China

Visa requirements for China depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.

April–May and September–October are ideal nationwide — mild temperatures and clearer skies. Summer (June–August) is hot and rainy. Winter is cold but great for avoiding crowds at major sights. Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) brings massive domestic travel.

• Casual throughout most of the country
• Modest dress (cover shoulders, knees) at Buddhist temples and Taoist shrines
• Remove shoes before entering mosques and some temples in Xinjiang and other Muslim regions
• Smart casual for business meetings and upmarket restaurants

• Exchange business cards with both hands and take a moment to read theirs — never write on or stuff it in a pocket immediately
• Slurping noodles and soup is completely normal and not considered rude
• Pointing at people with one finger is impolite — gesture with an open hand
• Refusing food multiple times before accepting is polite
• Gifts are often refused initially — offer again; wrapping in red (not white or black) is lucky

• A VPN is required to access Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western social media — download before you arrive
• Criticising the government, Communist Party, or leaders in any public form can result in arrest
• Always carry your passport — random ID checks do occur
• Drone flying requires a registered licence; flying near airports and restricted zones is illegal
• Drugs carry the death penalty