China Travel Guide

China

Airports

63 international airports, the bigger ones - Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hong Kong

Visa

Currently, 54 countries are exempt from visas to China. That includes the US, UK, NZ, and EU countries.

Currency

100 CNY ≈ £11 / €13 / $14

Cash

Not necessary, except rural areas

Languages

Mandarin, Yue (Cantonese), Xiang (Hunanese), Min dialect. English is not widely spoken

Plugs

type A, C and I / 220V

When to go

Best months to visit

April, May, June, September & October

Worst months to visit

Late January to February due to holidays

Weather by month

°C °F

Getting around

Uber

N/A, there's a local Didi that operates in China

Car rental

You cannot use foreign driving licences in China

Public transportation

Urban Areas: Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou feature well-developed metro systems, offering affordable and fast travel. Buses are widely available and reach areas not served by the metro. Cashless payments, such as WeChat Pay or Alipay, are commonly used for fares.
Intercity Travel: China’s high-speed rail network, the largest in the world, connects major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an with trains reaching speeds up to 350 km/h. Standard rail services are also available for smaller towns and budget travel.
Rural Areas: Public transport is less frequent, relying on local buses and minibusses. Taxis or private car hires are often necessary for remote locations.
Ferries: In coastal and river regions, ferries provide an alternative mode of transport, particularly for reaching islands or navigating large rivers like the Yangtze.

Safety tips

Overall China is safe
Avoid Scams in Tourist Areas: Popular sites like the Great Wall or the Bund can attract scams, such as overpriced tours or fake products. Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering unsolicited help or invitations.
Stick to Licensed Transportation: Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like DiDi to avoid scams. In taxis, ensure the meter is running, and avoid unmarked vehicles.
Beware of Counterfeit Currency: When using cash, especially large bills, check for authenticity to avoid receiving counterfeit money as change.
Prepare for Language Barriers: Many locals do not speak English. Carry addresses and key phrases in Chinese or use translation apps to navigate unfamiliar areas.
Emergency Numbers: Dial 110 for police, 120 for medical emergencies, and 119 for fire. Keep your embassy’s contact details handy.

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