Plan Your Perfect Trip to China
Essential guides for exploring China's top destinations and navigating daily life with ease
City & Attractions Guide
Discover China's most popular destinations and must-visit attractions
Beijing
China's capital, blending ancient history with modern marvels
Top Attractions:
Forbidden City
Imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties
Great Wall
Ancient defensive structure spanning mountains
Temple of Heaven
Where emperors prayed for good harvests
Shanghai
A vibrant metropolis showcasing China's modernization
Top Attractions:
The Bund
Iconic waterfront with colonial-era buildings
Oriental Pearl Tower
Landmark observation tower with panoramic skyline views
Yu Garden
Classical Ming-era garden in the city center
Xi'an
Ancient capital famous for its historical relics
Top Attractions:
Terracotta Army
2,000-year-old army of life-size clay soldiers
City Wall
Well-preserved ancient city fortifications
Shaanxi History Museum
Extensive collection of Chinese artifacts
Chengdu
Relaxed city famous for pandas and spicy cuisine
Top Attractions:
Chengdu Panda Base
Conservation center for giant pandas
Wuhou Shrine
Temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang
Jinli Ancient Street
Traditional street with local snacks
Guangzhou
Vibrant southern city known for its cuisine
Top Attractions:
Canton Tower
Iconic TV tower with observation decks
Chen Clan Academy
Fine example of traditional Chinese architecture
Baiyun Mountain
Scenic mountain offering city views
Guilin
Breathtaking natural scenery of karst mountains
Top Attractions:
Li River
Scenic river with dramatic limestone peaks
Reed Flute Cave
Stalactite and stalagmite filled cave
Longji Rice Terraces
Ancient terraced fields carved into mountains
Essential Survival Guide
Practical tips for navigating daily life in China with ease
Payment
Current Situation
Cash is rarely used in China. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) dominate daily transactions.
Solutions
- Bind international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) to Alipay TourCard
- Get a digital RMB prepaid card
- Exchange cash at banks or hotels (keep small denominations)
Must-Have Apps
Transportation
Hotels
Booking Platforms
- Trip.com - English interface, international payment
- Booking.com - Familiar platform with China options
- Agoda - Good for Asia travel
Tips
- Book hotels that accept foreign guests (not all do)
- Bring passport for check-in (required by law)
- International hotels often have English-speaking staff
Communication
Internet Access
- VPN recommended for accessing blocked sites
- Free WiFi available in most hotels, cafes, malls
- Buy local SIM card or use international roaming
Essential Apps
Language
Translation Tools
- Google Translate app (camera translation works offline)
- Baidu Translate (better for Chinese context)
- Download offline language packs before traveling
Communication Tips
- Point to pictures or use gestures
- Write down your hotel address in Chinese
- Use translation apps for complex conversations
Weather
Seasonal Guide
Currency Converter
Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 7.2 CNY (approximate)
Other Tips
Must-Have Apps
General Tips
- Drink bottled water, avoid tap water
- China uses Type A, C, I plugs. Bring a universal adapter
- Keep important documents in a secure place
- Download offline maps before traveling
- Learn basic Chinese phrases for emergencies
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to keep handy during your trip
Ambulance
120
Police
110
Fire
119
Tourist Helpline
12301
Important Notes
- • Emergency numbers are free to call from any phone
- • Have your location and passport ready when calling
- • Tourist helpline (12301) has English support
- • Contact your embassy for serious issues
Survival Guide
Essential information for navigating daily life in China
Currency Converter
Emergency Contacts
Transportation
Essential Phrases
Basic Chinese phrases to help you communicate