- Visa policy has expanded significantly: 72/144-hour transit visa-free for many nationalities at major airports; 15-day visa-free for EU, US, UK, Canadian, and Australian nationals (since 2024)
- Excellent value: one of the world's best quality-to-price ratios for transport (high-speed rail), food, and accommodation
- VPN essential: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and most Western apps are blocked — download a reliable VPN before arriving
- High-speed rail (CRH) connects Beijing–Shanghai in 4h20 and Beijing–Xi'an in 4h30 — far more convenient than flying for most intercity journeys
China is the world's oldest continuous civilisation and its most ambitious emerging economy — a combination that produces an experience unlike any other. Beijing's Forbidden City, the Great Wall at Mutianyu, and the Temple of Heaven represent the imperial tradition. Shanghai is a futurist city of glass towers beside Art Deco Bund facades. Xi'an's Terracotta Army is among the world's great archaeological discoveries. Guilin's karst mountains and Li River are the landscape that defined China in Western imagination. Yunnan's Lijiang and Dali offer minority cultures and mountain vistas. Connecting it all is the world's most extensive high-speed rail network — 40,000km of track that moves between cities at 350km/h.
Cost of Living
China is excellent value for Western visitors. A local restaurant meal for two (Chinese restaurant, not tourist area): CNY 60–150 (€8–21). High-speed train Beijing–Shanghai: CNY 550–930 (€76–129) for second class, booked in advance. Mid-range hotels in Beijing or Shanghai: CNY 400–900/night (€55–125). Luxury hotels (Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula): CNY 2,000–5,000/night (€278–694). Street food dumplings (baozi, jiaozi): CNY 5–15 (€0.70–2.10). Budget travellers can manage €40–65/day; comfortable travel €90–160/day.
Housing
Beijing mid-range hotels in the Dongcheng or Xicheng districts (near the Forbidden City): CNY 400–800/night (€55–111). Traditional courtyard guesthouses (siheyuan hutong hotels): CNY 600–1,500/night (€83–208). Shanghai's boutique hotels in the French Concession: CNY 500–1,200/night (€69–166); Bund-view luxury hotels from CNY 2,000+. Xi'an: good mid-range hotels near the Muslim Quarter from CNY 300–600/night (€42–83). Guilin: guesthouses on the Li River from CNY 200–500/night (€28–69). Chinese hotel chains (Hanting, Ji, Atour) offer reliable budget options at CNY 200–400/night nationwide.
Visa & Entry
China's visa policy has changed significantly since 2023. From 2024, citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and several other countries can enter China visa-free for 15 days for tourism. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian nationals must still apply for a tourist visa (L visa) from a Chinese embassy or via the e-Visa system at visaforchina.cn — processing takes 4–7 working days, costs USD 140–185 depending on nationality, and requires an itinerary and hotel bookings. The 72/144-hour transit visa exemption is available for many nationalities transiting through Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou airports. Check current requirements at cs.mfa.gov.cn — policy is evolving rapidly.
Expat Life
Shanghai has the largest Western expat community in China, concentrated in the French Concession, Jing'an, and Pudong. Beijing's expat community is significant around Sanlitun and Shunyi. English is spoken in international schools, multinational company environments, and tourist areas — not widely outside these contexts. China's work visa system is complex; the Z visa for employment and the talent visa categories require employer sponsorship or qualification-based applications.
China suits travellers committed to engaging with a genuinely different civilisation — language barrier, app restrictions, and unfamiliar systems are real but manageable. It's ideal for history and archaeology lovers (Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, Silk Road heritage), high-speed rail enthusiasts, food explorers who want Sichuan, Cantonese, Shanghainese, and Xinjiang cuisines at source, and long-haul travellers building a China-only 3–4 week itinerary.
The Great Firewall of China blocks most Western internet services — plan your digital life around this before arriving. WeChat and Alipay are essential for daily transactions; set them up in advance. China's security apparatus monitors foreigners' activities in sensitive areas (near Xinjiang, Tibet, and military sites) — be aware and respectful of local regulations. Humidity and heat in coastal cities in July–August (35–38°C, very humid) can be oppressive.
Practical Tips
- Install a VPN before entering China — once inside, downloading VPN apps is extremely difficult due to the Great Firewall. Reliable paid VPNs: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Astrill. Free VPNs generally don't work. Google Maps, Gmail, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked inside China — download offline maps on Maps.me or Apple Maps before arrival.
- WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant payment systems in China — cash is rarely accepted in modern cities and card payments are limited. Set up Alipay International or link your WeChat to a foreign card before or on arrival. Without mobile payment, navigating modern Chinese cities is difficult.
- Book CRH high-speed trains on the 12306 official app (download it and use the WeChat Mini Program version which accepts foreign cards) or via train.com.cn for English-language booking. Tickets go on sale 30 days ahead. Real-name registration required — your passport details must match the ticket exactly.
- The Great Wall is accessible from Beijing via multiple sites — Mutianyu (1.5h by bus, less crowded, has a toboggan run) is better than Badaling (heavily touristic). Jinshanling and Simatai offer the most dramatic wild wall sections. Book through the official Great Wall ticket apps.
- The language barrier is significant — Mandarin Chinese is essential outside tourist sites and international hotels. Download the Google Translate app offline (Chinese Simplified pack) or use the Pleco dictionary. Most Chinese signage in tourist areas is bilingual.
- Air pollution in Beijing, Shanghai, and industrial cities can be severe — check AQI (Air Quality Index) daily on the IQAir or AirVisual app. On high-pollution days (AQI >150), N95 masks are advisable for outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for China?
It depends on your nationality. Since 2024, many EU nationalities (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and others) can enter visa-free for 15 days. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian nationals currently still require a tourist visa (L visa) — apply via visaforchina.cn or at a Chinese embassy. Policy is evolving rapidly — check cs.mfa.gov.cn before travel. The 72/144-hour transit exemption applies at Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou airports for many nationalities.
When is the best time to visit China?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best seasons: mild temperatures, clear skies, and manageable crowds. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid on the east coast; Yunnan and Sichuan are better summer options. Winter (November–February) is cold in Beijing and Xi'an but cheaper and quieter; Shanghai is mild. Avoid Chinese New Year (January–February) for intercity travel — trains and hotels book out months ahead.
How do I pay for things in China?
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the dominant payment systems — even market vendors and small restaurants rarely accept cash or cards. Set up Alipay International (available on the App Store/Play Store outside China) linked to a Visa/Mastercard before travel. WeChat Pay also works for foreigners with a linked foreign card. Keep CNY 500–1,000 in cash for rural areas and situations where mobile payment isn't available.
Is China safe for tourists?
China is very safe for tourists in terms of personal security — violent crime is rare and petty theft is uncommon compared to many destinations. The main practical challenge is navigating the system: language barrier, Great Firewall, and unfamiliar payment systems require preparation. Emergency number: 110 (police), 120 (medical).
Official Resources
Updated 2026-04-12