Planning a trip to China in 2025? This China travel guide covers everything you need to know, including the latest entry policies, visa-free countries, transportation, safety, payment methods, and cultural etiquette. Whether you're traveling for leisure, business, or visiting family and friends, this guide will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to one of the world's most fascinating destinations.
1. Entry Policy and Visa-Free Access (Updated 2025)
1.1 Main Visa-Free Policies
China continues to expand its list of visa-free entry countries to encourage international tourism. As of 2025 , the following main policies apply:
- 30-day visa-free entry: Citizens of 47 countries , including France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia
, can enter China visa-free for a stay of up to 30 calendar days for tourism, business, or visiting relatives and friends. No advance application is required. - China-Russia visa exemption policy: Russian passport holders can stay in China visa-free for up to 30 days (valid until September 14, 2026 ). This policy applies to all major air, land and sea border crossings.
- Transit visa-free policy:
- All international travelers who have not left the designated port area are eligible for 24-hour visa-free transit.
- Citizens of 55 countries (including the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, etc.) can enjoy a 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit privilege at 60 ports of entry in 24 provinces , allowing them to travel across provinces during their stay.
1.2 Required documents for entry
- A valid passport with sufficient validity to cover your stay in China .
- Proof of travel plans , such as flight tickets, hotel reservations, or invitations (for business visits).
- Those who enter the country under the visa-free policy cannot extend their stay without applying for a residence permit from the local immigration office .
- For work, study, or media activities, specific visa categories are still required.
2. Pre-entry preparations and customs guidelines
- Check your visa status:
Confirm whether your nationality qualifies you for visa-free entry. If not, please apply for a tourist visa at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. - SIM cards and network access: Major telecom operators such as China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom
offer short-term prepaid SIM cards. Alternatively, you can activate international roaming before arrival. - Customs regulations:
- The following items are prohibited: drugs, weapons, and endangered species.
- Declaration: Cash exceeding US$5,000 (or equivalent) .
- Imports of alcohol, tobacco, and food are restricted.
- Cultural etiquette:
- Please keep noise levels low in public places.
- When visiting temples or churches, one should dress appropriately.
- Avoid wasting food while dining—it's considered disrespectful.
- Traffic rules:
- Chinese vehicles drive on the right .
- Pedestrians should use crosswalks.
- In most cities, helmets must be worn when riding electric bicycles.
3. China Transportation Guide
taxis and ride-hailing services
Download DiDi Chuxing – available in English and supports international phone numbers. You can link Visa, Mastercard, Alipay, or WeChat Pay , and enter your address in English or Chinese.
Public transport
Subway system: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay to scan the QR code directly at the subway gate.
Public buses: Accept transportation cards or mobile payments.
Trains: Use the 12306 App (English version) to purchase high-speed rail tickets 30 days in advance .
4. Payment and currency exchange
China has become a cashless society , but foreign tourists can still pay easily:
- Mobile payments: Alipay
and WeChat Pay now both support international credit cards . Setup is quick and available in English. - Currency exchange: Please exchange cash at airport counters , bank branches , or authorized exchange points
. For safety and legal reasons, please avoid exchanging currency on the street.
5. Language and Communication
Translation apps:
Use Youdao , Baidu Translate , or DeepL for offline English-Chinese translation.
Assistance:
Large hotels, airports, and tourist attractions usually have English-speaking staff .
Tip: Please save the hotel address in both English and Chinese versions for easy communication with taxi drivers.
6. Emergency aid resources
- Police: 110
- Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 120
- Fire Department: 119
- Tourism hotline: 12301
- Government service hotline: 12345
Please keep an electronic or printed copy of your contact information for the Chinese embassy or consulate in case of emergencies such as lost passport or personal safety issues.
7. Accommodation and Attractions
Hotels and accommodations:
Some local guesthouses require you to show your passport when checking in .
Popular attractions:
For many attractions, such as the Forbidden City or the Great Wall, please be sure to bring your passport for identity verification .
8. Food Safety and Allergy Tips
Chinese cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes, but if you are allergic to ingredients such as peanuts, shellfish, or gluten , please choose carefully.
Please bring your bilingual allergy card and show it to the restaurant staff.
Avoid patronizing unlicensed street vendors selling raw or cold food.
People with sensitive stomachs are advised to dine in shopping malls or certified restaurants.
9. Healthcare and Medical Treatment
Insurance:
Consider purchasing a comprehensive visitor health insurance plan (approximately 800 yen/year).
Hospitals:
Choose a municipal public hospital or an international clinic —most major cities have English-speaking doctors.
Payment methods: Cash, UnionPay, and mobile payments
are accepted . Please keep all receipts for future insurance reimbursement claims.
10. Chinese etiquette and behavior
- Public conduct guidelines:
Please respect "No Climbing" or "No Loudness" signs. When using public transportation, please queue and give up your seat to the elderly or children. - Photography: Avoid taking photos near military or government buildings
. Obtain permission from local residents or religious figures before photographing them. - Tipping:
In China, tipping is not mandatory. You can give a small tip for excellent service, but it is not required.
11. Special Tips for Western Travelers
cultural adaptation
- Respect personal space – keep about an arm’s length apart while queuing.
- A handshake is appropriate as a greeting, but physical contact such as patting someone on the shoulder may be considered impolite.
- Chinese restaurants are family-style dining venues , so communal tableware is used to serve the dishes that everyone eats together.
Dietary preferences
- If you are a vegetarian, please specify "no meat, no eggs, no dairy products" . Many restaurants offer customized menus.
- Politely declining an invitation to drink alcohol by saying, "Thank you, I don't drink ," is perfectly acceptable.
Payment and the Internet
- Hotels and large restaurants still accept cash.
- Major shopping malls and international hotels accept Visa/Mastercard payments.
- Note: Direct access to Google, Facebook, and Instagram is not available—consider using Skyroam or a portable Wi-Fi connection.
- Use Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps (English version) for reliable navigation.
12. Power Supply, Plug, and Technical Tips
- Voltage: 220 volts
- Plug types: Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (three angled pins)
- Please bring a universal adapter , or borrow one from the hotel.
- Be sure to download and back up the offline maps and translation files .
Final travel advice
In 2025, China will be more convenient, comfortable, and hospitable than ever before. From high-speed rail networks to contactless payment systems, international travelers can now easily explore ancient wonders and modern cities.
Follow this China travel guide to make your journey safe, efficient, and unforgettable.
Contact us now:
You can contact our team at huangjiatrip@gmail.com , WhatsApp , or visit our website https://huangjiatravel.com/ to start planning your next trip to China's living heritage sites.
Share your experience
Have you ever been to China? Or are you planning a trip to China in 2025? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please share your travel questions, visa experiences, or favorite destinations in the comments section below. Your story might help other travelers!