Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded Visa-Free Policies
China has extended visa-free entry to citizens of 15 additional countries for up to 30 days, including France, Germany, and Italy, aimed at boosting tourism. This policy applies to major cities like Beijing and Shanghai; check eligibility and apply for confirmation via the official immigration app.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from China, with at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps and visas.
Ensure it meets biometric standards, as e-visas and border checks increasingly require chip-enabled passports; renew early if nearing expiration to avoid last-minute issues.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of countries like Singapore, Japan, and Brunei can enter visa-free for up to 15-30 days for tourism, business, or transit, but must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival.
Over 20 countries now qualify under expanded 2026 policies, but restrictions apply to sensitive regions like Tibet, requiring additional permits.
Visa Applications
For most nationalities, apply for a tourist (L) visa online via the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) or embassy, with fees around $140-185 USD; required documents include invitation letters, flight itineraries, and hotel bookings.
Processing times vary from 4-7 business days for express service to 30 days standard; e-visas are available for certain nationalities starting 2026, simplifying the process.
Border Crossings
Major airports like Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong offer streamlined entry with facial recognition and e-gates for visa holders; land borders with Hong Kong or Mongolia may involve longer queues and health declarations.
Transit without visa (TWOV) allows 72-144 hours in designated cities for over 50 nationalities, but you must have onward tickets to a third country.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory for visa applications, insurance must cover at least $30,000 USD in medical expenses, including evacuation; opt for policies that include COVID-19 coverage and activities like hiking in Zhangjiajie.
Reputable providers offer plans from $2-5/day; always carry digital and printed copies, as border officials may request proof upon arrival.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions up to 30 days are available at local Public Security Bureaus (PSB) for valid reasons like medical issues or extended travel, with fees of 160-500 CNY depending on duration.
Apply at least 7 days before expiration with supporting documents; multiple extensions are possible but scrutinized, especially for longer stays.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY, also RMB). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Beijing or Shanghai by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during non-peak seasons like autumn.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at night markets or xiaolongbao stalls for meals under 30 CNY, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to save up to 60% on food expenses.
Use apps like Dianping for deals on local eateries, and try communal hotpot sharing to stretch your budget further.
Public Transport Passes
Get a rechargeable transport card like Beijing's Yikatong for unlimited subway and bus rides at 20-50 CNY/day, drastically reducing intercity and urban costs.
High-speed rail advance tickets via 12306 app offer discounts up to 20% for second-class seats on long journeys.
Free Attractions
Explore hutongs in Beijing, West Lake in Hangzhou, or ancient city walls in Xi'an, which are free or low-cost and provide immersive cultural experiences.
Many temples and public gardens waive fees on national holidays, allowing budget travelers to see highlights without spending much.
Card vs Cash
Mobile payments via Alipay or WeChat Pay are dominant; link your international card for seamless transactions, but carry cash for rural areas and small vendors.
ATMs are widespread in cities for CNY withdrawals at favorable rates; avoid airport exchanges to prevent high fees.
Attraction Bundles
Purchase multi-site passes like the Shanghai Museum combo for 100 CNY, granting access to several landmarks and saving 40% compared to individual tickets.
Apps like Ctrip offer bundled deals for the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors, ideal for multi-day itineraries.
Smart Packing for China
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers for China's diverse climates, from lightweight cotton for humid summers in Shanghai to thermal wear for Beijing winters; include modest long-sleeved items for temples and mosques.
Quick-dry fabrics are ideal for rainy seasons, and consider pollution masks for urban areas like Delhi—wait, no, for China: masks for smog in Beijing during winter.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type A/C/I), high-capacity power bank for long train rides, VPN app for unrestricted internet access, and a translation device or app like Pleco.
Download offline maps via Gaode and secure a local SIM or eSIM for navigation, as Wi-Fi can be spotty outside major hotels.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for trains, prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen for high-altitude areas like Tibet.
Include hand sanitizer, wet wipes for street food hygiene, and any required vaccinations like hepatitis A/B; water purification tablets are useful in remote regions.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight daypack for hiking the Great Wall, reusable water bottle (boil tap water or buy bottled), compact laundry bag, and small CNY notes for convenience.
A neck pillow and eye mask aid long-haul high-speed rail trips; photocopy passport and visa pages, storing them separately from originals.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking shoes for exploring ancient streets in Xi'an and sturdy hiking boots for trails in Zhangjiajie National Park; slip-on sandals work for humid southern cities.
Water-resistant options are essential for monsoon rains in Guangzhou, and extra socks help with long days of sightseeing on uneven terrain.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized toiletries compliant with customs (liquids under 100ml), moisturizer for dry northern winters, and a foldable umbrella or poncho for sudden showers.
Include wet wipes and deodorant, as these may be less available in rural areas; biodegradable products respect China's growing eco-focus in tourist spots.
When to Visit China
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather of 10-20°C across most regions makes it perfect for cherry blossoms in Beijing and tea plantations in Hangzhou, with moderate crowds before summer peak.
Ideal for outdoor activities like cycling in Yangshuo and visiting the Yellow Mountains, though early April can bring sandstorms in the north.
Summer (June-August)
Hot and humid with temperatures 25-35°C, great for beach escapes in Hainan or river cruises on the Yangtze, but expect heavy rains and typhoons in the south.
Festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival add vibrancy, though prices surge and sites like the Great Wall are crowded—best for water-based adventures.
Autumn (September-November)
The best time with clear skies, comfortable 15-25°C weather, and golden foliage in Jiuzhaigou Valley; fewer tourists post-summer allow for serene temple visits.
Harvest seasons bring food festivals in Chengdu, and it's prime for trekking in Tibet with stable weather and lower accommodation rates.
Winter (December-February)
Cold in the north (0-10°C) but mild in the south (15-20°C), ideal for hot springs in Harbin's Ice Festival or panda viewing in Chengdu without summer heat.
Chinese New Year (late Jan/early Feb) features lantern displays and fireworks, though travel disruptions occur—budget-friendly for indoor cultural sites like museums.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY or RMB). Exchange rates fluctuate; mobile payments via Alipay/WeChat Pay are preferred over cash.
- Language: Mandarin Chinese is official; English limited outside tourist hubs—use translation apps like Google Translate.
- Time Zone: China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8 (single zone across the country)
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type A/C/I plugs (mix of US and European styles)
- Emergency Number: 110 for police, 120 for medical, 119 for fire; 999 for coast guard
- Tipping: Not customary in mainland China; service charges may be included in bills at upscale venues
- Water: Tap water unsafe to drink—use bottled or boiled water; available everywhere
- Pharmacies: Abundant in cities; look for "yaodian" signs—bring essentials as Western meds may be limited