China Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Beijing
- Currency
- Chinese Yuan (CNY ¥)
- 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.
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.
Getting around
China's world-class high-speed rail network links virtually every major city quickly and affordably, complemented by extensive domestic flights for the longest routes. Cities have modern, cheap metro systems and buses paid via Alipay/WeChat QR codes, and ride-hailing through DiDi is the dominant alternative to taxis.
Safety
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.
Tipping customs
Tipping is not traditional in mainland China and is generally not expected in restaurants, taxis or hotels; some upscale and international venues add a service charge. Drivers and most staff won't expect extra, though tipping tour guides and drivers on organised trips has become more common.
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.