Today I’m sharing some tips for planning a trip to China. If you’re considering visiting, there’a a lot to think about, so I’m sharing some tips and ideas to help you plan a great adventure. Whether you’re reading this from the UK or elsewhere, you’re sure to find some helpful recommendations here.

Tips for Planning a Trip to China

Before you book your trip, it’s important to work out which areas you want to visit, and which months you intend to visit. China is a huge country, so the weather can vary massively from one area to another. For example, January is China’s coldest month. The temperatures can range from very low in the Northern town of Mohe, with it getting as cold as  -19°C. Compared to Jinghong in the South, where temperatures can get up to 26°C in January. 

If you’re hoping for warmer weather, July is the hottest month. Even then, it can be a cool 14°C in Bomi, compared to 38°C in Turfan. So even then, you need to work out where you plan to visit, so you can plan and pack accordingly. This is definitely one of the most important early stage tips for planning a trip to China.

Best Value Flights and Accommodation

Once you know where you want to go and when, it’s worth setting up alerts on skyscanner to get alerts for flight prices which fit your itinerary. I’ve used this to save me thousands on flights over the years. You’ll get an email when the price drops, so you can grab a bargain. This is one of my most shared tips for planning a trip to China, and other destinations.

Once you’ve sorted flights, make sure you shop around to find great value accommodation for your trip. Whether you’re looking for hostels to backpack your way around China, or luxury hotels to relax in style, there’s plenty of comparison sites out there to help you get the best value for money.

Travel Insurance

I have learnt the hard way how important it is to book travel insurance the moment you book your trip. All kinds of things can affect your trip, so having that peace of mind can make a big difference. Make sure shopping for travel insurance for China trips is high up your to-do list so you’re not caught out too.

If you’re planning excursions like walking the Great Wall of China, make sure your policy covers accidents on those adventures too – just in case.

Don’t think you can relax if you’ve got multi trip travel insurance either – It’s essential you make sure your destination is covered by your policy, and triple check if you need any Visas, immunisations or paperwork to enter the country you’re travelling to.

Entry Requirements

Speaking of immunisations and visas… You may be required to pass through medical screening on entry into China. This may be body temperature scanning, or more rarely, throat or nasal swabs or even medical examinations. On top of this, recent changes to China’s ‘Frontier Health and Quarantine Laws,’ means you may be refused entry into China if you do not comply with the screening measures.

You’ll also need a Visa to enter mainland China, and at least 2 pages, and 6 months left on your passport to gain entry. You can find all the rules about travelling to China here.

Crime Concerns

Reported crimes against foreigners and tourists in China is much lower than many places, (including the UK). That said, you should still keep your wits about you, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Make sure you keep your passport and valuables in a safe place, and save scanned copies of your passport, visa and travel insurance documents, just in case.

So there you have it – my top travel tips for planning a trip to China. Can you think of any more? Feel free to share them in the comments!