Why travel to China?
Travelling to China offers a diverse range of experiences, from bustling cities with soaring skylines to ancient temples and unmatched natural landscapes.
It’s also home to locals with a love for food and celebration. From the crackling fireworks of Chinese New Year to the hubbub of the local markets, China remains a busy, cheerful and dynamic destination. If you enjoy buzzy locations full of smells and sights, then you’ll find your ideal holiday in China.
While there are some considerations you’ll need to make before jetting off – such as the latest China travel restrictions, local COVID-19 requirements, and cultural differences – the rewards of exploring this unique country are plentiful.
China travel restrictions
China still poses a risk to travellers due to COVID-19, with unique rules and restrictions in place compared to Australia. If you test positive for COVID-19 before travelling to China, you must delay your trip until you receive a negative test result.
If you test positive for COVID-19 while in China and have mild or no symptoms, you can self-quarantine or care for yourself at home. However, for severe symptoms, you will need to seek advice from local health authorities and check relevant websites for the latest guidance.
On a positive note, starting 11 March 2023, Australians can travel to China and back home with reduced testing requirements. China travel restrictions have now been eased slightly, meaning you no longer have to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test when returning home to Australia.1
Do I need a COVID test to travel to China?
While you won’t have to worry about testing when flying back home to Australia, before flying out to China you must undergo a nucleic acid test.2 It’s recommended that you verify the pre-departure requirements with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
Be sure to check government sites like Smart Traveller before your trip for current advice.
Do Australians need a Visa to visit China?
Before embarking on your exciting travel to China, you’ll need to secure a Visa. There are several Chinese Visa categories3, so the first step is to review the list and determine which category applies to your reason for travel. Generally, tourist Visas fall into the ‘L-Visa’ category – but read the list closely to decide which one is right for you.
Next, there are a few documents you’ll need to pull together for your application:
- Passport with at least six months of validity
- Visa application form with a passport photo attached
- Documentation of your itinerary, including your return flight details, hotel reservations and a letter of invitation (if relevant). You’ll also need to include your personal details (name, gender and date of birth).
Finally, pay a visit to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre4 with your documentation on hand. See further information on their website to understand the appointment booking process - and be aware that sometimes supplementary materials or an interview may be requested.
What are the best places to visit in China?
While capital city Beijing offers bursts of colour, bustling locals and something to catch your attention around every corner, there’s plenty of more of China to explore! From neon skylines to mountainside oases and cultural melting pots – China’s cities and towns have much to offer visitors.
Shanghai
Shanghai is unsurprisingly one of the most popular places to visit in China. With its futuristic neon skyline, from a distance Shanghai feels like a glimpse of the world hundreds of years from now. Step inside one of the busiest metropolises in the world and you’ll be immersed in enchanting architecture with hints of a bygone era.
Never is the juxtaposition of old and new more evident than when you’re strolling ‘the Bund’ along the Huangpu River – on one side see the awe-inspiring buildings of Pudon, on the other houses the quaint French-style buildings and cobbled streets of Puxi.
After wandering ‘the Bund’, refuel with a delicious bowl of xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) from a street vendor, then visit the ancient City of God Temple and Jade Buddha Temple. As the sun sets, make sure to stop at some gorgeous high-end bars and boutiques housed within those stone walls of the French Concession.
Guangzhou
Having a solid list of where to travel in China is essential, simply because there are so many incredible places to explore. Near the top of your must-visit list should be Guangzhou – a place that moves to the beat of its own drum. Perched high in the mountainous region of southern China, this ancient city – founded in 214 BC – harbours some of the most intriguing historical artefacts in the country.
Walk through Yuexiu Park for a variety of centuries-old monuments from the Ming Dynasty or visit the 2,000-year-old Mausoleum of the Nányuè King. One beautiful and strange site to visit is Shāmiàn Island, a bizarre oasis of French Provincial architecture acquired after the first Opium Wars.
Beijing
China’s capital Beijing is well worth a spot on your list of places to visit in China. Bursts of bright colours litter the streets in lanterns and posters, and by night the city is illuminated by lanterns and flashing neon lights. Beijing is enormous, with suburb after suburb of shining metropolis, heaving marketplaces and winding Hutong alleyways.
The food is astounding and the nightlife pumping. Drift down the river at the night markets like Wangfujing Snack Street, ogle at a Kung Fu demonstration at the Red Theatre or chow down on some traditional Peking roast duck at one of the many 5-star restaurants like Cai Yi Xuan.
There is a quieter side to Beijing that you can peacefully enjoy at your own pace - roam the serene waterfront beauty of the ancient Forbidden City, both give an under layer of history and reverence to the modern madness of Beijing.
When is the best time to travel to China?
China is so large that it could be experiencing all seasons at any moment somewhere across the country. So be prepared when travelling to China by researching your destinations and timing your trip.
Generally, the winter freeze hits hardest in November and December, where in the far north temperatures can drop to -30°C. To the south you’ll experience much more humid and warm weather, with the spring season (March and May) offering the most pleasant weather to get out and explore.
Is it safe to travel to China? Key considerations
You’ve booked your China travel guide, sorted the accommodation and exchanged your Aussie dollars for yuan renminbi – now what? Don’t forget about your personal health and safety while overseas! Here’s what you need to consider when travelling to China.
Vaccinations
In addition to COVID-19, all travellers to China should ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date at least four weeks before flying out. These include tetanus and diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and chickenpox.5
Also consult your doctor about vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis, depending on the length of your travel and where you are visiting.
Drinking food and water
The tap water generally isn’t safe to drink in China, so stick to bottled water on your trip. It’s also advisable to avoid raw fruits and vegetables. Instead, opt for fruits that require peeling and always eat fully cooked foods.
Personal safety
Just how safe is China for tourists? China practices strict military rule, so be sure to educate yourself on the customary practices before you visit. Do your research online and speak to your local Chinese embassy if you need more information.
It is also worth noting that visitors to China require a visa, a process that can sometimes be quite lengthy and complicated. It’s best to plan well in advance for your exciting holiday in China.
In case of an emergency in China, phone 110 for police, 120 for ambulance and 119 for fire. With personal safety in mind - always be sure to check travel alerts before you embark on your travels.
Be on the safe side for your Chinese adventure by taking out comprehensive travel insurance. Medibank International Travel Insurance gives you hospital, accident and medical evacuation cover while overseas*. And with our Comprehensive Plan, you'll have cover for a host of other surprises like lost luggage** and cancellations***.
Enjoyed our China travel guide? Next, learn what to expect at the airport.
