China does not require a visa from citizens of these countries
The People’s Republic of China already offers reciprocal visa exemptions for holders of standard passports from many countries. Previously requiring visas from citizens of all countries except Singapore and Brunei, China recently granted visa exemptions to several more countries: Citizens of Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg may visit China for up to 15 days without a visa between March 14 and November 30, 2024. As of May 2024, citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg may to travel to China visa-free for 15 days until December 31, 2025. Visa exemptions are limited to business, tourism, family visits and transit travel. As of December 1, 2023, China granted 15-day visa-free travel to citizens of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Malaysia within a year. China also signed a 30-day mutual visa exemption agreement with Singapore on January 26 and an indefinite mutual visa exemption agreement with Thailand on January 28.
A few notes about China
- The People’s Republic of China extends across the world’s third- largest area, after Russia and Canada. It is the largest country in Asia.
- Following the Chinese (Xinhai) Revolution in 1911, the country’s two-thousand-year imperial era ended, and China is now governed as a republic.
- According to World Population Review 2023 data, the People’s Republic of China has a population of approximately 1.425 billion people.
- Standard Chinese is used as the official language in China. There are many regional languages, including Mongolian, Uyghur and Tibetan.
- Beijing is the capital of China, while Shanghai is the country’s largest city. Other well-known cities in China are Hong Kong, Guilin and Guangzhou.
Where is China?
China is in East Asia and shares borders with Russia, South Korea, India, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nepal.
When to visit China
As China expands the number of countries whose citizens are permitted visa-free travel, the question of when to visit China becomes more relevant for more people! China has four seasons, and many believe that spring and summer are ideal times to visit the country.
Getting to China
Turkish Airlines operates flights to 62 cities in China. Direct flights from Istanbul Airport to Beijing International Airport last about nine hours, while direct flights to Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport take between 10 and 11 hours. Passengers who don’t need a visa to visit China can fly to China via Istanbul at advantageous fares and with Turkish Airlines privileges.
Cities to visit in China
As we noted earlier, China is a vast country, with many places to visit! Since we can’t cover it all, we’ve listed a few of China’s most prominent cities.
Beijing
Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, has a long and vivid history. The Great Wall of China lies within the borders of suburban Beijing, within the city itself are highlights such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Donghuamen Night Market and Tiananmen Square.
Shanghai
Shanghai, China’s largest city, has long been considered a colorful destination, thanks to its striking architecture, temples and historical buildings. Visit Shanghai and experience its vibrant atmosphere and the Bund, a waterfront promenade, as well as the Garden of Happiness, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, located in the Pudong district.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong, China’s special administrative region, is another prominent Chinese city. Some highlights of this dynamic urban landscape include the Tian Tan Buddha statue, the world’s largest statue, along with Hong Kong Park, and the Man Mo and Wong Tai Sin temples.
Worth exploring: Chinese cuisine
In addition to being one of the world’s oldest cuisines, Chinese cuisine is incredibly creative and diverse. That said, Chinese cuisine is generally classified by region and style of cooking, and tends to includes dishes made with grains, vegetables, fruit and meat, rather than dairy products. If you’re traveling to China, you’ll have a lot to look forward to! ☺
