Are you planning to visit China but are struggling to find information? We completely understand this frustration as that is exactly how we felt when planning our 30-day China trip.
China travel is definitely not easy due to this lack of information available.
Our hope in writing this article is to answer all your questions for your upcoming China trip, covering all the essentials such as China budget, China attractions, China visa, and China weather to name a few.
We promise to make it as straight to the point as possible, because this was exactly what we were looking for during our planning.
On that note, let’s get straight to it – no more waffle!
Do I Need a China Visa?
Our experience of obtaining a China visa was extremely cheap and efficient – costing us only $21each and receiving the visas within 3 working days.
However, we are fully aware that this is not everyone’s experience and each country will have different guidelines and requirements.
In most cases, travelers to China are required to obtain a visa before entering the country. You should check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country to determine if you need a China visa and the specific requirements for obtaining one.
Just make sure to use China’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE, many sites claim to be “official websites” but they most definitely are not.
The top tip is to look for the sites ending with “GOV.(and the letters that indicate the country)”
For example, China will be https://cova.mfa.gov.cn.
For a more detailed read on how we obtained our China visa click – Nomadic Backpacker – How to get a tourist visa for China.
What are the Best China Attractions to Visit?
China is a huge country! We traveled around China for 30 days, constantly on the go, and we still have so much left to explore.
Needless to say, China attractions are incredible so let’s see which ones are must-visits.
The Great Wall of China: How could we not start with the most famous of all China attractions? The Great Wall is an iconic symbol of China, stretching across northern China and offering breathtaking views and historic significance. Find out How to visit The Great Wall on a budget – Trust us, it’s cheap and very straightforward!
The Forbidden City: Located in Beijing, the Forbidden City is a vast palace complex that served as the imperial palace for centuries.
The Terracotta Army: Found in Xi’an, the Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers and horses that were buried with the first emperor of China.
There is a lot more to see in Xi’an than just the Terracotta Army, check out below.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: This park in Hunan province inspired the scenery in the movie “Avatar” with its towering sandstone pillars and lush greenery.
Yangshuo: A picturesque town in Guangxi province surrounded by karst mountains and the Li River, Yangshuo is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and bamboo rafting.
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Located in Sichuan province, this research center is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of giant pandas, and offers visitors the opportunity to see these adorable animals up close.
Leshan Giant Buddha: Carved into a cliff face near Chengdu, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chongqing: Just being in China’s most populated city, (of 32 million people!!) is a China attraction in itself! Visit Hongya Cave and take the Yangtze cable car to marvel at one of the most incredible city skylines.
Wulong Karst: An excellent day trip from Chongqing is the spectacular Wulong Karst and the 3 Natural Bridges. This natural landscape was used for the movie “Transformers Age of Extinction” and is like a visit back to the Jurassic area. Getting there with a tour group is quite expensive, but we have written a detailed guide on How to Get to Wulong Karst From Chongqing By Public Transport.
Old Phoenix Town (Fenghuang): A picturesque ancient town in Hunan province, Fenghuang is known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, cobbled streets, and rich cultural heritage.
Pingyao: Similar to Old Phoenix Town, Pingyao is another picturesque, tourist town. A well-preserved ancient walled city in Shanxi province, Pingyao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with traditional Chinese architecture, historic temples, and charming streets.
Note that these were the highlights of our China attractions, but there are countless more to discover throughout the country depending on what your time and budget allow.
China Weather: What is the Best Time to Plan a China Trip?
The best time to plan your China trip in regards to China weather largely depends on the specific regions you plan to visit and your preferred activities.
However, in general, the best times to visit are during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) months. During these seasons, China weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for visiting China attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.
Spring (April to May): Spring in China offers blooming flowers, lush greenery, and comfortable temperatures.
This is an excellent time to visit popular destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, and Xi’an.
Autumn (September to October): Autumn is another great time for China weather, as temperatures are mild, and the scenery is often at its most beautiful with colourful autumn leaves.
This is an ideal time to visit destinations like Zhangjiajie and the Great Wall of China.
It’s worth noting that popular tourist spots may be EXTRA crowded during Chinese holidays and may want to be avoided!
Alternatively, summer (June to August) can be hot and humid in some parts of China, while winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy in northern regions.
What Currency Will I Use for my China Trip?
The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan, also known as the Renminbi (RMB).
The Yuan is abbreviated as CNY or RMB, and and the time of writing 8 CNY equals 1 USD.
What is the Main Form of Payment Used in China?
While cash is accepted in most places, the main form of payment will be through downloading two vital apps – Wechat and Alipay – and setting up an account with each.
For more detailed information on what apps you MUST have downloaded BEFORE your China trip check out the article below – this post is waffle free after all!
China Budget: How Much Should I Budget for my China Trip?
A China budget can vary significantly based on various factors, including travel style, accommodation preferences, duration of stay, activities planned, and personal spending habits.
However, here’s a rough breakdown to help you plan:
At the time of writing, the US Dollar and Euro were nearly equivalent in value.
- Accommodation: China budget accommodations range from 15-30 USD/night, while mid-range hotels typically cost between 30-50 USD/night. Luxury resorts or hotels might cost upwards of 50 -100 USD.
- Food: Street food and local eateries offer affordable meals for as little as 2-5 USD/meal. Prices will increase the more upscale you venture.
- Activities: Entrance fees to China attractions and activities vary. Temples and cultural sites might have minimal fees, while adventure activities, tours, or entrance to national parks could range from 10-50 Euros or more per person.
- Miscellaneous: Always budget for additional expenses like shopping, nightlife, and unforeseen costs.
As a rough estimate:
- Budget Travelers: A China budget traveler (this is us!) might aim for around 30-50 USD/day, staying in hostels, eating street food, using public transportation, and engaging in mostly free or low-cost activities.
- Mid-Range Travelers: Mid-range travelers could budget around 50-100 USD/day, enjoying mid-range hotels, a mix of local and nicer dining options, guided tours, and some additional comfort.
- Luxury Travelers: For luxury travelers, the budget might exceed 150 USD/per day or more, indulging in upscale accommodations, fine dining, exclusive experiences, and private transportation.
China Budget: How Much Did we Spend During our One-Month China Trip?
For 30 days, what we spent of our China budget was 1800 USD. Spending slightly more that our South East Asia favourites – Thailand and Indonesia – but considering the distance covered and attractions seen we think this is very impressive budgeting…if we do say so ourselves!
On average our accommodation cost 19 USD per night, and we average spent 17 USD per day on meals/water/snacks. Keep in mind we eat street food and in local restaurants, with two meals cost on around the 5 USD mark.
Note we are travelling long term, therefore, if you’re planning a China trip, make sure you take into consideration expenses for China attractions, tours, private transport, more luxurious accommodations, shopping, and eating out.
We’d suggest a China budget of almost double our spending for a typical China trip.
Food
You will find countless food options which cater for all budgets during your China trip, from high end restaurants, to local eateries and food markets.
It can also be useful to ask you accommodation host for any recommendations they may have. Remember you can use the translate feature in your VITAL APPS if there is a language barrier.
There will also be various convenience stores similar to Thailand’s 7 Eleven stores. You’ll find them on almost every street corner in cities and towns. Here it is possible to purchase things like sandwiches, microwavable meals, and of course, the ever popular pot noodles.
Read some random things we learned during our China trip here.
Accommodation
Choices for accommodation are endless using apps like Booking.com and Trip.com.
During our China trip, we found Trip.com to offer cheaper accommodation prices compared to Booking.com. But it is always worth your while to check out both.
As previously stated, we typically spent an average of $19 per night on accommodations located in excellent areas, all of which featured our own private bathroom, air conditioning, and WiFi.
China Attractions
For our 30 day China budget we spent 457 USD on attractions, and again, given the amount of the main China attractions visited, we think that was unbelievable value. This averaged out at 15 USD per day.
The price of China attractions vary with the infamous Great Wall costing only 5 USD per person. Meanwhile, attractions such as Zhangjiajie will set you back upwards of 50 USD per person with extra costs for cable cars, elevators to consider.
Alcohol
Alcohol will be widely available during your China trip, including beer, spirits, cocktails, and local beverages such as the popular Tsingtao beer.
You can find alcohol in convenience stores, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, and from street vendors.
Transport: Getting Around During Your China Trip
Transportation in China is very diverse and well-developed, making it relatively easy to get around the country.
Here are some common modes of transportation in China and tips on how to get around:
- Public transportation: China has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, subways, trains, and ferries in major cities. Public transportation is usually reliable, efficient, and cost-effective, making it a convenient way to travel within urban areas.
Download the Metroman app to assist you in navigating the subway system. You can purchase tickets at any metro station either at a self service machine or at a manned service desk.
- High-speed trains: China has one of the largest high-speed rail networks in the world, offering fast and efficient train services between major cities. High-speed trains are a popular option for long-distance travel, providing a comfortable and scenic way to explore the country.
- Domestic flights: China has a well-established domestic airline industry, with numerous airlines offering flights to cities across the country. Domestic flights are a convenient way to travel long distances quickly, especially for destinations that are far apart.
We recommend using Trip.com for all train and flight tickets
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available in most cities and can be a convenient way to get around, especially for short distances or when public transportation is limited. Make sure to use licensed taxis and insist on using the meter to avoid being overcharged. Our experience of taxis during our China trip were that they were honest regarding the price.
- Ride-hailing services: Didi is the dominant ride-hailing service in China, offering an easy and convenient way to book private car rides or taxis through a mobile app.
- Bicycles: Many cities in China have public bicycle-sharing systems, allowing you to rent bicycles for short trips around the city. Biking is a convenient and environmentally friendly way to explore urban areas and scenic spots.
Is There Uber in China?
Waffle-free answer: No there is no Uber in China.
As mentioned above, Didi is now the dominant ride-hailing service in China, offering similar services to Uber through its mobile app.
Travelers can use Didi to book rides and get around in major cities across the country.
You can download the app and set up an account or to save you downloading yet another China app you can just use the Didi installed in your Alipay App – check out all this info here.
Can you use ATMs in China?
Yes, you can use ATMs in China. Most major cities and tourist areas in China have ATMs that accept international credit and debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay.
As always, we highly suggest getting a travel money card to avoid any extra transaction fees.
What Socket Type to Use for my China Trip?
In China, the standard socket type used is Type A.
*Why not just purchase a Multi Travel Adapter so you are prepared for any plug type?!
Is it Safe to Visit China?
In short – it is probably the safest place we have ever visited.
However, this is not to say you should not take precautions, always use your gut instinct regarding your own safety as you would anywhere in the world.
Below are some areas of caution to consider:
- Personal Safety: China is relatively safe for tourists. Violent crimes against tourists are rare, but petty theft and scams can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas.
- Health and Hygiene: Be mindful of food and water hygiene to avoid traveler’s diarrhea or food-related illnesses. We would recommend drinking bottled water.
- Motorbike Rentals: Motorbike accidents are relatively common, so if you’re renting a motorbike, don’t be stupid and wear a helmet.
- Cultural Sensitivities: Respect local customs, traditions, and cultural practices. Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites and remove shoes before entering sacred places.
- Scams: Be cautious of scams, particularly in tourist areas. Common scams include tuk-tuk scams and offers that seem too good to be true.
- Natural Disasters: China can experience natural disasters like tropical storms, floods, and earthquakes, especially during certain seasons. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow local authorities’ advice in case of emergency.
What Language is Spoken in China?
The official language spoken in China is Standard Mandarin.
Here are 10 top phrases in Mandarin Chinese that may be useful for travelers to China:
- nǐ hǎo – Hello
- xièxiè – Thank you
- duìbùqǐ – Sorry
- qǐngwèn – Excuse me / May I ask
- qǐng – Please
- zàijiàn – Goodbye
- duōshǎo qián – How much is it?
- wǒ xiǎng qù – I want to go to…
- měiwèi de – Delicious
- bù hǎo yìsi – Excuse me / Sorry
Learning these basic phrases can be helpful for communication and navigating daily interactions while in China.
It is also worth noting that many Chinese people LOVE and very much appreciate when foreigners make an effort to speak a few words in Mandarin, so don’t be afraid to try!
What Sim Card to get for my China Trip?
We suggest purchasing an E Sim. We recommend this E Sim which also includes a VPN so you can still access social media and all western apps during your China trip.
What Packing Essentials do I Need for my China Trip?
- Passport and visa: Make sure you have your passport with at least six months validity and any necessary visas for entry into China.
- Power adapters and converters: China uses Type A and Type C power outlets, so you may need adapters and converters to charge your electronic devices.
- Battery Pack – if you have any long train journeys or to charge your phone after all the photos taken.
- Comfortable walking shoes: You may be doing a lot of walking/hiking during your China trip, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes.
- Weather-appropriate clothing: Check the weather forecast for your destination in China and pack clothing suitable for the season. Layers are always a good idea as temperatures can vary. We stayed in places that were 32 degrees and our need stop was a mere 12 degrees!
- Toiletries and medications: Pack personal hygiene items, prescription medications, and any over-the-counter medicines you may need.
- Travel insurance: It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance to cover unexpected events like lost luggage or medical emergencies.
- Travel guide and maps: Download maps and translation apps to help you navigate your way around China.
- Download essential apps: Download Didi, Wechat, AliPay, Metroman and Baidu BEFORE you arrive in China.
- Travel bag or backpack: A sturdy and comfortable bag or backpack to carry your essentials (and snacks!) while sightseeing in China. Even better if it’s a dry bag to protect against rain.
- A sense of adventure and a BIG SMILE.
You can find the full list of our travel tips here.
Is China Worth Visiting?
Is China worth visiting? Yes, we absolutely loved our China trip.
China is worth visiting for its rich history, diverse culture, stunning landscape, and most importantly, it’s amazing people.
There is something for every type of traveler, from iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to modern cities like Chongqing, beautiful nature, and good people well up for the craic!
It’s a unique and rewarding travel experience, but be prepared for some differences and challenges compared to Western countries.
Enjoy Your China Trip!
We honestly hope you enjoy your China trip as much as we did and that this article answers some, if not all, of your questions.
We would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to leave us a message below or contact us through our socials.
Slán go fóil
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