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Planning a vacation to China in 2024? Many nations will enjoy a visa-free travel policy to China in 2024, so now is an excellent time to visit.
China has something for everyone, whether they want to visit cultural and historical monuments, browse local food markets, go hiking through magnificent natural beauty, or experience megacities and nightlife.
However, preparing a vacation to China may be more complicated than planning a trip to other regions of the world. There are several factors to consider, including the language barrier, visa application, itinerary planning, packing, currency conversion, ticket booking, and adjusting to local traditions. Don’t worry, I’m here to help!
Since 2015, I’ve been an expat in China, and I’m currently located in Beijing. On my travels, I’ve visited over 25 different places in China and stayed in China during COVID time. My experiences in China have provided me with useful insights into overcoming the language barrier and understanding cultural customs, which can help make your trip more pleasurable.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, these suggestions will help you make the most of your time in this interesting country. Here are 50 things to know before flying to China in 2024.
Tourism in China and COVID Policies in 2024.
1. China welcomes travelers! Tourist visas were not provided for three years because of COVID; however, China has declared that it will restart granting all types of visas for foreigners, including tourism visas, port visas, and multiple visa-exemption policies, beginning March 15, 2023.
Foreigners planning to travel to China in the near future can contact their local embassies or consulates for more information.
2. Many people may be unaware of China’s visa-free transit program. China formally reinstated its visa-free transit policy in January 2023, allowing for 24-, 72-, and 144-hour durations. This means you could spend up to six days in China without a visa! This option is not accessible for all passports or nations. Contact the Chinese embassy in your country for the most up-to-date and detailed information.
3. There will be no more quarantine when landing in China beginning January 8, 2023!
4. China Visa-Free Travel: China previously offered visa-free entrance for nationals of several nations, including:
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- The Netherlands
- Spain
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Brunei
As of right now, citizens of six other European nations—Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg—can enter China for a period of 15 days without a visa.
Contact your country’s embassy for additional information.
5. Masks: Masks are not necessarily compulsory when going out in public in China, and an increasing number of people are not wearing them. However, some areas still require them, including official public attractions and public transit such as subways, aircraft, and trains. Although the enforcement is not as strict as it once was, it is still advisable to carry masks when entering China and if necessary, when traveling elsewhere.
Technology and Applications
6. Before you fly to China, get a VPN (Virtual Private Network). China’s Great Firewall is quite real. The Great Firewall has blocked Google and its apps, along with other websites and social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit.
It’s preferable to download one to your phone and computer ahead of time, as doing it once you arrive can be difficult (but not impossible). I used Express VPN for numerous years before switching to Astrill in recent years since I believe it performs better consistently.
7. Bring an unlocked phone if you intend to use a Chinese SIM card during your trip. I definitely recommend acquiring a Chinese SIM card. This way, you can access the internet from anywhere and get help if you need it. Additionally, many public places that provide WiFi require SMS verification. It simply makes it easier to access things. You may buy a SIM card in advance on Amazon or at most airports when you arrive.
8. Download WeChat, China’s most popular social media app. It’s more than just a media app for chatting with friends and sharing information; it can also be used to purchase train and movie tickets, send money to friends, share locations and maps, and access a variety of other mini-apps within the app. It’s like a combination of Facebook, WhatsApp, Venmo, and other services. We recommend downloading it before you arrive to facilitate communication with drivers, tour guides, new acquaintances, and others you meet here.
9. There are plenty of additional important apps you should download before traveling to China. Here are some of my recommendations:
- A translation app similar to Pleco. Downloading an offline translation program is a smart idea!
- CTrip allows you to book plane and train tickets, as well as accommodation.
- A map application. I use Baidu Maps, which is in Chinese, and I find it more useful than Google Maps. Google Maps will operate with a VPN, although it is often less accurate.
- I too have a conversion program that I use to convert USD to RMB.
- If you have a bank card linked to WeChat or Alipay, you can use Didi (a taxi-calling app).
Planning a trip to China.
10. Avoid traveling during China’s holidays, particularly the two major holidays when most people travel.
The first holiday to avoid is the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, which occurs between the end of January and February, but the exact dates vary each year according to the Lunar Calendar.
The second holiday to avoid is China National Day, which occurs on October 1st each year. Every year on October 1st, we observe China National Day, formally known as the National Day of the People’s Republic of China, to commemorate the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. This week is known as “Golden Week” because the majority of people will be on vacation from October 1 to 7.
These are significant human migration dates in China, since people will have time off to visit their families or travel. It is difficult to book rail tickets during this time, and tourist attractions (particularly Beijing) will be extremely crowded. Depending on the city, many shops and places will remain closed during the Spring Festival. So, in general, you should avoid these periods.
11. Investigate where to travel.
China is a big nation with many different regions and customs, so doing your research and planning ahead of time can help you make the most of your trip. China’s major cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an, have a lot to offer, and you should surely see the Great Wall, the Bund, and the Terracotta Warriors. But China is a huge country with a lot to explore, and there’s more to it than just big cities! If you’re there for more than a week and have time to explore, I recommend visiting some mountains, smaller villages, or less-traveled areas.
Here are the top ten cities in China that tourists visit most frequently:
- Beijing: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.
- Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Quarter (excellent food!)
- Shanghai: The Bund and Nanjing Shopping Road.
- Guilin and Yangshuo: Rafting and trekking amid breathtaking mountains.
- The West Lake and the “Venice” of the East are Hangzhou and Suzhou.
Not sure where to go? Check out my post, Where to Travel in China: A China Travel Quiz and Top Destinations to Visit.
Booking Tickets
12. As a foreigner, the best app for booking trains, airlines, and hotels is Ctrip. It accepts both Chinese and Western payments, is in English, and provides excellent customer service. If you can understand Chinese and are comfortable with Chinese apps, you can use official booking apps such as 12306.
13. Try China’s high-speed train network. It’s incredibly fast, convenient, and always on time, and security takes far less time than flying does. It’s also a fantastic chance to explore more of China’s countryside! In China, you can also board an overnight sleeper train for long distance travel.
14. Check tourist attraction scheduling in advance. Some tourist sites may demand previous reservations or have odd hours or days of closure. For example, the Forbidden City often requires reservations at least a day in advance and is closed on Mondays. Plan ahead of time to avoid missing out on any must-see sites!
15. Consider whether you want to travel with a tour group or book on your own.
Depending on the type of trip you want, all options are excellent and provide distinct advantages. Although I prefer to plan my own vacations, in more distant areas, it may be beneficial to join a tour group or hire a driver to make your journey more convenient.
I recently traveled alone to the southern mountains of Chongzuo, Guangxi, and because of the remote location, I had to hire drivers.
There are also some really amazing specialty tour itineraries, such as Lost Plate Food Tours, that will help you traverse a city while simultaneously introducing you to the greatest local delicacies. Lost Plate is an award-winning cuisine tour group in China and Asia that immerses you in local culture with outstanding guides and delicious food. I’ve taken two of their excursions in Beijing, and they were wonderful. They also provide tours to Xi’an, Ningxia, Lijiang, Chengdu, and Suzhou.
Money and paying for things in China
15. China is primarily a cashless culture nowadays. Most individuals pay with WeChat or Alipay, which are mobile apps that connect to your bank card. You can find QR codes for mobile payment everywhere in China, including cabs and restaurants, making it a very simple way to make payments.
You can now use a foreign bank card with AliPay! Check out this guide for connecting your card to Alipay. Despite this, people still use cash and it’s a good idea to have it on hand.
16. You can exchange your currency for Chinese yuan before leaving or after arriving in China. To start, I recommend exchanging a modest amount and then withdrawing RMB from an ATM using a debit card, which is typically less expensive than exchanging in your home country. It is better to stick with major banks like the Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank, and HSBC. Verify the supported cards of the ATM before using it.
17. Not all places accept credit cards, particularly those that are more local. However, select hotels, premium restaurants, and foreign brand-name retailers in larger cities accept credit cards. Major cities in China commonly accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Check with your bank to see what types of foreign charges you may incur.
18. You do not need to tip in China! Unless you believe you have a particularly good reason to tip (for example, you had an excellent tour guide for your trip), there is no reason to tip, and it would be strange and unusual for staff.
19. There is no sales tax in China. Marketplaces and stores display the price you pay. This also applies to restaurants; most do not charge an additional tax.
20. Haggling: I believe it is a popular misconception that in China, people often haggle over prices. Most stores, malls, and restaurants have set prices for their products, and I never negotiate in my daily life in China.
However, there are still a few markets where you can barter with store owners, such as the Pearl Market and the Silk Market in Beijing. This is becoming less prevalent, I believe, as most business owners will simply have a fixed price with a label on the item.
Safety
21. Bring your passport or a photocopy of the passport and visa pages with you. Many tourist destinations in China, such as the Forbidden City, require a passport, so keep one on hand. If you’re only going out for the evening, I recommend keeping your passport in a secure location and carrying a photocopy of your passport and visa.
22. Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before your vacation.
23. It is safe to travel alone in China. People frequently ask me about solo travel in China, especially as a female traveler. Yes, traffic, noise, and culture shock can be overwhelming or chaotic, but I feel extremely safe traveling alone in both major cities and outlying areas. I’ve walked home late at night in Beijing too many times to count, as well as taken dozens of planes, trains, and buses on my own. Of course, you should always exercise caution. Read more about my guide, Tips for Traveling Solo in China.
24. Be wary of scammers. Scams can occur anywhere, including in China. Some frequent ones are tea house scams, in which someone will “invite” you to a tea shop and then charge you a large sum of money. If you use dating apps like Tinder or Tantan in China, be wary of catfishers, or people who meet you and take you to a bar before leaving you with a bill. Another intriguing scam is the Good Samaritan Scam. Just stay alert.
25. If you’re at the airport or train station, make sure to take a taxi from an official zone. This confirms that they are a legitimate service and will run the meter. I ignore the other people who call out for me. If you’re in a smaller city, simply be cautious and insist that they run the meter for you.
Chinese Language Tips:
26. Print your hotel confirmation in Chinese! This is a great lifesaver for quickly directing taxi drivers or other people to assist you.
27. Try learning some basic Chinese words for traveling and ordering food. China is a huge country with a low percentage of English speakers. However, in larger cities, in foreign shops and restaurants, you are significantly more likely to meet people who speak English fluently. Even in smaller cities, I’ve encountered students and others who speak some English. But it’s still beneficial for a traveler to learn a few phrases!
Even better: Learn a few phrases about your country or area to connect with the people you meet. “Wo shi Meiguoren” (I am American) and “Wo laizi Dalasi” (I am from Dallas) typically elicit amusing comments from Chinese NBA fans. If you can’t say much, a smile can go a long way.
28. Download a translation app and have it ready. Pleco and Google Translate are both popular apps. Try to keep an offline version downloaded in case your phone dies or you lose service.
Furthermore, the WeChat and Google interpret camera functions will interpret any written Chinese text for you, allowing you to take images of menus. Google Translate’s speech-to-text capability can significantly speed up conversations. Many foreigners frequently utilize these capabilities to capture apps and quickly translate their options. (Remember that Google requires a VPN to work, so it is not the most trustworthy alternative.).
29. If you don’t speak Chinese but are speaking to someone who doesn’t speak English well, speak slowly and use as few words as possible, preferably simple ones. This seems like obvious wisdom, yet I’ve witnessed some foreigners become irritated and yell at someone. You are in their country; simply be respectful, as they are another human being. Despite language barriers, people in China are generally courteous and eager to assist. You can also pull out WeChat, add them as a contact, and utilize the translating option to communicate back and forth.
And if you talk more slowly, someone may be able to catch more of your words and understand what you’re trying to say. A few Chinese words are English loan words or sound similar, such as coffee (kafei), salad (shala), sofa (shafa), pizza (pisa), Coca-Cola (Kouke kele), and so on. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule and can sometimes work in your favor.
I’m packing for China.
30. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes, as you will be walking a lot in China!
31. Pack plenty of layers! China is a vast country stretching from Beijing in the north to Guangzhou in the south, and the weather can change dramatically depending on the season. A raincoat or umbrella, as well as quick-drying textiles, are excellent choices.
32. Prepare for squatty toilets and always carry a pack of tissues or toilet paper with you!
Many places do not stock toilet paper. Everyone just carries their own. Of course, hotels, fancier restaurants, and malls will have their own toilet paper and Western-style toilets. However, many smaller cities and bus and train terminals may lack Western toilets altogether.
33. Other items to bring for China include toiletries, medications, vitamins, hand sanitizer, a power converter, sunscreen, razors, snacks, band-aids, face masks, and feminine products.
34. Electrical outlets and plugs: China has three associated plug types: A, C, and I. Three flat pins organized in a triangle make up plug type I; two round pins make up plug type C; and two flat pins arranged parallel in plug type A.
China uses a 220V supply voltage at 50 Hz. Keep this in mind when taking your electronics, hair dryers, and so forth.
The photo below depicts the most common outlets found in China.
35. Battery packs are lifesavers! I never go without one in China. In China, a mobile phone is your lifeblood. You use it for a variety of tasks, such as making payments, booking taxis, and using translation apps. If your phone dies, you may be out of options. So, I propose that you carry one with you. In China, many public areas will have battery pack systems available for rent and return to other sites.
36. China may be a very loud and raucous environment. It’s common to observe individuals conversing loudly on trains and buses. Just be sure to take earplugs and headphones in case you’re a light sleeper on trains and aircraft.
37. Forgot something? There will be no tension. Miniso, Watson’s, and WuMart are examples of Chinese stores that sell accessories, toiletries, lotions, hygiene products, laundry detergent, and other items. Your hotel, hostel, or guide should be able to assist you in navigating and finding shops for what you require, as well as arranging for delivery to your hotel.
Food and Drink in China
38. Don’t drink the tap water in China. In China, the majority of people either consume boiled hot water (everyone has a kettle) or purchase bottled water. The tap water is unfiltered and could make you sick.
39. Try the various regional Chinese cuisines. Cuisine varies from province to province and even per city. Research the cities you intend to visit so that you can learn about their peculiarities! It’s a joy to experience the hot Sichuan, rich and meaty Dongbei, sweet Cantonese, and other Chinese cuisines. Try everything Chinese, because it’s great!
Here is a quick guide to 12 popular Chinese dishes and how to order them in China.
40. Don’t know where or what to eat? Look around to see where the locals are queued up or sitting.
My best dinners in China are not at luxury hotels but at a tiny mom-and-pop business along a small street. Local Chinese will know the best places. It’s also fun to ask the waiter or business owner for recommendations on which meals to try. Also, you’ll frequently hear people eating loudly and slurping noodles, which is usually a compliment for the cook.
As previously stated, a culinary tour is an excellent way to learn about local cuisine! Once again, visit Lost Plate for an unforgettable culinary experience.
41. Traveling in China as a vegan or vegetarian can be difficult, but not impossible.
Copy or copy some Chinese phrases to communicate your dietary needs. Some people and establishments can be quite accommodating and friendly. However, don’t be surprised if they mistranslate some details or cook additional foods alongside the meat. There are more vegetarian and vegan eateries in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. I recommend researching specific city spots before you travel.
42. There are numerous international food options in China.
If you’re concerned about eating just Chinese food or simply need a meal break, most cities have KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and McDonald’s, as well as a variety of other international restaurants.
There are also restaurants that provide Korean, Japanese, Italian, and other international dishes. However, I always suggested eating largely local Chinese food because it is a distinct and important aspect of the country’s culture and cuisine.
43. Drinking on the street and in public areas is legal in China. Convenience stores sell alcohol at any time of day, so have fun, but be responsible. Remember that, as a foreigner, you’re in another country. Respect their guidelines (dealing with cops is a major headache that may not work in your favor).
44. Restaurant types include family-style and individual dining.
Some restaurants offer food family-style at a huge circular table, with multiple courses ordered for everyone to enjoy. Other places are more casual, allowing you to order your own food. The host or guest of honor will sit precisely opposite the door if you receive an invitation to a beautiful meal. Also, don’t stick your chopsticks upright in the rice! This is considered prohibited and brings bad luck.
45. Bring some snacks and comfort foods with you. This is not only a fantastic idea for long train or bus trips, but also if you’re a fussy eater, have special dietary needs, or are traveling with children. Shops like 7-11 and Family Mart can be found in big cities, whereas small towns have convenience stores and grocery stores where you can get extra snacks, instant noodles, water, coffee, and other items.
More Tips for Traveling in China
47. Chinese people are incredibly kind and welcoming. Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve met nice hotel owners, restaurant employees, and random folks on the street. They may occasionally ask you direct questions as part of their cultural language and curiosity. For example, many taxi drivers enjoy asking me if I have a boyfriend. And some years ago, when they discovered I was American, they liked to ask about Trump.
46. Be aware of pollution.
Pollution is a major concern in China, especially if you have respiratory concerns. If you are sensitive to the air, avoid crowded situations and use a mask. Many people download an AQI app to monitor pollution and carry a mask with them. To be honest, China’s pollution has improved significantly during the 2010s, but the country’s negative reputation remains. There are certain unpleasant days, such as in Beijing. However, do not let this deter you from visiting China.
48. People may ask to photograph you. This is common at popular tourist destinations such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, but it can also occur in a variety of different contexts. Most people want to be pleasant to you as a foreigner and think taking photos is fun.
49. Do not be hesitant to ask questions or meet new people!
50. Embrace the adventure. If you just lean in and accept whatever comes your way, you can have many great experiences in China!
