Plan
your trip with essential China travel information covering visas,
safety, transport, and culture. Discover key facts and expert tips to
help you explore China’s top destinations with confidence and ease.
Country: China (People’s Republic of China)
Continent / Region: Asia / East Asia
Capital City: Beijing
Government Type: Single-party Socialist Republic
Population: Approx. 1.41 billion
Official Language(s): Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua)
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~10% (higher in big cities)
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+8 (one time zone nationwide)
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type A/C/I – 220V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 10–12 hours (direct)
Best Time/Months to Travel: March–May and September–November
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Tourist visa required
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Yes — pre-arranged visa needed
- Visa Duration / Cost: 30–60 days; cost varies
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines; Hepatitis A, Typhoid recommended
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in China):
Average Daily Costs: £25 / £50 / £120+
Tipping Culture: Not common; service charges may apply
Public Transport Options: Metro, high-speed trains, buses, taxis
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: CNY 3–6 (metro)
Internet / SIM Availability: Good 4G/5G; China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom (Note: Many Western apps/sites blocked without VPN)
Main Climate Type: Vast range — temperate, desert, alpine, subtropical
Average Temperature: Varies widely across regions
Major Cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an
Natural Attractions: Mountains, deserts, rivers, karst landscapes, forests
Popular Destinations: Great Wall, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, Chengdu (pandas), Zhangjiajie
Main Religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, folk religions
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Dim sum, Peking duck, noodles, dumplings, Sichuan hotpot, baozi, regional specialties
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, Zhangjiajie, Li River, Potala Palace (Tibet)
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe; low violent crime
Common Scams: Tea house scam, overcharging taxis, fake tour tickets
Health Risks: Pollution in some cities, altitude sickness in western regions
Recommended Clinics: International hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
Insurance Recommendation: Essential — medical care can be expensive
Internet Speed: Excellent 4G/5G; strict digital controls
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Zhangjiajie, Guilin karsts, Shanghai skyline
Unique Experiences: Panda conservation centres, bullet trains, night markets, calligraphy classes, tea ceremonies
Hidden Gems: Longji Rice Terraces, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Suzhou gardens, Lhasa monasteries, Qinghai Lake
Popular Areas to Stay: Beijing Chaoyang/Dongcheng, Shanghai Bund/Lujiazui, Chengdu city centre, Xi’an Old City
Average Hotel Prices: £20 / £45 / £100+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Shanghai Bund bars, Beijing Sanlitun, Chengdu nightlife streets
Local Drinks: Baijiu, Chinese beer, tea culture
Entertainment: Karaoke (KTV), night markets, rooftop bars
Car Rental: Possible but not recommended
Domestic Flights: Extensive network
High-Speed Trains: One of the world’s best systems (350 km/h trains)
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Didi widely used; low to moderate cost
Best Markets: Beijing Silk Market, Shanghai Yuyuan Bazaar, Chengdu Jinli Street
Popular Souvenirs: Tea, silk, jade, calligraphy brushes, ceramics
Local SIM Card Providers: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. (daily)
Tap Water Safety: Not drinkable; always use bottled water
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
China has the world’s largest high-speed rail network, covering over 40,000 km.