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It depends on your passport and route. As of 2026, citizens of around 55 countries can enter visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) through 60+ ports if they meet the transit conditions; others use a straightforward tourist (L) visa for longer stays. We review your specific passport, entry city and onward plans and tell you the simplest legal option — always confirm against official sources close to travel.

China runs on Alipay and WeChat Pay, and both now let you link an international Visa or Mastercard, so you can scan-to-pay almost everywhere, including street stalls. On your first day your guide helps you set them up. Carry a little cash for the rare spot that needs it; major hotels also take foreign cards. Tipping is generally not expected.

Yes. We recommend an eSIM you activate before you fly, so you have data the moment you land — including access to the maps, search and messaging apps you use at home. Download offline maps and a translation app as backup. Your designer sends a simple setup guide with your final itinerary.

China is widely regarded as one of the safest countries for travelers, with very low rates of violent crime and excellent public transport and infrastructure. Your main challenges are language, logistics and information — exactly what your guide, driver and 24/7 contact handle, so help in your language is always one message away.

For a first trip, 10–14 days comfortably covers the classics — Beijing, Xi'an, a scenic stop such as Guilin or Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai — without rushing. Short on time? A focused 5–8 days works for one or two cities. Tell us your dates and interests and we'll propose a pace that actually feels like a holiday.

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the nationwide sweet spots — mild weather and beautiful light. Avoid the first week of May and of October, when domestic holiday crowds peak. Summer suits high-altitude regions like Tibet and Yunnan; winter is quiet and atmospheric, from Harbin's ice festival to a snow-dusted Great Wall.

You can do China independently, but the language gap, booking systems and sheer scale mean a private, planned trip often pays for itself in saved time and stress — especially with limited days. With China Voyage you get a designer who builds the route by hand, licensed local guides, a private car and driver, and one named contact reachable 24/7. Planning is free, with no obligation.