China Tours 2026 & 2027

China Travel FAQs

• Can I make a visit to China without a visa?  

  Yes, China offers several visa-free policies for eligible travelers, including the 30-day visa-free entry policy and the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
  Under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, travelers from the United States and many other countries can stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa.
  If you’d like to take advantage of this policy, we can help design a tailor-made visa-free China tour and assist with the required travel arrangements.

• How many days do I need in China?  

  China has so many to explore, how long it takes to travel just depends on the breadth and depth of your visit. We recommend at least one week. For first-timers, normally a week is enough to discover Beijing and Shanghai, the two most historical and modern cities in China. But if you want to see the pandas in Chengdu, Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi'an, picturesque karst landscapes in Guilin, etc., you may have to spend around 2 weeks or more. No matter whether you are looking for culture, food, history, or photography, we can help to customize a personal itinerary according to your specific interests. Check our most recommended China tours and make your dream happen!

• How to apply for a tourist visa to visit China?  

  To apply for a China tourist visa (L visa), you need to make an appointment with a Chinese embassy or visa application center and prepare the required documents, including a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photo, a completed visa application form, proof of legal stay or residence (if applying outside your home country), and travel itinerary details.
  Submit your application along with the required documents and pay the visa fee. Processing usually takes around 4–5 working days, depending on the location.
  If you need assistance with hotel bookings, flights, itinerary planning, or an invitation letter, we can help arrange these for your visa application.

  For more detailed information, check out this China Tourist Visa Application Guide.

• Can I combine my visit to China with another country?  

  Yes. As we operate tours in 80+ destinations in Asia and other continents, it is easy to extend your China tour to a neighboring country or more, such as South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. If you are looking for a multi-country tour, just send us an inquiry and there will be a 1:1 travel consultant to help you design a unique itinerary.

• Is English widely used in China?  

  The official language of China is Mandarin. Despite English being taught in Chinese schools, it isn't commonly spoken by Chinese people in daily life. However, you should have no problems at airports, high-end hotels, restaurants or large shops, where the staff can generally communicate with you in English. Besides, your professional English-speaking private guides will accompany you throughout the whole journey in China, so just relax and enjoy your time.

• Is it a common practice to give tips in China?  

  Tipping has now become an accepted practice in China as it is considered a gesture of appreciation for good service. The suggested gratuity is CNY 80 per traveler per day as tips for the guide and CNY60 per traveler per day as tips for the driver. However, you might pay more or less depending on their services.

• Is it common to use credit cards in China?  

  Major credit cards like Visa and Master Card are widely accepted by star-rated hotels, upscale restaurants, and large shopping malls in China. Nowadays, mobile payment is getting more and more popular, not only in big cities but also in small towns. But never mind, cash is still widely used. So, it is suggested to prepare some small notes of Chinese YUAN during your tour.

• Will I be able to exchange Dollars, Euros, or other currencies during my tour in China?  

  Yes. Chinese Yuan (CNY) - also called Renminbi (RMB) is the official currency in China. There are several places you can exchange your currency in China, including the airport, some major hotels, and most local banks. It's easier to exchange cash directly in China rather than via a traveler's check or credit card, so it's important that you plan ahead and bring enough cash with you. And if you are using Chinese Alipay or Wechat apps, you can also try the mobile payment method - which is the most popular in China now.

• Can I use WeChat Pay in China?  

  Of course, WeChat Pay is widely accepted in China, and now you can link your international credit or debit card to the WeChat Pay platform in just three simple steps.

  Enter your card number and expiry date, then create your payment password. This streamlined process makes paying in China as convenient as possible.

• Is it safe to visit China?  

  Generally speaking, China is a safe country to travel around, and most people you meet are friendly, honest, and trustworthy. However, there might be some small risks, such as petty theft and pickpocketing in tourist areas, as well as at train stations and on sleeper buses and trains. If you travel with us, you will always have a private tour guide and driver with you in each city to give you a safe and happy journey.

• Can I take pictures of the people, streets, during my tour?  

  There is no law or regulation against people or street photography in China. Generally speaking before taking pictures of people, it would be better to ask permission first. For religious reasons and relic protection, in some national preserved attractions, such as the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi'an, the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, and the Potala Palace in Lhasa, photography is strictly limited in certain areas and you can find the signs of "No Photos" or "No Flashing". Besides, do not take photos in politically sensitive areas like military bases and customs.