China Travel Blog: Destinations, Tours & Planning Tips
China is one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating travel destinations, offering everything from ancient history and cultural landmarks to ultra-modern cities and dramatic natural landscapes. For travellers willing to step outside their comfort zone, China rewards curiosity with unforgettable experiences.
This China travel guide brings together our latest articles, destination insights and practical advice to help you understand what China has to offer and how best to explore it. Whether you are planning your first visit or looking to travel beyond the well-known highlights, this page is designed as a starting point for your China journey.
With so much to see in China it’s no wonder it draws us back for repeat visits. The people are friendly, and we find something new to discover on each visit. The starting point for many visitors is often Hong Kong, one of the leading Asian hubs and a shoppers paradise which draws millions of visitors a year.
Why Visit China?
China is not a one-experience destination. It is a country of contrasts, where centuries-old traditions sit alongside cutting-edge technology and vast natural scenery lies just beyond some of the world’s largest cities.
Travellers come to China for many reasons, including:
- World-class historical sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and ancient cave carvings
- Rapidly evolving cities with unique architecture, nightlife and food scenes
- Scenic regions featuring mountains, rivers, karst landscapes and rural villages
- Distinct regional cuisines that vary dramatically from province to province
- Cultural experiences that feel completely different from Western travel destinations
China can feel complex at first, but with the right planning and expectations, it is one of the most rewarding countries to explore.
How to Travel in China
One of the most important decisions when planning a China trip is how you want to travel.
China’s language barriers, digital payment systems and sheer size can make independent travel challenging for first-time visitors. On the other hand, experienced travellers may enjoy the flexibility and freedom of exploring independently.
We cover both approaches in detail here:
Guided Tours of China
Our article: Guided Tours of China
This guide explains the pros and cons of guided tours versus independent travel in China. It is especially useful if you are visiting China for the first time or want to understand how guided travel can simplify logistics, language barriers and transport while still offering meaningful cultural experiences.
Featured China Destinations
China’s size means it is impossible to see everything in one trip. Focusing on specific regions or cities allows you to travel deeper rather than faster.
Below are our current in-depth destination guides for China.
Chongqing, China
Our article: Visit Chongqing
Chongqing is one of China’s most surprising cities. Built across steep hills and rivers, it is known for its dramatic skyline, layered city design and famously spicy food. This guide covers the best things to see and do in Chongqing, including cultural attractions, food experiences, nearby landmarks and practical travel tips.
Chongqing is also a key gateway to Yangtze River cruises and an excellent base for exploring inland China.
Beyond the City: Outer Chongqing
Our article: Outer Chongqing Travel Guide
Venture beyond Chongqing’s urban core to discover ancient towns, scenic landscapes and cultural sites often missed by visitors. This guide focuses on the districts and counties surrounding Chongqing, offering ideas for travellers who want to explore lesser-known parts of China while still enjoying good infrastructure and accessibility.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting China
Planning ahead is essential when travelling in China. A few key considerations can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Visas
Australian travellers with ordinary passports can currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes. Requirements could change, so it is important to confirm entry requirements before your visit.
The visa-free entry program for China includes multiple nationalities, but eligibility and length of stay vary by country. Travellers should check with official sources to confirm current requirements.
Language
English is not widely spoken outside major hotels and tourist centres. Translation apps and guided tours are recommended.
Internet
Internet access is restricted in China with many foreign sites including popular western social media sites blocked. Our recommendation is to install an eSim before you arrive which will ensure you maintain full access to your social media accounts for the duration of your visit. Our article on international eSim’s explains their purpose and how to set them up.
If you prefer to purchase a physical Sim or rely on public WiFi upon arrival be aware that internet access will be restricted.
Our article on Internet when travelling is a useful guide for travelling internationally.
Payments
China is largely cashless, with mobile payments dominating daily life. The two main payment apps are Alipay and WeChat Pay. Both of these apps can be set up prior to visiting. Our preferred app is Alipay which has never let us down.
Transport
China’s high-speed rail network is one of the best in the world and connects most major cities efficiently. We recommend rail as our first choice for most destinations with domestic flights for longer distances.
China Travel Experiences to Consider
Depending on your interests, China offers a wide range of travel experiences:
- Cultural and historical sightseeing
- Food-focused travel and regional cuisine exploration
- Scenic rail journeys and river cruises
- City exploration in fast-growing urban centres
- Nature-based travel in mountains, rivers and rural regions
Our China articles are designed to help you choose destinations and travel styles that match your interests and comfort level.
Explore More China Travel Guides
We are continuing to expand our China travel content, including destination guides, travel planning advice and itinerary ideas. This page will grow as new articles are published, making it a central hub for China travel on Frequent Traveller.