China
China is a vast and diverse country, rich in ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. As the world’s most populous nation and a top travel destination in Asia, it offers an incredible range of experiences — from bustling megacities and historic landmarks to tranquil countryside and natural wonders.
Discover China
This travel guide to China unveils the depth of the country’s 5,000-year-old civilisation, reflected in iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the Terracotta Army in Xi’an. At the same time, China’s modern metropolises like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen offer futuristic skylines, world-class shopping, and cutting-edge technology.
Nature lovers can explore China’s remarkably diverse geography — from the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas in Tibet and the dramatic karst mountains of Guilin to the vast deserts of Xinjiang and the subtropical forests of Yunnan. Each province offers its own distinct cultural identity, cuisine, dialect, and traditions, making every journey across China a unique adventure.
Best things to see and do in China
- Walk along the Great Wall of China, one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
- Visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in Beijing to immerse yourself in imperial history.
- Experience the modern skyline and the historic The Bund in Shanghai.
- Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Take a scenic cruise along the Li River in Guilin and admire the stunning karst landscape.
- Discover the spiritual heart of China in Tibet by visiting Lhasa and the Potala Palace.
- Enjoy traditional performances and local markets in Chengdu, home of the giant panda.
- Explore ancient water towns like Wuzhen or Zhujiajiao.
Travel tips for visiting China
- Visas: Most travellers need a visa to enter China. Check the latest requirements and apply in advance.
- Language: Mandarin is the official language. Learn a few basic phrases or use translation apps to navigate more easily.
- Currency: The Chinese Yuan (CNY) is used throughout the country. Mobile payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted.
- Connectivity: Access to certain websites and apps may be restricted. Consider installing a VPN before your trip.
- Transport: China has an extensive high-speed rail network, making it easy to travel between major cities quickly and affordably.
- Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious or rural areas.
- Seasons: Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather for travel.
Why choose China for your next trip
China offers a travel experience like no other. From its ancient traditions and UNESCO World Heritage sites to its cutting-edge urban centres, this country effortlessly blends past and future. Foodies will fall in love with the regional cuisines, including spicy Sichuan hotpot, delicate Cantonese dim sum, hearty northern noodles, and Beijing’s iconic Peking duck.
The rich cultural heritage — rooted in Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism — is celebrated through vibrant festivals like Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, where ancient customs meet colourful modern interpretations.
Whether you’re trekking through sacred mountains, exploring ancient temples, sampling street food, or soaking up city life, this travel guide to China ensures you won’t miss the highlights. With so much to see and do, China promises an unforgettable adventure for every type of traveller.
Know before you go
CAPITAL: Beijing
LANGUAGE: Mandarin
COUNTRY CODE: CN
ELECTRICITY: 220V, 50Hz
To power any electrical item an international adapter or a three pin plug is required
POPULATION: 1.439 billion
CURRENCY: Yuan Renminbi
DIALLING CODE: +86
TIME ZONE:
GMT/UTC +8 (WT)
GMT/UTC +5 to +9
Safety advice for China
Most visits to China are trouble-free. You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival and foreign nationals over the age of 16 must carry their passport at all times.
China has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. There are severe penalties for drug-related offences including the death penalty. Police often raid bars and nightclubs checking for the use of illicit substances.
Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare, but incidents do occur and less serious crime is not unusual. You should take care of your belongings at major tourist sites and other busy places, particularly where foreigners gather. If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to go to the nearest police station or Public Security Bureau and get a report of the incident.
Avoid travelling in unmarked or unmetered taxis, as there have been incidents of sexual assault and robbery against foreigners. In marked taxis, make sure someone knows where you are and try to take a note of the taxi’s number. Disputes over taxi fares can occur. Insist on paying the metered fare and ask for a receipt; this has the taxi number on it.
There is a risk of attack from armed criminals in remote areas. The areas bordering on Siberia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Laos and Burma are poorly policed. In Yunnan Province, drug smuggling and other crimes are increasing.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in China. Although foreigners haven’t been specifically targeted, attacks may occur in places visited by foreigners. Most attacks take place in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region and, according to the Chinese government, are carried out by Uyghur separatists with possible links to the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).
Information provided by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office www.fco.gov.uk 
Top attractions in China
China in depth
Plan your trip
Make planning your next adventure a breeze! Book with one of our partners for easy, stress-free organising and an unforgettable experience!
Travel Insurance
in partnership with SafetyWing
Protect yourself: Get comprehensive travel medical insurance today!
Find Hotels
in partnership with Booking.com
Find your next hotel stay. Search low prices on hotels, and much more…
Find Hostels
in partnership with Hostelworld
Book a bed from over 36,000 properties across 178 countries.
Find Tours
in partnership with G Adventures
Never be bored again! Search 1000s of tours and activities from around the world.
Car Hire
in partnership with Rentcars.com
Compare the best car rental deals from all major car hire companies.
Just a heads up: all links here are affiliate links, which means they’ll take you to our partner websites. If you make a purchase through them, anothertravel.com earns a small commission that helps keep the site running. Thanks for your support!