10 Days in Beijing: From Forbidden City to Quanjude Roast Duck

Yes, most foreign nationals, including those from the US, EU, UK, Australia, and India, require a tourist visa (L visa) to enter mainland China. This must be applied for and obtained at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before your trip. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Some travelers may qualify for a 144-hour transit visa exemption when making a qualifying international transit through specific airports in these cities.

China, particularly its major cities like Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, is considered very safe with extremely low rates of violent crime, and solo female travelers generally face no issues roaming at night. The primary safety concern for tourists is petty crime like pickpocketing, which can occur in crowded areas such as markets, popular tourist sites, and on public transportation. It's also important to be aware of the government's surveillance presence and to avoid public discussions of sensitive political topics. Report any theft to the local police (gōng'ān jú) immediately.

The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). While cash is accepted, China is rapidly becoming a cashless society. Mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are dominant and used for almost everything, from street food to major retailers. It is highly recommended to set up one of these apps and link it to a foreign credit card (if supported) before your arrival. Carry a small amount of cash (¥100-200) in small denominations for rare occasions where mobile payment isn't an option or for small street vendors.

No, tipping is generally not customary in China. For most services, including restaurants, taxis, hotels, and even tour guides, tipping is not expected and may even be politely refused or cause confusion. Service charges are sometimes included in higher-end establishments, but additional tips are not required.

Beyond general travel items, pack N95 or KN95 masks for potential air pollution (especially in Beijing/Xi'an during colder months), small packs of tissue paper and hand sanitizer for public restrooms (which often lack supplies), a portable power bank due to heavy reliance on mobile apps, and a pre-activated VPN client on your devices. A small reusable shopping bag is also handy for market visits, and comfortable walking shoes are essential for extensive sightseeing at historical sites.

The ideal times to visit Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai are during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). These periods offer mild temperatures (15°C to 25°C) and generally clear skies, perfect for exploring. Crowds are manageable outside of major national holidays like the May Day holiday (early May) and Golden Week (early October), which should be avoided if possible due to extreme congestion at all major attractions and transport hubs, along with higher prices for everything.

Public transportation in all three cities is highly efficient and extensive. The subway systems are modern, clean, and offer English signage, making them easy to navigate. Purchase a rechargeable transport card (e.g., Beijing's Yikatong, Shanghai Public Transportation Card) upon arrival for convenience. For door-to-door travel, the Didi Chuxing app is indispensable for ride-hailing and functions much like Uber. Taxis are also available but ensure they use the meter. High-speed trains connect these cities and are the recommended way for inter-city travel.

Communication with locals often requires a Chinese-English translation app like Pleco or the translation feature within WeChat, as English proficiency outside of major tourist hubs can be limited. WeChat is also crucial for payments; it's the dominant mobile payment platform. Set up WeChat Pay with a linked foreign credit card (Visa/Mastercard) before your trip. This will allow you to pay for almost everything, from street food to shopping, without needing cash or a physical card.