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Japan to require negative COVID test upon arrival for Chinese travellers

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Russian PM proposes new ministers, retains ministers of finance, economy

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin proposed a raft of ministerial appointments on Saturday, including new names, but retained Maxim Reshetnikov as economy minister and Anton Siluanov as finance minister, Russian news agencies said.

Egypt has refused to coordinate with Israel on the entry of aid into Gaza from the Rafah crossing due to Israel's "unacceptable escalation", Egypt's state affiliated Alqahera News satellite TV reported on Saturday, citing a senior official.

Russia's Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil processing, petrochemical and fertiliser complex located in the Bashkortostan region has stopped its catalytic cracker after being attacked by a drone on 9 May, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

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After zero-COVID, Chinese tourists only trickle into Japan

Full recovery remains doubtful amid toughened entry restrictions

TOKYO -- The end of China's zero-COVID policy signaled the possibility of a renewed influx of Chinese travelers to Japan, but it appears traffic will not recover anytime soon as numbers at airports and tourist spots remain light.

Flights from mainland China to Narita International Airport serving Tokyo early this week remained about 80% below pre-pandemic levels, according to data from the airport's operator.

Flight constraints expected to weigh on China travel rebound

China crests first infection wave since abandoning zero-covid, analysis: china's elderly pay ultimate price for covid missteps, hotels, theme parks rush to open in asean as tourism rebounds, china slams who for doubting 'transparent' covid data, japan asks drugstores to prevent medicine hoarding by tourists, china suspends visa issuance for south koreans and japanese, china's new year travel set to double to 2bn trips after zero-covid easing, osaka, other japan cities offer subsidies to boost covid-hit tourism, ghibli park tickets go on sale for overseas visitors from tuesday, china's new year travel shows signs of recovery as restrictions ease, latest on travel & leisure, japan sees less domestic golden week travelers amid inflation, tokyo disney aims to keep magic alive with new 'frozen,' 'peter pan' areas, tokyo disney unveils luxury hotel with rooms from $2,200 a night, sponsored content, about sponsored content this content was commissioned by nikkei's global business bureau..

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• 16-Day Japan and China Discovery Tour

Discover world-famous landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and historical cities such as Xi'an and Kyoto, and witness the vibrant cultures of East Asia, as you experience the best of Japan and China on a 16-day leisurely tour (easily adapted to be a 2-week or 3-week tour). It covers iconic cities like Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. With our carefully-designed itinerary and expert guides, this adventure tour is sure to create unforgettable memories and a comprehensive view of the Far East. Come with us and have the journey of a lifetime!

• Best For: First-timers, families, food enthusiasts, lovers of Asian culture
• Departure date: up to you
• Sample Price: from US$ 6,699 each (2 per room); 4-6 persons, save US$ 400 each!

This is an ideal tour for first-time visitors and families to both Japan and China. Sign up for your favorite part of the tour or simply treat the whole tour as inspiration, designing each element specially for you.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Journey Route

Enter into the history of china and japan by visiting unesco sites and discovering their hidden corners., taste the exotic savory flavors of east asia., make your own terracotta warriors after finding out the secrets of the terracotta army., delight in the captivating panorama of tokyo city from the heights of the renowned sky tree tower ., experience the breathtaking scenery of hakone from multiple perspectives., listen to the echoes of history while cycling or walking on the ancient xi'an city wall ., dress in a traditional kimono to truly experience the authentic allure of kyoto., take a leisurely stroll through nara park and interact with over 1,200 tame deer., indulge in ultimate relaxation and serenity at a traditional japanese ryokan (inn) with an onsen (hot spring bath) in hakone., hear untold tales of the bund and ascend shanghai tower for panoramic views., have your own guide and private vehicle during the guided day..

Explore similar itineraries: 16-Day South Korea and Japan Cultural Adventure Tour 16-Day Japan and China Discovery Tour

Itinerary in Detail

We're ready to refine and design your own dream journey based on your preferences! Our team will create a tailor-made Japan and China tour, just for you. The following is to give you an inspirational example of what is the core of Japan and China touring.

Welcome to Japan, a country that uniquely blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology. From the bustling streets of Tokyo and tranquil gardens of Kyoto, to flourishing Osaka and the breathtaking cherry blossom season, Japan offers something to delight every traveler.

Savor traditional sushi , ramen , wagyu beef, and hot springs ( onsen ) for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. With expert guides and a tailored itinerary, your Japan tour would be an unforgettable journey.

After your arrival at the airport, your private driver will welcome you with a name board and transfer you to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to relax and explore at your own pace.

Experience an unforgettable day exploring Tokyo with your own private guide:

• Begin your adventure with a visit to Meiji Shrine , where you can witness traditional Japanese weddings and pay your respects to Emperor Meiji.
• Take a stroll along picturesque Omotesando shopping street, famous for its broad tree-lined avenue and flagship stores of the world's top fashion brands.
• Visit iconic Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, one of Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temples. Take in the striking architecture and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this cultural hub.
• Riding the elevator up the magnificent Tokyo Skytree offers you a chance to marvel at the city's awe-inspiring panorama from its high-altitude observation decks.
• Finally, lose yourself in the energetic streets of Shibuya , home to the famous Shibuya Crossing and an abundance of shopping and entertainment options.

Embark on a memorable journey through Tokyo's most iconic attractions:

• Begin by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Tsukiji Fish Market , renowned for its vast array of seafood and bustling market life.
• Elevate your culinary skills with an authentic sushi-making experience , led by a local sushi chef. Savor the exquisite flavors of your handcrafted sushi during a delightful lunch, while basking in the satisfaction of your newfound talent.
• Unwind and appreciate the tranquil beauty of Hama-rikyu Gardens , one of Tokyo's most stunning traditional Japanese gardens.
• Immerse yourself in the pulse of Japan's dynamic pop culture at an anime-themed cafe ! A delightful escapade into a colorful, animated universe brimming with vibrancy and excitement!
• Embark on an effortless journey to Hakone Yumoto station from Shinjuku station using your Hakone Freepass and Romancecar ticket. Enjoy a relaxing 90-minute direct journey to your destination.
• With the hassle of transportation taken care of, you have the rest of the day to unwind and explore at your own pace. Soak in the beauty of the surrounding nature or indulge in the area's famous hot springs for an ultimate relaxation experience.

Unleash the full potential of your Hakone Freepass and explore all that Hakone has to offer! Enjoy the freedom to get on and off various regional transport at your leisure, with the added benefit of discounted admission to multiple attractions in the region.

• The Hakone pass covers eight different forms of transportation, including trains, buses, cable cars, cableway, and sightseeing cruise, making it easy to see all the major sights of the region.

Alternatively, relax at your hotel and soak in the rejuvenating hot spring bath after a day of travel. Take advantage of the luxurious amenities and soak up the stunning scenery around you.

In the morning, make your way to Odawara station using your Hakone Freepass and use the train ticket to board the Shinkansen to Kyoto.

• On arrival at Kyoto station, make your own way to your hotel using your Shinkansen ticket.
• The rest of the day is free time.

On the seventh day, we would explore the former imperial capital of Kyoto with a knowledgeable local guide and have your own private vehicle to visit some of its World Heritage Sites:

• The day begins with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple , also known as the Golden Pavilion. Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun, this iconic temple was later converted into a Buddhist temple, making it one of Kyoto's most famous and revered landmarks.
• Don't miss the chance to explore Nijo Castle , an ornamental castle built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence. Surrounded by stunning gardens, this castle's main building was completed in 1603 and is renowned for its unique architecture, decorated sliding doors, and 'chirping' nightingale floors.
• Take a leisurely stroll down Nishiki Market , a narrow, five-block long shopping street lined with over a hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this vibrant retail market specializes in all things related to food, including fresh seafood, knives, and cookware. There, you can indulge in seasonal delicacies and Kyoto specialties such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.

Choose from a wide array of traditional kimonos and let local experts style you to perfection. Seize this exceptional opportunity to navigate local terrains in genuine Japanese garb, stirring a deeply transformative travel experience.

Take a serene stroll up to the " Pure Water " Temple , Kiyomizu, for a immersive cultural plunge. Soak in panoramic Kyoto vistas from its nail-free, 13-meter-high Main Hall veranda. Even amid restorations, this quintessential Kyoto marvel stands a breathtaking sight to behold.

Journey from your hotel to the historic city of Nara, under the guidance of a local expert. Nara, a cradle of heritage, was Japan's capital in the 8th century for 74 years. The testament to this glorious era lives on in the myriad of remaining temples and shrines, quietly narrating tales of the past.

• Experience the artistry of Matcha at Kyoto's centuries-old tea house in Uji. Revel in a day interspersed with tradition, history, and exquisite green tea flavors.
• Take a leisurely stroll through Nara Park, also known as Deer Park, where you can interact with over 1,200 tame deer that call the park home.
• Your journey continues to the grandeur of Todai-ji Temple , a marvel of wood that stands as the world's largest, cradling within it Japan's most magnificent Buddha.
• Quench your thirst at a traditional sake brewery , where you can sample different types of sake and discover your favorite.
• On the way back from Nara, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine , which was featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha . This shrine is home to over 10,000 red torii gates that form a beautiful path up the mountain behind the temple.

Day 9 of our Japan adventure is your chance to relax or explore Osaka on your own before your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Beijing, the capital of China.

Upon arrival in Beijing, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Ready for Beijing? Let's begin the day trip by visiting the symbol of new China — Tian'anmen Square .

• From there, proceed to the Forbidden City , the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace, with a rich 500-year history. While most tour groups only visit the six halls on the central axis, your private guide will help you explore 12 carefully-selected places to fully experience the grandeur and beauty of this historic site.
• Indulge in a delicious lunch of Beijing Roast Duck , where you can watch the chef's exquisite cutting skills, savor the crispy duck skin, and learn the proper way to eat it.
• After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the charming hutong alleyways , where you can soak up the local atmosphere and learn about the daily lives of Beijing residents.
• Start the day's touring at the Temple of Heaven , where emperors prayed for a good harvest. Arrive early to witness locals practicing martial arts and engaging in other unique activities that you may not see in your home country.
• In the afternoon, visit Mutianyu , the top-ranked section of the Great Wall on TripAdvisor due to its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. Although it is about a 2½-hour drive from downtown Beijing, the stunning views and unforgettable experience make it well worth the journey.
• Marvel at the stunning imperial garden of the Summer Palace , originally the summer retreat of the imperial court and now a peaceful escape from the summer heat.
• Experience China's technological development as you race towards Xi'an on a high-speed train . This is a unique and exciting way to travel and witness the modern advancements of China's transportation system.
• Start your day by uncovering the mysteries of the underground army that dates back to 206 BC at the Terracotta Army Museum . Then, visit a local craftsman's cave dwelling to learn how to make a mini terracotta warrior .
• Return to the city area and visit Xi'an City Wall , which has been guarding the inner city for over 600 years. Walking along the wall provides a stunning view of the city, or you can rent a bike to cycle around the 14 km (9-mile) wall for a unique leisurely experience.
• Explore more of Xi'an's rich history at Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda , then head to the Muslim Quarter to wander through the alleys and savor the local Muslim cuisine.
• In the afternoon, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your Shanghai guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel, where you can rest and recharge for the next day's adventures.
• Experience more than just taking a few selfies on the Bund during our In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery Tour, where you will travel back in time to the golden age of the Bund in the 1920s.
• Explore some of the old Bund buildings and listen to their fascinating stories. Then, ascend the tallest building in China, Shanghai Tower , where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Shanghai and witness the vastness of the largest city in China.

On the last day of this itinerary, your private car, driver, and guide will be awaiting you at your hotel lobby, ensuring a timely arrival at the airport.

As you sit back and relax, they will provide check-in assistance and escort you to the correct security gate. Experience stress-free travel and a delightful journey home as they cater to your every need.

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

Tour Price:

• The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the low season.
• The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
• We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
• We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).

Price Includes:

• Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
• English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
• Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
• Accommodation for all nights
• Flights/trains between itinerary cities
• Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
• 24/7 helpline while touring
• Governmental taxes

Price Excludes:

• International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Overweight luggage more than 20 kg per person
• Visa fee, if applicable
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Personal expenses

Tour code: ah-ea-1

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Highlights of China and Japan     View Tours

Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people..

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people. (smaller group departure available).

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our budget tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget..

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation..

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Group Tour | Deluxe Style

Highlights of china and japan.

China (Beijing - Xian - Shanghai) Japan (Nara - Kyoto - Hakone - Mt Fuji - Tokyo)

Departure Months:

The Far East offers everything from enriching destinations to delicious cuisine. On the Highlights of China and Japan tour, you’ll uncover the mysterious treasures of two countries that share a deep long-standing cultural connection. Your journey begins in China's enchanting cities: Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai. Delve into China's cultural treasures in Beijing: the prestigious palaces of the Forbidden City, vast Tiananmen Square, and the impressive Great Wall. After experiencing thi... View More

The Far East offers everything from enriching destinations to delicious cuisine. On the Highlights of China and Japan tour, you’ll uncover the mysterious treasures of two countries that share a deep long-standing cultural connection. Your journey begins in China's enchanting cities: Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai. Delve into China's cultural treasures in Beijing: the prestigious palaces of the Forbidden City, vast Tiananmen Square, and the impressive Great Wall. After experiencing this Wonder of the World, you will go on to discover the Tombs of the Ming Emperors – another UNESCO-recognized heritage site. Later, you'll find yourself strolling Wangfujing Street – bustling down streets with shops that offer beautiful silks, lovely local goods, and delicious Chinese snacks. Continue to the ancient capital, Xian, founded 6000 years ago, once a gateway to the Great Silk Road. As the cradle of Chinese culture, the city has a strong historical appeal and gives you a better feel for traditional China. It is difficult to not feel a flutter in your heart when you behold the Terracotta Warriors - an awe-inspiring display, especially considering they are around 2200 years old. The next attraction is Huaqing Pool, famed for its royal baths that tell of the romance between an emperor of the Tang Dynasty and Lady Yang - one of China's Great Beauties. And you are sure to savor the day's lunch featuring traditional Xian-style dumplings, which attract both locals and tourists alike! Shanghai is a megacity that is sustains a rare fusion between classical and futuristic, with European-style builidngs along the Huangpu River across from towering skyscrapers. By far the best thing to do in Shanghai is to take a walk beside the beautiful gardens and riverbank in the old part of Shanghai. You're sure to relax at the Yu Garden, a Ming-era park maintaining a classical Chinese appeal, and while walking on the Bund, the collection of houses in Neoclassical, Baroque, and Art Deco designs make for Shanghai's most iconic postcard vistas. Wrap up your China adventure with amazing 360-degree views from an incredible platform soaring atop the Shanghai World Financial Center. As you travel from China to Japan, you will uncover the history and culture of feudal Japan infused into the cities of Nara and Kyoto, where elegant architecture and towering monuments, including the Great Buddha at historic Todaiji Temple, takes you back to an era of samurai and ninja. Spend the better two days in UNESCO-recognized Kyoto, where you'll enjoy every moment traversing the old city’s gardens, temples, shrines, castle, and specialty shops. As you travel in Autumn, venturing to Arashiyama - with the famous Togetsukyo Bridge, the bamboo groves, the picturesque Zen landscape at Tenryuji Temple - brings beautiful scenes of old Japan wrapped in fall's golden glow. Japanese Green Tea is considered to be the best in the world. Experience a green tea ceremony and take a break as you have a truly memorable cup of matcha tea. Then you will find out more about Japan's choicest rice wine at the Sake Museum. Next, take the Shinkansen bullet train to feel the rush of Japan's top-notch technology. As you travel towards the east, witness the iconic Mount Fuji – the cultural centerpiece of much of Japan's artistic inspiration – and stay overnight at one of our favorite onsen (hot springs) hotels. In Tokyo, the fully-guided tour will immerse you in this sprawling metropolis with old and new, fashionable and funky. Explore Asakusa's centuries-old Sensoji Temple, and take the famed street-crossing through bustling Shibuya. It is impossible to conclude your trip without experiencing Sushi culture in Japan. Visit Tsukiji Outer Market to browse super-fresh seafood, put your culinary skills to the test during a Sushi-making class, and savor the delicious creations you prepared.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the Forbidden City: highly exclusive and lavish abode for generations of China’s emperors.
• Stroll atop a section of the Great Wall, China’s most celebrated and imposing national landmark.
• Watch a river of shoppers roll by Wangfujing Street and savor the crisp sweetness of Peking Roast Duck.
• Stand in awe of the majestic, lifelike army of the Terracotta Warriors of Xian.
• Mingle among the adorable wild deer that frolic through Nara Park, and see nearby Todai-ji Temple.
• Wander among the Gion District’s old-fashioned restaurants and teahouses, and perhaps spot a beautiful Geisha.
• Drift through the skies in a cable car on the Hakone Ropeway for awe-inspiring views of Mount Fuji.
• Learn to make delicious sushi in Tokyo from a professional sushi master chef.

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Group Tour | Deluxe           Book Now & Save $100

Group Tour | Deluxe     Book Now & Save $100

14 Days 13 Nights | from US $4498.00

China (Beijing / Xian / Shanghai), Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

This 14-day tour offers travelers a rare glimpse of china and japan’s unique wonders during their most vivid season..

14 Days 13 Nights | from US $4598.00

China (Beijing / Xian / Shanghai), Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hikone / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

A refreshing 14-day spring tour through china and japan, while exploring their ancient cultural treasures..

China (Beijing / Xian / Shanghai), Japan (Osaka / Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

This 14-day tour takes travelers on a route of history and cultural imagination through the lands of china and japan..

A 14-day tour that takes travelers to discover the beautiful sights of China and Japan under the bright colors of autumn.

14 Days 13 Nights | from US $4798.00

A 14-day spring cultural tour through China and Japan, featuring the beautiful Japanese cherry blossom.

Group Tour | Deluxe          

Group Tour | Deluxe    

15 Days 14 Nights | from US $4898.00

China (Beijing / Xian / Shanghai), Japan (Osaka / Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hikone / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

A refreshing 15-day spring tour through china and japan, while exploring their ancient cultural treasures, plus a visit to expo 2025 osaka.

This 15-day tour takes travelers on a cultural and historical route through the lands of China and Japan, plus the Expo 2025 Osaka.

18 Days 17 Nights | from US $6298.00

China (Beijing / Xian / Shanghai), Japan (Osaka / Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Obokekyo Gorge / Kotohira / Takamatsu / Kobe / Nara / Kyoto / Kanazawa / Shirakawa-go / Takayama / Matsumoto / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Tokyo)

Discover china and japan in the gorgeous cherry blossom season, including hiroshima and shikoku island, in an itinerary that includes top historic must-sees, breathtaking natural wonders, and delicious native cuisine..

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Cherry Blossoms

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Baby Blue Eyes Flowers

Lavenders in Hokkaido

Gion Summer Festival

Tohoku 3 Great Summer Festivals

Awa Odori Dance Festival

Autumn Leaves

Takayama Autumn Festival

Snow Monkeys

Sapporo Snow Festival

Ice Breaker Cruise

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

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Shirakawago

Miho Museum

Naoshima Island

Himeji Castle

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Sushi-Making Experience

Kyoto Cuisine with Maiko

Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko

Ise Grand Shrine

Most Beautiful Places in Japan

Otaru Snow Light Path

Tottori Sand Dunes

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Miyajima Island

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine

Adachi Museum of Art

Shimanami Kaido

Takeda Castle Ruin

Kurashiki Canal Area

Takachiho Gorge

Best of China & Japan in 2 Weeks Itinerary

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• Trip Overview

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Countries Visited

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Temples wait serenely beneath tree blossom as walls rise and fall far beyond the horizon. Welcome to the best of Japan and China, a two-week tour of immersive history, iconic culture, and incredible nature. Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Shanghai are destinations that are enshrined in legend and yours to explore. Both of these countries offer an engaging adventure as the modern meets the ancient, leaving you two incredible cultures that will command your senses and your interest.

Customizable Itinerary

Tokyo – touch down in a throbbing megalopolis.

Touch down in Tokyo and take some downtime to relax at your hotel and get yourself energized, and then head out with your local guide, not to any particular attraction, but to explore the most interesting neighborhoods. First impressions of Tokyo can be baffling as the enormous city pulses with life as contemporary culture is on display at every street corner. Begin to explore, and you can find subtleties, as each neighborhood is a little different from the next. Enjoy Shibuya, where great crowds of people cross the road beneath flashing neon. Move next to Harajuku, where the colors of subculture youth liven a park. Take in Ginza for a journey through fashion boutiques and 22nd-century design. It will be a journey from Japanese pop culture through striking architecture, to food halls and dinner at a legendary noodle shop, and a perfect beginning to your vacation.

What's Included:

Tokyo – Highlights of Old and New Tokyo

Thanks to your time yesterday, you are now in tune with the city, and you can now take your exploring further into both the old and the new. See the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, with five stories of tradition rising amid skyscrapers. Move next to the Mori Art Museum for contemporary art located on the 53rd floor of a Roppongi Tower. Take in the Imperial Palace for the afternoon, a getaway of parks and gardens and shrines. The evening can be customized to your interests, Tokyo being a city that can pull you in many directions with art galleries showing the old and new, sumo wrestlers training in a sumo stable, sake tasting with experts, Japanese baseball, perhaps even some local festivities outside the city.

Hakone – Shinkansen, Ryokan and Kaiseki Ryori

Look forward to a day of classic Japanese experiences, four of them to be precise. Zoom through the country on a first-class Shinkansen bullet train, first whizzing through a seemingly endless metropolis before the cone of Mount Fuji guides you into nature. Travel next to the hot springs for a timeless Japanese tradition, basking in geothermal waters as forested mountains glimmer in the afternoon light. Perhaps you will have time to fit something more in, like a boat ride on Lake Ashinoko, or a tasting journey into the whiskeys that have put Japanese whiskeys on the international map.

Move next to settle properly into your ryokan, a traditional style of an inn that has stayed true to its eighth-century origins. Remove your shoes and open a sliding door onto tatami mat flooring. Enjoy some fresh tea while seated on the floor, and then indulge on the most sublime of Japanese meals, a legendary kaiseki ryori. Full of delicacy, this multi-course dinner takes you through the complete range of flavors with many small dishes chosen for their variety and organic origins. You can eat privately in your room and then slip into a traditional yukata, or robe, after an evening thermal bath. The futon is spread out as the table is set aside, and you can drift off in the simple comfort of Japanese tradition.

Kyoto – Exploring the Spirituality

Pop back onto the bullet train for Kyoto, the heartbeat of old Japanese culture. There are more UNESCO World Heritage Sites here than any other city in the world with temples, imperial villas, Buddhist shrines, and expertly preserved gardens. With 48 hours in Kyoto, you can travel through the eras to appreciate how the architecture and the empire have changed over the centuries. Kyoto has far too many sites to mention here, and that is something you will see immediately upon your arrival. It would take many weeks to get around everything, so your guide will discuss what is best to include in the two days that you have.

Kyoto – Legendary Temples From a Distant Time

Wander through a forest of thick bamboo and a temple appears as a woman walks past in a kimono, holding a bright red umbrella. Lanterns hang down from columned archways, pointing the path towards a gold-tiered temple. Some shrines are shrouded in moss while others retain their power to impact history. Your guide gains you access to private gardens and imperial villas, places to escape from crowds that gather at particularly famous temples. In Kyoto, it is not just UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so you can spend this evening exploring Gion, a traditional geisha district that is packed full of stories and strange moments. You can dine here, the Kyoto kaiseki its own unique form, defined by the seasonality of its ingredients.

Beijing – Contrasts and Charms

With a full morning in Kyoto, you can continue to explore. Spend more time in one of the gardens as the living pieces of art morph with the seasons. Maybe explore another temple, one hidden in bamboo or open along the road. Your final Japanese experience comes in a Zen temple, where a local monk takes you through the basics of Zen meditation, always a good experience before you must board a plane and travel across Asia. After two flights and a short layover, you will land in Beijing with just enough time to go to dinner at a contemporary restaurant. From your window, you can watch the bustling city roll by, savoring the contrasts to Tokyo and Kyoto.

Beijing – Highlights of Old and New Beijing

The heart of Beijing is a place of legend and legacy. Feast your eyes on the Forbidden City, and it is easy to be overawed by its scale. It is such an enormous palace with such majestic walls, and it feels more formidable than forbidden while providing a good understanding of an imperial time. Likewise, the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven, exceptional museum pieces from a long-lost era. There is more to the old section of Beijing, and you can take a rickshaw down mazy hutongs, or narrow lanes, for a journey to show how small old neighborhoods have survived into today. Move next to engage with the new as you dine on specialties at a modern restaurant overlooking the rooftops, travel along lanes of neon-shrouded skyscrapers, and take a glimpse at Beijing’s contemporary art scene. There is a lot to experience in a single day, but Beijing is that kind of city and it picks you up and whirls you into its inimitability.

Beijing – A Day at the Great Wall

The Great Wall is surprisingly close to Beijing. Or perhaps that’s unsurprising, as anything that is over 10,000 miles long will be close to a lot of things. Some of the best-preserved sections are just an hour from the capital where enormous steps stretch along green hills. Walls of towering stone do not seem real at first glance but climb up slowly and you can see how the wall extends, turning and twisting far beyond the horizon. You can decide how far to walk, whether it be just a few steps or a two-hour stretch between two distinct sections of this monument viewable from space. While some sections of the Great Wall have become a little like a tourist circus, there remains real authenticity here, especially when the guide takes you away from the over-popular stretch that is closest to Beijing.

Xian – A Fabulous Walled City and the Terracotta Warriors

Fly to Xian, and it will seem as though you are in another period in time, as this is the city at the end of the legendary Silk Road. Cycle or walk on the city walls for a great introduction as your guide narrates engaging tales as you gaze down upon pagodas, markets, halls, and quarters almost a millennia-old. Your hotel is inside the city walls and is a living piece of history, the fittings, and the architecture as if you have stepped back into the time of trading caravans and mystical stories. Not far beyond the city lies the Terracotta Army, where epic lines of sculpted warriors guard a deceased emperor. The individualistic details are remarkable, and you can walk alongside the army to appreciate their real-life size. Back in Xian, there is some imperial dining to be done, along with a traditional teahouse experience.

Guilin – More of Xian and Cruising the Karst

24 hours is enough in Xian, as the old and the enchanting is surrounded by the modern and the mundane. You will, however, need two days in Guilin as nature sets the scene and there is a tranquility that most do not expect in China. Fly south, and you will soon be out cruising. Limestone karst dots the river, their facades rugged and sharp, and the surrounding hills are constructed from a thousand shades of green. It will likely be silent, with no other sound beyond your paddle softly splashing into the water. Japan and China can both be an intensive experience, especially in the cities, so Guilin is like a vacation from a vacation with 48 hours of tranquility in a remarkable landscape.

Guilin – Relaxing Along the River and Visiting Local Villages

Take it easy this morning, and perhaps visit one of the Guilin teahouses, tasting with your nose as much as your tongue. You might want to walk through the town, enjoying the strange Chinglish translations found on the shop signs. This afternoon, you can go cruising through the karst once more, stopping to experience Chinese villages mostly untouched by time. China is a rural country, and while it is rapidly developing, there is a strong piece of the old that lives on. It is this feeling that you will find today in two different villages through the hospitality, the welcome, the food, and the smiles. Today’s tour can be tailored to you, as you may prefer more time cruising, or more stretches of time to visit the other villages.

Shanghai – The Experience Changes Once Again

Take one more short flight, and be amazed as to how the experience changes. Shanghai hits you like Tokyo did, with the bustle and the chaos tempered by architectural glory and an energy that is quick to lift you skywards. That is metaphorically as well as literally, as you ride the elevator up one of the world’s tallest towers for a bird’s-eye overview. All around you, there is the new, the snazzy, and the chic of contemporary China. Just across the water, however, is the old as Chinese hutongs are set alongside European colonialism and the unmistakable scent of faded grandeur. As in all big cities, you will need a good guide to understand Shanghai, and that is what sets this tour apart from others. Millions visit Shanghai and only see the Bund and a few towers, but you will get to explore more than just the icons to engage with what makes this city tick.

Shanghai – Highlights of Old and New Shanghai

Your exploration of Shanghai will be customized by you and can evolve as the day goes on. You can take a stroll down a French street to see one side to Shanghai, while the epic skyscrapers illustrate another. But there are hundreds of neighborhoods here, and while one of these may take tradition into the 21st century, another might bring a contemporary facade for an old-world culture. Another neighborhood might stoically preserve history, which you can experience for yourself as you stop for tea beneath a wooden balcony. In one neighborhood, you can try Shanghai’s dumplings, a famous food that really is not the same once it leaves Shanghai. In another, you might see how European tastes have mingled with China, primarily through art and architecture. Today’s guided tour will explore the old and the new of Shanghai with your guide customizing it to your interests.

Shanghai – Departure

There will be plenty of time for shopping and relaxing before you are transferred to the airport for your outbound flight, as late check out has been arranged to give you freedom for one last leisurely morning.

Trip Highlights

• Bask in the beauty of Kyoto, where hundreds of temples have been breathtakingly preserved
• Feel your feet upon the Great Wall of China and visit different sections of the mega-structure
• Cruise serenely down the Li River, past the karst from Guilin to Yangshuo
• Discover the best of Tokyo, a city that timelessly blends old and new
• Feast your eyes on the Terracotta Warriors, just one iconic highlight in and around the imperial city of Xian
• Bathe in hot springs, experience a ryokan, dine on kaiseki ryori, and travel on a first-class Shinkansen bullet train
• Explore the best of Beijing, where spectacular history meets a bustling modern megalopolis
• End the vacation in Shanghai, where the old and new come together in distinctive parts of the city
• Japan and China are full of small pleasures; steamed dumplings, meeting with a monk, colorful parks, quiet landscapes and so much more

Detailed Description

Temples rise evocatively amid the forest with each tier a little more exquisite than the last. Locals mingle outside the walled cities, including one that was once forbidden. Limestone karst dots the river, and you can travel serenely by boat. Mountains and cities carpet a valley, and then you can zoom through on a Shinkansen bullet train. In Shanghai, you can go in search of the finest steamed dumplings, while in Hakone you sit down for the complete kaiseki ryori feast. Welcome to the best of Japan and China with two weeks in two countries that blur the old with the new. Culture and tradition still ring true here, even if the city facades suggest otherwise. History is everywhere, juxtaposed with contemporary thinking, and the natural beauty is beyond what you may be expecting, superlative as it takes you away from it all.

New experiences are more than just every day here, as sometimes it will feel like every single moment is bringing something new. The impressions are endless, and it will take a while to reflect and recollect on what you have experienced. Often, it will be the small moments that leave the longest impression, be it a guide, a backstreet, a journey, or something that only you caught with your eyes. And while the destinations you visit are both legendary, each visitor’s experience is entirely different. In Japan, you will have two nights in Tokyo, a night of tradition around the Hakone hot springs, and then a full 48 hours in Kyoto. Fly next for three nights in Beijing, which includes the Great Wall, to be followed by 24 hours in Xian, two tranquil nights in Guilin, and the contrasts of bustling Shanghai.

There are extraordinary sights to behold, of course. You will see Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, all of the World Heritage Kyoto temples, the Terracotta Warriors, and Beijing’s historic core. Local delicacies and styles provide another experience, such as a ryokan in Hakone, village visits near Guilin, and discussing Zen with a Buddhist monk. The Japanese journeys are very memorable, first-class Shinkansen trains providing a snapshot of the country. In China, you can fly between destinations with expedited travel within a very large country. Hotels are handpicked to place you in the center of the action, surrounded by all the new impressions with guides that are experts in their craft, slowly revealing their little corner of the world. In just two weeks, it will begin to feel as though you have had many years of new travel experiences, and that’s the real beauty of these two countries. 

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What's Included

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• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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Japan or China: Where to travel next?

Because sometimes the hardest part of travelling is choosing where to go. ..

If you’re anything like me (and have an ever-growing bucket list), then it’s not easy choosing where to travel next. Especially when it’s between Japan and China. Both countries are steeped in history and boast incredible landscapes, world-class cuisines and more adventures than you can poke a chopstick at. Sigh .

If you’ve hit a brick wall, fear not. We’ve put together a handy guide comparing all the top considerations to help you out – we’re talking culture, food, cities, landscapes and weather. Failing this, you can always flip a coin.

Japanese culture is a fascinating mix of old and new. On the one hand, there are thousands of years of traditions influenced by Shinto, Buddhism and Confucianism, but on the other is a trailblazing society setting trends in tech, fashion-forwardness and architecture. Sleek bullet trains whoosh past centuries-old temples and tea houses, and you might see geishas using state-of-the-art vending machines selling everything from lettuce to lobsters (only in Japan!).

Although the younger generations continue to push the cultural boundaries, social harmony is the pillar of Japanese society, and traditional values like saving face, humility and respecting your elders are just as important today. Ancient Japanese philosophies are also integrated into daily life, including ikigai (reason for being), omotenashi (providing impeccable hospitality without expecting anything in return) and kaizen (continuous improvement).

As one of the world’s oldest civilisations, China has an intriguing history of dynastic rule and ancient cultures influenced by Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Relics of China’s dynastic past are littered throughout the country, including the iconic Great Wall and the Forbidden City. China has also gifted the world with many cultural riches including martial arts, Chinese medicine, kungfu, tai chi and Chinese calligraphy. 

With 56 ethnic groups (the largest being the Han), modern Chinese culture is rich and complex. Though China continues to grow and change at a rapid pace thanks to a booming economy, centuries-old philosophies are interwoven in daily life – including the theories of the five elements and yin-yang – and traditional values such as family, social harmony and loyalty remain at the heart of society. This contrast between the ancient and the modern is particularly strong in cities like Shanghai where giant skyscrapers loom over traditional lilong houses. 

SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA

Japan brought sushi, ramen and tempura to the world (and for that, I’ll be eternally grateful), but there’s so much more on offer. Japanese cuisine is renowned for its fresh, seasonal produce and meticulous preparation. Most dishes comprise rice or noodles, a few side dishes and soup. Meat is a popular ingredient, though seafood is where Japan shines (hello, sashimi). Popular dishes include unagi (grilled eel), takoyaki (octopus dumplings), karaage (Japanese fried chicken), yakitori (meat skewers) and shabu-shabu (Japanese-style hot pot).  

Feeling thirsty after all that soy sauce? Quench your thirst with a cold beer or glass of sake. Or swap your morning coffee for a matcha latte or antioxidant-packed green tea. Tea is a big deal in Japan, and if you attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony you’ll never look at a cuppa in the same way again.

GO ON A REAL FOOD ADVENTURE IN JAPAN

China is massive – and so nearly every region has its own cooking style. Generally, Chinese food tends to be heavier than Japanese with more spices, chilli and oil. It’s also meatier with lots of beef, pork and duck, though seafood and tofu are also popular. Famous dishes to try include kung pao chicken, Peking roast duck, Mapo tofu and char sui. A word of warning: it can be hard to find vegetarian and vegan food in China, but it can be done.

If you like it hot, then Sichuan is calling your name. This province is known for the fiery, sweat-inducing Sichuan pepper, which, according to ancient Chinese medicine, helps the body to expel dampness and prevent disease. You’ll definitely sweat after slurping on a Sichuan hot pot!

If you need to quench your thirst after all that pepper, try a refreshing beer (Snow and Tsingtao are two of the most popular brands), a baijiu cocktail or a glass of mijiu (a sweet, slightly bitter wine made from glutinous rice). Stay hydrated throughout the day with green, white or black tea – like Japan, tea is an integral part of Chinese culture.

GO ON A REAL FOOD ADVENTURE IN CHINA

It’s impossible to deny the allure of Japan’s cities – even if you’re more of a nature lover than an urbanite. Tokyo is known as one of the coolest cities in the world with a fusion of futuristic technology and ancient landmarks. Get lost in the neon-lit streets, sip matcha in a quirky café in Harajuku or scramble your way through the famous Shibuya Crossing.

If you’re looking for culture, head to charming Kyoto to discover hundreds of colourful shrines and temples, relax in serene gardens and walk through Gion, Kyoto’s famous Geisha district. To get under the skin of Japan, head to Matsumoto to explore impressive castles, traditional storehouses and amazing soba noodles. History buffs should also go to historic Hiroshima to discover its shrines, peace parks and sizzling food scene.

China has some of the oldest and biggest cities in the world. They might be crowded and chaotic, but they’re littered with landmarks that reveal China’s fascinating past. For culture, head to the sprawling capital of Beijing to visit seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, wind through a labyrinth of hidden hutongs, stroll along a section of the Great Wall and watch a dazzling Chinese opera show. 

There’s also the frenetic Shanghai with its intriguing blend of cultures and architecture (think art deco buildings and lantern-lit canals hidden among towering skyscrapers). Enjoy the city’s eclectic food scene, see the Tudor mansions of the famous Huaihai Road or take a short train ride to Xitang – a charming water town that was once a hub for 19th-century trade. 

Japan has been blessed by Mother Nature in many ways with a diverse landscape of towering peaks, dense forests and pristine coastline. It’s also home to more than 100 volcanoes, including the majestic Mt. Fuji, due to its location on the Ring of Fire. Even in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you’re only ever a short train ride away from a beautiful nature escape.

If you like hiking, tackle one of the many trails of Mount Takao or head to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto to walk among towering bamboo. For water-based pursuits, cruise through the stunning Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki or soak in Hokkaido’s mineral-rich onsens. It’s also worth visiting Miyajima Island off Hiroshima to meet some of its four-legged residents (spoiler alert: they’re deer). 

HIKE, BIKE AND KAYAK THROUGH JAPAN

China is the third-largest country in the world and so the landscapes are incredibly diverse. In fact, China is a ‘megadiverse’ country with over 550 species of mammals, 1200 species of birds, 31,000 types of flora and 27,000 species of fungi. From beautiful wetlands to vast plateaus, and sweeping deserts to cascading rice terraces, there are breathtaking scenes to explore in every province. 

Make your way to Guilin to admire karst hills from the picture-perfect Li River, witness the remarkable colours of the Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye Geopark, hike to the Golden Summit of Mount Emei to stand above the clouds or discover the floating peaks of Zhangjiajie (you might even recognise this scene from the iconic movie,  Avatar ).

RELATED: 6 SURREAL LANDSCAPES TO EXPLORE IN CHINA  

When it comes to weather, Japan has it all. Most regions sit in a temperate climate zone with four distinct seasons. There’s never a ‘bad’ time to travel to Japan, but spring (March to May) is one of the most popular seasons when the stunning cherry blossoms are in full bloom. There’s no sight quite like it!

September to November is also a fabulous time of year when the landscapes turn red, orange and gold with autumn foliage. Winter is mild in places like Osaka and Tokyo which get a light dusting of snow, while northern Japan gets dumped with powder – this means one thing: hit the slopes! Winter is the quietest time of year, but perfect if you want to explore the usually busy streets in solitude. Plus, a piping hot bowl of ramen hits differently when it’s cold outside. 

With so many climate zones, the weather varies a lot in China. Depending on when and where you visit, you might experience intense heat and humidity in summer and thick blankets of snow in winter. China’s northern regions have hot, dry summers, while destinations along the eastern coastlines and in the south are more humid. Snow is possible in winter in many regions, but especially in the northern reaches.

Hiking and outdoor activities are best in summer and autumn, though tourism usually peaks between June and August so bear this in mind if you want to dodge the crowds. Winter is the low season, but it’s a fantastic time for cultural festivals with the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival and Chinese New Year. For mild weather and smaller crowds, a shoulder month like October or May might suit.

RELATED: BEST TIME TO VISIT CHINA

The verdict

This one’s a solid draw. Both destinations promise to deliver with delicious food, culture, history and breathtaking landscapes. Japan is smaller than China and so it might be easier to cover more ground and experience more culture in a shorter space of time, but you’re bound to have an unforgettable adventure no matter which country you choose.

Feeling inspired? Check out Intrepid’s small group tours in China and Japan .

Feeling inspired?

Cliona Elliott

Originally from Jersey (the tiny island in the English Channel), Cliona now lives in Melbourne, Australia. When she's not writing about all things travel for Intrepid, you'll find her chasing flavours, getting lost in local markets or waking up at a ridiculous time to watch the sunrise from the top of a mountain.

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Visa information for Chinese nationals

1. Visas for “short-term business affairs” or “visit to relatives/ acquaintances”

　Please refer to the website of the Japanese Embassy or Consulates-General that covers the area of your residence for details.

2．Visas for Chinese group tourists and individual tourists residing in China

　If the purpose of the visit is "group tourism," please apply for a group-tourism visa through an approved Chinese travel agency, who would be able to tell you what documents are necessary for the visa application. To see which travel agencies handle tourism to Japan, please refer to the web-site of the Japanese Embassy / Consulate-General in China. 　PLEASE NOTE that if the purpose of the visit is short-term business affairs, visiting relatives or acquaintances (including those cases where you are visiting Japan for sightseeing but staying at a house of relatives / acquaintances), you need a visa for "short-term business affairs" or "visit to relatives / acquaintances" rather than tourist visas (except Multiple-entry visas for visitors with a substantially high income). Applications should be lodged with documents provided by an "inviting person" or "guarantor" in Japan. 　In case the applicant is a Chinese national residing outside China, please refer to the Japanese Embassy or Consulates-General closest to the applicant’s place of residence.

(1) Group Tourists (single-entry visa)

　As a general rule, tourist visits to Japan by Chinese nationals take the form of "group tours" based on the related laws and regulations of China (period of stay is up to 15 days).

　If you are coming to Japan as part of a tour group operated by a tour escort through the approved Chinese travel agency, the Chinese travel agency will apply for a group tourist visa on your behalf. To find out what documents are necessary for a group-tourists visa application, please contact any approved Chinese travel agency. 　As a matter of information, participants in "Group Tours" are not allowed to travel on his/her own for the duration of the tour and must be accompanied by a tour escort when travelling.

(2) Individual Tourists

　When certain requirements are met, visas may be issued for "individual tourists". 　In a "Chinese individual tour" the tourist need not be accompanied by an escort. Under this category of "Individual Tourists" visas, there are two types of visas: single-entry and multiple-entry. If you are interested in an individual tour, please apply for this type of visa through an approved Chinese travel agency. For multiple-entry visa, a Chinese travel agency must arrange the travel itinerary and reserve the accommodations for your first visit. To find out what documents are necessary for multiple-entry visas, please contact any approved Chinese travel agency for further details.

(A) Single-entry visas for Individual Tourists

　Single-entry individual tourist visas (non-group tour visas) may be issued to those who have certain level of financial capability and their family members. The visas may also be issued to students (those studying in bachelor, master and doctoral degrees) or graduates (those who graduated within three years) of ordinary universities in China which are listed on the website of Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China. The period of stay allowed under this visa category is either 15 days or 30 days. The applicant seeking individual tourist visas must prepare his/her own travel itinerary in advance, approach an approved Chinese travel agency to make further arrangements for the travel, and to lodge the visa application through the travel agency.

(B) Multiple-entry visas for individual tourists visiting Okinawa / Tohoku Region (Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima)

　Multiple-entry individual tourist visas may be issued to those travelers who (1) stay at least one night in either Okinawa Prefecture or any prefecture in Tohoku Region (Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima) and (2) meet the requirements described below. These visas are valid for 3 years and the period of stay allowed for each visit is up to 30 days. If the applicant meets the requirements, his/her family members may also travel with the applicant or on their own. 　In order to apply for these visas, the applicant must prepare his/her own travel itinerary in advance, approach an approved Chinese travel agency to make further arrangements for travel, and then lodge the visa application through the travel agency for the first visit. The applicant need not make travel arrangements through the travel agency for his/her second visit onwards.

The requirements:

(c) multiple-entry visas for individual tourists with a sufficient level of financial capability.

　Multiple-entry individual tourist visas may be issued to those travelers who have a sufficient level of financial capability and their family members. The same type of visas may also be issued to those who have travel records of enter to Japan twice or more in the last three years with certain categories of individual tourist visa (group tour visa and temporary visa (Tokudai) are excluded). These visas are valid for 3years and the period of stay allowed for each visit is up to 30 days. Unlike the "Multiple-entry visas for individual tourists visiting Okinawa / Tohoku Region", the visas issued under this category imposes no requirement to visit any specific destination in Japan. 　The applicant seeking this type of visa must prepare his/her own travel itinerary in advance, approach an approved Chinese travel agency to make further arrangements for the travel, and to lodge the visa application through the travel agency. The applicant need not make travel arrangements through the travel agency for his/her second visit onwards.

(D) Multiple-entry visas for visitors with a substantially high income

　Multiple-entry visas which are valid for 5 years and of which period of stay for each visit is allowed up to 90 days may be issued to applicants with a substantially high income and their family members who are visiting Japan for the purpose of tourism, short-term business affairs, visiting relatives or acquaintances. Those who obtained such visas are not permitted to perform business activities to generate revenue or receive any remuneration. To find out what kind of documents is necessary for this type of visa, please contact with any of approved Chinese travel agency.

3. Multiple–entry visas for Chinese visitors residing outside of China with a substantially high income or a sufficient level of financial capability

Multiple-entry visas may be issued to applicants with a substantially high income or a sufficient level of financial capability and their families. Visas for the applicants with a substantially high income are valid for 5 years and the period of stay allowed for each visit is up to 90 days, and visas for the applicants with a sufficient level of financial capability are valid for 3 years and the period of stay allowed for each visit is up to 30 days

For details, please contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General that covers the area where you reside.

If the applicants reside in China, they must apply for this type of visa through an approved Chinese travel agency in China. For the documents that the applicants must prepare for application, please refer any approved Chinese travel agency. Approved Chinese travel agency can be found in the website of the Japanese Embassy or Consulates-General

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China Travel Restrictions & Travel Advisory (Updated April 25, 2024)

Amazing News for Selected Country Travelers!

Visa-Free Access to China

Great news for our esteemed customers from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Malaysia! You can enjoy China's beautiful culture and scenery visa-free for 15 days until December 31st, 2025. No extended waiting, less hassle, and more time for planning your perfect China adventure.

And for our fortunate travelers from Singapore—you can relish visa-free access to China for up to 30 days, indefinitely!

Seeking a Longer Stay or Arriving from Other Countries? Try China Highlights' Port Visa Service

If your home country isn't listed above or if you aim to discover China for more than two weeks, no worries — we offer our Port Visa Service! Once your tour booking is confirmed with us, we can arrange your visa for just US$50. Forget the stress of embassy visits and visa interviews.

Start booking your dream Chinese vacation with us .

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• What Ways to Enter China
• Do I Still Need a PCR Test to Enter China
• Hong Kong/Macau Travel Restriction

International Flights to China

What to expect when traveling in china, best times to travel to china, 8 ways to enter china: all open now.

Since China has fully permitted visa applications, there are now several ways to enter the country.

If you still hold a valid Chinese visa (any type including a tourist visa, 10-year visa, a port visa, etc.), you can use it to enter China.

If you don't have a Chinese visa or your visa has expired, you can apply for a new one. All visas can now be applied for, including tourist visas, business visas, work visas, and so on. (International visitors can apply for a tourist visa to the Chinese Mainland in Hong Kong.)

For the documents required for a visa application, you can refer to the information given by a Chinese embassy/consulate . Please submit your application at least two months in advance.

To apply for a tourist visa (L visa), you will be asked to provide an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency or individual or round-trip air tickets and hotel bookings.

When booking a private tour with us, we can provide you with an invitation letter, which is one more thing we do to make your travel more convenient, giving you more flexibility with your air tickets and hotel bookings.

Now it is very easy to apply for a visa . You can easily apply by yourself without an intermediary. The following is how one of our clients successfully applied for a Chinese tourist visa:

• First, fill out the form at the China Online Visa Application website ;
• Second, make an appointment on this website to submit your visa materials on Appointment for Visa Application Submission website ;
• Third, take the required documents to the embassy to submit;
• Finally, you will get a return receipt if your documents are qualified.

Usually, you will get your visa after 7 working days. The application fee is about USD185 for US citizens.

Q: What if my passport expires but my visa doesn't?

A: You can travel to China on the expired passport containing valid Chinese visa in combination with the new passport, provided that the identity information (name, date of birth, gender, nationality) on both passport identical.

If there is a change to any of the above details, you must apply for a new visa.

2. 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

If you do not apply for a Chinese visa, you may still have the opportunity to visit these areas of China visa free: the Shanghai area (including Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc.), the Beijing area (with Tianjin and Hebei), the Guangzhou area (Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc.), and more. Take advantage of the 6-day visa-free entitlements.

Find out if you could use the 144-hour visa-free transit policy with our information on China's 144-hour Visa-Free Policy (Eligible Entry/Exit Ports, Applicable Countries, Documents to be Prepared...)

You can also obtain entry and exit control policies through the 24-hour hotline of the National Immigration Administration:

• Beijing: 0086 (+86)-10-12367
• Shanghai: 0086 (+86)-21-12367
• Guangzhou: 0086 (+86)-20-12367

Quick Test: Will My Route Qualify for China 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

1. I will depart from (only applies to direct or connected flight):

2. I will arrive in China at [city], [airport / railway station / port].

3. My arrival date is...

4. I will leave for [country/region] from China (the bounding destination on the air ticket):

5. My departure date is...

6. My nationality is...

8. I have Chinese visa refusal stamps in my passport.

You qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour visa-free policy.

You qualify to enjoy China's 144-hour visa-free policy.

You don't qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free policy.

Reason you don't qualify:

• You must be in transit to a third country or region.
• You must leave the city area (prefecture or municipality) after the 72/144 hours (the 72/144-hour limit is calculated starting from 00:00 on the day after arrival, i.e. 24:00 on the arrival date).
• Your passport must be valid for more than 3 months at the time of entry into China.
• Your passport nationality is not eligible for the 72/144-hour visa exemption program.
• You have Chinese visa refusal stamps in your passport.

3. Port Visas (Landing Visas)

If you don't have time to get a visa, or if you find it cumbersome to apply for a tourist visa, you could consider traveling to China through a port visa.

Port visas can be applied for a group at least including 2 people. You need to enter the country within 15 days after you get your entry permit. The port visa allows a stay period of 1 to 2 months.

Applicable ports include Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Guilin, Xi'an, Chengdu, etc.

Note: Tourists from America are not granted a port visa in Shanghai.

Book your China trip with us and we can help you apply for a port visa.

4. Visa Exemption for ASEAN Tour Groups to Guilin

In addition, tour groups from ASEAN member countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei, and the Philippines, can visit Guilin for 144 hours without visas as long as they meet the visa-free transit policy requirements.

5. Shanghai Visa-Free Policy for Cruise Groups

Shanghai has a 15-day visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering China via a cruise. You must arrive and depart on the same cruise and be received by a Chinese travel agent at the Shanghai Cruise Terminal (or Wusong Passenger Center).

6. Hainan Visa-Free Access

No visa is required for staying on Hainan Island for up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders from 59 countries. Groups and individual tourists must book a tour through an accredited travel agency.

Find out whether you qualify for the policy here .

7. Visa Exemption for the Pearl River Delta Area

International travelers from Hong Kong or Macau are able to visit the Pearl River Delta area (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc.) visa-free as long as they go with a registered tour provider, such as us.

8. APEC Cards

If you hold a valid APEC business travel card, you can simply enter China with the card without applying for a visa.

Travelers who hold a valid APEC business travel card can stay in China for up to 60 days.

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Do I Still Need a PCR Test or Antigen Self-Test to Enter China

No. Starting from August 30, all travelers entering China will no longer need to undergo any COVID-19 testing. You do not need to submit any test results for COVID-19 before departure.

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Hong Kong / Macau Travel Restriction

Hong kong entry requirements.

Travelers from any region bound for Hong Kong will no longer need to take pre-flight COVID-19 tests (no PCR test, no RAT test) from April 1.

There is also no need for any tests when traveling from Hong Kong to the Chinese Mainland. Hong Kong could be a good gateway for your China trip. See suggestions on China Itineraries from Hong Kong (from 1 Week to 3 Weeks).

Direct high-speed trains from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Hong Kong are available now. In preparation for the Canton Fair, it is expected that direct high-speed ferries will be launched from Guangzhou Pazhou Port to Hong Kong's airport in mid-April.

• 10 Top China Tours from Hong Kong

Macau Entry Requirement

From August 30, travelers from any region bound for Macau will no longer need to take pre-flight COVID-19 tests (no PCR test, no RAT test).

There is also no need for any tests when traveling from Macau to the Chinese Mainland.

Inbound and outbound international flights in the week beginning March 6th rose by more than 350% compared with a year earlier, to nearly 2,500 flights, according to Chinese flight tracking data from APP Flight Master.

At present, there are one or two direct flights a week from New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Beijing, Seattle to Shanghai, London to Guangzhou, etc.

There are also many flight options with stopovers that are more frequent and affordable. Testing at transit airports is now not required!

The Coronavirus outbreak in China has subsided. China looks like it did in 2019 again. No special measures (like PCR tests or health codes) are required when traveling around China. All attractions are open as normal.

Wearing a mask is not mandatory when traveling. In hotels, masks are off for the most part. But in some crowded places, such as airports or subway stations, many people still wear masks.

Weather-wise, the best times to visit China are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when most of the popular places have their most tourism-friendly weather, except for the "golden weeks" — the first week of May and of October — when most attractions are flooded with Chinese tourists.

If you are looking for smaller crowds, favorable prices, and still good weather, you should consider March and April or September.

Tourism in cultural and historical destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an is hardly affected by weather conditions. They are suitable to be visited all year round.

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Tour China with Us

We've been building our team for over 20 years. Even over the past three years we have continued, serving over 10,000 expats with China tours and getting a lot of praise (see TripAdvisor ).

We are based in China and can show you the characteristics and charm of China from a unique perspective. Just contact us to create your China trip .

Our consultants will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and prepare the best plan for you.

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Asia has long been regarded by travelers from all over the world as one THE best continents to visit. Southeast Asia in particular is an incredibly popular region, but we think the somewhat overlooked (and magical countries) of East Asia deserve to be on your bucket list too! China and Japan are two of the most well-known countries in the area and while they are relatively close to each other, each has its own individual charm. 

We totally get that not everyone has the time or budget to go galavanting around the globe, so every once in a while, you may find yourself torn between two awesome destinations. In this case, China or Japan? We’re going to be straight with you, it is not an easy choice! Both countries have delicious food, breathtaking landscapes, and are a LOT of fun… all the hallmarks of a great vacation (how will we ever choose???). 

If you’re pulling your hair out because you simply can’t decide, worry not, because we’ve got you covered! Keep reading as we compare attractions, accommodation, food, nightlife, and more, to see which country comes out on top as our overall winner!

Table of Contents

China vs Japan: Accommodation

You will find some seriously great places to stay in both China AND Japan. However, Japan overall has more choice. There are roughly 26,000 properties listed on Booking.com for Japan, whereas in China, there are only around 12,250 properties. Both countries have one to five-star hotels available, but China has a lower proportion of one-star hotels and a much higher proportion of five-star hotels.

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There is a range of property types in both countries. You’ll find beach resorts by the ocean, high-rise hotels in big cities, and guest houses in smaller towns. Overall, the selection is great in both places. Japan is famous for its uber-cool and futuristic capsule hotels. They contain pods that act as self-contained hotel rooms, with a bed, lights, and maybe even a TV if you’re lucky. This one in Tokyo is giving us some serious sci-fi vibes and is worth checking out!

China has its fair share of unique properties too. This property in Hunan Province has an incredible clear dome for rent which sits on a private platform in the forest canopy (#goals). If that wasn’t baller enough, it is right on the doorstep of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the location that inspired the movie Avatar’s “Hallelujah Mountains” *jaw drops*

Winner: Draw – It’s a tie! Even though China has fewer choices, both countries have a wide range of properties to choose from, as well as some unique ones to make your getaway extra memorable. 

China vs Japan: Food

Food, food, glorious good. It’s safe to say that you will NOT go hungry in either China OR Japan, and nor will you be disappointed by the local cuisine. Both Chinese and Japanese food are famous worldwide for being mouth-wateringly delicious, so, you can’t really go wrong with trying some authentic dishes, can you? Different regions in Japan and China are famous for different dishes. For the best Peking duck, head to Beijing and more specifically Beijing Da Dong. Tokyo is the most famous place in Japan for what’s considered the “original” style of ramen, but if you love miso-broth ramen as much as we do, then you should head to Sapporo. 

In China, you will be able to find vegetarian and vegan-friendly food. A proportion of the population is Buddhist and many practice vegetarianism or veganism. However, you will still have to look a little harder than in Western countries. Be prepared to eat a LOT of tofu, since they don’t have the vast number of meat-free alternatives we are used to in the West. Japanese diets are heavily centered around seafood, so while you can easily avoid meat and dairy, finding vegetarian or vegan dishes will be more difficult. Even meals that seem free of meat and other animal products, can have non-vegetarian/vegan-friendly stocks and sauces, so be wary. 

Winner: Draw – What can we say, it’s another draw folks. Both countries have ridiculously awesome food, BUT, if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, China may just sneak ahead to take first prize!

China vs Japan: Price

Sadly, for most of us, price plays a huge role in where we decide to go on vacation. Of course, if you’re a massive shopaholic and love eating out at fancy restaurants, your holiday will definitely cost more. But what about those on a budget? Which is cheaper, China or Japan? Japan already has a bit of a reputation for being pricey, especially in Tokyo, so it may not be the ideal place to go if your purse strings are tight. 

According to budgetyourtrip.com, the average tourist spends 130 USD a day in Japan, compared to 72 USD a day in China! That means a one-week vacation in Japan will set you back over 900 USD, whereas a similar trip in China will cost just over half of that at around 500 USD. 

One of the main reasons why Japan is so expensive compared to China is its location. Japan is a group of islands so many of its everyday goods are imported, raising the prices. Furthermore, the Tokyo Metropolitan Area is also one of the most densely populated metropolitan areas in the world! So, this explains the steep rental prices and maybe the popularity of capsule hotels. 

Winner: China – China is our hands-down winner when it comes to price, we love you Japan, but why do you have to be so hard on our wallets???

China vs Japan: Getting around

When it comes to getting around China and Japan, there are some similarities, but there are some differences too. China is a hell of a lot bigger than Japan. Simply put, it’s MASSIVE. Not so simply put, China covers an area of just under 9.6 million km². Japan on the other hand is just under 378 thousand km², although its various islands should be taken into consideration, as this makes getting around more complicated. 

Due to its sheer size, the best and most convenient way to travel long distances in China is by airplane. But, if you’re on a budget or have a little more time, bullet trains are also a great way to travel between cities. In Japan, traveling by train is by far the most popular option. They also have bullet trains (or Shinkansen) linking major cities, but their other rail services are comfortable, clean, and can go through some very scenic routes *cue Studio Ghibli background music*.

For longer journeys, like Tokyo to Sapporo, they also have overnight sleeper trains! To reach farther-flung destinations or islands like Okinawa air travel is definitely the way to go, but booking in advance will save you a lot of money, so some degree of planning is required! 

Winner: Japan – We just can’t get the image of a cute little train bumbling through the Japanese countryside out of our heads.

China vs Japan: Climate

China is HUGE (read: above), which means the country has a wide range of climates. There’s even a freaking desert in China, yep, a desert! Generally speaking though, winters in China are freezing in the north, and much more mild in the south. The entire country, except for mountain peaks and highlands, is hot over the summer and summer is by far the rainiest season! Japan follows a very similar pattern, in that wintertime is cold, snowy, and icy in the north, temperate in the center, and subtropical in the far south. The whole country is prone to the monsoon season which brings torrential rains in summer and fall. 

Both countries have areas that experience snowfall in winter, and skiing is a popular past-time for locals and tourists, with numerous ski resorts available to choose from. China and Japan also have sub-tropical/tropical climates in the south, with some amazing beaches and coral reefs too! 

Winner: Draw – It has got to be a draw. We’re talking about TWO countries where you can ski in the winter and snorkel in the summer. It doesn’t get much better than that…

China vs Japan: Top attractions

It’s time to talk TOP attractions, and if our decision wasn’t already hard enough… both China and Japan have some once-in-a-lifetime sights! These include historical and natural attractions, with a bonus furry, little (or should we say… giant ) friend! One of THE top things to see in Japan, and its most famous landmark is Mount Fuji. It is recognized worldwide and in summer, over one million people climb to its summit as a pilgrimage of sorts. To rival this, China’s most well-known landmark is the Great Wall of China. It hardly needs an introduction, but the wall spans over 6,000 kilometers with some parts dating as far back as the 7th century BC. Now that’s old.

However, without a doubt, one of our favorite must-sees in China is the giant pandas! The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries are home to over 30% of the world’s population and the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base is a top place to see these amazing creatures while supporting their conservation. Our “thing you cannot miss” in Japan, is the iconic sakura or cherry blossoms. In springtime parts of the country are transformed into a sea of pink as the cherry trees bloom. It’s a truly magical time, but prices can skyrocket so beware! 

Winner: China – Boy it was tough, but the giant pandas definitely pushed China towards victory!

China vs Japan: Nightlife

Neither China or Japan is particularly well-known in Asia for their nightlife . However, just because the after-hours scene is a little different from what we’re used to, doesn’t mean it should be overlooked! 

Drinking and eating are an important part of Japan’s nighttime culture, with many people heading to an izakaya, the country’s version of a British pub or Spanish tapas bar, after work. They tend to serve small, inexpensive dishes like edamame or grilled meat to be eaten alongside beer, sake, umeshu (plum wine), and shochu (a local spirit). For a more lively night out, you can head to a karaoke venue (karaoke was invented in Japan), or check out museums, aquariums, and theme parks, many of which stay open until 9 or 10pm!

In China, aside from a normal “night out”, you can also enjoy something a little different when it comes to evening entertainment. You could find yourself spending the evening at the colorful Chinese opera, watching an acrobatic performance, or like in Japan, singing your heart out at karaoke! Eating is also a big deal in Chinese nighttime culture, and there are plenty of fantastic night markets all over. The Donghuamen Night Market in Beijing is even considered one of the best night markets in the world!

Winner: Draw – They both sound hella fun tbh…

China vs Japan: Capital cities

Beijing or Tokyo… Now that is the question. Both of these cities have got to be amongst some of the liveliest in the world. They’re rich in history, culture, and house some of the country’s top attractions. Beijing is cheaper than Tokyo, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant for two costing on average 40 USD in Beijing versus 53 USD in Tokyo. However, if we remove price as a factor, both cities have a lot going for them and are equally matched. 

Beijing houses the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall which is easily accessible from the city. It also has the biggest tea market in north China on Maliandao street. Over 900 vendors sell pretty much any type of tea imaginable, if you’re a tea-lover, it’s a MUST. Tokyo on the other hand not only has historical buildings like the imperial palace but has several famous districts known for their weird and wacky culture! Harajuku is a renowned fashion district and is an insight into Japanese pop culture, with kawaii fashion stores, manga shops, and cute cafes. Shibuya is one of the most well-known shopping areas and is home to the Shibuya Crossing which is famous worldwide. 

Winner: Tokyo – it’s wacky, it’s wonderful, we love it. 

China vs Japan: The final verdict

You’ve made it this far, and now for our final verdict… Drum roll pleaaaaase… It’s a draw ! Yes, that’s right, we simply cannot decide. Both countries are so full of life, culture, and not to mention have GREAT food. Whether you visit China or Japan, you’ll have a blast. Although, if Japan was a little cheaper, it may have just nabbed the top spot!

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A Travel Comparison for Vacations, Honeymoons, and Tours Japan vs. China

Should you visit japan or china, which country is cheaper, china or japan.

Should I visit Japan or China? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in China can cost you about $555 (per person), while a week in Japan may cost you around $0.00. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days , two weeks , or even one month of travel to China or Japan can really add to your travel budget.

Accommodation is often cheaper in Japan compared to China ($0.00 vs. $34). Budget travelers often stay in cheaper hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels usually appeal to families and upscale travelers.

Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between China and Japan to find the cheapest accommodation here: China hostels and Japan hostels .

When comparing food in Japan vs. China they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Japan ($0.00) are often cheaper than China ($23).

• Japan Prices China Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Japan $ 0.00 China $ 79
• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Japan $ 0.00 China $ 34
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Japan $ 0.00 China $ 68
• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Japan $ 0.00 China $ 16
• Food Meals for one day Japan $ 0.00 China $ 23
• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Japan $ 0.00 China $ 17
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Japan $ 0.00 China $ 11
• Water Bottled water for one day Japan $ 0.00 China $ 0.99

How much are flights to Japan and China?

The price of a plane ticket may help you decide which country you should visit.

Find a Hostel in Japan or China

Hostels, guest houses, and locally owned B&B's are often the cheapest form of accommodation.

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China’s tourists are traveling again but they are spending less than before COVID as economic worries keep their wallets shut

Chinese tourists hit the road in greater numbers during a recent five-day Labor Day holiday but kept a tight grip on their wallets, reflecting still-weak sentiment in the world’s second-largest economy .

Travelers made 28.2% more trips but spending only rose 13.5% from the 2019 break, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said in a  statement  Monday. This translates to a 11.5% drop in spending for each traveler over the holiday ending Sunday, according to banks including Societe Generale, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Citigroup Inc.

“Spending per head softened and was again below the pre-pandemic level, owing partly to more tourist flows towards lower-tier cities, and suggesting continued consumption downgrading,” said Goldman economists including Lisheng Wang in a note late Monday, adding that more policy support is needed to sustain the recovery of the services sector. The 2019 holiday was one day shorter.

The figures add to evidence showing Chinese households remain cautious with consumption despite a recent rebound in economic growth driven by a pickup in industrial activity. Less than one in four residents wanted to spend more while an growing share of the urban population wanted to save in the first quarter, according to a  survey  by the People’s Bank of China.

Travelers made a total of 20.7 million trips by rail across the country on May 1, a new high for any single day on record, state broadcaster China Central Television  reported  late Sunday, citing government data.

The holiday season also showed a  shift  in how Chinese travelers spend since the country reopened from pandemic isolation. While big cities like Beijing and Shanghai remained popular, many more opted for cheaper destinations and small towns, online travel agency Trip.com Group said in a Sunday  statement .

“Lower-tier market made a relaxing holiday possible for tourists, and they had better value for money as accommodation and dining costs spiked in tier-1 and tier-2 cities during the break,” Wang Yalei, an analyst with Trip.com, said in the statement.

Social media accounts promoting tourism in  small towns  have blossomed as tourists look for cheaper,  off-the-beaten-path  attractions. China’s expanding high-speed rail network and rising car ownership have also enabled travelers to get to more places within hours.

Bookings for hotels and tourist spots in tier-3 or lower-ranked cities in the country’s northwest and west more than doubled during the break from the same period a year earlier, according to data released by Tongcheng Travel Holdings, another tourism agency.

Inbound and outbound tourism also gained momentum during the holiday as China restored more air routes and  expanded  visa-free arrangements to more countries, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said. Chinese travelers made 1.9 million trips abroad while 1.8 million visitors entered the country, it said, without providing last year’s numbers.

The US, Australia and the UK were the main long-haul destinations and Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea were the most popular for short-distance trips, according to Trip.com. Middle Eastern countries including Oman, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait saw more than 300% surge in bookings, it said.

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South looks north, as solar storm brings auroras

Geoff Brumfiel

The solar flare as captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on Thursday. The flare has triggered a severe geomagnetic storm watch for the first time in nearly 20 years. AP hide caption

The solar flare as captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on Thursday. The flare has triggered a severe geomagnetic storm watch for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Planet Earth is getting rocked by the biggest solar storm in decades.

Late Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared that the Earth was experiencing a G5, or "Extreme," geomagnetic storm. This is the first G5 storm to hit the planet since 2003.

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Photos: see the northern lights from rare, solar storm, noaa issues first severe geomagnetic storm watch since 2005.

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NOAA warns several waves of flares will slam into the Earth over the next few hours and days, potentially disrupting communications and navigation, triggering power outages and damaging satellites. The 2003 event briefly knocked out power in part of Sweden and damaged electrical transformers in South Africa.

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center says that this latest storm may induce auroras visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama.

On social media, posters were putting up photos of bright auroras visible across Russia , Scandinavia , the U.K . and continental Europe . Some reported seeing the aurora as far south as Mallorca, Spain .

my cat just experienced the aurora borealis, one of the world's most radiant natural phenomena... and she doesn't care pic.twitter.com/Ee74FpWHFm — PJ (@kickthepj) May 10, 2024

The source of the solar storm is a cluster of sunspots on the sun's surface that is 17 times the diameter of the earth. The spots are filled with tangled magnetic fields that can act as slingshots, throwing huge quantities of charged particles towards our planet. These events, known as Coronal Mass Ejections, become more common during the peak of the Sun's 11-year solar cycle.

Usually, they miss the Earth, but this time, NOAA says several are headed directly towards our planet.

Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed! pic.twitter.com/qLsC8GbWus — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 10, 2024

"We have high confidence that a series of coronal mass ejections ... are directed right towards Earth," says Shawn Dahl, service coordinator for the Space Weather Prediction Center told reporters early Friday.

NOAA's GOES-16 satellite captured a flare erupting occurred around 2 p.m. EDT on May 9, 2024.

While they expect the storm to be large, there's still a lot of uncertainty about what the other effects could be, Dahl says.

"I wouldn't want to speculate on that," Dahl says.

Shocking problems

The most disruptive solar storm ever recorded came in 1859. Known as the "Carrington Event," it generated shimmering auroras that were visible as far south as Mexico and Hawaii. It also fried telegraph systems throughout Europe and North America.

While this geomagnetic storm will not be as strong, the world has grown more dependent on electronics and electrical systems. Depending on the orientation of the storm's magnetic field it could induce unexpected electrical currents in long-distance power lines — those currents could cause safety systems to flip, triggering temporary power outages in some areas.

Stronger activity on the sun could bring more displays of the northern lights in 2024

The storm is also likely to disrupt the ionosphere, a section of Earth's atmosphere filled with charged particles. Some long-distance radio transmissions use the ionosphere to "bounce" signals around the globe, and those signals will likely be disrupted. The particles may also refract and otherwise scramble signals from the global positioning system, according to Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist with NOAA. Those effects can linger for a few days after the storm.

What Causes The Northern Lights? Scientists Finally Know For Sure

Steenburgh says it's unclear just how bad the disruptions will be. While we are more dependent than ever on GPS, there are also more satellites in orbit. Moreover, the anomalies from the storm are constantly shifting through the ionosphere like ripples in a pool. "Outages, with any luck, should not be prolonged," Steenburgh says.

The radiation from the storm could have other undesirable effects. At high altitudes, it could damage satellites, while at low altitudes, it's likely to increase atmospheric drag, causing some satellites to sink toward the Earth.

The changes to orbits wreak havoc, warns Tuija Pulkkinen, chair of the department of climate and space sciences at the University of Michigan. Since the last solar maximum, companies such as SpaceX have launched thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. Those satellites will now see their orbits unexpectedly changed.

"There's a lot of companies that haven't seen these kind of space weather effects before," she says.

The International Space Station lies within Earth's magnetosphere, so its astronauts should be mostly protected, Steenburgh says.

In a statement, NASA said that astronauts would not take additional measures to protect themselves: "NASA completed a thorough analysis of recent space weather activity and determined it posed no risk to the crew aboard the International Space Station and no additional precautionary measures are needed," the agency said late Friday.

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images hide caption

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England.

While this storm will undoubtedly keep satellite operators and utilities busy over the next few days, individuals don't really need to do much to get ready.

"As far as what the general public should be doing, hopefully they're not having to do anything," says Dahl. The largest problem could be a brief blackout, so keep some flashlights and a radio handy, he says.

I took these photos near Ranfurly in Central Otago, New Zealand. Anyone can use them please spread far and wide. :-) https://t.co/NUWpLiqY2S — Dr Andrew Dickson reform/ACC (@AndrewDickson13) May 10, 2024

And don't forget to go outside and look up, adds Steenburgh. This event's aurora is visible much further south than usual.

A faint aurora can be detected by a modern cell phone camera, he adds, so even if you can't see it with your eyes, try taking a photo of the sky.

The aurora "is really the gift from space weather," he says.

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More From Forbes

China market update: hong kong gains, zeekr files for us ipo, week in review.

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Week in Review

• Asian equities were mostly higher this week as Hong Kong outperformed.
• The week started off with a data release from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism indicating that domestic travel for this year’s Labor Day holiday increased nearly +30% from 2019 pre-pandemic levels, powering travel stocks higher.
• Online car dealership Autohome reported better-than-expected Q1 results on Wednesday, one of the first internet companies to report Q1.
• China reported better-than-expected trade data on Thursday, as imports surged +8.4% year-over-year in April versus an expected +4.7%

Asian equities were mixed but generally higher overnight as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan outperformed while the Philippines and Malaysia closed lower.

Hong Kong ripped higher on yesterday’s report that the 20% dividend tax paid by Mainland investors on Hong Kong stocks will be waived. Value stocks led the market higher. Hong Kong’s most heavily traded stocks by value were China Construction Bank, which gained +6.82%, Hong Kong Exchanges, which gained +7.61% on being a key beneficiary of the increased trading due to the tax removal, Tencent, which gained +0.32%, China Mobile, which gained +4.82%, and energy giant CNOOC, which gained +2.91%. Mainland investors did not wait for confirmation of the new tax rules and plowed a healthy $832 million into Hong Kong-listed stocks and ETFs via Southbound Stock Connect. With Mainland bank deposits paying less than 2%, the waiver and subsequent flows from the Mainland would be another catalyst for foreign investors to return to Chinese equities, though trading desks' sentiment is picking up despite foreign investor skepticism.

Mainland media noted that the 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year deposit rates decreased by 0.3% to 2.20%, 0.20% to 2.65%, and 0.25% to 2.65%, respectively.

Real estate was the top-performing sector in China, gaining +5.58% in Hong Kong and +4.67% in Mainland China. The strong moves come after Xi’an and Hangzhou both removed home purchase restrictions. However, Mainland media noted that Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have not fully removed restrictions.

The Hang Seng Index punched through a short-term resistance level of 18,500, closing just below 19,000, while the Hang Seng Tech Index is sitting just below the short-term resistance level of 4,000.

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Mainland China was mixed as growth stocks underperformed value stocks. Shanghai gained +0.01%, and Shenzhen fell -0.71%. Foreign investors sold a net -$832 million worth of Mainland stocks today, which also contributed to growth stocks' weakness.

One concern overnight may have been Biden’s tariff announcement, expected next Tuesday, on China-made electric vehicles (EVs) and solar panels. Yesterday, while in Washington D.C., I learned the tariffs are symbolic as EVs are already heavily tariffed. The announcement is aimed at swing state voters in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Ironically, Chinese automaker Geely is simultaneously pursuing an IPO of its Zeekr EV brand on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) after raising $441 million and selling 21 million shares. This is another sign that businesspeople are getting along just fine while the politicians are not. However, I think things have improved. Imagine if every US-China diplomatic visit required the presence of a businessperson with a strong interest in the other country. After all, who had a more successful China trip? Elon Musk or Antony Blinken? Maybe they should have gone together!

The Hang Seng and the Hang Seng Tech indexes gained +2.30% and +0.38%, respectively, on volume that increased +38.24% from yesterday, which is 172% of the 1-year average. 382 stocks advanced, while 109 stocks declined. Main Board short turnover increased +32.98% from yesterday, which is 121% of the 1-year average, as 12% of turnover was short turnover (remember Hong Kong short turnover includes ETF short volume, which is driven by market makers’ ETF hedging). All factors were positive, though the value factor and large caps did outpace the growth factor and small caps. All sectors were positive. The top performers were Real Estate, which gained +5.57%, Financials, which gained +5.15%, and Energy, which gained +4.96%. The top-performing subsectors were diversified financials, energy, and telecom services. Meanwhile, auto was the only negative subsector. Southbound Stock Connect volumes were very high, at 2X the 1-year average, as Mainland investors bought a very healthy net $832 million worth of Hong Kong-listed stocks and ETFs, including the Bank of China, China Mobile, and China Construction Bank (CCB), which were large net buys. Meanwhile, CNOOC and Kuaishou were moderate net sells.

Shanghai, Shenzhen, and STAR Board were mixed +0.01%, -0.71%, and -1.5%, respectively, on volume that increased +1.31% from yesterday, which is 107% of the 1-year average. 1,318 stocks advanced, while 3,618 stocks declined. The value factor and large caps outpaced the growth factor and small caps. The top-performing sectors were Real Estate, which gained +4.67%, Financials, which gained +1.18%, and Utilities, which gained +1.18%. Meanwhile, Technology fell -1.37%, Health Care fell -0.7%, and Consumer Staples fell -0.51%. The top-performing subsectors were motorcycles, real estate, and precious metals. Meanwhile, computer hardware, education, and fine chemicals were among the worst-performing. Northbound Stock Connect volumes were moderate as foreign investors sold a healthy net -$872 million worth of Mainland stocks, including China Merchants Bank, Kweichow Moutai, and Gree were small net buys. Meanwhile, CATL was a moderate net sell along with LONGi Green Energy and Zijin Mining. CNY was off slightly versus the US dollar. The Treasury bond curve flattened. Copper gained while steel fell.

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Last Night's Performance

Last night’s exchange rates, prices, & yields.

• CNY per USD 7.23 versus 7.22 yesterday
• CNY per EUR 7.78 versus 7.78 yesterday
• Yield on 1-Day Government Bond 1.43% versus 1.46% yesterday
• Yield on 10-Year Government Bond 2.31% versus 2.32% yesterday
• Yield on 10-Year China Development Bank Bond 2.42% versus 2.42% yesterday
• Copper Price +0.61%
• Steel Price -0.61%

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Work to improve Japan-China relations has stalled

Efforts to improve Japan-China relations have come to a standstill despite a bilateral summit last November in which Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to continue dialogue.

Still, Kishida indicated at a parliamentary meeting on April 19 his willingness to meet with Xi again.

"We will comprehensively promote a mutually beneficial strategic relationship by continuing dialogue at all levels, including the summit level," he said.

The November summit came after the bilateral relations soured over Japan's release into the sea of tritium-containing treated water from Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings' crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, which began in August that year.

The biggest issue currently standing between the two Asian nations is China's blanket ban on imports of Japanese fishery products, which was imposed following the start of the treated water being released.

During the November summit in San Francisco, Kishida and Xi agreed to resolve the issue through dialogue.

Based on the agreement, experts from the two sides met online in January and in the Chinese city of Dalian in March.

But the Chinese side has not lifted the import ban, as the Japanese side had requested.

"There's still no solution in sight, although the Chinese side has begun to sit down at the negotiating table," a Japanese government official said.

"As the Chinese economy is struggling, (China) seems to be entering a phase of 'charm diplomacy' to encourage Japanese investment," a source close to the prime minister noted.

The Japanese and Chinese leaders have agreed to hold a ministerial-level economic dialogue at an appropriate time, but no date has been set yet.

The Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers also agreed at a meeting in Busan, South Korea, last November to consider reciprocal visits, but such visits have yet to be arranged.

"The only way to move Japan-China relations is to encourage top officials to do so," said a senior official of Japan's Foreign Ministry.

Efforts are being made to arrange a meeting between Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of an envisaged summit between Japan, China and South Korea in Seoul in late May.

The Japanese side is also seeking to set up a meeting between Kishida and Xi when they visit Brazil in November this year to attend a Group of 20 summit.

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