How to Visit China Without a Tour: Independent Travel Guide

I have visited every country in the world, lived in China for more than a decade, and traveled to every Chinese province. Studying Mandarin from a young age eventually led me to China, and living there introduced me to the points and miles world. Many assumptions American travelers have about visiting China do not match the experience on the ground. From choosing where to go to understanding how the country has changed for international visitors, here is a practical guide for exploring China independently.

One of the biggest challenges for points travelers is actually getting to China. With many pre-pandemic routes still missing, you may need to get creative with positioning flights and connections through places like Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. Look for award availability on airlines including EVA Air, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air, understand partner availability, and plan far in advance. Once in China, set up essential apps including Alipay, WeChat, and DiDi. Physical credit cards and cash have largely disappeared from everyday transactions, so foreign visitors need to navigate China's mobile-first ecosystem.

For domestic travel, China's high speed rail network can often be a better option than flying. Avoid overpaying for domestic airfare, and find exceptional hotel value across Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. Small details make a major difference on a first trip, from translation tools and local transportation to hotel quirks and cultural differences.