China Travel Advices

China Travel Advices

Expert tips for gear, clothing, and gadgets to enhance your travel experience.

As an experienced traveler who has explored China several times, here are some valuable tips to help you make the most of your trip:

1. Plan for the Size and Diversity of China

China is vast and incredibly diverse, both geographically and culturally. It’s important to focus on key regions or cities based on your interests. For example:

- Beijing: Known for its historical sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven.

- Shanghai: A bustling metropolis with a mix of traditional and modern attractions, like the Bund and Yu Garden.

- Xi'an: Famous for the Terracotta Army and its ancient city walls.

- Chengdu: Visit the panda sanctuaries and explore the spicy cuisine of Sichuan Province.

- Guilin: Known for its stunning karst mountains and river scenery.

2. Be Ready for Cultural Differences

China has a rich and unique culture, and understanding a few local customs will help you avoid misunderstandings:

- Personal space and crowds: Cities can be crowded, and personal space is often more limited than in Western countries. Be prepared for busy streets and public transportation.

- Tipping: Tipping is not commonly practiced in China, except in high-end hotels and restaurants catering to international tourists.

- Queuing: In some places, the concept of standing in line is more relaxed, especially at train stations or busy tourist spots.

3. Download Essential Apps

China’s internet is heavily regulated, and many Western apps like Google, Facebook, and Instagram are blocked. Before your trip, download apps that will make your stay easier:

- VPN: Install a VPN on your devices before entering China to access blocked sites.

- WeChat: Essential for communication. You can also use it for payments, translating, and navigating.

- DiDi: China’s version of Uber, useful for getting around in cities.

- Baidu Maps or Amap: Local mapping apps, as Google Maps is often unreliable in China.

4. Use High-Speed Trains for Domestic Travel

China has an extensive and efficient high-speed train network that connects major cities. It's often more convenient and cheaper than flying. Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times (like Chinese New Year or National Day holidays).

5. Prepare for Language Barriers

English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas, so it helps to learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin or have a translation app ready. Key phrases like "hello" (你好, nǐ hǎo), "thank you" (谢谢, xièxiè), and "how much is this?" (这个多少钱?, zhège duōshǎo qián?) can go a long way.

6. Respect the Local Etiquette

- Dining: In China, sharing food is common. You’ll likely be served many dishes in the middle of the table to be shared among everyone. Try to sample everything, and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in your rice—it’s considered bad luck.

- Temple Visits: If you visit temples, dress modestly and be respectful of religious practices. Photography may not always be allowed inside.

7. Cash and Payment Methods

Mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used in China, even for small transactions. However, it’s not always easy for foreign visitors to set these up without a local bank account. Carry cash (Chinese yuan) for places that don’t accept credit cards. ATMs are easy to find in most cities.

8. Try the Local Cuisine

China’s food culture is incredibly diverse, and each region has its own specialties:

- Sichuan: Known for its spicy and numbing dishes, like hot pot and mapo tofu.

- Beijing: Famous for Peking duck.

- Guangdong (Cantonese): Try dim sum for a variety of small dishes.

- Xi’an: Sample the local biang biang noodles or lamb skewers.

Be adventurous and try street food, but stick to vendors that look busy to ensure freshness.

9. Be Aware of Cultural Sensitivities

Certain topics, like politics or sensitive historical issues (Tibet, Taiwan, etc.), are best avoided in casual conversations. Stick to more neutral topics like travel, food, and culture when engaging with locals.

10. Expect Air Quality Variations

In larger cities like Beijing, air quality can sometimes be poor, particularly in winter due to smog. Check daily air quality reports and consider bringing a mask if you have respiratory issues. Some areas, like rural regions and smaller cities, generally have much cleaner air.

11. Prepare for Visa and Entry Requirements

China has strict visa requirements. Be sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip and keep your itinerary, hotel bookings, and return ticket handy for visa applications. Also, register at a local police station or your hotel upon arrival (most hotels handle this for you).