China

China can feel huge and overwhelming at first glance, so start by choosing a few key regions instead of trying to see everything. Many travellers pair Beijing (history), Xi’an (Silk Road heritage), Shanghai (modern skyline), and Guilin/Yangshuo (karst mountains) for a classic first trip. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring comfortable temperatures in most areas, ideal for temple visits and city walking.

Use a trip planning tool like Hello’s trip planning to group sights by neighbourhood and save opening hours, ticket prices, and metro stops so each day feels manageable. In Beijing, you might cluster the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Jingshan Park into one day, with the Temple of Heaven on another. In Shanghai, organize time around the Bund, Yu Garden, and the French Concession.

China’s holidays significantly affect crowds and prices. Golden Week (early October), Chinese New Year, and Labor Day (early May) mean packed trains and higher hotel rates, so book transport in advance and avoid tight schedules. For remote areas like Tibet or Yunnan’s tiger leaping gorge, factor in extra travel days and altitude or terrain. Planning everything in one place keeps your itinerary realistic, leaving space for spontaneous detours down hutong alleys or riverside walks in Yangshuo.

China’s high-speed rail network is one of the easiest ways to move between cities. Trains like the Beijing–Shanghai line are fast, comfortable, and usually punctual. Aim to book tickets a few days in advance, and arrive at stations early—they’re more like airports, with security checks and large waiting halls. Keep your passport handy for ticket collection and ID checks.

Within cities, metros in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are clean, affordable, and signed in English. Buy a transport card (like Beijing’s Yikatong) or use QR code payments where available. Taxis are common, but traffic can be heavy; always show your destination in Chinese characters.

Most everyday payments now run through mobile apps and QR codes, but many visitors still rely on cards and cash. Staying online helps you use maps, translation, and ride-hailing apps. Activating a Hello eSIM before you land lets you connect as soon as the plane’s door opens, so you can immediately look up metro routes, station exits, and train schedules without roaming charges.

For longer journeys, overnight trains can be a memorable experience—choose soft sleeper for more comfort, bring your own snacks, and store valuables close. In rural areas, buses and minivans are common; confirm departure points locally and keep small bills in CNY ready.

Food is a highlight of any trip to China, and each region has a distinct flavor. In Sichuan, expect bold, spicy dishes like mapo tofu and hotpot with numbing peppercorns. In Guangdong, try dim sum classics such as har gow and char siu bao. Beijing is famous for Peking duck, best enjoyed at a specialist restaurant where you can watch the carving and DIY your own pancakes.

To explore safely and deliciously, look for busy stalls and restaurants—turnover usually means fresher food. In night markets like Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, follow your nose to grilled lamb skewers, biangbiang noodles, and pomegranate juice. Ordering is often easier with photos and Chinese names saved on your phone; offline phrase lists or translation apps help when menus don’t have English.

Typical restaurant dishes can be very affordable: a bowl of noodles might cost ¥20–40 CNY (around US$3–6), while mid-range restaurants in big cities range from ¥80–150 CNY (US$12–22) per person. If you’re sharing plates, use Hello’s expense splitting to divide the bill fairly, and budget tracking to see how much you’re spending on food in CNY across your trip.

Don’t miss regional snacks like jianbing (savory crepes), xiaolongbao in Shanghai, and mango sago desserts in southern cities.

China is increasingly cashless, but it’s still wise to carry some CNY for smaller shops, markets, and rural transport. ATMs are common in cities; withdraw enough for a few days and store it in different places. Many visitors rely on international cards plus cash, using mobile payments only where tourist-friendly options exist.

Day-to-day costs vary by city. In major hubs, budget roughly ¥300–600 CNY (US$45–90) per person per day for mid-range travel—covering accommodation, local transport, meals, and entrance fees. Keep a simple record of purchases like metro rides, snacks, and museum tickets; Hello’s budget tracking can log spending in CNY, helping you see whether you’re leaning towards street food or high-end dining.

Reliable internet makes a big difference, from checking train timetables to translating signs. Installing a Hello eSIM before departure lets you skip airport SIM queues and connect instantly, handy if you arrive late at night or in a smaller airport. Once online, download offline maps for each city and save key addresses in Chinese characters.

Other small comforts: carry tissues (some public toilets lack paper), hand sanitizer, and a reusable water bottle. Many travelers drink bottled water, while tea is widely available and often complimentary in restaurants. A simple packing list in your trip planning tool ensures you don’t forget adapters or layers for changing weather between regions.