Do I need a visa to travel to China in 2026?

China offers 30-day visa-free entry for citizens of 50+ countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. A 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy is available for 53 countries at major airports. For others, a tourist visa (L Visa) is required.

What is included in a QTour private China tour?

Every QTour booking includes a private English-speaking guide, private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver, all entrance fees, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, and airport/train station transfers. An optional professional photographer with DSLR and drone is available. No shopping stops, no group sharing.

What is the best time to visit China?

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit most of China with mild weather and clear skies. Summer (June-August) is ideal for Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and high-altitude areas. Winter (December-February) is perfect for Harbin Ice Festival and fewer crowds.

How much does a private China tour cost?

A private China tour with 4-star hotels typically costs $150-300 per person per day, including guide, driver, vehicle, hotels, entrance fees, and domestic transport. Budget tours start from $100/day, luxury tours from $350/day. QTour offers free itinerary customization with no hidden fees.

Is China safe for tourists in 2026?

China is one of the safest countries for tourists with very low violent crime rates. Major cities have excellent public transportation, widespread English signage in tourist areas, and 24/7 police presence. QTour provides 24/7 emergency support for all booked clients.

Can I customize my China tour itinerary?

Absolutely. Every QTour tour is fully customizable. You can choose destinations, adjust pace, add or remove attractions, select hotel categories, and specify dietary requirements. Our travel experts will create a personalized itinerary within 24 hours at no extra cost.

Best Souvenirs from China: Authentic & Meaningful Gifts - China Travel Guide

Shop for authentic Chinese souvenirs — silk, tea, porcelain, crafts, and how to avoid fake products.

Silk Products

China is famous for silk. Best places: Suzhou (silk capital), Hangzhou. Products: Scarves ($20-100), bedding sets ($100-500), clothing ($50-300). Quality varies widely — buy from reputable stores. Real silk feels smooth, cool, and makes a rustling sound. Ask for certificates. Avoid ultra-cheap "silk" — likely synthetic.

Tea

Longjing (Hangzhou): Green tea, delicate flavor. Pu'er (Yunnan): Aged dark tea, earthy. Tie Guan Yin (Fujian): Oolong, floral. Buy from tea farms or specialty shops. Prices: ¥50-500 per 50g. Ask to taste before buying. Proper packaging for travel. Tea makes excellent gifts — lightweight and culturally significant.

Porcelain & Ceramics

Jingdezhen is China's porcelain capital (1,000+ years history). Products: Vases, bowls, tea sets, figurines. Blue and white porcelain is classic. Modern designs also available. Prices: ¥50-500+. Fragile — pack carefully or ship. Buy from established shops with quality guarantees. Avoid roadside stalls for expensive pieces.

Traditional Crafts

Paper cuttings: Intricate red designs, ¥10-50. Chinese knots: Symbolic decorations, ¥10-30. Fans: Silk or paper, painted, ¥20-100. Chopsticks: Carved wood or ivory (avoid real ivory), ¥10-50. Cloisonné: Enamel jewelry and boxes, ¥50-200. Shadow puppets: Traditional art, ¥30-80. These are lightweight and authentic.

What to Avoid

Fake luxury goods: Illegal to export, may be confiscated. "Antiques": Most are reproductions. Ivory products: Illegal trade. Coral and tortoise shell: Endangered species. Political items: Maps showing disputed territories, sensitive books. Overpriced "jade": Much is fake or low quality. Buy from reputable sources.

Shipping Souvenirs Home

Many stores offer international shipping. EMS (China Post): Reliable, affordable. DHL/FedEx: Faster, expensive. Declare items properly for customs. Keep receipts for insurance. Fragile items need special packaging. Shipping takes 1-4 weeks. Track packages online. Consider shipping bulky items instead of carrying them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if silk is real?

Real silk feels smooth and cool, has a subtle sheen, makes a rustling sound when crumpled, and burns to ash (not plastic smell). Ask for burn test at reputable shops. Certificates of authenticity help. Price is an indicator — real silk isn't cheap.

Can I bring food souvenirs home?

Check your country's customs regulations. Tea, dried fruits, and packaged snacks are usually fine. Fresh food, meat, and dairy are often prohibited. Declare all food items. Keep items sealed and labeled.

Where are the best places to shop?

Reputable department stores, specialty shops, and official brand stores. Avoid tourist trap markets for expensive items. Ask your guide for recommendations. Shopping malls in major cities have fixed prices and return policies.