Why visit
China is continent-sized travel. The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Xi'an's Terracotta Army, Chengdu pandas, Guilin karst rivers, and Shanghai's skyline. With high-speed rail linking most of it.
Country · Asia
China
historyculturefoodcitynature
At a glance
Location
35.0°, 105.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
9,706,961 km²
3,747,877 mi²
Country population
1.43 billion
147/km²
Subregion
Eastern Asia
Currency
Chinese yuan (¥)
CNY
Dial
+86
Language
Chinese
Demonym
Chinese
Internet
.cn
UN
Member state
ISO code
CN / CHN
Where in the world
35.0° · 105.0°
China
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Did you know
- China uses a single time zone for the whole country, even though it spans 5 geographic time zones.
- The Great Wall is not visible from space with the naked eye: that is a myth.
- China has the world's largest high-speed rail network: more than the rest of the world combined.
Bordering China
Traveler notes
- High-speed rail covers Beijing–Shanghai in 4.5 hours
- Most travelers need a visa in advance
- 144-hour visa-free transit available in major cities
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Beijing, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Signature travel cities in China
Shanghai
Shanghai is the Bund's colonial facades facing Pudong's skyline, French Concession lanes, Yu Garden's Ming-dynasty layout, and a food city of exceptional depth.
Xian
Xi'an is ancient Chang'an. Terracotta Army an hour out, 14th-century city walls you can bike, the Muslim Quarter's food street, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Mong Kok's markets, dim sum at its source, and Lantau and Lamma islands for the outlying side of the SAR.
Explore more
Frequently asked about China
What is the capital of China?
Beijing is the capital of China.
What currency does China use?
China uses the Chinese yuan (¥), ISO code CNY.
What languages are spoken in China?
The primary language is Chinese.
Is China landlocked?
No, China has a coastline.
What countries border China?
China borders Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar (Burma), India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Vietnam.
What is the international calling code for China?
The calling code is +86.
When is the best time to visit China?
Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Asia destinations
Brunei
Brunei is a destination in Asia known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
Cambodia
Cambodia is a destination in Asia layered with historical sites and heritage routes. Plan an itinerary around ruins, old quarters, monuments, and museums.
Cyprus
Cyprus is a destination in Asia with coastlines and warm-water travel at its core. Plan around season, swim conditions, and regional island or coastal routes.
Georgia
Georgia (the country) is Caucasus travel. Tbilisi's old town, Kazbegi mountains, Kakheti's 8,000-year wine tradition, and a food scene that stands alongside any in the region.
India
India is as much a rite of passage as a destination. Taj Mahal and Jaipur palaces, Varanasi ghats, Kerala backwaters, Goa beaches, Himalayan Ladakh. One trip can only sample one region.
Indonesia
Indonesia is 17,000 islands. Bali for beaches and temples, Java for Borobudur and volcanoes, Komodo for dragons and pink-sand beaches, Sulawesi for diving. Pick two islands; don't try to see them all.