CHINA
China was one of the countries that really tested us. Traveling here felt both exciting and challenging. We spent a whole month exploring, and while the language barrier made things tough at times, the ease of getting around surprised us. Fast trains, organized transport, and modern cities made travel smooth. At the same time, we loved diving into a culture so different from what we knew, even if it meant a lot of pointing, guessing, and learning along the way.
Explore: China Guides
CITIES
EXPERIENCES
NATURE
TRAVEL TIPS
Our Route & Itineraries
2-weeks - city life, culture & history
Beijing - Xi’an - Chengdu - Shanghai
Beijing - Pingyao - Xi’an - Chengdu - Hong Kong
3-weeks - city life & culture
Beijing - Pingyao - Xi’an - Chengdu - Guilin - Suzhuo - Shanghai
4-weeks - city life, nature & culture
Best Time to Visit China
China’s climate is diverse, but the best time to visit most parts of the country is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November). These seasons offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and generally comfortable travel conditions — a sweet spot between the extremes of summer heat and winter cold.
But timing is everything. China’s major public holidays, especially Chinese New Year (January or February), Labor Day (May 1–5), and National Day Golden Week (October 1–7), bring massive domestic travel waves. If you’re looking for a relaxed and authentic experience, it’s best to avoid these periods entirely.
China: Travel Costs
CURRENCY | Chinese Yuan (CN¥)
Prices starting from:
STREET FOOD | ¥15 | €2 | US$2
LOCAL RESTAURANT | ¥25 | €3 | US$3.50
MODERN BISTRO | ¥50 | €6 | US$7
ACCOMMODATION |
Hostel | ¥80 | €10 | US$11
Double-Room | ¥150 | €18 | US$21
5-Star Hotel | ¥700 | €85 | US$100
PUBLIC TRANSPORT | ¥4 | €0.5 | US$0.6
HIGH-SPEED TRAIN | ¥150 | €18 | US$21
SIGHTSEEING | ¥30 | €4 | US$5
THE REAL TRAVELER TIP
Alipay or WeChat is the most commonly accepted payment method. Cash is rarely used or accepted anymore.
You can use Alipay to pay for public transportation by simply scanning to enter.
Book accomodation with 1-2 weeks in advance & expect higher prices for the weekends.
China Traveling Budget per Day
COSTS | Budget* | ¥1200-$1700 | $38- $54 USD | 35€-50€
FOOD | ¥180 - $285 | €5 - €8 | US$5 - $8
ACCOMMODATION | | ¥500 - $715 | €14 - 20 | US$14 - $20
TRANSPORT | ¥70 - $105 | €2 - €3 | US$2 - $3
SIGHTSEEING | ¥70 - $105 | €2 - €3 | US$2 - $3
*budget per day including accommodation, food, sightseeing & transport.
THE REAL TRAVELER TIP
We visited China on a budget.
We recommend dining at local restaurants or modern bistros.
When choosing budget accommodations, we prioritize comfort. You can decide whether to pay extra for amenities like AC, hot water, cleanliness, and top reviews.
China is easy to explore using public transportation, while taxis can increase your expenses.
All historic attractions in China charge foreigner fees.
MOST FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
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China is definitely worth visiting for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and unique culture. From the Great Wall and ancient temples to panda reserves and futuristic cities, the variety is incredible. While the language barrier and internet restrictions can be a challenge, it's a safe and rewarding country to explore. With efficient trains and stunning sights, China offers an unforgettable travel experience for those open to adventure.
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We have an extra article for this topic, as Chinese apps work differently as we are used to WeChat, Alipay, Baidu Translate, Rednote, Amap, Meituan & Didi.
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Type A, C & I
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Yes. You will need to show your round-trip ticket before boarding and for the visa application.
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Mandarin Chinese and several dialects like Wu, Yue (Cantonese), Xiang, Min, Gan, and Hakka
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It is very safe, with very low crime and pickpocketing rates.
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No. You will need to use Baidu Translate to communicate.
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No. In most stays we had a water filter or free drinkable water.
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You can buy a sim-card upon arrival, which we do not recommend. The best in China is to get an eSIM to be able to use the apps that you are used to. An eSIM has a location outside of China, this is the trick to avoid the Great Firewall. We used Saily eSIM. Get yours here.
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The Chinese government officially promotes atheism. Buddhism is the largest officially recognized religion, followed by Chinese folk religion, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam.
CHINA TRAVEL GUIDES
Leshan Giant Buddha: Honest Travel Guide + Tips (2026)
Planning to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha from Chengdu? Here's everything you need to know to enjoy —how to get there, what to expect, and tips to avoid the crowds.
Is Dujiangyan Panda Base Volunteer Program Worth It?
Wondering if the Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Program is worth it? Here's our honest review with tips, what to expect, and how to book the tour.
Escape the Crowds: Mutianyu Great Wall Travel Guide
Discover how to visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a less crowded, scenic spot near Beijing, with tips for a smooth and memorable trip.