Your first China trip.
A clearer plan.
The places you’ve dreamed of. The details you haven’t thought of. Let’s put your journey together.
How long have you got?
A good trip starts with a realistic route.
Your first journey, thoughtfully paced.
Three unforgettable cities. One route that leaves room to actually be there.
A little history.
A whole new perspective.
From Beijing’s imperial courtyards to Xi’an’s ancient army and Shanghai’s riverside skyline.
A few things to sort before you go.
Travel between cities
Find your stations and learn how to book with a passport.
Understand train travelFind your kind of China.
Big-city mornings, mountain air, or a very long lunch. Where will you begin?
3–5 full sightseeing days · north chinaBeijing
First-time Beijing
2–4 full sightseeing days · east chinaShanghai
First-time city guide
2–3 full sightseeing days · northwest chinaXi’an
History and first-time travel
3–4 full sightseeing days, plus arrival and departure time · southwest chinaChengdu
First-time city guide
3–4 full sightseeing days, plus arrival and departure time · central chinaZhangjiajie
Nature and trip planning
3–4 days · south chinaGuilin & Yangshuo
Rivers and countryside
New country.
Fewer unknowns.
Which station? Which app? Which ticket needs booking ahead? Our guides start with the questions that come up when you’re actually planning a trip.
Clear steps, links to official sources, and useful next moves. A little preparation goes a long way.
Start with the essentialsGet the details right.
Can I visit without a visa?
Understand the difference between visa-free entry and transit.
How do I book a train?
Your passport, the right station and the official booking service.
When do Forbidden City tickets open?
Work out the release time in Beijing and your own time zone.
Do I need a local SIM or an eSIM?
Compare phone compatibility, data, SMS and arrival-day backup.
How do I register a private stay?
Understand the hotel/private-stay difference and official online process.
What should I set up on my phone?
Payments, maps and the details worth saving offline.