China Ready · First trip
Planning your first trip to China
Begin with what you want to spend time doing. Tea and gardens suggest a different route from imperial history or Sichuan cooking. Once the places are chosen, work through the practical details below.
Choose a route you have time to enjoy
Count your arrival and departure days honestly and allow for movement between cities. Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou can suit a trip around gardens, architecture and tea. Beijing and Xi'an offer different perspectives on imperial history; Chengdu can anchor a journey around Sichuan food and culture.
These are starting ideas. The right route depends on your interests, time and connections.
Check entry requirements
Confirm the requirements for your passport, travel purpose and route with the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate. For transit arrangements, check the National Immigration Administration. Check again before departure if rules or your route change.
Prepare payments and internet
Check the payment methods you plan to use and complete available app verification before travelling. Carry alternatives. For internet access, confirm your plan's coverage, activation requirements and compatibility with your phone.
Save addresses and booking details
Keep the Chinese names and addresses of your hotel, arrival station and meeting points, along with contact numbers and map pins. Save a copy of key confirmations offline.
Plan for food and access needs
Before booking meals or activities, explain any dietary or access requirements so providers can check what is possible. A clear Chinese dietary note can help during the trip; ingredients and preparation still need to be confirmed with the venue.
Choose how much help you want
You can add a single cultural day to a trip you've already booked, join a multi-day journey or ask us to plan a private route.
Explore Cultural Experiences · View China Journeys
For current travel advice, consult your government's official guidance. UK travellers can use FCDO China travel advice.