China With Autistic children - Autism Family Travel Guide

China is one of the most diverse and fascinating regions in the world. From ultra-modern skylines and high-speed rail networks to ancient temples, imperial palaces and dramatic landscapes, it offers an enormous range of experiences for families.

China with autistic children travel hub with guides

For autistic travellers, the scale of China can feel intimidating at first. But with the right preparation, clear structure and realistic expectations, it can absolutely be done — and done well.

This page is your step-by-step China planning hub. Instead of simply listing individual blog posts, it guides you through how to approach travelling in mainland China, while also signposting my Hong Kong and Taiwan guides, which many families combine into the same trip.

If you follow this in order, you can plan your China trip with clarity and confidence.

Step 1: Understanding Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan

Before you book, it helps to understand how these destinations relate to each other.

Mainland China refers to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This includes cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Hong Kong is part of the People’s Republic of China but operates as a Special Administrative Region (SAR). It has its own legal system, immigration controls and currency.

Taiwan, officially called the Republic of China (RoC), has its own government and operates completely separately from mainland China in practical travel terms.

I found this explanation on Reddit about Taiwan and for me, it is the easiest to understand which explains the situation with Taiwan/China:

“Taiwan, officially called the Republic of China (RoC), is an unrecognised state. It is a continuation of the state of the same name that used to rule much of mainland China before the Chinese Civil War and before the Second World War. During the Chinese Civil War, the RoC lost all of its mainland territories to the Chinese Communists, who took over all of mainland China and formed the People’s Republic of China (PRoC), which is the country we all now mean when we use the word ‘China’.”

From a travel planning perspective, this means:

Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan all have different entry rules
Visa requirements may differ
Currency and SIM cards differ
Medication rules may differ

Treat them as separate destinations when planning.

Step 2: Before You Book – Entry, Health and Practical Planning

Before booking flights, there are a few practical things to check.

Entry requirements and passport

Always check current entry rules for UK passport holders (or whatever passport you hold) before travelling. China operates its own immigration system and requirements can change. China recently opened up a new system for British people who are coming to China which makes travelling to China much more simple.

Read: New China visa for British passport holders

Arrival card

China has those arriving with a visa fill in an arrival card on paper. When we visited China for an extended visa-free transit, this paper form was not necessary.

Vaccinations

For most UK travellers you will need Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine shots but always check current NHS guidance for China before travelling. Typically, anywhere you travel outside of the UK will require you to have the standard vaccines recommended for life in the UK. The most reliable source for up-to-date travel vaccination guidance is the FitForTravel by the NHS (which has now retired and is integrated into the standard NHS Inform website and the Travel Pro website).

Read: NHS Inform travel vaccine information and TravelPro travel vaccine information

Currency

The local currency is the Chinese Yuan. In China, most places expect you to pay by Alipay. It is best to set this up before you get to China as it requires a few steps and verification before it works properly.

I have had issues with my cards getting blocked when we travel around by cruise ship or turn off our sim cards and miss texts from the card companies – but one card that has been completely reliable is my Wise card. Not only do you get a digital card which is handy for emergencies, there is a reliable app where you can have a mix of currencies and track your spending.

If you want a travel card that reduces the risk of frozen transactions while travelling between countries, you can explore Wise using my referral link: Wise referral

* Wise was previously known as Transferwise

SIM cards and eSIM

China has excellent mobile coverage. You can buy a SIM at the airport or in the city, or install an eSIM before you travel. For autistic children who rely on devices for regulation, reliable data makes a huge difference.

I use a mix of Trip.com eSims and Airalo. I like to use Trip.com for cheap and reliable local eSIMS, and Airalo for a regional eSIM when I know I will be travelling around a lot within a wider area (like South East Asia). If you fancy trying out Airalo you can use my referral code (NATASH7173) to get £2.50 off your first eSIM.

Travel insurance

Ensure your policy covers pre-existing conditions and any additional support needs.

Medication rules

Many people are now travelling with medication, but each country has its own rules regarding medication and what you can or cannot bring with you. It is essential that you research your medication and whether it can be taken to China or if you need any additional approval before you go.

This is the stage where you reduce uncertainty before committing.

Step 3: Booking Flights and Managing the Airport

Most international visitors arrive via Beijing International Airport or one of the major airports in Shanghai.

From the UK, you will usually connect via a major hub unless flying direct. Signage is clear, security procedures are structured and queues are orderly, which reduces unpredictability during arrival.

Consider:

Booking airport special assistance
Understanding airline disability codes
Using the Sunflower Lanyard for hidden disabilities
Preparing for a long-haul flight with sensory needs

Helpful guides:

Step 4: Choosing Where to Start in Mainland China

For first-time visitors travelling with autistic children, I recommend starting with one major city and building from there.

Beijing:

Beijing is structured, historical and surprisingly spacious in parts. Wide pavements, large parks and clearly defined attractions make it easier to pace your days.

Start here:

Key attractions include:

Shanghai:

Shanghai feels more modern and internationally familiar. The metro system is extensive and clearly mapped.

Families often combine city exploration with structured attractions such as Shanghai Disneyland.

Step 5: Hong Kong as a Softer Introduction

If mainland China feels overwhelming as a starting point, Hong Kong can be a gentler introduction to the region.

English is widely spoken, signage is clear and the transport system is extremely structured.

Start here:

For full planning details, head to my Hong Kong travel hub page.

Step 6: Taiwan as an Alternative or Add-On

Taiwan is often the most manageable long-haul destination in this region for autistic families.

Explore:

For a full overview, visit my Taiwan travel hub.

Step 7: Practical Travel Guides for Mainland China

These posts reduce uncertainty before you commit:

Bringing a power bank to China
UK visa-free travel to China
Accessible transport in China – coming soon

You can browse the full China archive for every post.

Step 8: Reducing Sensory Overload in China

China is busy. That is the reality. But busy does not automatically mean chaotic.

Practical strategies:

Visit major attractions at opening time
Book private tours where possible
Choose hotels near metro stations
Build recovery time into each day
Avoid peak national holidays

Use these guides to prepare:

Step 9: Travel PECS and Visual Supports

If your child uses visual communication, prepare before you travel.

Available resources:

I continue adding destination-specific PECS as we travel so other families can benefit.

Ready to start planning?

You might also find these helpful:

Or explore the full Asia archive for all of our family-tested, autism-friendly guides. Or check out our entire Asia archive for a mix of everything in Asia with autistic children.

Disclaimer: this page includes affiliate links. If you use one of them to make a purchase we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

China can feel big. The key is not trying to “do China” in one trip. Pick one base. Plan carefully. Reduce uncertainty. Build structure.

Then go and experience something extraordinary with your family.