The Ultimate A-Z Travel Guide to China
Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Trip
Welcome to your essential A-to-Z guide for traveling in China. A journey to this vast and multifaceted nation is an experience like no other, filled with moments of wonder, discovery, and profound cultural immersion.
This interactive guide is designed to be the most comprehensive resource you’ll need. Click on each section to expand detailed information, use our interactive checklists to track your preparation, and explore helpful tools throughout your journey.
📥 Download PDF GuideBefore You Go – Essential Pre-Trip Planning
Visas, documents, insurance, and packing
Visas, Passports, and Documentation
This is the most critical first step.
Pre-Trip Document Checklist
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your planned date of entry into China. This is non-negotiable!
The Ultimate Packing Guide
A powerful power bank (at least 10,000mAh) is arguably the most important item you’ll pack. You’ll be using your phone constantly for maps, translation, photos, and payments.
Essential Electronics Checklist
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not a recommendation; it is a necessity. Do not travel to China without a comprehensive policy.
- Medical Coverage: Ensure high coverage for emergency medical expenses
- Medical Evacuation: Can be astronomically expensive if needed
- Trip Cancellation: Covers unforeseen circumstances
- Theft & Loss: Protection for belongings and documents
Money, Payments & Budgeting
Navigate China’s cashless society
The Cashless Reality
In major cities, China operates as a nearly cashless society. From luxury malls to street-side fruit vendors, almost everyone pays for everything using mobile payment apps.
Alipay (支付宝)
WeChat Pay (微信支付)
Setting Up Mobile Payments
Alipay Setup Steps
Open Alipay → Tap “Pay/Receive” → Show your QR code → Vendor scans it → Transaction complete in seconds!
Using Cash (CNY/RMB)
While mobile payments dominate, cash is still useful for:
- Rural areas and small towns
- Some taxi drivers
- Emergency backup
- Tips for tour guides
ATM Tip: Use Bank of China, ICBC, or China Construction Bank ATMs. They have English options and accept international cards.
Connectivity & Communication
VPNs, apps, and staying connected
The Great Firewall & VPNs
The “Great Firewall” blocks Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, YouTube, and many more services. You MUST install a VPN before arriving in China!
VPN Setup Checklist
Essential Apps for China
Getting Online
Local SIM Card
eSIM
Pocket WiFi
Health, Safety & Well-being
Stay healthy and safe during your journey
Food and Water Safety
Golden Rule: Do NOT drink tap water in China. Always use bottled or boiled water, even for brushing teeth.
Follow these guidelines to stay healthy:
- Eat at busy restaurants – high turnover means fresh food
- Street food should be cooked hot in front of you
- Be cautious with raw vegetables and salads
- Peel fruits yourself or wash with bottled water
- Avoid ice in drinks unless from reputable establishments
Look for stalls with long lines of locals. If locals trust it, it’s usually safe and delicious!
Common Health Concerns
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Air Pollution
Altitude Sickness
Medical Kit Essentials
Personal Medical Kit
Personal Safety
China is remarkably safe with low violent crime rates. Main concerns:
Tea Ceremony Scam: Friendly strangers invite you for tea, then present huge bill. Politely decline.
Art Student Scam: Similar setup with art gallery visits. Always be wary of unsolicited invitations.
Taxi Meter Scam: Always ensure meter is running. Use DiDi app to avoid this entirely.
Daily Life & Practicalities
Navigate everyday situations with confidence
Public Toilets
Essential Rule: ALWAYS carry tissues and hand sanitizer. Most public toilets don’t provide toilet paper or soap.
What to expect:
- Squat toilets: Still common, especially outside major cities
- Western toilets: Available in hotels, malls, and tourist sites
- No toilet paper: Bring your own tissues always
- Used paper basket: Don’t flush paper; use the basket provided
- Pay toilets: Some charge ¥0.5-1, especially at tourist sites
Best clean toilets: Hotels (walk in confidently), Starbucks, McDonald’s, shopping malls, and KFC. These are your safe havens!
Photography Etiquette
China is generally photo-friendly, but follow these guidelines:
✅ OK to Photograph
- Tourist sites and landmarks
- Street scenes and architecture
- Food and restaurants
- Public spaces and parks
❌ Don’t Photograph
- Military personnel or installations
- Government buildings (some)
- Inside temples (often prohibited)
- People without permission
Social Etiquette
Understanding Chinese social norms will enhance your experience:
- Business cards: Give and receive with both hands
- Gifts: Offer with both hands; recipient may refuse initially (insist politely)
- Pointing: Use open hand, not single finger
- Personal space: Expect closer proximity in crowds
- Queuing: Be assertive but polite in lines
- Shoes: Remove when entering homes
- Tipping: Not expected except for tour guides
“Face” is crucial in Chinese culture. Avoid causing embarrassment, give compliments generously, and handle conflicts diplomatically.
Shopping Hours & Holidays
Typical Hours:
- Shops: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Restaurants: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Banks: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed weekends)
- Tourist sites: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
Major Holidays Warning: Avoid traveling during Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) and Golden Week (Oct 1-7). Everything is crowded and prices triple!
Navigating Transportation
Master China’s extensive transport network
High-Speed Rail (高铁)
China’s high-speed rail is world-class – fast, punctual, and comfortable.
Train Travel Checklist
Business Class: 2+2 seating, most space
First Class: 2+2 seating, very comfortable
Second Class: 3+2 seating, perfectly fine for most trips
Metro/Subway Systems
Major cities have excellent, affordable metro systems.
Buying Tickets
- Find ticket machine (has English)
- Select destination station
- Pay (cash or mobile pay)
- Take ticket/token
- Keep for exit!
Metro Tips
- Security check at entrance
- Stand right, walk left on escalators
- Let passengers exit first
- No eating or drinking
- Rush hours: 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Best Option: Use DiDi app – it’s like Uber, works in English, and avoids communication issues!
Traditional Taxi Tips:
- Have destination written in Chinese characters
- Ensure meter is running (打表 dǎbiǎo)
- Keep receipt for lost items
- Don’t accept rides from unlicensed drivers at airports/stations
1. Download DiDi (in English)
2. Link Alipay or international card
3. Enter destination
4. Driver arrives, check license plate
5. Automatic payment at end
Domestic Flights
For longer distances, flying can save significant time.
- Book on Trip.com or airline websites
- Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights
- Passport required for check-in
- Download airline app for mobile boarding pass
- Delays are common – build buffer time
Food & Dining Guide
Navigate China’s incredible culinary landscape
Shopping & Souvenirs
Bargaining, markets, and what to buy
The Art of Bargaining (讨价还价)
Bargaining is a way of life in markets and with street vendors. It’s a friendly game, not a fight. Department stores and supermarkets have fixed prices.
1. Start Low: Offer 30-50% of the initial asking price.
2. Be Friendly: Smile and be polite. A good attitude goes a long way.
3. The Walk-Away: If the price isn’t right, slowly walk away. They might call you back with a better offer.
4. Know Your Limit: Decide the maximum you’re willing to pay beforehand.
5. Use Cash: Having the exact amount makes your final offer more convincing.
What to Buy: Souvenir Guide
Tea (茶叶)
Silk (丝绸)
Ceramics (陶瓷)
Calligraphy & Art (书画)
Essential Mandarin Phrases
Key phrases for travelers