China Travel Guide
Master China in 5 minutes. A must-read for first-time visitors.
This guide is specially designed for first-time visitors to China, aiming to solve your most urgent and common 'pain points' during your stay, allowing you to quickly understand the country and enjoy a pleasant journey.
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Digital Survival Toolkit
The essential guide to internet connectivity and mobile payments.
The essential tool for accessing international internet services.
Important Reminder
You must download and install your VPN before entering China! It cannot be downloaded from within the country.
Why do you need a VPN?
China has strict internet censorship. Many foreign social media, news sites, and search engines are inaccessible without a VPN, such as Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mobile Network Options
eSIM
- • Purchase online before departure
- • Some offer direct access to the international internet
- • Recommended: Trip.com eSIM
Local SIM Card
- • Requires real-name registration with a passport
- • Suitable for long-term stays
- • Carriers: China Unicom
Essential Travel AppsMore Tools >>
The key to seamless travel in China.
China is a nearly cashless society.
Using mobile payments proficiently is an essential skill for smooth travel.
Top Choice: Alipay
Setup Steps
- 1Download before you travel“Alipay”
- 2Register with your international phone number
- 3Link your international credit card (Visa/Mastercard)
- 4Complete identity verification (upload passport photo)
Language Toolkit
High-frequency words and common phrases to handle daily communication with ease.
Core High-Frequency Vocabulary
Situational Phrasebook
Dining & Ordering
我要... (Wǒ yào...)
I want...
不要辣 (Bù yào là)
Not spicy
这是什么东西？ (Zhè shi shénme dōngxi)
What is this?
这个多少钱？ (Zhège duōshǎo qián?)
How much is this?
可不可以帮我下？ (Kěbùkěyǐbāngwǒ xià?)
Can you help me?
Directions & Transportation
这个地方在哪里？ (Zhège dìfang zài nǎlǐ?)
Where is this place?
我想去这个地方 (Wǒ xiǎng qù zhège dìfang)
I want to go to this place
我迷路了 (Wǒ mí lù le)
I'm lost
附近有卫生间吗？ (Bùjìn yǒu wèishēngjiān ma?)
Is there a restroom nearby?
请问地铁站怎么走？ (Qǐngwèn dìtiě zhàndàn zěnme zǒu?)
How do I get to the subway station?
Quick Recognition of Core Chinese Characters
Cultural Compass
China is a land of etiquette. Understanding its culture will help you have a better trip.
Dining Etiquette
Chopstick Taboos
- •Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles incense for the dead.
- •Do not tap your bowl with your chopsticks, as this is associated with begging.
- •Do not point at people with your chopsticks, as it is considered rude.
Toasting Rules
- •When clinking glasses, your rim should be lower than that of elders or superiors.
- •When you hear "gānbēi" (bottoms up), you should drink the entire glass.
- •When you hear "suíyì" (as you please), you can drink as much as you like.
The Art of Gift-Giving
Appropriate Gifts
- • You should bring a small gift when visiting a friend's home for the first time.
- • Gifts can be a specialty from your home country.
- • Tea, liquor, fruit, or milk are also good options.
- • If the host has children, you can bring some candy or toys.
Taboo Gifts
- • Clocks — The pronunciation is similar to "attending a funeral."
- • Umbrellas — The pronunciation is similar to "separation."
- • Pears — The pronunciation is similar to "leaving" or "separation."
- • Shoes — The pronunciation is similar to "evil."
- • Sharp objects — Symbolizes severing a relationship.
- • Items in sets of 4 — The pronunciation of four is similar to "death."
- • A green hat — Implies the wearer's partner is unfaithful.
- • Black or white wrapping paper — These are colors for funerals.
Gifting Etiquette
- • Present and receive gifts with both hands.
- • The recipient may politely refuse at first; you should gently insist.
- • Do not open the gift in front of the giver.
General Social Awareness
Sensitive Topics
Avoid sensitive topics like politics, religion, and sex.
The vast majority of Chinese people are very patriotic, so please discuss topics related to national sovereignty with caution.
Hospitality
Chinese people are very hospitable, with a long-standing tradition of "Is it not delightful to have friends coming from afar?".
Please do not bluntly refuse an invitation from your host. Even if you cannot attend, decline politely and say thank you.
Face (Mianzi)
The concept of "face" (mianzi) is important in China, relating to one's image and dignity. Avoid causing someone to lose face in public, such as by shouting or arguing, and never publicly humiliate them.
Greetings
A simple "nǐ hǎo" or a handshake is sufficient; avoid hugs, kisses, or other physical contact.
When shaking a woman's hand, it's common to only grip the fingers lightly, not the entire palm.