Author
NihaoVisit Editorial Team
In-house editorial team (not individual bylined experts) · Primary-source research: official government portals + on-site verification · Quarterly content audits for visa, transport, and price accuracy · Independent — no tour-operator commissions · Bilingual English-Mandarin research team
The NihaoVisit editorial team is a small in-house group of China travel researchers and bilingual editors. Every guide on the site is researched from primary sources — official Chinese government portals (NIA, MOFCOM, MFA), embassies, 12306.cn, Alipay official docs, and on-site verification — then cross-checked against at least two independent references before publication. Content is audited quarterly. The team does not accept commissions from tour operators.
Expertise
- China visa policy (30-day visa-free, 240-hour transit)
- China transport (high-speed rail, domestic flights, metro)
- Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay for foreign cards)
- China food and regional cuisines
- Safety and travel insurance for China
- Tibet travel permits and restricted-area access
- Silk Road and western China (Xinjiang, Gansu)
Articles (39)
Best Time to Visit China
The best time to visit most of China is April–May and September–October. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold but cheap; summer (Jun–Aug) is hot and crowded. Skip Chinese New Year week unless you want the spectacle.
VPN for China: What Works in 2026
Most Western apps and websites are blocked in mainland China. A reliable VPN is essential for Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most news sites. Here is what still works in 2026, plus eSIM and roaming alternatives.
China SIM & eSIM Guide
A Chinese SIM or eSIM lets you use mobile data, maps, and ride-hailing without WiFi. Here is how to get one, the cost, and which provider to pick for short trips.
Solo Female Travel in China
China is one of the safer destinations for solo female travelers. Petty theft is rare, violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon, and most cities have excellent public transport. Here is what to expect and how to prepare.
China Food Guide: Regional Cuisines
Chinese cuisine is not one cuisine — it is at least eight major regional traditions, each with distinct flavors, techniques, and signature dishes. Here is a practical guide to eating well, plus tips for vegetarians, vegans, and travelers with allergies.
Travel Insurance for China
Travel insurance is essential for China. Hospitals require upfront payment, medical costs can be high, and adventure activities like hiking or skiing are not covered by all policies. Here is what to look for and which providers to consider.
China Itineraries: Plan Your Trip
A 7-day trip focuses on the Golden Triangle (Beijing/Xi’an/Shanghai). A 10-day trip adds Chengdu or Guilin. A 14-day trip covers the north and south in depth. Here is the optimal split for each duration.
Essential China Apps for Travelers
Most apps you use daily do not work in mainland China. Here are the Chinese apps you need to install before arrival — for payments, transport, food, maps, and communication.
Great Wall Section Comparison
There are over 20 visitor-accessible sections of the Great Wall within a few hours of Beijing. Here is how to pick the right section for your fitness level, time, and tolerance for crowds.
China vs Japan: Travel Comparison
China and Japan are neighboring Asian destinations with dramatically different experiences. Here is an honest comparison of cost, culture, ease of travel, food, and which is better for your travel style.
China Transport Guide
How to get around China as a foreign visitor: booking high-speed rail, using metro systems, hailing taxis, and riding buses without speaking Chinese.
China Translation Apps Guide
The best translation apps for China, how to communicate without Mandarin, and practical phrases that actually work in restaurants, taxis, and hotels.
China with Kids: Family Guide
How to travel China with children: booking child train and flight tickets, finding family-friendly hotels, navigating stroller-friendly attractions, and handling medical emergencies.
China Shopping Guide
How to shop in China as a foreign visitor: instant tax refunds at the airport, where to find authentic goods, how to spot counterfeits, and the best markets for tea, silk, electronics, and antiques.
China Budget Backpacking Guide
How to backpack China on a tight budget: overnight sleeper trains, youth hostels, street food, free attractions, and the cheapest cities for budget travel.
China Business Etiquette Guide
Doing business in China as a foreigner: meeting protocols, business card etiquette, banquet customs, WeChat relationship-building, and gift-giving rules.
China Packing List
What to pack for China by season: VPN and SIM setup, plug adapters, clothing for summer monsoon or Beijing winter, prescription medications, and gifts to bring from home.
China HSR Seat Classes Explained
How to pick the right China HSR seat class: second, first, business, and sleeper pods, with 2026 prices, station tips, and the quiet carriage rule.
China HSR Stations Guide
Chinese HSR stations are large, bilingual, and foreigner-friendly — scan your passport at security and the gate, find your waiting room on the boards, and confirm your station in multi-station cities.
China Vegetarian Guide
Vegetarianism in China is harder than in the West but doable. Here is what to eat, where to find pure-veg restaurants, and which dishes to avoid (most "veg" dishes use garlic, pork, or oyster sauce).
China Wheelchair Accessibility Guide
China is improving on accessibility but is far behind the West. Modern airports and 4-star+ hotels are accessible; ancient streets, older metro stations, and most historic sites are not. Here is the realistic picture.
China Customs Declaration Guide
Most tourists don’t need to declare anything. The exceptions: cash over $5,000 USD, drones, certain medications, large amounts of alcohol, and items for commercial use. Here is the practical guide.
China Night Markets Guide
Chinese night markets are a 1,000+ year tradition. The best ones combine street food, souvenirs, and people-watching. Here are the 8 that are worth planning a trip around.
China Tipping Guide
Tipping is not customary in mainland China. Tipping can sometimes be refused. In tourist areas, some restaurants and hotels add 10-15% service charge. Here is the practical etiquette.
China Emergency Numbers
The three emergency numbers everyone knows — 110, 120, 119 — work, but English-speaking operators are rare. The China Tourist Hotline (12301) and your hotel front desk are faster routes to help for most traveler issues.
China Lost Luggage Guide
Lost luggage in China is rare on domestic flights but happens. The process is straightforward: report at the airline counter immediately, get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), and the airline delivers to your hotel within 24-48 hours. Here is the practical guide.
China Power Outlets & Adapters
China uses Type A, C, and I plugs at 220V / 50Hz. Most North American devices need an adapter; most European and Asian devices are fine. Universal adapters are widely available at convenience stores for ¥30-50.
China Visa Denied: What to Do
China visa denials are rare for the 30-day visa-free nationalities. For L (tourist) visa applicants, common reasons are: incomplete application, criminal record, prior overstay, or wrong category. Reapplication is usually possible after fixing the issue.
China with a Toddler Guide
Traveling to China with a toddler is doable but requires planning. Stroller accessibility varies, baby supplies are widely available, and high-speed rail is preferable to flights. Here is the practical guide from parents who have done it.
China Muslim Travel Guide
China has 25-50 million Muslims, mostly Hui in the northwest and Uyghur in Xinjiang. Halal food is widely available in Xi’an, Ningxia, and Xinjiang. The major mosques in Xi’an and Beijing are tourist attractions themselves.
China Coworking Spaces Guide
China has hundreds of modern coworking spaces, especially in Beijing (中关村, 望京), Shanghai (Xuhui, Jing’an), and Shenzhen (Nanshan). Most accept foreign passports, have reliable wifi, and offer daily/monthly passes. Some have international communities.
China Honeymoon Destinations
China is not the most obvious honeymoon destination but offers remarkable romance: Yangshuo karst valleys, Lijiang old town, Hangzhou West Lake, Sanya beaches. The visa-free policy makes logistics easy. Here are the most romantic itineraries and what to expect.
China Tourist Scams: How to Avoid Them
Most tourist scams in China are low-stakes (overcharging, fake antiques). A few are higher-stakes (tea ceremony scam, fake art gallery scam). The good news: violent crime against tourists is rare, and most scams are easily avoided with a few habits.
China Shopping & Bargaining Guide
China is a great shopping destination — silk, tea, jade, electronics, and Chinese luxury brands are all worth buying. Bargaining is expected at markets and small shops but not at malls. Here is the practical guide to authentic goods, fair prices, and avoiding fakes.
Beijing Airport Transfer Guide
Beijing has two airports — Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX). The Airport Express trains are the fastest, cheapest transfer for most travelers; DiDi and metered taxis work with foreign cards. Here is exactly what each option costs and how long it takes.
Does Google Work in China?
No — Google, Gmail, YouTube, and most Google services are blocked in mainland China by the Great Firewall. You need a VPN installed before arrival to access them. Hong Kong and Macau have unrestricted internet. Here is everything to know about getting online as a tourist.
14-Day Grand China Itinerary
Two weeks is the ideal length for a first China trip. This itinerary covers the Golden Triangle (Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai) plus two bonus regions: Guilin/Yangshuo for karst scenery and Chengdu for pandas and Sichuan food. All connected by high-speed rail with one domestic flight.
China Honeymoon Itinerary
China is a surprisingly romantic honeymoon destination — karst peaks at sunrise in Yangshuo, lantern-lit old towns in Lijiang, classical gardens in Hangzhou, and rooftop cocktails above the Shanghai skyline. This 10-day itinerary is designed for couples who want culture, scenery, and exceptional food.
China Medical Emergency Guide
What to do in a medical emergency in China: emergency numbers, international hospitals by city, how to pay, pharmacy basics, common traveler illnesses and their Chinese medicine names, and dental emergencies.