From the majestic mountains of Zhangjiajie to the vast Taklamakan desert, China is a tourist destination with a variety of landscapes, cultures and experiences.
However, to have a smooth trip, tourists need to prepare carefully about entry procedures, payment methods as well as internet connection.
Things to know about Chinese tourist visas
China's current visa policy is quite diverse and depends on the nationality of tourists. Many countries have been exempted from visas for a maximum of 30 days.
For those who are not yet visa-exempt, tourists can still take advantage of transit policies or short-term visas at the border gate before choosing a regular visa application form.
In case of applying for a visa, tourists can complete the application online before going to the visa reception center to verify documents and get biometric data.
Ideal time to explore China
Thanks to its large area and diverse climate, China is an attractive destination all year round.
Summer, especially from July to August, is hot across the country, with temperatures in Beijing and Shanghai often exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, spring and autumn are considered the most ideal time to travel thanks to pleasant weather and many sunny days.
Tourists should also consider avoiding the Lunar New Year, which usually takes place from the end of January to mid-February, when many businesses take temporary breaks and travel demand increases, causing train and plane tickets to often be sold out. A similar situation also occurred in early October when millions of Chinese people simultaneously traveled and sightseeed across the country.
Should you go on a tour or self-sufficient travel?
The choice of going on a tour or self-sufficient tourism depends on the needs of each tourist. For specialized tours, such as exploring the Silk Road stretching to Central Asia, package tours will be prioritized thanks to experienced tour guides and schedules organized to suit the travel.
With a developed transportation system and diverse support applications, self-sufficient tourism in China is not too difficult, especially for those who choose to explore big cities and famous destinations.
Travel costs in China
China is a destination with quite reasonable costs. Tourists can enjoy cheap local cuisine, staying in mid-range hotels with prices starting from 500 yuan per night. In major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, a short taxi ride usually costs less than 30 yuan.
Convenient payment without cash
Although cash is still accepted, most transactions in China are currently carried out via WeChat Pay and Alipay. Both applications support international card linking, in which Alipay is favored by many tourists thanks to the integration of ride-hailing and public bicycle rental services.
Smartphones and internet connection are almost a necessary condition for tourists when traveling independently in China.
Moving in China
High-speed trains or subways are the means of transport chosen by many tourists when exploring China. Most major cities are connected by a high-speed train network.
Buying tickets is also quite convenient through online platforms. Passengers do not need to use paper tickets because when registering, they have linked directly with booking information and used it to complete boarding procedures at the station.
