Travel to China

China, a land of staggering scale and ancient civilizations, offers a travel experience unlike any other. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the glittering modernity of Shanghai, its vastness encompasses diverse landscapes, from mist-shrouded mountains to sprawling deserts. A typical trip might focus on two or three key cities, but venturing further reveals a tapestry of regional cultures, cuisines, and traditions. While it has a reputation for being expensive, especially in major hubs, China offers remarkable value for money, particularly when exploring local eateries and opting for efficient public transport. The pace can range from a whirlwind city break to an immersive deep dive into its rich history and natural wonders.

Cities to explore in China

Pively covers multiple cities in China. Click a card for the full guide — flights, hotels, budget and multi-destination itineraries.

Which city to pick

For first-time visitors, Beijing is essential, offering iconic sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, immersing you in imperial history. If you're drawn to modernity, dazzling cityscapes, and a taste of international flair, Shanghai is your destination, with its Bund skyline and French Concession charm. For food enthusiasts, Chengdu in Sichuan province is unparalleled, famous for its spicy 'mala' cuisine and, of course, the giant pandas. If a blend of ancient culture and stunning landscapes appeals, consider Dali or Lijiang in Yunnan, though these are not currently covered by Pively. Our platform focuses on Beijing and Shanghai, providing deep dives into these two pivotal, yet vastly different, Chinese metropolises.

Regions to know

Northern China

Dominated by the historical heartland, this region is home to Beijing, offering imperial palaces, ancient walls, and vibrant street life. Expect a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. It's the gateway to the Great Wall and offers a deep dive into China's imperial past. Recommended duration: 4-7 days for a focused visit.

Eastern China

This dynamic coastal area is China's economic powerhouse, with Shanghai as its shining jewel. It blends colonial architecture with futuristic skyscrapers. The Yangtze River Delta offers fertile plains and rich history. Ideal for those interested in modern China, shopping, and gastronomy. Recommended duration: 3-5 days for Shanghai itself.

Sichuan Province

Known for its fiery cuisine and gentle pandas, Sichuan offers a distinct cultural experience. Chengdu, its capital, is a relaxed city with a strong tea house culture. The landscapes range from lush mountains to the Chengdu Plain. A must for foodies and wildlife lovers. Recommended duration: 5-7 days.

Yunnan Province

Located in the southwest, Yunnan is famed for its stunning natural beauty, diverse ethnic minority cultures (like the Bai and Naxi), and pleasant, spring-like climate. Cities like Lijiang and Dali offer ancient towns and breathtaking scenery. Recommended duration: 7-10 days to explore its diverse landscapes and cultures.

Suggested itineraries

7j — Imperial Capitals & Modern Marvels

A classic 7-day loop starting and ending in Beijing. Spend 4 days exploring Beijing's imperial sites (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall section). Take an overnight high-speed train (approx. 12 hours) or a short flight (approx. 2 hours) to Shanghai. Spend the remaining 3 days experiencing Shanghai's Bund, French Concession, and Pudong's skyscrapers.

10j — Beijing, Shanghai & Water Towns

Expand the classic loop over 10 days. Dedicate 4 days to Beijing. Travel to Shanghai via high-speed train. From Shanghai, take day trips (or an overnight) to nearby water towns like Suzhou or Zhouzhuang (approx. 1-2 hours by bus/train) for a glimpse of traditional Jiangnan life. Spend 4 full days exploring Shanghai and its surroundings.

14j — Eastern China Immersion

A comprehensive 14-day journey focusing on Eastern China. Begin with 5 days in Beijing, including a day trip to the Great Wall. Take the high-speed train to Shanghai for 5 days, exploring its diverse districts and perhaps a side trip to a water town. Consider adding 4 days to explore Hangzhou, known for its West Lake and tea plantations (approx. 1 hour by high-speed train from Shanghai).

Best time to go

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather across much of China, with mild temperatures and lower humidity, ideal for exploring cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Spring brings blooming flowers, while autumn offers crisp air and beautiful foliage. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid, especially in the east, with a higher chance of rain. Winter (November-March) is cold, particularly in the north, but offers fewer crowds and lower prices, with opportunities for winter sports in some regions. Avoid major public holidays like Chinese New Year (late Jan/early Feb) and Golden Week (early Oct) due to peak domestic travel and inflated prices.

Practical tips

Visa: Most EU, US, and UK passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days under specific transit rules or for tourism with prior visa application. It is essential to check current regulations and requirements well in advance with your local Chinese embassy or consulate, as policies can change.
Currency: The currency is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as Yuan (CNY). 1 EUR is roughly 7-8 CNY. While major hotels and tourist shops accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay) dominate. Cash is useful for smaller vendors. ATMs are widely available in cities for withdrawals, but check with your bank for foreign transaction fees.
Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English proficiency is limited outside major tourist areas and international hotels. Downloading a translation app like Google Translate (requires VPN) or Pleco is highly recommended. Learning basic phrases like 'Ni hao' (Hello) and 'Xie xie' (Thank you) is appreciated.
Transport: China boasts an extensive and efficient high-speed rail network, making inter-city travel comfortable and fast. Domestic flights are also common for longer distances. Within cities, subways are modern, extensive, and affordable in places like Beijing and Shanghai. Taxis are readily available, but ensure the meter is used. Ride-sharing apps like Didi are popular and user-friendly.
SIM / eSIM: Purchasing a local SIM card can be challenging for foreigners without a registered address. eSIMs are a more convenient option. Providers like Airalo offer data packages starting around $10-$15 USD for 10GB, usable across China. Major carriers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.

Culture & etiquette

Tipping is not customary in China and can sometimes cause confusion. When dining, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as this resembles incense sticks for the deceased. It's polite to accept offered food and drinks. Loud conversation is generally avoided in public spaces. When visiting temples or monasteries, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and ask permission before taking photos of people. Bargaining is expected in markets, but not in department stores. Never point with a single finger; use an open hand gesture.

Daily budget

China offers a range of budget options. A frugal traveler might spend $40-60 USD per day, focusing on street food (like Jianbing for breakfast, ~5 CNY), dorms or budget guesthouses (~100-150 CNY/night), and extensive subway use. A standard traveler can expect $80-150 USD daily, including mid-range restaurants (a meal might be 50-100 CNY), comfortable 3-4 star hotels (~400-700 CNY/night), and entry fees to major attractions (Forbidden City ~60 CNY). Comfort travelers spending $200+ USD per day will enjoy fine dining, 5-star hotels (800+ CNY/night), private tours, and premium transport options.