Chinese dragon decoration on white brick wall in the wild goose pagoda temple

CHINA

Where tradition blends with modernity, untouched by mass tourism

Explore China

Our Route & Itineraries

2-weeks - city life, nature & culture

Taipei - Lukang - Sun Moon Lake - Alishan - Tainan - Kaohsiung

3-weeks - city life, nature, culture & beach

Taipei - Taichung - Lukang - Sun Moon Lake - Alishan - Tainan - Kaohsiung - Kenting

4-weeks - city life, nature, culture & beach

Taipei - Taichung - Lukang - Sun Moon Lake - Alishan - Tainan - Kaohsiung - Kenting - Taitung - Taroko Gorge - Hualien

A map of Taiwan showing a travel itinerary suggested by The Real Traveler.

Best Places to Visit in China

China: Travel Costs

CURRENCY | Chinese Yuan (CN¥)

Prices starting from:

STREET FOOD | NT$50 | €2 | US$2

LOCAL RESTAURANT | NT$50 | €2 | US$2

MODERN BISTRO | NT$150 | €4 | US$4

ACCOMMODATION |

Hostel | NT$390 | €11 | US$11

Double-Room | NT$500 | €14 | US$14

Resort | NT$3580 | €100 | US$100

PUBLIC TRANSPORT | NT$20 | €0.5 | US$0.5

COACHES | NT$390 | €11 | US$11

SIGHTSEEING | NT$140 | €4 | US$4

ATM FEES | NT$0 - $35 | €0 - €1 | US$0 - $1

LAUNDRY | NT$40 | €1 | US$1

THE REAL TRAVELER TIP

Credit card is the most widely accepted payment method.

You will need cash to load your public transport card (EasyCard) & at street food / night markets.

Book accomodation with 1-2 weeks in advance & expect higher prices for the weekends.


China Traveling Budget per Day

COSTS | Budget* | $1200-$1700 NT | $38- $54 USD | 35€-50€

FOOD | NT$180 - $285 | €5 - €8 | US$5 - $8

ACCOMMODATION | | NT$500 - $715 | €14 - 20 | US$14 - $20

TRANSPORT | NT$70 - $105 | €2 - €3 | US$2 - $3

SIGHTSEEING | NT$70 - $105 | €2 - €3 | US$2 - $3

*budget per day including accommodation, food, sightseeing & transport.

THE REAL TRAVELER TIP

We visited Taiwan on a budget.

We recommend dining at local restaurants and enjoying street food.

When choosing budget accommodations, we prioritize comfort. You can decide whether to pay extra for amenities like AC, hot water, cleanliness, and top reviews.

Taiwan is easy to explore using public transportation, while Uber can increase your expenses.

Most historic attractions in Taiwan are free, except for a small fee in Tainan.

  • China is definitely worth visiting for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and unique culture. From the Great Wall and ancient temples to panda reserves and futuristic cities, the variety is incredible. While the language barrier and internet restrictions can be a challenge, it's a safe and rewarding country to explore. With efficient trains and stunning sights, China offers an unforgettable travel experience for those open to adventure.

  • We have an extra article for this topic, as Chinese apps work differently as we are used to WeChat, Alipay, Baidu Translate, Rednote, Amap, Meituan & Didi.

  • Type A, C & I

  • Yes. You will need to show your round-trip ticket before boarding and for the visa application.

  • Mandarin Chinese and several dialects like Wu, Yue (Cantonese), Xiang, Min, Gan, and Hakka

  • It is very safe, with very low crime and pickpocketing rates.

  • No. You will need to use Baidu Translate to communicate.

  • No. In most stays we had a water filter or free drinkable water.

  • You can buy a sim-card upon arrival, which we do not recommend. The best in China is to get an eSIM to be able to use the apps that you are used to. An eSIM has a location outside of China, this is the trick to avoid the Great Firewall. We used Saily eSIM. Get yours here.

  • The Chinese government officially promotes atheism. Buddhism is the largest officially recognized religion, followed by Chinese folk religion, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam.

@the.realtravelers Ever thought about visiting China? We did — but honestly, we weren’t sure what to expect. Of course, there's the Great Wall. But beyond that? We found ancient caves, glowing rivers, silent temples, and the most unexpected moments of peace and beauty. China surprised us in the best way — and we’re sharing all the details on our blog to help you plan your own adventure. ✨ Follow us for honest tips, hidden gems, and slow travel stories from around the world. #ChinaTravel #HiddenGemsChina #WorldTripHighlights ♬ original sound - the.realtravelers

TikTok Travels: China

@the.realtravelers

Most travelers skip Pingyao — and they’re missing out. This ancient walled town is one of the best-preserved in China, with narrow alleys, traditional courtyards, and a peaceful vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere. 📍 Pingyao, Shanxi 👉 Follow us for more hidden gems, travel tips, and China like you’ve never seen before 🇨🇳

♬ Coastline - Hollow Coves

@the.realtravelers We thought it would be too crowded, too intense, too hard to navigate. But then we stood here—on the Great Wall, in total silence—and felt something shift. It wasn’t what we expected. It was better. Not everything goes to plan when you travel. Sometimes, that’s exactly the point. #ChinaTravel #GreatWallOfChina #TravelSurprises ♬ Originalton - the.realtravelers