I'm currently planning a trip to China in March. I arrive in HK in the evening of the 7th March (too late to do activities). I leave from Chongqing in the morning of the 24th March (too early to do activities). Trying to work out the best balance of days to spend in between.

My current thinking is:

Hong Kong: Arrive 7th PM, Leave 14th AM for Chengdu. Full day trip to Macau on 13th.

Chengdu: Arrive 14th PM, leave 19th AM for Chongqing.

Chongqing: Arrive 19th AM/PM, leave 24th AM.

Would you change any dates around? I also considered spending a day or two somewhere else in Pearl river delta (e.g. Guangzhou), but not sure if it's worth taking time away from other places to do. Any thoughts appreciated!

Hi all, my partner and I are planning a 3 week trip to China this May/June during which time we would like to visit the Guangxi province to enjoy some of the countryside and scenery. I am conflicted over how best to spend this visit. Our current itinerary permits us 3 nights in this area, which could possibly be stretched to 4. We will be travelling there from Zhangjiajie either by rail or air and then onwards to Chongqing. From what I have seen online, Guilin seems to be a more built-up area/potentially less relaxing than Yangshuo, but both are good hubs for trips into the countryside. With this visit we probably want to prioritise relaxation, swimming/rafting in the Li river, seeing the rice terraces etc. I would be grateful to hear any recommendations for where we should go and how long to spend in each place. Thanks in advance!

Never thought I would come any time soon but I just booked it!

I'm however, trying to figure out something for this trip, I will be in Zhangjiajie for a few days for hiking and so on, and I have to make my way back to Hong Kong via Furong-Fenghuang-Guilin, I see there are trains to get to Furong, and from Furong to Fenghuang souldnt be a problem

But from Fenhuang to Yangshuo/Guilin is where I am not sure yet, I thought on taking a bus or train (if there is one) to Huaihua and from there to Guilin another train, this would be a one day trip I imagine as it is likely a 10 h transit, would you recommend this route?

Thanks in advance !

In my first week of my trip here, this has happened twice, in two different large cities. I (white) go up to use the urinal, and the guy at the urinal next to me just straight up and leans over to look at my crotch while I'm peeing and makes some comment I cannot understand.

I don't feel in any harm, it's just jarring cause I never heard of this and this never happens to me in the west. I guess they're just shamelessly curious.

Does this happen often to other non-Chinese travelers?

My partner (m28) and I (f28) are visiting China for 10-12 days. We'd love to see Beijing, Chengdu, and Chongqing. We’re thinking 3-4 nights in Beijing, then a 7hr train, then 4-5 days in Chengdu, possibly with day trips to Leshan and ancient cities. Then 2-3 days in Chongqing.

Is this overly ambitious?

Also, if we only go to Chengdu and Chongqing (skipping Beijing), are we getting a “full China experience”?

Hi everyone! I am planning a solo trip to china on April. I'll arrive in Beijing on April 1st and leave from Shanghai on the 20th. So I came up with this itinerary: 1-6: Beijing 6-8: Xi'an 8-12: Chengdu 12-16: can't decide 16-20: shanghai What do you think? Any ideas for days 12 to 16? Should I just extend my stay in the other cities instead of adding another? I considered going to Yangshuo and Chongqing, but I had already discarded this options, because Yangshuo doesn't look as bucolic as I was looking for and Chongqing seems too confusing..am I wrong? Thanks a lot!! :)

Please share good channels, english language preferred. I guess good tiktok or instagram accounts for travel would be good too.

My favorite is Little Chinese Everywhere because she goes to so many unknown/lesser-known places. https://www.youtube.com/@littlechineseeverywhere
So anything else like that would be cool!

Tell me about it. I am considering whether to go.

I heard it's about 3200m elevation.

Like any AMS issues living there?

Is the journey there difficult?

Hi everyone!

My wife and I are planning our first vist to China. It will be for almost 1 month, in the summer.

We understand the scope of the country and how vast the distances are when it comes to travelling. So our goal is to not rush & make sure to explore the surrounding area of these places, to get an idea of local nature & life.

Days 1-7: Beijing

Days 8-10: Chongqing

Days 11-18: Zhangjiajie & Tongren/Fanjing Mountain area

Days 19-23: Guilin

Days 24-29: Hong Kong

Any tips, suggestions are very appreciated!

Hi everyone!  

I’m planning a shorter trip (4 nights) to China in early May, but I’m struggling to decide which city would be the best fit. Since this is my first time visiting mainland China, I want to make the most of my time and experience a mix of food, culture, and nature.  

Some details

- I’ll be traveling from Europe, so it’s about 15 hours of travel time one-way

- I only have 4 full nights, so I want to focus on one city and its surrounding areas rather than trying to do too much and visiting multiple cities.  

- I’ve never been to mainland China before, but I have lived Hong Kong and traveled to other parts of Asia. I’m a big fan of going a bit off the beaten path.

Cities I’m Considering:  

1. Shanghai
2. Beijing
3. Guangzhou
4. Hefei

What I’m Looking for:  

• Authentic experiences which don’t feel all too touristy
• Exciting restaurants (or street food) and bars
• Shorter day trips to either mountains or nature
• Not breaking the bank

Questions

- Which of these cities would be best suited for a shorter trip based on what I’m looking for? 

- Would any of these be either too underwhelming, or not worth it for such a short stay? 

I’d love to hear your experiences and recommendations. Thanks in advance for your help!  

Hi, I’m visiting China soon and would like to bring a gift for my 16F cousin. What should I get her?

Hi, I’m visiting China soon and would like to bring a gift for my 16F cousin. What should I get her?

Greetings,

We’re a couple in our late 20’s and interested in both modern & historical locations. Also we love theme parks and zoos. We hope in our travel to get a mix of both sides of old and new China.

Below is out itinerary:

Beijing:

• 28 March: Arrival (what area to book a hotel around?)

• ⁠29 March: Tianmen square - Forbidden palace - Beijing muesuem

• ⁠30 March: Great Wall + Summer palace

• ⁠31 March: Universal Studios

• ⁠1st of April: Teamlabs + ??

• ⁠2nd of April: open day (shopping + open to suggestions)

• ⁠3rd of April: depart to Shanghai around 3 p.m by train

Shanghai: (what area to book a hotel around?)

• 3 April: Check in hotel and stroll around it

• 4 April: French concession area and yu garden + nanjing road at night and the bund (it’s my wife birthday, any special place to go to?)

• 5 April: day trip to Suzhou

• 6 April: open for suggestions

• 7 April: Disney land

• 8 April: Open day for shopping and other suggestions

9 April: Depart to Xian by G train and reach by 7 p.m

Xian:

I’m going here to relax at a resort with private hot spring most of the time. Daily activities will limited to 4-5 hours max and rest of the time in the resort. (Huaqing Palace Resort & Spa)

I’m open to suggestions for other resorts as long as they have in room hot spring.

• 10 April: mausoleum, terracotta warrior and eat in the city.

• 11 April: Muslim quarter & goose pagoda

• 12 April: depart to Guanghzhou by train and reach around 6-7 p.m

Guanghzho: (what area to book a hotel around?)

• 12 April: Arrival

• 13 April: Chimelong Safari Park + circus at night

• 14 April: Chimelong ocean kingdon

• 15 April: departure from China around 3 p.m

Please note I’m open for all suggestions/ideas. But I can’t change my arrival and departure cities as those tickets are basically “free” using my membership miles.

I can change come back from Beijing a day earlier but I will lose a day + will miss out on Chimelong safari and ocean kingdom

Is there a way to transfer baggage between hotels easily like they do in Japan?

And how luxury shopping and tax refund works out?

Best regards

Arrival in Shanghai or Hangzhou (direct train to Huangshan, sleep at the base of the mountain town)

Huangshan mountain (2 days, possible sleeping 1 day on scenic hotels). 2nd day departure to Xiapu.

Xiapu county (mudflats and neighborhoods) (2 days)

Xiamen + Fujian Yongding (2 days)

Danxia Mountain (does anyone know how risky are the stairs and activities there??) (1 day)

Yangshuo (2 days)

Guilin (2 days)

Longji Rice Terraces (1 day)

HongKong (2 days)

Canton -> flight

Hi All, I have been searching the internet for the answer to this question, but keep getting different answers. The embassies are closed for Tet and the airlines says “we don’t give visa advice”. Wondering if anyone has had this experience and knows if I need a visa? Thanks in advance 😊

End of this month I'm going to be in Shanghai and in Wenzhou and I read it's easy to have WeChat to connect with ppl and also pay and other things. I tried verifying my profile with my usual creditcards but it doesn't work and it gave me the option to let a friend help verify me using QR code. I'm sure there would be someone here that uses WeChat and would be willing to give me a hand, I can share you the QR code link 😄 I would be very grateful

Hey :)
We are traveling for the first time to China for roughly 3,5 weeks and have already figured out most of our itinerary (for those interested: Beijing 3N, Xi'an 2N, Chengdu 3N, Chongqing 3N, Zhangjiajie 3N, Shanghai 4N, Hongkong 4N) – and even if it feel tight, we have been traveling quiet a lot with a fast pace.

The only thing we are currently having some issue planning is around Zhangjiajie – I would love to visit Furong Town (and/or Fenghuang). What would be the best way coming from Chongqing? AFAIK, Zhangjiajie can be reached via night train or flight and is also good to further travel to Shanghai..
Does it make sense to make a day trip from Zhangjiajie to either Furong Town or Fenghuang? Or is it better to visit Furong Town / Fenghuang directly from Chongqing and only stay there for a night and then go to Zhangjiajie?

Thanks in advance!

I’ve read places I could get randomly drug tested as a tourist what are the odds of this happening? I’m 6 foot 2 I do have a hippie look my parents say. I smoke daily and I’m leaving at the end of march I can stop now but I doubt I’d pass a hair test in that time. To clarify I’ve never broken a law in my life I have no plans on breaking any there and no plans on consuming anything illegal there or anything of that nature at all will I be fine?

Hello, I am planning a small short trip to Shanghai. I work for a US Airline and will be flying standby into either ICN or HND/NRT. I know for the purpose of the transit visa China only cares about the to/from being a third country, but do I need to have a single airline confirmed booking for the whole 3 city transit. Do I need to book a Chinese Airline that I'm able to fly ICN-PVG-HND/NRT. or am I able to fly Korean Air ICN-PVG, and JAL PVG - HND?

Also does anyone know if the gate agents/ticket agents in either Tokyo/Seoul will be familiar with the 240 hour visa on checkin?

First trip to China so am a little intimidated.

Hi,

I am a big fan of the three kingdoms related period of China. I am currently visiting Beijing, Pingyao, Xian, Chengdu, Chongqing and Shanghai. Whilst I am here, are there any attractions/temples/sites I should see that relate to the three kingdoms period?

All help appreciated :)

My partner and I want to take extended trip to China. Roughly 6 months. I have a tourist (L) visa, she has a special Q2 visa (her mom in China gave her a letter in past when she applied for visa). We are both US citizens (she was born there).

Her visa is for 120 days, mine only 60 days.

Will it be easy to get extensions? Hoping for 6 months (maybe even little longer)? Online it says when in China apply before it expires at a local Policy Security Bureau.

But:

1. Sounds like on tourist visa I can only get 30 day extensions. Maybe I can get 2 times. But that would only total 4 months.

2. She may not visit family this trip. But that is purpose for Q2 visa which is why it is longer I guess. So if she applies to renew would they hover her hard time about that? Because we’d be in a different province.

Thanks!!!! Open to suggestions or feedback (chances of success???). Or better ways to do (would rather have longer visa up front). But we may leave in 40-50 days from now

Hi, trying to decide if it's worth waiting for flights to possibly get cheaper for 2 adults return SYD-Beijing for mid June to July or if it's as good as it's realistically going to get, and I should just book them now for approx. $1000 pp. Thank you in advance!

Will be doing a 12 hour layover in Pudong. What are some currently working VPN's?

And any other tips? Will there be good food options during the night or is everything closed?

Hello! I am spending a month taking language/culture classes through a university in Chongqing and have a few questions. I was meaning to do this in a few years when my Chinese is better, but I had to speed up my plans due to my home university possibly not hosting this program in the future. (better be safe than sorry).

Would you recommend I fly into CQ or take a train from Beijing/Shanghai?

I'm going to be there in June so it's going to be very hot, do I have to worry about being rude by showing off too much skin, or does nobody care?

I've been studying Chinese for about a year, but my conversational skills are very basic, will it be very difficult for me to make friends at the university?

I've heard of foreigners getting a lot of attention/their picture taken simply because they are foreign, is this true or overexaggerated?

Is it safe to explore the city by myself as a woman, even during the night? (I really am interested in all of the "cyberpunk" city night views.)

Are there any extra places you would recommend me to visit that aren't usually at the top of people's bucket-lists, since I'll be there for a bit longer than most tourists？

谢谢! Sorry if any of my questions sound ignorant or rude, it is all coming from a place of genuine curiosity.

Hi, I'm looking to go to shanghai for 3 days in between my business and personal trip. Can you let me know if you think this itinerary is problematic?

• Seattle - Tokyo (Direct) for 6 days (work)
• Tokyo - Shanghai (Direct) for 3 days (personal/leisure)
• Shanghai - Seoul (Direct) 2.5 weeks (work/personal)
• Seoul - Seattle (Direct)

Since my trips in between are long, I'm worried that it wouldn't be considered as "transit"

Hello all. Stumbled across this sub in my planning for our impromptu China trip and would like to hear from you guys in regards to the tentative plan I’ve drawn up for me and my GF.

We plan to do a pretty world wind tour of most of the major Chinese cities and were wondering if this plan is too rushed or doable within our travel time frame.

Day 1: Beijing (Arriving at 12am the night before so will Prbly check into our hotel about 2am plan to sleep until 8-9am at least). Forbidden City and explorations

Day 2: Great Wall and maybe temple of heaven

Day 3: Train to Xian

Day 4: Terracotta warriors and Xian Explorations

Day5: Xian exploration and afternoon train to Chengdu

Day6-7: Chengdu

Day: 8 Train to Chongqing and exploration. I understand the train only takes about 1-2 hours between cities?

Day9: Chongqing exploration

Day 10: Train to YangShou

Day11-12: YangShou

Day 13: Train to Shenzen and overnight stay

Day 14: Fly off from Shenzen back home.

I know it’s not super detailed as I’ve just made the tentative plans but will this allow us to see and experience best of these cities? Any recommendations are extremely welcome

Thank You 🙏

These days I’ve been struggling a bit to figure out the best route for our trip to China of 27 days.

We land in Chengdu Feb 19 and we fly out from Kunming.

In between we’d love to see off the beaten path villages and authentic places.

We are trying to find a route trying to avoid bullet trains & flights.

We want to visit places such as Dali, Shaxi, Lijiang & Shangri-La but I can’t seem to find a way to find a route that doesn’t force me to go to Kunming first.

I’m trying to avoid having to go through the same village twice but it doesn’t quite seem possible, am I missing something?

Thanks for your insights!

Edit: I was considering to take the train down to Xichang and then from there take a bus to either Shangri-La or Lijiang, anyone who took this route before?

And then from there hit Shaxi, Dali etc.