Is this your first trip to China? You're about to embark on an unforgettable journey—but planning your first visit to China can feel overwhelming. With its vast landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and fast-paced cities, China offers endless experiences.To make your trip smoother, here are some essential China travel tips you should know in advance:What are the best cities to visit in China for first-time travelers?How many days should you stay?Will you be able to use mobile payment in China like Alipay and WeChat Pay?
This practical guide helps you prepare your China itinerary with confidence. From choosing where to go to understanding local transportation and payment systems, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—so you can enjoy a stress-free and unforgettable first trip to China.
1.Where Should You Go? Choosing the Right Destination Matters
For first-time travelers to China, we recommend starting in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region (Jiang-Zhe-Hu area), which offers convenient transportation, abundant tourist attractions, and deep cultural experiences. Here are five cities we suggest for first-time visitors:
1）Shanghai – A Cosmopolitan Metropolis to Experience Modern China
Shanghai is China’s most international city, where futuristic skyscrapers meet traditional Shikumen architecture. Stand on the Bund to view the striking contrast between colonial-era buildings and the Lujiazui financial district. Wander through Yu Garden and the Old Town to savor xiaolongbao and authentic Shanghainese cuisine. We offer an exclusive Bund cultural discovery tour for those who want to understand Shanghai on a deeper level.
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| Shanghai Wukang Building | Huangpu River | Shanghai Tower |
Shanghai Highlights:
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The Bund & Lujiazui Skyline
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Yu Garden & City God Temple Snacks
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Shanghai Museum & People’s Square
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Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street & Tianzifang
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Huangpu River Night Cruise
2）Hangzhou – West Lake and a Paradise on Earth
"In heaven there is paradise, on earth there is Hangzhou and Suzhou." Hangzhou is one of the most poetic cities in China with a 2,200-year history and numerous cultural heritage sites like West Lake, Fuchun River, and Xin’an River. Take a boat on West Lake to enjoy seasonal scenery, from snow on Broken Bridge to spring blossoms on Su Causeway. Ride a bike around the lake or sip fresh Longjing tea in Meijiawu Village. Want a deeper experience? Try tea-picking and slow life in Jiangnan style.
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| Hangzhou West Lake | Rock Carving Buddha Statues | Meijiawu Longjing Tea |
Top Experiences in Hangzhou:
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West Lake Boat Ride & Su Causeway Walk
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Pray at Lingyin Temple
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Tea-picking & tasting at Longjing Tea Village
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Explore Qinghefang Ancient Street
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Grand Canal Night Cruise and Light Show
3）Suzhou – The Venice of the East with Classical Gardens and Water Lanes
Suzhou is famed for its classical gardens, nine of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden are prime examples of Chinese garden art. Often called the Venice of the East, Suzhou is also known as the City of Silk and a Garden City. Stroll along Pingjiang Road or explore water towns like Zhouzhuang and Tongli to soak in traditional southern charm.
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| Suzhou Classical Garden | Tiger Hill | Kunqu opera |
Must-Do in Suzhou:
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Humble Administrator’s Garden & Lingering Garden
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Suzhou Museum (designed by I.M. Pei)
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Visit a Suzhou Silk Factory
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Artsy Walk along Pingjiang Road
4）Nanjing – A Thousand-Year Capital Rich in Culture
Nanjing, one of China’s oldest capitals, served as the capital for ten dynasties. It blends deep historical significance with serene scenery. Visit cultural landmarks like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Tomb, and the ancient city wall. For a more authentic old Nanjing experience, enjoy the Confucius Temple and the nighttime charm of Qinhuai River. We provide flexible itineraries, expert local guides, and private car service for an immersive Nanjing journey.
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| Ming Dynasty city wall | Xuanwu Lake | Confucius Temple |
Recommended in Nanjing:
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Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum & Ming Xiaoling Tomb
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Qinhuai River Boat Ride
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Laomendong Historical Block
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Confucius Temple Night Market
5）Huangshan – Heavenly Mountains and Sea of Clouds
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is famous for its "Four Wonders": oddly shaped pine trees, spectacular rock formations, seas of clouds, and hot springs. Ride a cable car or hike up to the peaks, stay overnight on the mountain, and wake up early for a sunrise over the clouds—a dream for nature lovers and photographers. Nearby Hongcun and Xidi villages, featured in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," represent the best of Huizhou culture and architecture.
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| Huangshan peaks | Huangshan cable car | Sunrise view at dawn in Huangshan | Huangshan steep cliffs |
Huangshan Travel Highlights:
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Mountain hike, Sunrise & Sea of Clouds
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Explore the Ancient Villages of Hongcun & Xidi
2.How Long Should You Stay in China?
After traveling all the way to China, most first-time visitors want more than a rushed photo-op at landmarks. We recommend a trip of 7–12 days to explore three main cities:
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Shanghai (1–2 days)
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Hangzhou (2 days)
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Suzhou (1–2 days)
If you have two weeks, you'll enjoy more free time and richer experiences. Check out our Popular Itineraries：
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4-Day Cultural Journey from Shanghai to Nanxun’s Water Town
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4-Day Shanghai-Suzhou Itinerary
No matter your pace, we offer customized private tours tailored to your needs.
3.When Is the Best Time to Visit China?
China has four distinct seasons, and your experience will vary greatly depending on when you visit:
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Spring (April–May): Mild temperatures, perfect for flower season and hiking
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Autumn (September–October): Comfortable weather and beautiful foliage, especially in Huangshan
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Summer (June–August): Good for family trips and school holidays
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Winter (November–February): Fewer tourists, ideal for cultural destinations like Nanjing
Tell us what you want to experience, and we’ll help you pick the best time to travel to China.
4.What's the Best Way to Get Around China?
Despite China’s vast size, getting around is surprisingly easy thanks to its world-class high-speed rail system. Reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h, it’s the most efficient way to travel between cities.
High-Speed Train Routes:
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Shanghai → Hangzhou: ~1 hour
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Hangzhou → Huangshan: ~3 hours
Traveling by train also lets you enjoy the scenery and understand the real face of China. We can help arrange seamless connections between flights, trains, and private cars so you can focus on the journey.
5.Is Private Car Service a Good Option?
City travel is also easy. Most cities have clean, modern subway systems with English signs and announcements. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available. Still, if you want a stress-free experience, we recommend our private car and local guide services—especially helpful for families with kids or seniors.
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Private Car Service is Ideal for:
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Book a private tour and vehicle with TravelTides China for a seamless travel experience.
6.Do I Need a Visa to Visit China?
Great news! Most travelers now enjoy visa-free entry into China. If you're from countries like Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Belgium, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, or New Zealand, you can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days. If you're from the USA, UK, Canada, or other 52 countries, you can enjoy 10-day visa-free transit in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, and Guangzhou. |
7.How Much Does a Trip to China Cost?
Traveling in China offers great value for money. International flights will be your biggest expense, but once in China, a comfortable private tour is very affordable.
A mid-to-high-end private tour (with 4–5 star hotels, high-speed trains/flights, attractions, local guides, transfers, and meals) costs around $220–$350 per person per day.
Avoiding peak travel times can save you up to 50% or more on hotels and flights. Contact us to plan your off-season travel for better rates and fewer crowds.
8.How to Pay in China?
Mobile payment is the norm in China—from subways to street food.
To use Alipay or WeChat Pay as a foreigner:
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Download international versions of Alipay or WeChat
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Link your Visa/Mastercard
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Set a payment password and verify your identity
After setup, you can pay like a local—no need to worry about exchanging cash or carrying coins. Cash is still accepted, and having a credit card and some Chinese yuan on hand is wise.
9.Internet Access & VPN in China
Mainland China restricts access to certain websites: Google, Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.
To stay connected:
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Install a VPN (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN) before arrival
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Buy a local SIM card or rent a Wi-Fi device at the airport or online
This gives you fast 4G/5G data wherever you go. Ensure your phone is unlocked to use local SIMs.
Useful apps:
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WeChat: messaging + payments + navigation
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Amap (Gaode): best for Chinese maps and directions
Need help? Let us handle your SIM card so it’s ready when you land.
10.Do You Need a Guide in China?
Absolutely! A local guide is not just a storyteller but your cultural bridge and travel partner. For first-time travelers, language barriers, complex transit systems, and China’s vast scale can make even simple tasks challenging.
With a guide, you save time and energy on things like buying tickets or finding the correct entrance at major attractions. More importantly, they share cultural stories and provide a deep, immersive experience.
If you’re traveling with kids, seniors, or want to make the most of your time, a bilingual local guide can truly transform your journey.
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Ready to Plan Your First Trip to China? Let TravelTides China help you make it easy, personal, and unforgettable. Contact us to customize your itinerary today! |