Explore China’s top 3 cities – Shanghai, Chengdu & Chongqing! Your quick travel guide

🇨🇳 Travel China Visa-Free! Quick Guide to 3 Top Cities: Shanghai – Chengdu – Chongqing (Updated 2025)

✈️ Visa-free conditions:
✅ Most European passport holders can stay in China for up to 30 days (tourism only)
⚠️ Must show: return/next flight ticket + pre-booked accommodation

🌤️ Recommended season:
Mar–May (spring) & Sep–Nov (autumn)
Cool and clear weather; avoid extreme heat (Jun–Aug) and freezing cold (Dec–Feb)

📱 Must-have apps:

• Alipay / WeChat Pay: Mobile payment (supports foreign cards)

• Didi: Like Grab, call a car easily

• Baidu Maps: Detailed local maps

• Translate: Chinese–Thai translation

🚩 1. Shanghai: Future meets classic
📍 Highlights:

• The Bund: Skyscrapers & classic architecture 🌃

• Hongqiao Market: Bargain designer shopping (haggling required!)

• Disneyland: Full-day fun 🎢

• Jing’an Temple: Ancient temple among skyscrapers

🍜 Must-eat:

• Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)

• Shengjian (pan-fried dumplings with soup)

• Red-cooked shrimp fried rice

🐼 2. Chengdu: Home of pandas & spicy food
📍 Highlights:

• Panda Breeding Center: Take pics with panda cubs 🐼

• Jinli Ancient Street: Old streets + local food

• Kuanzhai Alleys: Historic street art area

• Sichuan Opera: Don’t miss the “Face-Changing” show

🌶️ Signature dishes:

• Sichuan hotpot (spice level 1–5)

• Dandan noodles (spicy sesame)

• Sichuan dim sum (spicy buns)

⛰️ 3. Chongqing: The 3D city of hotpot
📍 Highlights:

• Hongya Cave: 11-story riverside buildings ✨

• Yangtze River Cable Car: Panoramic views

• City Railways: Subway through buildings (photo spot!)

• Qimen Street Food: Night hotpot feasts

🔥 Must-try dishes:

• Chongqing hotpot (spicy level: “heavenly”)

• Xiaonian noodles (red-broth noodles)

• Tip: Have milk or soy milk to cool the spice!

🚄 Travel tips:

• Between cities: High-speed train (Chengdu → Chongqing ≈ 1.5 hrs)

• In cities: Metro + Didi (especially in hilly Chongqing)

• Communication: Type place names in English in map apps

✅ Quick summary:

CityMust-seeSignature foodShanghaiSkyscrapers & shoppingXiaolongbaoChengduPandas & old streetsSichuan hotpotChongqing3D city viewsXiaonian noodles & hotpot

Golden season: Oct–Nov (less rain + cool weather)
Travel smart, master the apps, and China will be easier than you think!