China

Quick Facts

Currency Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Language Mandarin Chinese
Best Months Apr - May, Sep - Oct
Visa Visa required, 144-hr transit visa-free in select cities
Safety Generally safe
Getting Around High-speed rail, subway, DiDi, buses
Budget $40-100/day
Tipping Not expected
Words to Know Ni hao (hello), Xie xie (thank you), Qing (please)

Why Visit China
China is a country of staggering scale and contrast. The Great Wall, the karst mountains of Guilin, the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, the terracotta warriors of Xi’an. Every region feels like a different world, and the history runs thousands of years deep. It is one of those destinations where even the most well-traveled visitors feel genuinely awed.

What to Expect
The high-speed rail network makes covering long distances surprisingly smooth, and the food varies dramatically by region, from fiery Sichuan to delicate Cantonese dim sum. Mobile payment apps are essential, and a VPN is worth setting up before you arrive. The country rewards patience and curiosity, and the moments of beauty are unforgettable.

top