China is one of the world’s most ancient civilisations, with hauntingly beautiful landscapes and vibrant and bustling metropolitan centres. China is an ever-growing world superpower and ultra-modern cities such as Beijing and Shanghai contrast heavily with the unspoilt rural areas which remain largely untouched by the economic boom of the big cities. China’s landscape is a tale of contrasts, from the high mountain peaks of the Himalayas to lush jungles and silent, sweeping deserts.
China is home to some of the world’s greatest treasures, including the Forbidden Palace, The Terracotta Army, and the extraordinary structure that is the Great Wall of China. There’s something on offer for every traveller’s needs, whether you are seeking out the hustle and bustle of China’s hugely commercialised cities, or seeking relaxation and spiritual enlightenment in the remote Buddhist temples where you can relax among misty hilltops and try out a spot of tai chi. Anyone visiting this country will find it rich in cultural history – China is, after all the country that invented gunpowder, papermaking, the compass and the world’s first means of printing among numerous other things! Anyone searching for the classic decorative dragons, chopsticks and temples will not be disappointed but there is so much more to discover in this vast and fascinating country. Truly a feast for all the senses, China is a gap year destination you will never forget!
Chinaâs most iconic landmark, the Great Wall, winds across almost the entire length of the country from east to west. Sections of the wall date back to different dynasties, reflecting the rich, ancient past of this Wonder of the World. As you hike along the fortified stretches, Chinaâs epic history comes to life.
Beijing makes an electrifying first impression, as Chinaâs capital is where vibrant traditions and modern city life collide. Here you can discover some of the countryâs most majestic temples, towers and palaces, including the legendary Forbidden City. Catch the sunset at Jingshan Park before digging into the best of Beijingâs food and nightlife!
If seeing Giant pandas is at the top of your bucket list, our China trips are how you can make it happen! In Chengdu, you have the option to visit the countryâs most famous breeding and research institute dedicated to caring for these beautiful animals that are native to China, alongside Red pandas and other rare creatures.
Shanghai is where dreams come alive, welcoming travellers from all over the globe into this melting pot of a megacity. From scenic laneways where your new favourite dumpling spot awaits to towering skyscrapers and its iconic Art Deco waterfront, it is only a matter of time before you feel spellbound by the magic packed inside Shanghai.
One of Chinaâs greatest archaeological wonders was discovered purely by chance only decades ago. More than 2,000 warrior and horse terracotta statues were buried alongside Chinaâs first ever Emperor centuries ago, in a quest for immortality. Extraordinarily, youâll find that no two figurines look exactly the same.
Marvel at the world that unfolds before you in Yangshuo, offering a breathtaking glimpse into Chinaâs rural landscapes. Cycle past lush paddy fields inside a ring of rugged hilltops, and ride a bamboo raft across secluded turquoise waters. After a day out in nature, Yangshuoâs spectacular light show awaits back in the city.
Ever wondered what it would be like to spend the night inside a traditional Chinese castle? No trip to Chinaâs Fujian province is complete without experiencing life inside a âHakka Tulouâ: rounded, lantern-lit fortresses that look up into the sky. Although it looks like something out of a movie, you will instantly feel at home.
Named as UNESCOâs first ever âCity of Gastronomyâ, saying you can expect some of the most flavourful meals of your life in Chengdu is an understatement. Beyond indulging in Chengduâs legendary food scene, made as spicy as youâd like, the teahouses and craft breweries are a must-try between a trip to the Giant panda sanctuary.
Welcome to Xiâan, Chinaâs ancient Silk Road city, where life still thrives inside those fortified walls. While the Terracotta Army is the cityâs biggest draw, exploring all the local temples and pagodas in Xiâan can be just as special. In the heart of it all is the Muslim Quarter, where you can taste the rich diversity in Chinese cuisine.
The range of foods in China is vast, and there’ll be something to suit even the most eclectic of tastes. A typical dish in China usually involves either rice or noodles. Regional differences can be great – Western palettes are used to the Cantonese cuisine which is often on restaurant and takeaway menus in the UK.
The Szechuan region favours spicy, chilli-based food and ingredients such as the unusual flavour of their own Szechuan pepper. Tofu, made from soybeans is regularly used which means there are plenty of dishes suitable for vegetarians across China. Steamed dumplings, known as dim sum are widely popular, and a tasty snack. Try a soft bun filled with red bean paste for an authentic experience.
Head to the street markets and you will find some really unusual and sometimes unnerving food on offer. If you are feeling very adventurous you could try anything from insects to sea slugs, snakes or silkworms. Delicacies include monkeys’ brains, bird’s nest soup and preserved eggs known rather worryingly as ‘thousand-year-old eggs’. There is a saying in China that they will eat anything with legs! There is no need to indulge in any of these more peculiar treats unless you want to – China has so much delicious (and recognisable!) food that a diet of insects can easily be avoided!
Don’t forget that China has been renowned for centuries for its tea, so make sure you try all the spectrum of colours – green, black, red – maybe even the aptly named gunpowder tea!
You may want to practice eating with chopsticks before you depart, and watch the locals for tips too, as often bowls will be brought towards the mouth and the chopsticks used as both a prong and a scoop. In bigger cities, you may well find cutlery on offer but in more rural areas it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll be offered a fork with your meal so getting the hang of chopsticks sooner rather than later is both useful and fun!
It is impossible to classify China’s climate as one thing or the other. In such a large country weather can range from extremes of bitter cold to unbearable heat. The land is divided into separate climatic regions: north and northeast, northwest, central, south and Tibet.
Spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) are good times to visit China. In the north and northeast winters can be extremely cold and in areas such as Mongolia, temperatures can fall as low as -40 degrees Celsius. Summer is generally hot and dry and falls between May and August.
In central China, summers can be uncomfortably hot and suffer high levels of humidity whereas winters, although relatively short can be cold and wet.
The south of the country tends to be very hot from April to September and this is also the monsoon season with a risk of typhoons. Winters are short and mild.
China’s northwest has hot, dry summers but bitterly cold winters which drop as low as -30 degrees Celsius.
Flooding and earthquakes have been known to occur across the country so keep an ear out for any warnings.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full âBritish citizenâ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK governmentâs understanding of Chinaâs current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in China set and enforce entry rules. If youâre 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.
You may need to pass through medical screening on entry into China. This may be body temperature scanning, or more rarely testing such as throat or nasal swabs, blood tests or medical examinations. You may be refused entry into China if you do not comply.
To enter China, your passport must have an âexpiry dateâ 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.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
China does not recognise dual nationality. If you were born in China to a Chinese national parent, you will be:
If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the British Embassy will not be able to offer you help. If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry clear evidence that you have done so. See guidance on nationality in China.
If youâre a former Chinese citizen, Chinese authorities may:
treat you as a Chinese citizen
refuse you access to UK consular services
This can happen even if you entered China on a UK or other foreign passport and you:
havenât renounced your citizenship according to Chinese law
havenât formally advised the Chinese authorities of your UK citizenship
continue to maintain a Chinese passport or household registration
Authorities may not allow certain categories of Chinese citizens, such as state officials, to renounce their Chinese nationality under Chinese law.
You should get professional legal advice if youâre unsure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.
Until 31 December 2026, you can enter China visa free for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits or transit.Â
If you travel to China for any other reason (this includes paid work, long-term assignments, journalism, or study) or for a stay exceeding 30 days, you must apply for a visa before your trip to China.
If you have any doubt about your eligibility, verify the conditions for visa free entry with the Chinese Embassy in London.
If you visit China without the appropriate visa or visa free access you will be refused entry.
Holders of Emergency Travel Documents are not allowed to enter China without a visa.
Visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao are different.
Unless you meet the requirement for visa-free access, you must arrange a visa before traveling to China.
If youâre 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 youâre aged 13 or under, or 71 or over, you do not have to attend in person, but someone will need to submit your application on your behalf.
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.
Teachers have been detained and deported for working on the wrong visa. It is your responsibility to check youâre working on the correct visa.
You can only work in China if you have a work visa (Z visa). Tourist and business visas do not allow you to work. You must also hold a valid work permit. The local police regularly carry out checks on companies and schools. If you do not follow Chinese immigration laws, there can be serious penalties, including:
Before you leave the UK, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK to check Z visa requirements. When submitting your application, and when you receive your work permit, check the details are correct, including the location youâll be working in. If the details are incorrect â even if your employer or others submitted the application on your behalf â the authorities can detain you, fine you or deport you. Â Â Â Â Â Â
If you are going to change employer once youâre in China, or change location in China with an existing employer, check with the Chinese authorities whether you need a new visa and work permit before doing so.
To enter China, you must have a certificate to prove youâve had a yellow fever vaccination if youâre coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthProâs China guide.
You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this rule with regular spot-checks of foreign nationalsâ documentation. If youâre staying in a hotel, they will register you when you check in.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of China. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Some of the more rural parts of China can be quite conservative and it’s important that you consider this when packing. Dressing modestly is advisable.
Like in most parts of Asia, taking off your shoes when entering private houses and temples is customary. If you’re not sure about when to remove your shoes, then the best advice is to watch what the locals are doing and follow suit.
If you intend on visiting any religious temples or sites then it’s important that you show your respect by dressing modestly. Photographing sacred Buddhist shrines and monuments can also be frowned upon.
Vaccinations Hepatitis A and B are strongly recommended when travelling into China. A booster vaccination for Diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis may also be needed if you had them longer than 10 years ago.
Do make sure that you visit your GP before travelling, as depending on how long you plan to stay in China you could need either rabies, Tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis or Typhoid fever vaccinations. You will need to have the vaccinations between 6-8 weeks in advance of travel. If you are travelling from countries with yellow fever you will need to produce a yellow fever certificate on arrival in China.
Be conscious of food and water hygiene in China, particularly in rural areas. You should always drink bottled water in China, and it may not be advisable even to brush your teeth with tap water in some areas. Boiling water or taking water purification tablets is another option, and avoid ice in drinks. Food in China is delicious and diverse but make sure everything you eat is properly cooked and in hygienic conditions. Street food is exciting and often freshly cooked but if you have any doubts about hygiene, steer clear!
While you’re enjoying yourself, it’s important to be aware of the risk of drink spiking and methanol poisoning, so it’s worth familiarising yourself with the steps you can take to help you keep safe. To learn more visit the FCDO Travel Aware page on spiking and methanol poisoning and visit FCDO Travel Advice for information specific to China.
If you’re planning on trekking the Great Wall of China then it’s advised that you go with an organised tour, as isolated areas can be risky.
It’s also recommended that females avoid walking alone at night – take a taxi instead!
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
Petty theft is the most common crime in China so keep an eye on your valuables. If travelling to rural areas you may need to carry more cash, but make sure you keep it secure. In cities, it is advisable to change cash as you need it so you are not carrying too much at one time.
China’s climate is diverse, including every landscape imaginable, like golden beaches, snowy mountain peaks, forests and even deserts. Much of China experiences a temperate climate with 4 seasons, and so average temperatures can vary throughout the year.
July and August are typically the hottest months in China, with temperatures reaching around 30°C. Meanwhile, China’s coldest months tend to be January and February, and it is common for temperatures to dip below -5°C or more, depending on where you are in the country.
The best time to visit on our China trips comes down to preference. Cherry blossom season (March to May) is one of the most popular times of year, as well as the autumn months of October to November, for the stunning red leaves.
Meanwhile, the snowy winter months, which are typically a quieter time of year, can be a fantastic option for travellers on a budget. Summers can be hot in China, making it ideal for spending time out in nature or experiencing local events such as boating or food festivals.
As the oldest continuous civilisation in the world, Chinese culture is rich and vibrant with customs dating back thousands of years. Some of China’s most famous traditions include the Chinese Zodiac and Chinese New Year. Other than its epic history and wildlife, China is known best for its delicious cuisine.
Chinese culture is friendly and welcoming. While visiting religious or historical sites, dressing modestly is encouraged. Some other cultural customs include taking off your shoes indoors, showing respect to elders and accepting gifts with both hands.
Entry requirements and visa regulations are different for every destination and your purpose of travel. We recommend staying updated on the latest official information before you go travelling. Your passport should be undamaged and have enough blank pages for stamps and visas. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry.
For more information and resources regarding entry requirements, check out our Visa Advice page.
At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.
We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for China, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.
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