Do I need a visa to visit China?

Citizens of 75+ countries can now enter visa-free for stays of 7–30 days, and travelers from 55 more countries can use the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit. Use our Visa Checker to see your country's exact policy in seconds — and we'll confirm it again with your quote.

How do payments work for foreigners?

Most Western cards aren't accepted directly in shops, but Alipay and WeChat Pay link to your international card in minutes — we walk you through setup on arrival. Tour fees are paid by international bank transfer directly to our corporate account (major foreign currencies accepted). As a Trip.com Group franchised store, we sign the travel contract with you electronically in the Trip.com system — one SMS code, seconds on your phone. Nothing is charged until your itinerary is confirmed.

Will Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work?

Not on local SIM cards — those apps are blocked in mainland China. With an international eSIM or roaming plan they work out of the box. Every booking includes our free eSIM & VPN setup guide, so your apps work from the moment you land.

Can you customize a tour for me?

Absolutely — customization is all we do. Every itinerary is a starting point: tell us your interests, pace, dietary needs and budget, and we'll rebuild the route around you. Send an inquiry to get started.

Is China safe for solo travelers?

Yes — China consistently ranks among the safest countries for tourists, with very low violent crime and 24-hour convenience stores. You'll still have our 24/7 English support line and a local point of contact in every city.

What does the 240-hour transit rule mean?

Travelers from 55 eligible countries can stay up to 10 days without any visa while transiting China en route to a third country — for example USA → Shanghai → Thailand. You need an onward ticket and must enter through an approved port. We plan routes that fit the rule perfectly.

How is the price of a private tour calculated?

Private tours are priced in real time against your final itinerary — hotels, transport, guiding and experiences are costed per your dates, group size and season. Send an inquiry and you'll receive an itemized quote; CNY is the settlement currency and other currencies are shown for reference only.

First Time in China: The Classic 10-Day Golden Route (Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai)

The classic way to meet China for the first time is the "golden triangle": Beijing for imperial history, Xi'an for the ancient capital, Shanghai for the future — all linked by high-speed rail, at a comfortable 10-day pace.

Route Overview: Beijing 4 Days → Xi'an 3 Days → Shanghai 3 Days

D1–D4 Beijing: Tiananmen and the Forbidden City, the Jingshan overlook, a Mutianyu Great Wall day trip, hutong alleys and Nanluoguxiang, Temple of Heaven or the Summer Palace
D5–D7 Xi'an: cycle the Ming city wall, Shaanxi History Museum, Muslim Quarter snacks, a Terracotta Warriors day tour, the Tang-dynasty night district
D8–D10 Shanghai: the Bund and Lujiazui skyline, Yu Garden, French Concession streets, a Zhujiajiao water-town half day, Nanjing Road finale

Intercity Transport

Beijing → Xi'an: high-speed rail 4.5–5.5 h (second class ¥500–800) or a 2-hour flight
Xi'an → Shanghai: rail 6–7 h (¥600–900); fly if you're short on time
Trains first: downtown stations, high punctuality and scenery along the way

Best Seasons

Best: March–May and September–November — comfortable weather and the prettiest colors
Summer is hot and humid; put outdoor sights early in the day. Winter is cold but quiet, and Forbidden City snow is worth the risk
Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1–7), when crowds and hotel prices spike

Budget Guide (CNY, excluding international flights)

Value: ¥6,000–9,000 per person (3-star hotels, public transport, local eateries)
Comfort: ¥10,000–15,000 (4–5-star hotels, first-class rail, nicer restaurants)
Rough split: lodging 40% · food 20% · tickets and activities 20% · intercity transport 20%

Practical Tips

The Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors require real-name advance booking
Mutianyu beats Badaling for scenery and crowds; Badaling is easiest to reach
Keep some unstructured time each day — teahouses, markets and hutongs are often the highlight

Hand this skeleton to our consultants and get a free day-by-day quote tuned to your dates, group size and interests.