Plan Your Trip to China
China is vast, extraordinary, and unlike anywhere else on earth. From the ancient wonders of Beijing and Xi’an to the electric energy of Shanghai and the pandas of Chengdu — this is a country that rewards the well-prepared traveler.
PandaRoads helps English-speaking visitors navigate China with confidence. Whether you want a perfectly paced two-week itinerary or a single optimized day in Chengdu, we’re here to make it happen.
Custom Itineraries — Built for You
Skip the generic travel guides. Every trip to China deserves a plan that fits your interests, pace, and travel style. Tell us where you’re going, what you love, and how long you have — we’ll deliver a day-by-day itinerary tailored to you.
Coming Soon — AI-Powered Trip Planning
Upload your travel preferences, get a personalized China itinerary in minutes. Powered by local expertise, refined by AI.
What Makes a Great China Itinerary
China rewards the prepared traveler. Here’s what you need to know before you go:
Visa-Free Transit — 144 Hours
Citizens from 54 countries can transit through 18 Chinese cities without a visa for up to 144 hours (6 days). This applies if you’re flying into one city and departing from another. The US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations qualify. No application needed — just arrive and enjoy.
Mobile Payments in China
Cash is rarely used in Chinese cities. Alipay and WeChat Pay are essential. As a foreigner, you can now link your foreign credit card to Alipay. WeChat Pay is more challenging without a Chinese bank account. Download both apps before arrival and load them with your travel budget.
High-Speed Rail
China’s high-speed rail network is the world’s largest — over 42,000 km of track connecting virtually every major city. Trains reach 350 km/h on premium routes (Beijing–Shanghai: 4.5 hours). Book via the 12306 app (in English) or at the station. First-class is affordable by Western standards and far more comfortable than domestic flights under 5 hours.
VAT Tax Refund
Foreign tourists can claim 11% back on purchases at participating stores. Look for the “Tax Refund” logo. Minimum purchase varies (typically 500 RMB). Refund is processed at the airport departure hall — keep your passport and receipts handy.
Internet Access
Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and most Western apps are blocked in China. Get a VPN before you arrive (ExpressVPN and NordVPN are reliable). For data, purchase a local SIM at the airport (China Unicom or China Mobile) or use an eSIM like Airalo.
Language
Major tourist sites have English signage. Restaurant menus increasingly offer English versions. Download Google Translate with the offline Chinese package — the camera translation feature is genuinely useful for reading menus and signs.
Best Time to Visit
April–May and September–October are ideal — mild temperatures, clear skies, and spring/autumn scenery. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid in the south. Winters are cold but magical in the north.
Health & Safety
China is very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare. Watch out for petty scams at major tourist sites (especially taxi drivers who don’t use the meter). Stick to official ticket booths. Tap water is not potable — drink bottled or filtered water.
Ready to Start Planning?
Have a specific question? Check our FAQ page for answers to common questions about visiting China.