The Ultimate Guide on Visa-free Travel to China for Europeans [2024 Updated]

Planning to travel to China but don’t know where to start? Keep on reading this article to find out. China is a country with a rich culture and history. Yet it is so far from Europe that you may know little about it. This is the ultimate guide for traveling in China and we will provide as much information as possible including visa policy, local transportation, popular cities, and more.

China Visa Exemption Policy for 15 Countries in 2024

Starting from July 2024, passport holders from 15 countries can enter China without a visa until December 31, 2025. These countries include Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland. Citizens from the above countries can come to China for business, travel, and transit purposes without applying for a visa, but they can only stay for no more than 15 days. If you are not from the countries listed above or want to stay longer, you need to apply for a visa before you go to China. The extended visa exemption policy is looking to boost tourism and increase personnel exchanges between Europe and China.

How to Count 15 Days Visa-Free to China?

Foreigners from visa-free countries can enter China and stay for 15 consecutive natural days, counting from day 1 to day 15. They must leave China before the 24th hour of the 15th natural day.

Can I Extend My Stay in China for More Than 15 Days?

Yes, but under certain conditions.

If you are a citizen from a visa-free country but intend to stay in China for more than 15 days, you need to apply for a China visa with acceptable purposes at the Chinese Consulate or Embassies beforehand.

Besides, if you are already in China visa-free and you have justifiable reasons to stay for longer than 15 days, you should apply for a temporary stay permit at the Chinese exit & entry administration of the public security departments within the 15-day visa-free period.

What Documents Do I Need for a China Visa Free Entry?

It is recommended to take certain supportive documents with you when entering China. They can help with verifying your identity and the purpose of your visa-free visit. Here is a list:

• Valid passport (must-have)
• Business invitation letter
• Flight tickets
• Hotel reservation letter

Transportation Options to Visit China

China has a comprehensive transportation system with flights, trains, highways, and waterways. For passport holders of visa-free countries that do not share borders with China, taking flights would be the best transportation option when visiting China. It is convenient, comfortable, and time-saving.

There are over 200 airports and many airlines offering international routes in China. Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou are usually considered the gateway cities with lots of flights in and out every day. Remember to book flights with your travel agent or book them on the official websites of the popular airlines beforehand.

What to Prepare Before Visiting China

Planning to visit China can be a big project, especially for the Europeans because it means they are going to travel to the other side of the world. It is a country with a vast territory and a different language. It is necessary to be prepared in all aspects of life. Let’s take a look at the things you need to think about before departure: 

Financial Preparation

• Exchange currency

Although mobile payment is widely accepted in China, having enough cash is still necessary. RMB is the only official currency of China. While some big banks in China will allow you to withdraw RMB cash with your debit cards, you should arrange currency exchange in your local banks before you go.

• Mobile payment app

Almost everybody pays with their cell phone in China. The most popular mobile payment applications are Alipay and WeChat Pay. Both of them have English versions and can be used for payment and collection. In addition, WeChat is also a widely used communication app similar to WhatsApp.

• Budget for spending

The budget for the whole trip should be planned in case of overspending. It mainly depends on your duration of stay, flights, accommodation, transportation, and so on.

Packing Essentials

• Clothing in season

The weather in China can be significantly different in different cities and different seasons. You need to consider which part of China you want to go to and at what time of the year you will be going before you pack your clothes. For example, if you decide to go to Harbin, whose climate is similar to Paris, in January it will be covered in snow whereas in summer the temperature will reach 86 degrees Fahrenheit at its highest. 

• Plug and adapter

China’s socket specification is different from Europe’s. Some hotels may provide you with an adapter but it is always safe to bring one along with your plug.

• Necessary equipment

If you like to record your trip on the way, remember to bring your camera, go-pro, selfie stick, etc.

Cultural Preparation

• Learning simple Chinese

Not that you need to learn to speak fluent Chinese before you go, but learning a few simple phrases would definitely show your enthusiasm when you meet the Chinese locals.

• Translation app

A translation app is a must-have item on your cell phone during your trip because English is not widely spoken in China. You need it on a daily basis from shopping to asking for direction.

• Chinese etiquette

Since China has a totally different cultural background from Europe, you can learn about some Chinese etiquette in advance. For example, there is no need to tip at restaurants and hotels.

Accommodation Arrangements

• Hotels

Hotel choices are full of variety in China. You can choose your accommodation based on your budget. It should be arranged prior to your departure. In this way, you can make sure you book at a reasonable price and the hotels will meet your demand.

Although the Chinese government ordered hotels across the country not to refuse foreign guests in May 2024, this regulation might still take some time to implement across the whole country. Still, we recommend you check whether the hotel can accept your stay when booking to save unnecessary trouble. Besides, you can check reviews and comments on TripAdvisor, etc., to help you make the decision.

• Landmark

There are landmarks worth visiting in every city but you don’t need to cover all of them. Search for landmarks in the city you are going to visit and choose some spots that you are interested in.

Transportation Planning

• Digital map

If you are going on a road trip after you enter China. Download at least a digital map on your cell phone. Apple Maps, Tencent Maps or Gaode Maps are often used by Chinese people.

• Subway map

China has a large public transportation system and there is a subway system in major cities. If you are visiting a big city, make sure you save a subway map on your phone.

• Hailing service

Apart from hailing a taxi on the side of a street, you can download and sign in to an app called “DiDi”. It serves the same purpose as Uber and it is the most popular hailing app in China.

• Bike-sharing app

Biking is also a convenient way to travel in a short distance. There are bike-sharing services in many cities. The main bike-sharing apps are DiDi Bike and Hellobike.

Communication Preparation

• Portable wifi

You necessarily find free wifi everywhere. Having a portable wifi is an option for you to access the internet.

• SIM card

Getting a Chinese SIM card is very important. It should be the first thing you do after you get off the plane. A Chinese SIM card will make you sign in Chinese apps and contact Chinese number much easier.

• Data package

After you get your SIM card, you need to buy yourself a data package, or the data cost will be unreasonably high. Contact the local operator to choose a suitable plan.

• VPN

Not all websites or apps can be well accessed in China. If you want to access certain websites not originated in China, such as YouTube and Instagram, you may need a VPN. You can purchase one online and set it up on your mobile devices if necessary. Below we have listed some of the best VPNs in China for a smooth trip:

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN
• VyprVPN
• PureVPN

Emergency Preparedness

• Contact information of the Consulate

Check and save the contact number of the Consulate of your country in advance.

• Emergency plan

Have an emergency plan. Make sure you know what to do in an emergency. In China, call 110 for policemen, 120 for ambulance and 119 for firemen.

• A copy of the passport

Not only should you bring your passport, but you should also keep a copy of it in case of any emergency.

6 Most Popular Destinations You Must Visit in China

There are countless destinations worth visiting in China, ranging from modern big cities to tropical islands. Here we have selected 6 of the most popular places for your reference.

Shanghai

Shanghai is the metropolitan of China. It is the center of finance, business, and economics. The population of the city ranks 3rd place in the world. If you are looking for a downtown experience, this is your first choice.

• Highlights

What Shanghai to China is what New York is to the US. It has an atmosphere of self-confidence and vitality which you can never get tired of. You can go walk and shop in the grand malls during the day and go grab a drink in all kinds of bars at night.

• Landmarks

Famous landmarks in Shanghai include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum, etc.

• Food

Food is everywhere in Shanghai. You can find restaurant food all around the world. For Shanghai cuisine, it is made to be sweet and refreshing which is convenient if you travel with small children. The famous dishes are pan-fried buns, liquor-saturated chicken, braised pork, and so on.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China. It is located in Northern China and is the second largest city only after Shanghai. It is the hub for politics and culture.

• Highlights

Different from Shanghai, Beijing combines modern and traditional styles. When you are there, you get to see both the architecture with rich history and breathtaking skyscrapers on the same day.

• Landmark

Historical sights are the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Tian’anmen Square, etc. Modern sights include Beijing Olympic Park, 798 Art Zone, etc.

• Food

Beijing roast duck is the epitome of Beijing cuisine. It is known for its crispy skin and juicy meat. It goes with a unique sauce and some green onion. Besides, you can go for a food hunt in Beijing. There are a lot of street snacks such as fried dough rings and “rolling donkeys”.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou is the capital city of Guangdong Province which is located in Southern China. It is a major seaport and is considered China’s southern gateway to the world.

• Highlights

Besides being a city of world trade, Guangzhou is popular among tourists for its mild climate and rich culture. It is warm and humid most of the year. You can find well-retained historic streets, and modern skyscrapers and enjoy affordable Cantonese food every day during your visit.

• Landmark

The landmarks of Guangzhou are Canton Tower, Shamian Island, the Pearl River, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, etc.

• Food

Food in Guangzhou is known to be delicious and affordable. You will find that the food in small dinners can taste surprisingly good. Also, Guangzhou people love chicken cuisine. Famous dishes include white sliced chicken, hand-shredded chicken, Soy Sauce Chicken, and many more.

Shenzhen

Shenzhen is the third most populous city in China and is a special economic zone in Southern China bordering Hong Kong. It did not become a city until 1979 and has grown rapidly ever since. Now, it is the world’s fourth busiest container port.

• Highlights

When people talk about Shenzhen, they talk about how fast it has developed. Certainly, it offers great shopping malls for all kinds of products from luxuries to digital appliances. However, it is worth noticing that Shenzhen has great parks, amazing beaches, and artistic urban villages.

• Landmark

Check out these landmarks: Sea World, COCO Park, Shenzhen Bay Park, Dameisha Beach, Dafen Oil Painting Village, etc.

• Food

Food in Shenzhen is similar to the food in Guangzhou since they both share Cantonese culture. Cantonese Dim Sum is the favorite of Cantonese people. They are served in small portions and people usually enjoy them with hot tea at breakfast or lunch time.

Sanya

Sanya is the southernmost city of Hainan, which is an island and the southernmost province of China. The city deeply relies on tourism. It is known for its tropical climate and endless coastline. If you enjoy the beach under the sun, you should consider spending your vacation in Sanya.

• Highlights

Since it is a popular tourist destination, numerous international luxury hotel chains have been built along the coastline including Atlantis, MGM, Regis, and many more. Besides, there are over 100 hotels in the city. You can choose from international brands to locally managed resorts.

• Landmark

There are mainly 7 beaches in Sanya: Yazhou Bay, Sanya Bay, Dadonghai, Yalong Bay, Haitang Bay, Qingshui Bay, and Shimei Bay. They all have pros and cons. You can choose a beach based on hotels, beach management, etc.

• Food

As a beach city, the seafood here is incredibly fresh. In Sanya First Market, you can find all sorts of seafood alive such as lobsters, shrimps, and squids. After you buy your favorite ones in the market, take them to a restaurant and they will cook them for you.

Chengdu

Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan Province located in southwestern China. It is on the east side of the Tibet Plateau which means you can go to Tibet from Chengdu by flight, train, and even by car. It is a historic city as well as the hometown of giant pandas.

• Highlights

Chengdu is a laid-back city. Local people like to drink tea and play mahjong as a routine. In this “land of abundance”, apart from visiting the lovely giant pandas, tasting the spicy Sichuan food and seeing cultural relics are on the must-do list for tourists. 

• Landmark

Apart from day trips to panda bases, there are many other options. We recommend the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest sculpture of Buddha carved out of a mountain and the Sanxingdui Archeological Site and Museum showing the history of Chengdu.

• Food

Chengdu has been a famous destination for spicy cuisine. You should try Sichuan hot pot, Ma Po Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, spicy chicken on a stick and many more, but be prepared the food may be more spicy than you think.

Top 10 Unique Chinese Souvenirs to Bring Home

• Tea

Tea is the most recommended souvenir because it is light, easy to pack, and most importantly an important role in Chinese people’s daily life. There are many different types of tea in China. You can get it in a supermarket or check out the tea market in the city if possible.

• Chopsticks

Chopsticks are fun souvenirs to bring home and they are also easy to find in supermarkets. As you may know, chopsticks are what Chinese people use at dinner tables instead of forks. Having them is both meaningful and practical.

• Chinese calligraphy and paintings

Calligraphy and paintings are special art forms in China. There are different styles and sizes to choose and you can hang them on the wall in your house.

• Chinese clothing

The beautiful traditional Chinese clothing is worth buying, especially for the ladies. There are Qipao, Changshan (for men) and Han costumes. Not only does it show traditional Chinese culture, but also it is elegant and classy.

• Jade

Jade is culturally significant for Chinese heritage. In ancient China, only the Emperor possessed a jade seal, representing the highest power. Nowadays, jade is made as jewelry and decorations meaning good fortune and health.

• Baijiu

Baijiu is a white liquor popular among Chinese people, especially for older men. The liquor is known for its strong flavor and high alcohol content. If you are interested in alcohol, it will be a good choice.

• Chinese knots

Chinese knot is also a form of traditional art. This handcraft takes time and skill which dates back to the Song dynasty. Usually, Chinese knots are red representing happiness and good fortune.

• Masks

The masks of Beijing opera are colorful and interesting. They are not just for decoration. Different masks represent different characters in the performance, playing an important part of the whole show.

• Cloisonne

Chinese Cloisonne products are popular throughout the country. You will find vases, jewelry, plates, and so on. 

• Location-specific items

China is a vast country. When you travel around it, there will be a variety of souvenir items reminding you of the local culture and experience. Feel free to explore and collect them along the way.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit China?

See the below list for China seasons in general:

• Spring – March, April, May
• Summer – June, July, August
• Autumn – September, October, November
• Winter – December, January, February

It is hard to define when is the best time to visit China because it is such a broad country with a wide range of weather. Also, it depends on your needs. If you are looking for a snow-covered winter and see ice sculptures in the Northernmost China, you should go during winter. If you prefer hot weather when you can wear vests and shorts, you should go in summertime. For a more comfortable weather, you may choose in Spring and Autumn. Remember, the weather varies in different parts of China even in the same season. It is important to check the weather of your specific destination.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Visa-free Travel in China

China has a very different culture from the Europe countries. Here are some tips you need to know before you go:

• Tipping is not common.

There is no tipping culture in China. Don’t worry about bringing change with you all the time, but make sure you have digital money on your cell phone.

• Public transportation is widely used.

China has a large public transportation system. It is highly efficient and recommended for tourists. If you rely on a rental car, you may find it hard to find parking spaces in big cities.

• Tap water is undrinkable.

Tap water is safe for washing hands. However, you need to boil it before you drink or just stick to bottled water.

• English is not widely spoken.

Don’t expect to communicate in English in China. Learn a few Chinese phrases and always have a translation app with you.

• Food may be overly spicy.

In some provinces such as Hunan, Jiangxi, and Sichuan, local food is generally spicy. If you are not comfortable with spicy food, you should check with the restaurant before you order.

• Smoking pot is illegal.

Don’t risk taking any drug to enter the border of China, or you may be facing serious charges.

• Squat toilets are commonly used in public bathrooms.

Seated toilets have been used in China but they still mostly use squat toilets in public bathrooms. It is best you bring tissues with you when you go.

FAQ

• Where can I find up-to-date information on China’s visa-free travel policies?

You can search “China visa-free” on Google and look for the latest updated information or go to the Chinese national immigration website: National Immigration Administration (nia.gov.cn).

• Can citizens from countries on the visa-free list enter China multiple times?

Yes. There is no restriction on the number of entry for the visa-free eligible citizens.

• Are there other visa-free schemes in China? 

Yes. Here is a table to sum up other visa-free schemes in China.

• Is it safe to travel to China?

Yes, China is a rather safe country for tourists. Let’s look at some research by authorities. Numbeo says China ranks 19th in the world in terms of safety, ahead of Denmark and the Netherlands. Vision of Humanity ranks China 80th, a safety level the same as Tunisia or Equatorial Guinea. In the BHTP research, millennials and LGBTQ+ travelers tend to consider China safe while older travelers may hold a different view. In general, Chinese cities get high reviews for physical safety and healthcare.

Conclusion

All in all, China is a beautiful and vast country with a long history and rich culture. The natural scenery is breathtaking and the food is so diverse that you can taste many styles of cuisine in one trip. It is worth taking the time to explore. We have delved into all aspects of advice when traveling in China. Hope it helps you get started with the planning.