Ultimate China Travel Guide 2025

Best Time to Visit China

Spring cherry blossoms at the Great Wall of China, best time to visit China for mild weather and fewer crowds

Spring (March–May)

Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists make spring ideal for Beijing, Xi’an, and the Great Wall.

Golden autumn foliage over the Li River in Guilin, China itinerary 10 days highlight

Autumn (September–November)

Clear skies, comfortable days, and spectacular fall colors in Guilin, Yunnan, and the Silk Road routes.

Tip: Avoid the first week of October (Golden Week) and Chinese New Year when prices soar and crowds are massive.

China Itinerary 10 Days

Forbidden City aerial view, Beijing, China itinerary 10 days day 1-3

Days 1–3: Beijing

  • Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
  • Mutianyu Great Wall sunrise hike
  • Hutong rickshaw tour & Peking duck dinner
Terracotta Army warriors in Xi’an, China itinerary 10 days day 4-5

Days 4–5: Xi’an

  • Terracotta Army
  • City Wall cycling
  • Muslim Quarter street food
Shanghai skyline at dusk from the Bund, China itinerary 10 days day 6-7

Days 6–7: Shanghai

  • Yu Garden & Old Town
  • Huangpu River night cruise
  • Skyscraper observation decks
Li River bamboo raft and karst peaks in Guilin, China itinerary 10 days day 8-10

Days 8–10: Guilin & Yangshuo

  • Li River bamboo raft to Yangshuo
  • Moon Hill cycling
  • Impression Sanjie Liu light show
Customize This Itinerary on TripMeta

Is It Safe to Travel to China?

Friendly local police officer helping tourists in Chengdu, confirming is it safe to travel to China

Yes, China is one of the safest destinations in Asia. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and public security is excellent even in megacities like Beijing and Shanghai.

  • Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps (DiDi).
  • Car a copy of your passport; originals can stay in hotel safes.
  • Tap water is not potable—stick to bottled or boiled water.
  • Air pollution apps (AirVisual) help you decide on mask usage.

What to Pack for China

Compact universal power plug adapter for China, what to pack for China electronics

Electronics

  • Universal power plug adapter (Type A, C, I)
  • Portable charger & VPN app
  • Offline maps (Maps.me)
Layered clothing for variable China weather, what to pack for China spring and autumn

Clothing

  • Layered outfits for 10–25 °C swings
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light rain jacket
Toiletries and prescription meds in travel-size bottles, what to pack for China health kit

Health & Toiletries

  • Prescription meds with labels
  • Hand sanitizer & face masks
  • Travel-size toiletries (hotels often provide)

Currency in China / China Currency Exchange & Tipping

Chinese yuan banknotes and coins, currency in China and China currency exchange tips

Currency in China

The official currency is the Renminbi (RMB), with the basic unit yuan (CNY). ATMs widely accept Visa & Mastercard; notify your bank before travel.

Exchange at airports, major banks, or use TripMeta’s online currency reservation for better rates.

QR code mobile payment in a Beijing café, tipping in China is mostly digital

Tipping in China

Tipping is not customary in mainland China. High-end hotels and tour guides may accept small gratuities (¥10–¥20). Always use local currency; coins are preferred.