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China

Best time: Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct
Safety Level 2
Big CitiesHistoric

OVERVIEW

Great Wall, megacities, and diverse regional cuisines. As part of East Asia in Asia, China suits travelers drawn to big cities and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

WHEN TO GO

Recommended window: Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct

April through June and September through October offer the best balance for China's megacities, Great Wall sections, and Guilin karst landscapes, with comfortable temperatures and clearer skies than summer haze. Autumn foliage in Beijing and Sichuan peaks in October, while spring cherry blossoms line Shanghai and Wuhan boulevards.

Typical weather

  • Beijing

    Apr-Jun/Sep-Oct
    • highs 18-28°C (64-82°F)
    • lows 8-16°C (46-61°F)
    • 30-60 mm rain

  • Shanghai

    • highs 20-27°C (68-81°F)
    • humid

  • Chengdu

    • highs 22-28°C (72-82°F)
    • overcast

  • Tibet/Lhasa

    • highs 12-20°C (54-68°F)
    • strong UV
  • Golden Week (early Oct) and Labor Day (early May) bring domestic travel surges.
  • Jul-Aug is hot and rainy in the south; Harbin and Inner Mongolia are cooler escapes.
  • Jan-Feb suits Harbin ice festival but is bitterly cold in the north.
  • Xinjiang and Gansu deserts swing sharply between hot days and cold nights year-round.

SEASONAL TRAVEL COSTS

Flight, hotel, and tour prices in China shift with demand, holidays, and weather. These windows usually mark the biggest savings and the steepest premiums.

Most affordable

Nov – Feb

Winter outside Chinese New Year delivers China's best hotel and flight value when domestic tourism shifts to ski resorts and international visitor numbers drop at major sights. November and early December especially see low rates before holiday surge.

  • Beijing and Shanghai hotels discount 30-40% outside Golden Week and CNY.
  • Great Wall and Xi'an tour groups thinner with lower guide rates.
  • Guilin and Yangshuo river cruises offer winter promotions.
  • International airfares to China often lowest Nov-early Dec.

Most expensive

Oct

Golden Week early October creates China's most expensive travel period when hundreds of millions of domestic travelers flood tourist sites and transport. National Day week hotel rates at major destinations reach multiples of normal.

  • Golden Week (Oct 1-7) Forbidden City and Great Wall access severely limited.
  • Hotel rates in Guilin, Chengdu, and Zhangjiajie spike sharply.
  • High-speed rail tickets sell out weeks ahead at peak fares.
  • Labor Day (early May) is second-priciest domestic travel surge.

BEST KNOWN FOR

Beijing

Capital

Imperial palaces, hutong alleyways, and high-speed rail links to the Great Wall make Beijing the historic heart of most first trips.

  • Great Wall snaking across northern ridgelines
  • Terracotta Army warriors guarding Xi'an
  • Guilin karst peaks along the Li River
  • Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven in Beijing
  • Regional cuisines from Sichuan spice to Cantonese dim sum

TOURIST HOT SPOTS

The regions and landmarks travelers visit most in China, with typical visit times, booking windows, and links to official tickets.

Beijing

4 highlights

  • Great Wall at Mutianyu

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Many are free outdoors; timed entry sites need 1-2 weeks notice in summer.

    Find official tickets

  • Forbidden City

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Temple of Heaven

    Typical visit: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

    Book ahead: Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.

    Find official tickets

  • Summer Palace

    Typical visit: 2-3 hours

    Book ahead: Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.

    Find official tickets

Shanghai

4 highlights

  • The Bund

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Yu Garden

    Typical visit: 2-3 hours

    Book ahead: Buy day tickets on-site or online 3-7 days ahead on busy weekends.

    Find official tickets

  • Shanghai Tower

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Same-day tickets often available; book 3-7 days ahead on weekends.

    Find official tickets

  • Nanjing Road

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

Xi'an

4 highlights

  • Terracotta Army

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Ancient City Wall

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Many are free outdoors; timed entry sites need 1-2 weeks notice in summer.

    Find official tickets

  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Muslim Quarter

    Typical visit: 1-3 hours

    Book ahead: No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.

    Find official tickets

Guilin

4 highlights

  • Li River

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Reed Flute Cave

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Elephant Trunk Hill

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Longji Rice Terraces

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

PHRASES TO GET AROUND

Ten useful Chinese (Mandarin) phrases with pronunciation guides and English translations. Save or screenshot this list before you go.

Chinese (Mandarin)

  • Please

    请

    Pronunciation: Qǐng

  • Thank you

    谢谢

    Pronunciation: Xièxie

  • Yes

    是

    Pronunciation: Shì

  • No

    不

    Pronunciation: Bù

  • How much?

    多少钱?

    Pronunciation: Duōshao qián?

  • Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?

    最近的餐厅或酒吧在哪里?

    Pronunciation: Zuìjìn de cāntīng huò jiǔbā zài nǎlǐ?

  • Where is the airport?

    机场在哪里?

    Pronunciation: Jīchǎng zài nǎlǐ?

  • I need help

    我需要帮助

    Pronunciation: Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù

  • I need a hospital

    我需要去医院

    Pronunciation: Wǒ xūyào qù yīyuàn

  • Call the police

    请叫警察

    Pronunciation: Qǐng jiào jǐngchá

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE

China combines deep tradition with fast modern urban life. Face, hierarchy, and patience in crowds matter. WeChat Pay dominates daily commerce; cash and card backup helps visitors. Regional diversity is enormous between Beijing, Shanghai, and western provinces.

Local customs

  • Business cards are presented and received with both hands.
  • Toasting at meals follows host lead; tap table instead of clinking if preferred.
  • Queuing is improving but still loose in busy transit hubs.

Do

  • Use DiDi or official taxi queues rather than illegal solicitations at airports.
  • Carry passport for hotel registration and train ticket checks.
  • Learn ni hao and xiexie for basic courtesy.
  • Use VPN awareness; many US apps require alternatives locally.
  • Respect photography bans in temples, museums, and Tiananmen-adjacent sites.

Do not

  • Do not discuss Taiwan, Tibet, or Xinjiang provocatively in public.
  • Do not fly drones in cities without registration; rules are strict.
  • Do not tip in many local restaurants; it can confuse staff.
  • Do not touch Buddha statues or monks without permission.
  • Do not expect Google, Instagram, or WhatsApp without workarounds.

AIRPORTS

Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are major international hubs with extensive domestic networks.

  • Beijing Capital International Airport

    PEK

    Beijing

    From city center: 32 km (20 mi) northeast of central Beijing

    Getting in: Airport express reaches Dongzhimen in about 20 minutes

  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    PVG

    Shanghai

    From city center: 45 km (28 mi) east of central Shanghai

    Getting in: Maglev and metro line 2 reach the city

  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

    CAN

    Guangzhou

    From city center: 28 km (17 mi) north of central Guangzhou

    Getting in: Metro line 3 connects to downtown

GETTING AROUND

Chinese cities rely on CR high-speed rail, metro systems, and BRT; DiDi is the dominant ride-hailing app.

Trains

China Railway

High-speed and conventional rail nationwide.

Tickets & use: Book at 12306.cn, stations, or travel apps.

Visit China Railway

Subways & metro

Beijing Subway

Extensive metro across Beijing districts.

Tickets & use: Use Yikatong card or single-journey tickets.

Visit Beijing Subway

Shanghai Metro

One of the world's largest metro networks.

Tickets & use: Use Shanghai Public Transportation Card.

Visit Shanghai Metro

Buses & public transit

Guangzhou Bus

Public transit

City buses complement metro lines in Guangzhou.

Tickets & use: Pay with transit card or mobile QR codes.

Visit Guangzhou Bus

Ride share & taxi apps

DiDi

Taxi app

Dominant ride-hailing app across Chinese cities.

Tickets & use: Book and pay through DiDi app with WeChat or Alipay.

Visit DiDi

PRACTICAL TIPS

Before you book, read our Safety travel tips. That guide explains how to read U.S. State Department advisories (including Level 2 for China), register for STEP alerts, get embassy help abroad, and what to do if family at home cannot reach you.

  • Set up mobile payment or carry sufficient cash because many small shops and taxis still prefer WeChat Pay or Alipay.
  • Download a VPN before arrival if you need access to Google, WhatsApp, or other blocked services during your trip.
  • Book high-speed rail tickets on Trip.com or at station counters early for Golden Week and Spring Festival travel.

MOVING OR STAYING LONGER

Visa rules and money basics for U.S. citizens thinking about a longer stay in China. Confirm current requirements with official immigration and consular sources before you move.

Visa & residence

U.S. citizens need a visa before travel for tourism, business, or transit unless a specific bilateral exemption applies; tourist visas typically allow 30 to 90 days per entry. Work visas, family reunion visas, and permanent residence require employer or family sponsorship and police and health documentation. China adjusts visa-free transit and tourist policies periodically, so confirm requirements with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.

Official sources

Currency

Chinese yuan (CNY · ¥)

Carry some chinese yuan in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

Convert USD to CNY

POPULAR ITINERARIES

Five ready-made day-by-day routes through China: classic highlights, beaches, countryside, and top monuments. Mix and match segments to fit your schedule.

5 daysBest for: Weekend warriors and short trips

China Highlights Express

Beijing · Shanghai · Xi'an

  • Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

    Land in Beijing, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your China trip.

  • Day 2: Explore Shanghai

    Dedicate the day to Shanghai: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 3: Xi'an and farewell

    Spend your final day in Xi'an visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.

Full day discovering BeijingFull day discovering ShanghaiFull day discovering Xi'an

Sample route for China. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

7 daysBest for: Urban explorers and culture fans

Classic China

Beijing · Shanghai · Xi'an · Guilin

  • Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

    Land in Beijing, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your China trip.

  • Day 2: Explore Shanghai

    Dedicate the day to Shanghai: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 3: Explore Xi'an

    Dedicate the day to Xi'an: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 4: Guilin and farewell

    Spend your final day in Guilin visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.

Cover Beijing and ShanghaiExplore Xi'anExplore Guilin

Sample route for China. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

5 daysBest for: Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips

China Beaches & Coast

Beijing · Shanghai · Xi'an

  • Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

    Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Beijing.

  • Day 2: Shanghai coast

    Spend the day on Shanghai's shoreline: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.

  • Day 3: Xi'an and farewell

    Enjoy a final beach morning in Xi'an, visiting Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda before you depart China.

Coastal day in BeijingCoastal day in ShanghaiCoastal day in Xi'an

Sample route for China. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

7 daysBest for: Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel

China Countryside

Beijing · Shanghai · Xi'an · Guilin

  • Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

    Reach Beijing, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.

  • Day 2: Shanghai countryside

    Explore Shanghai at an easy pace: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.

  • Day 3: Xi'an countryside

    Explore Xi'an at an easy pace: Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.

  • Day 4: Guilin and farewell

    Wrap up with a slow morning in Guilin, stopping at Li River, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill before heading home.

Rural stop: BeijingRural stop: ShanghaiRural stop: Xi'an

Sample route for China. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

5 daysBest for: Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters

China Monuments & Hot Spots

Beijing · Xi'an · Shanghai

  • Day 1: Icons of Beijing

    Start in Beijing with Great Wall at Mutianyu, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.

  • Day 2: Xi'an monuments

    Focus on Xi'an's tourist favorites: Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda with breaks for local food between sights.

  • Day 3: Shanghai landmarks and farewell

    Catch any remaining must-sees in Shanghai, including The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, before your departure.

Must-see: Great Wall at MutianyuMust-see: Forbidden CityMust-see: Terracotta Army

Sample route for China. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.