More Malaysians Are Travelling to China — Here’s Why You Should Too

China is no longer just a country you learn about in school — it’s now one of the most exciting, affordable, and surprisingly Muslim-friendly travel destinations for Malaysians. In 2025, more and more Malaysians are skipping the usual Japan-Korea-Euro routes and discovering the rich sights, sounds, and soul of China.

Why? Let’s just say: visa-free travel, cashless convenience, amazing food, Instagram-worthy landscapes, and a strong Ringgit go a long way in making China your next dream getaway.

 

10 Reasons Why Malaysians Are Choosing China

1. Visa-free travel (up to 30 days!)

• The game-changer: China now allows Malaysians to enter visa-free for 30 days for tourism, business, and transit purposes. This makes China one of the few countries with such ease of access for Malaysian passport holders.

(Source: https://www.visaforchina.cn/)

Planning a spontaneous getaway? A weekend escape to Guangzhou? A business detour to Shanghai? No visa appointment, no paperwork, just book and go.

 

2. Use your Touch ’n Go app in China

• Thanks to the integration with Alipay+, Malaysians can now use Touch ’n Go eWallet to pay almost everywhere in China — from metro rides in Beijing to bubble tea stands in Hangzhou. No need to exchange cash or download a local wallet like WeChat Pay.

(Source: https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/touch-n-go-ewallet-expand-mainland-china-collaboration-alipay)

 

This is a huge relief for tourists, especially when travelling to a country where card acceptance may vary, but QR codes are king.

 

3. Stay connected without breaking the bank

• No one wants to travel without internet, especially when you need Google Translate to decode a menu. Thankfully, staying online in China is cheaper than in most countries:

• eSIMs start at RM10/week (Airalo, Nomad, etc)
• Malaysian telcos offer affordable China roaming plans
• Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafés, airports, and even public parks.

Plus, China’s internet speed? Super fast.

 

4. More halal food & Muslim-friendly options than ever

 

• With over 20 million Muslims, China has vibrant Islamic communities spread across the country. From Uyghur-style kebabs in Beijing to halal hotpot in Chengdu, the options are growing as tourism operators cater more to Muslim travellers.

(Source: https://my.trip.com/guide/muslim-travel/china-muslim-travel-guide.html)

 

Did You Know- Xi’an is home to one of China’s oldest and most beautiful mosques – the Great Mosque of Xi’an, built in the 8th century. Furthermore, many hotels in Xinjiang, Lanzhou, Kunming, and Guangzhou are now listed on Muslim-friendly travel platforms.

 

5. The Ringgit still goes a long way

• The Chinese Yuan (RMB) remains relatively affordable against the Malaysian Ringgit, especially when compared to high-cost destinations like Japan, Europe, or the US. You can enjoy:

• Meals under RM20
• Local flights under RM200
• 4-star hotels from RM150/night
• Full-day tour packages under RM250

 

6. World-class transport infrastructure

• Whether you’re hopping on a bullet train that hits 350 km/h, gliding through the metro in Shanghai, or flying between cities on local carriers like China Southern or Spring Airlines —China’s transport system is fast, safe, and efficient.

Fast fact: The Beijing–Shanghai high-speed rail line carries over 100 million passengers a year and takes just under 5 hours to cover 1,300 km.

 

7. Pandas, palaces & postcards: Endless sightseeing

• The variety of attractions in China is unmatched. From natural wonders like the Zhangjiajie mountains to modern megastructures like the Canton Tower, there’s never a dull moment. It’s like visiting five different countries in one.

• Some must-visit attractions include:

• The Great Wall – walk along one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering

• Forbidden City (Beijing) – home of emperors for 500 years

• Giant Pandas in Chengdu – up close at breeding centres

• Zhangye Danxia – rainbow-colored mountains in Gansu province

• Tibetan culture in Lhasa – experience spirituality in the Himalayas

8. Shop ’til you drop – Without the guilt

• If retail therapy is your thing, China offers endless possibilities:

• Shanghai – upscale fashion, luxury brands, and trendy streetwear

• Guangzhou – wholesale markets, budget fashion, and accessories

 

• Shenzhen – tech gadgets, smart devices, and electronics

• Yiwu – one of the world’s largest small commodities markets

Warning: You might need an extra suitcase.

 

9. Winter wonderland adventures

• Love snow? Skiing? Frozen castles? China is home to Asia’s biggest snow and ice festival in Harbin, where ice sculptures light up the city in neon colours during winter. Other top spots include:

• Yabuli Ski Resort – China’s largest ski area
• Changbaishan – snowy volcanoes and hot springs
• Xinjiang – for snow-covered yurts and winter camel rides

 

10. Nature for every season

• Whether you’re hiking through the mystical peaks of Huangshan, drifting along the Li River in Guilin, or chasing waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou, China offers natural beauty in every province.

• Spring: Cherry blossoms in Hangzhou

• Summer: Bamboo forests in Anji

 

(Source: Pinterest @Megan Nantz)

• Autumn: Fiery foliage in Beijing’s Fragrant Hills

• Winter: Snow-capped mountains in Xinjiang and Heilongjiang

Basically, China is no longer the “difficult” or “intimidating” destination it once was. In 2025, it’s ready for Malaysian travellers — cashless, visa-free, culturally diverse, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re looking for food, fun, faith-friendly travel, or photography opportunities, you’ll find them all in one vast, fascinating country.

Coming up soon, you can book your next adventure to China and see a world beyond your expectations on www.myrehat.com. Meanwhile, visit us for more travel tips, unique stays and amazing outdoor activities to plan your next holiday!

Malaysia-friendly City Highlights

 

City	Why Malaysians Love It
Shanghai	Best for city life, fashion, skyline views, Disney Resort
Shenzhen	Best for electronics, tech, modern lifestyle
Guangzhou	Best for wholesale shopping, Muslim food
Xi’an	Best for Muslim history, ancient Silk Road sites
Chengdu	Best for pandas, food, and laid-back travel
Beijing	Best for historical sites, Great Wall, capital city charm
Harbin	Best for snow and winter festivals
Hangzhou	Best for lakeside tea culture and natural beauty
Sanya (Hainan)	Best for beaches and tropical weather
Zhangjiajie	Best for Avatar-inspired mountain scenery
Urumqi / Kashgar	Best for unique Uyghur culture and desert landscapes