Practical advice for international visitors
Your Complete China Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before and during your trip — from visa requirements and mobile payments to transportation, internet access, and travel safety in China.
Travel Guide Topics
Jump directly to the topic you need most.
Visa Basics
Understand entry requirements, visa categories, and the latest visa-free and transit policies before planning your trip to China.
Jump to Section →Payments in China
China is highly digital when it comes to payments, but foreign visitors now have more options than before for using mobile wallets and international bank cards.
Jump to Section →Internet & SIM Cards
Internet access in China works differently from many other countries, so it helps to prepare for connectivity, SIM cards, and blocked services in advance.
Jump to Section →Getting Around China
China has one of the world’s most impressive transport systems, making it easy to move between major cities and around urban areas.
Jump to Section →Best Time to Visit
China is huge and climates vary by region, but spring and autumn are usually the easiest and most comfortable seasons for first-time visitors.
Jump to Section →Safety & Etiquette
China is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, but a little awareness of local customs and practical habits goes a long way.
Jump to Section →Useful Apps
A few well-chosen apps can make travel in China dramatically easier, especially for navigation, payment, translation, and transport.
Jump to Section →Transit Without Visa (TWOV)
China offers a 144-hour (6-day) Transit Without Visa policy at major airports in Beijing and Shanghai, allowing eligible travelers to explore the city — no visa required.
Jump to Section →🛂Visa Basics
Understand entry requirements, visa categories, and the latest visa-free and transit policies before planning your trip to China.
Check whether you need a visa
Visa requirements for China depend on your nationality, passport type, trip purpose, and length of stay. In recent years, China has expanded visa-free access and transit-without-visa arrangements for selected countries and cities, so travelers should always verify current policy through the nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or official visa service center before booking flights.
- •Check official embassy or consular websites for the latest policy.
- •Make sure your passport has sufficient validity and blank pages.
Common visa types for tourists
Most leisure travelers apply for an L visa, which is the standard tourist visa. Applicants are usually asked for a passport, application form, photo, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and in some cases proof of onward or return flights. Processing time and supporting document requirements vary by country, so apply early rather than waiting until the last minute.
- •Prepare hotel confirmations and flight reservations in advance.
- •If you plan to visit Tibet or other restricted areas, additional permits may be required.
💳Payments in China
China is highly digital when it comes to payments, but foreign visitors now have more options than before for using mobile wallets and international bank cards.
Mobile payments are the norm
In most Chinese cities, everyday payments are made through Alipay and WeChat Pay. Restaurants, taxis, convenience stores, and attractions often prefer QR-code payment over cash. Foreign travelers can now usually link selected international cards to these apps, although the user experience and supported card networks may vary.
- •Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before your trip if possible.
- •Carry a backup physical bank card in case mobile payment is not accepted.
Cash and cards still matter
Cash remains legally accepted, but some small merchants may not have enough change or may be less familiar with handling banknotes in tourist-heavy areas. International cards are accepted at many hotels, upscale restaurants, and major shopping malls, but acceptance is less reliable in small local businesses. Having a mix of payment methods is the safest strategy.
- •Keep some RMB cash for small shops, rural areas, or transport edge cases.
- •Inform your bank before travel to avoid overseas transaction blocks.
📶Internet & SIM Cards
Internet access in China works differently from many other countries, so it helps to prepare for connectivity, SIM cards, and blocked services in advance.
Be aware of internet restrictions
Some international websites and apps may be unavailable in mainland China without additional tools. Services such as Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and some Western news sites may be blocked or unstable. If you rely on these platforms, research legal and practical options before departure and make sure important information is available offline as well.
- •Download offline maps, reservations, and key travel documents before arrival.
- •Tell friends and family which messaging apps you expect to use in China.
Buying a SIM or using eSIM
Travelers can get connected through roaming, local SIM cards, or international eSIM providers. Local SIM cards from major Chinese carriers are widely available, but registration rules may require passport verification. Many short-term visitors find eSIM or roaming more convenient, especially for the first few days after landing.
- •Compare roaming and eSIM prices before travel.
- •Bring your passport if you plan to buy a local SIM card.
🚄Getting Around China
China has one of the world’s most impressive transport systems, making it easy to move between major cities and around urban areas.
High-speed rail is the best choice for many routes
China’s high-speed rail network connects many major destinations quickly, comfortably, and reliably. For routes such as Beijing–Shanghai, Shanghai–Hangzhou, or Chengdu–Xi’an, trains are often more convenient than flying once airport transfers are considered. Stations can be large and security checks take time, so arrive early.
- •Book train tickets early during holidays or peak seasons.
- •Bring your passport because it is used for ticketing and station access.
Urban transport is efficient
Most major Chinese cities have modern metro systems with English signage, making them easy for foreign visitors to use. Ride-hailing through Didi is also common and can be more practical than street taxis if you do not speak Chinese. For longer domestic routes, flights remain useful, especially when traveling to western or remote regions.
- •Keep your destination written in Chinese when using taxis or ride-hailing.
- •Avoid national holiday peaks if possible because stations and airports can become extremely crowded.
🌤️Best Time to Visit
China is huge and climates vary by region, but spring and autumn are usually the easiest and most comfortable seasons for first-time visitors.
Best seasons for most travelers
Spring and autumn are generally the best times to visit because temperatures are milder, skies are often clearer, and sightseeing is more comfortable. April to May and September to October are especially popular for classic itineraries that include Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guilin, and Hangzhou.
- •Pack layers because temperatures can vary between north and south.
- •Book early if traveling during popular spring or autumn windows.
Avoid major holiday rushes when possible
China’s public holidays can bring very heavy domestic travel, especially around Chinese New Year and the first week of October (National Day Golden Week). During these periods, attractions, trains, flights, and hotels may be far more crowded and expensive. If flexibility matters to you, avoid these dates.
- •Double-check the national holiday calendar before finalizing your itinerary.
- •If you must travel during a holiday, reserve transport and hotels well in advance.
🧭Safety & Etiquette
China is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, but a little awareness of local customs and practical habits goes a long way.
General safety for travelers
Violent crime against tourists is relatively uncommon in most Chinese cities, and public transport is usually safe and well organized. Common travel issues are more likely to involve scams in tourist areas, unofficial guides, overcharging, or simple communication problems rather than serious security threats. Basic street awareness is usually sufficient.
- •Use official ticketing channels and licensed transport whenever possible.
- •Be cautious of unsolicited offers in major tourist zones.
Respect local customs
Politeness, patience, and respect for shared public order are appreciated. Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites, avoid loud behavior in quiet spaces, and follow local rules at heritage sites. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases or keeping destination names in Chinese on your phone can make interactions smoother and more respectful.
- •Queue properly and stay aware of personal space in busy public areas.
- •Carry your hotel address in Chinese for easy communication.
📱Useful Apps
A few well-chosen apps can make travel in China dramatically easier, especially for navigation, payment, translation, and transport.
Essential travel app categories
Most foreign visitors benefit from having apps for maps, translation, transport, payment, and accommodation. Alipay and WeChat are central to daily life, while translation tools can help with menus, signs, and conversations. Local map apps may be more accurate in China than some international services, especially for public transport and walking directions.
- •Download and sign in to your essential apps before arrival.
- •Take screenshots of hotel bookings and key addresses in case connectivity is limited.
Recommended practical setup
A practical starter setup could include Alipay, WeChat, Didi, a reliable translation app, an offline-capable map tool, and your preferred booking platforms. Depending on your needs, you may also want a currency converter, airline app, rail booking tool, and a VPN solution arranged before departure if required for work or communication.
- •Test payment methods and notification settings before leaving home.
- •Keep backup access methods for accounts that rely on SMS or two-factor authentication.
✈️Transit Without Visa (TWOV)
China offers a 144-hour (6-day) Transit Without Visa policy at major airports in Beijing and Shanghai, allowing eligible travelers to explore the city — no visa required.
What is Transit Without Visa (TWOV)?
Transit Without Visa (TWOV) is a policy that allows passengers from eligible countries to stay in China for up to 144 hours (6 days) without applying for a Chinese visa in advance. Instead of passing straight through the airport, you can exit the terminal, explore the city, and re-enter for your onward flight — all without needing a visa stamp. This policy currently applies to designated ports in Beijing, Shanghai, and several other cities.
- •TWOV does not mean you can travel freely anywhere in China — stays are limited to approved geographic zones.
- •You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not the country you came from).
144-Hour Policy: Beijing & Shanghai
Both Beijing (Capital Airport PEK, Daxing Airport PKX) and Shanghai (Pudong Airport PVG, Hongqiao Airport SHA) participate in the 144-hour TWOV policy. Under this arrangement, eligible travelers can stay for up to 6 days without a visa. In Beijing, transit travelers may move within Beijing municipality. In Shanghai, travelers may also visit nearby Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, giving access to cities like Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing.
- •Beijing TWOV zone: Beijing municipality only.
- •Shanghai TWOV zone: Shanghai + Jiangsu + Zhejiang provinces.
- •Do not attempt to travel outside the designated zone — penalties apply.
Eligible Nationalities
As of the latest policy update, citizens of 53 countries are eligible for the 144-hour TWOV. Eligible countries include most EU member states, the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many others. Eligibility can change, so always verify your nationality's current status through the Chinese Embassy or the National Immigration Administration before travel.
- •Bring your original passport — copies are not accepted at immigration counters.
- •If your nationality is not on the eligible list, you will need to apply for a transit visa (C visa) in advance.
Key Conditions & Restrictions
To qualify for TWOV, you must: (1) hold a valid passport from an eligible country; (2) hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country departing within 144 hours; (3) not intend to take up employment in China; (4) stay within the designated geographic zone for your port. The stay clock starts from the moment you clear immigration at the port of entry.
- •Your destination cannot be the country you originally departed from.
- •Book accommodation in advance — immigration officers may ask for hotel details.
- •Transit stays cannot be extended once inside China.
How to Apply at the Port
No advance application is needed. When you arrive at the airport, follow signs for 'Transit Without Visa' or go to the immigration officer's counter and declare that you are applying for TWOV. Present your passport, onward boarding pass or confirmed ticket, and be ready to show accommodation details. Processing is usually straightforward for eligible nationalities. If approved, your passport will be stamped with the permitted stay duration.
- •Arrive early to allow time for immigration processing, especially during busy travel periods.
- •Have your onward flight booking printed or readily accessible on your phone.
- •Some officers may ask about your planned activities or accommodation — keep the details handy.
What to Do During Your Transit Stay
Both Beijing and Shanghai offer world-class tourism experiences that can be meaningfully explored in 2–6 days. In Beijing, major highlights include the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the hutong neighborhoods of the old city. In Shanghai, the Bund waterfront, Yu Garden, and the French Concession are all easily reachable from the airport. High-speed rail and metro systems make city access straightforward.
- •Store your luggage at the airport if you plan a day trip on the day of departure.
- •Keep a record of your TWOV stamp and onward ticket at all times.
- •Plan your return to the airport well ahead of your onward flight — traffic and security can take time.
✈ Official Resources
✈ Transit Without Visa
Visiting China without a visa?
If your flight connects through Beijing or Shanghai, you may qualify for the 144-hour Transit Without Visa policy — no advance visa needed. Citizens of 53 countries are eligible.
Ready to start exploring?
Now that you know the essentials, discover the best cities to visit in China and start planning your route.
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