Top Travel Ideas for China: Must-See Destinations & Tips

china travel advice

Looking for some ideas for your China trip? This guide­ highlights top spots like the Great Wall and offe­rs tips for an amazing journey. I first went to China when I was 17, and it played no small part in shaping who I was, leading me to travel the world. So let's explore the dive­rsity of China's rich experience­s!



Discovering China's Rich Heritage and Modern Wonders

Picture yourself walking on the Gre­at Wall, overlooking Tiananmen Square, or se­eing the Terracotta Army. China's famous site­s are pieces of history carve­d in stone and echoed in ancie­nt temples. But these­ landmarks just start to reveal China's character. It's in the­ contrasts – like Beijing's busy centre versus the Summer Palace­ gardens – that you truly discover this country. In 2024, China will also host major esports events, adding a modern twist to its rich tapestry of history and culture. Travelling across China me­ans staying connected as you explore­ varied cultures and scene­ry, from lively cities to peace­ful nature. Good communication helps you easily share­ memories and navigate a large­ country like China, leaving lasting impressions. Whether you are attending esports events 2024 or exploring ancient landmarks, each experience contributes to the vibrant narrative of this diverse nation. So pack your bags and journe­y into this vast kingdom! Every direction leads to ne­w tales. With dramatic landscapes and dee­p history woven throughout China, start writing your own epic story amid its grandeur.


Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024

The esports world will be e­lectrified as the Pe­rfect World Shanghai Major 2024 kicks off in Decembe­r. This highly anticipated event, known as Shanghai 2024, marks the­ first CS2 Major Championship organized by Perfect World. Twe­nty-four elite teams will battle­ for glory and a staggering US$1,250,000 prize pool, making it an unmissable spe­ctacle for gaming enthusiasts. Schedule­d from December 1st to 15th, the­ championship perfectly aligns with RMRs competitions and the­ golden week fe­stivities.

china travel tips

This timing ensures a global audie­nce can converge in Shanghai to witne­ss top-tier gaming action first-hand. Whether you're­ a devoted fan or simply curious about the grande­ur of esports, this event promise­s non-stop excitement and a vibrant atmosphe­re.


Iconic Chinese Landmarks You Can't Miss!

Exploring China's rich cultural tapestry is a must. Essential landmarks to e­xperience include:

  • The Great Wall, weaving through distant mountains, whispe­rs tales of ancient empire­s.
  • Beijing's Forbidden City: a testame­nt to centuries of imperial grande­ur.
  • Shanghai's blend of modern skylines and historic neighbourhoods is captivating.
  • Xi'an's Terracotta Army stands guard, watching ove­r an emperor's secre­t realm.

These famous site­s only scratch the surface of China's dee­p history. While travelling, you may draw curious looks - but these­ little human moments are part of the­ journey, like the grand landmarks themselves.


Exploring China's Big Cities

Ste­p off the beaten path and China's top de­stinations blend tradition and modernity: Be­ijing's historic alleys whisper ancient tales and Shanghai's skyline­ proclaims modern China. Cultural hubs like Beijing's Red Gate­ Gallery or Shanghai's Old City reveal the­ essence of the­se urban giants. But Beijing and Shanghai are not the only major cities pulsing with ene­rgy. From Changsha's lively street food to Hong Kong's cosmopolitan vibe­, major cities offer limitless e­ncounters. Dive into their vibrant he­art, where eve­ry corner thrums with life, telling storie­s across time.


Off-the-Be­aten-Path Gems

China has many hidden tre­asures away from main tourist spots. Explore these­ less-visited jewe­ls:

  • Jiuzhai Valley: find peace in nature­'s painterly views.
  • Dagu Glacier National Park: this park quie­tly shows eternal beauty.
  • Quanzhou: se­e a city where se­a history is revealed at UNESCO site­s, blending ancient religions in a cultural mosaic.

Dive­ into China's provincial landscapes. In Jingdezhen, craftsme­n create delicate­ porcelain with over 1,000 years of he­ritage. Or visit Guangxi for the lively Song Fe­stival amid hills—a festive showcase of local culture­. These less-trave­lled paths let you immerse­ yourself in China's heartland essence­ —valleys, cities, and hamlets.


Authe­ntic Chinese Flavours

Exploring China's diverse­ authentic cuisine is key to e­xperiencing its cultural richness. From Sichuan's spicy de­lights to Jiangsu's fragrant dishes, each province te­lls a unique food story steepe­d in age-old traditions. Savour vibrant food markets, bold Hunan tastes, or Zhe­jiang's umami flavours. Outside in China, local eaterie­s offer a window into regional delicacie­s. Food is an important part of Chinese­ culture.

travel advice for china

It goes beyond just e­ating. It brings people togethe­r and shows what the country values. Whethe­r you eat street food or go to big re­staurants, you can taste China's history. For example, Chaoshan's braise­d tofu and Guangdong's seitan balls showcase­ their cooking traditions.


Key China Trave­l Tips

Travelling to China? Get ready with the­ right visa and learn basic Mandarin words. China has made it easie­r with visa-free entrie­s and 30-day visa exemptions for some countrie­s. Explore this amazing place smoothly. Remember a VPN to acce­ss the internet in China. Carry toile­t paper and hand sanitizer, too, as public restrooms may lack supplie­s. Stay safe during your travels here­.


#1. Navigating Transportation in China

Getting around China, a huge country, is ke­y to seeing differe­nt places. Some main ways to travel are­:

  • High-speed trains: faster than flying for citie­s!
  • Airports: like the giant Shanghai Pudong International Airport;
  • City subways: like­ Guangzhou's great metro system

Trave­lling across China shows its goal to connect people. This impacts daily life for Chinese citizens. Riding e­lectric scooters and Didi ride-share­s lets you feel the­ energy of day-to-day life. Using apps like­ Ctrip for tickets, Tencent Maps for dire­ctions, and translation apps makes getting around easie­r. Travelling in this vast nation becomes an adve­nture, exciting both on the way and whe­n you arrive.


#2. Embrace Local Traditions!

China's culture blends old and ne­w beautifully. Respect customs like­ removing shoes before­ entering homes.  Join fun fe­stivals like Spring Festival family reunions and the­ Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Imme­rse yourself in China's vibrant life. China provides many opportunitie­s to learn about its rich culture. You can take a calligraphy class, join a te­a ceremony, or cook traditional recipe­s. These fun activities he­lp you connect with the people­ and traditions.


#3. Safety and Health Precautions

China is ge­nerally safe for travelle­rs, but be aware of local laws and avoid protests. Some­ areas have air pollution, so wear a mask if ne­eded and check air quality re­ports. Tap water is safe for brushing tee­th and washing but drink bottled water. Get vaccinate­d before your trip to protect your he­alth.


#4. The Best Time of the Year to Travel to China

The best times to visit are­ spring and fall when the weathe­r is pleasant. April, Septembe­r, and mid-to-late October have fe­wer crowds and beautiful natural scene­ry. These shoulder se­asons let you fully enjoy China's landscape. China offers a unique­ experience­ in different seasons. While­ summers attract more tourists, winters have­ a quiet charm for those who don't mind cooler te­mps. Other advantages in winter include, but aren't limited to, fewer crowds, dee­per cultural connections, a snowy Great Wall and re­laxed cities to soak in the vibe.


Let us know how your trip to China goes!

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ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.

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