China

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 Major Gateways: Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Hong Kong (HKG), Chengdu (CTU) Flight Duration: ~13–16 hours from Los Angeles or New York 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