If you’re planning to travel to China, but aren’t sure what you need to do to prepare, then keep on reading. Whether you want to know the best time of year to travel to China, whether you need a visa or what the best activities are, we’ve compiled the best China travel tips and advice so you can be sure to have the trip of a lifetime.
1. Prepare the Travel Documents for Entering China
Before traveling to China, ensure you have the necessary travel documents to avoid any issues at the border. The key documents include:
Passport:
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from China.
Visa:
Most travelers need a visa to enter China. You must apply for the visa through a Chinese embassy or ask a find a travel agency in China to help you apply for a Port Visa before your trip.
But if you are from any of the 38 countries under the visa-free policy, such as France, Germany, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, things will be simpler than ever before, as visa is not required for visits to China of 30 days.
2. Make Payment in China
Mobile Payment
As long as you get to China, you can surprisingly find nearly all vendors prepare a collection code for consumers, from the shopping malls to the local markets. That means you can just use a mobile phone to buy everything you want.
If you want to experience the mobile payment in China for convenience, you can register for a Ali Pay or WeChat Pay account before you go. We recommend WeChat Pay more because it simplifies its register process in 2024. To link with WeChat Pay, visitors just need to provide your Visa or MasterCard number, along with the expiration date and security code.
Credit Card and Some Cash
While credit cards and cash are less and less used in most cities of China, using cash or credit card is still available in China. The currency of China is the Chinese yuan (CNY or RMB). It's a good idea to take your credit cards and exchange some currency to allow for emergencies.
3. Be Prepared for Crowds During the Peak Season
China's peak travel seasons, such as Chinese New Year (in January or February), National Day (October 1st - 7th, each year) and the summer holidays from July to August, attract large crowds. Popular tourist destinations can become extremely busy, leading to longer wait times and crowded conditions.
Actually, traveling during the off-peak season, offers a more relaxed experience. However, if you are going to traveling to China during these periods, please consider visiting the popular attractions like the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds. Or visit some less crowded sites. And it's important to book tickets and accommodations well in advance.
4. Be Adventurous to Chinese Cuisine
Chinese cuisine varies greatly from region to region. From the fiery Sichuan hot pot, a simmering cauldron of chilies and numbing Sichuan peppercorns, to the delicate Shanghainese soup dumplings (xiao long bao), filled with flavorful broth, each region boasts unique flavors and iconic dishes. When traveling in China, be adventurous on trying local specialties, you will get more fun.
When it comes to eating in China, one thing that must be mentioned is that chopsticks are the utensil of choice in China, unlike the fork and knife you might be accustomed to. Mastering them can enhance your dining experience, as some dishes can be trickier to navigate without chopstick skills. Consider practicing beforehand for a smoother culinary adventure!
5. Download Translation Apps to Bridge the Language Gap
Mandarin is the official language of China and English is not widely spoken, especially in rural areas. And even if you book your tour with a travel agency and have a private guide, you may still have some free time to explore the country by yourselves. So, it is necessary to download translation Apps to help you communicate with the locals.
Besides, you may also learn some basic Chinese phrases like "hello" (nǐ hǎo, 你好), "thank you" (xiè xie, 谢谢), "please" (qǐng wèn, 请问), and so on.
6. Know Your Emergency Contacts
While we hope for smooth travels abroad, it’s important to be prepared for any incidents that may arise. Save these nationwide emergency numbers for the Chinese Mainland, which can be dialed free of charge.
Police: 110
National Fire and Rescue Administration: 119
Ambulance service: 120
Traffic accidents: 122
7. Book Your Trip Through a Travel Agency
China is a vast country with a rich cultural heritage and many popular tourist destinations. The variety of tourist attractions will spoil you for choice, so it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your time in China. But how? It can be hard to choose where to go and organize the trip, especially when it's the first time you go there.
Using a travel agency to help you creating your travel plan and do the reservation can make the thing much simpler and enhance your travel experience. Their expertise ensures you visit the top attractions and hidden gems while navigating the complexities of travel in China with ease. Additionally, travel agencies provide support throughout your journey, helping resolve the issues that may arise, which can make your trip stress-free and enjoyable.
