Travel advice for China
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting China
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Tarek Afif Bizri
Really enjoyed the trip. Loved the effort made to show us different parts of the wall every day. The last day was so rural, it felt very special. The lake ...
Inspired?China is vast, and you’ll barely be able to scratch the surface on a single trip. The following itineraries will, however, give you an in-depth look at some of the country’s most fascinating areas – the Grand Tour covers the essentials, while the other suggested routes cover the trip to the deserts of the west, and China’s tropical southwestern corner.
Created by local experts
If you are planning your travel to China yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.
This three-week-long trip takes you from Beijing to China’s Wild West, where you can ride horses across Mongolian grasslands, or soak up Uyghur culture in Xinjiang.
1. Beijing
Before setting out, get a taster of northwestern China in Beijing’s Muslim quarter, where street hawkers sell delicious skewers of barbecued lamb.
2. Datong
Cycle around Datong’s rebuilt city walls, then bus out to giant Buddhist sculptures at the Yungang caves, and the gravity-defying Hanging Temple.
3. Grasslands
Use pleasant Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, for exploring the never-ending grasslands to the north, galloping across the plains on a tiny steed.
4. Shapotou
See the mighty Yellow River flowing smoothly between desert dunes at this tiny, remote resort town in up-country rural Ningxia – a spellbinding sight.
5. Lanzhou
Slurp down outstanding beef noodles at this former garrison town along the fabled Silk Road, the gateway to China’s Muslim northwest.
6. Jiayuguan
The fortress at the Great Wall’s western extremity, over 2000km from Beijing, impressive for its mighty defences yet dwarfed by the stark desert scenery.
7. Dunhuang
Ride a camel across 300m-high dunes outside this small city, then explore the marvellous galleries of ancient Buddhist sculptures at the Mogao caves.
8. Turpan
Small, relaxed oasis town, with a main street shaded by grape trellises and a surrounding desert packed with historical relics from its former Silk Road heyday.
9. Kashgar
Frontier city where Chinese, Uyghur and Central Asian cultures mix: don’t miss the astonishing Sunday Bazaar, crammed with metalwork, spices and livestock traders.
This tour ticks the major boxes – historical sights, gorgeous countryside and sizzling cities. Allow two weeks in a hurry, or three at a more leisurely pace.
1. Beijing
The Chinese capital is packed with essential sights, including the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall.
2. Pingyao
Step back in time inside the walls of this charming, traffic-free Ming-dynasty town, spending the night at a traditional courtyard inn.
3. Xi’an
Dynastic capital for a millennium, Xi’an is filled with treasures, including the enigmatic Terracotta Army, built to guard the tomb of China’s despotic first emperor.
4. Chengdu
The Sichuanese capital features traditional teahouses, fire-breathing opera, lively temples and locally bred pandas.
5. Three Gorges
Take a three-day cruise down this impressive stretch of the mighty Yangtze River, between Chongqing and the massive Three Gorges Dam.
6. Yangshuo
Cycle between jagged limestone peaks and brilliant green paddy fields surrounding Yangshuo village, looking like something straight off a Chinese scroll painting.
7. Hong Kong
Stunning cityscapes, modern conveniences, serious shopping, glorious beaches, wonderful mountain trails and superb cuisine – this bustling territory has it all.
Rough Guides tip: When planning a trip to Hong Kong, be sure to choose the best place to stay in the city.
The southwestern provinces offer spellbinding mountain vistas, karst-dotted rivers and rushing waterfalls, alongside fascinating minority villages and laidback cities.
1. Emei Shan
Join Buddhist pilgrims ascending this forested, temple-studded mountain up seemingly endless flights of stone steps.
2. Dafo
This gigantic Buddha statue was completed in 803 AD and remains one of the world’s biggest religious sculptures.
3. Jiuzhaigou
Enchanting alpine valley of calcified waterfalls and stunningly blue lakes, all surrounded by magestically forested peaks – get in early to beat the crowds.
4. Lijiang
Exploring the rambling, cobbled lanes of this picturesque ancient town – once home to the Naxi minority, now crammed with sightseers – makes for an atmospheric few days.
5. Dali
Dali’s laidback street life and outlying minority villages encourage unplanned long stays.
6. Kunming
The cheery, pleasantly warm Yunnanese capital retains considerable charm despite its modernity. Don’t forget to try the famous “Crossing-the-Bridge” noodles.
7. Kaili
Jumping-off point for visiting villages of the Miao minority, famed for their festivals and spectacular embroideries.
8. Li River
Ride a boat down this magical river, lined with karst pinnacles, between Guilin and Yangshuo.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting China
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China Travel Guide written by
Andy Turner
updated 26.04.2021
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