Up until 31st December 2026, China has waived visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days. This visa waiver applies to a number of nationalities, including British passport holders and most European passport holders.

For stays exceeding 30 days, or if you are not eligible for visa-free entry, a visa will be required. These can be applied for online. Note that the applications can take a long time to be approved, and will require an in-person visit to a Chinese embassy or application centre. If you require a visa, we strongly recommend applying two months in advance, as turnaround is not normally quick.

Please note that travel to Tibet requires a special permit. This does not extend to trips to northern Yunnan province (e.g. Zhongdian/Shangri-La). 

When to Travel

China is practically a continent in and of itself, and its climate is consequently diverse. The best time to travel will vary according to the region of the country you are visiting, but general guidelines can be given.

Southern China experiences a subtropical climate. Summer (Jun-Sept) is hot, wet and humid, while the winter months are mild but rarely cold outside of the highland areas. Early Spring and Autumn are the preferred times to visit Guangxi, Hunan and southern Yunnan provinces, while Hainan island is perhaps best visited during the winter months of January and February, when you can expect dry conditions and comparatively moderate temperatures.

Northern China experiences more pronounced seasonal variations. Winter in Beijing is bitterly cold, while summer temperatures frequently exceed 35°C. Venture further north, into Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang and Heilongjiang, and the winters become harsher. Spring and Autumn are a pleasant time to visit this region, with temperatures beginning to warm in March and the summer heat typically subsiding in October.

Rainfall patterns vary throughout the country. In the south, the summer months see the heaviest rainfall, with peak typhoon season occurring between July and September on the south-eastern coast. Northern and Central China experience a more even spread of rainfall throughout the year, though regional patterns vary.

Across the country as a whole, Spring and Autumn are generally the best months to travel. The mountain regions, including northern Yunnan province and Tibet, are an exception, with the summer months being the preferred time to travel. Tropical Hainan is best visited in the winter.

Attention should also be paid to national holidays when travelling to China. Labour day (1-3 May) and Golden Week (29 Sep - 10 Oct) should be avoided, as tourist attractions can become incredibly crowded. The summer holidays, too, see large crowds in the more popular tourist spots.

Health & Immunisation

You are advised to contact your GP/travel nurse around 3 months before you depart to check whether you need any vaccinations. Vaccinations that are likely to be recommended include Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and Tick-borne encephalitis (certain regions only) may also be suggested depending on the nature of your itinerary.

For up-to-date vaccination information, please visit the Travel Health Pro website.

China is now considered malaria-free.

Medical facilities in China vary greatly between different regions, but generally you will be able to access good care in the context of most itineraries. The cost of treatment, however, can be high. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cover the cost of any treatment. If you receive any medical care whilst in China, contact your insurer ASAP.

Currency

China's currency is the Renminbi. Foreign currencies, including US dollars, are rarely accepted in China, so you will need to carry local currency. Cash or mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay and AliPay)* are preferred, as cards are not widely accepted outside of hotels, restaurants and larger city shops.

*Increasingly, the ubiquity of mobile payment apps in China is such that you may find it difficult to pay even in cash in many environments, so downloading either WeChat or AliPay and connecting your international card prior to travelling to mainland China is recommended.

ATMs are common in China, and will accept most foreign cards.

Exchange rates in China are regulated by the government; however contrary to what you may expect, this does not mean that airport exchanges offer the exact same rate as banks - service charges and handling fees are often charged to inflate the rate. It is recommended that you exchange your money at a bank or prior to travel; ask your guide for assistance at the start of your tour.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong uses its own currency – the Hong Kong dollar. Cash and card payments are standard in Hong Kong, and the mobile payment apps described above less frequently used. 

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in China. However, as in many countries, it has become more normalised within the tourism industry.

As a general guideline, on guided tours we recommend ¥100-200 per day per person to be distributed among guide(s) and driver. Tipping is fully at your discretion, however.

It is not necessary or customary to tip in restaurants in China. In cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, however, some restaurants may add a service charge.