How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2026

Written by Catherine | Updated November 06,2025

Are you planning your first trip to China and wondering what to expect? The short answer: your China travel as a first-timer will be easy, happy and amazing – with our guide.

The long Answer? Picture yourself standing awestruck on the Great Wall, meeting the gaze of Terracotta warriors, cruising the other-worldly Li River, and riding a camel on the timeless Silk Road.

Here we come up with the things to know to get you prepared and practical travel tips to help you plan your first trip to China. Make the most of your visit in China with the best destinations, foods, accommodations, and itineraries.

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Decide Where to Go on Your First Trip to China
Traveling to China with Children
Plan Your Budget
Understand the Chinese Visa Policy
How Many Days Needed for Your First Trip to China?
When is the Best time to Travel to China?
What’s the Best Way to Travel around China
Choose Where to Stay
Choose a Group Tour or Private Tour for Your First China Trip
Must-knows for a First Trip to China
Prepare Internet Access
Things to Pack Before You Go
Learn How to Pay in China
Accommodation in China
FAQs about Best Time to Visit China
China Xian Tour will Gaurantee Your Smooth Trip in China

Decide Where to Go on Your First Trip to China

With it being your first China trip with family or friends, chances are you’re thinking to visit the most popular destinations like Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and the Silk Road with all the iconic landmarks. But lesser-known destinations like Yunnan and Guizhou are also well worth your time.

Beijing – the City with the Largest Number of World Cultural Heritage Sites in the World

Forbidden City in Beijing — Forbidden City

The imperial and modern Chinese capital, Beijing is a must-visit place for your first visit to China. It is also a popular gateway city and many international travelers plan their China tours from Beijing.

We’ve curated classic activities for your Beijing trips. Walk on the Great Wall of China, explore the treasures inside the Forbidden City, admire the architecture of Temple of Heaven. You’re also encouraged to take a rickshaw ride through Beijing hutongs to witness Beijingers’ real lifestyle and discover various kinds of local foods. A Chinese calligraphy or paper-cutting lesson can be arranged in a hutong courtyard.

You may like How to Plan a Trip to Beijing?

Recommended Beijing Tours for first-timers:

Xian – An Ancient capital of 13 Dynasties

With a history of over 3000 years, being the capital of 13 dynasties, and the starting point of the silk Road, Xian is the best place in China to embrace history. Xi’an is on a par with the world-famous ancient cities of Rome, Athens and Cairo.

Meet the great invincible Terracotta Army, which belonged to Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, and enjoy making a mini terracotta warrior by yourself. Walk or bike on the Xian City Wall, the best-kept ancient city wall in the country. More historical sites to explore include the Big and Small Goose Pagoda, Shanxi History Museum, etc.

You may like How to Plan a Trip to Xian?

Recommended Xian tours for first-timers:

Shanghai – the Future of China

Take a stroll along the Bund and you will see both the colonial and futuristic China. Here there are 19th-century colonial architectures, as well as ornate towering skyscrapers. But you can also have a glimpse of local traditional life when walking the Longtang alleys and passing by the shikumen dwellings.

For a cultural trip in Shanghai, don’t miss the Yu Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple, and the nearby Zhujiajiao water town.

Recommended Shanghai tours for first-timers:

Beijing, Xian and Shanghai as China’s Golden Triangle are the top choice for most first-timers. Learn how to plan a Beijing Xian Shanghai itinerary.

Chengdu – the Happy Hometown of Giant Pandas

Chengdu Panda Volunteer Progarm — Make steamed bread of corn for pandas

When you think of Chengdu, you think the pandas, and the spicy food as well. There’s no better way to have a close contact with pandas than becoming a giant panda volunteer. You can feed them with their favorite food and clean their enclosures. The nearby Qingcheng Mountain, known as the Kung Fu panda village, is also highly recommended.

Enjoy the local culinary delights, such as hot pot, mapo tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, etc. And even go to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum to learn how to cook authentic Sichuan cuisine.

To explore Chengdu in Depth, you can also visit Leshan Giant Panda and Jiuzhaigou, for stunning Buddhist art, and sheer natural beauty.

Recommend Chengdu tours for first-timers:

Guilin – Surreal Karst Landscape and Idyllic Countryside

If you are looking for natural wonders and countryside experience to add for your first trip to China, go traveling to Guilin, one of the most beautiful places in China. And a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is one of the top things to in China.

The countryside of Yangshuo is a huge playground for parents and kids have their family tours in China. You can bike around the farmlands and orchards, visit the local family and help them with some easy farm work. For couples, it is one of the most romantic places. The elderly will love its serenity, while active travelers will be amazed by various exciting outdoor activities, from hiking and camping, kayaking and climbing.

Recommend Guilin and Yangshuo tours for first-timers:

The Silk Road – A Great Route That First Connected the East and West

First Trip to China Silk Road — Zhangye Rainbow Mountain

If you plan an over two-week first trip to China, consider also traveling to the Silk Road of China. It started from Chang’an (Xian) or Luoyang in ancient China, travelled through Gansu and Xinjiang to Central and West Asia, and finally reached to the Mediterranean countries.

The highlights of a Silk Road adventure include Mogao grottoes, historic towns and ruins of lost kingdoms, camel ridding, camping and watching sunrise in the desert, and exotic cultures and foods.

Recommend China Silk Road Tours for first-timers:

Traveling to China with Children

China offers a wealth of kid-friendly adventures! Top destinations include Chengdu’s Panda Base (feed adorable giant pandas), Shanghai Disneyland (magical rides), and Yangshuo’s countryside (bike through rice paddies). In Beijing, kids love the Great Wall toboggan slide at Mutianyu and hands-on activities like dumpling-making classes in hutongs. For teens, Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors and Guilin’s Li River cruises mix history with stunning scenery.

Tips for Families:

Pack snacks, reusable water bottles, and children’s medications (limited Western brands in rural areas. Some medicine will also be restricted to bring while traveling abroad, please check the official websites beforehand).
Use lightweight strollers in cities; baby carriers are better for cobblestone streets or countryside.
Book family-friendly hotels with connecting rooms or play areas.
Opt for private tours to adjust pacing and include child-focused guides.

17 DAYS

17 Days Modern China Exploration: Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou & Beyond

Plan Your Budget

Flights:

Travel from the US/Europe to Beijing/Shanghaigenerally costs $800–1,500 for a round-trip (season-dependent).
Budget airlines like China Eastern offer deals in shoulder seasons (Mar–May, Sep–Nov).

Accommodation:

Budget option: $30–80/night (3-star hotels, e.g., Home Inn).
Mid-rangeoption: $100–250/night (4-star hotels with breakfast).
Luxury option: $300+/night (5-star resorts like Shangri-La).
However, in peak seasons (May–Oct) prices would rise by 30–50%.

Daily Costs:

Meals:

Street food are fast, convenient and budget-friendly, usually costs $2–10 (e.g.,dumplings: $3) per serving.

Local restaurants are the best places for local flavors, prepare $8–20 for each person (noodles:$2–10).

Upscale dining are more fancy, but they also provide more delicate food. Each meal costs $30–80/person.

Transport:

High-speed trains: $20–100/person (e.g.,Beijing–Xi’an: around $50).

Taxis: $3–15/ride (use Didi app).

Attractions: $5–30/entry (GreatWall7, Terracotta Army $20).

Save Money:

Travel off-peak (spring/autumn) for 20% lower flight/hotel rates.

Book early: Flights 3–6 months ahead; hotels 1–2 months prior.

Public transit: Metro rides cost $0.50–1/trip in cities.

Sample Daily Budgets:

Budget: $50–70 (hostel + street food + metro).

Mid-range: $100–150 (4-star hotel + mix dining + taxis).

Luxury: $250+ (resorts + fine dining + private car).

Learn more details on How Much Does It Cost to Travel China

Understand the Chinese Visa Policy

Whether it is a first China trip and return trip, you will need to apply for a visa to enter China (except visa-exempt countries). You are suggested to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) more than months before the your travel date.

Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and some other ports (60 ports in total) can issue the latest 240-hour visa-free transit , which has replaced the previous 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy. This new type of transit allows visitors from 54 designated country/region to enter China without a visa and stay up to 240 hours.

If you are traveling in China with us, we can provide an invitation letter to help you apply for a Chinese tourist visa. You may like China Visa Application Requirements

How Many Days Needed for Your First Trip to China?

How many days to visit China? It depends on how much time you have and the way you want to explore China.

Plan at least 7 days China highlights tour to Beijing Xian and Shanghai to visit all the famous landmarks, including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Terracotta Warriors… 9 to 10 days China tour with Guilin, with a blend of cultural and natural marvels and authentic life experience.

If you have more time, explore China in-depth to have a better understanding of local culture, traditions and lifestyle. 11 Days Tour of Beijing-Chengdu-Xian-Zhangjiajie offers the chance to meet panda and explore the beautiful mountains in Zhangjiajie. 19 Days China Essence Tour covers all the popular destinations. And 14 Days Silk Road and Northern Xinjiang Tour is a nice option if you want to escape the big cities and crowds.

You can contact us to customize a China tour and make your first trip to China meet your style, budget and departure dates perfectly.

When is the Best time to Travel to China?

Spring (April and May) and Autumn (September and October), with mild weather and most sunny days, are considered the best time to visit China. During these seasons, nature is at its best, and you travel comfortably without dressing too much or sweating all the time.

Summer during June, July, and August is also an ideal time to travel to China. But be aware that it will be rainy sometimes and hot in South China, with the temperature around 30-35 degrees. Summer is also the best time to visit the Silk Road.

Destinations like Beijing Xian and Shanghai, featuring cultural and historical sites, virtually unaffected by the weather are worth a visit all year round.

Dates that you should avoid include October 1-2 during the China National Day Holiday and late January to early February during the Chinese New Year.

What’s the Best Way to Travel around China

China is a vast country with all kinds of highly-developed modern infrastructure, and how to choose the right way to travel is depending largely on your schedule, budget, and distance between your destinations.

Long-Distance Travel: Flights or High-Speed Trains?

If you’re short on time or need to travel between cities that are far apart, like Beijing to Guilin, or Shanghai to Chengdu, domestic flights are always your most efficient and convenient option. China’s major airports are well-connected and punctual, especially for long routes.

For slightly shorter distances, such as Beijing–Xi’an, Shanghai–Huangshan, or Chengdu–Chongqing, high-speed trains(also called as Bullet Trains or Gaotie) are a great alternative. They’re fast (up to 350 km/h), comfortable, and punctual, and it also allows you to enjoy views of the countryside along the way.

Tip: Book your train tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during Chinese public holidays (like Chinese New Year) or weekends.

Getting Around Within Cities

Major Chinese cities — including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and more — all have well-developed metro systems. Subways are fast, clean, cheap, and efficient for tourists. Ticket machines also support English, and metro maps are easy to understand (with English version, so do the signs in the station).

For areas don’t have metro system, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are widely available and affordable. In most cities, a 15-minute ride would cost around $3–5.

Tip: If you’re worried about language barriers, use Didi’s English version or ask your hotel to help you book a ride (or you can use translation app and prepare the Chinese name of your destination beforehand on a paper).

Book a Tour for Hassle-Free Travel

To avoid the stress of navigating tickets, transfers, and local transportation, you can book a private and customized tour with us. We’ll take care of all your city-to-city travel, airport/train station pickups, and also local transfers, so you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying other affairs.

Choose Where to Stay

There are various types of accommodation you choose from. However, for first-time travelers, location may be the primary consideration. In this case, most would stay in convenient locations that provide easy access to major sites and public transportation.

In Beijing, the most recommended areas to stay includes Wangfujing, Qianmen, or Dongcheng, which is close to the Forbidden City and major metro lines.
In Xi’an, many visitors would prefer hotels near the Bell Tower or Big Wild Goose Pagoda, since these two locations provide easy access to some must visit attractions and dining places.
In Shanghai, you can look for hotels near People’s Square, The Bund, or Lujiazui, the final decision is depending on whether you prefer history vibe or skyline views.
In Chengdu, central districts like Jinjiang or Wuhou areas offer more convenient access to food, shopping, and panda bases.
Tip: We can help you select hotels based on your own preference, and we offer choices vary from boutique courtyards to kid-friendly resorts.

Choose a Group Tour or Private Tour for Your First China Trip

You can have a general idea of the differences between a group tour and a private tour. And make the final decision based on your travel style and budget.

Who you are traveling with: On a group tour, you will travel with a group of people you don’t know. on a private tour, you will travel only with your family or friends.
Flexibility: The itinerary of a group tour is fixed so you have to follow a rigid schedule about the departure dates and time. The itinerary of a private tour is more personalized. So it is your call for the departures and you can travel at your own pace.
Shared transportation & guide or private transportation & guide: With a group tour, you have to share transportation, guide and even a hotel room with other travelers. A private tour is exclusive, with your own guide, vehicle, and hotel rooms. Besides, you can have special care and help from your guide and driver.
Cost: Apparently, the cost of a private China tour is higher than a group tour.
Best for: Group tours are best for solo travelers who wish to meet new people and those who have a relatively tight budget. Private tours are more suitable for families with kids and couples, who yearn for more freedom and flexibility and have higher budgets.

The Best China group tours for First-Timers:

The Best China private tours for First-Timers:

Must-knows for a First Trip to China

The currency used in China is Renminbi (人民币), which is called yuan or “kuai”. For example, 100 yuan = 100 Chinese people does not take other currencies, so you’ll need to exchange Chinese money. However, electronic payment are dominating the country, so you are suggested to download the E-wallets on your mobile. See also Hong Kong Currency
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most popular payment methods in China. Chinese people pay everything with a Wechat or Alipay qr code. Credit cards are accepted at the shopping malls, hotels and other big shopping and consuming places.
Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram can’t be accessed in China, unless you use a VPN.
China is huge.So you will have to take a flight or high speed train to travel one city to another.
Only a few people in China speaks English. So you will need a translator or a local guide.

Prepare Internet Access

While traveling in China, ensuring your internet access and connectivity will also be essential — but you’ll need to plan ahead due to some internet restrictions.

Wi-Fi is available atbasically all hotels, cafes, airports, and shopping malls.
VPNs are necessary to access some blocked sites such as Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Download and activate a VPN before arriving in China.
SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi devices can be purchased at airports or arranged through your hotel/tour provider.

Things to Pack for Your China Trip

Passport
Chinese visa
Medical kit
Personal care and hygiene products
Clothes needed for the season
Chargers for mobile phones, cameras, pads, laptops, headphones
Cash and credit cards

See our ultimate packing list for a China trip to get more prepared.

Learn How to Pay in China

For foreign tourists who visit China for the first time, your travel and life will be more convenient if you know about the payment methods in China. Nowadays, a total of three methods can be used in China: mobile payment, bank card and cash. And mobile payment is the most popular way because of its convenience. In almost all the daily scenes, such as restaurants, cafes, metros and even street stalls, all support the mobile payment. So it is highly recommended. Then, how to use it? Just download Wechat or Alipay and add your international bank card. Then you can use it freely.

Usually, international bank cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB, can be used in large shopping malls, starred hotels and airports. And cash is usually for emergency usage. In scenic spots with a weak internet connection, cash may be the only way to pay. So bring some change with you. After arriving in China, you can exchange foreign currency for RMB at airports, bank branches or foreign currency exchange points, or withdraw cash directly from ATMs that support foreign cards.

Accommodation in China

The accommodation options in China are extremely abundant, including international chain hotels, starred hotels, economic hotels, resort hotels, boutique hotels, guesthouses and youth hostels, etc. Then how to choose it? In brief, based on your plans and preferences.

For business travelers and tourists who place an emphasis on service, the international chain hotels and starred hotels can absolutely meet your demands. They usually provide standard service and are equipped with complete facilities. Your living quality can be guaranteed.

If you want to live beside the scenic area, the resort hotels will not let you down. These hotels usually boast a beautiful environment and offer a variety of leisure facilities. In some hotels, you can even appreciate the scenery of the scenic area directly.

Boutique hotels and guesthouses are strongly recommended to travelers who prefer an in-depth cultural experience. Because the design of these hotels usually integrates the elements of local ethnic culture. Some guesthouses are transformed from traditional local architecture directly. In Lijiang ancient town, you can find hotels transformed from Naxi courtyards. In Inner Mongolia, try to live in the yurt to feel the authentic local life.

FAQs about Best Time to Visit China

What are the recent China visa-free or transit visa policies I should know about?

In 2025, the latest 240-hour visa-free policy is published, under which, citizens from 54 countries can travel in China for 240 hours.

When is the best time of year to visit China for ideal weather?

Generally speaking, April – May and September – October have pleasant weather and charming scenery.

How many days should I plan for a basic first-time China itinerary?

At least 7 days can allow you to cover the highlights of two or three tourist cities.

What major Chinese holidays should I avoid due to crowds and high costs?

The Spring Festival and National Holiday are the two holidays you’d better avoid.

What is a reasonable daily budget for a first-time traveler in China?

$50 – 250+ is a reasonable range for a daily cost. >> Read more tips on How to Plan a Budget Travel to China

China Xian Tour will Gaurantee Your Smooth Trip in China

Most foreign tourists do not know how to plan a China tour because they do not have too much knowledge about the city they plan to visit. Just contact our travel consultant now. She will give you a brief introduction and recommend the must-visit scenic spots according to your interests. And she can tailor a reasonable trip for you and arrange the hotels, transportation, and tickets in advance. China Xian Tour is always willing to help you, just feel free to contact us.

How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2026 – Ultimate Guide