Overview
China is a destination that captivates with its ancient history, futuristic cities, dramatic landscapes, and incredibly diverse culture. It’s a place where centuries-old temples sit beside glass skyscrapers, where spicy noodles are served in bustling alleyways, and where the sheer scale of the country means you could return time and time again and still discover something new.
Whether you’re walking along the Great Wall, tasting street food in Chengdu, or cruising down the Li River, China offers a truly unique experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Though the language and cultural differences can seem intimidating, travelling in China is very doable with a bit of preparation – and incredibly rewarding.
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📍 Top Places to Visit:
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Beijing – China’s historic capital, home to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and several iconic sections of the Great Wall.
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Shanghai – A buzzing financial hub. Walk along The Bund, admire skyline views from the Oriental Pearl Tower, and wander the quaint streets of the French Concession.
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Xi’an – The ancient capital where you’ll find the Terracotta Warriors and beautifully preserved city walls you can walk or cycle around.
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Chengdu – A relaxed city and gateway to Sichuan cuisine. Don’t miss a visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and an authentic hotpot meal.
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Guilin & Yangshuo – World-famous for its limestone peaks and scenic river cruises. Take a bamboo raft on the Li River or cycle through peaceful countryside paths.
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Zhangjiajie – Often called the inspiration for Avatar, this national park features sky-high stone pillars, dramatic suspension bridges, and glass-bottomed walkways.
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Lijiang & Dali – Quaint old towns in Yunnan province with cobblestone streets, mountain views, and a strong local identity.
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Hangzhou – Famous for West Lake, Longjing tea plantations, and tranquil temple visits, just a short train ride from Shanghai.
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Harbin – Visit in winter for the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, one of the largest and most dazzling ice sculpture displays in the world.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (March–May) – Pleasant weather, blooming parks, and fewer crowds.
- Autumn (September–November) – Clear skies, colorful foliage, and the ideal time for sightseeing.
- Summer (June–August) – Hot and humid; popular for mountain escapes like Zhangjiajie and Guilin.
- Winter (December–February) – Cold, especially in the north, but fewer tourists and magical snowy landscapes.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB)
- Cards are less accepted than mobile payment; cash is helpful, especially in rural areas.
- Tip: Download WeChat or Alipay and link to your bank card (fee free if possible, such as monzo).
- China is budget-friendly once you arrive, with low-cost transport, food, and accommodation options widely available.
🧳 Good For:
- History buffs and culture seekers
- Food lovers
- Nature photographers and hikers
- Budget-conscious travellers
- Solo travellers and adventure seekers
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try
- Peking Duck – Crispy skin and succulent meat, served in wraps with hoisin sauce.
- Xiao Long Bao – Soup dumplings you’ll find mostly in Shanghai.
- Mapo Tofu – A spicy, numbing tofu dish from Sichuan.
- Hotpot – A fun communal meal, often with spicy broth and a variety of meats and veg.
- Hand-pulled Noodles – Found across the country, especially in Xi’an and Lanzhou.
✈️ How to Get There:
- Major airports: Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (CTU)
- Direct flights from the UK to certain airports.
- Tourist visa is required for most travellers – check the GOV UK website before travelling.
- High-speed trains are an excellent alternative to flying, with routes linking most cities
🚍 Getting Around:
- Trains: The high-speed rail system is reliable and fast—book tickets in advance
- Metro: Extensive subway networks in major cities; signage in English in most places
- Taxis / Didi: Use translation apps for communication
- Domestic flights are affordable and time-saving for long distances
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette:
- Language: Mandarin is the national language; English is limited in rural areas
- Tipping is not expected, but appreciated in higher-end settings
- Etiquette: Respect queues, temples, and elders; avoid political conversations
- VPN required for using social media – download before you go
My China Highlights
Although my time in China was brief, it made a lasting impression. I visited during an 11-hour layover in Guangzhou while travelling back from the Philippines and made the most of every minute!
After landing, I headed straight to immigration to apply for the 24/144-hour visa-free transit, which is available for travellers from many countries. The process was smooth and after a short wait, I was approved and cleared customs, ready to explore.
I jumped on the Guangzhou Metro, which was incredibly easy to navigate thanks to English signage. Buying a ticket (a small green token) was a little tricky without WiFi, so I highly recommend downloading an eSIM or securing internet access before arriving, especially as many western apps don’t work without a VPN.
Thankfully, I managed to connect to the station’s WiFi after some help from a kind security guard. I used Alipay to pay, which was essential throughout the day – make sure it’s downloaded and connected to your bank card before arriving.
My first stop was the Canton Tower, one of the tallest towers in the world. I queued for about an hour to ride the Bubble Tram, a unique experience that gave me stunning 360° sunset views over the city. Definitely worth the wait!
Afterwards, I wandered the local area, soaking in the evening buzz and hunting down a spot to eat. I found a traditional hotpot restaurant – it was absolutely delicious and such a fun experience, especially trying to navigate the menu and cooking process solo.
Having the right apps made all the difference. Google Translate was a lifesaver for communication (be sure to download it for offline use before you arrive), and Google Maps helped me find my way around with ease, although make sure you have this downloaded offline too!
Before heading back to the airport, I even managed to squeeze in a quick manicure at a local nail salon, which was a perfect way to unwind before the next flight.
I had also looked into doing a night cruise along the Pearl River, which I’ve heard is a great way to see the city lit up from the water. I ran out of time, but if your layover is a bit longer, I’d definitely recommend considering it.
Even though I was only in China for a few hours, Guangzhou felt safe, busy, and very affordable. This quick stopover gave me a small taste of the country – and left me wanting more. There’s so much more to explore, and I’d love to go back one day to walk the Great Wall of China and finally tick it off my bucket list.
You’ll find a curated selection of the top-rated China tours and activities below.
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Ready to plan your trip?
If you’re dreaming of standing on the Great Wall, wandering the lantern-lit streets of Xi’an, or eating your way through Chengdu’s sizzling night markets, I’d love to help you plan your trip. China is vast and can be tricky to navigate without local knowledge, so a well-structured itinerary will make a huge difference.
👇 Request a quote or get in touch and let’s start planning your perfect getaway.
