UK FCDO travel advice: Exercise normal precautions when travelling to China. Some areas may have increased risk — check conditions for the specific regions you plan to visit.
Discover
Top Attractions in China
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
The Great Wall of China
Stretching over 21,000 km across northern China, the Great Wall is one of the greatest architectural feats in human history. The Mutianyu and Badaling sections are most accessible.
The Forbidden City, Beijing
The world's largest palace complex, home to 24 emperors across five centuries. Its 980 buildings and iconic red walls are a defining symbol of China.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Thousands of towering quartzite sandstone pillars draped in mist — the landscape that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar.
Li River Cruise, Guilin
A four-hour boat journey through one of China's most iconic landscapes — karst mountains, bamboo forests, and fishermen on bamboo rafts.
Terracotta Army, Xi'an
Over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 210 BC — one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
West Lake, Hangzhou
A UNESCO-listed freshwater lake surrounded by temples, pagodas, gardens, and causeways — one of China's most celebrated and painted landscapes.
Where to Go
Top Cities to Visit in China
Beijing
The imperial capital — Forbidden City, Great Wall access, and Peking duck
Shanghai
The Bund, futuristic skyline, and China's most cosmopolitan dining scene
Xi'an
Home of the Terracotta Army and the ancient Silk Road starting point
Guilin
Karst mountain scenery and Li River cruises in southern China
Chengdu
Giant pandas, spicy Sichuan cuisine, and a relaxed teahouse culture
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting China
Most visitors require a visa to enter mainland China. Tourist visas (L visa category) must be applied for at a Chinese embassy or consulate before travel. China does offer a 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit policy for citizens of many countries transiting through certain designated ports.
A standard tourist L visa allows multiple entries with stays of up to 30 or 60 days per entry. The visa validity (how long you can use it) is typically 90 days from the date of issue.
A valid passport with at least 6 months validity, a valid Chinese tourist visa, a completed Arrival Card (provided on flight), and hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter.
China is generally very safe for tourists. The crime rate is low. However, be aware that internet access is restricted (use a VPN before arriving), and political sensitivities exist around certain topics. Exercise standard precautions.
The Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY/RMB, symbol ¥). Mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate — tourists can now set up a basic tourist account. ATMs that accept foreign cards are available in major cities.
Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the official language. Regional dialects including Cantonese, Shanghainese, and others are also spoken. English is limited to tourist areas and international hotels.
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit most of China for comfortable temperatures and lower rainfall. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid but is peak season for northern destinations. Avoid Golden Week holidays (1–7 October and Chinese New Year) if possible — crowds are enormous.
Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu, explore the Forbidden City, marvel at the Terracotta Army, cruise the Li River in Guilin, visit the Zhangjiajie rock formations, experience Shanghai's Bund by night, take a high-speed train between cities, and explore a traditional hutong neighbourhood in Beijing.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and the newer Daxing Airport (PKX) serve Beijing. Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) serve Shanghai. Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) is a major southern hub.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. While medical care in major cities is adequate, costs are high for foreigners paying out-of-pocket.
No vaccinations are required for entry from most countries. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis (for rural travel) vaccinations are recommended.
No. Foreign licences are not valid in mainland China (except for Hong Kong and Macau, which have their own rules). You must obtain a temporary Chinese driver's licence to drive.
Duty-free allowance is RMB 5,000 for most goods. Declare cash over USD 5,000. Many goods including media content, medications, and electronic devices may be inspected.
Tipping is not a traditional part of Chinese culture and is not expected or required in most situations. Gratuity is increasingly accepted in international hotels and tour guide contexts but is far from obligatory.
No. Do not drink tap water in China. Drink bottled water or boiled water provided by hotels. Avoid ice unless you are certain it was made from purified water.
China uses Type A (two flat parallel pins), Type I (two or three angled flat pins), and Type C (two round pins) outlets at 220V / 50Hz. An adapter is needed for most UK and Australian plugs. US and Canadian travellers (120V devices) need a voltage converter.
110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire).
Most governments advise normal caution for major tourist regions of China. Some governments advise increased caution or reconsideration of travel for specific regions (Tibet, Xinjiang). Internet censorship (the Great Firewall) is significant — install a VPN before arrival. Check your government's official travel advice.