China Travel 101 — Everything I Wish I'd Known Before My First Trip

📋 Before You Book — Visas

Your visa needs depend entirely on your nationality and how you enter China.

Visa-Free Options

For most travelers, you'll need a tourist visa (L-visa). Apply at the Chinese embassy or visa application centre in your country 4-6 weeks before departure.

Full visa guide →

📱 The App Survival Kit

Download and set up these apps before you leave. After you arrive, you can't access some of their websites to download them.

💰 Money & Payments

China is the world's most cashless society. Street food vendors, temple donation boxes, even beggars — everyone has a QR code. Carrying cash is for emergencies only.

Setup Before You Go

1. Download Alipay → Link your international Visa/Mastercard → Verify identity with passport photo (this step takes 24-48 hours — do it NOW)
2. Download WeChat → Me → WeChat Pay → Add card → Verify passport (same timeline)
3. Bring ¥300-500 in cash (small bills: ¥10, ¥20) — for villages, elderly vendors, emergency taxis
4. Notify your bank about your travel dates to prevent card blocks

Full payment guide →

🎒 Packing Checklist

Essentials

Packing by Season

🗣️ Language Survival

Most Chinese people you'll encounter — taxi drivers, shop assistants, restaurant servers — speak no English. You'll survive fine without Chinese, but these 10 phrases will transform your trip:

Pro tip: Save screenshots of your hotel name and address in Chinese characters. Show it to taxi drivers. Save "no peanuts" and "vegetarian, please" if those apply to you. More language tips →

🌏 Cultural Etiquette — 5 Things to Know

1. No tipping — Tipping is not part of Chinese culture. Not in restaurants, not in taxis, not in hotels. Don't tip.

2. Bargaining is expected at markets — Start at 25-30% of the asking price at tourist markets. Not expected in shops, restaurants, or chain stores.

3. Queuing can be assertive — Lines in China can be chaotic. Standing your ground and holding your space is culturally normal, not rude.

4. Pointing with one finger is rude — Use an open hand or a nod of the chin to indicate direction or people.

5. Don't photograph military installations — This is a serious offence. Also ask permission before photographing people, especially in minority regions and temples.

🚫 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Before My First Trip

1. Google Maps doesn't work in China. Download Apple Maps or Baidu Maps before you arrive. Google Maps works for metro directions but not walking or driving.

2. Your shower drain probably doesn't connect to the sewer. Many hotel bathrooms have a drain in the floor — water from the shower flows there, not through the wall. Don't be alarmed when the bathroom floor gets wet.

3. Never drink tap water. Not in 5-star hotels, not anywhere. Drink bottled water or boiled water. Every hotel room has an electric kettle.

4. Chinese toilets come in two types. Squat toilets are common in public restrooms. Western toilets exist everywhere but may not have a seat — carry tissues.

5. Metro security check is mandatory. Every metro station has an X-ray machine for bags. It takes 10-15 seconds. Don't resist — this is not optional.

6. Train stations are enormous. Beijing South Railway Station is bigger than many airports. Arrive 45-60 minutes early for your first train to find the right waiting hall and platform.

7. Credit cards are useless in most places. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at international hotels and some high-end restaurants. Everywhere else — WeChat, Alipay, or cash.

8. Smoking is common indoors. Despite smoking bans in public places, you'll encounter smoking in restaurants, train station waiting rooms, and hotel lobbies. It's improving but still prevalent.

9. The "OK" hand gesture (👍) means "money" or "good" depending on context. Thumbs up 👍 actually means "good" — this is safe to use.

10. China is safer than most Western countries. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Petty theft exists in crowded tourist areas (same as anywhere). Walking alone at night in major cities is generally safe. The biggest risk is traffic — always use designated crosswalks and watch for scooters.

🗺️ What's Next?

With the basics covered, you're ready to start planning. Here's where to go from here:

• 🏙️ Explore city guides — Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an, and 23 more cities
• 🚄 Transportation guide — how to book trains, use DiDi, and navigate the metro
• 📋 Check visa requirements — visa-free list, transit policies, application guide
• 📱 Payment guide — setting up Alipay and WeChat Pay
• 🌍 Best time to visit — month-by-month destination recommendations