I had always dreamed of visiting China. You hear about the Great Wall, dumplings, and pandas in passing—but nothing prepares you for what it’s like to experience it all firsthand. From the moment I landed in Beijing to my final noodle-slurping sunset in Shanghai, this 12-day trip took me on a wild ride through ancient traditions, buzzing mega-cities, and the kind of jaw-dropping landscapes that feel like they’re straight out of a fantasy film.
Let me take you day-by-day through what it’s like to explore China for the first time—and share all the essential info I learned (and wish I knew!) before hopping on that plane.
🛫 Section 1: Preparing for Your Trip to China
🛂 Passport and Visa Requirements
All foreign visitors require a visa to enter mainland China. You can apply for an L-class (tourist) visa through your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. Be ready with:
- A valid passport (with 6+ months remaining)
- Proof of flights & accommodations
- A completed application form and photo
⚠️ Tip: U.S., UK, Australian, and Canadian travelers cannot get a visa-on-arrival—plan at least 1 month ahead.
🎒 Packing Tips for China
China spans multiple climate zones, so smart packing is essential:
- Spring/Fall: Light layers, rain jacket
- Winter: Thermal layers (Beijing, Harbin can be freezing)
- Summer: Breathable clothes (Shanghai, Guangzhou can be humid)
✅ Essentials: VPN for internet access, air pollution mask (for northern cities), toilet paper (many public restrooms don’t provide it), travel adapter (Type A/I plug).
🩺 Travel Insurance
Choose a travel insurance policy that includes:
- Medical evacuation
- Emergency room visits
- COVID-related delays
- Trip cancellation
- Lost electronics/baggage
Recommended Provider: SafetyWing Travel Insurance – ideal for digital nomads and budget travelers.
🛬 Section 2: Arrival in China
Major Airports
- Beijing Capital International (PEK): Gateway to the north
- Shanghai Pudong (PVG): Sleek, modern, and great for connections
- Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN): Major southern hub
- Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU): For pandas and spicy food lovers
👋 First Impressions
Expect sensory overload:
- Mega-cities buzz with millions of people.
- Mandarin dominates, but translation apps like Pleco or Google Translate help.
- QR codes rule: from payments to menus to museum tickets.
🌟 Pro Tip: Get a Chinese SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device at the airport for smooth access throughout your trip.
🛫 Before You Go: What You Need to Know
📄 Visa & Documents
Most travelers need a visa to visit China. I had to apply for an L-class (tourist) visa through the Chinese consulate, and you’ll need your passport, itinerary, hotel bookings, and a passport photo. The process was pretty smooth, but don’t leave it to the last minute.
🎒 What to Pack
China’s weather varies by region and season. I went in late spring, so I packed layers, comfy walking shoes, and a lightweight rain jacket. Trust me—you’ll walk A LOT. Also don’t forget:
- VPN (Google, WhatsApp, Facebook are blocked)
- Toilet paper (some public toilets don’t stock it)
- Power adapter (Type A/I plug)
- Air mask if visiting cities with air pollution
🩺 Travel Insurance
I used SafetyWing for medical and trip coverage—worth every penny. Healthcare in China is decent, but navigating it without insurance (or Chinese) would be tough.
💸 Money Tips
Cash is still handy in rural spots, but cities are QR-code crazy. WeChat and Alipay are dominant, but I used cash and my Wise card for ATMs. Exchange some RMB before landing just in case.
🧭 Day-by-Day Itinerary with First-Timer Reactions
✈️ Day 1: Arrive in Beijing – Welcome to Organized Chaos
Beijing’s airport is modern but busy. After some sign-guessing and miming with a taxi driver, I made it to my hotel near the Forbidden City. First meal? Peking Duck at Da Dong—crisp skin, sweet hoisin, and pancakes that make tacos jealous.
🏯 Day 2: The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven & Peking Vibes
Walking through the Forbidden City felt like stepping into a movie set. Crowds? Yes. But the scale and detail were mind-blowing. After a steep climb up Jingshan Park, I ended the day at the Temple of Heaven, where locals dance, sing, and fly kites.
🧗 Day 3: Great Wall Hike (Mutianyu Section)
I joined a group tour to Mutianyu—less crowded, more scenic. It’s a calf-burning climb, but I took the toboggan slide down, which made me feel 10 again.
🚄 Day 4: Train to Xi’an – Muslim Quarter Bites
China’s bullet trains are a marvel. I watched the countryside blur past at 300km/h and arrived in Xi’an by afternoon. The Muslim Quarter was packed with scents of grilled lamb, spicy noodles, and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.
🏺 Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Sunset Cycling
The Terracotta Army left me speechless. Life-sized warriors, each unique, guarding their emperor in eternal silence. Later, I rented a bike and rode atop Xi’an’s ancient city walls—golden hour made it magical.
🐼 Day 6: Hello Chengdu – Chill Culture & Spicy Hotpot
Chengdu feels slower. I checked into Lazybones Hostel, had tea in People’s Park, and got hooked on watching grandmas dance in the square. Dinner was Sichuan hotpot with numbing pepper oil and endless skewers.
🎭 Day 7: Pandas & Face-Changing Opera
The panda research base is everything Instagram promised and more. Baby pandas wobble, tumble, and nap in trees. Later, I visited Jinli Ancient Street and caught a Sichuan opera—flames, masks, and rapid costume changes.
✈️ Day 8: Guilin – Misty Mountains & Tranquil Lakes
Flying into Guilin felt like entering Middle Earth. Jagged peaks rose from the ground like dragon spines. I strolled the lakes and rivers under red lanterns and got my first taste of Guilin rice noodles.
🚢 Day 9: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
The boat ride from Guilin to Yangshuo was straight out of a painting. Fishermen used birds to dive for fish, buffalo grazed in the shallows, and I biked from the dock to Moon Hill through rice paddies.
🧘 Day 10: Yoga, Caves & Caves of Color
Back in Guilin, I joined a sunrise yoga class and explored Reed Flute Cave—a neon-lit natural wonder. Dinner was street noodles and beer under paper lanterns.
🌆 Day 11: Zoom to Shanghai – Futuristic Contrast
Shanghai is fast. Skyscrapers, designer malls, and the Bund with its colonial charm. I walked the Pudong skyline at night and had xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) that burst with flavor.
🏮 Day 12: Gardens, Souvenirs & the Maglev Goodbye
Yu Garden gave me a moment of calm before diving into the chaotic Old City Market. I grabbed silk scarves, chopsticks, and dragon tea. Then? The Maglev train. 431 km/h to the airport in 8 minutes. Boom.
🧭 Bonus Tips: Exploring China Like a Pro
🥾 Best Nature & Hiking Spots
- Zhangjiajie: Avatar mountains IRL
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: Deep gorge, deeper calves
- Mount Emei: Sacred Buddhist mountain with wild monkeys
🎨 Best Museums & Art
- Palace Museum: Everything Ming & Qing
- 798 Art Zone: Beijing’s hipster art factory
- Shanghai Museum: Bronze, silk, and ceramic heaven
🌙 Nightlife
- Beijing Opera at Liyuan
- Face-changing shows in Chengdu
- Bar Rouge rooftop in Shanghai
🛍️ Best Shopping Experiences
- Panjiayuan Market (Beijing): For antique lovers
- Yuyuan Bazaar (Shanghai): Best souvenirs
- Chunxi Road (Chengdu): Trendy but local
🔧 My Gear List
Vlogging Setup:
Drone & Tech Picks:
Workflow & Tools:
To make your travel arrangements more affordable, I recommend booking cheap airfare through the link provided. Need a rental car? Use the suggested link. Want discounted attraction tickets? I’ve got that too. Just scroll, click, and go.
This trip showed me that China is not just a destination—it’s an experience of contrasts: ancient and new, serene and chaotic, challenging and unforgettable. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, culture buff, or thrill-seeker, China’s going to leave a mark on your soul—and your camera roll.
Bookmark this guide, pack light, and go heavy on curiosity. China is waiting.
