Inspiration
What Teaching Taught Me About Travel
Discover how the principles behind great teaching—curiosity, empathy, experiential learning—make for better travel. And better trips.
Brian Voss March 12, 2026
✅ Must Do: Walk a remote section of the Great Wall
✅ Must Eat: Xiaolongbao (steamed pork soup dumplings)
✅ Bring Home: Pu-erh tea (aged fermented pressed cake)
🧠 Trivia: The Great Wall is not a single continuous line, but a series of interconnected walls and fortresses.
Discover Why Travelers Love Exploring China
Yodl's Expert Travel Advisors Know How to Experience China
Our Expert Insights for Your China Vacation
Discover how the principles behind great teaching—curiosity, empathy, experiential learning—make for better travel. And better trips.
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With Expertise In Touring China
Not Everything You Need to Know, But a Good Place to Start
You can book a vacation to China by combining your flights and hotels, often through a major online travel agency or a specialized tour operator. Due to the country’s vast size and complex travel logistics, many tourists find it easier to book a guided tour package that includes transportation, accommodation, and a private guide.
The best time to visit China is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these seasons, the weather is mild, dry, and comfortable for sightseeing. It’s best to avoid major public holidays like the first week of October (National Day) and Chinese New Year (late January/early February), as tourist sites and transportation are extremely crowded.
Read our in-depth guide on choosing the best time to visit China.
Most visitors to mainland China require a visa, which must be obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy or consulate. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have at least two blank pages. Some countries may have visa-free transit policies or specific visa waiver programs, but it’s crucial to check the most current regulations for your nationality.
The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). While cash is still used, mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay are the dominant forms of payment, even for small vendors. It is highly recommended to set up one of these mobile payment accounts before your trip, as many businesses are cashless.
For long-distance travel, China has an extensive and efficient network of high-speed trains and domestic flights. Within cities, public transportation like subways and buses is modern and affordable. For convenience, you can also use ride-hailing apps like DiDi.
Traditional all-inclusive resorts are not common in China. Most hotels and resorts operate on a European plan where you book a room, and all other services like meals and activities are an additional cost. However, many tour packages effectively function as all-inclusive experiences by bundling transportation, meals, and entry fees into a single price.
Yes, but with some key considerations. Many popular Western websites and apps, including Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, are blocked by China’s “Great Firewall.” To access these services, you will need a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your device before you arrive. It is also a good idea to purchase a local SIM card for better connectivity.
China is an excellent destination for cruising, with a variety of options. Ocean cruises connect major coastal cities and often extend to other parts of Asia, while river cruises on the Yangtze are a very popular way to experience the country’s interior landscapes and historic sites.
China has numerous cruise ports. The main ones for ocean cruises are in Shanghai and Tianjin, which serves as the gateway for Beijing. For river cruises, the most common ports are along the Yangtze River, with major hubs in Chongqing and Yichang.
Popular activities include walking the Great Wall near Beijing, exploring the Forbidden City, seeing the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and cruising the scenic Li River in Guilin. You can also explore vibrant modern cities like Shanghai, visit ancient temples, and experience the country’s rich culinary traditions.
Mandarin Chinese is the official language. While English is spoken in major tourist hotels and attractions, it is not widely spoken elsewhere. Learning a few phrases is helpful. “Nǐ hǎo” (nee how) means hello, and “Xièxiè” (shyeh-shyeh) means thank you. Using a translation app is highly recommended.
While you should have some cash for small purchases and taxis, China is largely a cashless society. Mobile payments through apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are used everywhere, from street vendors to department stores. It is essential to have one of these apps linked to a compatible credit card or to exchange cash for a pre-loaded card.
Be aware of scams such as the “tea ceremony” or “art exhibition” scams, where a friendly local invites you for a cultural experience that ends with an exorbitant bill. Always be cautious of strangers approaching you and never accept an invitation to a private establishment.
Upon arrival in China, all foreigners are required to register their stay with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours. If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel staff will handle this process for you. If you are staying at a private residence, the host must accompany you to the local police station to register. Failure to do so can result in fines.
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in China. You should always drink bottled water, which is widely available. Most hotels provide bottled water in the rooms and have a water boiler for making tea or coffee.
The most common plug types are A (two flat parallel pins), C (two round pins), and I (three angled flat pins). The standard voltage is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you are traveling from a country with a different voltage (like the U.S. at 110V), you will need a voltage converter for your electronics.
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