Traveling to China from Ireland visa-free

We have great news about travelers from Ireland who want to visit China this year. The two countries have an agreement for traveling without a visa in 2024.

Traveling to China from Ireland just got easier and more exciting! Now, Irish travelers can visit China without needing a visa. This big change means people from Ireland can more easily explore China's beautiful places, amazing history, and rich culture. Imagine walking along the Great Wall, seeing the Forbidden City, checking out modern cities like Shanghai, or enjoying the natural beauty of places like Guilin without the hassle of getting a visa first.

This new way of traveling shows that China and Ireland want to welcome more visitors between their countries. It's great news for anyone wanting to travel for fun, work, or adventure. Without needing a visa, planning a trip is simpler, and cheaper, and you can decide to go on a trip without waiting too long. It's a chance to see parts of China that aren't as well-known but are just as beautiful and interesting.

This visa-free travel is about making it easier for people from Ireland and China to share experiences and learn about each other's cultures. It's an open invitation for Irish travelers to dive into China's long history and vibrant life today. With no visa needed, it's never been easier to start a journey that could teach you a lot, give you fun stories to tell, and maybe even change the way you see the world.

Details about visa-free traveling to China

From 14 March until 30 November 2024, Ireland citizens do not need a visa to enter China. This was announced on 07 March 2024 by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. 

This is a relief occasion for those who travel for business, tourism, visiting relatives, or transiting with ordinary passports. Also, an important note is that with visa-free you can stay in China for 15 days.

For all other Ireland citizens, it stays the old way- to apply for a Chinese visa. Those who need to apply for a visa can do that online, or in the Consular Section in Dublin.

Here you can read all the FAQs on the Visa-free Policy for Citizens of Ireland.

15 days in China

If you decide to travel to China visa-free for 15 days, here is what you can visit for that period. We created a list of the most popular and must-visit places and attractions in China. If you still can’t decide what should visit on your journey, you can contact us and we will help you to choose the right China tour for you.

What to Visit in Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China and the most popular tourist city in the country. Yes, it has a lot of attractions that come from ancient China but also has a modern must-see place. Here are just some of them: 

The Great Wall of China

The first thing that every traveler comes to mind when it mentions China is The Great Wall. So, that no one can’t miss. Almost every tour is created to have a visit to at least one section of the Great Wall. The most popular sections are Badaling and Mutianyu.

The Forbidden City (The Palace Museum)

At the heart of Beijing lies the Forbidden City, a massive palace complex that served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the world's largest palace complex and a stunning representation of Chinese architectural grandeur. The Forbidden City is now a museum and houses an extensive collection of artwork and artifacts from the imperial collections.

Tiananmen Square 

One of the largest public squares in the world, Tiananmen Square is surrounded by significant buildings, including the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the National Museum of China, and the Great Hall of the People. It's also the gateway to the Forbidden City. The square is rich in history and is a must-visit for those looking to understand China's contemporary story.

798 Art Zone

For those who are interested in contemporary culture and art, the 798 Art Zone offers an eclectic mix of galleries, studios, and shops in a former industrial area. It's a vibrant community that showcases China's modern artistic endeavors and is a great place to find cafes, restaurants, and unique art pieces.

Visit Xi’an

Xi’an was the capital of thirteen Dynasties and known historically as Chang'an. Now it is a city full of history and cultural treasures. This city is popular for The Terracotta Army, guarding the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Beyond this, the ancient city walls invite visitors to step back in time, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's formidable past. The Muslim Quarter buzzes with life, offering a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells, where food stalls and shops weave a tapestry of cultural integration. Xi'an is not just a city but a living museum, showcasing the profound depth of China's history and the resilience of its culture.

Visit Chengdu

Chengdu, in Sichuan Province, is a city known for its relaxed vibe and spicy food. It's a place where you can sit back in traditional teahouses and enjoy local teas, getting a real feel for the area's culture. The city is famous for its giant pandas, which you can see at the Chengdu Panda Base. This special place helps protect these cuddly bears and lets visitors see them up close in a home-like setting. Chengdu is also a food lover's dream, with its hot Sichuan dishes and lively night markets full of tasty treats and fun. Plus, it's the perfect spot to start exploring some of China's most beautiful natural sights, like the fairy-tale Jiuzhaigou Valley and the impressive Mount Emei. Chengdu is a place where you can enjoy the best of nature, food, and culture all in one.

Go on Yangtze Crouse

The Yangtze River, the longest river in China and the third longest in the world is famous for its beautiful scenery and important role in Chinese culture. One of the best ways to see its beauty is by going on a river cruise, especially through the Three Gorges area, which is known for its stunning views.

The Three Gorges - Qutang, Wu, and Xiling - are like giant outdoor galleries, each showing off nature's art with towering cliffs, misty mountains, and winding waters. Qutang Gorge is the most dramatic with its high cliffs. Wu Gorge is famous for its deep valleys and the Twelve Peaks, beautiful mountains that are often covered in mist. Xiling Gorge, the longest, was once known for its dangerous waters but is safer to travel through now.

The Three Gorges Dam, part of this journey, is the largest power station in the world by how much electricity it can make. It's a huge example of what people can build, but it also made big changes to the environment and the lives of people who lived there. Visiting the dam shows both the good and the challenging sides of building such a big structure.

Along the river, you can also see ancient villages, historical sites, and old temples, mixing the old with the new.

Visit the Silk Road cities

Luoyang, once the capital of ancient China, played a big role in the Silk Road, especially as the Eastern Han dynasty's capital. It was a key place for Buddhist learning, shown by the Longmen Grottoes and their many Buddha statues.

Dunhuang, near the Gobi Desert, was an important Silk Road stop, famous for the Mogao Caves. These caves, filled with Buddhist art, show how religion and culture mixed along the Silk Road.

Turpan, known for its heat, used clever irrigation to support its farms. Important to Silk Road travelers, it's home to the ancient Jiaohe Ruins.

Kashgar, a city near the Pamir Mountains, has been a trading hub for ages. Its markets, mosques, and old city show the mix of cultures that passed through.

Urumqi, now the capital of Xinjiang, links the eastern and western parts of China. It's a modern spot for starting Silk Road adventures.

Zhangye is noted for its colorful Danxia Landform and was crucial on the Silk Road for trade and military. The Giant Buddha Temple here highlights its historical importance.

These are only a few cities and attractions that you can visit in China for 15 days. We have to mention Shanghai's Bund and Skyline, The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan), and Jiuzhaigou Valley. China is a vast country, rich with history, tradition, and beautiful natural beauty. Every tourist that has visited China, goes home with lifetime memories. Now it’s even easier without a visa. So if you decide to travel to China in 2024, contact us, and we will make your adventure memorable.