BACKPACKING IN CHINA: THE ULTIMATE 2024 TRAVEL GUIDE

There are so many places to visit in China that you probably won’t manage all of them in just one backpacking trip. However, there are a few places in China that should feature on any backpacking itinerary.

These mainly include major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but thanks to the amazing rail network in China you can easily plan your trip around these unmissable destinations.

As the capital of China, it should come as no surprise that Beijing is a must-visit destination. This metropolitan behemoth is the political and cultural heart of China, giving visitors a glimpse into the country’s imperial past as well as its innovative future. 

Top sights in Beijing include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, which are marvels of architecture and showcase classic Chinese designs. It’s the best place in China to start your backpacking trip as you can experience local culture by wandering the hutongs and can also enjoy modern delights like mega malls and Sanlitun, the nightlife hub of Beijing.

Like Beijing, Shanghai is a city where tradition meets modernity, with shining skyscrapers standing proudly alongside elegant temples and gardens. It has a distinctly Western vibe, which is impart due to the city’s extensive colonial history. It’s one of the best places to visit in China if you enjoy the bustle of a vibrant city and want to travel in style. 

There are some amazing things to do in Shanghai which makes it a desired destination for many backpackers. You can climb up the Oriental Pearl Tower to get the best panoramic views of Shanghai, be sure to stop at the space museum and revolving restaurant while you’re there. If you want to admire the gorgeous colonial buildings that characterise Shanghai, be sure to wander along the Bund where you can admire the Huangpu River which runs through the city.

Hong Kong is a sovereign state within the People’s Republic of China, meaning it is technically independent. Nevertheless, with frequent flies to the historic port city available from most Chinese cities, it’s very accessible on a backpacking trip in China.  

English is widely spoken in Hong Kong, which will be a relief after relying on conversational Mandarin to get by. The city has a modern feel, with friendly locals and stellar attractions. While you can spend your time exploring landmarks such as Victoria Peak and Disneyland Hong Kong, there are also over 200 islands around the city which are great for exploring and escaping the metropolitan bustle.

This vibrant metropolis in southern China is one of the best places to visit on a backpacking trip. It is the capital of the Guangdong province and offers visitors a unique blend of cultural delights and modern innovations. There are a wealth of things to do in Guangzhou that make it a great place to visit in China, such as the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees and the Chen Clan Hall. 

Other highlights of Guangzhou include a cruise down the Pearl River and the bustling market at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. After a thrilling day exploring the city, you can enjoy some of the best Dim Sum and enjoy a late-night stroll in Yuexiu Park.

If you want to experience China’s picturesque landscapes, then be sure to visit Guilin. This breathtaking city is famous for its karst landscapes, characterised by limestone cliffs and rolling rivers. The Li River is the main waterway that runs through the region and you can enjoy a splendid cruise down the dark water and take in some of the best views in China. 

If you’re visiting China to immerse yourself in the fascinating history and culture, then Xian is a great place to visit. This city will feel much smaller after exploring Beijing and Shanghai, but around every corner is living history and one-of-a-kind experiences. Xian was the ancient capital of China and was an important political and trade centre, it may not hold this title now you can still experience this lasting legacy. 

While it may be famous for the Terracotta Warriors, there are a variety of other attractions in Xian which make it one of the best places to visit in China. You can scale the peaks of Mount Hua for some riveting outdoor activities or explore the historic streets of Xian and visit top sites like the Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter.

If we were to make a full list of all the things backpackers can do in China, chances are we’d be here a while. There are so many amazing experiences to be had, which makes it a great place to go backpacking if you want a very varied trip. With deserts and jungles, rivers and mountains, sprawling cities and humble villages, there possibilities for your backpacking itinerary in China are truly endless. 

To help you make a start, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in China for backpackers. Whether you crave historical sites, culinary delights or cultural encounters, there is definitely something for everyone in China.

One of the best things to do in China is visit the Great Wall. This massive structure is one of the wonders of the world and makes for an excellent day trip from Beijing. The Great Wall stretches across the north of China for nearly 21,000 km which means there are a variety of ways to explore this impressive attraction. 

You can find plenty of guided tours of the Great Wall and this is the best way to experience it. Your tour guide will be able to navigate you through the crowds of tourists and highlight important structures or features of the wall, providing more historical context. If you’re visiting from Beijing, we suggest exploring the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall as this is easily accessible from the city.

One of the most mesmerising things to do in China is taking a cruise along the Yangtze River. It is the third longest river in the world, the Yangtze flows through diverse landscapes like misty mountains and charming villages. The Three Gorges area is a highlight of the cruise, standing out with its majestic cliffs and dazzling waters. 

The benefit of cruising along the Yangtze is that you get to experience so much of China. You will explore riverside towns and wander through idyllic temples perched on the banks. It offers the perfect mix of culture and natural beauty and is a unique way to travel in China.

Jutting out from the cliffs of Mount Hengshan, the Hanging Temples are one of the best things to do in China. They are found in the Shanxi province of China, about 60 kilometres away from Datong, and are some of the oldest wooden buildings in China. The temples appear to defy gravity and hang from the mountain’s edge, it’s a truly unique sight to behold. 

The hanging temples are an interesting attraction in China as they are dedicated to 3 different faiths, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The halls are connected by winding corridors and open bridges, offering astounding views from 50 metres above ground. It may seem scary, but the temple has clung to the cliff for over 1500 years and was reinforced with standing pillars to ensure the safety of visitors.

If you’re backpacking through Beijing, then the Forbidden City is an absolute must just make sure to book your ticket in advance! Adjacent to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City is one of the best things to do in China and you should dedicate at least half a day to experience this incredible site. This ancient palace was once the imperial residence for the Ming to Qing dynasties and is believed to have over 9000 different rooms! 

On a guided tour of the Forbidden City, you will enter through the Meridian Gate and feel like you have stepped into another time. You will be taken through the different halls and chambers which immediately catch the eye with their traditional Chinese architecture. Take some time to explore the sprawling courtyards and dip into the Palace Museum where you can marvel at a fabulous array of ancient royal artefacts.

There are some amazing National Parks in China that are the perfect way to break up a backpacking trip. These natural sanctuaries are some of the best places in China to experience the captivating natural beauty and delve into the heart of this massive country.  

One of the best parks in China is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in Hunan province. It is famous for its sandstone pillars and breathtaking canyons. The park has well-maintained trails which makes it a haven for backpackers and you can even do a 2 day guided tour of the park. If you’re feeling especially adventurous you can hike around the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains

Alternatively, Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is nestled in the mountains of Sichuan province and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is characterised by vibrant lakes, cascading waterfalls and beautiful alpine scenery. Backpackers in China can trek along the well-marked trails and even visit the stunning Five Flower Lake where they can marvel at the local ecology.

If you want to get immersed in the local culture, then a Tai Chi lesson is one of the best things to do in China. Tai Chi is an ancient form of martial arts that is focused on mindfulness and gentle exercise, meaning anyone can get involved and give it a try. It is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy and many cities in China have dedicated cultural centres where you can practise. 

Picture the scene. You’re in a lush park surrounded by the sounds of the city as your instructor guides you through the flowing movements and forms. You focus on your breathing and balance and get in touch with the serenity of nature. Pure bliss. 

One of the best things to do in China is to spend time with the country’s national symbol, the panda. Sadly, there are not many pandas left in the wild with humans encroaching on their natural habitats. However, if you’re heart is set on seeing the black and white bears, then the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding should take pride of place on your China itinerary.  

After purchasing your ticket, you can watch pandas in their open enclosures as they play, sleep and eat bamboo. These enclosures mimic the panda’s natural habitat, allowing visitors to observe the pandas as they behave in the wild. Direct contact with the pandas is not allowed to preserve their wellbeing but there are still some interactive and educational experiences at the research base.

If you go to Shanghai on your China backpacking adventure, then make sure you leave some time to visit the water towns. They are located outside of the city and can easily be reached on a boat tour. Zhujiajiao is one of the best water towns to visit and has a myriad of tourist attractions. 

Zhujiajiao has earned the nickname ‘the Venice of Shanghai’ and upon arrival, it’s not hard to see why. The town is made up of dozens of canals and bridges and stands out with its traditional architecture. The town dates back over 1700 years and you can explore this vast history in the temples, teahouses and local marketplaces.

When you plan a trip to China, you need to have a good idea of how long you intend to stay in the country. This will help you when booking your accommodation and organising your China trip itinerary. There is so much to see while backpacking in China that it can be difficult to determine where to start. 

To make things easier for you, we’ve put together some China travel itineraries that are a great starting point for anyone thinking of backpacking in China. Below you will find itineraries for one week in China and one month in China and you can personalise them as much as you’d like!

One of the most critical parts of any backpacking trip is booking accommodation. It can be the most pricy part of planning a trip, but thankfully there are some cheap accommodation options in China. Major cities often have hostels or budget hotels which are comfortable and inexpensive. 

You can explore our blog for more in-depth guides on where to stay in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. 

Below you will find some recommendations for places to stay in China that will suit a range of travel budgets. 

Location in China	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Beijing	Kelly‘s Courtyard Hotel	Sunworld Hotel Wangfujing	Jingshan Garden Hotel
Shanghai	Shanghai Meego Qingwen Hotel	Maixinge Boutique Hotel	Royal Century Hotel
Hong Kong	Hop Inn	The Mahjong	Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour
Guangzhou	Lan House Youth Apartment	H’ Elite Hotel	The Garden Hotel Guangzhou
Xi’an	Moxy Xi’an Beilin	Hantang Inn Hostel	Xi’an Eastern House
Chengdu	Chengdu Flipflop Hostel	Wenjun Courtyard Hotel	Crowne Plaza Chengdu

China is one of the best backpacking destinations in the world thanks to its great transport links which can take you to every corner of the subcontinent. This makes it easy to travel around China and see all of its wonderful sites. Plus, the main cities in China have excellent public transport that is inexpensive which can help you navigate the metropolitan mazes.

In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, backpackers can use the local metro lines and buses to explore the urban wonderland. Using public transport is one of the cheapest ways to get around cities in China. Fares can range from £0.30 to £1, depending on the city. You can also rent bikes to get around, which is great for summer and you’ll find many of China’s cities are cycling-friendly. 

To get around China, you should take advantage of the reliable train network which connects the country. The efficient, high-speed trains can take you from Beijing to Shanghai in under 5 hours or you can opt for a sleeper train which will take longer but saves you paying an extra night in a hostel. A high-speed train will typically cost around £50 to £80 and gives you more time to experience China’s top destinations. 

You may also want to use buses to get to other towns in China. These are very cost-effective, with prices ranging from £5 to £20 depending on the distance travelled. You can also get a domestic flight to cover more distance, but prices can vary greatly depending on where you’re going and when you book the ticket.

China is so vast that it is hard to give an accurate estimate of the weather that encompasses the whole country. As such, the best time to visit China will depend largely on where you want to go. The northern regions of China are generally cooler with temperate climates whereas southern China is much warmer. 

Temperatures in China can range very drastically, with scorching summers and freezing winters. Make sure you do your research before heading off on your backpacking trip to China, as you may need a variety of different clothes for the diverse climates. 

The Best Time to Visit China for Good Weather

The general rule of thumb is that Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit China for good weather. April to June offers milder weather, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 24°C in Beijing and 20°C to 25°C in southern areas like Hong Kong. The weather in China during this time of year is generally pleasant, with clear skies and colourful blossoms coming into bloom. 

Alternatively, you may want to visit China from September to November, which means you avoid the scorching summer heat. The temperatures around this time are much milder, with Beijing experiencing average highs of 18°C and southern regions settling around 30°C to 24°C. Rainy days are likely, so pack a raincoat and plan some indoor activities. 

The Cheapest Time to Visit China

If you’re worried about your budget for your China trip, you can travel across the country in winter. Prices for transport and accommodation are often much lower during the winter months in China so you could save a significant amount of your budget. This is ideal if you plan to spend most of your time in southern China as this region has mild winters, but the north of the country will be very cold. 

Festivals and Events in China 

The Chinese New Year is one of the largest and most important festivals in China. It is ingrained within local culture and its date changes based on the lunar calendar. However, it typically falls in late January or February. 

You may be thinking that this would be a great time to visit as you can experience some of the most extravagant fireworks displays and enjoy cultural performances like Lion and Dragon Dancing. This may be true but as it is a national holiday, many businesses close for the period and lots of people return home to be with their families. This results in a lot of disruption while travelling so it is best to avoid this period if you can. 

A festival that you should attend while in China is the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is usually held in September and honours the myth of Chang’e, the goddess of the moon. The festivities include the consumption of gorgeous moon cakes which are usually filled with bed bean paste or dates. You can also experience the lighting of lanterns which is a very intimate and special part of the celebration.

China is one of the cheapest places to backpack, especially once you get outside of the main cities. This makes it a very attractive destination for those with a slightly lower budget. Your main expenses will be your transportation and accommodation, but thankfully we’ve got some helpful tips to help you stay on budget when backpacking in China. 

A great way to save money while travelling in China is to purchase a local SIM card. It will allow you to use your device as much as you’d like while backpacking, which is great if you need to look up directions or translate something. It also means you can stay in touch with your loved ones back home and update them on your exciting adventures. 

Another great budget tip for China is to pick up some useful phrases in Mandarin. Every backpacker knows that haggling is the best way to save money while travelling and it’s a very common practice in China. Bartering in Mandarin is a great way to impress locals and they are more likely to reward your efforts with a better price. 

You can save money in China by using public transport and bikes rather than getting taxis. This allows you to see more of China’s cities and towns without having to blow your budget just getting around. You should also avoid getting domestic flights to other destinations in China since train tickets are often much cheaper. 

Eating locally is another way to protect your China travel budget. Check out local markets and street food vendors as you will get some tasty treats at a much cheaper price and they will also be much more authentic. There are Western food chains across China, but these will often be overpriced so try to avoid them.

Lastly, make the most of the free activities in China. Lots of cities will have free or low-cost attractions that are ideal for backpackers and budget travellers. Shanghai has the Bund where you can marvel at colonial architecture and Hong Kong has some lovely beaches which are totally free to access.

Packing for any trip can be challenging, but when you’re planning an extended trip to China it can feel even more distressing. The age-old wisdom among backpackers is to pack your bag and then take out at least half, and this holds for China. Many of the things you feel like you need will be readily available at shops and you should only need a handful of outfits to get by. 

The Necessities:

Your passport

Copies of your travel insurance documents

A day pack for trips and excursions 

A dry bag for your towel and swimming costume

Breathable clothing for warmer temperatures

Layers for altitude and colder seasons

A waterproof jacket and trousers

A quick-drying or microfibre towel

Comfortable walking shoes and hiking boots (if you plan on visiting the Great Wall or National Parks)

Travel adaptor, make sure it is suitable for type A and type I plug sockets which are widely used in China. 

Your smartphone and camera

You May Also Want to Bring:

Over-the-counter medications, like painkillers and antihistamines

Suncream and a hat

Insect repellent

Mandarin phrasebook

A travel pillow

A portable power bank

First aid kit

Food in China is exquisitely varied, with so many different regional versions of dishes. This makes it great for both adventurous and fussy eaters. We highly recommend eating at local markets and restaurants as you will get the best prices for food and can sample some of the most authentic Chinese cuisine.  

Chinese street food is some of the best in the world, with dishes like savoury crepes, stinky tofu and grilled skewers being a common snack. If you’re feeling daring you may even want to try some of the fried insects and scorpions which are a Chinese delicacy.  It can be intimidating diving into a new cuisine but we promise there is nothing quite like Chinese food. 

One of the dishes that you have to try in China is Dim Sum, especially if you visit Hong Kong or Guangzhou. Dim Sum is a traditional style of dining in China that involves small portions served in steamer baskets. Dim Sum varies from dumplings to buns and is a great way to try a range of delicious Chinese dishes, especially when paired with tea.  

You will likely visit Beijing while backpacking in China and we strongly suggest that you try Peking Duck while there. This savoury dish is famous worldwide and is available in a variety of restaurants. It is best paired with warm pancakes and cucumbers, which offers a delightful treat for the tastebuds. 

If you want to get involved in the culinary traditions of China, consider taking an authentic Chinese cooking class. This cooking class in Chengdu also includes a trip to the local market where your guide will help you choose ingredients. You will then be taught how to make a variety of dishes by an expert chef, it’s the perfect activity if you want to learn more about local traditions and sample some delicious dishes.

Before embarking on a backpacking trip to China it’s a good idea to pick up some helpful phrases in Mandarin that will help you interact with locals should you need some help. Mandarin is one of the toughest languages to learn and it can be very intimidating trying to get started. 

While Mandarin is written in characters there is also a Romanised version of the language known as ‘pin yin’, which is written in the Western alphabet. This can be very helpful when trying to sound out Mandarin characters and getting to grips with the language. 

Even after 6 months in China, you won’t be a master of the language, but below you can find some phrases which are crucial for travelling around China. It is worth noting that Mandarin is a tonal language, which means that the pronunciation of a sound can completely change the meaning of the word. This can cause some funny misunderstandings, but be patient with yourself and keep trying.

One of the more difficult parts of backpacking in China actually happens before you even get there, applying for your visa. Unlike other countries in Asia, China has no visa on arrival scheme which means you will need to send your application in good time. This is usually easy if you’re only visiting one city, but there are a few hoops that backpackers will need to jump through. 

Your tourist visa application for China will require you to provide a full itinerary for where you will be staying with addresses included as well as proof of your inbound and outbound flights. This can be quite a nightmare, especially if you want to be more flexible and book your accommodation closer to the time. For this reason, we’d suggest booking fully refundable flights and accommodation for China, it will be a bit more expensive but will be a lifesaver should your application be declined. 

You can also get a letter of invitation from any tour companies or travel agencies you use to book your trip. This can help support your application for a tourist visa but doesn’t guarantee its authorisation.

To make things more complicated, Hong Kong does not require a visa if you’re visiting for under 90 days. This is great for backpackers but poses a slightly different problem, as you will need a visa for reentry to mainland China. 

Below you can find links for the US, UK and Australian travel advisories which detail the requirements for a tourist visa for China. 

UK Nationals

US Nationals 

AU Nationals

One of the biggest concerns for most backpackers when planning their adventures is safety. While exploring a massive country like China is bound to be filled with amazing experiences, your safety and security should be a top priority. There were concerns regarding COVID-19 during the global pandemic, but China has now reopened to visitors.  

Some organisations highlight issues regarding wrongful detentions and exit bans which paint a somewhat scary political picture of this stunning country. Thankfully, China is actually a very safe country, as long as you stay alert and know where you’re going. 

The main issues you will encounter in China will be petty theft and scams in major cities. Keep your belongings secure and always remain aware of your surroundings. 

It should also be noted that public protests are strictly prohibited in China. As such, you won’t encounter many on your travels across the subcontinent, but if you do stay well clear. Even taking a photo of a protest could get you in trouble with Chinese authorities.

The history of China spans over 5000 years, so providing a brief overview is quite the challenge but we’d hate to let you down. Chinese history is marked by different dynasties which ruled over the country for centuries and each had a profound impact on the development of the country. 

According to legend, the Xia dynasty was the first to rule China from 2070 – 1600 BCE. This was then followed by the Zhou Dynasty and the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty in 221 BCE. The Qin Dynasty was surpassed by the Han Dynasty in 206 BCE, which is credited with bringing economic and cultural prosperity to China and lasted till 220 CE. 

Later Dynasties like the Tang (618 -907 CE) and Song (960 – 1279 CE) saw advancements in science and art which made China a global power. After this period China entered Mongol rule under the Yuan Dynasty for nearly a century, until the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE) rose to power and advanced the maritime exploration efforts of China. The Qing dynasty came after and expanded China’s territory but faced internal struggles. This would be the last imperial dynasty of China after the 1911 revolution. 

After thousands of years of imperial rule, the Republic of China was established under Sun Yat-sen. The Chinese Communist Party emerged shortly after, leading to the Chinese Civil War which lasted from 1927 to 1949. After defeating the Nationalists, the People’s Republic of China was the ruling power.

• China is believed to be one of the oldest civilisations on earth.
• China is famous for producing the 4 great inventions; paper, the compass, gunpowder and printing, which revolutionised human history.  
• The population of China is estimated to be 1.4 billion people, that’s about 17.5% of the world!
• The Great Wall of China stretches over 13000 miles, but you can’t see it from space. 
• You can get green bean flavour ice pops in China.
• If put together, all of China’s railway lines could wrap around the earth twice.
• Ketchup may have its origins in China as a fish sauce known as ‘keh-jup’
• The number 4 is considered unlucky in China because it sounds similar to the Mandarin word for death.
• The colour Red is lucky in China and is the common colour for bridal dresses.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this extensive China backpacking guide, make sure to read our other blogs for more top travel advice. We’ve also included some extra resources below to help you get planning your trip to China. 

https://www.skyscanner.net/flights-to/cn/cheap-flights-to-china.html

https://www.hostelworld.com/blog/backpacking-china/

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/articles/the-14-most-beautiful-places-in-china-you-didn-t-know-existed

https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/destinations/china

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/world/china

https://www.cnto.com.sg/