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GUIDES FOR TRAVELING TO
CHINA
Traveling to China on your own is a unique experience, a country unlike any other that you have been, full of contrasts at every step. We believe it is a nation full of stereotypes that you break as you walk through it. In China it is impossible to get boredThere's always a group dancing in a park, a temple to visit, or some traditional food to try. Plus, we feel it's retained much of its essence, which has earned it a place in our traveling hearts.
But let's be honest, Planning a trip to China can be overwhelming, especially when you read that Google Maps doesn't work or that you can't pay by card in the traditional way. But don't worry, it's not as complicated as it seems, and in these guides for traveling to China we tell you everything you need to know.
ITINERARIES FOR CHINA & Hong Kong
PREPARATIONS for travel to CHINA
Possibly from the countries we have visited, China is one of those where the most important thing is to have everything well planned. There are preparations the same as for any other trip abroad, such as carrying a good travel insurance or a commission-free card. But not only that, to travel to China you will need to have a VPN Before arriving, book your trains in advance to avoid being left without a seat or having to pay.cargarden Some Apps that you will definitely needWe'll tell you how everything works so that if you travel to China, it will be super easy.
Tips for traveling to China | Guide and Preparations
How to have internet in China | eSIM with VPN or local SIM
Clothing for traveling to China | Essential checklist ✅
What is Alipay and how to use it to pay in China. Easy step by step guide
Best Travel Insurance for China, Comparison + Prices
How to buy train tickets in China, everything you need to know
How much does it cost to travel to China + Budget & Tips
WHAT TO DO IN Pekín
When you think about traveling to China, one of the destinations that cannot be missing from your itinerary is Beijing. The city looks like an open-air museum. Full of temples, green areas and charming alleys. And it is no wonder, after having been the political center of three dynasties for more than 800 years. And now the capital of China.
There's so much to see and do in Beijing, so we recommend you dedicatecar3 days. Taking into account that one of them you will spend on the Great Wall of China. It's not every day you can visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Plus, walking through a section of the unrestored Wall of China was one of the best things we did in China.
WHAT TO DO IN SHANGHAI
Shanghai is a must-see city for those who venture to travel to China on your own and are looking for a destination that combines history, modernity and culture in every corner. With more than 24 million inhabitants, this great city is not only the economic engine of the country, but also a place where tradition and modernity intertwine. Its streets are home to ancient Buddhist temples, traditional neighborhoods such as the French Concession, and futuristic skyscrapers that dominate the skyline of the financial district.
If you decide to travel to China on your own, Shanghai is an excellent starting point thanks to its excellent infrastructure, vibrant urban life and unique mix of Eastern and Western influences. During the day, you can relax in the Yuyuan Garden or get lost in the alleys of the old town. At dusk, Don't miss the view of the Bund, where the lights of Pudong's skyscrapers are reflected in the waters of the river, creating one of the most impressive postcards in the world.
WHAT TO DO IN THE PROVINCE OF YUNNAN
Yunnan is one of China's most diverse, varied, and unique regions. Located in the southwest of the country, it combines historic cities, mountains, gorges, traditional villages and a huge cultural diversity, marked by the presence of minorities such as the Tibetans, Naxi and Bai.
Here you will find a completely different Chinawith much more nature, small towns, local markets, and traditional architecture. Among the most interesting places are Lijiang, Shangri-La and its Tibetan landscapes, the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the city of Dali and Lake Erhai, former stops on the Tea and Horse Route.
Furthermore, Yunnan is a huge region, We recommend Dedicarat least 7 daysBut you could easily spend two weeks exploring Yunnan. It's the perfect region if you're looking for something different, to combine with a longer trip to China, or if it's your second time in the country, as was our case.
OTHER AREAS TO TRAVEL TO CHINA ON YOUR OWN
As everyone knows, China is a huge country in which moving between two cities that are considered close means traveling more than a thousand kilometers. Apart from the areas surrounding Beijing and Shanghai, there are many other fascinating places that you should not miss.
If you like nature like we do, the provinces of Hunan and Guanxi, in central China, are two regions where there are a large number of natural attractions such as the famous mountains of Guilin or those of zhangjiajie. And of course there are also other immense cities such as Chongqing, the one that impressed us the most in the country.
GUIDES FOR TRAVEL TO HONG KONG
Hong Kong is much more than skyscrapers and neon lights. It's a huge, intense, and chaotic city where... Temples, street markets, double-decker trams, giant shopping malls, and some of Asia's most recognizable skylines.
The most famous part is divided between Hong Kong Island, with Central and the views from Victoria peakand Kowloon. But you only have to walk a little way from the center to discover a cara completely different one, with trails, beaches, mountains and small towns.
Thanks to its excellent air connections with the rest of Asia, there's so much to do, Hong Kong is an ideal place for a day or two.
GUIDES FOR TRAVEL TO MACAU
Macau is one of the most intriguing cities in southern China. Here, Chinese temples, huge casinos, churches, and streets with a European feel, as a result of the strong Portuguese influence.
Journalist Jorge Méndez was Portuguese colony until 1999And that past is still evident in the architecture, the cuisine, and the historic center. Due to its size and good connections with Hong Kong and Shenzhen, It's an ideal destination to visit in a day.We were there in July 2026 before traveling to China for the second time, and the city seemed very different from any other we had been to.
Best time to travel to CHINA AND HONG KONG
Temperatures can vary greatly depending on the region.Although in general terms we could say that China is carIt is characterized by cold winters and hot summers. The temperatures in the table that we leave you refer to BeijingFor example, Chongqing, a destination further south, temperatures in summer exceed 35°C with high humidity, while in winter they are warmer and more pleasant,
The level of tourism varies depending on the season and specific events, especially October is a very bad time to travel to China because on the occasion of China's National Day The “Golden Week” is celebrated, a holiday period in China where practically everyone has a party and there are tourist places that cannot be missed in addition to sold-out accommodations and trains.
Regarding the best time to organize your trip to China on your own, we opt for spring or autumn, although of course you can travel in summer and if you do it in winter it will also be a great experience, in which for example you can include Harbin and its ice figures on the itinerary.
You can read more about the weather in each season and what you'll need to pack for your trip to China ⪼ Clothing for traveling to China.
FAST GUIDE TO TRAVEL TO CHINA
Is it worth traveling to China?
Traveling to China is an experience that is completely worth it. From the magnitude of the Great Wall to the serenity of traditional towns. China is full of contrasts and surprises. Vibrant cities like Beijing and Shanghai offer a unique blend of modernity and traditionMeanwhile, the rural landscapes will allow you to connect with nature and the country's ancient history. Furthermore, China's cultural and culinary diversity ensures there's always something new and interesting to try. In conclusion, traveling to China is highly recommended!
Is it safe to travel to China?
China is one of the safest countries in the worldThis is partly due to the large number of surveillance cameras throughout the streets. You can walk around major cities with complete peace of mind at any time of day; it's not even common to see police. carGo to the subway and you'll see how in a cafe people leave their computer and walk away for fifteen minutes without a care in the world.
On the other hand, we recommend you travel with travel insurance to China In case you get injured, have a medical emergency or something as simple as prolonged diarrhea if something makes you sick, their dishes are very different and sometimes very spicy.
Budget for traveling to China on your own and cheap
Traveling to China cheap is easier than many think. You can find affordable accommodation with prices starting from €15 per night in rural areas and €25 in large cities. cEating in local restaurants or street markets will allow you to taste authentic Chinese cuisine for less than €5 per meal. Tourist activities, such as visiting temples and national parks, are not excessively caryou (although some do) Most tickets cost between €2 and €10. Using public transportation, such as the subway and buses, is very economical.
How many days does it take to travel to China?
To know all of China would take a lifetime. But, to give you an idea and To take advantage of the free visa for Spaniards in China, we recommend that you make a 15 day itinerary. This will give you time to visit iconic places like the Big Wall, the Forbidden City in Pekin, the Bund in Shanghai, and natural landscapes such as the zhangjiajie national park.
Attention, they have extended the days you can visit China without a visa to 30.
For those who have fewer days, we propose a 10-day route through China. In which you will visit some of the most important and interesting places in the country.
Best time to go to China
The best time to visit China is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is more pleasant and temperatures are moderate. During these months, you'll avoid both the scorching heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities and explore in comfort. Here you can read about the best time and many other tips What to know before traveling to China.
What to see and do in China
China offers an infinite variety of activities for all tastes. You can explore ancient history by visiting sites like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an. If you like nature, don't miss the Zhangjiajie National Park and the Longji Rice Terraces. Cities like Shanghai and Beijing offer modern experiences with their impressive skyscrapers, museums and nightlife. Also, don't forget to enjoy the rich Chinese cuisine, participate in a tea ceremony, or even learn a little Chinese calligraphy.
Tailor your trip to your preferences and you're sure to love China.
Typical Chinese food
Chinese food It is as diverse as its culture, with a rich variety of flavours and culinary techniques. In Beijing, you cannot miss trying the famous Peking duck. In Sichuan, get ready for the spicy flavours of hotpot and mapo tofu. Shanghai offers its famous xiaolongbao dumplings, while in Guangzhou, dim sum is a must-try. You'll also find a host of dishes based on rice, noodles and fresh vegetables, accompanied by a wide range of sauces and spices. Street food is also a must-try. black, with delicious and affordable options on every corner.
Traveling to China is an adventure full of discovery and wonder, with each region offering something unique. Get ready to explore and be surprised by everything!