China Trip Planning: When to Go & What to Book
Start here if you are planning your first trip: when to go, how long to stay, where to sleep, what to pack and which holidays to avoid.
Start here
All trip planning guides
- China Tours and Packages: Types, Prices, Red Flags (2026)China tours: 12-day packages were listed at about ¥22,700 to ¥30,400 per person, land only. See the four tour types, dated prices and cheap-deal red flags.
- Best Places to Visit in China by Travel Style (2026)The best places to visit in China, grouped by what you want: history, big cities, scenery, food, beaches and winter. Each has a season, trip length and guide.
- China Family Tours: How to Choose the Right One (2026)China family tours suit kids from about 5, fit a 10 to 14 day loop and cost roughly ¥22,000 and up per person. Compare guided and independent plans.
- Chinese New Year 2027: Date, Holiday and Travel GuideChinese New Year 2027 is Saturday 6 February, the Year of the Goat. The holiday runs 5 to 13 Feb. What closes, Chunyun rush, booking tips and whether to go.
- Where to Stay in Beijing: Best Areas for Visitors 2026Where to stay in Beijing: Wangfujing and Qianmen for sights, Gulou for hutongs, Sanlitun for nightlife. Pick by traveler type, and check foreigner rules.
- Where to Stay in Shanghai: Best Areas for Visitors 2026Where to stay in Shanghai: Jing'an or the French Concession suit most first-timers, the Bund gives views, Pudong suits business. Check foreigner rules.
- China Typhoon Season: When It Is and Where Is RiskyTyphoon season in China runs May to November and peaks July to September. See which coasts are at risk, what happens to flights and how to plan around it.
- Major Chinese Holidays 2027: Dates and Travel ImpactChina has 7 public holiday periods in 2027, from Spring Festival on 5 to 13 Feb to Golden Week on 1 to 7 Oct. See dates, crowds and how each affects travel.
- Chinese New Year 2027 Travel: Dates, Closures, CrowdsChinese New Year 2027 is 6 Feb; the holiday runs 5 to 13 Feb. See what closes, how crowded trains get and whether to visit China during Spring Festival.
- 7-Day China Honeymoon Itinerary 2026: Day-by-Day PlanDetailed day-by-day 7-day China honeymoon itinerary with romantic destinations, hotels, activities, and practical tips for a week in China.
- Beijing vs Shanghai: Which City Should You Visit? (2026)Can't decide between Beijing and Shanghai? This comparison covers culture, food, attractions, costs, and which city suits different travelers.
- 12 Best Romantic Destinations in China for Couples (2026)The most romantic places in China for couples, from ancient water towns to mountain retreats, with insider tips, best hotels, and travel advice.
- Business Trip to China: First Timer Guide (2026)What business travelers need to know for a first China trip: visa, connectivity, meetings, etiquette, gifts, and practical tips for successful travel.
- China 2 Week Itinerary: The Ultimate 14-Day Travel Plan (2026)A detailed 2-week China itinerary covering Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. Day-by-day plans, transportation, costs, and insider tips for first-time visitors.
- How to Book Airport Hotels in China as a Foreigner (2026)Book China airport hotels confidently in 2026: foreigner check-in rules, best areas near PEK/PKX, PVG/SHA, CAN, platform comparison, and overnight transit tips.
- China Travel Tips for Couples (2026): 35 Essential TipsGuide to traveling China as a couple: tips on romantic experiences, cultural etiquette, safety, communication, and making the trip together.
- China Honeymoon Guide 2026: Destinations & Planning TipsPlan a China honeymoon with romantic destinations, itineraries, luxury hotels, costs, visa tips, and insider secrets for couples in 2026.
- China Hotel Check-In for Foreigners: What to Know (2026)Practical guide to checking into hotels in China as a foreign visitor: registration requirements, which hotels accept foreigners, and common problems.
- China Travel Toolbox 2026: The Complete Foreigner Survival KitChina in 2026: 20+ apps, payment systems, VPNs, connectivity, emergency tools, and checklists in one survival guide for non-Chinese travelers.
- China vs Japan: Which Should You Visit First? (2026)Deciding between China and Japan for your first Asia trip? This comparison covers cost, culture, food, ease of travel, and who each destination suits.
- First China Trip Checklist: Everything You Need to PrepareThe complete pre-departure checklist for your first trip to China. Documents, apps, packing, and everything to do before you go.
- Hostel vs Hotel in China: Which Should You Book?Comparing hostels and hotels in China. Costs, amenities, who each suits, and tips for budget and comfort travelers.
- Hotel Booking in China (2026): Trip.com vs Booking vs Agoda2026 guide to booking hotels in China as a foreigner: best platforms, making sure hotels accept you, payment tips, and common check-in problems.
- How to Book China Attraction Tickets as a Foreigner (2026)2026 guide to booking China attraction tickets as a foreigner: Trip.com vs Klook, WeChat mini-programs, 实名制 bookings, QR codes, and refunds.
- Is Airbnb Legal in China? What Travelers Need to Know (2026)Airbnb operates in China but with restrictions. Here's what tourists need to know about booking, registration requirements, and alternatives.
- Sanya Beach Honeymoon Guide 2026: Complete Planning TipsPlanning a Sanya beach honeymoon? This guide covers the best resorts, beaches, activities, and tips for a romantic escape in China's Hawaii.
- Teaching English in China: What You Need to Know (2026)Considering teaching English in China? Requirements, salaries, cities, and honest expectations for aspiring English teachers.
- Ultimate China Packing List 2026: Everything You Need to BringPacking checklist for China: essential items, tech gear, clothing by season, toiletries, medicine, and what NOT to pack. Printable checklist included.
- What to Wear in China: Season-by-Season Clothing Guide (2026)China's climate ranges from tropical to subarctic. What to pack by season and city: Beijing winters, Shanghai summers, Yunnan altitude, and dress tips.
- Bringing a Pet to China: The Ultimate Guide for Dogs & CatsA complete guide for traveling to China with your pet. Covers 2026 import rules, quarantine, finding pet-friendly hotels, and locating English-speaking vets.
- Solo Travel in China: Guide for Independent TravelersEverything you need to know about traveling alone in China. Safety, logistics, meeting people, and tips for making the most of independent China travel.
- China in Summer: Surviving the Heat (June-August Guide)How hot does China get in summer? Tips for traveling in extreme heat, best summer destinations, and how to beat the heat.
- 15 Common Tourist Mistakes in China (And How to Avoid Them)Learn from others' mistakes. The most common errors tourists make in China and how to avoid them for a smoother trip.
- China Travel for Seniors: Tips for Older Travelers (2026)Practical advice for seniors visiting China. Accessibility, health considerations, pace, tour options, and making the most of your trip at any age.
- Traveling to China with Kids: A Family Travel Guide (2026)What parents need to know about visiting China with kids: family-friendly destinations, practical tips, health, and keeping kids entertained.
- Group Tour vs Independent Travel in China: Which to Choose?Should you join a tour or travel independently in China? Pros, cons, costs, and who each option suits best for first-time visitors.
- Study Abroad in China: What Students Need to Know (2026)Planning to study in China? Visas, universities, costs, daily life, and practical tips for international students.