China Starts Here
Practical routes, destination ideas, food notes, and custom trip planning for overseas travelers visiting China for the first time.
Destinations
Choose between Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Yunnan, Guilin, Suzhou, Hangzhou and food-focused city breaks.
Trip Routes
Use ready-made 3, 7, 10 and 14 day routes to plan a first China trip without trying to cover too much.
Food Guide
Learn what to order in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai, Yunnan and Guangdong before you arrive.
Start With These Essentials
- Pick one gateway city: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, or Hong Kong/Shenzhen.
- Reserve high-speed trains early for weekends and Chinese public holidays.
- Prepare payment, maps, translation, messaging, and hotel addresses before departure.
- Check visa, transit, and entry requirements through official sources before booking.
- Balance famous sights with slower local neighborhoods, food streets, parks, and markets.
Popular First Trip Ideas
Classic China
Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and Suzhou for history, food, high-speed trains and modern city life.
Nature & Villages
Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan or Yunnan when you want landscapes and slower days.
Food First
Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Guangzhou and Shanghai for regional flavors and night markets.
Need help choosing?
Share your dates, arrival city, travel pace, group size and budget. We will turn it into a practical route idea.
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