China

China is home to a breathtaking array of attractions that showcase its long and varied history. The iconic Great Wall stretches across northern China and offers stunning views of the landscape and a tangible link to the past. The Forbidden City in Beijing stands as a grand example of imperial architecture and history, while the nearby Summer Palace provides serene lake views and ornate pavilions. In Xi’an, the Terracotta Army astounds visitors with its thousands of life-sized soldiers guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor. For natural beauty, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with its towering sandstone pillars, inspired the landscape in the movie "Avatar" and offers unforgettable hikes. In the south, the karst mountains of Guilin and Yangshuo are beloved for their dreamy river scenery. And no visit is complete without seeing the modern skyline of Shanghai from the Bund, with views of futuristic towers like the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Chinese cuisine is immensely diverse and regionally distinct. In Sichuan, dishes like mapo tofu and spicy hotpot deliver bold, mouth-numbing flavors thanks to liberal use of Sichuan peppercorns. In Cantonese regions, dim sum—steamed dumplings, buns, and rolls served in bamboo baskets—is a cultural and culinary experience. Beijing is known for its signature dish, Peking duck, which features crispy skin carved tableside and wrapped in thin pancakes. In the northwest, hand-pulled noodles and lamb skewers reflect Muslim influences, while Jiangsu and Zhejiang offer delicate, sweet flavors in dishes like Dongpo pork and West Lake vinegar fish. Chinese street food is also a delight, from jianbing (savory crepes) at breakfast to skewers of grilled meats and vegetables at night markets.

China has an efficient and extensive transportation network. High-speed trains connect most major cities and are both fast and comfortable. In cities, the subway systems in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu are modern, affordable, and easy to navigate with English signage. Buses are common for short distances, but language barriers can make them challenging. Taxis and rideshare services like Didi are convenient, but having your destination written in Chinese characters helps immensely. Domestic flights are frequent and often necessary for traveling long distances, especially to remote provinces. In rural areas, transport may be slower and less predictable, so flexibility is essential.

Budget travelers can stretch their yuan by staying in hostels or budget hotels, many of which are clean and centrally located. Street food and small local restaurants offer filling meals for under $5. Apps like Meituan can help you find local deals on food and transport. Entrance fees to major tourist sites can add up, so plan ahead and consider visiting a mix of free parks, temples, and paid attractions. Overnight trains can save on accommodation costs when traveling between cities. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases or using a translation app can also help save money by avoiding tourist traps or miscommunication.

China is generally very safe for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so keep belongings secure. Traffic can be chaotic, especially when crossing streets—always be alert. Internet access is restricted (e.g., no Google, Facebook, or Instagram), so downloading a VPN before you arrive is essential. Air quality can be poor in cities like Beijing, especially in winter, so check forecasts and wear a mask if needed. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so stick to bottled or boiled water.

Politeness and respect are key in Chinese culture. It’s customary to greet with a nod or handshake, and it's respectful to address people by their titles (e.g., “Lao Shi” for teacher). Avoid pointing your feet at people or objects, and never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as it resembles incense used in funerals. When giving or receiving items, use both hands. Bargaining is common in markets, but should be done politely. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. In temples and sacred sites, dress modestly and act respectfully.

China caters well to cultural explorers, food lovers, and history buffs. The infrastructure supports independent travel, especially for those comfortable with a language barrier, but guided tours can enhance visits to remote regions. It’s great for travelers who want to combine urban adventure with outdoor exploration. Luxury travelers will find elegant hotels and high-end dining, while budget travelers can navigate easily with public transport and affordable food.

For low-budget travelers, hostels like The Great Wall Box House (Huairou) or Leo Hostel in Beijing offer friendly environments and dorm beds starting under $15 per night. In Xi’an, the Ancient City Youth Hostel provides clean rooms and a central location close to the Muslim Quarter. Mid-range travelers will enjoy properties like Pudi Boutique Hotel in Shanghai or Courtyard by Marriott in Chengdu, which offer comfort and style at around $50–$100 per night. In Guilin, Aroma Tea House is a charming option with views of the Li River. For luxury seekers, The Peninsula Beijing and the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund provide world-class service, stunning architecture, and fine dining. In Hangzhou, the Amanfayun offers a tranquil resort experience set in a former Buddhist village.

Many travelers underestimate the size of China and try to cover too much in one trip—focus on fewer regions for a more enjoyable experience. Not having a VPN before arriving limits your internet access, so prepare in advance. Assuming English will be spoken everywhere leads to frustration; having translation tools ready is crucial. Also, don’t overlook the need for a visa—check requirements and apply ahead of time. Lastly, always carry your passport or a copy, as ID checks can occur at hotels or train stations.

WeChat is essential for communication, payments, and even bookings. Baidu Maps and Gaode Maps are better than Google Maps for navigation (though they are in Chinese). Pleco is an excellent translation and dictionary app, and ExpressVPN or NordVPN are useful for accessing international websites. Ctrip (Trip.com) is widely used for booking trains, flights, and hotels.

A balanced itinerary in China might begin with 3–4 days in Beijing to explore imperial history and the Great Wall, followed by a bullet train to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Army. From there, head to Chengdu for panda spotting and Sichuan cuisine. End your journey in the south with the karst landscapes of Guilin or the cosmopolitan buzz of Shanghai. Those with more time can venture into Yunnan, Tibet, or Inner Mongolia for completely different regional flavors and scenery.

China is home to the world’s largest high-speed rail network, spanning over 40,000 kilometers. It is also the birthplace of paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass—four of the greatest inventions in human history. The country has more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the top destinations for culture and history lovers. Giant pandas, one of China’s national treasures, are found mainly in Sichuan province. Additionally, China’s internet is a world of its own, with platforms like Weibo, WeChat, and Douyin (the original TikTok) dominating the social media space.