2025 Complete China Travel Guide for Foreigners - Visa, Tips & Everything You Need to Know

Planning to travel to China in 2025? This comprehensive China travel guide for foreigners covers everything you need to know before visiting China. From Chinese visa requirements and entry procedures to payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay, transportation tips, accommodation recommendations, cultural etiquette, and safety advice—we’ve got you covered.

China, with its 5,000 years of civilization, attracts millions of international visitors each year with its magnificent natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and modern urban landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the majestic Great Wall, visiting the mysterious Forbidden City, experiencing the bustling Shanghai Bund, or enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Guilin, this guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey to China.

Key Topics Covered in This China Travel Guide:

• How to get a Chinese visa (L visa, F visa, and more)
• Entry procedures and immigration requirements
• Payment methods in China (cash, WeChat Pay, Alipay, credit cards)
• Communication and internet access (VPN, SIM cards)
• Transportation options (high-speed rail, flights, local transport)
• Where to stay in China
• Language tips and cultural etiquette
• Safety tips for traveling in China
• Practical information (currency, voltage, time zones)
• Recommended travel routes and must-see destinations

Read on to discover everything you need to plan your perfect trip to China! 🇨🇳

Why Travel to China?

China offers:

• World-class Cultural Heritage: The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and many other UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Magnificent Natural Scenery: Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou, Guilin landscapes, and other natural wonders
• Diverse Cultural Experiences: Unique cultures and traditions of 56 ethnic groups
• Modern Urban Charm: International metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen
• Food Paradise: Eight major cuisines and regional specialties to satisfy your taste buds
• Convenient Transportation Network: High-speed rail, subways, airports, and modern transportation facilities

China Visa Requirements for Foreigners 2025

Types of Chinese Visas

Foreigners traveling to China need to apply for the appropriate type of Chinese visa based on their travel purpose:

L Visa (Tourist Visa):

• For tourism, visiting relatives, etc.
• Single, double, or multiple entries
• Usually valid for 30-90 days

F Visa (Visit Visa):

• For invited visits, business inspections, etc.
• Requires an invitation letter

X Visa (Study Visa):

• For studying or training in China
• Requires a school admission letter

Other Types:

• Z Visa (Work Visa)
• S Visa (Private Affairs Visa)
• Q Visa (Family Reunion Visa)

Visa Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documents

• Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
• Visa application form (fill online)
• Recent color photo (48mm×33mm)
• Round-trip flight booking confirmation
• Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter
• Financial proof (bank statements, etc.)
• Travel itinerary

Step 2: Submit Application

• Visit Chinese embassies/consulates or visa application service centers
• Some countries support online applications
• Apply 1-2 months in advance

Step 3: Wait for Processing

• Regular application: 5-7 business days
• Express application: 2-3 business days (additional fee required)
• Urgent application: 1 business day (additional fee required)

Visa-Free Policies

You can enter China visa-free in the following cases:

• 72-Hour Transit Visa-Free: 144-hour transit visa-free policy applies to certain countries and regions, allowing visa-free stays in designated cities
• 144-Hour Transit Visa-Free: Applies to 53 countries, allows visa-free stays in designated areas
• Hainan Visa-Free: Citizens of 59 countries can enter Hainan visa-free for 30 days
• Other Visa-Free Policies: Some regions have visa-free policies for specific countries

Important Notes:

• Visa-free policies may change at any time, check the latest policies before travel
• Must hold connecting flight tickets to a third country/region
• Some policies only apply to specific ports

Entry Process

Upon Arrival at Airport:

1. Fill out the arrival card
2. Go to immigration counter for entry procedures
3. Pass through customs inspection
4. Collect luggage
5. Proceed through customs declaration

Required Documents:

• Valid passport and visa
• Arrival card
• Round-trip flight ticket
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Travel itinerary if necessary

Important Notes:

• Comply with Chinese laws and regulations
• Fill out the arrival card truthfully
• Cooperate with immigration and customs inspections
• Do not carry prohibited items

Payment Methods in China: Cash, WeChat Pay, Alipay & Credit Cards

Chinese Currency (RMB/CNY)

Renminbi (CNY/RMB) - Understanding China’s currency:

• Official currency unit: Yuan (¥)
• Main denominations: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100
• Subsidiary units: Jiao, Fen

Cash Usage

Advantages:

• Small vendors and taxis accept cash
• Some attractions only accept cash
• Avoid electronic payment issues

Notes:

• Carry appropriate amount of cash, no need for large amounts
• Prepare small change for minor purchases
• Banks and exchange points can exchange foreign currency

Electronic Payments

WeChat Pay:

• One of China’s most popular payment methods
• Requires linking a bank card or account top-up
• Requires real-name verification (may need Chinese phone number)
• Accepted at: Almost all merchants, restaurants, transportation, etc.

Alipay:

• China’s second-largest mobile payment platform
• Supports international bank card linking (in some regions)
• Foreigners can use TourPass function
• Accepted at: Almost all merchants, restaurants, transportation, etc.

Binding Methods:

1. International Bank Card Binding:

   • Some international bank cards can be directly linked
   • WeChat Pay and Alipay are gradually opening international bank card support
   • May require Chinese phone number for verification codes

2. Top-up Methods:

   • Ask Chinese friends to help with top-up
   • Use cash top-up (at some locations)
   • Use international credit card top-up (some functions)

Bank Card Payments:

• UnionPay: China’s main bank card network
• Visa/Mastercard: Widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas
• American Express: Lower acceptance
• Recommend carrying multiple bank cards as backup

Cash Withdrawal:

• ATMs support international bank card withdrawals
• Some banks may charge fees
• Recommend checking your bank’s overseas withdrawal policies in advance

Internet & Communication in China: SIM Cards, VPN & WiFi

Getting a Chinese SIM Card

Buying a SIM Card in China:

• Carriers: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
• Purchase Locations: Airports, service centers, convenience stores, etc.
• Required Documents: Passport
• Cost: Prepaid packages, usually ranging from tens to hundreds of yuan

International Roaming:

• Some international carriers provide roaming services in China
• Costs may be high, recommend purchasing local SIM card
• Some phones may not support Chinese network bands

Important Notes:

• Chinese phone number is essential for registering various apps and services
• Recommend purchasing packages with sufficient data
• Keep SIM card packaging, may be needed for password recovery

Internet Access

VPN Usage:

• China restricts access to some foreign websites and apps
• If you need to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc., you may need a VPN
• Recommend researching VPN service providers and legal regulations in advance

Public WiFi:

• Airports, hotels, cafes, etc. provide free WiFi
• Some public WiFi requires phone number verification code to log in
• Be aware of network security, avoid sensitive operations on public networks

Mobile Network:

• 4G/5G networks have wide coverage and fast speeds
• Recommend purchasing packages with sufficient data
• Some remote areas may have weaker signals

Recommended Apps

Maps & Navigation:

• Gaode Maps: Chinese map navigation app
• Baidu Maps: Chinese map navigation app
• Google Maps: Some functions may be restricted

Translation Tools:

• Google Translate: Supports offline translation
• Youdao Translate: Chinese translation tool
• Baidu Translate: Chinese translation tool

Transportation:

• Didi Chuxing: China’s main ride-hailing platform (requires Chinese phone number)
• Gaode Maps: Has ride-hailing function
• 12306: Train ticket booking (requires Chinese phone number and ID card)
• Ctrip: Flight, hotel, and tour product bookings

Dining & Food:

• Dianping: Restaurant reviews and reservations
• Meituan: Food delivery and local services

Accommodation Booking:

• Ctrip: China’s main OTA platform
• Qunar: Tour product bookings
• Booking.com: International accommodation booking platform
• Airbnb: Homestay bookings

Payment Tools:

• WeChat: Social and payment
• Alipay: Payment and local services

Transportation in China: High-Speed Rail, Flights & Local Transport

Getting to China

Flying to China:

• Major International Airports:
  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) / Daxing International Airport (PKX)
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) / Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
  • Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)
  • Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) / Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
• Airport Transportation: Subway, airport buses, taxis, ride-hailing

Train:

• International Trains: Some countries have direct international trains to China
• Border Crossings: Enter through land border crossings

Domestic Transportation

High-Speed Rail:

• Advantages: Fast, comfortable, punctual
• Booking Methods:
  • 12306 website/APP (requires Chinese ID or passport)
  • Station ticket office (supports passport purchase)
  • Third-party platforms (Ctrip, Qunar, etc.)
• Real-Name System: Must use valid ID to purchase tickets and board
• Recommendation: Book in advance, tickets may be hard to get during holidays

Regular Train:

• Slower but cheaper
• Suitable for long-distance travel and budget-conscious tourists
• Different classes: hard seat, hard sleeper, soft sleeper

Airplane:

• Frequent flights between major cities
• Recommend booking in advance for better prices
• Note the distance from airport to city center

Long-Distance Bus:

• Connects cities and towns
• Cheap but time-consuming
• Suitable for short trips and remote areas

Urban Transportation:

• Subway: Main transportation in major cities, convenient and punctual
• Bus: Dense routes, affordable prices
• Taxi: Convenient but may be congested, ensure meter is used
• Ride-Hailing: Didi and other platforms (requires Chinese phone number)
• Shared Bikes: Suitable for short-distance travel
• Walking: Great way to explore the city

Accommodation Recommendations

Hotel Types

International Chain Hotels:

• Hilton, Marriott, InterContinental, etc.
• Unified service standards, support international bookings
• Higher prices

Local Hotel Brands:

• Budget hotels: Home Inn, Hanting, Jinjiang Inn
• Mid-range hotels: 7 Days, All Seasons
• Moderate prices, convenient locations

Boutique Hotels:

• Strong design sense, personalized service
• Mid-range to high-end prices

Homestays:

• Airbnb, Tujia, and other platforms
• Great way to experience local culture
• Varying prices and quality

Hostels:

• Cheap prices, suitable for budget-conscious travelers
• Can meet travelers from around the world

Booking Recommendations

Booking Platforms:

• International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia
• Chinese Platforms: Ctrip, Qunar, Meituan
• Recommend comparing prices across different platforms

Important Notes:

• Confirm if hotel accepts foreign guests (some hotels may only accept Chinese citizens)
• Understand hotel location and transportation convenience in advance
• Pay attention to cancellation policies to avoid losses
• Check real reviews from other travelers
• Confirm if deposit is required

Booking Time:

• Book 1-2 months in advance during peak season (Spring Festival, National Day, summer vacation)
• Prices may increase significantly during holidays
• Weekdays usually have lower prices

Language Communication

Language Situation

Official Language: Mandarin (Putonghua)

Regional Dialects:

• Cantonese: Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macau
• Shanghai Dialect: Shanghai
• Sichuan Dialect: Sichuan
• Other Dialects: Each region has unique local dialects

Practical Communication Tips

Learn Basic Chinese:

• 你好 (Nǐ hǎo): Hello
• 谢谢 (Xiè xiè): Thank you
• 对不起 (Duì bù qǐ): Sorry
• 请问 (Qǐng wèn): Excuse me
• 多少钱 (Duō shǎo qián): How much
• 我不会说中文 (Wǒ bù huì shuō zhōng wén): I don’t speak Chinese

Use Translation Tools:

• Google Translate, Youdao Translate apps
• Support voice translation and photo translation
• Recommend downloading offline packages

Body Language:

• Use gestures and body language to assist communication
• Maintain patience and friendly attitude

Seek Help:

• Hotel front desks usually have English service
• Tourist attractions have English signs or guides
• Young people in big cities generally have better English
• Can seek help from young people or students

Cultural Differences

Communication Style:

• Chinese expression tends to be indirect, pay attention to subtle cues
• Directly saying “no” may be considered impolite, use more tactful expressions
• Respecting elders and authority is an important cultural tradition

Social Etiquette:

• Handshakes commonly used for first meetings
• Accept business cards with both hands
• Pay attention to seating arrangements and dining etiquette at banquets

Cultural Etiquette & Important Notes

Basic Etiquette

Respect Traditional Culture:

• Remove hats and stay quiet when entering temples, Taoist temples, and other religious sites
• Do not touch artifacts when visiting ancient buildings
• Confirm if photography is allowed before taking photos

Dining Etiquette:

• Chinese dining etiquette: Elders start first, don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice
• Toast culture: Drink in moderation, can use drinks instead if unable to drink
• Separate servings are becoming common, but traditional Chinese meals are still shared

Public Places:

• Stay quiet, don’t make loud noises
• Queue up and follow order
• Strictly comply with no-smoking areas
• Sort and dispose of garbage

Taboos

Number Taboos:

• Number 4 is considered unlucky (sounds like “death”)
• Number 8 is considered lucky
• Number 6 also has auspicious meaning

Color Taboos:

• White should be used carefully at joyful occasions like weddings
• Red is a festive and auspicious color

Behavior Taboos:

• Don’t make loud noises in public places
• Don’t spit, litter, or throw garbage randomly
• Don’t photograph military facilities and government institutions
• Don’t graffiti or carve on cultural relics

Festival Culture

Important Festivals:

• Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): China’s most important traditional festival, usually in January-February
• Mid-Autumn Festival: 15th day of the 8th lunar month, a family reunion festival
• National Day: October 1st, 7-day holiday
• Labor Day: May 1st, 3-5 day holiday

Notes During Festivals:

• Attractions and transportation will be very crowded during holidays
• Hotel and flight prices increase significantly
• Some businesses may be closed
• Recommend avoiding travel during holiday peak periods

Safety Precautions

Personal Safety

General Safety:

• China generally has good public security, but remain vigilant
• Avoid going to remote areas alone late at night
• Keep valuables safe, don’t flaunt wealth
• Pay attention to traffic safety, follow traffic rules

Emergency Contacts:

• Police: 110
• Fire: 119
• Ambulance: 120
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection & Services Emergency Hotline: +86-10-12308 (24 hours)

Property Safety

Anti-Theft Measures:

• Keep valuables in hotel safe
• Wear backpack in front, be aware of surroundings
• Don’t keep passport and cash in the same place
• Backup electronic copies of important documents and files

Fraud Prevention:

• Beware of scams like “cheap tours” and “free guides”
• Don’t easily trust “help” from strangers
• Compare prices when shopping, avoid being overcharged
• Beware of frauds posing as police or guides

Food Safety

Dining Recommendations:

• Choose clean and hygienic restaurants
• Avoid raw and cold foods to prevent stomach discomfort
• Drink bottled water, avoid drinking tap water directly
• Try new foods in moderation, be aware of allergic reactions

Common Issues:

• Chinese food may be oily, adjust accordingly
• Spicy food is common, inform restaurants if you can’t eat spicy
• Food safety standards are generally good, but recommend choosing regular restaurants

Health Safety

Medical Preparation:

• Bring common medications and personal prescription drugs
• Purchase travel insurance including medical insurance
• Know locations of nearby hospitals and clinics
• Record important medical information (blood type, allergy history, etc.)

Health Precautions:

• Pay attention to personal hygiene, wash hands frequently
• Prepare appropriate clothing according to season
• Pay attention to air quality, wear masks if necessary
• Some areas are at high altitude, be aware of altitude sickness

Practical Information

Time Zone

• Standard Time Zone: UTC+8 (China Standard Time CST)
• Unified Time Zone: China uses Beijing time uniformly
• Daylight Saving Time: China currently does not use daylight saving time

Voltage & Outlets

Voltage:

• 220V, 50Hz
• Different from US/Europe (110V), take note

Outlet Types:

• Type A: Two flat pins (American style)
• Type C: Two round pins (European style)
• Type I: Three-prong plug (Australian style)

Recommendations:

• Bring universal adapter
• Confirm voltage compatibility of electronic devices
• Phones, cameras, etc. usually support 100-240V wide voltage

Tipping Culture

China Does Not Require Tipping:

• Traditionally, China has no tipping culture
• Service fees are included in restaurant and hotel prices
• Can give tips for excellent service, but not required
• High-end restaurants and hotels may have service charges

Bargaining

Where Applicable:

• Small markets and souvenir shops usually allow bargaining
• Tourist area prices may be inflated, can try to negotiate
• Taxis should use meters, but may encounter negotiated prices
• Regular stores and restaurants usually don’t negotiate

Tips:

• Maintain friendly attitude
• Start bargaining from 50-70% of marked price
• Compare prices, understand market prices
• Don’t force, avoid conflicts

Recommended Travel Routes

Classic Routes

Beijing-Xi’an-Shanghai (7-10 days):

• Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven
• Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall
• Shanghai: Bund, Yuyuan Garden, modern city

East China Highlights (5-7 days):

• Shanghai: Bund, City God Temple
• Hangzhou: West Lake, Lingyin Temple
• Suzhou: Gardens, ancient towns

South China Culture Tour (5-7 days):

• Guangzhou: Lingnan culture, food
• Shenzhen: Modern city
• Hong Kong/Macau: Fusion of Chinese and Western cultures

Southwest Natural Scenery (7-10 days):

• Chengdu: Giant pandas, food
• Jiuzhaigou: Natural wonder
• Kunming: Spring City, Stone Forest

Classic Route:

• Guilin: Finest scenery under heaven
• Yangshuo: Rural scenery
• Zhangjiajie: Unique peaks and rocks

In-Depth Routes

Silk Road:

• Xi’an → Lanzhou → Dunhuang → Urumqi
• Experience ancient Silk Road culture

Jiangnan Water Towns:

• Shanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou → Wuzhen → Zhouzhuang
• Experience Jiangnan culture and ancient town charm

Sichuan-Yunnan Route:

• Chengdu → Mount Emei → Lijiang → Dali → Shangri-La
• Natural scenery and ethnic customs

Common Questions

Q: Can foreigners use WeChat Pay and Alipay in China?
A: Yes, but may require a Chinese phone number and some additional verification steps. Some international bank cards can be directly linked. Recommend checking the latest policies in advance.

Q: Which foreign social media can be used in China?
A: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc. may require VPN access in China. Recommend understanding relevant laws and regulations in advance.

Q: Are there English signs in China?
A: Major cities and tourist attractions usually have English signs, but smaller cities and remote areas may be mainly in Chinese. Recommend downloading translation apps.

Q: Is tap water drinkable in China?
A: Not recommended to drink tap water directly. Recommend drinking bottled water or boiled water.

Q: Is China safe?
A: China generally has good public security, but remain vigilant when traveling in any country, pay attention to personal and property safety.

Q: Are there vegetarian restaurants in China?
A: Major cities have vegetarian restaurants, but note that Chinese cuisine may contain animal-based seasonings. Recommend clearly stating dietary requirements.

Q: Can I get tax refunds when shopping in China?
A: Some cities and stores support tax refunds for overseas tourists. Must shop at designated stores and keep invoices. Check specific policies with merchants.

Q: What are the must-visit attractions in China?
A: Beijing’s Forbidden City and Great Wall, Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai’s Bund, Guilin’s landscapes, Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie are all world-famous attractions.

Q: What’s the travel budget for China?
A: Budget varies by region, accommodation standards, and transportation methods. Budget travel may cost 300-500 yuan per day, mid-range 500-1000 yuan, high-end 1000+ yuan (all in RMB).

Q: Can I use credit cards in China?
A: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but small stores may only accept cash or mobile payments.

Summary

China is a fascinating country, whether it’s the long history and culture, magnificent natural scenery, or modern urban landscapes, all are worth exploring in depth. Traveling to China in 2025, while you may face challenges with language, payment, and internet access, as long as you prepare in advance, understand relevant precautions, we believe you will have an unforgettable journey.

Important Reminders:

1. Plan Ahead: Book visas, flights, accommodation in advance
2. Understand Policies: Stay updated on latest entry, visa, payment policy changes
3. Be Prepared: Download necessary apps, learn basic Chinese, prepare adapters, etc.
4. Stay Patient: Stay calm when encountering problems, seek help
5. Respect Culture: Understand and respect Chinese culture and customs
6. Stay Safe: Remain vigilant, pay attention to personal and property safety

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Wishing you a pleasant journey to China in 2025! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. Hope this guide helps you successfully start an amazing journey to China! 🇨🇳✈️