China Tours in 2024 & 2025

Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Chinese embassy website in your country of departure.

Recommended vaccinations for China include hepatitis a, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, and rabies, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis b if you’re heading into rural areas. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.

China is absolutely vast, so the weather really changes depending on where you are within the country. For example, northern areas like Beijing can be dry and cold to freezing in winter, while southern regions like Guangdong tend to be milder. Coastal regions tend to have higher levels of humidity, and typhoons can sometimes occur throughout the year. Expect highs of 34°C (93°F) during Summer in July and August in places like Xi’an and Shanghai — lows of -10°C (14°F) aren’t uncommon in winter in Beijing.

The best time to visit China generally depends on the regions you’re wanting to explore. Spring (April to June) is a great time to visit anywhere — flowers are blooming and the weather tends to be pleasant all over. Autumn (September to November) is another great time to visit, especially for cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The weather is crisp, and the fall foliage in places like the Great Wall is particularly photogenic.

Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid in all regions of the country and there tend to be more crowds. However, there are many festivals and events on throughout this region at this time. Winter (December to February) can be very cold in many parts of the country, but great for skiing in places like Harbin and for Chinese New Year in late January and mid February.

Traditionally in China tipping is not expected and therefore there is no need to tip in restaurants and your general interaction with locals. However, tipping is customary, though not compulsory, in the tourism industry and not only shows an expression of satisfaction it may also be of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD $1 to 3 per person, per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Plus, at the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $5 USD per person, per day can be used.

Internet access in China is quite different from many other countries due to government regulations and censorship. Popular websites like Google and social media sites are banned here, though there are local alternatives such as Baidu (search engine), WeChat (social media and messaging), and Weibo (microblogging). Internet access as a whole though depends to be pretty good — however, just be prepared for restrictions while you’re here.

Yes, there are ATMs in China, especially in places like banks, shopping malls, airports, and convenience stores. Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, though you might be charged withdrawal fees, so it’s worth checking with your bank before you travel. Be aware that some ATMs have withdrawal limits, and you should also carry cash with you if you’re heading into rural areas. Finally, you should also be aware that some ATMs may not have English-language options, so be prepared!

China’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights are fairly complex. Same-sex relationships are legal here, however, there are no legal protections against discrimination for LGBTQ+ people here. There are some LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai — though expect little to no scene in smaller towns and in rural areas especially. LGBTQ+ content can face censorship in media and online platforms, and public discussions about LGBTQ+ rights are limited throughout the country.

As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.

While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.

There are many languages spoken in China, the most popular being Mandarin, which is used in government, education, and the media. Cantonese, Shanghainese, Hakka, Min, Mongolia, Tibetan and Uighur are also spoken here too.

In a word, no — the tap water in Cambodia isn’t generally safe to drink. You’re best sticking to bottled water which is cheap and readily available.

Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.

China is generally pretty safe for travellers, but like any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings. Petty crime occurs but is rare, so as long as you use common sense, you should be absolutely fine. Some regions are prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes or floods. Take heed of local advice. You should also be aware of discussing politics here.

G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.