China bound: 10 things to know before you go

Key Takeaways: China Travel Tips at a Glance

• Download VPNs before arriving for internet access
• High-speed trains and metro systems make travel easy
• Stick to bottled or boiled waterUse mobile payments or carry local cash
• Best travel months: March–May and September–November

A journey to China is unlike a visit to any other place on earth. As a nation overwhelmingly rich in culture, history, art and cuisine, it’s little wonder China travel tips are in high demand. Famous sites like Changcheng (The Great Wall), Gu Gong (The Forbidden City) and Bing Ma Yong (Army of Terracotta Warriors) feature on countless bucket lists. Its industrious people have left an indelible mark on global science, economics and culture.

With the first Chinese dynasty dating back to 1046 BC, China has never stopped evolving and achieving. It’s also home to 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (second only to Italy’s 61) and you’ll see some of these spectacular icons on an Inspiring Vacations tour to China. 

Geographically, China is remarkably diverse. Bordering the Pacific Ocean in the south, it boasts tropical beaches that rival the world’s best including a surprisingly vibrant surf scene in Haikou, often called China’s Hawaii. These coastlines contrast with vast mountain ranges and the Gobi Desert, which stretches 1,500km (about 930 miles) along the Mongolian border. 

While many of its top attractions and massive cities are well-documented, China still retains an air of mystery. First-timers often wonder about the food, the language, how to haggle and get around. But don’t worry, China is modern, welcoming, and easier to navigate than you might expect. And the food? Even if you arrive without a favourite Chinese dish, you’re bound to leave with several.

Read on for practical China travel advice, including things to know before travelling to China, cultural etiquette tips, and essential China travel requirements.

1. What are the China visa requirements?

If you're planning a trip to China, understanding the China visa requirements is a key first step. Entry has become more straightforward thanks to expanded visa-free access.

Visa-free entry (as of November 2024)

From 30 November 2024 to 31 December 2025, holders of ordinary passports from Australia, New Zealand, most of Europe (e.g., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, the Nordics, etc.), Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Brunei and others can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits or transit. Policies can change—always check your government’s travel advice and China’s official sites before booking. 

Visa applications

If you require a visa, you’ll need to apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) at the Chinese embassy in your nearest capital city. Appointments are required, though some locations may accept walk-ins—just be prepared for varied wait times.

Do I need a visa? 

Visa policies can change, so it’s always best to double-check before you travel. However, as of September 2025, the following information is accurate:

• Australia and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Mainland China for stays of up to 30 days.
• US, Canadian and Indian passport holders do need a visa to enter China. US and Canadian passport holders can apply online via COVA.
• For Indian passport holders, a paper or embassy visa is the only option for visiting China. This visa is typically issued as a stamp or sticker placed in the passport. Travellers must obtain it in advance from a local Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application centre before their trip.

To apply, you’ll need:

1. A valid passport (with at least six months' validity)
2. A completed visa application form
3. A recent passport photo
4. Travel itinerary (flights and accommodation)
5. Travel insurance and proof of funds (in some cases)

If you’re navigating the process for the first time, a visa service like the one offered by Sherpa.  This is especially useful for travellers understanding China’s visa application process or looking to avoid paperwork headaches.

2. What is internet access and connectivity like in China?

When it comes to China travel tips, one of the biggest questions for travellers is whether they can stay connected. It's important to know that the internet operates under strict regulations. Many popular websites and social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and Google services, are restricted.

To navigate these China travel restrictions, most travellers use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access blocked content. To keep in touch with family and access news, a reliable VPN is another China travel essential to consider. 

Some of the best VPNs for accessing the internet in China include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. Be sure to download and set up your VPN before arriving in China, as many VPN websites are also blocked once inside the country.

Wi-Fi is available in hotels and public spaces, though speeds can vary. Having a local SIM card or portable hotspot can also enhance your connectivity while navigating China’s public transportation system. 

3. Navigating China's public transportation—how difficult is it?

Navigating around the country efficiently is an essential part of any China travel tips guide. China’s public transport system is modern, extensive, and affordable, making it a great way to explore both cities and regions.

Major cities boast reliable underground metro networks, while long-distance travel is dominated by China’s extensive high-speed rail system—the largest in the world. These trains can reach speeds between 250-350 km/h (155–217 mph), making them a convenient way to cover vast distances quickly.

If you’re nervous about using public transport, rest assured that signage is bilingual (Mandarin and English), and ticketing is straightforward. Taxis (chuzu che) are widely available, though traffic congestion may slow you down so plan accordingly. 

For those looking for detailed advice on navigating China’s public transportation system, downloading popular China travel apps can be invaluable. Tools like Google Maps and DiDi (China’s version of Uber) are useful for filling in the gaps, especially with route planning and overcoming language barriers.

4. Do I need vaccinations?  

Before you travel, it’s important to check the latest China travel requirements related to health. While most travellers don’t need mandatory vaccinations to enter China, it’s recommended that your routine immunisations (such as polio and hepatitis) are up to date. You may also want to consider getting the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine, especially if you plan to spend time in rural or agricultural areas.

For personalised advice, visit your GP or a travel health clinic 3–4 months before your departure date. This preparation ensures you meet all China travel health requirements before your trip. 

5. Can I drink the tap water?

One important item on your China travel checklist is how to handle drinking water. Although water quality in cities is gradually improving, it’s still advised not to drink tap water unless it’s boiled first (this applies to both urban and rural areas).

Bottled water is widely available at restaurants, shops, and hotels, often provided free of charge. Staying hydrated is key to enjoying your travels comfortably, so keeping this tip in mind is essential for your overall China travel safety.

6. Can I purchase alcohol?

Alcohol is widely accessible throughout China, from major cities to rural areas. You’ll find both local and international wines and spirits in supermarkets and restaurants.

With Chinese wine and beer now on the world stage, why not go local? Tsingtao, China’s most well-known beer, was founded in Qingdao in 1903 by German settlers, and given Germans know beer, you can trust it’s a decent brew. Baijiu, on the other hand, is the most widely consumed spirit and packs a punch with an alcohol content upwards of 50%—tread lightly, and gan bei! (cheers!).

Whether you’re enjoying street food or dining in a high-end restaurant, alcohol is generally easy to find, making it a notable part of your China travel experience.

7. What sort of food is available?

Chinese food in its native land is quite different from the creative adaptations found in Western restaurants. Popular dishes such as sweet and sour pork are available but will taste and look a little different to what you’re used to.

Like their European counterparts, authentic Chinese cooking also tends to change according to the season: If you’re visiting the north, rich, warming dishes (like hot pot and soupy noodles) are commonly served in the cooler months, while lighter dishes such as fanqie chao dan (stir-fried eggs and tomato) and pai huanggua (smashed cucumbers with garlic) will be served in the warmer seasons.

Our top China travel advice tip when it comes to food is to be open to sampling the local cuisine. What might be unfamiliar and out of your comfort zone will also help you connect more deeply with the culture and create incredible memories while on your China tour.

8. When is the best time to visit China?

• Choosing the right time to visit is an important part of your China travel preparation. Given its vast size, China has a wide range of climates and weather conditions.
• Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons to travel, offering mild temperatures and colourful landscapes. Parks burst into blossoms in spring, while autumn’s foliage creates breathtaking vistas.
• Southern cities south of the Yangtze River have mild winters, whereas northern areas can experience bitter cold and heavy snowfall during winter.
• Peak season runs from July to September, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
  Some travellers enjoy the unique beauty of seeing famous landmarks like the Great Wall or the
• Forbidden City covered in snow during winter.
• Major holidays include the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) in February and Golden Week in October, both of which can affect travel plans due to increased crowds.

Considering these factors will help you make the most of your trip and is an essential part of your China travel checklist.

9. Is China expensive?

Another hot topic on any China travel checklist is budget. China is comparable to other Asian destinations when it comes to your budget planning—your experience, however, can be as low-cost or as luxe as you like.

Meals at local restaurants typically cost between RMB 20-80 (around AU$4-17), especially outside major cities. Street food is often even more affordable. In bigger cities and tourist hotspots, prices can be higher, with mid-range restaurants charging RMB 80-150 (AU$17-32) or more, while fine dining options will cost significantly more.

When it comes to payment, cash is king, and many vendors and stallholders may not accept foreign bank cards. ATMs are widely available across the country, but it’s best to use one that accepts both international and local cards. You can order Chinese Renminbi (RMB) before you depart from a foreign exchange service or withdraw cash from an ATM upon arrival.

For digitally savvy travellers, another China travel tip is to set up mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay. While these platforms traditionally required a Chinese bank account, many now support foreign credit cards. They’re widely used across China for everything from restaurants and shops to public transport and taxis.

10. Which essentials should I pack?

Packing smart is key to a smooth trip, so here’s a quick China travel checklist of essentials to bring along:

• Tissues and wet wipes: Many public toilets, especially outside major cities, do not provide toilet paper.
• Sunscreen: The local options can be pricey and often have limited SPF, so bring your own.
• Comfortable walking shoes: Expect to do a lot of walking when exploring cities and cultural sites.
• A reusable water bottle: Tap water isn’t safe to drink without boiling, so having a bottle to refill with purified or bottled water is handy.
• Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella: Weather can be unpredictable depending on the season.
• Power adaptors: Electricity runs at 220V AC, 50Hz. Travellers from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and India are usually voltage-compatible but will still need a plug adaptor. Travellers from the US and Canada will need a plug adaptor and often a voltage converter, unless their devices support 100–240V (check your device label).
  
  China uses three types of plugs:
  1. Type I: Three-pronged angled pins (same as in Australia/New Zealand)
  2. Type A: Two flat parallel pins (used in North America and Japan, but the voltage differs)
  3. Type C: Two round pins (used in Europe, India, and other regions)

If you plan to visit Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan during your trip, note that these regions often use UK or US style plugs, so pack an extra adaptor.

Ready to visit the Middle Kingdom with Inspiring Vacations? Choose from our popular China Uncovered to our longer, 2-week China Uncovered with Yangtze, which includes a visit to Chengdu and a cruise on the Yangtze River (there’s also an option to add Guangzhou to this tour). Book your unforgettable China journey today!