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China
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✈️ Travel Guide

China

Ancient Empire, Modern Marvel

Capital
Beijing
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Language
Mandarin
Best Time
Apr–May and Sep–Oct
Time Zone
CST (UTC+8)
Flag of China
👋 Overview

Welcome to China

Welcome to China, a country where five thousand years of history meet some of the most dazzling modern skylines on Earth. The Great Wall winds across mountains and plains for thousands of miles, a monumental testament to ancient engineering and ambition. Beijing's Forbidden City reveals the grandeur of imperial dynasties, while Shanghai's futuristic skyline embodies China's rapid modern transformation. The karst landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo rise dramatically from the Li River, among the most photographed scenery in Asia.

Xi'an's Terracotta Army offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into the tomb of China's first emperor. From the Himalayan reaches of Tibet to the subtropical rice terraces of Yunnan, China's landscapes are staggeringly diverse. Ancient temples, bustling night markets, and high-speed trains connect a nation both deeply traditional and boldly modern. China invites travelers to explore a civilization of remarkable depth, scale, and beauty.

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📍 Where to go

Popular Cities

01

Beijing

Beijing’s Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was the imperial palace for nearly five centuries of Chinese emperors, its vast courtyards and golden-roofed halls representing the pinnacle of traditional Chinese architecture. Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, sits just outside its southern gate.

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The Great Wall, easily reached from Beijing at sections like Mutianyu or Badaling, offers one of the most extraordinary feats of engineering in human history, winding across mountain ridges for thousands of kilometers. The Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, showcases a striking circular design surrounded by manicured gardens. Beijing’s hutong alleyways, best explored by rickshaw or on foot, preserve a traditional courtyard-house neighborhood increasingly rare amid the city’s modern development. Beijing’s depth of imperial history makes it essential for understanding China’s past and present.

02

Shanghai

Shanghai’s Bund waterfront offers a striking contrast between colonial-era European buildings on one bank and the futuristic Pudong skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, on the other. Yuyuan Garden, a classical Ming dynasty garden, provides a tranquil escape amid the surrounding bazaar’s crowds and shops.

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The former French Concession’s tree-lined streets, lined with Art Deco buildings and boutique shops, offer a slower-paced counterpoint to the city’s relentless modern energy. Shanghai Museum houses an outstanding collection of Chinese bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy spanning thousands of years. Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, stretches for kilometers through the heart of the city. Shanghai’s blend of colonial history and futuristic ambition make it China’s most cosmopolitan city.

03

Guangzhou

Guangzhou, one of China’s oldest trading ports, offers Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, an elaborately decorated Qing dynasty building showcasing intricate wood and stone carving. Shamian Island, a former foreign concession, preserves colonial-era European architecture amid tree-lined streets along the Pearl River.

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The city’s Cantonese cuisine, considered by many the foundation of Chinese cooking globally, can be sampled at both humble dim sum parlors and elaborate restaurants throughout the city. Guangzhou’s role as a historic Silk Road maritime trading hub gave it centuries of exposure to foreign goods and ideas before other Chinese cities opened to the world. The Canton Tower offers panoramic views over the Pearl River and the city’s rapidly modernizing skyline. Guangzhou’s deep trading history and celebrated cuisine make it one of China’s most rewarding cities to explore.

🍴 On the menu

Local Food to Try

Discover some of China's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a signature China specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Xiaolongbao

This popular China dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Mapo Tofu

A well-loved part of China cuisine, Mapo Tofu reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Hot Pot

Hot Pot is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of China.

Jiaozi

Visitors often seek out Jiaozi for an authentic taste of China's everyday cooking and food culture.

Char Siu

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in China.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is widely recognized in China and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Dan Dan Noodles

A memorable choice for travelers, Dan Dan Noodles offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across China.

Mooncakes

This classic food is an important part of China's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

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💡 Did you know?

Little-Known Facts

1

China is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations and has contributed inventions that transformed global history, including paper, printing, gunpowder, and the magnetic compass. Its immense landscape includes deserts, tropical forests, high plateaus, fertile river valleys, and some of the planet’s tallest mountains. The Grand Canal, begun in ancient times and expanded by successive dynasties, remains the world’s longest human-made waterway, linking northern and southern China across more than 1,000 miles.

2

The Great Wall is not a single uninterrupted wall but a vast network of fortifications built, rebuilt, and connected over many centuries. Contrary to popular legend, it is generally not visible from the Moon with the unaided eye. China is also home to the giant panda, whose specialized diet consists almost entirely of bamboo despite belonging to the order of carnivores. In Sichuan, panda mothers often give birth to twins but may raise only one cub without human assistance.

3

China’s written language uses thousands of characters, allowing people who speak very different Chinese languages or dialects to share a common writing system. The country also developed intricate traditions of tea cultivation, silk production, porcelain, calligraphy, landscape painting, and medicine. In the Zhangye region, mineral layers have created brilliantly striped mountains, while the stone forests of Yunnan resemble immense landscapes of jagged limestone towers.

🧳 Before & during your trip

Travel Tips

Tap a topic to open it.

Before You Go
  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Money & Payments
  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.
Stay Connected
  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.
Transportation
  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.
Electricity
  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.
Weather & Clothing
  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.
Food & Water
  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.
Safety
  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.
Language & Etiquette
  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.
Emergency Planning
  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.
Smart Packing
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.
Local Research
  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.

Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

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