With the easing of entry, the “Old China” of long visa applications is gone! But when planning a trip to China for the first time, there are some things you should know.
We’ve put together this guide to China travel in 2026 so you can feel confident exploring this vibrant culture.
Can you visit China with kids?
Is China safe for family travel? Yes. China has incredibly low crime rates and (often criticized) high-tech security that makes travel throughout the country very safe.
As someone who spent years traveling China solo, I can confidently say you will feel safe in China with your family. Even with toddlers in a city park at 10 pm.
Because of the one-child policy that was in place for so long, children are celebrated. No matter how big of a tantrum they’re throwing!
However, one thing that may take getting used to is feeling like a celebrity. Westerners, especially those traveling with children, are frequently asked to pose for photos.
Admittedly, after my first couple photos, I was pretty over it and started politely declining.
Another benefit of traveling with babies and young toddlers is the clean, modern malls. China offers excellent nursing rooms!
Take note that some strollers may be a bit of a challenge. There are lots of cobblestone streets, and the thresholds on ancient doors can be cumbersome. Make sure you have a stroller with all-terrain wheels!
Visas & Entry Requirements (2026 Update)
Do US citizens need a visa for China in 2026? US citizens are granted visa-free transit access for stays up to 10 days. Take note that you must be able to prove that you have onward travel to a third country (and not the country you came from). This is a great opportunity to hop over to Japan next!
Do UK citizens need a visa for China in 2026? For stays up to 30 days, UK citizens can travel China visa-free! Same for Canadian, Australian and many EU citizens.
Regardless of citizenship, you will need your passport for entry to many attractions and also to board trains. You’re also required by law to carry your passport with you at all times, so invest in a good passport organizer!
Additionally, you’re required to fill out an Arrival Card when entering the country. Save yourself some time by filling out the Digital Arrival Card before you arrive!
Essential Apps You Need for China Travel
The Great Firewall of China has prevented many Western apps from making their way into the country. But China, being China, has naturally come up with their own alternatives (which are sometimes better than their Western counterparts).
Here are some of the essential apps for China travel:
Baidu Maps
Google apps do not work in China, including Google Maps. Make sure you download a navigation app like Baidu Maps or Amap. For all you iPhone users, Apple Maps works surprisingly well, too!
Google Translate
Remember how I said no Google apps? Google Translate is the exception, as long as you download Mandarin for offline use before you enter the country.
The camera function to translate Chinese characters in real time is an absolute game changer! This is sometimes the only way to order off the menu in the hole in the wall restaurant you stumbled upon.
Trip.com
Trip.com is the gold standard for booking planes, trains and automobiles (and hotels) in China. You’ll find all the best options for planning a trip to China on Trip.com.
Since 2017, I have booked every flight, train and hotel in China through Trip.com!
Similar to Whatsapp, this is a messaging app that runs on wifi. This is very useful for communicating with your hotel, local activities or even tour guides.
WeChat is also part social media, incorporating aspects of both Facebook and Instagram.
Alipay
How do I pay for things in China as a tourist in 2026? Alipay is the best way to make payments across the country. From major attractions to souvenir shops, you’re going to use this app a lot!
You can also use the app to get a ride share through Didi, China’s Uber.
Money & Payments
Can foreigners use Alipay in China without a Chinese bank account? Yes! As of 2026, foreigners with Visa or MasterCard credit cards can finally use Alipay for payments.
Cash is no longer king, as China has essentially been a cashless country since COVID. Honestly, it’s not worth the hassle of exchanging money or taking cash out at the ATM.
Even the tiny food carts that are pulled by a bicycle won’t accept cash.
Alipay is an incredibly easy way to make payments. Just scan a QR code, similar to Venmo, and you’re on your way.
Internet & VPNs
Western apps and websites are blocked in China. From Instagram to Google, many of the apps you’re used to won’t work. Yes, the entire Google ecosystem from maps to search – all blocked!
However, you have a couple options to get around the Great Firewall of China.
First, you can get a VPN. I’ve always used ExpressVPN for China travel, but NordVPN or similar will work as well. If you’re changing to an international phone plan so your phone will work in China, or you’ll be using a laptop, go this route.
The second (and best) option is to get an Airalo eSIM. You can buy a data package for when you’re off wifi, plus it will bypass the firewall automatically. A win-win!
Note that even if you can access Google Maps with a VPN/eSIM, it will not be accurate and will be missing many locations. Make sure you have another map app to use!
Transportation: Trains vs. Planes
Is it better to take the train or fly in China? Trains, for sure!
The high-speed trains are not only efficient, but also significantly more comfortable than flying. You’ll have plenty of leg room, plus you’ll get to see the countryside as you go by. I’ll never forget the lush green farmlands we rode through on the way from Shanghai to Beijing.
Additionally, the fare rules have changed for children in 2026. Kids 6 and under ride free if they don’t occupy a seat, while kids 14 and under ride half price!
The only time I’d say you should fly is if you’re traveling from one side of China to the other. However, most tourists, especially those planning a trip to China for the first time, won’t go further west than Xi’an or Chengdu, so trains are preferred.
For the best rates, book all your trains and flights on Trip.com!
Do I need a car seat in China? If you’re sticking to public transportation, no. If you plan to use taxis or the ride share Didi, yes, bring your car seat.
Car seat laws vary by city, and will not be available if you’re taking a taxi anywhere. In fact, you’ll even see babies and toddlers riding on scooters with their parents!
Where to Stay in China with Kids
International hotel chains (like Marriott or Hilton) offer easy, delicious breakfasts. You’ll have both Western and Chinese options, making it easier to satisfy toddlers to adults.
With the chaos of tourist sites, try to stay a bit further from the action. This will help everyone with sensory overload and provide a better sleep environment. With the amazing public transportation found in major cities, you’ll still be able to get around quite easily!
Additionally, remember that China is a very affordable destination. Hotels are much less expensive than their Western counterparts, even the international chains you’re familiar with. This makes it easier to splurge a little!
In the “Big 4” major cities common for tourists to visit, here are the hotels I recommend:
Beijing
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Beijing. While this is super close to Tiananmen Square, head to the top floor of the hotel for a birds eye view of the Forbidden City! This hotel also has tons of amenities for kids, plus a pool. Book your family suite now.
- Boutique: Beijing Marriott Executive Apartments. Great for longer stays with kitchens. You’ll also enjoy easy access to the Forbidden City, in the heart of the city. Or spend some time at the indoor pool! View apartment options.
- Quiet/Themed: The Universal Studios Grand Hotel. Located at the entrance of Universal Studios Beijing, this hotel is perfect if your kids want to spend time at Universal Studios Beijing. You’ll even get early access to the park! Check availability.
Shanghai
- Luxury: Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre. This centrally located hotel is a short walk from People’s Square and Nanjing Pedestrian Street. It also offers an indoor pool and is stroller-friendly. Read hotel reviews.
- Boutique: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund. If you want to make sure you have plenty of options for breakfast, this is absolutely the hotel for you! It’s also close to Yu Garden and The Bund. Check out the breakfast spread.
- Budget: Kingtown Hotel Plaza Shanghai. While a budget option, this hotel still feels luxurious. Close to both Nanjing Pedestrian Street and public transportation, you’ll have no problem seeing the main attractions of Shanghai! Find travel deals.
Xi’an
- Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Xi’an. The most affordable Ritz-Carlton you’ll ever stay at, this location is known for being exceptionally child-friendly with dedicated kids’ activities and a pool. Check out kids’ suites.
- Boutique: Eastern House Xi’an. A popular choice for western families for its clean, modern design and free afternoon tea. They also offer a kids club and are close to the Muslim Quarter. Book a kids’ themed room.
- Cultural Budget: OrangeHao Hotel. This hotel offers a very affordable stay right at the Yongning Gate. You can even rent Hanfu clothing for a photoshoot while walking along the wall! Find your themed room.
Chengdu
- Sustainable Luxury: Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain. Located outside the city, this hotel offers an incredibly luxurious stay in suites and private villas while still focusing on sustainability. They even have arts and crafts for kids! Book your mountain retreat.
- Panda-Focused: DoubleTree by Hilton Chengdu Riverside. If your focus is pandas, this is one of the closest western hotels to the Giant Panda Research Base. The Hilton chain is known for being family friendly. Check reviews and photos.
- Aparthotel: Kaite Liya Creative Theme Apartment. With close metro access, you’ll be able to get anywhere in Chengdu easily. The family apartments even offer washers and dryers in the units, making laundry a breeze! Book your family apartment.
Registering Your Stay
All foreigners must register their evening reservations with the police. If you’re staying in a proper hotel, the front desk will do this for you.
As long as you book your hotel on Trip.com, you can rest easy. But note that some hotels do not accept foreigners for this reason. This also makes it tricky to stay in an Airbnb or other vacation rentals, and I do not recommend it.
Accommodations in China are very reasonably priced anyways, so don’t cheap out and risk the police showing up for you.
Food Basics in China
Is the tap water in China safe to drink? No. I highly recommend bringing a filtered water bottle so you can easily fill up whenever you find a tap.
Otherwise you’ll have to buy big jugs of water to refill your bottles, which can be cumbersome.
However, you’ll find hot water taps are very common in China, for making tea or instant noodle cups. Plus, the Chinese just tend to drink plain water hot instead of cold. This water is okay to drink unfiltered!
What toddler friendly foods does China have? Dumplings, fried rice, steamed buns and scallion pancakes to name a few!
Can you find Western food in China for picky eaters? Family Mart and Lawson are convenience stores you’ll find every other block, and are a gold mine for picky eaters. The hot case will have photos of what’s inside, so you’ll have a better chance of finding something your kids will eat.
You can also find a food court in the basement level of most malls. These restaurants will likely have photos of their food as well, or you’ll see it in the case before ordering.
If you do have a picky eater in your party, try to stay at a Western hotel chain so you at least know breakfast is covered.
Food Restrictions
If you have any allergies, or strict food restrictions, make sure you bring an allergy card in Mandarin to show to restaurants. You should also learn to say key phrases, such as “don’t want meat” or “don’t want cilantro.”
In all my China travel, I was a vegetarian, which let me tell you can be tricky. I was a bit lenient with soups, which made this significantly easier.
However, you can also find lots of vegetarian restaurants nowadays. Additionally, any meals you have a Buddhist temples are safe, as these sites are strictly veg!
Culture Shock & Managing Crowds in China
Culture shock in China can be… well, shocking. Raised in a small town, the biggest one for me was the sheer number of people anywhere I went.
What is the best time of year to visit China to avoid crowds?
Aim for mid-October through April. Summer break will have insane crowds at any attraction, regardless of the sweltering heat.
However, if you must travel in summer because of school schedules, make sure you get to your priority attractions right when they open! In the afternoons, head to your slightly less popular attractions, or find a park to stroll.
What is the best month to visit China with kids? September and April are both lovely months! They’re not too hot or cold, there aren’t any major holidays and kids are in school so attractions won’t be quite as crowded.
There are several pedestrian and “snack” streets in China that really come alive at night. If there’s one you really want to visit, I highly recommend visiting during the day so you get a feel for it before revisiting after dark. Make sure you keep your kids close so they don’t get lost in the crowds!
When should you avoid traveling in China? At all costs, avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and Lunar New Year (late Jan-early Feb).
I have been in China the week before both of these holidays, and already many stores and restaurants were closed, and trains in the country were packed.
Potty Time
Public restrooms will all have squat toilets. Just like how your kids practiced sitting down on the potty, you should practice squatting, too!
Additionally, make sure you bring your own toilet paper, as it’s unlikely to be supplied. Bring travel size Kleenex packages, or pick up bamboo tissue packets in any supermarket or convenience store.
You’ll also need to throw the used tissue in the trash can, not the toilet.
And bring your own hand sanitizer, too.
Personal Space & Lining Up
With 1.4 billion people in the country, you already expect the crowds, but know that you’ll likely get bumped into a lot as well. Typically, this is not because someone is trying to be rude, but just because there’s only so much space!
Additionally, people don’t really “line up” like they do in the West. If there’s space ahead of you, or you’re taking your sweet time ordering, someone will jump in to take your spot.
When you’re ready, just hop up to the counter and confidently place your order. Or if there’s an obvious line, stand close to the person in front of you!
Noisiness
With all these people, you can probably imagine how much noise they all make.
There are also things that make noise that you wouldn’t expect, like the daily morning street sweepers that blast the same refrain over and over and over…
Chinese culture is also very direct and people tend to speak loudly. It may seem like people are arguing, when in fact they’re just talking about how delicious their tea is.
Fun fact: honking is illegal in Shanghai, so it’s actually one of the quieter cities to visit. People flash their lights at each other instead.
Conclusion
China is an exciting country that can absolutely be explored with children. From the metropolises of Shanghai and Beijing, to the historical cities of Chengdu and Xi’an, China is a culturally rich country just waiting to be explored, even with kids!
There are just a few things to know when planning a trip to China for the first time. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with other families traveling to China!
