Travel landscape in China
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Travel guide to China

China, a vast East Asian country, offers a fascinating blend of ancient traditions, diverse natural landscapes, and modern metropolises. It is renowned for its Great Wall, imperial palaces, and rich cultural heritage.

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Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
Mandarin, Chinese
Time zones
UTC+8 (China Standard Time)
Electrical outlets
220 V, outlets types A, C, and I
Climate
Varied: dry continental climate in the north, humid subtropical in the south, with four distinct seasons in most regions

Health

It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before departure for vaccination and personalized advice.

Travel health advice

  • Drink bottled water
  • Protect against mosquito bites in southern areas during summer
  • Avoid air pollution peaks
  • Have travel health insurance

Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A; Typhoid; Japanese encephalitis (depending on region); Rabies (for prolonged outdoor activities)

Required vaccines:

Money

Currency: Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Exchange rates vary; use official bureaus and check rates before travel.

Visa and Mastercard widely accepted. ATMs commonly available in major cities, but less so in rural areas.

Safety

China is generally safe for tourists, but stay alert in large cities and tourist areas.

  • Avoid political demonstrations
  • Beware of tourist scams
  • Protect identity documents and cash
  • Do not photograph military or sensitive areas

Areas to check before travel: Certain border areas like Xinjiang and Tibet require special permits

Regions

Beijing and Northern China — travel guide
Region

Beijing and Northern China

Historical region including the capital Beijing, the Great Wall, Gobi Desert, and varied landscapes.

Shanghai and Eastern Coast — travel guide
Region

Shanghai and Eastern Coast

Dynamic economic zone with modern cities, beaches and the rich culture of the Yangtze River Delta.

Sichuan and Southwest Region — travel guide
Region

Sichuan and Southwest Region

Mountainous lands, giant panda reserves, spicy cuisine and Tibetan culture nearby.

Yunnan and Southwest Region — travel guide
Region

Yunnan and Southwest Region

Spectacular landscapes, ethnic diversity, high mountains and mild climate.

Guangdong Region and Southern China — travel guide
Region

Guangdong Region and Southern China

Modern metropolises, major ports, and famous Cantonese cuisine.

Inner Mongolia and Northwest — travel guide
Region

Inner Mongolia and Northwest

Steppes, Gobi Desert, nomadic traditions, and vast wild spaces.

Cities

Beijing — city guide
City guide

Beijing

Historic and political capital, blending old and new.

  • Forbidden City
  • Tiananmen Square
  • Temple of Heaven
  • Great Wall nearby
Shanghai — city guide
City guide

Shanghai

Cosmopolitan city and financial hub, known for its futuristic skyline.

  • The Bund
  • Oriental Pearl Tower
  • Yu Gardens
  • Shanghai Museum
Xi’an — city guide
City guide

Xi’an

Ancient capital famous for its history and terracotta army.

  • Terracotta Army
  • Ancient City Wall
  • Great Mosque of Xi’an
Chengdu — city guide
City guide

Chengdu

Capital of Sichuan, known for giant pandas and spicy cuisine.

  • Giant Panda Reserve
  • Wuhou Shrine
  • Sichuan Cuisine
  • People’s Park
Lijiang — city guide
City guide

Lijiang

Charming old town in Yunnan, UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Old Town
  • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Naxi Culture
Guangzhou — city guide
City guide

Guangzhou

Southern port city rich in Cantonese culture.

  • Canton Tower
  • Nanyue King Mausoleum Museum
  • Pedestrian Streets
Hangzhou — city guide
City guide

Hangzhou

City famed for natural and cultural beauty.

  • West Lake
  • Lingyin Temple
  • Tea Plantations

Highlights

Great Wall of China — travel guide
Must-see

Great Wall of China

Impressive architectural feat and national symbol, visitable near Beijing.

Terracotta Army — travel guide
Must-see

Terracotta Army

Unique archaeological site near Xi’an with life-sized sculpted soldiers.

Summer Palace — travel guide
Must-see

Summer Palace

Imperial garden in Beijing with beautiful lakes and palaces.

Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) — travel guide
Must-see

Yellow Mountains (Huangshan)

Spectacular landscapes of granite peaks and misty seas.

Pingyao Ancient Town — travel guide
Must-see

Pingyao Ancient Town

Well-preserved fortified city showcasing traditional Chinese architecture.

Lijiang Old Town — travel guide
Must-see

Lijiang Old Town

Exceptional cultural and natural heritage in Yunnan.

Leshan Giant Buddha Temples — travel guide
Must-see

Leshan Giant Buddha Temples

Massive rock-carved statue listed as a UNESCO heritage site.

Nature & other places

Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) — travel guide
Mountain

Yellow Mountains (Huangshan)

Famous for granite peaks, twisted pine trees and sea of clouds.

Wolong Giant Panda Reserve — travel guide
Nature Reserve

Wolong Giant Panda Reserve

Protected habitat for giant pandas where visitors can observe them.

Gobi Desert — travel guide
Desert

Gobi Desert

Extensive unique desert landscape with adapted flora.

Zhangjiajie National Park — travel guide
National Park

Zhangjiajie National Park

Stunning karst formations inspiring the movie Avatar.

Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang — travel guide
Lake

Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang

Beautiful lake with views of snowcapped mountains.

Mount Emei — travel guide
Mountain

Mount Emei

Sacred Buddhist mountain with sublime views and ancient temples.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

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