Visiting China for the first time might feel a bit intimidating. I was born in a small city in Zhejiang province, an hour away from Shanghai, then moved to the U.S when I was 9 years old. Since then, I have returned to China multiple times to travel and visit family. I believe my unique perspective can offer you some valuable and insightful China travel tips so you can be better prepared and feel more at ease when visiting China.
▶︎ If you’d prefer watching a video on China Travel Tips:
me at the great wall of china, 2017
#1. Do not expect people to speak English.
Unlike some countries in Asia/Southeast Asia, you won’t find too many people who can speak or understand English besides words like ‘hi’ and ‘bye’. However, high school and college students are most likely required to take some kind of English lesson.
Feeling lost? Try looking for students to ask for help. Some people may be shy while others will be thrilled to jump at the chance to practice their English with a foreigner.
Editor’s Note:
Don’t fall for scammers pretending to want to practice English though!
#2. Don’t be afraid to learn a couple of Chinese phrases.
The locals will really appreciate it and also find it extremely amusing to hear foreigners speak Chinese. Even simple things such as ‘nihao‘ -hi and ‘xiexie‘- thank you.
It goes without saying that learning the language of the country you’re visiting shows that you gave effort to get in touch with the locals’ culture and it’s a gesture of respect. Also you’ll earn major points and maybe get a better deal.
#3.What is personal space?
China has one of the highest populations in the world. Be prepared for long queues when visiting popular landmarks. And in major cities, expect public transportations to be crowded. It’s especially crazy during Chinese New Year as a lot of traveling happens for the locals.
I’m not excusing pushy behavior. This is more of a friendly warning to not feel personally offended when and if someone gets a little too close.
#4. Do not leave spare change as tip.
When dining in restaurants, you are not expected to tip at all. Someone actually rejected a tip (for food delivery). However, if you find the service to be exceptional and want to show your appreciation, don’t just leave coins/change on the table, this may actually offend the waiters.
In major cities where there’s a good exposure of foreigners, the locals are aware that sometimes ‘laowai’ aka foreigners like to tip. But it’s generally uncommon and definitely not expected at all.
#5. Don’t expect to be taken in by Chinese hotels or bed and breakfasts.
Large international hotel chains are probably okay, even though they’ll make a bigger dent in your wallet.
In each city, the local government has their own rules and regulations about allowing hotels to accept foreigners. Even in big cities like Beijing or Shanghai, make sure you double check with your booking site to ensure a hassle free arrival and check in. I used booking.com because they specify the check-in restrictions on each listing.
True Story: In Xiamen, a popular beach side holiday destination for Chinese citizens. There was not a single accommodation that accepted foreigners. Of course some places found a way around, for example ‘online’ bookings were okay but ‘walk in’s are a no no. The day we were leaving, local police actually came to do a regulation check on all the accommodations in town. I was told by the owner to leave discreetly because my travel partner was obviously not Chinese.
#6. Don’t go out without bringing your own tissue.
This is a small but very important China travel tip. A lot of times, even restaurants won’t always have toilet paper in their restrooms, or tissue on the dining tables. The good news is, you can buy cheap little packs of tissues in convenience stores.
#7. Do not depend on your credit card when traveling in China.
The majority of businesses and restaurants will not accept foreign credit cards. Cash is the best currency, but if you’re traveling in China long term, I have a reliable source who told me “getting a Chinese bank card is easier than buying a train ticket.” Just head to a local bank to set up your account, you should be in and out within 30 minutes. Setting up a local bank card will also allow you to use WeChat Pay and DiDi (an app similar to Uber) Update: DiDi now accepts foreign credit cards.
#8. Do not travel to China without VPN.
This could be one of the most important China Travel tips: If you are a bit attached to apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, or need to use Gmail or any other Google features for business – make sure to get a VPN account.
To understand more about VPN and why you need it:
Read ➠ How To Guide on Using VPN in China
China is notorious for using firewalls to block access to certain websites. I couldn’t use any of the apps mentioned above without turning on my VPN while in China.
While a majority of VPN services have been blocked. I always use Express VPN . They’re the only top quality VPN services that consistently updates their servers as well inform their customers with any updates. I tried out a few different free and paid VPN services, and ExpressVPN is still the only one that worked well every single time I visited China. I would highly recommend you reading my article on this topic, especially if you plan on traveling, living, or working in China long term.
#9. Do not accept the initial price when shopping in China.
This does not apply to large department stores. However, if you’re shopping in boutique stores, you should always try to bargain. Now it’s up to you how hard you want to drive that bargain. If you’re well off and can spare a couple more dollars you needn’t push too hard. However, if you’re on a budget, learn to negotiate and walk away.
The shop owners are not trying to take advantage of tourists. Bargaining is so expected in China, it almost feels weird not to. (for locals)
Bargain down half of the first quoted price (at least). If you walk away and they don’t ask you to come back, you can always ask the next 5 shops who will likely sell the same items.
#10. Do not assume someone is being rude.
I’ve felt personally offended when someone shoves or bumps into me without even taking a second to blink or say excuse me. Sometimes people may even speak in a rude or dismissive way. But it’s not directed towards you, and it’s probably not because you’re a foreigner. Imagine dealing with so many people a day and many of them probably pushy or grumpy. How can you stay constantly positive and chipper?
Customer service is not a huge priority in China as it is in the U.S or other countries. However, I always approach each person with a friendly smile and respect. I find this is a universal key to getting people to help you out. I’ve definitely seen a positive difference from how helpful locals were to me vs. someone else who approaches them in a rude manner.
#11. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
Have I scared you enough to cancel your flight and your China trip? Don’t do it! China is an absolutely incredible country. The culture shock alone can be such an enlightening and life-changing experience.
You have no clue how many times I approached public police officers or locals to ask for help. Yes you might have a language barrier, that’s why get yourself a translation app![like Google Translate or Baidu Translate] You’ll be able to get your general ideas across. If needed, use hand gestures and play charades with confidence.
That’s one of the things I’ve really come to appreciate about traveling. It’s taught me to be fearless and march up to strangers and just ASK FOR HELP. It’s incredible how many people are willing and how much kindness you can find everywhere in the world.
Read ➠ Useful Tips for Solo Female Traveler | What I Learned
#12. Do not forget your passport.
If you need to purchase a train ticket for the slow or bullet trains in China at the station, bring your passport. The offices won’t sell you a ticket without it.
#13. Do not take the Chinese New Year lightly.
It is the biggest holiday in China and the locals take it very seriously. You may not be able to find seats on trains or buses. A lot of restaurants and businesses will be closed for a few days. There’s higher (petty) crime rates during the holiday season, just as you would expect in your own country. I was always warned by my family in China to pay extra attention to my bag and belongings when I go out before the Chinese New Year approaches.
But it can also be an amazing experience, there will be huge sales in department stores. Red colors and decorations everywhere. People might seem more cheerful (think how you feel during Christmas) and FIRE WORKS! China has some of the BEST fireworks. So you’ll be in for a treat.
★TIP: The date for Chinese New Year changes every year. It’s also not a one day event and travel conditions are impacted for the entire month.
#14. Do not pack too many things.
You can buy practically EVERYTHING you need in China, at a much lower price.
If you’re okay with not having every single thing you need packed into your bags, you could end up saving A LOT of money. Medicine can be found in pharmacies and you don’t need a doctor’s prescription for common meds. (such as cold relief, anti-inflammatory meds..etc)
Also because everything will cost significantly less than what you’re used to at home, you may be more inclined to do some shopping and fill up your suitcase while traveling through China. The only exception to this rule, is if you’re extremely tall or have large sized feet. It could be a bit harder to find things that fit, but not impossible!
#15. DO enjoy your trip to China!
Home to more than 50 UNESCO heritage sites, China is a must visit country for any traveler thirsting to venture out of their comfort zone, try some amazingly delicious local food, and explore its rich history and diverse cultures. I hope you feel a bit more prepared after reading my China travel tips.
It is the country of my birth place, and even though I’ve returned many times as a tourist, there’s still SO MUCH I haven’t seen. As my idol Anthony Bourdain once said: “The one thing I know for sure about China is, I will never know China. It’s too big, too old, too diverse, too deep. There’s simply not enough time.” – Parts Unknown
Additional China Travel Tips:
If you need to apply for a visa for your China trip, iVisa is a trusted and highly reviewed site that takes care of visas from any country of origin to any destination.
Want more China travel tips?
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting China
How to Avoid These Top 10 Common Scams in China
How To Guide on Using VPN in China
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Love this post – so useful and things I never would’ve thought of. I hope I get to China someday, it’s high on my list! Thanks for sharing.
Hi girl! Thanks so much for reading. If you ever make it there, you know who’s got your back with tips! haha
I’m shocked that I didn’t know half the tips you mentioned here – toilet papers? Really! I would have expected that in the developing countries of SE Asia but not in China. I will definitely need to revisit this post when I make it to China 😉
Yes girl. You gotta supply your own toilet paper nearly EVERYWHERE in China. I got you if you ever need any China tips🙌🏼🤪
Going on a business trip to China. Thank you for the information, a very useful article for me.
Great info. Have always been interested in China and it’s history. My sister and husband went there on a cruise ship a long time ago. I have Never heard such a positive review of a vacation. They been able to travel a lot and nowhere were the treated so well in fact they went on and on about it. Ship docked and everyone was escorted to a large hall that was decorated beyond belief the tables were set for kings and queens food couldn’t be discribed it was so good and the evening was toped by a concert by the Chinese nation orchestra which they had been told was the first time it had performed for foreigners in this manor I guess. This was not a group of rich or elite either. Since then has always been a place of fascination for me. Thanks again.
I’m very nervous to go to China for the first time on my own .