Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[86] (10) 8531-3000; US Embassy in Beijing, 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600, China; https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/; BeijingACS@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
86
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 120; Fire: 119; Police: 110, 122 (traffic accident)
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for China: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, tickborne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north
Currency (Code)
Renminbi yuan (RMB)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, C, I
Major Languages
Standard Chinese or Mandarin, Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages
Major Religions
folk religion, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish
Time Difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); note: despite its size, all of China falls within 1 time zone
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
An IDP is not recognized. Tourists are not allowed to drive in China.
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Classical Gardens of Suzhou; Potala Palace; Shanghai's Promenade; Hangzhou's Historic West Lake; Qing Zhao Mausoleum; Leshan Giant Buddha; Hong Kong Skyline; Zhangjiajie National Forest Park; Great Wall; Terracotta Army; Forbidden City; Summer Palace; Tiananmen Square; Longmen Grottoes
Major Sports
Basketball, table tennis, volleyball
Cultural Practices
In China, spending time with family is expected. Chinese people respect hierarchy and appreciate proper social relations, full of harmony and with minimal conflict. Families in cities tend to live in apartments, often with grandparents. Filial piety and loyalty are valued by most Chinese families.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not officially recognized, though the practice has become increasingly common among tour guides, top-end restaurants, tour bus drivers, and hotel staff.
Souvenirs
Silk items, jade and pearl items, calligraphy sets, antique ceramics, designer fashions, electronics
Traditional Cuisine
Peking Roast Duck — maltose syrup (a natural sweetener produced from fermented grains) glazed-duck roasted until brown; the skin is served dipped in a sugar-garlic sauce and the meat is served with sweet bean sauce, spring onions, pancakes, and cucumber sticks
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
