Your China Trip, Planned in the Right Order

China is large enough that each city has its own character and its own best season. So the first useful step is knowing what to decide first. This guide walks first-time travelers from entry rules to a working itinerary skeleton.

The short version: holders of a regular Korean passport can enter China visa-free for tourism stays of up to 30 days, extended through December 31, 2026. From there, narrow down to two or three cities and connect them by rail and air.

The bottom line: narrow to two or three cities

Fewer cities, seen properly, beat a rushed loop. Travel days between cities eat into the time you actually spend sightseeing.

Pick cities linked by high-speed rail, such as Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, and your route stays clean.

Entry and visa basics: tourism under 30 days is visa-free

Holders of a regular Korean passport may enter China without a visa for tourism stays of up to 30 days. This is extended through December 31, 2026.

If your stay exceeds 30 days or your purpose is not tourism, you will need a visa. Immigration checks your length of stay and hotel address, so keep your accommodation details in English or Chinese.

Where to start: comparing regions

Getting between cities: split rail and air

Intercity travel runs on high-speed rail and flights. Rail stations sit closer to city centers and keep to schedule, while air wins on the longest legs.

• Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East is a bit over an hour by high-speed rail.
• Xi'an to Luoyang runs about ninety minutes.
• Beijing to Shanghai is about four and a half hours by rail; flying takes around two hours plus airport transfers.

For tight schedules, fly; with more time, take the train.

City transport and payment setup

In big cities, the metro is the fastest and cheapest way around. Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu all have dense networks with English signage.

Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before you fly and you can skip cash almost everywhere. Carry a small amount of cash for the day as a backup.

Itinerary skeletons: 4 days and 6 days

Food and things to watch

Regional flavors are distinct. Beijing means roast duck and zhajiangmian, Xi'an means roujiamo and lamb paomo, Chengdu means hotpot and dandan noodles, and Shanghai means soup dumplings.

• Holidays crowd both transport and hotels.
• Keep a passport copy and photo stored separately.
• Buy travel insurance.
• Rules and schedules change, so reconfirm the latest details before departure.