Way to China — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Why this feels different
A more modern way to start planning a China trip
Ancient history, still alive
From imperial palaces and Silk Road capitals to temple towns and living old neighborhoods, China rewards travelers who want culture with depth rather than surface spectacle.
Cities with completely different personalities
Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an, Guilin, and Hangzhou feel genuinely distinct — you can build a trip around history, food, nature, or modern urban life.
A trip that can be practical, not intimidating
Once you understand payments, transport, and a few planning basics, getting around China can feel surprisingly efficient, comfortable, and safe.
Featured cities
Cities with mood, depth, and different travel rhythms
Beijing
北京
Grand, layered, and full of historical weight — Beijing feels like a capital city where imperial scale, intellectual energy, and everyday street life all overlap.
Best for: First-time visitors · History lovers
Shanghai
上海
Fast, stylish, and polished — Shanghai feels cinematic, with heritage architecture, skyline views, design-led cafés, and a strong urban rhythm.
Best for: City lovers · Foodies
Chengdu
成都
Relaxed, flavorful, and social — Chengdu moves at a slower pace, with teahouses, leafy parks, and food that becomes part of the trip itself.
Best for: Food-focused travelers · Repeat visitors to China
Xi'an
西安
Historic, grounded, and rewarding — Xi'an has the feeling of a city where dynastic history is still visible in the street plan, food, and architecture.
Best for: History lovers · Cultural travelers
Suggested trip styles
Build a route around how you actually like to travel
Beijing
3 Days in Beijing
Travelers with limited time who want Beijing's biggest highlights
Shanghai
2 Days in Shanghai
Travelers combining Shanghai with other cities on a wider China trip
Chengdu
3 Days in Chengdu
Food-focused travelers who want the essentials without rushing
Top attractions
Iconic places that deserve a spot in your route
Beijing
Great Wall
The Great Wall is China’s most iconic landmark, offering dramatic mountain views and a powerful glimpse into the country’s imperial history.
Beijing
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is a vast imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing, known for its grand architecture, ceremonial halls, and royal collections.
Shanghai
The Bund
The Bund is Shanghai’s most famous waterfront promenade, where historic European-era buildings face the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River.
Chengdu
Giant Panda Base
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the best place to see giant pandas up close in a spacious conservation-focused environment.
Travel essentials
The practical prep that makes the trip feel easy
Visa Basics
Understand entry requirements, visa categories, and the latest visa-free and transit policies before planning your trip to China.
Read more →Payments in China
China is highly digital when it comes to payments, but foreign visitors now have more options than before for using mobile wallets and international bank cards.
Read more →Internet & SIM Cards
Internet access in China works differently from many other countries, so it helps to prepare for connectivity, SIM cards, and blocked services in advance.
Read more →Getting Around China
China has one of the world’s most impressive transport systems, making it easy to move between major cities and around urban areas.
Read more →Start smarter
Plan a China trip that feels editorial, personal, and actually useful
Browse destination guides, compare city personalities, and use our travel notes to shape a route that matches your pace and interests.