Discover the best of China with this China travel guide.

China is a vast and surprising country with warm people, breathtaking landscapes, incredible historical sites and fabulous food. There’s so much to see and do – this China travel guide is here to help you as you start planning to visit China.

Fast Facts About China

Continent: Asia

Capital: Beijing

Language: Mandarin (Cantonese in Hong Kong)

Population: 1,451,144,623 (2022)

Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Government: One-party communist dictatorship

International dialling code: +86

Power voltage: 220 V 50Hz; Plug A, I & G.

Staying in touch: Most social media sites, including Google, are blocked in China. You will need a VPN to use them.

Things To See And Do In China

Visit the Terracotta Warriors – take a trip to the incredible burial site with thousands of terracotta soldiers and horses,

Toboggan Down From The Great Wall of China – don’t just walk on the wall – take a thrilling 20-minute toboggan ride back down again, just like Michelle Obama.

Cruise Down the Li River – a visit to Guilin and Yangshuo would not be complete without a leisurely cruise on the spectacular Li River.

Cycle Around the Ancient City Wall in Xi’an – get the absolute best view of Xi’an while cycling the 10km route around the 14th-century city walls.

Unleash Your Inner Artist – learn about the art and history of Chinese brush painting with a local teacher.

Escape the Bustle of Shanghai for the Venice of the East – discover the UNESCO World Heritage gardens and the canals of Suzhou.

Where To Stay In China

Beijing

Four Seasons – This is a stunning place to stay when you visit China. The service is exceptional, and the location is perfect – just a 15-minute drive from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. The hotel has a sauna, indoor pool, city views and stunning oriental-inspired decor. Sunday brunch here is incredible!

Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel: A hidden gem in the heart of the historical Hutong area in central Bejing. This lovely hotel is a peaceful retreat where you can try traditional cultural activities, including shadow art painting classes, practising calligraphy and making Chinese dumplings.

Guilin

Aroma Tea House Hotel: This charming boutique hotel is a real find, just a 2-minute stroll from the Xi Cheng Pedestrian Street and Guilin Night Market and only a 12-minute walk from Elephant Trunk Hill and the Sun & Moon Twin Pagodas. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, and the view from the breakfast room will take your breath away.

Xi’an

The Grand Park Xi’an location is brilliant. It’s close enough to walk to the old City Wall, the Bell tower, Drum tower and the Muslim Quarter. With super helpful staff and massive comfy beds, it’s the perfect hotel for a short stay in Xi’an. 

Yangshuo

We stayed at the delightful Yangshuo Moondance Hotel. Just a 15-minute drive from Yangshuo’s West Street buzz, the hotel has an idyllic riverside location with amazing views of the karst mountains. It’s ideal if you’re planning to enjoy the umpteen outdoor activities in the area.

TRAVEL TIPS & RESOURCES

Here’s a quick look at all my favourite travel resources – the ones I use to plan every trip. Find more information on my travel resources page.

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or VRBO
💃 How about fun experiences? Get Your Guide and Viator have it all
🚗 Considering renting a car? Use Rentalcars
🚂 If you need transfers, bus or train tickets, check Omio
🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from Travel Insurance Master

Best Time To Visit China

China is very hot in the summer and can be brutally cold in the winter. Hence, the best time to visit China is from May to June and between September and October.

Avoid the January/February Chinese New Year period and China’s National Day holiday week from 1-7 October (known as Golden Week), as all transport, cities and tourist attractions will be impossibly crowded at this time.