Traveling in China

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter mainland China. We will provide all necessary documentation for your application, such as an official invitation letter and a detailed itinerary, but you will need to submit the application yourself at your local Chinese embassy or consulate.

As of early 2025, China offers unilateral visa-free entry for ordinary passport holders from several countries for tourism, business, or visiting relatives for up to 15 days. This list includes:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• The Netherlands
• Spain
• Malaysia
• Switzerland
• Ireland
• Hungary
• Austria
• Belgium
• Luxembourg
• Canada
• United States
• United Kindom

Citizens of countries like Singapore, Brunei, and the UAE also have specific visa-free arrangements.

Important Disclaimer: Visa policies can change frequently and without notice. This list is for reference only. Please ALWAYS confirm the latest visa requirements with your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate before booking your trip.

If you are eligible for visa-free entry, here are some crucial points to keep in mind:

• Passport Validity: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry.
• Purpose of Visit: Visa-free entry is strictly for short-term activities like tourism, business, visiting family, or transit. It does not permit you to work, study, or conduct journalist activities.
• Duration of Stay: The permitted stay (e.g., 15 days) is calculated strictly. The count begins from the day following your entry into China.
• Proof of Onward Travel: You may be asked by immigration officials to show proof of a confirmed flight ticket to leave China within the permitted timeframe.
• Accommodation Registration: By law, all foreigners must register their accommodation within 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying in a hotel, they will handle this for you. If you are staying in a private residence (e.g., with friends or an Airbnb), you must register at the local Public Security Bureau (police station) with your host.

Absolutely. China is widely considered one of the safest countries in the world for tourists, even when walking around at night. This high level of safety is partly due to a strong public security presence and very strict laws on the control of firearms, knives, and other dangerous items. For a smooth entry, please ensure you are not carrying any such prohibited items.

As with travel anywhere, we always advise using common sense to look after your personal belongings.

This is precisely where our service shines. You will be accompanied by a professional, fluent English-speaking private guide who will handle all communication, translation, and coordination for you, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

Many Western websites and apps are blocked in China. To stay connected, we recommend installing a reliable VPN service before you depart. Alternatively, we can arrange a portable Wi-Fi device with a pre-configured VPN for your convenience.

China is a highly mobile payment-oriented society (WeChat Pay/Alipay). While major hotels and high-end restaurants accept international credit cards, they are not widely accepted elsewhere. Your guide can assist you with small payments or help you set up an overseas version of a payment app for a smoother experience.