China | Asia

China is a sovereign state in East Asia and the world’s leading industrial power. Its economy is defined by a shift toward high-tech manufacturing, the "low-altitude economy," and total digital integration; the capital is Beijing, while Shanghai is the global financial hub.

Visa & Entry Policy

As of January 2026, China has significantly expanded its visa-free access:

Unilateral Visa-Free: Citizens of over 40 countries (including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands) can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business through December 31, 2026.

240-Hour Transit: For US and UK citizens, the visa-free transit policy has been extended to 240 hours (10 days). This applies to travelers transiting through 65 eligible ports (including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu) to a third country.

Requirements: Passport valid for six months. The China e-Arrival Card can now be completed online 24 hours prior to arrival.

Language & Communication

Standard Mandarin (Putonghua) is the official language. English proficiency is moderate in Tier 1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) among younger professionals but remains very low in rural areas. The use of translation apps (e.g., Baidu Translate or WeChat’s built-in translator) is essential for navigation.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Renminbi (RMB/Yuan).

Mobile Payments: China is a functionally cashless society. Alipay and WeChat Pay are mandatory for daily life. As of 2026, both apps allow foreigners to link Visa/Mastercard directly without a local bank account.

e-CNY: The Digital Yuan (CBDC) is now a standard payment option in major pilot zones and for public transport.

Cash/Cards: Cash is still legally required to be accepted but often difficult to use due to a lack of change. Physical credit cards are only accepted in high-end hotels and luxury malls.

National Transport Grid

High-Speed Rail (HSR): The network has surpassed 50,000 km as of 2026, the world's largest. Tickets are entirely digital and linked to your passport.

Low-Altitude Economy: As of 2026, drone delivery services (Meituan, SF Express) are operational in urban districts of Shenzhen and Hangzhou. Commercial eVTOL (Air Taxi) routes have begun limited operations in the Greater Bay Area.

Urban Transit: All major cities feature extensive, automated Metro systems. Ride-hailing is dominated by Didi.

Digital Infrastructure

5G-Advanced (5.5G): China has transitioned to 5G-A, providing 10Gbps peak speeds. Over 4.8 million base stations are active, covering 95% of the population.

Network Sunsets: As of 2026, 2G and 3G networks have been fully decommissioned nationwide. Travelers must have 4G/5G VoLTE-compatible devices.

Internet: The "Great Firewall" restricts access to Google, YouTube, and Meta. A roaming SIM or specialized service is required for unrestricted access.

Climate & Seasonality

North: Cold, dry winters; hot, humid summers. Best visited in Autumn (Sept–Oct).

South/Coastal: Subtropical. Monsoon season (June–August) brings heavy rain and typhoons.

West (Highlands): Arid/Alpine. Extreme temperature fluctuations; best visited May–September.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required. Tap water is not potable; bottled or boiled water is mandatory. Air quality has improved significantly but PM2.5 levels can spike in northern industrial regions during winter. The emergency numbers are 110 (Police), 119 (Fire), and 120 (Ambulance).

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Jing-Jin-Ji: Hub: Beijing (Political/Historical heart).

Yangtze River Delta: Hub: Shanghai (Finance/Innovation).

Greater Bay Area: Hub: Shenzhen/Guangzhou (Tech/Manufacturing).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 3.00 RMB ($0.42 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 8.00 RMB ($1.12 USD)

1 SIM Card (20GB+ Data): 100.00 RMB ($14.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

China is the only civilization to have maintained a continuous written language for over 3,000 years. Local folklore features the Nian, a beast deterred by red and loud noises (the origin of Lunar New Year traditions). A core legend is the Journey to the West, featuring the Monkey King (Sun Wukong). Geologically, the country contains the world's highest plateau (Qinghai-Tibet) and the Zhangjiajie Quartzite Sandstone, the inspiration for the "floating mountains" in modern cinema.