Americans, here’s why I think you should travel to China

After living in China for over 3 years, I realized how polarizing the news can be. While I didn’t quite know what to expect before moving to China, the experience that awaited me was vastly different from anything I could have ever imagined. 

Some people may be afraid to travel to China due to the media portrayal, political differences, and even the language barrier. I’d like to give you a new perspective and share some of the things that you may never hear on Western media.

As of last year, China is making it easier for many passport holders to enter the country. Whether China is on your bucket list or not, let’s take a look at what makes it a unique destination for travelers.

Entering the Country Is Easier Than Ever

Historically, China hasn’t been the easiest of places for tourists to travel to for many passport holders. Back when I was living in China, the visa situation was a bit arduous. Tourists from many countries would need to get a welcome letter and share their entire planned itinerary in order to obtain a visa. Fellow Travel Lemming Writer Betty even got kicked out of China for having the wrong visa.

I remember spending a lot of time helping my parents prepare for their tourist visas. We had to write a letter explaining that they would be staying with us and plan out the entire trip in advance so that we could submit all of the flight and hotel details for the duration of the trip.

As of 2023, China is beginning to make it easier for travelers to visit. New countries have been added to their 144-hour visa free transit and restrictions are easing for other countries as well. Tourists from 54 eligible countries can now take advantage of this 144-hour visa free transit.

This new visa free transit allows tourists from select countries to apply for a 6-day entry permit upon arrival at the port of entry. It is important to do additional research about this policy, because this is only offered in certain cities. So you’ll need to make sure your specific destination is on the list.

Make sure to do specific research for your country and make sure you have up-to-date information.

China’s Cities Are Some of the Safest I’ve Ever Seen

China is filled with NYC level mega-cities. Upon arriving in China, I was enthralled by these modern cities with top-tier design and clean public transportation. These cities are designed for pedestrians and are filled with modern public spaces. 

One thing that really stood out to me was how safe I felt in these cities. I lived in Chengdu, China and traveled to many other cities around the country. I always felt extremely safe and was able to let my guard down in ways that I have never been able to in other mega-cities that I’ve visited. 

While pickpocketing and petty crimes can happen anywhere in the world, these are preventable by making sure your items are secured. I felt comfortable walking around the big cities at all hours of the day, especially since many of the streets are often very lively.

Exercising precaution is important while traveling anywhere new. But, from my experience, Chinese mega-cities are extremely safe.

It’s One of the Oldest Civilizations in the World

In the Western world, China is often known for its cheap imported products, platforms like Temu and Shein and Tik Tok. While these are products of China, they do not encompass the 5,000 years of history that have shaped the culture. 

We are often not exposed to the other side of China, which is home to one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. While living in China, I made sure to experience as many cultural events and sites as possible. From traditional tea ceremonies to temples and monasteries, China is full of unique experiences. 

Travelers to China will find an enriching culture filled with history, unique traditions, high-quality artistry, and diverse food. As a foodie, I can say that the food is an experience in itself. From the spicy food of Sichuan to the fresh flavors of Guangdong, Chinese cuisine is diverse and complex. I recommend taking a cooking class on your visit to learn more about the complexity of Chinese cuisine. 

Download WeChat before you go and join some expat groups to find out about cultural events hosted in English. You can learn about other helpful apps in my article 5 Cultural Surprises in China.

China Is Home to Diverse Destinations and Cultures

What are the first things that come to mind when you think of traveling to China? For many, it is probably The Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and maybe even the Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie. These are great destinations, but they only scratch the service of what China has to offer. 

China is one of the largest countries in the world, offering abundant destinations and cultures. The country is home to 56 official ethnic groups and a diverse geography filled with mountains, deserts, and beaches. One thing that surprised me was that, due to the diversity of ethnic groups, many destinations in China also have a unique culture to explore.

One of the biggest geographical surprises for me were the mountain ranges. I lived in the Southwest province of Sichuan in the city of Chengdu. Chengdu is often referred to as the gateway city to Tibet, so you can reach some incredible plateaus and mountain ranges within hours.

Many remote destinations in China are difficult to visit without a local or knowledge of the Chinese language, but there’s still lots that’s both accessible and worth seeing.

You’ll Get Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Are you the type of traveler who likes to get outside your comfort zone? If so, China is the perfect place if you’re looking to avoid tourist-saturated destinations. Unless you’re going with a tour group for your entire trip, a trip to China will require you to get outside of your bubble.

In the big cities, you’ll find expat bubbles where you can easily communicate in English. Many hotels will also have some bilingual staff. But, for the most part, you’ll need to have a translator and take the language barrier head on. 

I highly recommend learning some common phrases to help you get by. When I first moved to China, I only knew how to say hello and thank you. I quickly realized that I should’ve taken more advantage of the Rosetta Stone subscription that my work had provided prior to moving to China. The language barrier brought many challenges, but it was also a great learning experience.

A trip to China will be full of unique challenges and experiences. Navigating these challenges can be a part of the adventure for curious travelers looking for a new experience. This may be anxiety-inducing for some and thrilling for others, but, with the right preparation, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime. 

I advise downloading commonly used apps in China including Alipay, Wechat, Didi, and AMap to help make things smoother during your trip.

🌈 Read Next: I Visited China’s “Rainbow Mountains”

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Traveling to China can be a rewarding and enriching experience. You’ll have the chance to discover a unique culture that is a blend of ancient history and modernity.

You’ll also have many exciting opportunities to challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone. There may be some initial discomfort due to the language barrier and culture differences, but proper planning and an open mind will help make your trip a bucket-list worthy adventure. 

I’ve shared 5 reasons why I think you shouldn’t be afraid to travel to China, but there are certainly more. Do you plan on adding China to your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!