel Tips for a China Tour
Digital Preparation: Download the China Travel Guide app for realtime updates on policies, payment methods (e.g., WeChat Pay), and transportation.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, such as queuing and avoiding public displays of affection.
Cash and Payment: Once you arrive in China, you’ll quickly notice that almost every seller—from big shopping malls to small street vendors—has a QR payment code ready. This means you can easily buy anything using just your phone.
If you want to enjoy the convenience of mobile payments in China, we recommend setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip. WeChat Pay is especially user-friendly in 2025, as it has simplified its registration process for foreigners. To link your card, simply enter your Visa or MasterCard details (card number, expiration date, and security code)—no Chinese bank account needed!
While credit cards are widely accepted, carry some RMB for small vendors or rural areas.
Health and Safety: Stay hydrated and use sunscreen, as China’s climate can be harsh.
HighSpeed Trains: China’s rail network is fast, affordable, and punctual. Book tickets via Trip.com or at stations.
RideHailing Apps: Use Didi (China’s Uber) for taxis. Download maps in advance, as Google services are restricted.
Language Barrier: Learn basic Mandarin phrases or use translation apps like Pleco. Most signs in tourist areas include English.
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| Highspeed Train | Car-hailing |
Peking Duck (Beijing): Crispy-skinned duck wrapped in thin pancakes.
Xiaolongbao (Shanghai): Soup-filled dumplings best enjoyed at a local snack street.
Dim Sum (Guangzhou): Savor bitesized delicacies like shrimp dumplings and char siu bao.
Street Food: Be adventurous! Try jianbing (savory crepes) or chuan’r (China‘s barbecue).
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| Peking Duck | Dim Sum | China's Barbecue |
Final Checklist
Before Departure: Confirm visa requirements, update your passport, and purchase travel insurance.
At the Airport: Have documents organized, dress modestly, and be prepared to answer immigration questions about your trip purpose.
In China: Download offline maps, learn basic Mandarin phrases (e.g., “hello” = nǐ hǎo), and use ride-hailing apps like Didi.
By following these guidelines, you’ll navigate China’s entry requirements and cultural norms with confidence. Safe travels!
China’s sheer size and diversity can feel overwhelming, but that’s part of its magic. Embrace spontaneity—chat with locals in a park, sip tea in a hidden hutong courtyard, or lose yourself in a night market’s chaos. Whether you’re tracing the Silk Road or cruising the Yangtze River, every corner reveals a story waiting to be discovered.
Happy travels, and Welcome to China!
