Travel Plan for Southern China
“Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles.” - Chinese proverb.
Following are some of the important things I learned while planning for my trip to China⭐ in April, 2026. This was my first time to mainland China and even though I am traveling with a group, there are lots of things to consider.
Travel Documents
Passport with remaining validity ≥ duration of intended stay (6 months from the departure date from China)
Travel Visa - Canadians must apply in advance [1] - visit the Chinese Embassy in Canada website for more information
Return tickets, itinerary, hotel booking(s)
China Arrival Card - mandatory for all foreign travelers entering China (online or at the airport)
Internet/Phone Access
Google Apps, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Whatsapp only work with a VPN due to China’s security firewalls
I purchased an eSim before going (10GB for 30 days) and left my laptop at home. Some apps only work with a Chinese physical sim card so purchasing one on arrival and installing it in your phone will make things easier.
Power banks may be confiscated at the airport as most are not allowed for international flight travel.
Travel Insurance
Recommended (because you never know) - I purchased a policy from World Nomads.
Paying in China
Apps - download the Alipay app on Google Play (before you go) and connect it to your credit card and/or WeChat
Cash - only accepted in some places; it is recommended to have some Renminbi (RMB) with the Yuan (CNY) being the main unit
carry no more than 20,000 RMB on entry, and you must declare foreign cash that exceeds $5000 USD
Credit cards and debit cards are not accepted in most places, or won’t work. It is good to have at least one credit card with you to show you have financial means.
Security [2]
Check the Government of Canada travel advisory - https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china
Registration of Canadians Abroad - https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration
Photography
It is illegal to take photos of military installations.[3]
In most museums and some national-preserved attractions photography may be restricted.[4] Abide by signs and ask first.
My 2026 Itinerary
I had registered for a Tea Tour with Zhen Tea. We were to meet up at the Shanghai airport on April 14, 2026 for a 14-day intensive tea tour of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. I will be posting about my trip after I return to Canada.
Guizhou and Yunnan provinces in the South
SilverStar54 - China provinces - CC BY-SA 4.0
Climate
Guizhou - April
“April brings exceptionally pleasant weather to Guizhou, with average temperatures ranging from 15-22°C. It is one of the most comfortable months for outdoor exploration. While rainfall increases further (10-15 days), it typically comes as brief showers or light drizzle. Days often alternate between brilliant sunshine and soft rain.”
Yunnan - April
“In April, the average temperatures in Yunnan typically vary from 12°C to 25°C.
The weather gradually gets warmer during the month, with little rainfall but more cloudy days. Although snowfall is uncommon, mountains in high-altitude areas remain covered in snow.”
Pack for tropical Spring/Summer weather with potential for lots of rain in Guizhou. Quick-dry clothes, good hiking shoes, a pair of sandals, and a light rain jacket should be sufficient.
Tea Harvest Times in China
“Teas plucked before Qing Ming (清明 , qīng míng; literally “clear bright”) are highly sought after and command a premium; these teas are called Pre Qing Ming or Ming Qian teas. Here are the two most highly regarded harvest seasons:
Ming Qian (明前, míng qián; literally “before Qing Ming”) tea harvested before Qing Ming festival which falls on April 4–6
Yu Qian (雨前 , yŭ qián; literally “before the rains”) tea picked before the Grain Rain on April 20”
We will be in China just post-harvest of the Spring teas. The perfect time to taste the new batches. I’m tremendously excited for this trip!
[1] Visa free for Canadians for visits up to 240 hours (10 days). This was updated (Feb 17-Dec 31, 2026) to 30 days as part of the new trade agreement between Canada and China. Any visits over 30 days will still require a visa. https://www.travelpulse.ca/news/impacting-travel/visa-free-travel-to-china-coming-soon-for-canadians-confirms-prime-minister-carney
[2] You can also check out my 2024 blog post Travel Security for more general information.
[3] Brad Lendon and Wayne Chang (2023) China warns ‘military fans’ they could face prison for posting photos online. CNN. Posted online December 26, 2023.
[4] Travel China Guide - Photography in China
[5] Best Time to Visit Guizhou: Monthly Weather Guide
[6] Yunnan Weather in April 2026 and Top 5 Places to Go
[7] Tony Gebely The Complete Guide to Tea Harvest Times. Tea Epicure.
I also checked out this article just before I left - Top 15 China Travel Tips - Things to Know Before You Go, and I recommend this 2026 video by @Little Chinese Everywhere - All You Need To Know Before Traveling To China.
