Gay Guide • CHINA | Itineraries, Tips, and What to See | Practical and Complete LGBT Friendly

GAY FRIENDLY CHINA

Travel solutions with itineraries to discover all the wonders of this destination, places not to be missed, advice on where to sleep and what to eat, and above all special suggestions to make the most of your trip!

Welcome to China, among millennial history, futuristic metropolises and breathtaking landscapes! From the majesty of the Great Wall to the imperial temples of Beijing, from the spectacular mountains of Zhangjiajie to the karst landscapes of Guilin, the country offers an incredible variety of scenery and cultures. Ancient traditions, philosophy, spirituality, and technological innovation coexist here, between ultramodern cities like Shanghai and historic villages suspended in time.

GAY FRIENDLY CHINA

China is also a complex and fascinating destination from an LGBTQ+ perspective. In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, there are vibrant communities, locals, and social spaces frequented by LGBTQ+ people, as well as cultural events and dedicated evenings, often discreetly organized. Hong Kong, with its international atmosphere, has traditionally been one of the most open and dynamic environments in the region. In recent years, cities like Chengdu have also become major landmarks, often considered among the most “gay-friendly” in mainland China thanks to the presence of bars, local communities, and a more relaxed and creative urban culture. While not a “gay-friendly” destination in the Western sense of the term and with less advanced legislation than other Asian countries, large cities have a more tolerant and contemporary climate. Traveling to China by LGBTQ+ people is generally safe, especially while maintaining a profile respectful of the local cultural context, and allows you to discover a country rich in history, contrasts, and ever-evolving social transformations.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Visiting this destination at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:

15-DAY ITINERARY in CHINA - GRAN TOUR

• Day 1 – ITALY / BEIJING

• Day 2 – BEIJING

• Day 3 – BEIJING (Great Wall – Badaling or Mutianyu)

• Day 4 – BEIJING

• Day 5 – BEIJING/ XI’AN

• Day 6 – XI’AN

• Day 7 – XI’AN / CHENGDU

• Day 8 – CHENGDU (Panda Center)

• Day 9 – CHENGDU – LESHAN – CHENGDU

• Day 10 – CHENGDU / ZHANGJIAJIE

• Day 11 – ZHANGJIAJIE (Wulingyuan – National Forest Park)

• Day 12 – ZHANGJIAJIE (Tianmen Mountain)

• Day 13 – ZHANGJIAJIE / SHANGHAI

• Day 14 – SHANGHAI

• Day 15 – SHANGHAI / ITALY

30-DAY ITINERARY in CHINA - GRAN TOUR

• Day 1 – ITALY / BEIJING

• Day 2 – BEIJING

• Day 3 – BEIJING (Great Wall – Badaling or Mutianyu)

• Day 4 – BEIJING / PINGYAO

• Day 5 – PINGYAO / XI’AN

• Day 6 – XI’AN

• Day 7 – XI’AN

• Day 8 – XI’AN / CHENGDU

• Day 9 – CHENGDU

• Day 10 – CHENGDU – LESHAN – CHENGDU

• Day 11 – CHENGDU / CHONGQING

• Day 12 – CHONGQING

• Day 13 – CHONGQING / ZHANGJIAJIE (WULINGYUAN)

• Day 14 – WULINGYUAN (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park)

• Day 15 – WULINGYUAN – ZHANGJIAJIE

• Day 16 – ZHANGJIAJIE (Tianmen Mountain)

• Day 17 – ZHANGJIAJIE / FURONG

• Day 18 – FURONG / FENGHUANG

• Day 19 – FENGHUANG / GUILIN

• Day 20 – GUILIN (Longji) – YANGSHUO

• Day 21 – YANGSHUO – GUILIN

• Day 22 – GUILIN / SHENZHEN

• Day 23 – SHENZHEN

• Day 24 – SHENZHEN / SHANGHAI

• Day 25 – SHANGHAI

• Day 26 – SHANGHAI

• Day 27 – SHANGHAI – SUZHOU – SHANGHAI

• Day 28 – SHANGHAI – HANGZHOU – SHANGHAI

• Day 29 – SHANGHAI

• Day 30 – SHANGHAI / ITALY

35-DAY ITINERARY in CHINA - GRAN TOUR

• Day 1 – ITALY / BEIJING

• Day 2 – BEIJING

• Day 3 – BEIJING (Great Wall – Badaling or Mutianyu)

• Day 4 – BEIJING / PINGYAO

• Day 5 – PINGYAO / XI’AN

• Day 6 – XI’AN

• Day 7 – XI’AN

• Day 8 – XI’AN / CHENGDU

• Day 9 – CHENGDU

• Day 10 – CHENGDU – LESHAN – CHENGDU

• Day 11 – CHENGDU / CHONGQING

• Day 12 – CHONGQING

• Day 13 – CHONGQING / ZHANGJIAJIE (WULINGYUAN)

• Day 14 – WULINGYUAN (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park)

• Day 15 – WULINGYUAN – ZHANGJIAJIE

• Day 16 – ZHANGJIAJIE (Tianmen Mountain)

• Day 17 – ZHANGJIAJIE / FURONG

• Day 18 – FURONG / FENGHUANG

• Day 19 – FENGHUANG / GUILIN

• Day 20 – GUILIN (Longji) – YANGSHUO

• Day 21 – YANGSHUO – GUILIN

• Day 22 – GUILIN / SHENZHEN

• Day 23 – SHENZHEN / HONG KONG (*It allows you to redo the Visa with another 30 days)

• Day 24 – HONG KONG / SHANGHAI

• Day 25 – SHANGHAI

• Day 26 – SHANGHAI

• Day 27 – SHANGHAI – SUZHOU – SHANGHAI

• Day 28 – SHANGHAI – HANGZHOU – SHANGHAI

• Day 29 – SHANGHAI

• Day 30 – SHANGHAI / KUNMING

• Day 31 – KUNMING

• Day 32 – KUNMING / DALI

• Day 33 – DALI / LIJIANG

• Day 34 – LIJIANG – SHANGRI-LA – LIJIANG

• Day 35 – LIJIANG / BEIJING / ITALY

  
  

(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)

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Click'n'Go - Click on the places to find them on the Map

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WHAT TO SEE in CHINA?

THE BEST THINGS TO SEE in CHINA

China is an immense and extraordinarily diverse country, stretching from the deserts of the northeast to the subtropical forests of the south, from the Himalayan mountains to the modern and cosmopolitan coasts. Its vastness makes it possible to explore completely different landscapes and cultures: ancient imperial cities like Beijing and Xi'an, unique natural landscapes like the Zhangjiajie Mountains or the rice terraces of Guilin, ultramodern metropolises like Shanghai and Shenzhen, traditional villages, and autonomous regions rich in ethnic culture. Visiting China means exploring centuries of history, discovering millennia-old traditions, and experiencing natural and urban experiences of incredible variety, on a journey that unites past, present, and future.

BEIHING

Pechino / Beijing

China's thousand-year-old capital and political heart, it is home to some of the country's most iconic symbols: the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. One of the most striking sections of the Great Wall winds through the surrounding area.

10 THINGS TO SEE in BEIJING

• Tiananmen Square

• Forbidden City

• Temple of Heaven

• Summer Palace

• Hutong of Beijing

• Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong)

• Zhengyangmen

• Nan Luo Gu Xiang, Bell Tower & Drum Tower

• National Museum of China

• Bird’s Nest e Water Cube (Olympic Stadiums)

Discover more:

MAP'CITY • PECHINO

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most extraordinary monuments in the world, stretching for thousands of kilometers through mountainous landscapes and spectacular scenery. Among the most famous and visited stretches are Badaling, the most accessible and touristy near Beijing; Mutianyu, popular for its views and less crowded; Jinshanling, ideal for scenic treks; and Simatai, one of the most authentic and evocative segments, often open to visitors even at night.

Discover also:

MAP'INFO • GRANDE MURAGLIA CINESE

SHANGHAI

Shanghai

China's most cosmopolitan city, famous for the Bund, Pudong skyscrapers and historic districts such as Yu Garden.

10 THINGS TO SEE in SHANGHAI

• The Bund

• Oriental Pearl Tower

• Shanghai Tower / Shanghai World Financial Center

• Yu Garden

• City God Temple of Shanghai / Longhua Temple / Jing'an Temple

• Nanjing Road

• Shanghai Museum / China Art Museum / Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

• French Concession Shanghai / Tianzifang / Xintiandi

• Jade Buddha Temple

• Shanghai Grand Theatre

Discover more:

MAP'CITY • SHANGHAI

Zhujiajiao

Historic water town on the outskirts of Shanghai, famous for its ancient stone bridges, picturesque canals, and traditional houses of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Known as the “Venice of Shanghai”, it retains an authentic atmosphere full of charm.

SHAANXI

Xi'an

An ancient imperial capital and starting point of the Silk Road, it is famous for the Terracotta Army. The perfectly preserved city walls and Muslim quarter tell of centuries of cultural encounters.

10 THINGS TO SEE in XI'AN

• Terracotta Army

• Underground Palace of the Emperor Qinshihuang Mausoleum

• Huaqing Palace

• Xi'an City Wall

• Big Wild Goose Pagoda

• Small Wild Goose Pagoda

• Muslim Quarter / Great Mosque of Xi'an

• Shaanxi History Museum

• Bell Tower of Xi'an

• Drum Tower of Xi'an

Discover more:

MAP'CITY • XIAN

SICHUAN

Chengdu

A lively but relaxed city, famous for the Giant Panda Research Center and spicy Sichuan cuisine. Historic temples and teahouses complete the traditional atmosphere.

10 THINGS TO SEE in CHENGDU

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

• Jinli Ancient Street

• Chengdu Wuhou Shrine

• Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley

• Tianfu Twin Towers

• SKP Bamboo Fountain

• Anshun Bridge

• Chunxi Road / Chengdu IFS Tower 1

• Wenshu Monastery

• Dujiangyan City

Discover more:

MAP'CITY • CHENGDU

Leshan

City famous for the majestic Giant Buddha carved into the rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, overlooking the confluence of three rivers. Surrounded by mountainous landscapes and ancient temples, it offers an evocative encounter between spirituality, Buddhist art and nature.

CHONGQING

Chongqing

A futuristic metropolis built between hills and rivers, famous for its nighttime skyline, spectacular bridges, and China's spiciest hot pot.

10 THINGS TO SEE in CHONGQING

• Hongya Cave

• Ciqikou Ancient Town

• Liziba Station

• Yangtze River Cableway

• Jiefangbei Square

• Three Gorges Museum

• Eling Park

• Raffles City Chongqing

• Luohan Temple

• People's Liberation Monument

Discover more:

MAP'CITY • CHONGQING

HUNAN

Zhangjiajie & Wulingyuan

Gateway to extraordinary mountain landscapes, with fog-shrouded rock pinnacles that inspired cinematic scenarios. Wulingyuan is the protected natural area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with thousands of sandstone pillars, suspension bridges, and scenic nature trails.

10 THINGS TO SEE in ZHANGJIAJIE

• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Avatar Hallelujah Mountain

• Tianzi Mountain

• Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

• Golden Whip Stream

• Bailong Elevator

• Tianmen Mountain

• Huanglong Cave

• Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

• 72 Strange Building

Discover more:

MAP'CITY • ZHANGJIAJIE

Discover also:

MAP'INFO • PARCO FORESTALE NAZIONALE di ZHANGJIAJIE

MAP'INFO • TIANMEN MOUNTAIN di ZHANGJIAJIE

Furong

Ancient village built on top of a waterfall, suggestive for its traditional wooden houses.

Fenghuang

Charming historic town along the Tuojiang River, known for its stilt houses and timeless atmosphere.

GUANGXI

Guilin

Famous for China's most iconic karst landscapes and the Longji rice terraces.

5 THINGS TO SEE in  GUILIN

• Li River

• Elephant Trunk Hill

• Reed Flute Cave

• Sun and Moon Pagodas

• Seven Star Park

• EXTRA Longji Rice Terraces

Discover more:

MAP'CITY • GUILIN & YANGSHUO

Yangshuo

A small town nestled between limestone mountains and the Li River, ideal for scenic cruises and outdoor activities.

GUANGDONG

Shenzhen

Modern and dynamic city, symbol of China's economic development, between contemporary architecture and large urban parks.

10 THINGS TO SEE in SHENZHEN

• Sea World Shenzhen

• Tianhou Museum

• OCT Loft / O-CAT Contemporary Art Terminal

• Window of the World

• Shenzhen Museum

• Shenzhen Central Park

• Mangrove Nature Reserve

• Dapeng Fortress

• Dafen Oil Painting Village

• Huaqiangbei Electronics Market

Discover more:

MAP'CITY • SHENZHEN

JIANGXI

Shangrao

Ideal base for exploring spectacular natural landscapes and scenic valleys of the province.

Wangxian Valley

A charming valley with panoramic walkways, waterfalls and natural scenery surrounded by greenery.

JIANGSU

Suzhou

Famous for its classic UNESCO heritage gardens, canals and small bridges reminiscent of one “Venice of the East”.

5 THINGS TO SEE in SUZHOU

• Humble Administrator's Garden

• Pingjiang Road

• Lingering Garden

• Tiger Hill

• Suzhou Museum

Tongli

An ancient city of water crossed by canals, stone bridges and historic alleys, famous for its authentic and peaceful atmosphere. It is considered one of the most fascinating “Venices of the East”, with elegant gardens and traditional houses overlooking the water.

ZHEJIANG

Hangzhou

Known for the romantic West Lake, celebrated by poets and painters, and the Longjing green tea plantations.

10 THINGS TO SEE in HANGZHOU

• West Lake Hangzhou

• Meijiawu Tea Village

• Liuhe Pagoda

• Hefang Street

• Hu Qingyu Museum

• Lingyin Temple

• Longjing Tea Village

• Jingci Temple / Leifeng Pagoda

• Hangzhou Bay Bridge

• Jixianting Pavilion

Discover more:

MAP'CITY • HANGZHOU

SHANXI

Pingyao

An ancient fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its well-preserved medieval walls, paved streets, and traditional courtyard houses. A journey into the past of imperial China, with an authentic atmosphere that tells the story of ancient Chinese merchants and banks.

YUNNAN

Discover more:

MAP'GUIDE • YUNNAN

Kunming

A city with a mild climate year-round, it is the gateway to the Stone Forest and the region's ethnic minorities.

5 THINGS TO SEE in KUNMING

• Stone Forest

• Green Lake Park

• Yuantong Temple

• Xishan Mountain

• Dianchi Lake

Dali

Overlooking Erhai Lake, it combines ancient walls, Bai culture and mountain views.

5 THINGS TO SEE in DALI

• Dali Ancient Town

• Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

• Cangshan Mountain

• Xizhou Ancient Town

• Erhai Lake

Lijiang

Ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cobbled alleys and traditional Naxi architecture.

5 THINGS TO SEE in LIJIANG

• Lijiang Old Town

• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

• Black Dragon Pool

• Shuhe Ancient Town

• Blue Moon Valley

Shangri-La

A Himalayan town with a strong Tibetan spirit, among Buddhist monasteries and spectacular highlands.

GUANGDONG

Guangzhou

Large commercial metropolis with a long maritime and culinary history.

ANHUI

Huangshan

Famous for the Yellow Mountains, among the most iconic and painted landscapes in China.

Hongcun

Traditional UNESCO heritage village, perfect example of Hui architecture.

FUJIAN

Xiamen

Elegant and relaxed coastal city, famous for the island of Gulangyu.

Tulou

Circular rammed earth buildings built by the Hakka community.

HENAN

Luoyang

It is an ancient imperial capital, famous for the Longmen Caves.

HEBEI

Shijiazhuang

Provincial capital and gateway to historical sites in the surrounding area.

HAINAN

Sanya

Tropical location famous for beaches and resorts on the South China Sea.

QINGHAI

Xining

Entrance gate to the Tibetan Plateau.

Qinghai Lake

China's largest salt lake, surrounded by spectacular scenery.

GANSU

Dunhuang

Important stop on the Silk Road, famous for the Mogao Caves.

Zhangye

Known for the colorful mountains of Danxia Geopark.

TIBET (AUTONOMOUS REGION)

Lhasa

Spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, home of the Potala Palace.

(extra) HONG KONG

Hong Kong

International metropolis where tradition and modernity coexist among spectacular skylines, night markets and historic temples.

(extra) MACAU

Macau

Former Portuguese colony, famous for its unique mix of colonial and modern architecture.

WHAT TO DO in CHINA

Visit the Great Wall (Badaling, Jinshanling and other sections)

Walking along this world icon of China, taking in breathtaking views and the thousand-year history that surrounds it.

Exploring the Forbidden City (Beijing)

Discover the Ming and Qing imperial palace, with courtyards, ceremonial halls, and museums that tell the story of China's imperial history.

Strolling through the Hutong neighborhoods (Beijing)

Experience the traditional atmosphere of historic alleys, local markets and typical courtyards, with restaurants and artisan shops.

Admiring the Terracotta Army (Xi'an)

Visit the famous terracotta statues of warriors and horses, dating back to the Qin Dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Try a traditional hot pot (Chongqing or Chengdu)

Cooking meat, vegetables and tofu in a hot, spicy broth, a typical Sichuan culinary experience.

Take a ride on the Li River (Guilin/Yangshuo)

Sailing through spectacular karst mountains and picturesque riverside villages, taking in iconic views of southern China.

Visit historic temples and parks (Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou)

Explore the Jade Buddha Temple, Suzhou Seal Park, and other cultural sites rich in history and spirituality.

Longji Rice Terraces Excursion (Guilin)

Walking among the famous stepped rice fields, admiring unique rural landscapes and interacting with local communities.

Discover ancient water cities (Suzhou, Fenghuang, Dali)

Stroll among canals, bridges, and traditional houses, immersing yourself in local culture, art, and traditions.

Visit National Parks and Spectacular Mountains (Zhangjiajie, Wulingyuan, Shangri-La)

Hiking through iconic mountains, forests and scenic bridges, ideal for nature lovers and photography.

BEST EVENTS in CHINA

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (December/January)

Large festival of ice and snow sculptures, among the most spectacular in the world, with shows and outdoor activities.

Chinese New Year/Spring Festival (January/February)

Most important celebration in the country, with fireworks, lanterns, traditional shows and typical foods in all cities.

Lantern Festival (February)

Chinese New Year follows, with colorful lanterns, parades, and cultural activities in many cities across China.

Dragon Boat Festival (June)

Dragon boat races and eating glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves (zongzi), celebrated throughout China.

Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October)

Full moon celebration with traditional sweets (mooncakes), lanterns and cultural shows in many cities.

National Day Golden Week (October)

National holiday week with public events, fireworks, and parades in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Qingming Festival (April)

Traditional festival to honor ancestors, with visits to cemeteries, floral offerings, and cultural activities.

Peony Flower Festival (April/May)

Peony exhibition featuring cultural events, markets, and local performances in Luoyang, Henan Province.

Chrysanthemum Festival (October/November)

Chrysanthemum exhibitions and traditional performances in Huangshan and other regions of China.

Harbin Summer Ice Festival (August)

Summer version of the famous winter festival, featuring artistic sculptures, water shows, and outdoor cultural activities.

WHERE TO STAY in CHINA?

BEST LGBT FRIENDLY HOTELS in CHINA

BEIJING / PECHINO – TRUE GO Hotel ****

BEIJING / PECHINO – Grand Mercure Beijing Central ****

BEIJING / PECHINO – Stey Beijing Sanlitun Boutique Hotel ****

XIAN – Campanile Hotel ****

XIAN – Eastwood Inn Xi'an ***

XIAN – Xi'an Yishe 101 Hotel ***

CHENGDU – Elegant Azure Hotel ****

CHENGDU – The Hidden House ***

CHENGDU – Somerset Riverview Chengdu ****

CHONGQING – CHONGQING INDITION HOTEL ***

CHONGQING – Radisson Blu Plaza Chongqing ****

CHONGQING – Mcsrh Hotel-ChongQing Guanyinqiao ***

SHANGHAI – ZHotel The Somekh Building ***

SHANGHAI – Delta Hotels by Marriott Shanghai Baoshan ****

SHANGHAI – Novotel Atlantis Shanghai ****

WULINGYUAN – Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park ****

ZHANGJIAJIE – Vienna International Hotel Zhangjiajie Tianmenshan Cableway Station ****

FURONG – TIANQUAN INN ***

FENGHUANG ANC.TOWN – Hongqiao Story Homestay ***

GUILIN – Manhattan Hotel ****

YANGSHUO – LS Hotel ***

GUILIN – Li River Promise Hotel ***

SHENZHEN – Crowne Plaza SHENZHEN FUTIAN ****

HONGKONG – Holiday Inn Express HONG KONG MONGKOK ***

Wangxian Valley – Wangxiangu Cliff Homestay ***

SHANGHAI Hongqiao – Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Hongqiao CBD ***

KUNMING – Indoor Hotel ***

DALI – HAWTHORN BY WYNDHAM DALI ERHAI PARL ****

LIJIANG – Floral Hotel · Qu'an Hefeng Light Luxury Holiday Hotel ****

WHERE TO EAT in CHINA?

BEST TYPICAL RESTAURANTS of CHINA Quality / Price

Beijing / Pechino - €€ - Beijing Fangshan Restaurant

Shanghai - € - Jia Jia Tang Bao

Xi’an - € - Zui Chang'an (Belfry Branch)

Chengdu - €€ - Ma Wang Zi Chuan Restaurant

Leshan - €€ - Dengqiang Restaurant

Chongqing - €€ - InterContinental Hotel Chongqing Yaxuan Chinese Food Restaurant

Zhangjiajie - €€ - Zhai Zi Li De Bo Bo Cai

Wulingyuan - €€ - Tangshifu

Fenghuang - €€ - Chengqiang Home

Guilin - €€ - You'an Time Pub

Yangshuo - €€ - Guiji Lijiang Fish Home Cooking Restaurant

Shenzhen - €€ - Fanlou

Suzhou - €€ - Weiji'ao Noodle Restaurant

Hangzhou - €€€ - Jiexianglou

Kunming - €€ - Yilaofuzi Italy Restaurant

Dali - €€ - Yirantang

Lijiang - €€ - N's Kitchen Upstairs

WHAT TO EAT in CHINA?

BEST TYPICAL DISHES OF CHINA

Peking Duck – Beijing (BEIJING)

The famous crispy lacquered duck, served with thin crepes, spring onion and hoisin sauce. It is the symbolic dish of the capital.

Xiaolongbao – Shanghai (SHANGHAI)

Steamed dumplings filled with meat and broth, a must-try specialty in traditional restaurants.

Hot Pot – Chongqing (CHONGQING)

Spicy soup where meat, vegetables, and tofu are cooked directly in boiling broth; typical of Sichuan provincial cuisine.

Mapo Tofu – Chengdu (SICHUAN)

Soft tofu in a spicy, spicy sauce with minced meat and Sichuan pepper, a symbol of spicy Sichuan cuisine.

Biangbiang Noodles – Xi'an (SHAANXI)

Wide and long tagliatelle, seasoned with chili oil, vegetables and meat, typical of Northwestern cuisine.

Gong Bao Chicken (Kung Pao) – Chengdu (SICHUAN)

Sautéed chicken with peanuts, chili peppers, and vegetables, an iconic Sichuan dish.

Sweet and Sour Carp – Jinan (SHANDONG)

Carpfish cooked with sweet and sour sauce, typical of the cuisine of the coastal province of Shandong.

Longji Rice Terraces Cuisine – Guilin (GUANGXI)

Dishes made with rice, river fish and local vegetables, typical of the rice terraces of Longji.

Lamian – Lanzhou (GANSU)

Hand-pulled noodles, served in broth with beef, spices, and coriander, popular in northern China.

Dongpo Pork – Hangzhou (ZHEJIANG)

Slow-braised pork in sweet-salty sauce, a typical dish of Hangzhou region cuisine.

USEFUL and ESSENTIAL APPS for a Trip to CHINA suggested by the World Mappers

📍 Useful apps for getting around China

• 🗺️ Amap Global - The first app to download as soon as you arrive in China! Google Maps isn't reliable there, so Amap will be your trusted navigator. Enter your starting point and destination and it will suggest the best route with up-to-date means.📲 📲 Android | Apple

• 🚇 MetroMan - Perfect for using the subway in big cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Includes offline maps and simple interface.📲 Android | Apple

• 🚄 12306 China Railway - Official app of China Railways. It is used to buy tickets, check routes and timetables of high-speed trains.📲 Android | Apple

• 🚕 DiDi - Similar to Uber, but designed for China. It allows you to call a taxi easily without language problems.📲 Android | Apple

📶 Internet connection in China: Holafly

• 🌍 Holafly If you don't want to worry about buying a physical SIM or renting a WiFi pocket, Holafly is the ideal solution: it offers you an eSIM that activates in minutes, directly from your smartphone. Just install the app, choose the data plan for South Korea, and you're online in no time. You won't have to change SIM cards or waste time at the airport. Perfect for those who want to travel light and stay connected at all times.

📲 Discover Holafly

FOR YOU AN INSTANT 5% DISCOUNT WITH CODE: WORLDMAPPERS

📶 VPN

🌍 ESSENTIAL VPN Many Western services (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp) are blocked. You need a VPN to install before you leave.

• 🌐 ExpressVPN One of the most reliable for China. 👉 https://www.expressvpn.com/

• 🌐 NordVPN Very popular and easy to use alternative. 👉 https://nordvpn.com/

💳 Payment Apps in China

• 💸 Alipay - The must-have app in China. You will pay everywhere: restaurants, shops and transportation. You can connect an international card.📲 Android | Apple

• 💳 WeChat - Besides being a chat, it is also one of the most used payment methods in the country.📲 Android | Apple

• 💳 Revolut - Useful for managing expenses and currency exchanges, although it is used less directly in China than local apps.📲 Android | Apple

💬Apps for Communicating in China

❌ WhatsApp doesn't work without VPN

• 💬 WeChat - The most used messaging app in China. Essential for communicating and staying in touch with premises.📲 Android | Apple

🗺️ China Travel Itineraries and Info App

• 🌍 Trip.com Perfect for booking hotels, flights, trains and attractions. Interface in English.📲 Android | Apple

• 🏙️ China Highlights Useful for discovering itineraries, attractions and travel tips.📲 Apple

🍜 Apps for eating well (even at home) in China

• 🍱 Meituan Most used app for ordering food at home.📲 Android | Apple

• 🥡 Ele.me Alternative to Meituan, very popular in large cities.📲 Android | Apple

TRAVEL TIPS about CHINA by World Mappers

• Many Western sites and social media sites such as Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube are blocked in China. To access it, you need to install a reliable VPN before entering the country. Some free or out-of-date VPNs may not work properly, so it's a good idea to choose a paid service and test it before you leave. Keeping your VPN active is essential especially for communicating with friends, booking travel, or browsing foreign maps.

• Besides Western social media, other apps can have problems, such as Google Maps or streaming services. Local alternatives work well:

  • WeChat: essential for texts, calls, payments and even reservations.

  • Baidu Maps: great alternative to Google Maps for itineraries and public transportation.

  • Didi: Uber's equivalent for taxis and ride-hailing.

  • Alipay: in addition to payments, it also allows ticket and restaurant reservations.

• China's trains and rail network are among the most extensive and modern in the world, with high-speed trains connecting major cities and regional trains to smaller destinations. High-speed trains (G and D) are comfortable and punctual, with speeds up to 350 km/h. Reservations can be made via Chinese apps (e.g. Trip.com) or directly at the station. It is advisable to book at least a few days in advance, especially for popular routes or during Chinese holidays. Foreigners can also purchase tickets at some authorized travel agencies without the need for Chinese registration.

Discover also:

MAP'INFO • PRENOTARE TRENI in CINA

• In China, cash is always accepted, but the two main apps, Alipay and WeChat Pay, are widely preferred, even in small shops or restaurants. To use them as foreigners, it's best to register with an international account, or pay with cash where local apps don't work. International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted mainly in hotels, airports and large shopping centres, but less common in smaller cities.

• For citizens of Italy and many European countries, some cities offer free tourist visas for up to 30 days, valid only if entry takes place in certain cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or Hong Kong. Alternatively, the standard tourist visa can be applied for before departure and allows stays of up to 60 or 90 days. It is important to have a passport valid at least six months beyond the return date and, in the case of multiple entries, check the specific conditions of the Chinese authorities.

• Flying drones in China is possible, but requires attention and preparation. First of all, it is mandatory to register the drone if it weighs more than 250 grams and obtain any local permits for urban or tourist areas. Some areas, such as airports, military sites, national parks, and historic cities (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai), may be banned or require special permits. It is essential to respect local rules, fly only in open spaces, and keep the drone in sight. To avoid fines or seizures, always inform yourself about updated restrictions through local authorities or official apps. As of January 1°, 2024, China introduced a national drone management regulation requiring real-name registration for all drones, regardless of weight, before any flight. Authorities have also established severe restrictions on controlled airspace and no‑fly zones, and it is mandatory to comply with altitude limits and local clearance procedures.

  New rules that come into force from May 1°, 2026

  • Mandatory real registration for all civilian drones: As of this date, all drones must be registered under their real name and activated online before they can fly. Without registration the drone cannot take flight.

  • Real-time identification: Drones must automatically transmit identity, position, speed, and status to the control system throughout the flight, enabling real-time surveillance by authorities.

  • Automatic safety requirements: If the identification system or other controls do not work, the drone must activate safety responses (hover, return, or automatic landing).

  • Bringing drones to Beijing is prohibited; if you arrive by plane or train, they will be seized.

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