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.

China Transportation Guide: Trains, Flights & Metro - China Travel Guide

Navigate China efficiently — high-speed rail booking, domestic flights, metro systems, and taxi tips for travelers.

High-Speed Rail Network

China has the world's largest high-speed rail network (over 40,000 km). Trains reach 350 km/h on major routes. Key lines: Beijing-Shanghai (4.5h), Beijing-Guangzhou (8h), Shanghai-Chengdu (12h). Book via Trip.com, 12306.cn (Chinese only), or through your tour operator. Tickets go on sale 15 days in advance and sell out quickly during holidays.

Train Classes

G-trains (fastest, 300-350 km/h): Business class (luxury seats), First class (2+2 seating), Second class (3+2 seating, most popular). D-trains (200-250 km/h): Similar classes, slightly slower. Overnight sleepers: Soft sleeper (4 beds/cabin), Hard sleeper (6 beds/cabin), Hard seat (not recommended for long distances).

Domestic Flights

Major airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines. Book via Trip.com, Ctrip, or airline websites. Major hubs: Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU/CTU). Budget carriers: Spring Airlines, Juneyao Airlines. Allow extra time for security checks.

Metro Systems

Major cities have extensive metro networks: Beijing (27 lines), Shanghai (20 lines), Guangzhou (15 lines), Shenzhen (16 lines), Chengdu (13 lines). Buy single-journey tokens or rechargeable cards at stations. Download metro apps for route planning. Peak hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) are extremely crowded.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

Taxis: Flag down on street or use hotel concierge. Ensure meter is running. Have destination written in Chinese. Typical fare: ¥15-50 within cities. Ride-hailing: Didi Chuxing (Chinese Uber) is the main app. Requires Chinese phone number and payment method. Your guide can help arrange rides.

Long-Distance Buses

Buses connect smaller towns without rail service. Comfort varies widely. Sleeper buses available for overnight journeys. Book at bus stations or through hotels. Not recommended for foreign tourists due to language barriers and variable standards. Private transfers arranged by tour operators are safer and more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Chinese phone number for Didi?

Yes, Didi requires a Chinese phone number for registration. Your tour operator can help arrange rides, or use hotel taxi services. International visitors can now register Didi with foreign numbers in some cities, but functionality is limited.

How early should I arrive at train stations?

Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure for domestic trains. Security checks and ticket verification take time. During holidays, arrive 1 hour early. Have passport and ticket ready (e-ticket or printed).

Can foreigners buy train tickets online?

Yes, via Trip.com (English interface, accepts international cards) or 12306.cn (Chinese only, requires Chinese ID or passport verification). Your tour operator can also book tickets for you.