Everything to know before you visit China, as it becomes increasingly popular with Aussies

China could be set to start topping the list of most popular travel destinations for Aussies, if flight data is anything to go by.

Travel marketplace Skyscanner has found that Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou have seen spikes in interest for Australian travellers.

There was a 36 per cent jump in searches for flights from Australia to Shanghai last month, following the announcement that soon we won't need a visa to visit China.

With a high likelihood that China will soon be a hot travel spot, here's everything to know about planning a trip there.

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Top things to do in China

As an absolutely massive country, there is no shortage of things to do in China when visiting as a tourist.

From exploring the busy cities to hiking remote mountains in the middle of nowhere, China truly has it all.

Some of the main tourist attractions which travellers add to their bucket list include:

• The Great Wall of China
• Forbidden City
• Tiananmen Square
• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• Giant Buddha
• Terracotta Warriors
• Giant Pandas in Chengdu

As it's such a large country, it's best to focus on one area - think about the kind of traveller you are, and what you like to do. Maybe a nature-based trip to rural China will be more exciting for you than a cultural experience in the city.

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Visiting the Great Wall of China

One of the country's top attractions, the Great Wall is (obviously) big - so you've got a few options when you want to visit.

The most popular sections for tourists are Badaling and Mutianyu. Badaling is the most accessible and well-preserved, with cable cars and a smooth pathway, accessible for everyone. Mutianyu is a little less crowded, and features a toboggan ride down for a slightly more adventurous trip.

To get off the beaten track, the Jinshanling and Simatai sections are your best bet. They offer a glimpse of the Wall's more rugged and original state, ideal for hikers and photographers.

The Jiankou section, known for its steepness and unrestored state, is best for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.

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What do you need to travel to China (visa requirements)

It has recently been announced that Australians looking to travel to China for short trips will no longer need to obtain a visa, a rule which will come into effect in the coming months.

Once the rules come into play, travellers can just turn up with a passport - no need to apply for anything online before leaving home. However, travellers who enter under this new scheme will only be able to stay in the country for 15 days.

They can leave China on a 'visa run' to Hong Kong or Macau, then return to China, where the 15 days will be reset.

Currently, Australians have to apply and be approved for a $110 single-entry visa to visit China. A one-year multiple-entry visa of the same type costs about $230.

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How many days is enough for China?

As such a rich and diverse country, you could spend a whole year exploring China and just scratch the surface.

If you just have time for a short holiday, you'll want at least two weeks in China.

Under the new visa-free rules for Aussies visiting China, you'll need to leave after 15 days anyway, but can easily exit and re-enter as many times as you wish.

With two weeks in China, you'll be able to get a good mix of history, culture, city living, nature, and maybe even see some Giant Pandas.

Best places to travel to China for first-timers

Most experts suggest that first-time visitors include Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai on their itinerary.

This gives you a chance to get a taste of the culture and food in Beijing, explore the modern city of Shanghai, and discover the ancient history of the country in Xi'an.

If you have more time, you can also tack on Guilin for its beautiful landscapes and nature, or Chengdu for its Giant Pandas.

Best time to go to China

While China can be visited year-round, the best time for tourists who want great weather is during the spring or autumn months: April - May and September - October.

The winters can be extremely cold in the north and the summers are hot and humid in the south. The summer and autumn months are warm and dry, not too hot and not too chilly.

In spring (April and May), you'll see the fruit trees and flowers blossom, adding a touch of magic to the landscape.