Discover China: Your Guide to the Next Adventure
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated October 2025
China is a vast and diverse country. To put its size into perspective, if you travel to its far west, you’ll actually be closer to Jerusalem than to Beijing! With such immense variety in geography, culture, and history, planning a trip can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve gathered the most essential information, tools, and tips to help you build the perfect journey. From ancient wonders to modern megacities, from breathtaking natural landscapes to deeply rooted traditions, China offers an experience like no other. With the proper preparation, your trip can become not just a vacation, but a true adventure in one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Weather in China and the Best Time to Visit
China lies in the Northern Hemisphere, and its seasons are similar to those of Israel—though more extreme, with colder winters and hotter, more humid summers, often accompanied by heavy rainfall.
Spring and Autumn – The Best Seasons to Travel
These are the most recommended and comfortable times for a trip, with milder temperatures and lighter rainfall.
Spring (March–May): After the long, cold winter, temperatures begin to rise. Locals head to the fields, and the landscape bursts into colorful blossoms, making it a vibrant season for travel.
Autumn (September–October): Following the hot, humid summer, the weather becomes pleasantly cool. Rainfall decreases, and sunny days are more frequent, offering excellent conditions for sightseeing.
Winter (November–February): Harshly cold in most regions, this season is less popular with travelers. However, for adventurers, it brings unique opportunities—such as exploring frozen landscapes and experiencing local winter festivals.
Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, and rainy across much of the country, as this is the monsoon season. Still, some regions—like the Silk Road and the Tibetan Plateau—are ideal to visit in summer, thanks to their cooler, drier conditions.
Ultimately, every season offers a different way to experience China. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, there’s no need to rule out the country because of the time of year. Off-season travel often reveals a unique charm of its own.
How to Travel in China: Planning, Communication, and Holidays
Planning Your Route
China is vast, and careful planning is the key to a successful trip. Distances can be deceiving—a short hop on the map may mean a half-day train ride or even a domestic flight. While attractions across the country are highly rewarding, many are located far from major cities. It’s often best to focus on one or two regions, or select a few areas and connect between them by high-speed train or plane. Narrowing your itinerary will allow you to experience more deeply rather than rushing between destinations.
Communication and Language
English is not widely spoken in China, though the situation is gradually improving, especially in big cities and popular tourist areas. In most hotels and hostels you’ll manage, but in restaurants, taxis, or when asking directions on the street, English speakers are rare. If you do find someone who speaks English, consider yourself lucky. A lifesaver for many travelers is Google Translate, which can both display and play audio in Mandarin, making it far easier to communicate your needs and navigate daily situations.
Would you like me to also add the part about holidays and festivals in China? They have a big impact on travel planning, since during times like Golden Week or Chinese New Year, trains, flights, and hotels are packed.
Internet in China
Internet access in China is heavily restricted. Popular websites and apps such as Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and others are blocked. To overcome this, travelers should purchase a VPN (Virtual Private Network) before leaving for China. A VPN allows you to connect through servers outside the country, enabling more open browsing—though connections may be slower at times. On the positive side, most hotels and guesthouses provide Wi-Fi, which is generally fast and widely available.
Holidays and Festivals in China
When planning a trip, it’s essential to be aware of China’s major holidays, as they significantly impact transportation, accommodation, and crowd levels.
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): Usually between late January and mid-February (based on the lunar calendar). This is the biggest holiday of the year. Families travel nationwide to reunite, leading to packed trains, flights, and tourist sites. Booking transportation and accommodation well in advance is crucial. Expect vibrant celebrations, but also extreme crowding—literally hundreds of millions of people are on the move.
National Day & Golden Week (October 1–7): Another peak travel period when Chinese citizens take a week-long holiday. Tourist sites, highways, and hotels are extremely busy, and prices may rise due to demand.
Labor Day (May 1): A shorter holiday, usually three days off for many workers. While less intense than Chinese New Year or Golden Week, you can still expect higher traveler volumes.
Local Festivals: Beyond the national holidays, China celebrates countless regional and ethnic festivals, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and various minority cultural celebrations. These can provide unique and fascinating experiences if you align your trip with them.
👉 The key takeaway: during Chinese New Year and Golden Week, prepare for major travel challenges and plan well ahead. Would you like me also to create a month-by-month travel calendar for China, highlighting the main festivals and best travel times?
Transportation in China: Getting Around
Driving independently in China is generally not an option for travelers. While it is technically possible to obtain a Chinese driver’s license, the process is complicated and only worthwhile for those planning a very long stay. Distances between destinations are vast, and self-driving often wastes valuable time. Even locals rely heavily on public transportation. In addition, Chinese road signage and driving culture differ greatly from what most visitors are used to, so for tourists the safest and most efficient way to travel is by using the local transport system, or hiring a driver and guide as part of an organized trip. (For shorter transfers, hiring a driver is possible, though most drivers will not speak English.)
For those traveling by public transport, it’s important to understand that everything in China operates on a massive scale. Train and bus stations are enormous, and during national holidays they can be extremely crowded. Always allow extra time to navigate stations and reach your platform. In major cities and developed regions, public transportation is modern, efficient, and relatively easy to use, but in more remote areas, while buses and trains do run to nearly every corner of the country, they may be slower, less frequent, and often operate only in Chinese. Treat it as part of the adventure, but plan carefully in advance.
Keep in mind that some key attractions are located far from big cities or main roads, so detailed route planning before your trip is essential. Would you like me to also prepare a guide to China’s high-speed rail network and domestic flights? Those are usually the most efficient ways to cover long distances.
Public Transportation in China
Public transportation in China is exceptional and covers virtually every part of the country. With countless airports and an extensive railway network, it is easy to move between cities and regions—whether by high-speed trains or regular trains.
Trains: China’s high-speed rail system is one of the largest and most advanced in the world. For schedules, tickets, and navigation, an efficient website is Trip.com. Tickets can also be purchased directly at train stations or at official ticket booths in some cities (ask your hotel or hostel for assistance). Another useful booking platform is Travel China Guide.
Intercity Buses: Buses reach even the most remote towns and villages. They usually depart from central bus stations in cities or from main highways. Staff at your hotel or guesthouse can help you find the right departure point.
Urban Transit: Major cities have excellent subway systems, and where subways aren’t available, buses run frequently and reliably. Taxis are abundant and very useful thanks to their fair prices and easy availability. Just make sure the driver uses the meter (which is standard) or confirm the approximate fare before starting your ride.
👉 Overall, whether you’re covering long distances by high-speed train or navigating a city by subway and taxi, China’s public transport is efficient, affordable, and traveler-friendly.
Would you like me to also prepare a comparison of costs and travel times between trains, flights, buses, and taxis so you can see what’s most practical for different routes?
Travel Regions in China: Geographic Division and Recommended Areas
Northeast China – Historic Manchuria
North of Beijing, bordered by Mongolia, North Korea, and Russia, the vast landscapes of Northeast China stretch across the upper right corner of the map. Summers here are warm and pleasant, but the region is most famous for its harsh, frozen winters, where temperatures range from 0°C down to –30°C. While it may sound intimidating, it’s an incredible opportunity to experience life in extreme cold. Every year, at the end of December, Harbin hosts the world-famous Ice and Snow Festival, where massive ice palaces and colorful illuminated sculptures transform the city into a magical frozen wonderland.
Not far to the east lies the Changbaishan (Paektu) Mountain, a volcanic peak straddling the border with North Korea. It is a year-round national park featuring dramatic landscapes, forests, and the breathtaking Heavenly Lake at its summit. At the base of the mountain, you’ll even find one of China’s best ski resorts—an unusual but exciting option in the country.
Further west, in Inner Mongolia, the Mongolian minority continues its tough nomadic traditions. Visitors can witness horse festivals, ice-fishing competitions, and herds of massive yaks grazing across frozen pastures, offering a unique glimpse into this remote culture.
Northwest China – Along the Silk Road
Nearly half of the legendary Silk Road runs from China’s western borders with Central Asia all the way to Xi’an. At the far western edge lies Xinjiang Province, home to the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority with a distinct culture, cuisine, and appearance that stand out within the Chinese landscape. The region’s climate is extreme, dominated by the vast Taklamakan Desert, where summers are scorching and winters freezing.
The city of Kashgar, with its lively bazaars and ancient caravanserai spirit, is one of the Silk Road’s jewels. Here, you can still visit the Sunday livestock market, where trade is carried out much as it was centuries ago. Kashgar also serves as a gateway for travelers entering China from Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan, making it a key cultural and historical hub.
The northern part of Xinjiang is mountainous, bordering Russia and Kazakhstan, where the stunning Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains) rise with snowy peaks above the desert plains. At their foothills lie the Narat and Kalajun Grasslands, known for alpine meadows and nomadic pastures. Close to Urumqi, the provincial capital, is the picturesque Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), framed by snowcapped peaks—a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.
Nearby, in sharp contrast, sits Turpan, one of the lowest points in China, with a hot desert climate almost year-round. Yet thanks to ancient irrigation systems, the area is filled with lush vineyards, creating a surreal landscape of green vines amid the yellow sands.
A journey through Northwest China is more than just sightseeing—it feels like stepping back in time along the historic Silk Road, where trade routes once connected East and West.
Continuing eastward along the Silk Road, the route passes through Gansu Province, home to the breathtaking Zhangye National Park, where rainbow-colored rock formations rise out of the desert landscape. This surreal natural wonder is a striking contrast to the monotone desert surroundings and is one of China’s most photogenic sites. The journey traditionally concludes in Xi’an, once one of the world’s most advanced and cosmopolitan cities. Today, Xi’an is encircled by its well-preserved ancient city walls and is the cultural hub of the Hui Muslim minority. Here you can wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, explore elegant pagodas, and savor one of China’s richest and most diverse cuisines. From Xi’an, travelers can easily continue by train or flight to either Beijing or Shanghai.
A trip through Western China is best taken between June and September, when the lower-altitude areas are hot but the grasslands of the Tian Shan Mountains bloom in lush green. In winter, however, the region becomes extremely cold and travel is far more challenging.
The Eastern Coast of China
China’s eastern seaboard stretches for thousands of kilometers along the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, forming the country’s bustling economic and industrial backbone. This is where much of the “Made in China” story originates. The coastal plain is densely populated and home to the majority Han Chinese ethnic group, along with numerous historic and cultural landmarks.
The star of the region is Shanghai, located where the mighty Yangtze River, China’s longest and the world’s second-longest river, meets the East China Sea. Shanghai is an international hub, blending ultra-modern skyscrapers with charming traditional alleyways and water towns nearby. The city’s cosmopolitan energy extends into the surrounding region, filled with historic towns, lush mountains, and cultural gems. Highlights include the Yellow Mountain (Huangshan), famous for its misty granite peaks and ancient pine trees, as well as countless canal towns that preserve the charm of traditional Chinese architecture.
Thanks to China’s efficient high-speed rail system, Beijing is only a five-hour train ride from Shanghai, making it easy to combine the eastern seaboard with the political and cultural capital of the nation.
To the south lies Fujian Province, known as one of China’s business and trade hubs, with the bustling port city of Xiamen at its heart. Located just across the strait from Taiwan, Fujian is a hidden gem, especially appealing to seasoned travelers. Along the coast, the atmosphere is urban and vibrant, with lively markets, cultural districts, and modern cityscapes. Venture inland, however, and the scenery shifts dramatically into wild nature, terraced farmland, and traditional villages, offering a glimpse of China’s agricultural backbone. Fujian also serves as a convenient jumping-off point for excursions to Taiwan or to the Kinmen Islands, which lie only a short half-hour ferry ride away.
Further southeast along the South China Sea, you’ll encounter the famous trio of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macau, all interconnected by high-speed trains and low-cost flights. Each city has its own personality:
Hong Kong dazzles with its international skyline, harbor views, and cultural mix.
Shenzhen represents China’s high-tech boom, full of futuristic architecture, theme parks, and vibrant shopping.
Macau blends Portuguese colonial heritage with modern entertainment, earning its title as the “Las Vegas of Asia.”
Travel in this region is recommended mainly during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is pleasant and stable. Winters here are relatively mild compared to northern China, making it a comfortable destination year-round.
The Tibetan Plateau – A Journey Above the Clouds
The Tibetan Plateau, often called the “Roof of the World,” is one of the most dramatic and unique regions of China. Located in the country’s southwest, just north of the Himalayas and bordering India, it is the ancestral homeland of the Tibetan people, one of China’s most distinct ethnic minorities.
This vast plateau rises to elevations of 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) and above, with towering snow-capped peaks and breathtaking mountain passes. Traveling here means facing altitudes of 3,000–4,500 meters, which can be challenging but also unforgettable. The scenery shifts between lush green valleys, stark deserts, endless open plains, and glittering glaciers. Visitors encounter the living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, remote monasteries perched on cliffs, herds of yaks roaming the high pastures, and the vibrant festivals of nomadic communities. While modernization is reshaping some aspects of Tibetan life, many elements of traditional mountain culture remain visible, from horse breeding to yak herding.
It is important to understand that the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) operates under strict regulations: independent travel is not permitted, and all visitors must join an organized tour with permits. However, the Tibetan Plateau extends far beyond the TAR. Neighboring provinces such as Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai all encompass Tibetan cultural and geographic areas, where independent travel is possible without special permits. This makes it easier for adventurous travelers to experience Tibetan culture outside the heavily regulated heart of Tibet.
For those who wish to explore Lhasa and central Tibet, organized trips typically last 7–10 days, often including the legendary route to Everest Base Camp. More adventurous travelers can also take part in treks across the Himalayas, combining high-altitude landscapes with deep cultural immersion.
The Tibetan Plateau can be accessed most easily from two major Chinese cities: Kunming in Yunnan Province or Chengdu in Sichuan Province. From Chengdu, travelers can head west into the plateau itself or north into some of China’s most spectacular protected areas. These include the world-famous Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong Scenic Area, both UNESCO sites with turquoise lakes, terraced pools, and dramatic alpine landscapes. More adventurous travelers can continue farther north into neighboring Gansu Province, extending the journey across varied highland scenery.
Best Time to Visit
Travel is most comfortable in the summer months (June–September) when temperatures are milder, though rainfall is slightly heavier. Spring and autumn offer crisp blue skies and strong sunshine, but nights can be very cold—often near or below freezing at higher altitudes. Winter travel is possible but extremely challenging due to snow and subzero temperatures.
The Backpacker “Back-Door Route”
In recent years, many backpackers have chosen the so-called back-door route into the Tibetan areas. This overland journey begins in Chengdu and continues through a string of Tibetan towns and villages such as Kangding, Tagong, Litang, and Daocheng, before eventually reaching Shangri-La in northern Yunnan. Along the way, travelers experience Tibetan culture, high passes, remote monasteries, and breathtaking mountain scenery—an unforgettable adventure for those comfortable with long bus rides and high altitudes.
Southern China – The Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau
The Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau forms part of the great uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, characterized by dramatic valleys and rugged peaks. Historically, its challenging topography provided refuge for many of China’s ethnic minorities, who retreated here from imperial expansion from the north and east. Today, this region remains home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, including the Miao, Yao, Yi, and Dong, each preserving distinctive traditions, clothing, languages, and festivals.
Life in this mountainous region is not easy, yet it is strikingly fertile, green, and full of rivers and waterfalls. Over centuries, local farmers transformed steep slopes into spectacular rice terraces, reshaping the landscape into a mosaic of cultivated mountainsides. The area is often described as one of the most traditional parts of China: isolated villages, colorful small towns, and authentic celebrations such as the famous Dragon Boat Festival bring the rural culture vividly to life.
For travelers seeking authentic rural China, the plateau offers endless opportunities. In Guizhou Province, although less developed and more challenging for visitors, you’ll find some of the country’s most rewarding experiences. From the capital Guiyang, you can travel to small towns and villages like Kaili, Zhaoxing, and Jiabang, each known for unique local customs, wooden architecture, and welcoming communities.
A journey here can easily be combined with a visit to Guilin, located just east of Guizhou, where the surreal karst mountains and the Li River create one of China’s most iconic landscapes. From Guilin, fast trains connect you onward to Hong Kong or Shenzhen, allowing you to seamlessly transition from the serenity of rural China to the bustle of modern southern cities.
Yunnan, located west of Guizhou, is one of China’s most traveler-friendly provinces. In recent years, it has become highly accessible to both international and domestic visitors, with well-developed infrastructure and connections. Traveling along the ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road, you can journey north from the capital city Kunming through charming historic towns like Dali, Lijiang, and the Tibetan-influenced Shangri-La. This route offers the perfect mix of dramatic natural scenery, traditional villages, and a glimpse into the rapid development reaching China’s frontier regions.
When to Visit
The best seasons are spring and autumn, when skies are clear and temperatures are pleasant. Summer is also suitable, as much of Yunnan lies above 2,000 meters, ensuring cooler weather than other parts of China. Expect more rainfall in summer, but the temperatures remain comfortable for hiking and sightseeing.
Travel Connections
Kunming serves as a convenient hub with flights and high-speed trains linking it to many major Chinese cities. It also provides an easy connection into Guizhou Province to the east, making it a natural base for exploring southern China’s ethnic minority regions.
Extending the Journey to Sichuan
North of Yunnan lies Sichuan Province, famous not only for its spicy cuisine but also as the home of the giant pandas of Chengdu. Travelers can continue from Shangri-La into western Sichuan, climbing onto the Tibetan Plateau via high mountain passes, remote monasteries, and Tibetan villages. From there, it’s possible to descend eastward to Chengdu, Sichuan’s vibrant capital city—a route often called the “back-door” entrance to Tibet, but in reverse.
Whether it’s watching your kids’ faces light up at Disneyland, marveling at the Big Buddha, or simply wandering through colorful markets and tasting new foods, Hong Kong provides countless opportunities to connect as a family. Embrace the contrasts, allow for flexibility, and remember that the joy is not just in the destinations but also in the shared journey.
Hong Kong is not only a city—it’s a family adventure waiting to happen.
Pro Tips for Traveling in China
Currency and Exchange
The official currency in China is the Yuan (CNY), also called the Renminbi (RMB), meaning “the people’s currency.” One yuan is divided into 10 jiao, and one jiao into 10 fen. As of September 2023, the exchange rate was 1 USD = 7.29 yuan.
You can withdraw cash from ATMs using international credit cards. It’s also wise to bring some U.S. dollars as backup for exchange at major banks like Bank of China or ICBC.Language and Assistance
English is not widely spoken outside large cities, so rely on hotels and hostels, where staff usually speak some English. They can help you with transport advice, ticket bookings, and local directions.Planning Ahead
Always plan your route before leaving your hotel or hostel, since once you’re out, communication may become more challenging. Treat this as part of the adventure—an immersion into a different world.Asking for Help
Locals may appear hesitant to assist, often because they are shy about their English skills, not because they are unfriendly. Don’t hesitate to approach people—younger generations usually speak better English, but even older people are often very kind and willing to help.Cultural Respect
China has many cultural differences. Show respect, be patient, and try to see cultural gaps as a fascinating learning experience rather than something to judge critically.Enjoy the Experience
Above all, remember that traveling in China is an authentic journey into a different mindset and culture. Beneath the differences, you’ll find plenty of common ground with the people you meet.
Final Thoughts
Traveling through China is nothing short of extraordinary. From the vast diversity of landscapes to the deep cultural layers shaped over thousands of years, the country offers an experience that is both humbling and inspiring. Whether you are wandering through ancient imperial cities like Beijing and Xi’an, drifting along the karst mountains of Guilin, trekking the Tibetan Plateau, or marveling at the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, every region presents a unique facet of China’s identity.
To truly enjoy your journey, it’s important to remember a few things: plan carefully because of the vast distances, stay open-minded toward cultural differences, and allow yourself to embrace the unexpected. China can feel overwhelming at times, but that’s part of its charm—beneath the contrasts, you’ll find warmth, hospitality, and shared humanity.
A trip here is not just about checking famous sights off a list; it’s about immersing yourself in a world that balances the ancient and the modern, the rural and the urban, tradition and innovation. With the right mindset, your travels in China will become not only memorable but also transformative.
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