Backpacking in China: A Complete Travel Guide

Traveling to China can be an exhilarating experience, one filled with vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. Many travelers, however, often find themselves overwhelmed with questions about how to navigate this vast country. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a first-time adventurer, our comprehensive guide to traveling in China will equip you with essential information and tips to make the most out of your journey.

Understanding Visa Requirements
Currency and Payment Options
Best Times to Visit
Health Precautions: Vaccines
Budgeting for Your Trip
Power Outlets and Charging Devices
Crafting Your Itinerary
Getting Around China
Delicious Culinary Adventures
Highlights and Challenges of the Journey
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Understanding Visa Requirements

Before you embark on your adventure to China, securing a visa is a crucial step. Most travelers will require a visa for entry, which typically allows for a stay of up to 30 days with a single entry. It's advisable to apply for your visa well in advance through a Chinese embassy or consulate. If you're located in Spain, for instance, you can find detailed information on the Chinese embassy in Madrid. The cost of processing this visa is approximately €126.55, which includes processing and administrative fees.

If your travel plans include visiting Hong Kong or Macao and returning to China, you will need a visa that permits multiple entries. Each of these regions has its own entry requirements, and the visa costs around $60 USD plus any service fees charged by the agency you use. Many travelers find it convenient to obtain this visa while in Hong Kong.

Currency and Payment Options

The official currency in China is the Yuan (CNY). It's advisable to check current exchange rates prior to your travel to ensure you have a good understanding of what to expect. Both Hong Kong and Macao have their own currencies, so be cautious when planning your finances.

To avoid high transaction fees, it’s best to refrain from exchanging large sums of money at your local bank before departure. Instead, consider using a travel card from a neobank, which typically offers better exchange rates and lower fees. We recommend using cards like Revolut or N26. Both cards can save you substantial amounts in fees and offer a free version with excellent conditions. Carrying a combination of these cards along with a traditional bank card can provide flexibility in case one fails.

Best Times to Visit

China’s climate is diverse, heavily influenced by seasonal monsoons, resulting in cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers. However, weather varies greatly from the northern to the southern regions. Generally, the best time to visit China spans from April to October. During this period, you can enjoy pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Be sure to check the specific climate conditions in the regions you plan to visit, as this can greatly impact your travel experience.

Health Precautions: Vaccines

While many travelers opt not to get vaccinated for routine trips to destinations with minimal disease risks, it’s important to consider potential health issues. The recommended vaccinations for travel to China include:

Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Tetanus-Diphtheria
Japanese Encephalitis and Cholera if visiting rural areas

For more detailed recommendations, you can refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' travel advice.

Budgeting for Your Trip

During our 17-day journey through China, our daily expenses averaged around €20.38 per person. This budget breakdown is particularly helpful for those looking to plan their finances effectively:

Accommodation: €4.67 (stayed in hotels for 11 nights)
Food: €5.52
Transportation: €7.71
Activities and miscellaneous expenses: €2.48

Reference Prices (1€ = 7.86Y)

Shared dormitory: 30-40 Yuan (Y)
Double room: 70-100 Y
Main vegetable dish: 8-15 Y
Main meat dish: 18-40 Y
10 dumplings: 5-15 Y
Rice bowl: 2 Y
Large beer (in supermarkets): 2.5 Y
Water bottle (in supermarkets): 3 Y
Public bus fare: 1 Y
Metro ticket: 1-2 Y

Power Outlets and Charging Devices

While traveling in China, it's essential to be aware of the types of power outlets available. You will encounter three main types:

Type C: Common in Europe, featuring two round pins.
Type A: The traditional Asian plug with two flat pins.
Type I: A less common style, featuring angled pins.

Consider purchasing a universal adapter before your trip or acquire one upon arrival to ensure you can charge your devices without a hitch.

Crafting Your Itinerary

With so many incredible destinations to explore, planning your itinerary is essential. During our trip, we visited several locations that left a lasting impression:

Hong Kong - A vibrant city that offers a unique blend of cultures.
Yangshuo - Known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.
Zhangjiajie - A breathtaking national park that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.
Xian - Home to the incredible Terracotta Army.
Pingyao - A beautifully preserved medieval town.
Beijing - The capital, rich in history and modern attractions.

Getting Around China

For long-distance travel within China, trains are the most efficient mode of transportation. Upon arrival at each city, we would book our next train ticket, which we found to be relatively easy, despite the language barrier at some stations. Most long-distance trains offer comfortable sleeping arrangements, making overnight journeys quite pleasant. For more details on navigating public transportation, check out our transportation guide.

Delicious Culinary Adventures

Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse and far beyond the stereotypical fried rice and spring rolls. We discovered a world of flavors and dishes during our travels. After traveling for eight months through various countries, China presented us with culinary delights that left us craving more. We indulged in authentic dishes that highlighted the richness of local ingredients, flavors, and cooking styles. For a detailed exploration of the incredible food we experienced, check out our post entitled “Gastronomic Guide to China”.

Highlights and Challenges of the Journey

Every journey has its ups and downs, and our adventure in China was no different. Here’s a glimpse into our personal experiences, including the highs and lows that shaped our trip.

Highlights

Traveling by train: An efficient and enjoyable way to cover long distances.
The enchanting landscapes of Yangshuo, reminiscent of fairy tales.
The quirky experience of visiting Chinese supermarkets, filled with unique products.
The breathtaking skyline of Hong Kong, especially from Victoria Peak.
The abundance and variety of Chinese cuisine, delighting our taste buds.
Beijing’s rich culture and vibrant atmosphere left us captivated.
Experiencing the quirky and surreal aspects of Chinese bathrooms.
Walking through the medieval streets of Pingyao.
Standing on the Great Wall of China, an unforgettable moment.