EXPLORE CHINA
Your Comprehensive Destination Guide
At a Glance
Total area: 9.6 million sq. km (3.7 million sq. mi)—the 4th largest country in the world.
Capital: Beijing
Religion: Officially atheist; common beliefs include Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, and folk religions.
Population: 1.4+ billion (the world’s most populous country)
Language: Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua)
Other Languages Spoken: Cantonese, Shanghainese, Hokkien, Tibetan, Uyghur, and dozens of regional dialects.
Currency: Renminbi (RMB or ¥), also called Yuan (CNY)
Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Telephone/Communication: China Standard Time (UTC +8), Country Code: +86, Emergency Numbers: Police: 110 | Fire: 119 | Ambulance: 120
Climate: It ranges from tropical in the south to subarctic in the north. Summers are hot and humid, and winters vary widely.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–May): Ideal for city travel and flowers in bloom.
Autumn (September–October): Perfect weather and fewer crowds.
Avoid: National holidays like Golden Week (Oct 1–7) due to high travel volume.
VAT Refund in China for Tourists
Great news for shoppers! Foreign travelers in China can get a refund on VAT (Value-Added Tax) for eligible purchases made at participating stores.
How It Works:
Minimum Spend: 500 RMB (approx. USD 70) at one store daily.
Where to Shop: Look for stores with a “Tax-Free” or “VAT Refund” sign.
What You Need: Your passport, VAT refund form, and unused items to present at the airport.
Where to Claim: At the airport VAT refund desk when you depart China (within 90 days of purchase).
Refund Amount: Up to 11% of your purchase, minus a small processing fee.
Tip: Plan your airport arrival with extra time to process the refund if you’ve done a lot of shopping!
Travel Requirements
As of June 2025, U.S. citizens planning to travel to China should be aware of the following entry requirements and considerations:
Visa Requirements
Tourist Visa (L Visa): U.S. travelers must obtain a tourist visa before entering mainland China. The application process has been simplified. As of January 1, 2024, applicants are no longer required to provide proof of round-trip tickets, hotel reservations, or detailed itineraries.
Visa Validity: Tourist visas typically allow multiple entries over 10 years, and permit stays up to 30 days per visit.
Passport Requirements: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond
Visa-Free Transit Options
10-Day Visa-Free Transit: U.S. citizens transiting through China to a third country may be eligible for a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free stay. This policy applies at 60 designated ports across 24 provinces.
Eligibility Criteria: Travelers must present a valid passport, confirmed onward tickets to a third country, and meet other specific requirements.
U.S. State Department Advisory: The travel advisory for China is at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Travelers should know the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and potential wrongful detentions.
Mandatory Registration: All foreign nationals staying in China for more than 24 hours must register their accommodation with local public security authorities. Hotels typically handle this automatically, but if staying in a private residence, travelers must register in person within 24 hours of arrival in urban areas or 72 hours in rural areas.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the U.S. Department of State’s China Travel Information and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States.
Getting there from the US
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Major Gateways: Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Hong Kong (HKG), Chengdu (CTU)
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Flight Duration: ~13–16 hours from Los Angeles or New York
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Airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, United, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific
Travel Safety Tips
As of June 2025, travelers to China should be aware of the following health advisories and recommendations:
Health and Safety Considerations-Disease Risks & Vaccinations
Routine Vaccinations: Ensure you are up to date on routine childhood vaccinations, including diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and varicella (chickenpox). These are essential for protection against common infectious diseases. No mandatory vaccines exist, but hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies are recommended. Measles: Due to rising global cases, the CDC advises all international travelers to vaccinate fully against measles with the MMR vaccine.
Influenza: China recommends the Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. Travelers should receive the seasonal flu shot before departure.
COVID-19: While no specific entry requirements are currently in place, it is advised to stay current with COVID-19 vaccinations.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for China: “Exercise Increased Caution.” This is due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including those related to exit bans.
Medical Facilities: Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have hospitals with international standards. However, medical facilities may be limited in rural areas.
Medication: Carry an adequate supply of prescription medications and a copy of your prescription. Some medicines may not be readily available in China.
For current information, you can go ahead and consult the CDC’s Travelers’ Health page and the U.S. Department of State’s China Travel Advisory.
Before You Go:
General Safety
- China is generally safe for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty theft, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas (especially markets, buses, and tourist sites), so keep your belongings close.
Legal & Security Tips
- Please be sure to carry your passport (or a copy) at all times. Police may ask for ID checks, especially in cities.
Respect local laws
- China enforces its laws strictly. Avoid protests, don’t photograph military or government buildings, and avoid political discussions in public or online.
- Avoid using VPNs that are not government-approved, as they are technically illegal.
Digital Safety & Internet
- The Internet is restricted (e.g., Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked). Before arriving, download apps like WeChat, Baidu Maps, or Didi (Chinese Uber).
- Use a local SIM card or eSIM for secure and cost-effective data access.
Cybersecurity
- Use a travel router or VPN cautiously (check local laws), and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks.
Health & Hygiene
- Tap water is not drinkable. Always drink bottled or boiled water.
- Carry hand sanitizer, especially when using public toilets or eating street food.
- Bring your medications (in original packaging), as over-the-counter medicines may differ.
- China has modern hospitals in large cities, but rural care can be limited—consider travel insurance that covers evacuation.
Transportation Safety
- Subways and high-speed trains are safe and efficient.
- Taxis are safe but make sure they use a meter. Avoid unlicensed taxis.
- Traffic rules are not always followed, especially by scooters and bikes. Be alert when crossing streets.
Cultural Awareness
- Avoid political or sensitive topics, especially anything related to Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong protests, or the Communist Party.
- Dress modestly at religious or traditional sites.
- Public displays of affection are discouraged in rural or conservative areas.
Extra Tips
- WeChat is essential: locals use it for messaging, paying bills, food delivery, and ride-hailing.
- Carry cash or have Alipay/WeChat Pay ready—some places still don’t accept foreign cards.
- Use hotel business cards in Chinese to show taxi drivers if you don’t speak the language.
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases—it goes a long way, especially outside major cities.
Fun Facts!
It’s Home to the World’s Oldest Continuous Civilization. China’s written history goes back over 3,000 years, making it one of the world’s oldest civilizations that is still thriving today.The Dragon is a Symbol of Power. Unlike in Western mythology, where dragons are feared, the Chinese dragon symbolizes strength, wisdom, and good fortune—often associated with the emperor.
The Great Wall of China is a series of walls and fortifications built by different dynasties over 2,000 years. It stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 km)!
Red Means Happiness. Red is a lucky color in China, symbolizing joy, prosperity, and good fortune. It is worn everywhere during weddings and festivals, especially the Chinese New Year.
Chopsticks Have Been Used for Over 3,000 Years. Chopsticks originated in China and were originally used for cooking, not eating. Over 45 billion pairs of chopsticks are used in China every year!
Paper, Gunpowder, the Compass, and Printing Came from China. Known as the Four Great Inventions, these revolutionary tools originated in ancient China and changed the world.
Pandas Only Exist Naturally in China. The adorable giant panda is native only to China’s Sichuan Province and is considered a national treasure.
Food Changes Drastically by Region. From spicy Sichuan dishes to Cantonese dim sum and hearty northern dumplings, China has eight major culinary traditions, including eating in eight countries.
Electric Scooters Rule the Roads. In most cities, you’ll see more e-bikes and scooters than cars. They’re quiet, fast, and efficient—perfect for navigating traffic.
Toilet paper isn’t Always Available. Bring your own tissues in public restrooms—many bathrooms don’t provide toilet paper!
Top Places to Visit in China
Beijing
The Great Wall of China
One of the world's most iconic wonders, the Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles. The Mutianyu section, located about 1.5 hours from Beijing, is well-preserved, less crowded, and offers stunning panoramic views with lush forested surroundings. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a quieter and more scenic experience than the busy Badaling section. World's most iconic wonders
Forbidden City
Located in the heart of Beijing, this vast complex was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With over 8,000 rooms, golden roofs, and exquisite courtyards, the Forbidden City showcases traditional Chinese palatial architecture at its finest. It's now home to the Palace Museum, offering rich insights into Chinese history and art.
Summer Palace
A breathtaking retreat northwest of Beijing, the Summer Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its tranquil lake, pavilions, and ornate gardens. Once the royal family’s summer getaway, it’s now a place where visitors can enjoy boating, hiking, and historical exploration in a beautifully preserved landscape.
Tiananmen Square
One of the largest public squares in the world, Tiananmen Square is steeped in historical significance. It’s home to landmarks such as the Monument to the People's Heroes, Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum, and the entrance to the Forbidden City—a symbolic site for celebration and protest in modern Chinese history.
Temple of Heaven
This harmonious and sacred complex, built in the 15th century, was where emperors prayed for good harvests. Its signature Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its perfectly circular architecture and vibrant tiles, is a masterpiece of Ming dynasty design. Locals still gather in the surrounding park to practice tai chi and traditional games
Shanghai
The Bund
A historic waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River, The Bund offers sweeping views of Shanghai’s colonial past and futuristic skyline. On one side, admire early 20th-century European-style buildings; on the other, gaze at the modern marvels of Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl Tower. It’s a perfect place for an evening stroll or river cruise.
Shanghai Tower
Soaring 632 meters (2,073 feet), the Shanghai Tower is the second tallest building in the world. It features the world’s fastest elevators, a breathtaking observation deck, and a twisting architectural design symbolizing China’s upward momentum. It is a must-visit for skyline lovers and those craving jaw-dropping views.
Yu Garden and Old City
Step back to Shanghai’s Old City, where winding alleys lead to Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty. Filled with pavilions, koi ponds, rockeries, and traditional tea houses, it’s a peaceful escape in the heart of the bustling metropolis. Don’t miss the nearby bazaar for street snacks and souvenirs.
Chengdu (Sichuan Province)
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Xi'an
Guillin & Yangshuo
Harbin (Northeast China)
Hainan Island (Sanya)
Tibet (Autonomous Region)
Traveling to China is an unforgettable journey through time, culture, and innovation. From ancient wonders like the Great Wall to the buzzing streets of Shanghai, China offers a rich tapestry of experiences for every type of traveler. You’ll find the country safe and incredibly rewarding with some preparation, cultural awareness, and an open mind. Embrace the contrasts, savor the cuisine, and allow the journey to expand your understanding of this vast and fascinating land.