Planning Your First Trip to China in 2025
Your complete guide to creating an unforgettable China adventure with Nihao Travel
In This Article
1. Overview: Your Journey to China Starts Here
Planning your first trip to China can feel overwhelming, but with Nihao Travel, we make it simple and stress-free. China is a vast country with diverse landscapes, rich history, and modern cities that offer unique experiences for every traveler.
Quick Facts About China Travel:
- Best time to visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
- Great news: 43 countries now enjoy 30-day visa-free entry (extended through 2026)
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB)
- Language: Mandarin Chinese (English in major tourist areas)
2. Setting Up Your Trip Profile in Nihao Travel
Our onboarding process guides you through creating your personalized trip profile in 4 simple steps:
Trip Overview
Name your trip, select the number of travelers (1-10), choose your travel length (preset options or custom 1-365 days), and set your approximate dates.
Travel Style & Preferences
Add cities you're interested in (optional), set your daily budget ($50-1000 per person), and select hotel preferences.
Traveler Details
Provide details for each traveler: full name, nationality, visa status, driver's license info, and any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Review & Submit
Review all your information and submit to complete your setup. You'll then access your personalized dashboard where your Travel Genius can start crafting your perfect China adventure.
3. Getting Visa Assistance
Great news! China has significantly relaxed its visa policies in 2025. Citizens from 43 countries can now visit visa-free for 30 days, and 55 countries enjoy 240-hour (10-day) transit without visa.
Updated 2025: 30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Citizens from 43 countries can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, or transit. This policy has been extended through December 31, 2026. New additions in June 2025 include Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Up to 10 days visa-free stay in designated cities for citizens from 55 countries when transiting through China.
Hainan Visa-Free
Citizens from 59 countries can visit Hainan Island visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or medical treatment.
Group Visa-Free
Cruise groups (2+ people) get 15 days visa-free. ASEAN groups get 6 days in Yunnan/Guangxi.
Traditional Visas
Tourist (L) and Business (M) visas still available for longer stays, work, study, or if not eligible for visa-free entry.
Important Requirements
- Immigration may ask for proof: return tickets, hotel bookings, or invitation letters
- Police registration required if staying over 24 hours (hotels do this automatically)
- Work, study, and press activities are not allowed on visa-free entries
How We Help You
- Check if you qualify for visa-free entry based on your nationality
- Advise on the best entry option for your travel plans
- Help with traditional visa applications if needed
- Provide required documentation and proof of travel purpose
- Assist with police registration and local compliance
4. Planning Your Itinerary
China offers incredible diversity - from ancient wonders to modern metropolises. Here's how to plan the perfect itinerary:
Popular First-Time Itineraries:
Classic Golden Triangle (7-10 days)
Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall) → Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors) → Shanghai (Modern China)
Natural Wonders (10-14 days)
Guilin (Li River) → Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains) → Chengdu (Giant Pandas)
Cultural Heritage (12-15 days)
Beijing → Pingyao (Ancient City) → Xi'an → Luoyang (Shaolin Temple) → Suzhou (Gardens)
Pro Tips for Planning
- Allow at least 2-3 days per major city
- Book high-speed trains 2-3 weeks in advance
- Consider domestic flights for long distances
- Factor in travel time between destinations
- Leave some flexibility for spontaneous discoveries
5. Next Steps and Resources
Congratulations! You're ready to start planning your China adventure. Here are your next steps:
Get Started Now
Create your free account and begin planning
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