China, made simple for foreign travelers.
Visa rules, payment setup, train routes, city guides — practical answers, updated monthly.
Top destinations
View all →
Shanghai
3-4 days · The Bund · Yu Garden
Beijing
4-5 days · Forbidden City · Great Wall
Chengdu
3 days · Pandas · Sichuan food
Xi'an
2-3 days · Terracotta Army · city walls
Guilin
3 days · Li River · karst peaks
Hangzhou
2-3 days · West Lake · tea fields
Sanya
3-4 days · Tropical beaches · Hainan
Dunhuang
1-2 days · Silk Road · Mogao Caves
Lijiang
2-3 days · Old Town · Snow Mountains
Qingdao
2-3 days · Beaches · Tsingtao Beer
Xiamen
2-3 days · Gulangyu Island · Tulou
All cities
Browse the full index
Start here
Do I need a visa for China?
38 countries go visa-free · 240h transit · L-visa guide
How to pay in China
Alipay + WeChat Pay setup for foreign cards
China high-speed rail
Routes, seat classes, booking in English
Internet & VPN
What's blocked · 4 VPNs tested · eSIM guide
Is China safe?
Crime, scams, health, women traveling alone
What to eat
12 dishes to try · regional cuisines · allergies
Apps to install
The 8 apps you need before you fly
When to go
Best months by region · holidays to avoid
Free planning tools
Visa checker · cost calculator · HSR planner · 6 more
Ready-made itineraries
All routes →
Free planning tools
All tools →Book your trip
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Editor's pick
Shanghai · The Bund & Pudong after dark
A 4-minute walk along the Bund is the single best free activity in China — Art Deco facades on one side, the sci-fi Pudong skyline on the other. Plan for sunset, stay for the lights.
Story of the week
Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai: 10 days, 3 cities, 6 UNESCO sites
The classic 10-day route with HSR between cities, 18 km of walking, and the cheapest way to hit the three great Imperial capitals. Updated weekly with current train times and prices.
Explore by region
Coastal & Eastern China →
Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Fujian tulou, the trading ports.
North China & the Imperial Capitals →
Beijing, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Shanxi courtyards.
Yunnan, Guizhou & the Southwest →
Lijiang, Dali, Kunming, the Hani rice terraces, ethnic minority regions.
Silk Road & the Northwest →
Dunhuang, Kashgar, Turpan, the Mogao Caves, Urumqi.
Frequently asked questions
Is China safe to visit in 2026?
China is safe for independent foreign visitors. Petty crime is rare; violent crime against foreigners is statistically negligible.
Do I need a visa for China?
38 countries enjoy 30-day visa-free entry; 54 more qualify for 240-hour transit visa-free. Check our visa guide for your passport.
When is the best time to visit?
April-May and September-October. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and Spring Festival at all costs.
How do I pay in China as a foreigner?
Set up Alipay with your foreign Visa/Mastercard before you fly. It works at nearly every vendor.
Does Google / WhatsApp work in China?
No — Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook are blocked. Install a VPN before you arrive.
How much does a China trip cost?
Mid-range: $130-280/day including hotel, food, transport, and attractions. Use our cost calculator for a precise estimate.
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