What is China really like to travel?

China is one of those places that can feel impossible to sum up. One minute you’re standing in front of a 2,000-year-old army of terracotta warriors, the next you’re riding a high-speed train through the country or wandering neon-lit streets in a city that feels like it belongs in the future.

But what is China actually like to travel?

For first-time visitors, China can feel a little different to other destinations. The language, food, transport, payment systems and sheer scale of the country can all take some getting used to. But that’s also part of what makes travelling here so exciting.

Is China easy to travel around?

Yes - although it can take a little getting used to.

China is huge, but getting between destinations is surprisingly straightforward. High-speed trains connect many of the country's biggest cities, making it possible to cover serious distances without spending your entire trip in airports. On an organised group tour, you also don't need to figure out every train, transfer and hotel yourself - your group leader takes care of the logistics while you get on with enjoying the trip.

And honestly, some of the journeys become part of the adventure.

What is the food like in China?

If your idea of Chinese food is limited to your local takeaway, prepare to have your mind changed.

From Sichuan hotpot and Peking duck to street food markets packed with smoke, spice and unfamiliar dishes, food is a huge part of travelling through China. Different regions have their own flavours, specialities and ways of doing things, so there’s always something new to try.

And yes, some dishes can be seriously spicy. Consider yourself warned.

What are the cities like?

China's cities are a mix of old and new - often within the same few streets.

Shanghai's skyline lights up the Huangpu River, while Beijing is packed with imperial history. Chengdu is famous for pandas and Sichuan food, and Chongqing takes city life to another level, with streets, buildings and even transport seemingly stacked on top of each other.

Then there are places like Xi'an, where ancient city walls and the Terracotta Army sit alongside busy markets and modern city life.

It's this contrast that makes travelling through China so interesting. You're never quite sure what you'll find around the next corner.

What are the landscapes like?

China's landscapes are seriously varied.

In Zhangjiajie, towering sandstone pillars rise out of the mist, while Yangshuo is surrounded by limestone peaks and green rice paddies. You can cycle through the countryside, float down a river on a bamboo raft, climb 999 steps to Tianmen Mountain's Heaven's Gate, and then a few days later find yourself walking along the Great Wall.

It's a lot to fit into one trip - but that's exactly the point.

Is China good for solo travellers?

Absolutely.

Travelling to China solo doesn't mean travelling alone. Joining a small group means you've got people to share the experience with from day one, whether that's attempting to order dinner together, taking on the Great Wall or getting hopelessly competitive over who can handle the spiciest hotpot.

For first-time visitors, having a group leader and a ready-made group of travellers also takes away some of the stress of navigating an unfamiliar destination.

So, what is China really like?

It's busy. It's huge. It's fascinating. It's sometimes chaotic, occasionally confusing and very different from what you might be used to.

And that's exactly why you should go.

China isn't a destination where you simply tick off a few famous sights. It's a place where ancient history, futuristic cities, incredible food, dramatic landscapes and everyday local life all collide.

You might arrive not knowing quite what to expect. You'll probably leave with a camera roll full of pandas, mountains, markets, skyscrapers and a lot of new foods you need to rush back for.