Are tourists allowed to travel freely in China?

This is one of those questions that comes up every time I talk to someone who’s planning their first trip to China or even just casually thinking about going. The idea that China might somehow restrict where tourists can go is rooted in a mix of real policy, old Cold War stereotypes, and the simple fact that it's a huge, complex country with a very different system from what most Westerners are used to. But here's the thing: for the vast majority of tourists, yes, China is absolutely a country you can travel through freely. You can hop on a train, fly from one city to another, book a hotel, grab a taxi, walk around with your camera, try street food at 2am in Chengdu, climb the Great Wall near Beijing, visit pandas in Sichuan, or spend a week wandering around the neon streets of Shanghai. You don’t need a guide, you don’t need special permission (with a few exceptions), and no one is going to stop you from exploring as long as you follow the rules like you would anywhere else.

That said, China isn’t quite like backpacking through Thailand or interrailing through Europe. There are some restrictions and some nuances to understand, and if you’re not prepared, you might run into a few surprises. But let’s start with the basics: as a foreign tourist with a valid visa, you can travel to nearly every major city and tourist destination in China without issue. Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Guilin, Harbin, and countless others are completely open and welcoming to foreign visitors. Most of these cities have world-class infrastructure, public transport, hotels, and signage that includes at least some English, though the farther you get from the big urban centers, the less English you’ll encounter.

Now, are there places you can’t go? Yes. Certain regions—especially those that are politically sensitive—may be restricted or require additional permits. For example, Tibet is one of the most famous examples. You can’t just buy a ticket to Lhasa and go on your own. Foreigners are required to join a government-approved tour, and travel there is heavily controlled. You need a special permit on top of your visa, and the process usually involves going through a travel agency that handles everything. Other areas near the borders with countries like India, Kazakhstan, or North Korea may also be off-limits or require special clearance, though most tourists aren’t planning to head to those remote places anyway.

It’s also worth noting that local laws require you to register your place of residence with the Public Security Bureau (police) within 24 hours of arrival. If you’re staying at a hotel, they do this for you automatically when you check in. But if you’re staying with friends or at an Airbnb-type place, you need to go to the local police station and do it yourself, which can be confusing if you don’t speak the language. It’s not something most tourists are even aware of, but technically, it’s mandatory. Still, enforcement is inconsistent, and I know people who’ve skipped it and had no issues. But again, you’re always safest sticking to the rules.

When it comes to actually moving around the country, you’ll find China is shockingly easy to navigate—if not always in English. High-speed trains connect most major cities, domestic flights are frequent, and while apps like Google Maps don’t work well due to the Great Firewall, alternatives like Baidu Maps and Gaode Maps (AutoNavi) are used by locals. Booking train tickets can be tricky if you’re not used to the system, but agencies and apps like Trip.com have made it a lot easier for foreigners to plan itineraries without knowing Chinese. You’ll need your passport to buy any train or plane ticket, and you should carry your passport with you at all times, as ID checks are common in places like train stations, subways, and even some attractions.

Some people ask if the government monitors tourists. The short answer is probably yes, in some way, especially in sensitive regions. Like, in Xinjiang, there’s heavy surveillance—cameras, checkpoints, and ID scans are everywhere. But that doesn’t mean tourists aren’t allowed to visit; it just means that you’ll be subject to a lot more scrutiny. In general, though, if you’re staying in mainstream destinations and you’re not engaging in political activity, you’re unlikely to draw any attention to yourself. China wants tourism. It’s a major industry, and they go to great lengths to present a welcoming image, especially in places frequented by foreigners.

One thing to prepare for is the digital barrier. Most Western apps and websites—Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp—are blocked in China. You’ll need a good VPN to access them, and it’s smart to install one before you arrive. China has its own versions of everything: WeChat is the all-in-one app everyone uses for messaging, payments, food delivery, ride-hailing, and more. If you plan to stay a while or want to get around more easily, setting up a WeChat Pay or Alipay account can be super useful, but it does take some work for foreigners without a Chinese bank account. That said, as of 2024 and into 2025, more tourist sites, shops, and restaurants are becoming foreign-friendly and accepting international credit cards, something that was rare just a few years ago.

I should also talk about safety. China is, by almost every measure, incredibly safe for travelers. Petty theft is low, violent crime is rare, and the cities feel secure even late at night. I’ve walked alone in Chinese cities at 2am more times than I can count and never once felt unsafe. The biggest risks are probably getting scammed in touristy areas (like overpriced tea ceremonies or fake taxis), but even those are rare compared to what you might encounter in some Western cities.

Food and language are probably the biggest challenges. Menus aren’t always in English, and while many young people study English in school, most day-to-day workers don’t speak much. Translation apps like Pleco or Google Translate (if your VPN works) can be lifesavers. Also, be prepared for a culture that doesn’t always match Western expectations around customer service. It’s not rude—it’s just different. People can seem blunt or rushed, but that’s just how things operate.

To sum all this up: yes, tourists are allowed to travel freely in China. You don’t need a government escort or a fixed itinerary (unless you’re going to Tibet or another restricted region), and you can plan your own trip, book your own hotels, and go wherever you want—within the boundaries of the law and visa regulations. But “freely” doesn’t always mean “easily.” Language barriers, tech restrictions, and different cultural norms can add friction to your experience. Still, for the curious, adventurous, and open-minded traveler, China offers some of the most unique and fascinating travel experiences in the world.

Just make sure you’ve got your visa in order, your VPN pre-installed, and your sense of curiosity intact.