China is a civilization-sized destination that overwhelms in the best way. Beijing's Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven are monuments to millennia of imperial power. Shanghai's futuristic skyline, French Concession, and buzzing food scene represent modern China's energy. The high-speed rail network connects cities in hours. For Filipino travelers, China is surprisingly affordable, visa-accessible for groups, and offers a completely different cultural world just 3–4 hours from Manila.
Visa
Visitor Visa (L Visa) required for Philippine passport
Best months
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct (15–25°C, clearest skies)
Flights
Direct flights MNL→Beijing (PEK) & Shanghai (PVG): Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air China, China Eastern
Realistic budget
~6 days · per person
₱60,000 – ₱120,000
All-in: airfare from MNL · visa · accommodation · food · local transport · activities
Visa CNY 168 (~₱1.5k) or 240-hr visa-free transit, 3★ hotels, HSR Beijing↔Shanghai (~₱3.5k), Forbidden City + Bund.
Sources: Two Monkeys Travel, Budget Your Trip, Numbeo. Ranges are 2024–2025 estimates — peak season, FX, and personal spending style will shift them. Always verify before booking.
Plan & book Beijing
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you.
✈️Flights
- Compare MNL → Beijing flights →
Skyscanner · Affiliate link · we may earn a commission
- Kiwi.com flexible flights & multi-city →
Kiwi.com
- Trip.com — MNL → Beijing flights →
Trip.com · Asia's largest OTA — often competitive on regional routes
🏨Hotels
- Hotels in Beijing →
Booking.com
- Agoda deals in Beijing →
Agoda
🎟️Tours & Activities
- Tours & attractions in Beijing →
Klook
- Top experiences in Beijing →
GetYourGuide
📶eSIM & Connectivity
- Buy a China eSIM →
Airalo · Stay connected on arrival
🛡️Travel Insurance
- Compare PH travel insurance →
PGA Sompo / Standard Insurance · Local PH provider — direct link
- International travel medical insurance →
SafetyWing
Things to do
- • Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section)
- • Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
- • Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an)
- • Shanghai Bund skyline walk
- • Yu Garden & Old City Bazaar
- • High-speed rail Beijing–Shanghai (~4.5 hrs)
- • Hangzhou West Lake day trip
- • Peking duck dinner & dim sum breakfast
Free things to do
- ✓ Tiananmen Square (free)
- ✓ Shanghai Bund promenade (free)
- ✓ Temple of Heaven Park grounds (free)
- ✓ 798 Art District (free entry, Beijing)
- ✓ West Lake public walk (free, Hangzhou)
Best for
With kids
The Great Wall is a genuine 'wow' moment for kids. Shanghai's Maglev train (431 km/h) is thrilling. Chinese food is diverse — kids usually find something they like (dumplings, noodles, roasted duck). Most major attractions have English signage. Download WeChat and Alipay before arrival — cash is rare.
With seniors
The Great Wall at Mutianyu has a cable car — avoid Badaling (steep, crowded). High-speed rail is extremely comfortable with spacious seats. Metro systems have escalators and lifts at major stations. Air quality can be poor — check AQI and bring masks. Medical facilities in major cities are excellent.
Visa
Visitor Visa (L Visa) required for Philippine passport. Group visa (5+ people) is easier to obtain. Apply at Chinese Embassy Manila or visa centre. Fee: approximately ₱3,000–4,000. Processing 4–7 business days. 144-hour visa-free transit available for specific routes — verify eligibility.
When to go
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct (15–25°C, clearest skies). Avoid: Jun–Aug (hot, humid, 30–35°C). Jan–Feb is cold (−5 to 5°C) but festive during Chinese New Year.
Getting there from MNL
Direct flights MNL→Beijing (PEK) & Shanghai (PVG): Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air China, China Eastern. Flight time ~3.5–4 hrs. Very frequent departures. Domestic high-speed rail connects Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Hangzhou efficiently.