Planning a trip to the Middle Kingdom can feel overwhelming—China’s vast size, diverse landscapes, and rich culture demand careful preparation. In this guide, we’ll show you:
- Best places to travel in China
- How to find the right travel packages to China
- The best month to travel to China and best time of year to travel to China
- Tips on domestic air travel China
- How much to travel to China (budget breakdown)
- Essential things to know before traveling to China
Let’s dive in!
1. Best Places to Travel in China
China offers a breathtaking variety of experiences. Here are ten top picks:
| Region | Highlights | Why Go? |
| Beijing | Forbidden City, Great Wall (Mutianyu) | Imperial history, iconic landmarks |
| Chongqing | Hongya Cave, Yangtze Cableway, spicy hotpot | Vertical cityscape, culinary adventure |
| Xi’an | Terracotta Army, ancient city wall | 2,000‑year history, cultural immersion |
| Zhangjiajie | National Forest Park, Glass Bridge | Avatar‑inspired scenery, thrilling hikes |
| Shanghai | Bund, Pudong skyline, French Concession | Modern metropolis, fusion culture |
| Guilin & Yangshuo | Li River cruise, karst peaks | Dreamlike landscapes, river villages |
| Chengdu | Giant panda base, Sichuan cuisine | Wildlife encounters, spicy food |
| Hangzhou | West Lake, tea terraces | Poetic scenery, tea culture |
| Suzhou | Classical gardens, canals | Elegant waterways, silk history |
| Huangshan | Yellow Mountain peaks, sea of clouds | Legendary hikes, sunrise panoramas |
These destinations showcase China’s history, natural beauty, and modern dynamism.
2. Travel Packages to China
Booking a travel package to China can simplify logistics:
- All‑Inclusive Tours
- 7–10 days covering Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai.
- Includes flights, hotels, guides, most meals.
- Ideal for first‑timers who want turnkey convenience.
- Themed Packages
- Cultural Immersion: Tea ceremonies in Hangzhou, calligraphy in Beijing, ethnic villages in Yunnan.
- Adventure & Nature: Zhangjiajie hikes, Huangshan treks, Yangtze River cruises.
- Foodie Tours: Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu, street‑food crawl in Xi’an, dumpling workshops in Shanghai.
- Customizable Private Packages
- Tailor your route, pace, and accommodation level.
- English‑speaking guides, private transfers, special experiences (e.g., Great Wall overnight camping).
When selecting a package, compare inclusions, group size, and customer reviews to ensure value.
3. Best Month & Time of Year to Travel to China
China’s climate zones vary greatly. Here’s how to choose the best month to travel to China:
- Spring (April–May)
- Pros: Mild temperatures, blooming flowers in Guilin, cherry blossoms in Beijing.
- Cons: Occasional rain.
- Summer (June–August)
- Pros: Long daylight hours, mountain regions (Zhangjiajie, Huangshan) are cool.
- Cons: Hot in cities (Beijing, Shanghai), high humidity.
- Autumn (September–October)
- Pros: Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, autumn foliage in northern and central China. Widely regarded as the best time of year to travel to China.
- Cons: Busy around National Day (Oct 1–7).
- Winter (November–March)
- Pros: Low‑season discounts, snow scenery at Harbin Ice Festival, mild beaches in Hainan.
- Cons: Cold in north, some mountain roads may close.
Overall Recommendation: Late September to early November offers ideal weather and manageable crowds.
4. Domestic Air Travel in China
China’s domestic aviation network is one of the world’s busiest:
- Major Airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines.
- Coverage: Hundreds of cities, including second‑ and third‑tier destinations.
- Booking Tips:
- Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance for best fares.
- Use Chinese travel sites (e.g., Ctrip, Qunar) or global booking platforms.
- Watch baggage rules—some low‑cost carriers charge for checked bags.
- Airports: Major hubs include Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (CTU). Regional airports serve smaller locales (e.g., Zhangjiajie DYX).
Domestic flights save time compared to overnight trains on long routes.
5. How Much to Travel to China
Your budget depends on style, duration, and season:
| Budget Level | Daily Cost (per person) | Inclusions |
| Budget | USD 40–70 | Hostel dorm, street food, public transport, free/low‑cost sites |
| Mid‑Range | USD 100–150 | 3★ hotels, mix of local restaurants and sit‑down meals, some guided tours |
| Luxury | USD 250+ | 5★ hotels, private transfers, upscale dining, bespoke experiences |
Typical 10‑day trip (mid‑range):
- International flights: USD 600–1,000
- Accommodation: USD 1,000
- Meals & activities: USD 500
- Domestic flights/trains: USD 300
- Total ≈ USD 2,400–2,800
Booking in shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) can reduce costs by 10–20%.
Want more details before you go? Contact us or Chat with our tour guide Mr.Paul directly via WhatsApp.
6. Things to Know Before Traveling to China
Preparation is key. Here are things to know before traveling to China:
- Visa & Entry: Most nationalities need a tourist (L‑type) visa. Apply 4–6 weeks ahead.
- Language & Apps: English is limited outside major hotels. Download translation apps (Pleco, Google Translate offline).
- Cash & Payment: Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate. Carry some RMB for markets.
- Connectivity: China’s firewall blocks Google, Facebook, etc. Rent pocket Wi‑Fi or arrange VPN before arrival.
- Health & Safety: Tap water is not drinkable—use bottled or boiled. Choose busy food stalls.
- Etiquette: Tipping not customary. Public transport: speak softly, queue politely.
- Air Quality: Some cities have smog. Check AQI apps and wear masks if needed.
- Transit: Use metros where possible—they’re efficient and English‑signed in major cities.
- Bargaining: Haggling common in markets—start at half the asking price.
- Local SIM: Purchase China Unicom/Mobile SIM at airport for data and calls.
7. Sample 9‑Day China Itinerary
A balanced route using domestic air travel China and high‑speed trains:
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
| 1-2 | Beijing | Forbidden City, Great Wall Mutianyu, Temple of Heaven |
| 3 | Xi’an | Terracotta Army, City Wall bike ride |
| 4 | Guilin | Li River cruise, Reed Flute Cave |
| 5-6 | Zhangjiajie | National Park, Tianmen Mountain, Avatar’s Mountains, Glass Bridge, Bailong Elevator |
| 7-8 | Chongqing | Hongya Cave, Yangtze Cableway, spicy hotpot |
| 9 | Chengdu | Giant panda, Sichuan hotpot |
This covers history, nature, culture, and food.
8. Bonus Tips for Smooth Travel
- Travel Insurance: Covers medical, delays, cancellations.
- Packing: Layers for variable climates; adaptor for Chinese outlets.
- Local SIM & Connectivity: Pre‑order a VPN for uninterrupted access.
- Cultural Respect: Learn basic greetings in Mandarin; avoid political discussions.
- Photography: Drones restricted—check local rules.
Conclusion
China rewards the curious traveler with iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and unforgettable culinary adventures. By selecting suitable travel packages to China, picking the best month to travel to China, and understanding domestic air travel China, you’ll maximize your experience. Budget wisely to know how much to travel to China, and follow key things to know before traveling to China to avoid surprises.
Whether you’re marveling at the Great Wall, drifting along the Li River, or savoring hotpot in Chongqing, China promises a journey like no other. Safe travels!
