Explore the Wonders of China

This Policy & Culture section serves as an authoritative, traveller-friendly guide for international visitors. It systematically introduces China's standardized tourism policy framework, profound traditional cultural heritage, national intangible cultural heritage resources, classic folk customs, and cultural protection norms.

Different from fragmented cultural introductions, this page delivers clear, official, and easy-to-understand interpretations of China's tourism regulations and cultural systems. It helps foreign tourists understand China's travel rules, cultural etiquette, heritage protection concepts, and folk traditions, eliminating travel misunderstandings and enabling respectful, immersive cultural travel experiences across all regions of China.

Latest Policy Updates (2026 New Rules)

Updated top official tourism, entry-exit, and cultural protection policies for reference during your China travel.

Visa & Transit Visa-Free Policies

30-Day Visa-Free Entry (Ordinary Passport): France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil and more. Holders of ordinary passports from these countries may enter China visa-free for tourism, business, family visits or cultural exchanges for up to 30 days. Passport must remain valid for at least 6 months.

240-Hour (10 Days) Visa-Free Transit: Available for 57 nations including USA, UK, Russia, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea. Travellers must hold valid ordinary passport + confirmed onward connecting ticket to a third country/region. Permitted to stay within designated regions for up to 240 hours through 65 open ports across 24 provinces.

24-Hour Visa-Free Transit (Global): Available for all nationalities worldwide. Requirements: Valid international travel document + confirmed seat on connecting international flight/ship/train transiting China to a third country or region.

Tibet Autonomous Region Special Notice

Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for foreign passport holders and Taiwan visitors. Foreign tourists and Taiwan residents cannot travel independently in Tibet. You must book a guided tour via an authorized local travel agency. Submit documents to your travel agent at least 15-20 working days in advance.

Simplified Accommodation Registration Policy

Seven pilot regions support online accommodation registration for foreign visitors staying in non-hotel residences.

Tourism Policy & Laws

China's tourism policies and regulations are designed to standardize tourism services, protect tourist rights, and preserve scenic and cultural resources. All foreign visitors must hold valid original passports and legal entry documents. All official scenic spots implement standardized ticketing, opening hours and visiting codes. Damaging cultural relics is strictly forbidden.

Cultural Heritage System

China boasts a 5,000-year continuous civilization and a complete hierarchical cultural heritage protection system. Representative landmarks include the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Suzhou Classical Gardens, Terracotta Army, Mogao Grottoes and Ancient Silk Road sites. China's intangible cultural heritage includes Chinese calligraphy and painting, paper cutting, shadow puppetry, Peking Opera, traditional silk weaving, porcelain making, tea ceremony and traditional wood carving.

Folk Culture & Traditional Customs

Spring Festival: The most important traditional festival, featuring family reunion, Spring Festival couplets, red lanterns, fireworks, dumplings and New Year dinners.

Mid-Autumn Festival: A festival for family reunion, famous for mooncakes and moon-worshipping.

Dragon Boat Festival: Commemorating ancient poet Qu Yuan, with dragon boat races and rice dumplings.

Qingming Festival: A time to respect ancestors and sweep tombs, also for spring outings.

Cultural Etiquette Tips for Travellers

• When visiting temples, monasteries and sacred heritage sites, dress modestly.
• Ask permission before taking photos of local residents.
• Do not touch cultural relics, carvings or ancient artifacts.
• Public tipping is not required in China.

Regional Cultural Diversity

China has 56 officially recognised ethnic groups. Ethnic minority regions such as Tibet, Xinjiang, Yunnan, Guizhou have unique costumes, food, languages and folk rituals.

Important Travel Reminders

• Visa-free / transit visa-free rules are subject to official updates.
• Visa exemption does not guarantee entry. Border officers retain the right of final inspection.
• For Tibet and other remote ethnic regions, plan your itinerary well in advance.