China, essential travel information

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable periods for many classic routes: Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Jiangnan, Guilin, Yunnan or Sichuan. Summer is hot and humid across much of eastern and southern China, but remains relevant for some higher-altitude areas. Winter is cold in the north, sometimes extremely cold in Manchuria, but can offer spectacular China expériences: snow, ice festivals, quiétér Great Wall sections and clear skies. Chinese national holidays, especially Golden Week around 1 October and Chinese New Year, must be anticipated because they affect prices, availability and visitor flows.

• Classic itineraries: April-May and September-November.
• South China and Yunnan: shoulder seasons, with attention to rainfall depending on the area.
• North and Northeast China: winter possible for informed travellers.
• High-altitude areas: adapt the pace and monitor local conditions.

High-speed rail is often the best tool for building a smooth circuit: Beijing-Xi'an, Xi'an-Chengdu, Shanghai-Suzhou-Hangzhou-Nanjing, Guangzhou-Shenzhen or Chengdu-Chongqing. Domestic flights remain useful for long distances to Yunnan, Xinjiang, Gansu, Tibet, Hainan or the Northeast. In cities, metro and taxis are efficient, but premium clients often prefer private transfers to secure timings, luggage handling and comfort.

China should not be sold as a compact destination: distances, stations, transfer times and security checks must be integrated from the design stage.

• Check stations carefully: some cities have several major stations far apart.
• Arrive early for trains because of security checks and boarding procedures.
• Confirm Chinese names of hotels and stations for transfers.
• Do not underestimate urban traffic in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shenzhen.

Mainland China’s currency is the yuan renminbi, code CNY, often abbreviated RMB. Mobile payments are widespread; international travellers should prepare compatible payment methods before departure, an international card, a mobile solution if available and some cash for cases where mobile payment is not possible. Hong Kong and Macao use their own currencies.

Foreign clients should prepare compatible payment apps in advance (Alipay / WeChat Pay are recommended), keep an international bank card and carry a small amount of cash for backup.

• Check withdrawal and payment limits before departure.
• Keep a backup bank card.
• Ask hotels to confirm accepted payment methods.
• For groups, anticipate advances, deposits and personal expenses.

France Diplomatie underlines the importance of insurance covering medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation. For itineraries involving altitude, heat, intense cold, long walks or isolated areas, the pace must be adapted. Xinjiang is flagged for reinforced vigilance by France Diplomatie; accèss to some areas may change. Before departure, check security, formalities, health and local restrictions.

• Carry personal medication and prescriptions.
• Plan hydration breaks in summer and cold-weather protection in winter.
• Check restrictions for drones, sensitive areas and permit-only sites.
• Ariane registration is recommended for French travellers.

Standard Mandarin is the common language, with many regional languages and varieties. English remains uneven outside international hotels, major companies and highly touristic areas. Some Western digital services can be difficult to accèss; useful tools should be prepared before departure, in compliance with local law. Important habits include punctuality, respect for the guide, caution around sensitive political topics and flexibility with operational changes.

• Give clients hotel names in Chinese.
• Install useful maps, translation and messaging tools before departure.
• Plan an eSIM or compatible SIM if needed.
• Electricity: 220 V, universal adapter recommended.