China is the world’s most populous country, with over 1.4 billion people. It is located in East Asia and shares borders with 14 countries. The capital city is Beijing, and the largest city is Shanghai.
Best Places to Visit in China?
China is one of the largest countries in the world, rich in tourism resources and offering diverse travel options. For first time traveler who have no idea where to go popular tourist cities and attractions in China, these top 5 destinations are good choicesfor your first time China travel — Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin and Chengdu.
- As the capital of China, Beijing combines the charm of ancient civilization and modern metropolis. There are numerous historical sites and cultural attractions here, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Summer Palace.
- As one of the world’s leading economic and commercial cities, Shanghai is famous for its modern skyline and rich historical culture, blending the unique charm of the East and the West. Popular attractions include the Bund, Nanjing Road, and Yu Garden.
- As an ancient capital with thirteen dynasties, Xi’an boasts rich historical sites and cultural heritage, making it one of the representative cities of Chinese history and culture. Popular attractions like the Terracotta Army and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
- Guilin is renowned for its unique karst landscape and natural scenery, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Popular attractions like the Li River and the Longji Rice Terraces.
- Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is famous for its cuisine and relaxed lifestyle. It is also the hometown of the giant panda. Popular attractions like the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and Kuanzhai Alley.
When is the Best Time to Travel to China?
The best season to travel is in spring and autumn. Since China is a large country, the climate varies greatly in different regions. Generally speaking, spring and autumn are the best seasons to travel to China, as the climate is suitable and it avoids the summer heat and winter cold. However, these two seasons are also the busiest tourist season. To avoid the crowds, you may need to avoid traveling during traditional Chinese holidays such as National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Check Your Visa Before Departure.
Before departure, you need to be aware of China’s visa policies. Whether it’s your first or subsequent visit to China, you need to apply for a visa to enter China (except for visa-exempt countries). It is recommended to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) a few months before your travel date. You can read more about visa requirements and the documents needed to apply on the official government website.
How to Pay in China?
China’s official currency is Renminbi (RMB), or yuan. Chinese people often refer to “yuan（元）” as “kuai（块）,” and both are used in China. For example, 1 yuan = 1 kuai. The denominations of paper money are 1 yuan, 5 yuan, 10 yuan, 20 yuan, 50 yuan, and 100 yuan. During China travel, you can exchange RMB at airports, banks, ATMs, some hotels, and exchange offices. You can also make payments by scanning QR codes with WeChat Pay or Alipay. We strongly recommend as it is very convenient.
Useful Travel Apps in China.
Downloading some useful Chinese apps on your phone in advance can help solve many problems in your China trip and enhance your travel experience, such as:
- WeChat: China’s WhatsApp.
- Didi: China’s Uber.
- Alipay: A popular Chinese payment method(you can also use WeChat Pay).
- Amap/Baidu Maps: These are China’s Google Maps.
- Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book): China’s Instagram.
Is China Safe to Travel to Right Now?
China is a very safe country, even for solo female travelers. There are police patrolling the streets and tourist attractions. Compared to major cities in other countries, the crime rate in China is relatively low. Nevertheless, tourists should still maintain basic safety awareness. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings, respect local customs and culture, your trip to China will be safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Traveling to China for the first time is an exciting adventure filled with unique cultural experiences and stunning sights. With a bit of preparation and an open mind, you’ll find your journey both enriching and unforgettable.
