China Visa Requirements
For 🇺🇸 United States passport holders
United States passport holders must apply for a visa at a China embassy or consulate before traveling.
Tourist visa (L visa) required. Apply at Chinese embassy or consulate. 10-year multiple entry visa available for US citizens.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages
Visa Application Form
Completed Chinese visa application form V.2013
Passport Photo
One recent passport-style color photo (48mm x 33mm) with white background
Round-trip Tickets
Confirmed round-trip air tickets
Hotel Reservation
Proof of hotel booking for entire stay
Travel Itinerary
Day-by-day travel plan in China
Proof of Employment Recommended
Letter from employer or proof of income
Previous Chinese Visa Recommended
Copy of previous Chinese visa if applicable
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis for rural.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Very safe from crime. Watch for scams. Internet heavily restricted.
Money & Costs
Currency
¥ Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $40 · Mid: $80 · Luxury: $200+
Cards & ATMs
Limited. WeChat Pay and Alipay essential. Some accept Visa/MC.
Tipping
Not expected. Can be refused.
Practical Info
Power
Type A, C, I, 220V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
Police: 110
Ambulance: 120
Fire: 119
Mobile/SIM
Buy at China Mobile, Unicom, Telecom. Passport required.
Getting There
Airport Transfers
Beijing: Airport Express ¥25/20min. Shanghai: Maglev ¥50/8min.
Local Transport
Excellent metro in major cities. High-speed rail. DiDi for taxis.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
China spans multiple climate zones - the best time depends entirely on your destination. Generally, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather across most of the country.
Beijing is best in September-October (clear skies, colorful leaves) or April-May. Avoid winter (bitterly cold) and summer (hot and humid with frequent rain). Air quality varies but has improved significantly.
Shanghai shares similar timing, with spring and fall being ideal. Winter is cold but not extreme; summer is hot and sticky with typhoon risk.
Southwest China (Guilin, Yunnan) is best March through May and September through November. The Li River is magical in any season but summer brings crowds and rain.
Avoid Chinese National Holidays: Chinese New Year (January/February), May Day (May 1-7), and National Day (October 1-7) see massive domestic travel - everything is crowded and expensive.
Tibet is best May through October when roads are passable and temperatures are manageable at altitude. Winter is brutally cold but spectacular.
Cultural Notes
China is simultaneously ancient and ultra-modern - thousand-year-old temples sit beside gleaming skyscrapers. Embrace the contrasts rather than expecting consistency.
Face (mianzi) is crucial - don't publicly embarrass or criticize anyone. Indirect communication is preferred. What seems like evasion is often politeness.
Bargaining is expected in markets and tourist shops, not in malls or restaurants. Prices for foreigners often start high - politely negotiating isn't rude.
The one-child policy's legacy means many young adults are only children - family dynamics and social pressures are unique. Intense parental involvement is normal.
Political topics (Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tiananmen) are sensitive or off-limits. Criticism of the government isn't welcomed. Enjoy the culture without engaging these issues.
Chinese cuisine varies wildly by region - Sichuan (spicy), Cantonese (subtle), Xinjiang (lamb and noodles) are completely different. 'Chinese food' is far more diverse than Western restaurants suggest.
Insider Tips
Get a VPN before arriving - Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and most Western apps are blocked in China. Download VPN software and test it before your trip.
WeChat is essential - it's China's everything app: messaging, payments, ridesharing, even food ordering. Set up WeChat Pay if possible (may require a Chinese bank account for foreigners).
Cash is becoming rare as mobile payment dominates, which creates challenges for tourists without WeChat Pay or Alipay. Carry cash for markets, small shops, and backup.
High-speed rail is exceptional - fast, reliable, and covers the country. Book tickets at train stations with your passport or through trip.com/China Highlights. Seats sell out during holidays.
English is limited outside major tourist areas. Download offline Chinese for Google Translate (use photo translate for menus and signs). Learn basic phrases and numbers.
Air pollution remains an issue in many cities - check forecasts and bring masks (N95 or KN95) for bad days. Apps like AirVisual provide real-time readings.
Dress Code
Casual.