Traveling through the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, the valleys of Kashmir, and the lush, green pockets of South India, I slowly discovered something about myself. I feel most alive when I’m surrounded by nature. Mountains, fresh air, silence, and raw landscapes became more than just a preference; they became something my heart deeply craved.
So whenever conversations about international travel came up between me and my partner, I always imagined destinations rich in natural beauty. China, honestly, was never on that list. In my mind, China was all about towering skyscrapers, hyper-advanced technology, and fast-paced city life, a place that felt distant from the kind of nature I loved. Little did I know how wrong I was.
Everything changed in September 2025, when my husband told me about his upcoming business trip to China. He casually asked if I wanted to join him and maybe even extend the trip on my own, since he would be returning to India after 10 days.
My first instinct was to say no. It just didn’t excite me. But something made me pause and eventually say yes.
We began the visa process, and that’s where things got a little uncertain. My visa application was rejected the first time, no explanation, no clear reason (which, as I later learned, is quite common). It was disappointing, but we decided to try again. This time, we reapplied with all the required documentation, including an official invitation from the exhibition my husband was attending.
And then, finally it got approved. That’s when the real journey began.
What I didn’t expect was that this trip would completely shift my perspective. Spending time in China, I discovered a side of the country I had never imagined. One filled with breathtaking mountains, serene lakes, vast national parks, and untouched natural beauty. A raw, quieter, and deeply immersive side of China that exists beyond its modern cities.
It wasn’t just a trip anymore. It became an experience that challenged my assumptions and showed me a version of China that truly stayed with me.
China Travel FAQs
Do Indians need a visa for China?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a tourist (L) visa before travel; there is no visa on arrival. You fill in the online form and submit your passport and documents at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre that covers your state. Expect to show your itinerary, bookings and bank statements. My first application was rejected without a reason and approved when I reapplied with complete documents and an invitation letter, so don’t panic if that happens. Fees and timelines change, so check the visa centre’s website first.
How do you pay in China? Do foreign cards work?
Almost everything runs on QR payments through Alipay and WeChat Pay, from street vendors to big stores. Both apps let you link an international Visa or Mastercard; I used a forex card. Set them up and verify your passport before you fly. Small payments are usually free, and a fee of about 3% typically applies above ¥200. Keep a little cash in yuan as backup. See the apps to set up before you go →
Do I need a VPN in China? Will WhatsApp, Instagram and Google work?
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube are blocked on local Chinese networks. The easiest fix is a travel eSIM that routes your data outside China, so they work without a separate VPN. I used a 30-day Trip.com eSIM with 1 GB a day for about ₹1,300. It handled maps, bookings and messaging well but was slow for Instagram. If you plan to use a VPN app instead, install it before you arrive, and know that China officially permits only government-approved VPNs. More in my China SIM card guide →
Is vegetarian food hard to find in China?
Outside the big cities, yes. Vegetarian and Indian restaurants exist in major cities but are pricey, and options thin out in national parks and the countryside. I carried instant poha, ready-to-eat meals, peanut butter, dry fruits and protein bars, and used the hot water dispensers you find almost everywhere. I rarely ate out and never went hungry. See exactly what I packed and ate →
Which apps should I download before going to China?
AMap for navigation, DiDi for cabs, Trip.com for trains and stays, Alipay and WeChat for payments, and Google Translate with the Chinese pack downloaded for offline use. Full list with setup tips →
