China is a dream destination for travelers, offering ancient wonders, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes. But how do you visit China as a tourist? From visas to planning your itinerary, hellochinatrip.com and our Wild China Travel Agency are here to simplify the process. Whether it’s your first trip or a return adventure, this guide covers everything you need to know to explore China with ease.
Step 1: Get Your China Tourist Visa
Most visitors need a tourist visa (L visa) to enter China. Here’s how to get started:
- Documents: Valid passport (6+ months), completed application form, recent photo, and travel itinerary.
- Where to Apply: Visit your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, or use a visa agency for convenience.
- Tip: Some cities like Shanghai offer visa-free transit (up to 144 hours)—check if you qualify! At hellochinatrip.com, we provide visa assistance to save you time.
Step 2: Plan Your Itinerary
China is vast, so focus on what excites you—history, nature, or food. Here are top tourist spots and how to visit them:
- Beijing: See the Great Wall (Mutianyu is less crowded) and Forbidden City. Allow 3-4 days.
- Xi’an: Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors. A 2-day visit pairs well with Beijing via high-speed train.
- Shanghai: Explore modern China with the Bund and Disneyland. Plan 2-3 days.
- Guilin/Yangshuo: Cruise the Li River amid karst peaks. Spend 3-4 days for a relaxing escape.
- Tip: Book a curated tour with hellochinatrip.com for seamless travel between cities.
Step 3: Book Flights and Accommodation
- Flights: Major hubs like Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), and Guangzhou (CAN) have international connections. Use sites like Skyscanner or let us handle it.
- Hotels: Options range from budget hostels to luxury chains. We recommend family-friendly hotels with English-speaking staff—check our packages at hellochinatrip.com.
- Tip: Book early for peak seasons (spring and fall).
Step 4: Prepare for Travel
- Language: Basic Mandarin helps—learn “ni hao” (hello) and “xie xie” (thank you). Apps like Pleco or Google Translate are lifesavers.
- Money: Cash is king in smaller towns, but WeChat Pay/Alipay are widely used. Bring USD to exchange.
- Internet: Expect restricted access (no Google/Facebook). Get a VPN or rely on our guides for navigation.
- Packing: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothes, and a power adapter (220V, Type A/C/I plugs).
Step 5: Travel Smart in China
- Transport: High-speed trains are fast and affordable (e.g., Beijing to Xi’an in 4.5 hours). Taxis and Didi (China’s Uber) work in cities.
- Food: Try dumplings, Peking duck, and street snacks—safe and delicious!
- Safety: China is tourist-friendly, but keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
Sample Itinerary: 10-Day China Highlights
- Day 1-4: Beijing – Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace.
- Day 5-6: Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter.
- Day 7-10: Shanghai & Yangshuo – Fly to Shanghai (Bund, skyline), then Guilin (Li River cruise).
- Why Us?: Our Wild China Travel Agency at hellochinatrip.com arranges trains, guides, and hotels for a stress-free trip.
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Testimonials
Signage improvement
Whenever I want to exit the metro into a mall, there is no signage to tell me which exit I should use. All exitspoint to above ground road name. Its just not one city, it’s every city in China the metro signage is like that. For a foreigner, I just want to get to the mall. Also there is no big map at the station indicating the exit goes to where. I hope metro stations all over China especially major cities can improve on the metro exit signage.
Mun Hau chun
Winter Tour
We joined the China Winter Tour to Harbin for the Ice Festival. It was spectacular! The snow sculptures were breathtaking, and our guide, Tom , made sure we stayed warm and comfortable. The hotpot dinner was the perfect end to our icy day. Highly recommended for winter lovers!
Sofia
A Memorable Great Wall Experience!
We booked the Great Wall of China Tour with HelloChinaTrip, and it exceeded our expectations! From the moment we started in Beijing, our guide, Emily, made every step of the journey engaging and informative. Visiting both the Mutianyu and Jinshanling sections allowed us to experience the Wall’s grandeur in a relaxed, unhurried way. The hidden historical stories shared by Emily made the tour unforgettable. We also enjoyed delicious local meals along the way, thanks to their excellent recommendations. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Alexandra
A Dream Family Vacation!
Our Family Tour with HelloChinaTrip was phenomenal! We explored Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou over 10 days, and everything was perfectly organized. Special thanks to our guide, Lily , who was patient and fantastic with the kids, keeping them entertained and engaged with fascinating stories. The itinerary was a perfect mix of history, culture, and fun activities. We especially loved the boat ride on West Lake. This trip created lasting family memories we’ll cherish forever!
Oliver
Incredible Silk Road Adventure
We embarked on a 12-day Silk Road Tour, and every moment was magical. From Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves to Kashgar’s bustling markets, the journey was packed with highlights. Our guide, Michael , was passionate and knowledgeable, providing insights that brought ancient history to life. The accommodations were excellent, and the transportation was seamless. This tour gave us a profound appreciation for China’s rich cultural tapestry. Highly recommend!
Nadia
Yangtze River Cruise – Truly Unforgettable!
The Yangtze River Cruise with HelloChinaTrip was an experience we’ll never forget. The 5-day journey aboard the luxury vessel was comfortable and well-planned. Our guide, Jason, shared stories about the Three Gorges that added depth to the stunning scenery. The onboard activities and meals were excellent, and every detail was taken care of. This was the highlight of our trip to China!
Liam K
A Magical Panda Tour!
Our Panda Tour in Chengdu was everything we hoped for! We visited the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, and our guide, Sophia , provided fascinating insights into panda conservation efforts. Watching the pandas play and feed was heartwarming. The tour also included some wonderful stops at local temples and markets. An unforgettable day that connected us deeply with China’s wildlife and culture.
Mariko
Tibet Tour
Our 8-day Tibet Tour with HelloChinaTrip was an extraordinary journey. From the Potala Palace to the stunning Namtso Lake, every site was awe-inspiring. Our guide, Tenzin , was knowledgeable and deeply connected to his culture, sharing stories that made our visit to Tibet incredibly personal. The logistics were seamless, and we felt well taken care of in this remote region. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Samuel
Nature Tour of Guilin
Our nature tour through Guilin and Yangshuo was beyond beautiful. The Li River cruise and the hike through the Longji Rice Terraces were the highlights. Our guide, Leo , knew every hidden viewpoint and local story. The stunning landscapes and warm hospitality made this an unforgettable trip.