Territory capital · United States
China, Maine
Visit China, Maine for a half‑day of lake fishing or boating; stay in nearby Waterville (≈15 min drive) – one night enough.
China, Maine is a small lakeside community centred on China Lake. The lake offers fishing, boating and swimming, while accommodation and dining are limited, so a single overnight in nearby Waterville covers most needs.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, limited services)
- Airports
- WVL · AUG · RKD
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for China, Maine911 ▾
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about China, Maine, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe; watch for wildlife on roads and cold water temperatures in the lake.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police/fire/ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportWVL Waterville Robert Lafleur Airport (6 mi NW).
- Getting aroundCar is the most reliable; local roads connect the lake villages.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at Subway$2–$3
- Budget bedLakeside B&B room, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel (Waterville), a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel (Waterville), a night, per roomUS$250
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$55 · Mid US$95 · High US$150
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- WVL Waterville Robert Lafleur Airport (6 mi NW) · AUG Augusta State Airport (13 mi SW) · RKD Knox County Regional Airport (36 mi SE)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Mar
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Apr
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Best: Jun–Aug. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C) low), wettest Nov (9 rain days), driest May (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
China, Maine: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
8 rd
Feb
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
7 rd
Mar
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
7 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
8 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 rd
Dec
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is the most reliable; local roads connect the lake villages. Limited bus service; consider a rental for flexibility.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Waterville, Maine
goDoor to door: ≈30 min round trip
Car, about 15 min via US‑201
Dining, shops and more lodging options.
Augusta, Maine
goDoor to door: ≈45 min round trip
Car, about 20 min via ME‑27
State Capitol and historic sites.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Lakeside Country Store B&B
Bed‑and‑breakfast on China Lake; basic rooms.
Fireside Inn & Suites (Waterville)
Full‑service hotel 15 min drive.
Holiday Inn Waterville
Mid‑range hotel, 15 min drive.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–$80 excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–$120 excl. bed
- High
- $120+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel (Waterville)1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$95 | US$190 |
| Car rental (1 day, economy)2 × US$55 · check | US$110 |
| Lake fishing licence (daily)2 × US$10 · check | US$20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$47 |
| Trip total≈ US$259 per person per day, bed included | US$517 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at Subway | $2–$3 |
| Lunch at China Dine‑ah | $8–$12 |
| Boat launch fee | $5–$10 |
| Grocery (Hannaford) | $30–$50 per week |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Limited dining and shop options; plan meals ahead.
- Lake water can be cold early season; check local advisories.
Emergency numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
China, MaineChina, Maine
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulates are in Boston and New York; nearest for Maine residents is Boston.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Waterville → China (car): ≈15 min, $15–$20 fuel (check)
- Car rental (daily): $40–$80 (check)
Say or show
- Excuse me — Excuse me / Sorry (Excuse me)
- Thank you — Thank you (Thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (How much is it?)
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom? (Where is the restroom?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for China, Maine. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, limited services) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add car‑rental guide for Maine rural areas.
- Link to Waterville accommodation pages.
Sources
Ask about China, Maine
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