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Country Facts
Capital
Beijing
Size
9.597 million km²
Time Zone
GMT+8
Population
1,419,321,278
Currency
Chinese Yuan
China
China is a vast and diverse country that captivates travelers with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Key attractions include the iconic Great Wall, the majestic Forbidden City in Beijing, and the archaeological wonder of the Terracotta Army in Xi’an. The picturesque regions of Guilin and Yangshuo are famous for their karst landscapes, while Zhangjiajie National Forest Park offers breathtaking sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in “Avatar.” In bustling Shanghai, visitors can enjoy a modern skyline and the historic Bund, while Chengdu is known for its giant pandas and spicy Sichuan cuisine. The ancient towns of Lijiang and Dali showcase traditional Naxi culture, and Tibet offers stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences. Travelers can indulge in culinary delights, participate in vibrant festivals, and engage in outdoor adventures throughout the country. It’s essential to consider visa requirements, language barriers, and transportation options when planning a trip. The best times to visit are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, although summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be quite cold in the north. Overall, China presents a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels, making it an exciting destination for all types of travelers.
Reasons to visit China:
Preparing For A Trip To China?
Visa Information / Entry requirements to China
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in China set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK.
Immigration authorities may collect biometric data, including scanned fingerprints and photos, to register your entry into China.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering China.
Passport validity requirements
To enter China, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
If you renew your passport while you are in China, contact your local exit and entry office or call the national immigration service hotline on 12367, before or immediately upon receipt.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to visit mainland China.
You can visit Hainan without a visa if you fly directly from an approved country or transit point. Check the Hainan Authorities website for more information.
Visa-free transit through China is permitted depending on location. See China Visa Application Centre or National Immigration Administration website for more information.
Visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao are different.
Applying for a visa
If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa online and then go in person to a visa for China application centre. Officials will take a scan of your fingerprints as part of your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. If you’re aged 13 or under, or 71 or over, you do not have to attend in person.
The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply.
If you visit Hong Kong from mainland China and want to return to the mainland, you need a visa that allows you to make a second entry into China.
Check your visa details carefully and do not overstay your visa. The authorities carry out regular checks and may fine, detain and deport you.
If you want to stay in China longer than 6 months, you may need to get a residence permit.
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Tourism Health Information – China
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 120 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for China
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of China. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
See what health risks you’ll face in China, including:
- avian influenza
- dengue – present in Guangdong Province and some parts of China, mainly during the rainy season from May to November
Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Only drink bottled water
The Chinese authorities react quickly to outbreaks of any infectious disease. They might enforce quarantine if you show symptoms.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
If you’re take prescription medication, make sure you bring enough with you or have access to a supply in China. Certain medicines may not be available and you may be not allowed to bring others into the country. For more information, check with your GP and the Chinese Embassy before travelling.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in China
Healthcare is not free in China and can be very expensive. Make sure you have appropriate travel and medical insurance covering healthcare and medical evacuation and repatriation. For more information, see medical treatment in China.
FCDO has a list of doctors and medical facilities in China where some staff will speak English.
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Weather & When To Go To China
The best time to visit China largely depends on the region and the experiences you seek, as the country’s vast geography leads to diverse climatic conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the weather and recommended times to visit:
Weather Overview
- Spring (March to May):
- Weather: Generally mild with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). It’s a great time for sightseeing, with blooming flowers and clear skies.
- Best For: Visiting cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an, enjoying outdoor activities, and exploring gardens and parks.
- Summer (June to August):
- Weather: Hot and humid in most regions, especially in the south, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This is also the rainy season in many areas.
- Best For: Visiting highland regions like Tibet and Yunnan, as well as coastal cities like Qingdao and Dalian, where it’s cooler.
- Autumn (September to November):
- Weather: Cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Autumn foliage can be stunning, especially in parks and mountainous regions.
- Best For: Sightseeing and cultural festivals; it’s often regarded as the ideal time to visit many parts of China.
- Winter (December to February):
- Weather: Cold, particularly in the north, where temperatures can drop below freezing. Southern regions are milder but can still be cool.
- Best For: Skiing in regions like Harbin and enjoying winter festivals, though some tourist attractions may be less crowded.
Best Time to Visit
- Overall Recommended Seasons:
- Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are generally considered the best times to visit China due to pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
- Specific Events:
- Consider visiting during major festivals such as Chinese New Year (date varies) for cultural experiences, though be aware that travel may be more challenging during peak holiday times.
Conclusion
Choosing the right time to visit China can enhance your travel experience, allowing you to enjoy the country’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture in the most favorable weather conditions.
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