What is the best time to visit China?

The best time to visit China depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Great Wall Mutianyu. Check weather patterns for Asia before booking.

What currency does China use?

China uses the Chinese yuan (¥). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in China?

Peking Duck is one of China's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Xiaolongbao and Hot Pot. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit China visa-free?

81 countries can enter China without a visa, typically for up to 30 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is China safe for tourists?

China is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

China Visa Requirements

Do you need a visa for China? 81 passports enter visa-free, usually for up to 30 days. Find your passport below.

China visa requirements

Visa-free

117

Visa required

China offers visa-free entry to 81 countries, with most stays allowed for up to 30 days. The remaining 117 passport holders need to apply at an embassy.

Countries that can visit China visa-free

81 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 30 days.

Europe

Asia

United Arab Emirates30d

Americas

Oceania

Other

AD30d

Antigua and Barbuda30d

Armenia90d

Azerbaijan30d

Bahamas30d

Bahrain30d

Barbados30d

Belarus30d

Belgium30d

Bosnia and Herzegovina90d

Brunei30d

Bulgaria30d

Cyprus30d

DM30d

Ecuador30d

Estonia30d

Fiji30d

Grenada30d

Hong Kong

Kazakhstan30d

Kuwait30d

Latvia30d

LI30d

Luxembourg30d

Macau

Maldives30d

Malta30d

Mauritius60d

MC30d

Mongolia30d

Montenegro30d

North Macedonia30d

Qatar30d

Russia30d

Samoa30d

Serbia30d

Seychelles30d

Slovakia30d

Slovenia30d

SM90d

Solomon Islands30d

Suriname30d

Taiwan

Tonga30d

Uruguay30d

Capital

Beijing

Language

Chinese

Currency

Chinese yuan (¥)

Population

1.4B

Timezone

UTC+08:00

Visa-free access

81 countries

Travelling to China

China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the second-most populous country after India, with a population.

China is located in Eastern Asia, Asia. The capital is Beijing, and the official language is Chinese. The local currency is the Chinese yuan (¥). With a population of 1.4B, China is one of the larger country in Asia.

Top places to visit in China

Great Wall Mutianyu

The Great Wall at Mutianyu has stood since the sixth century, runs along a mountain ridge through forested valleys, and can be descended by toboggan. It is exactly as good as it sounds.

Chengdu Panda Base

The world's most successful giant panda breeding program started in 1987 with six rescued animals. There are now over 200 pandas on site, and the global wild population has nearly doubled since.

Jiangnan Shipyard

China's oldest shipyard was founded in 1865 to build Western-style warships using Chinese labor, the first major attempt to industrialize without surrendering sovereignty. The dry docks and crane towe

Mountain Resort Chengde

Three Qing emperors spent ninety years building a summer capital in the Hebei highlands. The outlying temples, in Tibetan, Han, and mixed styles, were built as diplomatic architecture for the peoples

Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples

Eighty-nine years of imperial labor transformed this mountain valley into a topographic map of the entire Chinese empire, guarded by a miniature replica of Lhasa's holiest palace.

Forbidden City

For 492 years, no ordinary person entered without permission on pain of death. The Forbidden City was the center of the Chinese world, administratively, cosmologically, and physically.

See all 20 places in China →

What to eat in China

Explore all China dishes →

Before you go to China

Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. China immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

Currency: Chinese yuan

The local currency is ¥. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

Language: Chinese

Chinese is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

Power & connectivity

Check China's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

Check your visa for China

Select your passport for an instant result.

China 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

Explore China

20 places, 7 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · China

China — your questions

It depends on your passport. 81 countries can enter China visa-free. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.