Essential China Travel Tips

Getting Around China

China's transportation infrastructure is world-class and remarkably affordable. The high-speed rail network is the best way to travel between cities — trains reach 350 km/h, are punctual, comfortable, and cover routes like Beijing to Shanghai in just 4.5 hours. Book tickets through the official 12306 app or website (passport booking is supported).

Within cities, the metro is king. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and most major cities have extensive subway networks with bilingual signage. A single ride rarely costs more than 7 yuan. For taxis and ride-hailing, DiDi is the go-to app — it works similarly to Uber and supports English. Always have your destination written in Chinese characters to show drivers.

Domestic flights are plentiful but subject to frequent delays, especially in summer and during holiday periods. If your journey is under 5 hours by train, rail is almost always faster door-to-door when you factor in airport security and check-in times.

Money & Payments

China is the most cashless society on earth. WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate daily transactions — from street food vendors to five-star hotels. As a foreign visitor, you can now link an international credit card (Visa, Mastercard) to either app. Set this up before you arrive.

That said, carry some cash as backup, especially in rural areas and smaller cities. ATMs accepting international cards are available at Bank of China, ICBC, and China Construction Bank branches. Notify your bank of your travel dates to prevent card blocks.

The currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also called Renminbi (RMB). Notes come in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan denominations. Avoid accepting torn or badly worn bills — some vendors refuse them.

Internet & VPN

China's internet operates behind the Great Firewall, which blocks Google, Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many other Western services. If you rely on any of these, you will need a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

Download and configure your VPN before arriving in China — VPN apps are not available in the Chinese App Store or Google Play Store when accessed from within China. Several reputable VPN services work reliably in China, though speeds can vary. Test your VPN with a Chinese server before departure.

For connectivity, buy a Chinese SIM card at the airport or use an international eSIM that includes China coverage. China Mobile and China Unicom offer tourist packages with data, calls, and sometimes built-in VPN access. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, but often requires a Chinese phone number to register.

Language Basics

Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English proficiency outside of international hotels and tourist areas is limited. Learning a few key phrases goes a long way and is deeply appreciated by locals.

Download a translation app with offline capability before your trip. Google Translate works with VPN; alternatively, Microsoft Translator and Pleco (Chinese dictionary) work without one.

Health & Safety

China is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Petty theft can occur in crowded tourist areas and on public transport — keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, as you would in any major city.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Boiled water and bottled water are available everywhere. Restaurants serve boiled water (kai shui) freely. Street food is generally safe at busy stalls with high turnover — if locals are queuing, it is a good sign.

No special vaccinations are required for entry, but ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Bring any prescription medications you need in their original packaging with a doctor's note. Pharmacies are widespread, and many common over-the-counter medications are available, though brands will differ.

In an emergency, dial 110 for police, 120 for ambulance, and 119 for fire. Most international hotels have staff who can assist in English during emergencies.

Cultural Etiquette

Remove shoes when entering someone's home. Accept business cards with both hands and study them briefly — do not write on them. Tipping is not customary and can sometimes cause confusion. When dining, the host typically orders and pays; it is polite to offer to pay but do not insist aggressively. Loud blowing of your nose at the table is considered rude; excuse yourself.

Photography is prohibited in some temples, museums, and government buildings. Always look for signage and ask when unsure. At religious sites, dress modestly and behave respectfully.