I’ve just come back from an epic few days travelling across eastern China and it’s safe to say this trip completely exceeded expectations.
We flew in and out of Shanghai with Finnair, used China’s high-speed rail to move between cities, and packed in Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing in a short break from work.
It gave us the perfect mix of old and new China. Skyscrapers one minute, centuries-old history the next.
If you’re wondering how to plan a trip to China in 2026, here’s exactly how to do it, with everything you need to know before you go.
I hope this post acts as a myth buster for China trip-planning. When I was doing my own research on how to plan a trip to China, I came across a lot of hyperbole, mixed messaging and out of date information. This information is accurate as of April 2026, based on my own experience of travelling in China last week, and I’m staying clear of any dramatic scaremongering or shock tactics. This is your ultimate guide on how to plan a trip to China in 2026.
1. China Visa Requirements for UK & Irish Citizens (2026)
China has made travel significantly easier in 2026, but the rules depend on your passport.
Visa-Free Travel Expansion in 2026 (75+ Countries Now Eligible)
China has significantly expanded its visa-free entry policy in 2026, opening up 30-day visa-free travel to more than 75 countries.
This includes much of:
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Australia and New Zealand
The move is part of a wider push to boost tourism and make short-term travel more accessible.
For UK and Irish travellers, this places you within a much broader group of nationalities who can now visit China without needing to apply for a visa in advance, provided your stay is 30 days or less.
As always, policies can be updated, so it’s worth checking official sources before you travel, but this has made planning a trip to China in 2026 far more straightforward than in previous years.
Irish Citizens – Visa-free trip to China in 2026
- Visa-free entry for up to 30 days
- Applies to tourism, business and short visits
- Valid until 31 December 2026
UK Citizens – Visa-free trip to China in 2026
- Visa-free entry for up to 30 days
- Introduced as part of a temporary policy in 2026
- Also valid until 31 December 2026
When You Still Need a Visa
- Stays longer than 30 days
- Work, study or long-term travel
In those cases, apply via the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
Arrival Process (What to Prepare)
Even without a visa:
- Complete your arrival form online
- Save and screenshot your QR code
- Present it with your passport on arrival
- Note that when you arrive, before you go to the immigration desk, make sure you register your fingerprints on the automated booths. If you don’t, you may be sent back to do this and waste lots of time.
Immigration can take time, especially in major airports like Shanghai, so allow for that when planning your arrival day.
2. Best Time to Visit China (Weather & Crowds)
Best Months to Travel to China
- April to May (Spring)
- September to October (Autumn)
We travelled in early April and the spring blossoms were unreal. Easily one of the highlights of the trip.
Peak Travel Periods
- Chinese New Year
- Labour Day (May 1–5)
- National Day (Oct 1–7)
These periods are busier and more expensive, but they are still manageable with planning.
We travelled during Qingming Festival and found it completely doable. Some busy spots, but trains and logistics ran smoothly because we booked ahead.
3. How to Plan Your China Itinerary
China is vast, so focus on a few regions rather than trying to see everything.
Popular First-Time Routes
- Beijing + Shanghai + Xi’an
- Covers major highlights and history
Nature-Focused Routes
- Chengdu (pandas)
- Zhangjiajie (mountain landscapes)
Southern China
- Guilin & Yangshuo for karst scenery and river cruises
Our Route
- Shanghai
- Qingdao
- Beijing
This gave a great balance of modern cities, coastal views and historic landmarks.
4. Essential Apps for Travelling in China
China is largely cashless, so setting up ‘must-have’ apps before arriving for your trip to China is essential
Payments during your trip to China
Both allow international cards and are used for daily spending.
Transport & Booking Hotels
- Trip.com
- Trains
- Hotels
- Didi (mini app within Alipay) for taxis
We also booked directly with hotels and used Hotels.com to compare prices and book hotels.
Navigation in China
- Google Maps is unreliable – it literally doesn’t work in China
- Apple Maps and Amap work much better
Expect some places to appear under different names, which can be confusing at first.
Connectivity in China
- eSIM providers like Holafly help access apps like Google and WhatsApp
- Use my Holafly discount code to save money on your purchase: IRISHTRAVELADDICT
Some services may still be inconsistent due to network restrictions. I temporarily bricked my TikTok account accidentally and also had Duolingo drama while using the built in VPN.
5. How to Book High-Speed Trains during your trip to China
China’s high-speed rail system is one of the most efficient ways to travel between cities.
Above: Travelling along at 333km/h on China’s bullet trains. Sorry for the terrible photo!
Booking Tips
- Use Trip.com
- Book around 2 weeks in advance
Choosing the Right Train Station
- Some stations are located outside city centres
- Always check distance to your hotel before booking or reserving.
Avoid selecting “all stations” unless you’re comfortable with longer transfer times.
What to Expect for your Trip to China
- Tickets are linked to your passport
- Fast, reliable and often more convenient than flying for shorter journeys
- If you see a low percentage chance of getting your desired train, don’t panic! I had a 25% chance of securing my preferred trains and Trip.com had them booked and sorted as soon as they came out. I believe that the percentage is set abnormally low. Keep the faith.
6. How to Get from Shanghai Airport to the City Centre
After a long journey, getting into the city efficiently makes a big difference.
Option 1: Maglev Train
- Connects Pudong Airport to the city
- One of the fastest commercial trains in the world
- Quick and efficient for central connections
Option 2: Didi (Taxi App)
- Book through Alipay
- Direct to your hotel
We landed late in the evening after around 18 hours of travel, so we chose a Didi straight to the hotel. It was the easiest option and meant we could start exploring first thing the next morning.
7. Where to Stay in China (Important Booking Tip)
Not all hotels in China accept foreign guests.
What to Check
- Use filters on Trip.com
- Or book international hotel chains
- Drop a curteous email once you book
- Book fully refundable hotels – I do this everywhere as plans change
We booked with Trip.com, Hotels.com and Hyatt and had no issues.
Always confirm this before booking to avoid problems at check-in.
8. Practical Travel Tips for your Trip to China
A few things that will make your trip to China smoother:
- Tap water is not drinkable
- Use bottled water
- Public restrooms
- Bring tissues and hand sanitiser
- Carry your passport
- Required for trains, hotels and some attractions. Or if like me, you get pulled over for cycling where you weren’t supposed to. Sorry, Shanghai. I will do better next time!
FAQs: How to Plan a Trip to China
Do UK and Irish citizens need a visa to travel to China in 2026?
No. As of 2026, both UK and Irish passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business or short visits.
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
How do I plan a trip to China step by step?
To plan a trip to China in 2026, follow these key steps:
- Check visa requirements for your passport
- Choose the best time to visit (spring or autumn)
- Plan a realistic route (focus on 2–3 cities)
- Download essential apps like Alipay and WeChat
- Book trains and hotels in advance using Trip.com
- Arrange connectivity before arriving (eSIM recommended)
- Prepare your arrival QR code before landing
What is the best time to visit China?
The best time to visit China is:
- Spring (April to May) for blossoms and mild weather
- Autumn (September to October) for clear skies and comfortable temperatures
These seasons offer the best balance of weather, scenery and manageable crowds.
How many days do you need in China?
A well-planned trip to China typically requires:
- 7–10 days for 2-3 cities
- 10–14 days for 3–4 destinations
China is large, so it’s better to focus on a few regions rather than trying to see everything in one trip. I recommend doing less if you aren’t a seasoned traveller. If you have a sense of adventure and are willing to go hard, squeeze in a little more – but make sure to leave time to savour the little moments.
What apps do you need when travelling to China?
China is largely cashless, so these apps are essential:
- Alipay for payments and transport
- WeChat for payments and communication
- Trip.com for trains and hotels
Without these, travelling around China can be difficult.
How do you book trains in China?
The easiest way to book high-speed trains in China is through Trip.com.
- Book tickets around 2 weeks in advance
- Tickets are linked to your passport
- Always check which station you’re departing from, as some are outside the city
Is it better to fly or take trains in China?
For journeys under 5 hours, high-speed trains are usually faster and more convenient than flying.
They are reliable, efficient and connect major cities directly, making them one of the best ways to travel around China.
How do you get from Shanghai Airport to the city centre?
There are two main options:
- Maglev train – one of the fastest commercial trains in the world
- Didi (taxi app) – easiest option, especially after a long flight
After a long journey, many travellers prefer booking a Didi via Alipay for a direct transfer to their hotel.
Can tourists use Google, WhatsApp and social media in China?
Access to some apps is restricted in China.
Using an eSIM provider like Holafly can help maintain access to services like:
- TikTok
However, connectivity can still be inconsistent at times.
Do hotels in China accept foreign tourists?
Not all hotels in China accept international guests.
- Use filters on Trip.com to find suitable options
- International hotel chains are usually a safe choice
Always check before booking.
Is China easy to travel around as a tourist?
Yes, but preparation is key.
China is:
- Very safe
- Highly efficient
- Well connected by high-speed rail
However, language barriers, app usage, vast densely populated cities, and digital payments mean planning ahead is essential for a smooth trip.
Want more travel inspiration for 2026? Read this. The Ultimate Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide 2026: Colour, Chaos and Caipirinhas Before Carnival
Is China Worth Visiting in 2026?
China is fast-paced, incredibly efficient and completely different to anywhere else.
With the updated visa policies and the ease of high-speed rail, it’s more accessible than ever for UK and Irish travellers.
Even a short trip can deliver a huge amount if you plan it well.
For us, Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing gave the perfect introduction. A proper mix of culture, history and modern city life, all in one trip.
And Shanghai at night is something that genuinely stays with you.
Last Updated on 18 hours ago by Ryan | Irish Travel Addict
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