Travelling
China in 2026
Honest, up-to-date advice on visas, payments, transport, and hidden gems — written for first-timers and seasoned backpackers.
Before you go
Essential Toolkit
Everything international travellers need to navigate China with confidence.
Step-by-step
Your China Trip Checklist
Complete these 4 essentials before you arrive — in this exact order.
Get Your Visa Sorted
Check if your country qualifies for visa-free entry (15-day or 144-hour transit)
Set Up Mobile Payment
Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard to Alipay — essential for paying anywhere
Download Must-Have Apps
Amap for navigation, DiDi for rides, DeepL for translation — before you land
Book High-Speed Trains
Use Trip.com or 12306 to reserve seats — trains sell out weeks in advance
Find your trip
Explore by Interest
What kind of traveller are you? Find guides tailored to your style.
HOT 144-Hour Visa-Free
No visa needed — enter Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou & more for up to 6 days
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EPIC Silk Road Journey
Xi'an → Dunhuang → Kashgar: ancient deserts, cave art, and nomadic culture
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SCENIC Natural Wonders
Zhangjiajie avatar mountains, Jiuzhaigou turquoise lakes, Guilin karst
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TASTE Foodie China
Sichuan hotpot, Cantonese dim sum, Beijing duck, Xi'an lamb skewers
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CULTURE Imperial History
Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Army — 5,000 years in one trip
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WILDLIFE Panda & Wildlife
Chengdu Giant Panda Base, Wolong Reserve, and Yunnan elephant sanctuary
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Editor's picks
Featured Guides
toolkit China Travel in 2026: Visa Updates, Public Holidays & What's New This Year
Your 2026 China travel hub — the latest visa-free policy updates, the full public-holiday and festival calendar (Spring Festival, Golden Week, cherry blossom season), and the practical changes every international traveller should know before booking.
Read full guide
2 Weeks in China: The Ultimate Independent Itinerary for First-Timers
The definitive 14-day China itinerary covering Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shanghai — with exact train connections, daily budgets, booking tips, and honest advice for independent travellers doing it without a tour group.
Chongqing Night Views & Yangtze River Guide: The Hillside Megacity That Never Sleeps
Chongqing's legendary night views, Yangtze River cruises, spicy hotpot, and the thrilling 3D architecture of a city built on cliffs — the complete guide for 2025.
Beijing Complete Guide 2025: Forbidden City, Hutongs, Temple of Heaven & Hidden Gems
The definitive Beijing travel guide — how to spend 3–5 days in China's imperial capital, from the Forbidden City to the best hutong courtyards, Peking duck, and lesser-known neighbourhood gems.
Fresh off the press
Latest Articles
nature
Cool Off in China's Hidden Summer Gems: Guangze & Hunchun
Escape the heat in Guangze (Fujian) and Hunchun (Jilin) – two off-the-beaten-path destinations offering cool weather, stunning nature, and unique cultural
Updated Jul 2026
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natureChasing Waterfalls: China's Most Spectacular Summer Cascades
Discover China's most breathtaking waterfalls at peak summer flow, from Huangguoshu to Detian, with tips on best times, nearby attractions, and travel
Updated Jul 2026
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accommodationChina's Hottest New Hotels: Where to Stay in 2026
Discover the latest luxury and boutique hotel openings across China, from Dali to Shanghai, with insider tips on design, location, and experiences.
Updated Jul 2026
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Beyond the Usual: Unique Chinese Delicacies You Must Try
Explore China's diverse food scene beyond the clichés: Wuhan's ugly-but-delicious softshell turtle, Xianju's prized bayberries, and Wuxi's melt-in-your-mouth
Updated Jul 2026
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historyFollowing the Red Army: A Historical Journey Through Guizhou
Explore Guizhou's revolutionary history along the Long March route, from Zunyi to Chishui, with practical travel tips for international visitors.
Updated Jul 2026
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accommodationStay Fresh: A Guide to China's Newest Hotel Openings for Summer 2025
Discover the best new hotels in China for summer 2025, from beachfront resorts in Beihai to cultural retreats in Dali and family-friendly stays in Qiandao Lake.
Updated Jul 2026
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Start planning your China trip
Browse 879+ in-depth, regularly updated guides — visas, transport, payments, and 578+ destinations across China.
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