Traveling to China has long been regarded as a journey into the heart of one of the world’s oldest civilizations—a land of timeless wonders, sprawling megacities, and cultural intricacies. But today, that journey is becoming more accessible and inviting than ever before. With relaxed visa regulations, groundbreaking hotel openings, and a new era of digital integration, China is poised to welcome global travelers in an entirely refreshed way.
Here’s what it’s like to explore China right now—and how you can make the most of it.
A Gateway Reopened: Easing the Journey
For decades, the complexities of visiting China have often discouraged casual travelers. Stringent visa applications, unfamiliar technology, and language barriers added layers of difficulty to planning a trip. However, change is underway. Recent adjustments to visa policies are making entry into the country significantly easier.
A growing list of countries—including Germany, Australia, Japan, and Ireland—now benefit from a 30-day visa-free entry. For American travelers, the doors have also widened. A revised transit policy allows visitors from the U.S. to stay up to 10 days without a visa, provided they’re en route to a third country. While longer stays still require traditional visas, the reduced bureaucratic friction is a major leap forward.
As Mei Zhang, founder of travel company WildChina, puts it, “In today’s world of geopolitical divisions, people-to-people connections matter more than ever. Despite political narratives, travelers consistently return home with stories of hospitality and warmth.”
Navigating the Digital Landscape
One of the most striking differences for foreign visitors is China’s digital environment. Many of the apps and platforms that international travelers rely on—Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram—are blocked under the country’s internet policies.
But instead of viewing this as a roadblock, consider it a gateway to immersion. China has cultivated a unique digital ecosystem where mobile apps power almost every aspect of daily life.
To truly adapt, two apps are essential: WeChat and Alipay. The former is a multifunctional messenger, social network, and payment platform, indispensable for staying in touch with guides, locals, and businesses. The latter is a streamlined mobile wallet that supports international credit cards and handles everything from cab rides to coffee orders with QR-code simplicity.
Prepare ahead: it’s best to download and set up both apps before you arrive, as registration within China can be tricky for foreigners. Once set, these tools unlock a level of convenience that borders on futuristic—think ordering a new suitcase at 6 p.m. and having it delivered to your hotel before dinner.
China’s Hotel Renaissance
While international tourism paused during the pandemic, China’s domestic travel scene surged—sparking a hotel boom that’s now ripe for foreign visitors to enjoy. From ultra-modern resorts to culturally grounded lodges, new accommodations are sprouting across the country, each offering a different lens on Chinese life.
In cities like Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Dalian, luxury giants such as Four Seasons and Alila have launched elegant new properties. Alila Shanghai, for instance, pairs nostalgic design with urban luxury, boasting a rooftop garden and contemporary Shanghainese cuisine in a sleek setting.
More immersive still are the boutique hotels dotting rural provinces. The Lux Collective has extended its presence along the historic Tea Horse Road in Yunnan, offering tranquil retreats like LUX* Lashi Lake. In Guangxi, its LUX* Chongzuo is nestled among the region’s dramatic karst peaks—a perfect example of luxury meeting nature.
Beijing, meanwhile, has welcomed the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, a bold architectural project that reimagines a stay in the capital. Rather than rising into the skyline, this hotel sprawls horizontally through 42 restored courtyard homes in a traditional hutong neighborhood. Here, guests share alleys with local families, brushing shoulders with the rhythm of real Beijing life.
Off the Beaten Path: New Frontiers
While destinations like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City still inspire awe, there’s increasing interest in China’s lesser-known corners. The Gansu Province, for example—home to desert hills and ancient Silk Road stops—is reopening the Norden Camp, a secluded eco-resort offering deep cultural experiences and vast, untouched landscapes.
In Guizhou, The Well House offers a rare window into Dong village life, with eco-conscious architecture that blends seamlessly with traditional community structures. As Mei Zhang notes, “There’s a growing demand for meaningful travel. Guests are looking for experiences that respect and reflect the local culture.”
More are coming. Salt, the sustainable offshoot of The Lux Collective, is set to debut its first China property in Anji. Marriott is also gearing up to launch the Dali EDITION in the scenic lake town of Dali—yet another signal of China’s evolution into a more refined and diverse travel destination.
The Time Is Now
Despite global headlines and international tensions, the essence of China remains deeply human. Hospitality, heritage, and heart are still at its core. And with streamlined travel logistics, a vibrant tech ecosystem, and a new wave of thoughtfully designed stays, the country is easier and more rewarding to explore than ever.
So whether you’re sipping tea in a restored courtyard, riding a bullet train through misty mountains, or unlocking an entire economy through your smartphone, today’s China is not just a place to visit—it’s an experience to be lived.
