China travel guide 2026
Prices, flights, hotels, visa and when to go, from Around the World
You need a VPN installed before you land (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram are blocked), and payment is Alipay/WeChat — link a foreign card in advance because cash has nearly vanished. The high-speed trains are excellent, the visa is required ahead, and the distances are enormous.

Everything we have on China, in one place
- China visaDo you need a visa, how long you can stay, how to apply
- China weatherWhen to visit, month-by-month temperature and rain
- Public holidays in ChinaWhen sites and offices close, and how it hits prices
- Currency & payments1 CNY = 0.4423 ₪
- China language & phrasebookMandarin Chinese — key phrases with transliteration
Every service in China — in one place
Pick a service and compare every leading provider. Links are affiliate links — the price is the same for you.
Check flight prices to China, every airline at once.
Compare & book in China
Rates in China shift daily. See what your night costs now.
Tickets for attractions in China, booking ahead skips the queue.
Land in China already connected, pick an eSIM before you fly.
Cities in China · 152
A separate guide for every city — prices, transport, what to see.
BeijingCity guide · ChinaCity guide ›
ChengduCity guide · ChinaCity guide ›137 more cities in China
When is the best time to visit China
Right now in China: 22°, Partly cloudy
- January-4°0 mm
- February-1°0 mm
- March5°0 mm
- April13°30 mm
- May21°31 mmBest
- June26°90 mm
- July27°186 mm
- August25°155 mm
- September20°60 mm
- October13°31 mm
- November4°0 mm
- December-3°0 mm
Monthly average temperature and rain in China (1991–2020 climate, Open-Meteo).
Before you land in China
- Power & plugs220V / 50Hz, socket type A, C, I. Bring a plug adapter. get a universal adapter →
- Tap waterDon't drink the tap water. Use sealed bottled water, a filter or boiling — and in some places even for brushing teeth. Avoid ice and drinks topped up with tap water.
- Emergency numbersPolice: 110 · Ambulance: 120 · Fire: 119 Also save your embassy's emergency line.
Reviews — trips to China
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Answers to your questions
What is the best time to visit China?
The best time depends on your interests; spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while winter is good for festivals like Harbin Ice Festival.
What are the entry and visa requirements for China?
Most travelers need a visa obtained before arrival, but some nationalities have visa-free or simplified entry; check current rules as they can change.
How many days should I plan for a China trip?
A short trip can focus on one city in 3-4 days, a week allows two regions, and 10-14 days or more lets you explore multiple areas.
Is nightlife vibrant in China?
Major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu have lively nightlife scenes with bars, clubs, and live music, but offerings vary by city.
What kind of food can I expect?
Regional cuisines vary widely, from Peking duck in the north to dim sum in the south; street food is abundant and affordable.
How do I get around within China?
High-speed rail connects cities efficiently; metros serve urban areas; ride-hailing apps like DiDi are common for taxis.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
They are accepted in major cities and hotels but less so in rural areas; carrying cash is advisable.
What should I know about internet access?
Many international websites are blocked; using a VPN is common for accessing global services.
Nearby countries
About this page
Written and checked by the Around the World team. We compare prices across the major providers, cross-check official sources, and update when something changes. We have no stake in any one provider — links are affiliate links, and the price is the same for you.