From the Great Wall and the Forbidden City to the karst peaks of Guilin, the Terracotta Army, and the neon skyline of Shanghai, China is one of the most rewarding countries in the world to explore. It is also one of the most different, from its payment apps to its blocked websites, so a little preparation goes a long way. This China travel guide covers the best time to visit, top destinations, hidden gems, bucket list experiences, and the practical tips you need before you go.
Best Time to Visit China
- Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October): The best seasons for most of the country, with mild temperatures and clear skies.
- Summer (June to August): Hot and humid in much of the country, with rain in the south. A good time for the mountains, Tibet, and northern areas.
- Winter (December to February): Cold in the north, with ice festivals in Harbin, but milder in the south. Fewer crowds at major sights.
Avoid traveling during Chinese New Year (January or February) and Golden Week (the first week of October) if you can. Hundreds of millions of people travel, trains sell out, and attractions are packed.
Top Places to Visit in China
The Great Wall
The Great Wall stretches across northern China, built and rebuilt over more than 2,000 years. Near Beijing, Mutianyu is well restored, family-friendly, and has a cable car, while Jinshanling offers dramatic views with fewer crowds. Experienced hikers can explore wilder sections such as Jiankou with a guide.
Beijing
- The Forbidden City: The largest imperial palace complex in the world. Book tickets online in advance with your passport, as they sell out.
- The Temple of Heaven: Where emperors prayed for good harvests, surrounded by a park full of locals doing tai chi.
- Tiananmen Square: One of the largest public squares in the world. Expect security checks and bring your passport.
- The Summer Palace: Lakeside imperial gardens with pavilions, bridges, and a long painted corridor.
- The hutongs: Explore Beijing's traditional alleyways by foot or bicycle.
Xi'an
- The Terracotta Army: Thousands of life-size clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China's first emperor.
- The City Wall: Rent a bicycle and ride along the top of one of China's best-preserved ancient walls.
- The Muslim Quarter: Lively streets full of food stalls and the historic Great Mosque.
- The Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Shaanxi History Museum.
Shanghai
- Walk the Bund for views of historic buildings on one side and the Pudong skyline on the other.
- Explore Yu Garden and the Old Town.
- Ride up the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
- Cruise the Huangpu River at night.
- Visit the Shanghai Museum for Chinese art and ceramics.
Guilin and Yangshuo
Take a boat or bamboo raft along the Li River past towering limestone peaks, then cycle through the countryside around Yangshuo. Nearby, the Longji rice terraces are spectacular in spring and autumn.
Huangshan (the Yellow Mountains)
Granite peaks, twisted pines, and seas of clouds make Huangshan one of China's most beautiful mountains. Stay overnight on the mountain to see the sunrise, and use the cable cars to save energy for the trails.
Hidden Gems in China
- Jiuzhaigou Valley: Turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and snowy peaks in Sichuan.
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Towering sandstone pillars that look like floating mountains.
- The Mogao Caves: Buddhist cave art in the desert near Dunhuang, on the ancient Silk Road.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the world's deepest gorges, with a famous hiking trail in Yunnan.
- Gulangyu Island: A car-free island off Xiamen with colonial-era villas and gardens.
China Bucket List Experiences
- Cruise the Li River through karst landscapes.
- Explore the canal town of Wuzhen.
- Watch kung fu at the Shaolin Temple.
- Taste Longjing tea at a plantation near Hangzhou's West Lake.
- See giant pandas at the research base in Chengdu, then try Sichuan hotpot.
- See Peking opera in Beijing or an acrobatics show in Shanghai.
- Join locals for tai chi in a park at sunrise.
- Ride a high-speed train at over 300 km/h.
China Travel Tips
- Visas: China has expanded visa-free entry for many nationalities, and many travelers can use visa-free transit for short stays when traveling on to a third country. Others need a visa in advance. Rules change frequently, so check the latest requirements for your passport.
- Payments: China is almost cashless. Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with your foreign card before you go, and carry some cash as a backup.
- Language: Mandarin is the official language. English is limited outside major hotels and tourist sites, so download a translation app with offline Chinese.
- Getting around: High-speed trains connect most major cities. Book on the official China Railway 12306 app, which has an English version, and bring your passport to board. Use the metro and the Didi ride-hailing app in cities.
- Plugs: China uses 220 V, with type A, C, and I sockets.
- Internet: Many foreign services, including Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram, are blocked on mainland networks. Read our guide to which apps work in China before you go.
Stay Connected in China
In China, your phone is your wallet, your taxi, and your translator. An egoViet China eSIM installs before you fly and connects on the China Unicom network as soon as you land. Visiting Hong Kong, Macau, or more of Asia? See our China eSIM guide for regional options.
FAQs: China Travel Guide
What is the best month to visit China?
April, May, September, and October offer the most pleasant weather for most of the country. Avoid the Golden Week holiday in early October.
How many days do you need in China?
Ten days to two weeks lets you see Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, or add Guilin. With one week, focus on Beijing and Shanghai.
Can I use my credit card in China?
Cards are accepted in large hotels and some shops, but most payments are made with Alipay and WeChat Pay. Both now let you link a foreign card.
Do I need a visa for China?
It depends on your nationality. Many travelers can now visit visa-free or use visa-free transit, but others need a visa. Check the latest rules before booking.