Jurisdiction Guide

April, May, September, and October are usually the best times to visit. Avoid early October due to national holidays and crowds. Northern winters can be severe, while southern summers get humid and rainy.

Most payments are by mobile apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay, but international cards are rarely accepted, so bring some cash. Public transport is cheap and widespread, but subway signs rarely use English outside major cities. Tipping is not expected. You'll hear few people speaking English outside tourist spots, so translation apps help. Buy a local SIM with your passport at the airport or official stores.

Handshakes are common, but rarely hugs. Avoid touching someone's head or pointing with your finger. When eating, don't stick chopsticks upright in your rice. Dress modestly in temples and rural areas. Public displays of anger or affection can draw stares.

Pickpocketing can happen on crowded transport and at tourist spots. Tap water is not safe to drink; always use bottled or boiled water. Crossing streets can be risky, as drivers may ignore pedestrian signals. Summer brings some typhoons to coastal provinces.

Visit the old villages of Anhui, with centuries-old houses and mountain views. Hike the rice terraces of Longji near Guilin before sunrise. In Dali, Yunnan, wander quiet Bai minority towns by Erhai Lake.

Most visitors need a visa before arrival, but some cities offer short-term transit visas (72 or 144 hours) for select nationalities. Tourist (L) visas are common and usually valid for 30 days, with extensions possible in some cities. China has no digital nomad visa, and long-term residence requires work, family, or study sponsorship.

High-speed trains connect all major cities and are efficient, but tickets sell out quickly on holidays. Buses reach smaller towns but can be slow. Domestic flights cover long distances fast. Ride-hailing apps like Didi are common in big cities, while driving yourself can be stressful due to local traffic laws.

Try dishes like Peking duck, Sichuan hotpot, and Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles. Tea is everywhere, but many locals drink hot water with meals. Street food is tasty but pick busy stalls for better hygiene. Vegetarians have choices but should ask if dishes contain hidden meat or animal stock. Sharing dishes is normal, often one person orders for the group.

Budget travelers can get by on $25-45 USD per day in smaller cities, but expect prices to double or triple in Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen. Simple local meals can cost $2-5, while coffee at a chain costs $4-6. Trains and public transport stay affordable across the country.