If You Loved Japan, Here is the Next Country You Can Visit

Zoella Last updated 24 Aug 2026

Japan captivates millions of travelers each year with its perfect blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. But if you have already explored the temples of Kyoto, wandered through Tokyo's neon-lit streets, and marveled at Mount Fuji, you might be wondering: where should I go next? For more travel inspiration, check out our The answer might surprise you. China, Japan's ancient neighbor and cultural cousin, offers an equally compelling mix of history, culture, and natural beauty that will feel both familiar and wonderfully new.

For travelers who fell in love with Japan's unique atmosphere, travel to China is the logical next step. The two countries share deep historical connections, from Buddhist traditions to architectural styles, yet China offers its own distinct character, vast landscapes, and 5,000 years of continuous civilization. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, whether you are planning independent China trips or looking for comprehensive China tour packages, this guide will show you why China deserves the top spot on your travel bucket list. China vacation packages handle all the logistics for you.

Why China is the Perfect Next Destination After Japan

If Japan enchanted you with its harmony of old and new, China will captivate you with its sheer scale and diversity. While Japan offers a refined, polished experience, China delivers raw, authentic encounters with a civilization that has continuously evolved over millennia. Here is why China travel should be your next adventure:

Shared Cultural Heritage

Japan's culture was profoundly influenced by China, particularly during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). Many elements you love in Japan have their roots in Chinese civilization:

Buddhism: Japanese temples trace their lineage to Chinese Buddhist traditions
Tea culture: The Japanese tea ceremony evolved from Chinese tea traditions
Architecture: Pagodas, courtyards, and garden designs originated in China
Writing system: Japanese kanji characters come from Chinese hanzi
Philosophy: Confucian values shape both societies

When you travel to China, you will recognize these cultural threads while exploring their original, often more dynamic, Chinese expressions.

china temple

Scale and Diversity Beyond Imagination

Japan is roughly the size of California. China is 25 times larger. This means remarkable diversity in landscapes, climates, cultures, and experiences. From the tropical beaches of Hainan to the frozen landscapes of Harbin, from the deserts of Xinjiang to the karst mountains of Guilin, China offers geographical variety that Japan simply cannot match.
While Japan has 47 prefectures, China has 34 provincial-level regions, each with distinct dialects, cuisines, and traditions. A single trip might take you from Mandarin-speaking Beijing to Cantonese-speaking Guangzhou, experiencing completely different worlds within one country.

Ancient History You Can Touch

Japan's history spans about 2,000 years. China's continuous civilization stretches back over 5,000 years. When you visit China, you encounter historical sites of unimaginable age and scale:

The Great Wall: 13,000 miles of fortifications built over 2,000 years
Forbidden City: 600 years of imperial history in 980 buildings
Terracotta Warriors: 2,200-year-old army of 8,000 life-sized soldiers
Ancient cities: Pingyao, Xi'an, and Luoyang preserve medieval China
Silk Road heritage: Millennia of trade and cultural exchange

What Japan Lovers Will Appreciate in China

Temples and Spiritual Sites

If you were moved by Japan's serene temples, China's religious sites will leave you breathless. While Japanese temples emphasize minimalism and tranquility, Chinese temples often feature bold colors, intricate decorations, and bustling activity:

Shaolin Temple: Birthplace of Zen Buddhism and kung fu
Wudang Mountains: Taoist sacred peaks with ancient monastery complexes
Potala Palace: Tibet's iconic symbol of Tibetan Buddhism
Longmen Grottoes: 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into cliffs
Mount Emei: One of Buddhism's four sacred mountains

Gardens and Natural Beauty

Japanese gardens are famous worldwide, but they were inspired by Chinese garden design. China's gardens are larger, more varied, and often integrated with dramatic natural landscapes:

Classical gardens of Suzhou: UNESCO World Heritage sites
Zhangjiajie: Avatar's floating mountains inspiration
Guilin and Yangshuo: Iconic karst landscape along Li River
Jiuzhaigou Valley: Colorful lakes and waterfalls
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): Ancient pine trees and sea of clouds

Food Culture

Japanese cuisine is refined and precise. Chinese cuisine is explosive and diverse. If you loved sushi, ramen, and tempura in Japan, prepare for an entirely new culinary universe:

Eight major culinary traditions: Sichuan, Cantonese, Shandong, and more
Street food culture: Night markets with endless variety
Regional specialties: Each city has unique dishes you cannot find elsewhere
Tea culture: Birthplace of tea with thousands of varieties
Dim sum: Cantonese tradition of small plated dishes

Modern Cities and Technology

Tokyo impressed you with its futuristic vibe? Chinese cities take modernity to another level. China has leapfrogged traditional development, creating ultra-modern urban landscapes:

Shanghai: Futuristic skyline with the world's fastest elevators
Shenzhen: From fishing village to tech hub in 40 years
High-speed rail: 25,000 miles of bullet trains connecting cities
Cashless society: Mobile payments everywhere
Architecture: Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, and other starchitect landmarks

Planning Your China Trip: Practical Guide

Ready to experience China for yourself? Here is everything you need to know to plan your China trip.

Best Time to Visit

China's vast size means weather varies dramatically by region. The best time to visit China:

Spring (April-May): Ideal for most regions, comfortable temperatures
Autumn (September-October): Clear skies, perfect for outdoor activities
Summer (June-August): Hot and crowded, but good for Tibet and highlands
Winter (November-March): Cold in the north, mild in the south, fewer tourists

Visa Requirements

Most travelers need a visa to enter China. Apply at least one month before your trip. You will need:

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Completed visa application form
Passport photo
Proof of travel arrangements
Visa fee (varies by nationality)

Some cities offer 144-hour visa-free transit for travelers connecting to third countries, perfect for short China tours.

Getting Around

China's transportation infrastructure is world-class:

High-speed trains: Fast, comfortable, connect major cities
Domestic flights: Extensive network, affordable prices
Metro systems: Modern and efficient in major cities
Ride-hailing apps: DiDi (Chinese Uber) widely available
Public buses: Extensive but challenging without Chinese language skills

Language and Communication

English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas. Prepare by:

Downloading translation apps (Baidu Translate, Pleco)
Learning basic Mandarin phrases
Carrying hotel addresses in Chinese characters
Using translation features on your phone
Hiring local guides for complex situations

Recommended China Itineraries for Japan Lovers

Based on what you loved about Japan, here are tailored China tour packages to consider:

For Culture and History Enthusiasts

If Kyoto's temples and Nara's heritage sites captivated you:

Beijing: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall (3-4 days)
Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter (2 days)
Luoyang: Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple (1-2 days)
Pingyao: Preserved ancient walled city (1-2 days)
Total: 7-10 days

For Nature and Landscape Lovers

If Japan's national parks and natural beauty inspired you:

Guilin/Yangshuo: Li River cruise, karst mountains (3-4 days)
Zhangjiajie: Avatar mountains, glass bridge (2-3 days)
Huangshan: Yellow Mountain, ancient villages (2-3 days)
Jiuzhaigou: Colorful lakes, waterfalls (2 days)
Total: 9-12 days

For Modern City Explorers

If Tokyo's urban energy excited you:

Shanghai: The Bund, Pudong skyline, French Concession (3-4 days)
Beijing: Modern architecture alongside ancient sites (2-3 days)
Shenzhen: Tech hub, innovation museums (2 days)
Hangzhou: West Lake, tech companies (2 days)
Total: 9-11 days

For Food Enthusiasts

If Japanese cuisine amazed you, prepare for China's culinary diversity:

Chengdu: Sichuan cuisine capital, spicy flavors (2-3 days)
Guangzhou: Cantonese dim sum, fresh seafood (2-3 days)
Xi'an: Muslim Quarter street food, noodles (2 days)
Shanghai: Soup dumplings, Benbang cuisine (2 days)
Total: 8-10 days

Making Your China Trip Easy with Tours4fun

Planning China trips independently can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. That is where Tours4fun comes in. Our China tour packages are designed specifically for travelers who want to experience China's highlights without the stress of logistics.

Why choose Tours4fun for your China travel adventure?

Expert local guides who speak English and understand Western travelers' needs
Carefully curated itineraries covering must-see attractions
Comfortable transportation including high-speed trains and domestic flights
Quality accommodations in convenient locations
Small group sizes for personalized experiences
Flexible options for independent exploration
24/7 support throughout your journey

Whether you want a comprehensive travel guide experience or prefer to customize your own adventure, Tours4fun has options for every travel style and budget. Browse our China tours to find the perfect itinerary for your journey.

Your Next Adventure Awaits

If Japan captured your heart, this destination will expand your horizons. The two countries share deep cultural connections, yet China offers its own distinct magic - vast landscapes, ancient history, diverse cultures, and a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity. Travel to China is not just the next logical step after Japan; it is an entirely new world of experiences waiting to be explored.

Whether you are drawn to ancient temples, dramatic natural landscapes, remarkable food, or futuristic cities, the nation has it all. And with Tours4fun's expertly crafted China tour packages, your journey will be smooth, comfortable, and memorable.

FAQ

Is China safe for tourists?

Yes, China is very safe for tourists. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. The main concerns are petty theft in crowded areas and traffic safety. Take normal precautions as you would in any country.

What is the best way to experience China if I only have a week?

For a one-week trip, focus on Beijing and Xi'an to experience the country's imperial history and the Terracotta Warriors. Alternatively, Shanghai and nearby water towns offer a mix of modern and traditional China. Tours4fun offers 7-day packages covering these highlights.

How much does a trip to China cost?

Budget travelers can manage on $50-80 per day, mid-range travelers should budget $100-200 per day, and luxury travelers might spend $300+ per day. Tours4fun packages offer excellent value by bundling accommodations, transportation, and guided experiences.

What is the best way to experience China if I only have a week?

For a one-week trip, focus on Beijing and Xi'an to experience China's imperial history and the Terracotta Warriors. Alternatively, Shanghai and nearby water towns offer a mix of modern and traditional China. Tours4fun offers 7-day packages covering these highlights.

What should I know before traveling to China?

Key things to know: get your visa in advance, download translation apps, bring cash as some places do not accept foreign cards, be prepared for different food hygiene standards, and embrace the chaos - it is part of the adventure!