Planning your first trip to China? It's one of the most rewarding — and occasionally bewildering — travel experiences on the planet. This guide covers everything you need to arrive confident and leave amazed.
Before You Go
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities need a visa to enter mainland China. As of 2026, China offers 144-hour transit visa-free entry at major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and more) for citizens of 54 countries. For longer stays, apply for a Tourist (L) Visa at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
What you'll need:
- •Passport valid for 6+ months
- •Completed visa application form
- •Recent passport photo (48mm × 33mm, white background)
- •Flight booking and hotel reservation
- •Bank statement (some consulates)
Processing typically takes 4-7 business days. Expedited service is available for an extra fee.
Travel Insurance
Strongly recommended. Medical care in China is affordable but communication barriers can complicate things. Make sure your policy covers:
- •Medical evacuation
- •Trip cancellation
- •Lost luggage
- •Adventure activities (if applicable)
What to Pack
- •Power adapter: China uses Type A/I plugs (220V). Bring a universal adapter.
- •VPN app: Download and set up before you arrive (see our VPN guide).
- •Cash & cards: Bring some USD/EUR to exchange. Visa/Mastercard work at international hotels but rarely elsewhere.
- •Toilet paper/tissues: Public restrooms often don't provide them.
- •Comfortable walking shoes: You'll walk 15,000-25,000 steps a day.
- •Light layers: Weather varies wildly by region and season.
Getting Around
Flights
China's domestic flight network is extensive. Book via Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) — it's the most reliable English-language platform. Domestic flights are affordable but often delayed; leave buffer time.
High-Speed Rail
China's HSR network is the world's largest and most impressive. The Fuxing trains hit 350 km/h and connect major cities faster than flying (when you factor in airport time). Book tickets on Trip.com or 12306 (official app, Chinese UI).
Key routes:
- •Beijing → Shanghai: 4.5 hours
- •Shanghai → Hangzhou: 1 hour
- •Beijing → Xi'an: 4.5 hours
- •Guangzhou → Shenzhen: 30 minutes
Metro Systems
Every major city has a clean, efficient metro. Buy a ticket at the machine (English available) or use Alipay/WeChat to scan in. Beijing and Shanghai metros run roughly 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
DiDi is China's Uber. It has an English-language version. Taxis are cheap and metered in most cities. Always have your destination written in Chinese characters — most drivers don't speak English.
Money & Payments
The Big Shift: Mobile Payments
China is essentially cashless. WeChat Pay and Alipay are used for everything — street food, taxis, hotels, even temples. As of 2025-2026, both platforms support international credit cards for tourists.
Setup steps:
- 1Download WeChat or Alipay
- 2Link your Visa/Mastercard/Amex
- 3Set up your payment profile
- 4Scan QR codes to pay
See our dedicated WeChat Pay guide for detailed walkthrough.
Cash & ATMs
Carry some RMB (¥) as backup. ATMs at airports and Bank of China branches accept international cards. Most accept UnionPay; Visa/Mastercard ATMs are rarer outside tier-1 cities.
Food & Drink
Ordering Food
- •Point and order: Many restaurants have picture menus. Point at what looks good.
- •WeChat translate: Use the built-in camera translate feature for Chinese-only menus.
- •Street food: Safe and delicious. Follow the crowds — busy stalls mean fresh food.
- •Breakfast: Try jianbing (savory crêpe), baozi (steamed buns), or congee (rice porridge).
Dietary Notes
- •Vegetarian/vegan: Possible but requires effort. Buddhist restaurants (素菜馆) are fully vegetarian.
- •Allergies: Write your allergies in Chinese and show your phone. "I'm allergic to peanuts" = 我对花生过敏.
- •Water: Don't drink tap water. Bottled water is everywhere and cheap (¥2-3).
Language & Communication
Essential Phrases
| English | Pinyin | Chinese |
|---|
| Hello | Nǐ hǎo | 你好 |
| Thank you | Xièxie | 谢谢 |
| How much? | Duōshao qián? | 多少钱？ |
| I don't understand | Wǒ tīng bù dǒng | 我听不懂 |
| Where is…? | …zài nǎlǐ? | …在哪里？ |
| Check please | Mǎidān | 买单 |
| No spicy | Bú yào là | 不要辣 |
Translation Apps
- •WeChat: Built-in translate (text and camera)
- •Google Translate: Download the Chinese offline pack before you arrive
- •Pleco: Best Chinese dictionary app, works offline
Internet & Connectivity
The Great Firewall
Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western social media are blocked in mainland China. You need a VPN to access them. Download and test your VPN before arriving.
SIM Cards & eSIM
- •Airport SIM: Available at major airports. China Mobile and China Unicom offer tourist plans.
- •eSIM: Services like Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly offer China eSIMs with data. Some include VPN bypass.
- •Pocket WiFi: Rent at the airport or pre-order online.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety
China is one of the safest countries for tourists. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. Common-sense precautions apply:
- •Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas
- •Be cautious of "tea ceremony" scams in Beijing/Shanghai (friendly strangers invite you for tea, then present a huge bill)
- •Avoid unlicensed taxis at airports
Cultural Etiquette
- •Face (面子): Avoid causing embarrassment. Don't raise your voice or publicly criticize.
- •Business cards: Receive with both hands, study briefly, don't write on them.
- •Tipping: Not expected anywhere. Seriously, don't tip.
- •Temples: Remove hats, speak quietly, don't point at Buddha statues.
- •Chopsticks: Never stick them upright in rice (funeral symbolism). Don't point with them.
When to Visit
| Season | Months | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Spring | Mar-May | Pleasant weather, cherry blossoms | Rain in south |
| Summer | Jun-Aug | Lush landscapes, long days | Hot, humid, crowded |
| Autumn | Sep-Nov | Best weather, golden foliage | Peak season = higher prices |
| Winter | Dec-Feb | Fewer crowds, Harbin Ice Festival | Cold in north, pollution |
: September-October (Golden Week crowds aside) and April-May.
Budget Planning
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|
| Accommodation | $15-30/night | $50-120/night | $150+/night |
| Food | $10-20/day | $25-50/day | $60+/day |
| Transport | $15-30/day | $30-60/day | $80+/day |
| Activities | $5-15/day | $20-40/day | $50+/day |
China is remarkably affordable once you're there. A comfortable mid-range trip runs about $80-150/day including accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
Final Tips
- 1Download apps before you arrive: WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, Maps.me, VPN
- 2Carry your passport: You'll need it for hotels, train tickets, and some attractions
- 3Learn 10 Chinese phrases: Even bad pronunciation gets smiles and better service
- 4Be flexible: Things won't always go to plan. That's part of the adventure
- 5Talk to toto: Your AI travel buddy is available 24/7 for real-time advice 🐕
*Ready to plan? Start chatting with toto and get personalized advice for your China trip.*
