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Find your next destination
New to China? Start with the classics — or jump straight to the places worth the journey.
Zunyi Conference Site
ZunyiThe meeting site that reshaped the Communist Party's path.
Buddha of the Southern Grottoes
ZiyangCliff carvings of Buddhist statues.
Zigong Dinosaur Museum
ZigongA museum built over a rich dinosaur fossil site.
Zhoucun Ancient Town
ZiboAn old commercial street of Shandong.
Yandi Mausoleum
ZhuzhouThe mausoleum of the legendary Emperor Yan.
Chaya Mountain
ZhumadianA mountain of odd-shaped granite peaks.
Zhuhai Fisher Girl
ZhuhaiAn iconic seaside statue of the city.
Putuo Mountain
ZhoushanA sacred Buddhist island of temples and beaches.
Taihao Mausoleum
ZhoukouA vast mausoleum to the legendary Emperor Taihao.
Shapotou
ZhongweiDunes where the desert meets the Yellow River.
The Essential China Travel Apps
appsThe handful of apps that will make your trip smoother — payments, transport, translation and booking.
Maps and Navigation Apps That Actually Work
navigationGoogle Maps is unreliable in China. Here are the apps that work — and how to use them without Chinese.
Getting Around China: Trains, Metro and Taxis
transportHigh-speed rail is the easiest way to cover long distances — here is how to book it, ride it and get around the cities.
Staying Connected: SIMs, eSIMs and VPNs
networkHow to get mobile data in China, and why you will want a VPN before you land.
Paying in China: Alipay, WeChat Pay and Cards
paymentChina is nearly cashless. Here is how to set up mobile payments, when cards work, and how to keep some cash handy.
China Visa for Independent Travelers
visaEverything you need to know about getting a Chinese tourist visa — documents, fees, timing and the visa-free options.
From the journal
Latest stories & tips
China's 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: The Complete Guide
How the 10-day visa-free transit policy works — who qualifies, the third-country rule, where you can go and what to show at the airport.
Which Countries Can Visit China Visa-Free?
The full picture of China's visa exemptions — 30-day visa-free countries, 240-hour transit and who still needs a visa.
Do You Need a Visa for China? A Simple Checklist
A 60-second answer — whether your passport needs a Chinese visa, which type to apply for and the documents you'll need.
The Best VPNs for China (That Actually Work)
Which VPNs reliably bypass the Great Firewall, how to install one before you fly, and why roaming eSIMs are the newer workaround.
How to Book China Train Tickets: 12306 and Beyond
The difference between the official 12306 English app and Trip.com, when tickets go on sale, and how to board with just your passport.
Mutianyu vs Badaling: Which Great Wall Section to Visit
The two most popular Great Wall sections compared — crowds, scenery, cable cars and how to reach each from Beijing.
Forbidden City Tickets: How to Book Before They Sell Out
Tickets release exactly 7 days ahead at 8pm Beijing time and vanish in minutes — here's exactly how to get yours.
Best Time to Visit China: Month by Month
Spring and autumn are the sweet spots, but every month has a reason to go — a month-by-month guide to weather, crowds and festivals.
Golden Week in China: How to Avoid the Crowds
China's busiest travel week explained — when it is, why you should avoid it, and where to go instead.
Sichuan Food: A Beginner's Guide to Chengdu's Kitchen
Beyond the heat — mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, hot pot and the lesser-known dishes to order in Chengdu.