Useful Information for Backpacking China

We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.

We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.

Can’t convince your mates? No worries! Most of our travellers come solo, and it’s one of the best ways to experience a new destination.

You’ll join an instant crew, meet amazing people, and make new friends from day one. Plus, you can keep your travel plans flexible and fully your own.

Ready to roll solo? You won’t be alone for long.

Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No.11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.

No, it is not included. You can book a transfer up to 30 days before your tour, in one of two ways:

-Through your online account area

-Through our Sales team, you can contact them at admin@backpackingtours.com for more information!

Mainland China uses the Chinese yuan (CN¥), also called renminbi (RMB). Most people pay by phone with Alipay or WeChat Pay, and both now accept foreign bank cards, so it is worth setting one up before you travel. Many smaller shops and restaurants do not take foreign cards directly.

Carry some cash as a backup. ATMs at the big banks, such as Bank of China, generally accept foreign cards.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the most comfortable times on our routes, with mild temperatures and clearer skies. Summer is hot, humid and wet across much of the country, and winter is freezing in Beijing and on the Great Wall.

Try to avoid the national holiday in the first week of October and Chinese New Year (late January or February), when trains and sights are packed. See our China weather guide for more.

Your phone will work, but many apps will not on local networks or hotel Wi-Fi: Google (including Maps and Gmail), WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook are blocked in mainland China. Many travellers use a roaming eSIM from a provider outside China, which usually routes data abroad so those apps keep working.

Before you go, install and set up Alipay or WeChat (for payments and messaging), a translation app with Chinese downloaded for offline use, and a map app such as Apple Maps or Amap.

Yes, keep it with you every day. China uses real-name ticketing, so your passport is needed to board high-speed trains, check in at hotels and enter many major sights, including the Forbidden City. Police can also ask to see it.

Keep a photo of your passport and visa page on your phone as well, in case the original is lost.

No. Tipping is not customary in mainland China and is not expected in restaurants, taxis or shops. Your group leader will let you know if there is a moment where a small thank-you for a local guide or driver is appropriate.

Not many, outside hotels and the big tourist sights, so a translation app with Chinese downloaded for offline use is essential. Pointing at pictures on menus works well, and it helps to save your hotel's name and address in Chinese characters to show taxi drivers.

Your group leader handles the tricky bits, and a few words of Mandarin, such as "ni hao" (hello) and "xie xie" (thank you), always go down well.