Plan Your First Trip to China 2025/2026: 10 Things to Know
Introduction
Planning your first trip to China can feel exhilarating and overwhelming. From its thousands of years of history to ultra-modern skylines, from remote mountain villages to neon city nights, China is vast and varied. For first-time visitors in 2025/2026, smart preparation can make your journey smoother, richer, and more memorable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 essential things to know before setting off — where to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how to get around, cultural etiquette, and much more. These tips will help you plan an authentic China experience and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or in a small group, read on to plan your China trip with confidence.
1. Choose Your Destinations Wisely
China is enormous. Trying to “see everything” will leave you exhausted without a deeper experience. Consider balancing iconic cities with off-beat gems.
Classic cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an — great for landmarks (Forbidden City, Great Wall, Bund, Terracotta Warriors).
Nature / Culture off the beaten track: Yunnan province (Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-La), Zhangjiajie, Guilin’s karst scenery. You could also refer to our Yunnan 10 Day Small Group Tour, Zhangjiejie 6 Days 5 Nights Package Tour, 6 Days Guilin Private Tour
Special interest spots: Harbin (Ice Festival), Tibet (spiritual highlands), Chengdu (food and pandas).
Data Comparison: Below is a rough comparison of travel types & what each offers:
| Type of Destination | Highlights | Ideal Stay Time (per place) |
|---|---|---|
| Major Cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an) | Culture, history, museums, famous landmarks | 2–4 days each |
| Nature / Scenic Regions | Mountains, villages, landscapes, ethnic cultures | 3–5 days each |
| Unique Events / Themes | Ice festivals, spiritual journeys, food trails | 1–3 days depending on season |
2. How Many Days to Stay
You’ll want enough time to settle in, adjust to jet lag, and move at a pace that lets you absorb instead of rush.
Minimum recommendation: 7–10 days — perhaps Beijing + Xi’an + one scenic area or city (e.g. Guilin or Chengdu).
Two weeks lets you include more varied regions, food experiences, nature.
Three weeks+ gives room for western China, smaller towns, and slower pace.
3. Best Time / Season to Visit
When you travel affects weather, cost, crowd levels, and what you can do.
Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) are generally the most comfortable and scenic. Clear skies, pleasant temps, fewer crowds.
Winter can be cold (especially north), but unique seasonal festivals (e.g. the Harbin Ice Festival), and good deals.
Summer brings heat, rain (monsoon in southern areas), and crowded holiday travel (Chinese Golden Week etc.).
4. Travel Inside China: Transport Options
Once you decide where to go, think about how you’ll move between places.
High-speed trains: excellent for many routes (e.g. Beijing ↔ Xi’an, Shanghai ↔ Xi’an, or along the East Coast). Comfortable, scenic, efficient.
Domestic flights: useful for long distances or remote regions (e.g. Sichuan, Yunnan, Tibet).
Local transport: in cities, metro + taxi or ride-hailing (DiDi). Remote/village areas may require private car or local buses.
5. Visa, Entry & Documentation
Make sure you understand and arrange necessary travel permissions ahead of time.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist visa in advance. Check updated 2025/2026 visa rules.
Some cities support visa-free transit for short stays; useful if you’re connecting flights.
Bring copies of passport, visa, emergency contacts. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
6. Language & Communication
Mandarin is the national language; English is unevenly spoken, mostly in major tourist areas.
Learn some basic Mandarin phrases (hello, thank you, where is…) – they go a long way.
Use translation apps; some Chinese apps require phone numbers (WeChat, etc.).
Consider getting a local SIM or eSIM with data so you can use maps and communicate reliably.
7. Money, Payments & Cost Expectations
Currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB). Carry some cash, especially in rural areas.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are dominant in cities; foreign cards may need to be linked or used via certain banks.
Prices vary widely: what you pay in Beijing or Shanghai for lodging/food will likely be higher than in smaller towns or rural areas.
8. Culture, Etiquette & What to Know
Understanding local customs will help you blend in, show respect, and avoid misunderstandings.
Tipping is not the norm in China; sometimes discouraged except for high-end service.
Dress modestly when visiting temples or rural areas.
Avoid loud behavior, especially in historical sites. Be respectful in rituals or religious settings.
Be prepared for differences in toilet facilities (in remote areas), and carry items (like toilet paper, hand sanitizer) just in case.
9. Safety, Health & Practical Preparation
Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Vaccinations: check what’s needed for the regions you’ll visit.
Air quality can be an issue, especially in cities—look up AQI forecasts, bring masks if sensitive.
Pack appropriately for climate: layers for cold areas, rain gear for rainy seasons, sunscreen etc.
10. Plan & Book in Advance
To ensure a smooth, stress-free trip:
Book flights and high-speed train tickets early where possible.
Accommodations in major destinations fill up quickly, especially during festival times or peak season.
Reserve tickets for popular tourist sites or guided tours in advance to avoid long waits.
Allow buffer days in your itinerary for rest or unexpected delays (weather, travel changes).
Additional Tips to Go Beyond the Basics
Experience local food markets early in your trip when your senses are fresh.
Stay in smaller boutique hotels or guesthouses in addition to big hotels for more immersive experiences.
Try to include one off-the-beaten-path town or village to balance out big cities.
Use your tour operator (like FankeTravel) to get insider access, local guides, and help you tailor your trip around your interests.
Conclusion
Your first trip to China in 2025/2026 has the potential to be one of the most fulfilling travel experiences you’ll ever have. With thoughtful planning—choosing deep destinations, right timing, proper documents, respectful behavior—you’ll get more than just photos; you’ll build memories.
If you feel overwhelmed by choices, or want someone to help craft an itinerary that fits your pace, interests, and budget, FankeTravel is here to help. Contact us, and let’s plan a trip that feels like it was made just for you.
