Things To Do
in China
China is a vast and diverse country stretching from high plateaus and deserts in the west to fertile plains and megacities on the eastern seaboard. It blends millennia of history—imperial palaces, ancient walls and sacred mountains—with rapid modern development and world-class infrastructure. Food, languages, religions and landscapes vary dramatically by region, offering endless cultural and natural discoveries.
Traveling China rewards curiosity but also requires some preparation for language, digital access and local regulations.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake with sunrise at Tiananmen Square, absorbing the solemn flag-raising ceremony as swallows dart overhead. Wander into the sprawling courtyards of the Forbidden City, where each carved roof and golden tile whispers tales of imperial power. Marvel at the hidden gardens tucked behind red walls, imagining the hush that once accompanied royal decrees.
Venture to the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors sought divine approval through ritual prayer, and capture the rhythmic clacks of senior locals practicing tai chi. Then weave through Beijing’s hutongs by rickshaw, stopping at family-run teahouses to sample jasmine green tea and sweet pastries. Absorb glimpses of local life as you chat with residents perched on low stools, swapping stories over steaming cups.
Dine at a renowned Peking duck restaurant, where chefs carve crisp-skinned ducks tableside while lantern light casts a warm glow on lacquered wood panels. Afterwards, lose yourself among the neon-lit stalls of Wangfujing Snack Street, sampling everything from candied hawthorn berries to sizzling skewers. Finally, ascend a rooftop bar for panoramic views of the Forbidden City bathed in amber twilight.
Depart Beijing at daybreak for the Mutianyu section, traveling through mist-clad valleys as your bus winds northward. Arrive at the foot of the Wall and hop on the cable car, ascending past emerald pines to reach ancient watchtowers. Pause at the summit to admire the undulating ramparts stretching across jade hills bathed in morning light.
Embark on a spirited hike along the restored ramparts, clambering over steep granite steps and pausing at crenellated towers to hear the wind’s whispers in stone corridors. A guide recounts the Wall’s epic construction feats and the dynastic battles fought here centuries ago. Enjoy a riverside picnic amid spring greenery, the drone of distant village life as your soundtrack.
Return to Beijing for a convivial hot pot dinner, where bubbling broths and succulent meats invite laughter and shared chopstick skills. Wander through nearby hutong alleys, sampling hand-pulled noodles from street vendors and exploring hidden courtyard bars. Unwind with a foot massage before retreating to your hotel, memories of ancient stones dancing in your mind.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-50 |
| 🚇Public transport (single metro/bus fare) | $0.30-1.00 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $1.50-5 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Extraordinary historical and cultural attractions spanning millennia
- Wide variety of regional cuisines and affordable dining options
- World-class transport network—high-speed rail connects many cities quickly
- Dramatic and varied landscapes from deserts to mountains and coastlines
- Language barrier outside major tourist areas; English not widely spoken
- Internet restrictions require workarounds (VPN) for many foreign services
- Air pollution can be a concern in some cities and seasons
- Large crowds at major attractions and busy urban congestion
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "对不起 (Duìbùqǐ)" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does this cost?
- "厕所在哪里？(Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the toilet?
- "我不懂 (Wǒ bù dǒng)" - I don't understand
- "我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "帮助！(Bāngzhù!)" - Help!
Places to Visit in China
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic panoramic views—choose less-crowded sections for dramatic sunrise/sunset shots and long-wall perspectives.
Historic imperial architecture with strong symmetry and rich colors; early morning light is best and security is strict.
Archaeological site with rows of life-size terracotta soldiers—good for detailed, intimate photos and wider gallery shots.
River cruises provide misty mountain silhouettes and picturesque rural scenes ideal for landscape photography.
Otherworldly quartz-sandstone pillars that inspired floating mountains in film—excellent for vertical compositions and foggy moods.
Classic cityscape shots at golden hour and spectacular night illuminations—consider long exposures for light trails.
Romantic lakeside scenes, willows and pagodas—lovely in spring and autumn for reflections and soft light.
Dramatic holy palace against mountain backdrops—sensitive cultural site with photography norms and altitude considerations.
Cute, photogenic pandas—arrive early when pandas are most active.
Food in China
China Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy roasted duck served with pancakes, scallions and hoisin sauce; best tried at reputable Beijing roast duck restaurants.
Must-Try!
Delicate steamed dumplings from Jiangnan/Shanghainese cuisine filled with meat and hot broth; try at specialist dim sum houses.
Sichuan staple of tofu in a spicy, numbing chili and Sichuan pepper sauce; abundant in Chengdu and Sichuan restaurants.
Interactive communal meal where you cook meats, vegetables and tofu in simmering broth; regional variations in spice and ingredients.
Northwestern and Shaanxi specialties—wide hand-pulled noodles or cold spicy wheat/noodle dishes found at local noodle shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
High-energy area with many vendors selling skewers, dumplings, candied fruit and adventurous snacks; good for trying many items but pick clean-looking stalls.
Cluster of stalls and eateries around historic areas offering xiaolongbao, pastries and souvenir snacks.
Vibrant alleyways with lamb skewers, roujiamo (Chinese burger) and other northwest specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greeting is usually a simple nod or handshake in formal settings; show deference to elders and remove shoes when entering some homes.
Sharing dishes is common; try a bit of everything, but it’s polite to offer dishes to others and use serving utensils when provided. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (resembles incense for the dead).
Avoid political discussions on sensitive subjects such as Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and the 1989 Tiananmen events; be discreet with opinions on government policy.
Ask before photographing individuals, especially in minority areas or religious sites; obey signs restricting photography in museums or government buildings.
Safety
Tipping in China
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in mainland China and can sometimes be refused; exceptions include upscale hotels or international tour guides where a small tip is appreciated. In tourist-heavy areas and Hong Kong/Macau, tipping is more common.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate cashless transactions—many merchants do not accept foreign cards. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and international restaurants; carry some cash (RMB) for markets and taxis. Consider setting up mobile payments with passport-linked accounts or carry a China-friendly bank card/UnionPay card and download transit/ride-hailing apps.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings mild weather and flowering landscapes in many regions; it’s a good time for city sightseeing and visiting southern gardens, though occasional rain is possible.
June–August is hot and humid in the east and south, with heavy rains and occasional typhoons on the southeast coast; higher-altitude areas (Tibet, Yunnan mountains) are pleasant and popular.
September–November is generally the best season—clear skies, comfortable temperatures and spectacular fall colors, especially in northern and mountainous areas.
December–February can be bitterly cold in the north (Beijing, Harbin) with snow festivals in the northeast; southern cities are milder but less predictable—some attractions have shorter hours.
China at Night
Hiking in China
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular hiking stretches offering both restored and wild sections with superb viewpoints; options for guided hikes and overnight camping on less-crowded parts.
A dramatic and rugged trek along one of the deepest river gorges in the world—challenging trails, incredible scenery and local guesthouses en route.
Classic managed trails and stairways lead to granite peaks, pines and seas of cloud—famous for sunrise and sunset vistas.
One of China’s five sacred mountains with historic temples and stone paths; many pilgrims climb thousands of steps to the summit.
Trails wind among towering pillar-like rock formations with viewpoints and glass skywalks—excellent for adventurous hikers and photographers.
Airports
How to reach China by plane.
Main international gateways for northern China; both offer fast rail and airport express options into central Beijing, plus taxis and airport shuttles.
PVG handles most international flights; Hongqiao is closer to the city and connected by metro and maglev (Pudong).
Major southern hub with strong connections to Southeast Asia; metro links and shuttle buses serve the city.
Entry point for southwestern Sichuan and access to panda centers and regional attractions via flights and high-speed rail links.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority ethnic group (over 90% of population) concentrated across the country and principally shaping mainstream culture and language (Mandarin).
China officially recognizes 55 ethnic minority groups with distinct languages, religions and cultures—many live in border or southwestern regions (Guangxi, Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan).
Rapid urbanization has created large populations of domestic migrants working in manufacturing and services; urban youth culture is dynamic and trend-driven in big cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched across China; both local leagues and NBA have large followings.
National favorite and a major competitive sport with community-level play common in parks and sports centers.
Popular recreational and competitive sport in city and university settings.
Growing in popularity with a developing domestic league and strong public enthusiasm.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist—Buddhist vegetarian restaurants and many vegetable-based dishes—but meat and broths are common; use a translation card stating no meat, no fish, no lard, and be ready to clarify ingredients.
Veganism is less common; bring allergy cards in Chinese to explain restrictions. In major cities, vegan restaurants and Western-style options are increasingly available.
Halal restaurants and Muslim-friendly food are common in northwest regions and major cities; look for signboards or halal certifications.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting China.