Find and Book Cheap Flights to China for Your Next Journey

Winter is ideal for seeing the Harbin Ice Festival or enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the Great Wall without the usual crowds.

Spring brings comfortable temperatures and beautiful flowers, making it one of the most popular times for sightseeing across the country.

While summer can be hot, it is the best time for high-altitude exploration and enjoying the lively atmosphere of major cities.

Autumn is widely considered the best time to visit China due to clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and stunning fall colors.

Travelers from the United Kingdom must obtain a visa before arriving in mainland China. The process involves submitting an application, providing fingerprints at a visa center, and showing proof of travel arrangements. Unlike the UK's relatively simple entry for many nationalities, China maintains strict border controls. Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages and is valid for six months. For short stays, check if you qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit available in major cities like Shanghai or Beijing, which requires an onward ticket to a third country. This is a great way to see a city without a full visa. Always carry a printed copy of your hotel booking and return flight information to show immigration officers upon arrival at the airport.

China's high-speed rail network is world-class and often more convenient than domestic flights for medium distances. You can travel between Beijing and Shanghai in just over four hours. Within cities, the subway systems are extensive, clean, and have English signage, making them much easier to navigate than the London Underground for first-time visitors. Taxis are affordable but drivers rarely speak English, so have your destination written in Chinese characters. Download a local ride-hailing app like DiDi, which has an English interface and accepts international credit cards. For a local experience, try the public buses, though they require more navigation skill. Avoid unlicensed taxis at airports; always head to the official taxi rank. Walking is a great way to explore older neighborhoods, known as Hutongs in Beijing.

Chinese culture values 'face' or social standing, so avoid losing your temper or criticizing people in public. Tipping is not expected and can sometimes be seen as confusing in restaurants or taxis, which is a major difference from the UK's service culture. When meeting someone, a simple nod or a slight bow is common, though handshakes are standard in business. Use both hands when giving or receiving items like business cards or gifts. It is polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate to show the host provided more than enough. Public behavior is generally reserved, and smoking is common in many public areas, though restrictions are increasing in major cities. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases like 'Ni Hao' (Hello) and 'Xie Xie' (Thank you) goes a long way.

Dining in China is a communal experience where dishes are shared. Unlike the UK where everyone orders their own meal, expect a variety of plates placed in the center of the table. Tap water is not safe to drink, so always stick to bottled or boiled water. Street food is delicious and a core part of the culture, but choose stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness. Regional cuisines vary wildly; Sichuan is famous for heat, while Cantonese is more subtle. Don't be a tourist—look for crowded local 'hole-in-the-wall' spots where the menu is only in Chinese; these often serve the most authentic food. For the best photo and a unique memory, visit a traditional tea house in Chengdu or a rooftop bar in Shanghai for a view of the skyline while you dine.