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China travel advice
Explore our complete guide to China with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for China.
- Essential travel guide
- Weather & climate
- Travel advice
- Travel health
- Travel features
- Top travel deals
- Destinations
- FAQs
China travel guide - essential info
Below is a beginner's guide to China with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.
| China - quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Time difference | UK +8 hours |
| Language(s) | Chinese |
| Currency | Chinese Yuan |
| Electricity | A + C + I plug (220V) |
| Driving side | Right |
| Visa✝ | Yes |
Why visit China?
Considering a holiday to the China? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for culture or nature to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.
- Culture
- Nature
China tourist information
✝ = requirements for UK travellers.
| Travelling to China? | |
|---|---|
| Hotels Holiday rentals Flights Things to do |
Recommended for China
China weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °F |  36 |
 39 |
 52 |
 68 |
 81 |
 86 |
88 |
86 |
79 |
66 |
50 |
37 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall |  2 |
3 |
 4 |
5 |
6 |
 9 |
 14 |
 12 |
7 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
The China weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Beijing.
China travel advice
Check the latest travel advice on visiting China from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.
- UK traveller advice for China - UK FCDO
- Irish traveller advice for China - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
- Canadian travel advice for China - Government of Canada
- US travel advisories for China - US Department of State
- Safe travel advisories for China - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
- Smarter traveller advice for China - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia
Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around China.
Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
FCDO travel advice
China travel health
Find out more about staying safe when travelling to China with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.
- Vaccines & medicines for China - CDC
- Health & vaccinations for China - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
- How to stay safe & healthy in China - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland
Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in China, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.
Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
China travel features
Do you want to learn more about China? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in China.
China FAQs
Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to China including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.
Are there entry restrictions to China?
China is open for tourism from the UK.
Negative PCR or NAAT test results required for arrivals from the UK.
Check out National Health Commission, People's Republic of China for more information.
What is the time difference between China and the UK?
The time difference between China and the UK is UK time+8 hours.
What is the main language spoken in China?
The main language spoken in China is Chinese.
Learn a language for China with Rosetta Stone*, Busuu* and Mondly*.
What is the currency in China?
The currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY).
Send money to China with Wise.com* and World Remit*.
Which plugs are used in China?
China uses electrical plug type A + C + I (220 Volts).
Which side of the road do they drive on in China?
They drive on the right side of the road in China.
Transport options for China
Do you need a visa for China?
Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter China.
Check China visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ*.
eSIMs for China
Travel advice by country or destination
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