China
East Asia · Asia
- Capital
- Beijing
- Currency
- Chinese Yuan (CNY ¥)
- Language
- Mandarin Chinese
- Timezone
- UTC+8
- Safety rating
- 8/10
- Best time to visit
- Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Avoid national holidays (Golden Week in May and October) when domestic travel peaks.
Overview
China is one of the world's oldest civilizations, spanning 5,000 years of recorded history. From the Great Wall to the karst mountains of Guilin, from futuristic Shanghai to ancient Pingyao, China offers extraordinary diversity. The world's most populous country balances ancient temples with bullet trains and neon megacities.
Visa requirements
Most nationalities require a Chinese tourist visa (L visa). Apply at Chinese embassies/consulates. China has expanded its visa-free entry to 54 countries for stays up to 15 days as of 2024.
Safety information
Very safe for tourists. Low violent crime rates. Traffic in cities can be chaotic. Keep copies of all documents. Air quality in major cities can be poor — check indexes before travel.
Travel tips
Install VPN before arrival — Google, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked. WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant payment methods; carry some cash. Learn a few Mandarin phrases — English is limited outside major cities.