How to Prepare a Travel Plan for Traveling to China? More Than Just Flights and Hotels

by Donna LeeJune 11, 20243 minutes read

With China's introduction of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, there has been a surge of global interest in traveling to China, making "China Travel" a hot topic on Twitter. Planning a trip to China involves more than just booking flights and hotels; it requires advance knowledge of trending cities, culinary delights, climate characteristics, telecommunications, and more.

Popular Cities in China:

Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, boasts spectacular ancient architecture such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. It is an excellent destination for history enthusiasts. However, Beijing's cuisine is generally considered average, with notable exceptions like Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) and Peking duck. As a major transportation hub in China, Beijing offers convenient access via flights and trains to nearly all other cities, although accommodation prices tend to be higher.

Shanghai

Shanghai stands out as China's most fashionable and luxurious city, with the Bund and City God Temple being must-visit spots for tourists. Shanghai's cuisine tends towards lighter flavors; notable dishes include Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Yellow Croaker noodles, and Braised Pork. The city also offers a range of luxurious hotel options.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province, is renowned as China's culinary capital. Its morning tea culture, featuring a variety of dim sum, congee, and Xiaolongbao, attracts food enthusiasts. Traditional snacks like roasted goose, Bing Sheng pork, and Cantonese desserts are rich in local flavors. Additionally, Guangzhou is famous for its seafood, prepared fresh and cooked uniquely, such as steamed grouper and stir-fried clams, tempting the taste buds.

Chengdu and Chongqing

Located in the Sichuan Basin, Chengdu and Chongqing have developed unique cultural traditions due to their geographical isolation. Sichuan cuisine is famous for its spicy flavors; if you enjoy spicy food, these two cities are a must-visit.

Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in China:

Guilin, Zhangjiajie, the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, Lijiang Ancient Town, Huangshan, and Fujian Tulou are all excellent tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the world every year.

Which hotels in China are suitable for foreigners to stay in long-term?

In China, foreigners are only permitted to stay in hotels that have obtained qualifications for hosting foreign guests. These include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Accor, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

Major airlines to China:

These airlines include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American United Airlines, Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines. If you have confirmed your destination, it's advisable to check for special airfare deals in advance.

Can Chinese travel agencies be trusted?

Travel agencies typically offer a range of travel packages to China at different price points. Generally, packages to major cities that include hotels, flights, and train tickets are trustworthy. However, for tours to tourist attractions, it's important to choose carefully. Such tours are often outsourced to local tour companies in China, particularly when traveling to Hainan and Yunnan.

Is it safe to go out at night?

Evenings in China are generally safe. Shops in cities typically remain open until 22:00, while bars, barbecue spots, and KTVs often operate throughout the night.

Do I need to book an airport shuttle?

No, it's not necessary. Taxis are plentiful in China, and drivers are generally courteous, often queuing up at airports to serve travelers.

Is payment convenient in China?

Major cities in China accept UnionPay, Visa, and Mastercard for POS transactions, including airports, major shopping districts, hotels rated three stars or higher, AAA-rated scenic spots, large commercial complexes, specialty tourism districts, and tax refund stores. For other areas, the Chinese government provides a comprehensive guide to payment services that you can easily find online.

Where can I purchase travel packages, flight tickets, and hotels?

You can purchase these through your preferred travel app, such as Trip.com.