China has extended key visa facilitation measures through December 31, 2026, making visa applications easier for many short-term travelers. The update centers on an expanded fingerprint exemption for eligible applicants. What’s changing? Based on notices issued by multiple Chinese embassies on December 18, applicants applying for short-term visas with a stay of no more than 180...

Looking for a quick escape this Golden Week? If you want to avoid the big crowds but still enjoy the holiday, here are some of the best day trips you can take from major cities in China. Beijing ➝ Great Wall Hike the Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections of the Great Wall for stunning views and fewer tourists compared to Badaling. Shanghai ➝ Suzhou Known as the “Venice of the...

While the weather has been a little unpredictable of late, when the sun does shine and you’re looking for a spot of alfresco dining or drinking, there is no shortage of stunning rooftops and terraces here in Beijing. To kick off this series, we're going to take a look at some of the rooftops and terraces situated around the Sanlitun and Gongti area, so grab your sunglasses and go...

Greetings are the first step to connecting with people. In Chinese, they are simple, polite, and easy to learn. Here are the most common ones you’ll hear every day. 👋 Common Greetings 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) — Hello (most common, polite for most situations) 早上好 (Zǎoshang hǎo) — Good morning 下午好 (Xiàwǔ hǎo) — Good afternoon 晚上好 (Wǎnshàng hǎo) — Good...

Golden Week is one of the busiest travel times in China. Millions of people are on the move, which means it’s important to stay safe while enjoying the celebrations. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind. 1. Book in Advance Train and flight tickets sell out quickly. Always book through official apps like 12306 for trains and trusted airline platforms for flights. 2. Travel Smart...