I have some genuinely exciting news for anyone who has ever dreamed of visiting China. British passport holders can now travel there completely visa free. No applications, no embassy runs, no fees - just book and go.
Until 31st December 2026, UK passport holders can enter China for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, making this the perfect moment to finally make that trip happen. This kind of access is genuinely historic.
When I finally got the chance to visit China, after three weeks travelling around the vast and extraordinary country, I was completely smitten. There were so many highlights it’s hard to pick just a few but here goes:
Travelling to the rugged mountains of Hebei Province to hike the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall - far from the tourist crowds, with unbelievable views of watchtowers stacked against endless mountain silhouettes.
Beijing - a city of extremes. Twenty-one million people, endless steel and glass, and yet hidden within it all is the imposing Ming Dynasty Temple of Heaven and the magnificent 9,000-room Forbidden City, home to emperors for almost 600 years.
Yangshuo and the Li River, which looked exactly like a Chinese ink painting brought to life - towering karst peaks, jade-green water and bamboo rafts drifting slowly past an increasingly beautiful procession of scenery.
Lijiang, high in the mountains near the Tibetan border, where I discovered ancient villages, indigenous Naxi communities and the daily wonder of waking to watch the peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain emerge through the clouds.
Shanghai. This surprised me the most. I had always dismissed it as just another modern mega-city, but its multi-faceted personality is utterly irresistible.
And throughout the entire trip, the warmth of the people was something I will never forget - particularly an afternoon in Shanghai’s Fuxing Park, where every corner was filled with happy retired locals dancing, singing and exercising, eager to share their world with me.
You can read more about my trip here.
November, when I travelled, is a magical time to visit China. With the visa free window open until the end of December (albeit I hope it will be extended indefinitely), an autumn trip is a wonderful option - crowds are thinner, the air is crisp and clear, and the landscapes are at their most dramatic. Now really is the time to stop saying “one day.”
China is vast and English is not widely spoken, so yes, it can feel daunting at times. But with expert local guides and the right insider knowledge, it becomes entirely manageable and, I can promise you, utterly magical. Whether you’re drawn to ancient history, extraordinary landscapes, incredible wildlife or simply the sheer scale of a civilisation unlike any other, China will exceed every expectation.
Please do get in touch and let’s start designing your perfect itinerary to this amazing country.