Are tourists allowed to travel freely in China?
Yes. Many countries, including the UK, Australia, Ireland, Italy, Belgium and France, can visit China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Regions like Tibet and Xinjiang require special permits to visit, but we don't currently visit these on our China tours, so you can explore with ease.
Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai are easier to navigate, with modern public transport systems and English signage making navigation straightforward. As you venture inland to places like Guilin and Xi'an, aspects like the language barrier become more noticeable, but that's part of the adventure! Every region offers a unique glimpse into Chinese traditions, communities, and way of life.
Is it safe to travel to China?
Yes. China is widely considered one of the safest countries for travellers, including solo female travellers. Many markets and outdoor activities remain lively well into the evening, creating a welcoming atmosphere for exploring after dark. That said, travelling to any new destination should be accompanied by a sensible level of caution.
Before you go, make sure you have the correct visa and travel insurance in case of unexpected events. We also recommend checking the latest FCDO travel advice for China to stay informed of any important updates or recommendations.
What do I need to do before travelling to China?
Organisation is key. Before travelling to China, organise your visa (more on that below), check your passport validity, and ensure you have travel insurance.
Read the day-by-day itinerary for your trip, as this will help with knowing what to pack. For example, consider bringing a Water-to-Go bottle (save 15% here), which is a portable filtration system that eliminates over 99.9% of the nasties.
Be aware of the firewall blocking, referred to as the 'Great Firewall of China', which means you can't access social media apps (such as Instagram and Facebook), WhatsApp, or Google (this can be very disruptive if you rely heavily on Google Maps to navigate). The good news is that you can bypass the block with a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Travel eSIMs in China, such as Airalo, usually have an inbuilt VPN.
You'll need to download a VPN if you're planning to bring a laptop or iPad. The firewall will block apps if you use the Wi-Fi in China to access the internet on these devices. Using a VPN in China is more common than you think – even the Apple Store in Shanghai can install this for you!
If you have an eSIM, it's also worth downloading a translation app as English still isn't widely spoken and the written language is hard to decipher. Google Translate will use your camera to translate menus, directions, and ingredient lists on supermarket foods.
If you don't have an eSIM, there are offline translation apps available like Pleco, which are incredibly useful on the go. You can photograph Chinese characters (such as those on menus or bathroom signs) and get instant translations. The app also supports handwriting input, which can help you communicate more easily with locals.
Remember, your passport is quite literally your passport to everything. It's needed for access to main attractions, trains, and hotels. It's important to keep it on you; otherwise, you risk being turned away.
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
This depends on your country. The UK and Australia don't require a visa for China for stays of up to 30 days. Luckily for you, our China small group tours run between 10 and 12 days. So, chances are, you'll only need a China visa if you're planning on staying for over 30 days.
We'll need a copy of your passport no later than eight weeks before you are due to start your trip. This is hugely important so we can book train travel, flights, hotel, tickets to various attractions, and so on. Without this information ahead of time, we can't guarantee these services. For example, a copy of your passport is required for the Great Wall of China, travelling on bullet trains, and entering the Forbidden City.
Once we have your passport copy, we'll process and send the documents you need six to eight weeks before your trip, so keep this in mind when applying for your visa. If you require the supporting documents earlier than this, please contact us so we can arrange this.
What is China like for solo travellers?
Our small group China tours are ideal for solo travellers. Whether you're exploring independently or with a companion, our itineraries are thoughtfully designed to suit both solo adventurers and those travelling in pairs or groups. We also offer solo room supplements for added comfort and privacy.
Throughout your journey, you'll be accompanied by an experienced Explore tour leader and a group of like-minded travellers. You'll enjoy the camaraderie during guided experiences, while also having free time to discover China at your own pace.
Our expert tour leaders bring a wealth of local knowledge to beat the crowds at top attractions, help you get to grips with using chopsticks in local restaurants, and lead insightful orientation walks. You'll get closer to the culture, whether you're staying in charming guesthouses, wandering through peaceful towns, or exploring vibrant areas like Xi'an's Muslim Quarter or Beijing's hutongs.
Where in China are the best places to see pandas?
You can see these gentle giants at the Panda Research Centre in Chengdu, which has been working since 1990 to study the giant panda and increase the number of breeding pairs. The 92-acre centre is home to many pandas, who roam large, leafy enclosures.
Unfortunately, it’s very unlikely that visitors to China will see giant pandas in the wild: roughly 1,800 pandas are living outside of captivity in China, with most of these inhabiting nature reserves. Though numbers have increased over the last decade, they are still a vulnerable species.
What travel jabs do you need to visit China?
There aren't any compulsory vaccinations to enter China, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, and polio. If you can, check the latest vaccine recommendations for China at least eight weeks before your trip.
Consult your travel clinic for up-to-date advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. You may wish to take immunisation against Japanese Encephalitis.
More vaccination information and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
When is the best time of year to visit China?
The best time to visit China is usually in the spring or autumn months, when the weather is warm and dry. It can be hot and humid in the summer and very cold during the winter, though if you’re prepared with the right clothing, you should still find travelling around comfortable.
Some major attractions, like the Great Wall or Terracotta Warriors, are busy all year round but tend to peak during the summer months when schools are closed. Therefore, we try to avoid running our small group tours during this peak summer period.
Our China trips run March–June and September–November, depending on the specific trip, but the weather does vary greatly depending on the season and the region you're visiting. We currently cover Beijing (in the north), Xi'an (in the west), Guilin (in the south), as well as Hong Kong.
China is vast, covering more than 5.6 million square kilometres (35,000 square miles). There are huge differences in its landscapes, which range from the dry plains of the Gobi Desert to the broad grasslands of the Inner Mongolian Plateau and the sub-zero glaciers of the Himalayas.
What is the food and drink like in China?
Get ready for a kaleidoscope of tastes, aromas, and spices. China’s culinary landscape is incredibly diverse and deeply regional, from spicy Sichuanese hotpot to crispy Peking duck in Beijing.
Across the country, meals often focus on rice or noodles. Sharing is a key part of the dining culture as meals typically consist of several communal dishes, featuring a variety of meats and vegetables, with rice served separately. You’ll likely be given a small bowl to fill from the shared plates, finishing with rice to soak up the remaining sauces and flavours.
- Jiaozi are boiled, steamed, or pan-fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
- Baozi are larger, fluffier buns filled with meat, vegetables, or red bean paste.
- Xianbing is a local speciality of Xi'an; these flattened Chinese meat pies are filled with meat, vegetables, and herbs.
- Tea is an essential part of Chinese culture, with each region offering a unique flavour. Spending time at a teahouse or attending a tea ceremony makes for a quintessential Chinese cultural experience.
- Baijiu is China's national liquor; this strong-distilled spirit is usually enjoyed at group dinners or celebrations.
- Beer includes Chinese staples like Tsingtao, Harbin, or Snow Beer, which goes particularly well with spicier dishes.
If you're vegetarian, there will also be plenty of vegetable dishes to choose from. On our small group tours to China, your tour leader will make sure you get first dibs on the vegetable dishes before everyone else tucks in.
What is the weather like in China?
China's climate is diverse due to its vast size, ranging from temperate in the north to tropical in the south. Summers are generally hot and rainy, especially in the southern region, where tropical downpours can occur year-round. In contrast, northern areas like Beijing experience dry, hot summers and very cold winters, with temperatures dropping to -12°C or lower!
The south remains milder in winter but can be humid. Spring and autumn offer more moderate and pleasant weather across much of the country.
What currency should I take to China? Do I even need to bring cash?
In mainland China, the formal currency is RMB or Renminbi – otherwise known as the people's money – but it's more colloquially referred to as the yuan. Tipping is not customary in China, so this is not expected.
We recommend downloading
WeChat Pay or
Alipay when visiting mainland China. China is becoming predominantly cashless now, so although it's important to have access to some cash and a backup credit card, most payments are carried out via payment apps. These are the most common apps, so you should download one and link a card to it before you arrive.
It's worth noting that in Hong Kong, they use a different currency – the Hong Kong dollar. An Octopus card works as a top-up card and will allow you to pay for transport, meals, and goods. Cash is more widely accepted in Hong Kong, with their famous red taxis accepting cash, but even they are transitioning to app payments.
Is China cheap to visit?
Yes, China is an affordable destination for travellers. The flights will likely be the most expensive part, as once you're in China, the prices will be very low compared to back home.
Public transport is cheap and efficient, street food and local restaurants offer delicious meals at low prices, and entrance fees to attractions are often modest. When travelling as part of a small group tour, you'll see far more sights and visit places you may have never otherwise discovered.