China - Ancient civilization meets modern innovation
China flag

China

Ancient civilization meets modern innovation

1.4B
Population
9.6M km²
Area
Apr-May
Best Time
AsiaHistoricCultureUrban

China Travel Essentials

Best Time to Visit

SpringAutumn
Months: April-May, September-OctoberSpring and autumn offer mild weather and clear skies. Avoid summer heat and winter cold in the north.

Important Dates

Golden Week (National Day)
October 1-7
Avoid at all costs - massive crowds, booked solid everywhere
Chinese New Year
January/February (varies)
Festive but chaotic - transport packed, many businesses close
Spring Blossom Season
Late March - April
Cherry blossoms in cities, beautiful weather for sightseeing
Summer Monsoon
June to August
Hot and humid in south, heavy rainfall possible

Safety

Very Safe (9/10)Extremely safe country with very low crime rates
Tips:
  • Emergency number: 110 (police) or 120 (ambulance)
  • Download VPN before arrival - most Western apps blocked

Money & Costs

¥60.00/dayBudget-Friendly
Cards: Limited acceptance
Tipping: Not customary - can even be considered rude

Experiences in China

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Easy

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Get up close with giant pandas and red pandas at Chengdu's renowned breeding and research centre — a must-visit for wildlife lovers.

Half day
WildlifeNatureConservation
Golden Temple Park
Easy

Golden Temple Park

Explore the Golden Temple, the largest copper temple in China, set within a peaceful forested park on the hills above Kunming.

2-3 hours
CultureArchitectureNature
Guilin by Night
Easy

Guilin by Night

Discover the magical atmosphere of Guilin after dark — illuminated karst peaks, lively lakeside promenades, and the glow of Sun and Moon Pagodas.

2-3 hours
Night LifePhotographyScenery
Huanglong National Scenic Reserve
Moderate

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve

Discover the terraced travertine pools of Huanglong — a UNESCO World Heritage site of vivid turquoise ponds set in a forested mountain valley.

Full day
UNESCONatureHikingScenery
Leshan's Giant Buddha
Moderate

Leshan's Giant Buddha

Stand before the world's largest stone-carved Buddha — a 71-metre colossus carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers.

Half day
UNESCOHistoryLandmarkSpirituality
Mount Emei
Challenging

Mount Emei

Climb one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains — a UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient monasteries meet dramatic mountain scenery.

1-2 days
HikingUNESCOSpiritualityNature
Shuhe Ancient Town
Easy

Shuhe Ancient Town

Wander through one of the best-preserved Naxi settlements on the ancient Tea Horse Road — quieter and more authentic than neighbouring Lijiang Old Town.

Half day
CultureHistoryArchitectureWalking
The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
Easy

The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery

Visit the majestic Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island — a 34-metre bronze statue surrounded by mountains and the serene Po Lin Monastery.

Half day
CultureSpiritualityLandmarkArchitecture
The Forbidden City
Easy

The Forbidden City

Step inside the imperial palace that served as home to 24 emperors across two dynasties — a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of Chinese architecture.

Half day
UNESCOHistoryArchitectureCulture
The Great Wall
Moderate

The Great Wall

Walk along the greatest construction ever built by humankind — a UNESCO World Heritage site stretching over 6,000 kilometres across northern China.

Full day
UNESCOHikingHistoryLandmark
The Longsheng Rice Terraces
Moderate

The Longsheng Rice Terraces

Marvel at the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces carved into the mountains over 700 years ago — a stunning testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.

Full day
NatureHikingPhotographyCulture
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow
Easy

The Song of Everlasting Sorrow

Watch a spectacular open-air performance at the Huaqing Palace — a dramatic retelling of the legendary Tang Dynasty love story set against a mountainside stage.

2-3 hours
CulturePerformanceHistory
The Terracotta Army
Easy

The Terracotta Army

Stand face-to-face with thousands of life-size terracotta warriors — one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Half day
UNESCOHistoryArchaeologyLandmark
The Victoria Peak
Easy

The Victoria Peak

Take in the iconic skyline of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak — the city's highest point offering panoramic views of the harbour, Kowloon, and the surrounding islands.

Half day
SceneryPhotographyLandmark
The Western Mountains of Kunming
Moderate

The Western Mountains of Kunming

Hike through forested hills overlooking Dian Lake, visiting ancient temples and the remarkable Dragon Gate carved into sheer cliff faces.

Half day
NatureHikingTemplesScenery
The Wild Goose Pagoda
Easy

The Wild Goose Pagoda

Climb the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda — a 7th-century Tang Dynasty landmark and one of Xi'an's most enduring symbols.

2-3 hours
HistoryArchitectureCultureLandmark
The Yunnan Nationalities Village
Easy

The Yunnan Nationalities Village

Discover the rich cultural diversity of Yunnan province through traditional architecture, costumes, and performances representing 25 ethnic minority groups.

Half day
CultureEthnic MinoritiesArchitecture
Tian'anmen Square
Easy

Tian'anmen Square

Stand in the heart of Beijing at one of the world's largest public squares — a symbol of modern China and gateway to the Forbidden City.

Half day
HistoryLandmarkArchitecture