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China (South)
Discover China, a land of ancient landmarks like the Great Wall and modern skylines in cities like Shanghai. Experience vibrant markets, the beauty of Guilin, and the rich history of Asian travel experiences.
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Summary
Did you know?
Guilin’s Karst Mountains – Southern China features the stunning karst mountains in Guilin, known for their unique, pointed peaks.
Overview
Months
January, February, March, October, November, December
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Hiking, Nature, Party, Sightseeing, Skiing, Mountains, Rainforest, Tropical
Expenses
Over 200€, <200€, <150€, <100€
Temperature
10-20°C, 20-25°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
Asia
Currency
Renminbi
Languages
Mandarin
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit South China is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
- Spring (March to May): Offers pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes, ideal for exploring cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and the scenic areas around Guilin.
- Autumn (September to November): Provides mild, comfortable weather and less rainfall, making it a great time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, with frequent rain, especially in regions like Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
- Winter (December to February) is generally mild compared to northern China, but temperatures can be cooler, particularly in higher elevations.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season (April to October)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: Approximately 6 to 8 hours.
Rain Frequency: Rain is frequent, particularly in the summer months.
Rainy Hours per Day: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Intensity: Rain is moderate to heavy, with occasional thunderstorms.
Duration: Rain events can last several hours, especially during the summer monsoon.
Off-Peak Season (November to March)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: Approximately 7 to 9 hours.
Rain Frequency: Rain is less frequent during the dry season.
Rainy Hours per Day: Less than 1 hour.
Intensity: Rain is light.
Duration: Showers are brief, typically lasting less than 1 hour.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: April-October (Spring & Summer)
Budget Vacation ($40-80/day)
Accommodation: $20-50/night (budget hotels, hostels, guesthouses).
Food: $10-15/day (street food, local eateries).
Activities: $10-20/day (cultural sites, local parks, markets).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transportation, metro, buses).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs, small activities).
Mid-Range Vacation ($80-200/day)
Accommodation: $50-120/night (mid-range hotels, boutique accommodations).
Food: $15-30/day (mid-range restaurants, casual dining).
Activities: $20-50/day (tours, attractions like theme parks, cultural sites).
Transportation: $10-20/day (taxis, local transport).
Other Costs: $10-15/day (souvenirs, special experiences).
Luxury Vacation ($200+/day)
Accommodation: $120+/night (luxury hotels, 5-star accommodations).
Food: $30+/day (fine dining, international cuisine).
Activities: $40+/day (private tours, exclusive experiences at cultural sites).
Transportation: $20+/day (private taxis, luxury transport).
Other Costs: $15+/day (high-end souvenirs, luxury experiences).
Off-Peak Season: November-March (Fall & Winter)
Budget Vacation ($30-70/day)
Accommodation: $15-40/night (budget guesthouses, hostels).
Food: $10-15/day (street food, budget dining).
Activities: $5-15/day (indoor activities, sightseeing).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transport).
Other Costs: $5/day (souvenirs, small activities).
Mid-Range Vacation ($70-150/day)
Accommodation: $40-80/night (mid-range hotels, guesthouses).
Food: $10-25/day (local restaurants, cafes).
Activities: $10-25/day (indoor attractions, cultural visits).
Transportation: $10-15/day (public transport, taxis).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs).
Luxury Vacation ($150+/day)
Accommodation: $80+/night (luxury hotels, high-end resorts).
Food: $20+/day (fine dining, upscale restaurants).
Activities: $30+/day (private experiences, guided tours).
Transportation: $15+/day (private transport).
Other Costs: $10+/day (luxury experiences, high-end shopping).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Guangzhou
- Known for its vibrant culinary scene, historic sites, and modern skyline. Key attractions include the Canton Tower, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, and the Shamian Island.
2. Shenzhen
- A modern city famous for its rapid development, shopping, and theme parks such as Window of the World and Happy Valley.
(3. Hong Kong)
- Although a Special Administrative Region, it is renowned for its iconic skyline, bustling harbor, and attractions like Victoria Peak, Disneyland, and vibrant neighborhoods.
4. Nanning
- The capital of Guangxi Province, known for its beautiful parks, including the Nanhu Garden, and its role as a gateway to the scenic areas of Guangxi.
5. Xiamen
- Located in Fujian Province, Xiamen is known for its pleasant climate, beautiful coastline, and attractions such as Gulangyu Island and the Nanputuo Temple.
6. Chongqing
- A massive mountain city. It's famous for its futuristic skyscrapers built into steep hills, neon lights, and trains running directly through apartment buildings.
7. Hangzhou
- A historic city. It's famous for its scenic West Lake, ancient temples, and surrounding green tea hills.
Did you know?
Rice Terraces – The Longji Rice Terraces in southern China are centuries-old, stunningly landscaped fields carved into the hillsides.
Islands
1. Hainan Island
- Known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and resorts. It is a popular destination for relaxation and water sports.
2. Xiamen's Gulangyu Island
- Famous for its historical architecture, pedestrian streets, and scenic views. It's a charming island off the coast of Xiamen.
3. Macau's Coloane Island
- Known for its serene beaches, historic sites, and traditional village atmosphere. It's a quieter alternative to the bustling city of Macau.
4. Zhuhai's Hengqin Island
- A growing destination with attractions such as the Chimelong
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Things to see
Cultural and Historical Attractions
1. Fujian Tulou
- Massive, circular earthen fortress-houses built by the Hakka people for community living and defense.
2. Kaiping Diaolou
- Historic multi-story fortified watchtowers blending traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles.
3. Longji Rice Terraces
- Stunning agricultural step-farms carved into steep mountains by local ethnic minority groups.
4. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
- Traditional academy and temple in Guangzhou famous for its intricate wood and stone carvings.
5. Three Gorges Dam and Heritage Sites
- Historic river region along the Yangtze featuring ancient temples and dramatic gorge scenery.
6. Gexian Village
- A traditional mountain village built along a rushing river. It's famous for its old wooden buildings, glowing lanterns at night, and temples nestled into the steep cliffs.
7. Tianquan Inn
- A traditional historic inn. It's famous for its old wooden courtyard architecture, quiet atmosphere, and classic local style.
8. 1000 Trees
- A modern architectural complex built along a river. It's famous for its thousands of plant-covered pillars that make the buildings look like two huge, tree-covered mountains.
Natural Attractions
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Surreal landscape of towering sandstone pillars covered in mist, which inspired the movie Avatar.
2. Guilin Karst Mountains and Li River
- Iconic landscape of sharp limestone hills rising alongside a winding green river.
3. Jiuzhaigou Valley
- Stunning nature reserve famous for multi-tiered waterfalls and colorful, crystal-clear turquoise lakes.
4. Guilin Reed Flute Cave
- Natural limestone cave filled with brightly lit, colorful stalactites and stalagmites.
5. Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
- Famous southern mountain known for oddly shaped pine trees, granite peaks, and sea-of-clouds views.
6. Shilin Stone Forest
- A vast natural park made of towering limestone formations. It's famous for its grey rock pillars that look like a frozen forest rising straight up out of the ground.
7. Longji Rice Terraces
- A vast mountain area carved with huge farming steps. It's famous for its giant green and golden curved patterns cut into the hills.
8. Namucuo
- A massive high mountain lake. It's famous for its extremely clear blue water, high altitude, and the snowy mountain peaks surrounding it.
9. Yang Lake
- A scenic lake area. It's famous for its calm water, surrounding green hills, and being a quiet spot to escape the city.
10. Nanjing Tree Tunnels
- A network of busy city streets lined with huge plane trees. It's famous for its thick, overlapping green canopy that covers the roads like a natural tunnel.
11. Jiuzhaigou Valley
- A protected nature reserve in the mountains. It's famous for its multi-level waterfalls, colorful clear lakes, and snowy peaks.
12. Ban Gioc Waterfalls
- A massive waterfall on the border between two countries. It's famous for its wide cascading tiers, rushing blue water, and green surroundings.
13. Huanglong National Park
- A high-altitude nature reserve in the mountains. It's famous for its colorful travertine pools, snowy peaks, and ancient temples.
14. Huangshan Mountain
- A massive granite mountain range. It's famous for its oddly shaped pine trees, dramatic rocky peaks poking through seas of clouds, and steep stone stairways.
15. Daocheng Yading
- A remote mountain reserve on the plateau. It's famous for its three sacred snow peaks, alpine lakes, and vast meadows.
16. Wangxian Valley
- A scenic canyon area in the mountains. It's famous for its traditional cliffside hanging villages, dramatic stone cliffs, and glowing lanterns at night.
17. Houtouwan
- An abandoned fishing village on an isolated island. It's famous for its old stone houses completely covered in thick green ivy and climbing plants.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
Yangshuo Sugar House
Location: Yangshuo, Guangxi
This stunning luxury resort is built directly inside an abandoned 1960s working sugar mill. You get to swim in a massive pool that was originally used to load sugarcane, all while being completely surrounded by the region's iconic, towering limestone karst mountains.
Restaurants/Bars
Panxi Restaurant
Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong
This massive, historic dining complex is intricately designed to look like a traditional Lingnan water garden. You get to eat authentic dim sum while sitting inside beautifully carved, stationary wooden boat-houses that float directly on a tranquil lake.
Tours to do
1. Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Karst Mountains
- The ultimate Southern China experience starting from Guilin. You take a 4-hour boat cruise down the Li River, passing through the famous landscape of vertical green limestone mountains (the exact scene printed on the 20 Yuan banknote). You land in the vibrant town of Yangshuo, where you can rent a bicycle to ride through the bamboo fields.
Best Time: April to October (May and June can be rainy, but the mist makes the mountains look magical)
Average Cost: $85 per person
2. Zhangjiajie "Avatar" Mountain National Park Adventure
- A trip to the park that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. You take the Bailong Elevator (a massive glass elevator built into a cliff face) up to the mountain tops to walk along paths overlooking thousands of thin, towering quartz-sandstone pillars.
Best Time: September to November or April to May
Average Cost: $95 per person (including park entry)
3. Longji Rice Terraces & Local Minority Villages
- A day trip from Guilin up into the mountains to see the "Dragon's Backbone" rice terraces. These are massive, steep hillsides carved into endless layers of rice paddies that look like giant steps. You hike through them and visit traditional wooden villages home to the Yao and Zhuang minority groups, famous for the women who grow their hair over two meters long.
Best Time: May to June (when the terraces are flooded and look like mirrors) or September to October (golden harvest season)
Average Cost: $60 per person
4. Chengdu Panda Breeding Base & Hot Pot Evening
- A classic day in Sichuan province. You wake up early to visit the giant research base when the pandas are most active and eating fresh bamboo. In the evening, a local guide takes you to a traditional restaurant to try authentic, spicy Sichuan Hot Pot.
Best Time: Year-round (Spring and Autumn are best)
Average Cost: $50 per person
5. Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Tour
- An adventure in Yunnan province for hikers. You trek along one of the deepest gorges in the world, with the roaring Yangtze River crashing through the canyon far below and the massive Jade Dragon Snow Mountain towering right across from you. It can be done as a long day trip or a 2-day hike staying in local guesthouses.
Best Time: October to May (outside the summer rainy season)
Average Cost: $70 per person (Day trip)
Li River Cruise
How to get around
1. High-Speed Trains
- China has an extensive high-speed rail network connecting major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an. The high-speed trains (like the G-series and D-series) are efficient, comfortable, and popular for long-distance travel.
2. Trains
- In addition to high-speed trains, China has regular trains, including overnight sleeper trains for longer journeys. The national rail service, operated by China Railway, provides various classes of service.
3. Domestic Flights
- For long-distance travel, flying is a quick option. Major airlines such as Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern offer flights between cities and regions.
4. Buses
- Buses are a common and economical option for both intercity and local travel. Long-distance buses connect cities and towns, while local buses operate within cities.
5. Subways and Light Rail
- Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu have extensive subway systems that are efficient and convenient for urban travel. Some cities also have light rail systems.
6. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
- Taxis are widely available in cities. Ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing (similar to Uber) are also popular and often more convenient than traditional taxis.
7. Car Rentals
- Renting a car is possible but less common for tourists due to traffic conditions and the need for a Chinese driver’s license. Driving is on the right side of the road.
8. Bicycles and E-Bikes
- Many cities have bike-sharing programs and dedicated bike lanes. Renting bicycles or e-bikes is a convenient way to explore urban areas.
9. Boats and Ferries
- In cities with rivers and canals, such as Shanghai and Guilin, boats and ferries are available for scenic travel and transportation.
For efficient travel between cities, high-speed trains and flights are ideal, while subways and buses are best for navigating urban areas.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Tea Culture – Southern China is the birthplace of tea culture, where tea has been cultivated for over 2,000 years.
What to eat
1. Peking Duck
- A famous dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat, traditionally served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions.
2. Dumplings
- Dough pockets filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood, either steamed, boiled, or fried, served with soy sauce or vinegar.
3. Mapo Tofu
- A spicy Sichuan dish made with soft tofu, minced meat, and a rich, flavorful sauce made with chili bean paste.
4. Kung Pao Chicken
- A stir-fry dish made with chicken, peanuts, and vegetables, flavored with a spicy and tangy sauce.
5. Chow Mein
- Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and protein, often topped with soy sauce and served as a popular takeout dish.
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airports: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €400 to €800.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September.
- Peak Prices: Summer (June to August) and December holidays.
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $500 to $900.
- Cheapest Months: February to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $100 to $500 (regional flights).
- Cheapest Months: February to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: Summer months and December holidays.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $800.
- Cheapest Months: February to March and September.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $600 to $1,200.
- Cheapest Months: February and November.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
Visa & Entry Requirements (2026)
Visa-Free Entry (Up to 30 Days)
China currently has a unilateral visa-free policy in effect until December 31, 2026.
Eligible countries: Citizens of over 70 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Allowed purposes: Tourism, business meetings, visiting family or friends, and transit.
Strictly prohibited: Paid employment, long-term studies, and journalism.
Visa-Free Transit
240-Hour (10-Day) Transit: Available to citizens of 54 countries (including the USA). You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country and enter through specific designated ports (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou).
24-Hour Transit: Applies to almost all nationalities at international airports, provided you have an onward ticket. You generally cannot leave the transit area unless granted a temporary entry permit.
Regular Visas (If the exemption doesn't apply)
Who needs it: Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list (e.g., USA, India, South Africa), or anyone planning to stay longer than 30 days.
Common types: 'L' Visa (Tourist), 'M' Visa (Business), 'Z' Visa (Work).
Process: Must be applied for in advance through a Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or official Visa Application Center.
General Rules at the Border
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Immigration will require proof of a confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
You should have proof of accommodation (like a hotel reservation) ready to show.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Renminbi (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in major cities, but cash (especially in smaller denominations) is advisable.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 220V, and plug types A, C, and I (two flat pins) are used. An adapter may be needed for devices from other regions.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is not customary and not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated in some tourist areas.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from
providers like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. They can be purchased at stores, offering various prepaid data plans.
6. Driving Side
- In China, people drive on the right side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Silk Products
- Luxurious silk scarves and clothing.
2. Blue & White Porcelain
- Elegant traditional ceramics.
3. Handmade Folding Fans
- Beautifully painted and practical for the heat.
Blue & White Porcelain
Location
Reviews
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