Top 5 China Travel Guide Book 2025

Did you know that if you look up the phrase “China Travel Guide” on Amazon, it will give you nearly 3,000 options to choose from? To help minimize the overwhelm, here’s a quick breakdown of the best China travel guide books that I’ve used based on over a decade of traveling around the country. This guide is part of a larger series that includes travel guides for other Asian destinations such as Beijing and Shanghai, offering comprehensive travel resources for exploring various corners of the continent. Hopefully you’ll find it useful as you plan for your trip to China!

The key to finding the right travel guide for China is understanding what kind of traveler you are.

• Are you a backpacker?
• Do you prefer luxury travel?
• Is this for business travel?
• Will you be spending most of your time in one or two Chinese cities or would you prefer to traverse the country?

If you’ll be spending most of your time in one or two cities, you can also check out my review of these top Beijing travel guide books, top Shanghai travel guide books or a review of all the best Hong Kong books

For every other traveler who needs a more comprehensive look at traveling to China as a whole, continue scrolling down or use the table of content links below to find the best guide book.

I hope you find these recommended best China travel guides for 2025 useful!

Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to purchase one of the guides listed below. Thank you for your support!

Choosing the Best Travel Guide for China

Choosing the best travel book for China can be a daunting task, especially with the numerous options available. However, by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision that suits your travel style and preferences. Here are some tips to help you choose the best travel guide for China:

• Determine Your Travel Style: Are you a backpacker, a luxury traveler, or a family on vacation? Different travel guides cater to different types of travelers, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your travel style. For instance, a backpacker might prefer a guide with insider tips on hidden gems, while a family might look for a guide with kid-friendly recommendations.
• Consider the Level of Detail: Do you want a comprehensive guide that covers every aspect of China, or a more concise guide that focuses on the essentials? Some travel guides provide detailed information on history, culture, and attractions, while others focus on practical information such as transportation and accommodation. Think about what kind of information will be most useful for your trip.
• Look for Insider Tips: A good travel guide should provide insider tips and recommendations from locals and experienced travelers. These tips can help you discover hidden gems and avoid tourist traps, making your trip more enjoyable and authentic.
• Check the Format: Do you prefer a physical guidebook or a digital version? Some travel guides are available in both formats, while others are only available in one. Consider what will be most convenient for you during your travels. Not everybody loves to walk around with a big book in their hands…while others do.
• Read Reviews: Check out reviews from other travelers to get an idea of the guide’s accuracy, usefulness, and overall quality. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each guide.

By considering these factors, you can choose a travel guide that meets your needs and helps you plan an unforgettable trip to China.

#1 Lonely Planet China – Recommended

Any list of guide books would be incomplete without the Lonely Planet China. This guide is part of a larger series that includes travel guides for other Asian destinations such as Beijing and Shanghai, offering comprehensive travel resources for exploring various corners of the continent. There’s a reason for this, though:

They are just that good.

If you’re in the planning phase and don’t know exactly where you want to go in China, this is the most thorough guidebook that covers the most area. This guide includes top experiences in China, offering a curated selection of must-see attractions and unique activities.

• Who is this for? The Lonely Planet China is suited for budget backpackers who are wanderers. They don’t know where they will be next week so they rely on this book to figure that out.
• Pros: Incredible attention to detail, 190 maps as well as language guides in languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Tibetan, Uyghur and Portuguese.
• Cons: limited pictures and no dedicated subway maps (except for Beijing). It’s also one of the largest and heaviest travel books on China – so consider buying the ebook instead.

#2 DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: China

For those who like a set itinerary before they ever set foot on an airplane, look no further than the DK Eyewitness China Guide series.

The visual appeal of this book sets it apart from all the others, with detailed maps, beautiful pictures and 3D illustrations to help you fully appreciate the major landmarks.

• Target Audience for this Travel Guide? Budget travelers who don’t like to stray too far from the beaten path. You want to see the major tourist attractions, but you also want to be an informed traveler who appreciates the history and architectural beauty.
• Pros: Beautiful maps, including country maps, city maps and subway maps. Pictures and 3D illustrations of the most popular travel destinations. The guide also includes top experiences in China, offering a curated selection of must-see attractions and unique activities.
• Cons: DK China has a limited selection of hotels and restaurants, especially when compared to the Lonely Planet. Only covers the most popular tourist destinations.

#3 National Geographic China

Written by the same author as the Lonely Planet, National Geographic China tries to take it a step further by offering “insider tips” and spending more time on the history and relevance of each site instead of just the travel information.

They describe this guide as being geared toward those travelers who want a focus on more “experiential travel”.

• Who is this Book Aimed at? You value the history of the sites you visit and wish to know about them prior to arrival instead of learning while walking around.
• Pros: Colorful layout and well-researched history for each location, something you expect from National Geographic. The guide also includes top experiences in China, offering a curated selection of must-see attractions and unique activities.
• Cons: Doesn’t really cover “off the beaten path” locations

#4 The Rough Guide to China

Would you rather sleep in a dorm than in a hotel? Eat at a hole-in-the-wall instead of a well-established restaurant? Do you prefer to blaze your own trail?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, consider grabbing a copy of the Rough Guide China.

• Who is this for? Backpackers who want to beat their own path through China. You spend less time in the city and more time in the countryside.
• Pros: Extensive language guide and a bank of information that is more detailed than any other guide on the market. It also includes top experiences in China, offering a curated selection of must-see attractions and unique activities.
• Cons: By far the largest and heaviest guide, beating the already-large LP guide by 200 pages.

#5 Frommer’s China

Not everybody who travels to China fits the stereotypical 20 year-old who is trying to “see the world”.

For those mature travelers who have been around the block a few times and might have a few extra dollars to spend on their travels, consider Frommer’s China guide. While Frommer’s offers a more current guide on the major cities in China, this older guide covers the entire country.

• Who is This For? Those who are traveling with kids or who would consider themselves more “mature” travelers.
• Pros: Easy-to-read pages with bigger fonts (Lonely Planet is tiny!); helpful guides to food and popular dishes; ratings based on being kid-friendly or even overrated. The guide also includes top experiences in China, offering a curated selection of must-see attractions and unique activities.
• Cons: No pictures; This guide also hasn’t been updated since 2012, so some of the information is outdated.

Before You Travel to China…

A word of caution. There’s one thing that all of these guide books have in common: they’re all very good at telling you where to go, what to see and what to eat. This guide is part of a larger series that includes travel guides for other Asian destinations such as Beijing and Shanghai, providing comprehensive resources for exploring various corners of Asia.

Unfortunately, they’re pretty bad about teaching you how to travel to China.

For example, they’ll tell you to take a high speed train to travel between Shanghai and Suzhou, but they won’t tell you how to buy train tickets or what you need to know about a Chinese train station. They’ll tell you how much an entrance ticket costs but they won’t explain the best ways to pay for things in China.

That’s why I recommend you combine your purchase of these guide books with another book – Travel to China: Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel to China

It’s an easy-to-read, practical guide that will answer most of your China travel questions by walking you step-by-step through everything you need to consider before you physically get on the plane.

The book is available both as an ebook download and a paperback you can take along with you.

Oh, and full disclosure – I wrote this book so I’m a bit biased as to how helpful I think it will be to you 😉

Essential Travel Information

In the China prep guide above, you’ll learn some basic information about the country and what’s required to travel here. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need to obtain a Chinese visa before entering China. Check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country for more information and ensure you have all the necessary documents.
• Vaccinations: China requires certain vaccinations, such as hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Consult with your doctor or a travel clinic to determine the necessary vaccinations for your trip. It’s always better to be safe and prepared.
• Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, but many people also speak English, especially in tourist areas. Consider bringing a Mandarin phrasebook or downloading a translation app to help you communicate with locals and enhance your travel experience.
• Currency: The Chinese yuan is the local currency, although many places also accept credit cards and foreign currency. It’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small purchases and transportation.
• Weather: China has a diverse climate, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate in the north. Be sure to pack accordingly and check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure you’re prepared for the conditions.

By keeping these essential travel tips in mind, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip to China.

Recommended Reading for China

In addition to travel guides, there are many other books that can help you deepen your understanding of China and its culture. Here are a few recommendations:

Non-Fiction Books for a Deeper Understanding

• “The China Mirage” by James Bradley: This book provides a comprehensive history of China’s relationship with the United States and offers insights into the country’s complex politics and culture. It’s a fascinating read for anyone interested in international relations.
• “China: A New History” by John King Fairbank: A classic history of China that covers the country’s development from ancient times to the present day. This book is essential for understanding the historical context of modern China.
• “The Search for Modern China” by Jonathan D. Spence: This comprehensive history of modern China covers the country’s transformation from a traditional society to a modern nation-state. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in China’s recent history.
• “China’s Great Leap: The Beijing Games and Olympian Human Rights Challenges” by Minky Worden: This book examines the human rights challenges faced by China in the lead-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It provides a critical look at the intersection of sports and politics.
• “The Party: The Secret World of China’s Communist Rulers” by Richard McGregor: An insider’s look at the inner workings of the Chinese Communist Party and its impact on the country’s politics and economy. This book offers a unique perspective on China’s political landscape.

These books offer a deeper understanding of China’s history, culture, and politics, and can help you appreciate the complexities of this fascinating country.

Conclusion | Best China Travel Guide Book 2025

As you can see, there are plenty of excellent options when it comes to China travel guide books in 2025. This guide is part of a larger series that includes travel guides for other Asian destinations such as Beijing and Shanghai, offering comprehensive travel resources for exploring various corners of the continent.

Additionally, this guide includes top experiences in China, offering a curated selection of must-see attractions and unique activities that travelers should not miss.

Once you’ve made your decision on which brand is right for you, the next decision is whether to buy a physical book or a digital book.

I know there are plenty of people who appreciate holding a physical book in their hands, but there is also a lot of value in being able to highlight and search with an ebook!

If you’re in the planning stages of your trip to China, make sure you visit the TravelChinaCheaper Start Here page that details a lot of free information for you to consider. You could also read through some of our recommended must-read books on China

Finally, if you want specific guides for the major cities in China, check out the options for city-specific travel guides below. Enjoy and share if this was helpful!