China: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

Visa & Passport Requirements

Visa requirements often change and it is important to always stay away. We recommend referring to the State Department. You can also use our Sherpa eVisa tool to double check your Visa requirements.

Anyone traveling internationally will need a valid passport. Typically, countries require that a passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages, otherwise you may not be able to enter.

Phone & Internet Access

Many popular websites are inaccessible in China, e.g., WhatsApp, Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Some Travelers arrange VPN access on their device prior to arriving in China, enabling them to use some of these blocked sites. Ensure your loved ones know how to connect with you while in China.

Obtaining a Chinese SIM card is time-consuming and requires a lot of paperwork, so you may prefer to arrange a data roaming package through your phone provider prior to travel.

WiFi is often available in hotel reception areas and sometimes in rooms. Your local Guide will be able to advise on the best places to get connected.

Forms of Payment

The most common form of payment in China is via the WeChat or Alipay apps. We recommend setting up both these apps on your device before arriving in China. You will need to link a payment card to the app and ensure you have a data roaming package set up. Transaction fees may apply to payments made with foreign accounts.

Cash is still accepted as payment, but breaking large notes is challenging for the small vendors you are likely to interact with during your trip. You may like to obtain some CNY cash before arriving in China to ensure you have funds available for your first day or two.

Credit cards should not be relied upon as they aren’t widely accepted or if they are, payments on foreign cards sometimes don’t work.

Currency Exchange & Spending

Currency exchange is available at major banks. The easiest foreign currencies to exchange are USD and EUR. Due to restrictions on exchanging CNY into foreign currencies, we recommend planning your cash usage well so that you use up all your CNY cash before leaving China.

Don't forget! When it comes to spending money on the trip, every Traveler is a little different. You know your spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.

Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while traveling.

Transportation in China

The primary forms of transportation in China include private vehicles, public bus, high speed train, and subway.

When traveling by train in China you will need to pass through security checkpoints similar to those at airports. Please be aware that items that may be classified as ‘weapons’ might be confiscated (even from your suitcase), as all luggage travels in the compartment with you. We recommend leaving items that fall into this category (eg. pocket knives, scissors, etc.) at home. Aerosol spray bottles are not permitted on high-speed trains and may get confiscated at the station.

Accommodations

• Hotel Rooms: Some Travelers have noted that hotel mattresses in China tend to be firmer than what they’re accustomed to at home. If this is a concern, you can request an extra quilt or additional bedding from the hotel for added comfort.
• Smoking Rooms: Smoking is common in China, and most hotels do not have designated non-smoking rooms. In larger hotels with central air conditioning, smoke odors may sometimes circulate between rooms. While our Operating Partners request hotels clean and ventilate rooms thoroughly before check-in, lingering smoke smells may still be present in some cases. If this becomes an issue, speak with your local Guide about the possibility of switching rooms.
• Guesthouses: In smaller, rural areas, accommodations may be in guesthouses, which are typically small, family-run establishments. These offer more basic facilities compared to hotels, and towels may not always be provided. Occasionally, the group may be split across separate guesthouses within walking distance of each other.

Food & Dietary Requirements

• Vegetarian & Vegan: Vegetarians in China will find plenty of meat-free options, including vegetable, tofu, and egg-based dishes. Your local Guide can recommend popular choices. Dairy is not commonly used in Chinese cuisine, though in regions like Tibet, Xinjiang, and Yunnan, milk products are part of the local diet. Vegans should generally have no trouble finding delicious plant-based meals in most locations.
• Dietary Needs: Our Operators strive to accommodate dietary requirements for included meals whenever possible. However, there may be instances where Travelers with specific needs will need to supplement meals with their own supplies from local markets or supermarkets. Some dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free options, are less common in China, so it's important to communicate your needs to your Guide and research suitable dishes before your trip.
• Allergies: If you have food allergies, your Guide will do their best to provide information about the ingredients in your meals. However, it is your responsibility to ensure you avoid allergens and research safe food options before traveling.

Chinese National Holidays

China's national holidays are the peak travel season for Chinese nationals. During this
time, the whole country is on the move—that's over a billion people! Although these are fascinating and exciting times to travel in China, please be aware that you may experience transport delays and massive crowds at tourist attractions and train stations.

Here are the major holiday periods in China:

• Chinese New Year: Jan 28- Feb 4 2025, Feb 16- Feb 23, 2026
• Qingming Festival: Apr 4-6, 2025/2026
• Labor Day Holiday: May 1-5, 2025/2026
• Dragon Boat Festival: May 31-Jun 2, 2025, June 19-21, 2026
• Mid-Autumn Day: Oct 6, 2025, Sept 25-27, 2026
• National Day: Oct 1-8 2025, Oct 1-7 2026

Fast Facts

• Longest Wall in the World: The Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic symbols of the country, is the longest wall in the world, stretching over 13,000 miles. It was built over several dynasties to protect against invasions.
• Four Great Inventions: China is credited with the invention of the Four Great Inventions, which are papermaking, printing, gunpowder, and the compass. These innovations had a profound impact on the world.
• Panda Diplomacy: China engages in "panda diplomacy" by lending pandas to other countries as a sign of goodwill and strengthening diplomatic ties. The practice began in the 20th century and has continued with the loaning of pandas to various nations.
• Xi'an, one of the oldest cities in China, is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers, this archaeological marvel consists of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers and horses buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, over 2,000 years ago. The Terracotta Army is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing millions of visitors from around the world to marvel at its historical and artistic significance.
• One interesting fact about food in China is the regional diversity and the concept of "eight major cuisines." China is renowned for its diverse culinary traditions, and the country is often categorized into eight major regional cuisines: Shandong, Sichuan, Guangdong (Cantonese), Hunan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Anhui. Each cuisine has its own distinctive flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques, reflecting the diverse geography and cultural influences across the vast country.