China Travel Guide

China, a land of ancient wonders and modern marvels, offers an unparalleled travel experience. With a history spanning over 5,000 years, it is a country where tradition meets innovation. From the iconic Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors to the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, China is a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Beijing, cruising the Li River in Guilin, or savoring the diverse regional cuisines, China promises an adventure like no other. Its vast landscapes range from the Himalayan peaks to the Gobi Desert, ensuring something for every traveler.

Every city in China has its characteristics. For example, Beijing has the famous Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Beijing Duck; Shanghai has the Bund, City God Temple, and Soup Dumplings; Chongqing has Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges National Park, 4D urban architecture, and spicy hot pot. There are also Sichuan, Yunnan, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Guangxi, and Shandong. Therefore, I will introduce each city slowly in the future. This time I will talk about the things you should pay attention to when traveling to China.

---

Time Zone: UTC+8

Climate Preference

China’s weather is highly diverse due to its vast size and varied geography, ranging from tropical regions in the south to subarctic conditions in the north. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with significant regional variations.

In northern China, winters are cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, especially in areas like Beijing and Harbin. Summers are hot and humid, particularly in cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou. The southern regions, including Hainan and Guangdong, have a subtropical or tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (May to September).

The Tibetan Plateau in the southwest has a high-altitude climate, with cool summers and harsh, cold winters. In contrast, the northwestern deserts, like the Gobi, experience extreme temperature fluctuations, with scorching summers and freezing winters.

Overall, China’s weather is influenced by monsoons, which bring heavy rains to the east and south in summer, while the north and west remain drier. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are generally the most pleasant times to visit, offering mild temperatures and less rainfall across most regions.

---

Visa

Travelers from the United States and most European countries require a visa to enter China. The process typically involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a recent photo, and proof of travel arrangements (flight and hotel bookings). Tourist visas (L visas) are usually valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on the type issued.

Processing times vary but generally take 4-5 business days, with expedited options available for an additional fee. Some cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, offer 144-hour visa-free transit for travelers with onward tickets to a third country. Always check the latest requirements with your home country’s Chinese embassy or consulate before traveling.

For more information, please refer to this blog!

China Visa: Can your country travel to China without a visa?

---

Power Plugs / Sockets

Power voltage in China is Type A 220V/50HZ.

Hotels in China are very innovative and usually have universal plugs and USB plugs.

Power bank:

The rated energy of the power bank does not exceed 100Wh and does not need to be approved by the airline; the energy rating exceeds 100Wh but does not exceed 160Wh, and should be carried with the approval of the airline. However, each passenger is not allowed to carry more than two mobile power banks.

---

SIM Card

Since China is accustomed to using electronic payments, it will be troublesome if no Internet. It is recommended to purchase an ESIM card before departure so that you can have Internet immediately after entering China, which will make your journey several times easier.

China eSIM | Day Pass/Data Package | 1-30 days | QR code

China | High-speed eSIM without having to bypass the firewall

---

Money Exchange / Cash

The Chinese currency is called the Chinese Yuan or Renminbi. In China, electronic payment is usually used, and few shops accept cash. Electronic payment apps will be introduced later. If you want to have a small amount of cash for emergencies, there are counters at most airports in China, that provide money exchange services.

Currently, there are seven main foreign credit cards available in China: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Federal, and Million. Symbols and logos of your credit card are shown on the ATMs. Credit cards can be used for withdrawing cash, with most permitting a withdrawal of 20,000 Yuan on any day. Shopping, and other transactions in most major cities of the country.

*The PIN code for Chinese cards is six digits. If your PIN is 4 digits, it is recommended that you check with your bank first. Remember, don’t try the wrong number more than 3 times or your card will be locked. *

---

Applications

Payment: Alipay, WeChat

Since Alipay only supports Chinese bank cards, you can choose an option called Alipay Tour Pass. This is a 90-day pass for foreigners to use Alipay while in China. If you’d like to take advantage of the tour pass from Alipay for your upcoming trip to China, here’s how to get set up:

Alipay

1. Download the Alipay app – it’s available for Android and Apple devices.
2. Sign up with your phone number
3. Choose the Alipay International Version
4. Select ‘Tour Pass’
5. Enter load amount – this is the amount you’d initially like to load the app with
6. Add your bank card
7. Enter your ID information if asked. An important thing to remember here is that you’ll need to enter your ID details in exactly the same way that they’re registered at the bank.
8. Complete the load money process.
9. Once you’re all set up, you’ll be able to make Alipay payments in China wherever it’s accepted. Simply scan or show your QR code to pay at the checkout.

WeChat

As for WeChat, you don’t need to link a Chinese bank account to use WeChat Pay, just add your credit card details. However, it only accepts foreign credit cards, not debit cards. And you can only use WeChat Pay in stores, not to send red envelopes to friends and family.

1. Open WeChat and go to the “Me” section.
2. Tap on “Wallet” to access your payment options.
3. Click on “Bank Card” and choose “Add a New Bank Card.”
4. Enter the card number, select the type of card, and the issuing organization. Fill in the required card and personal information.
5. Once everything is filled out, click “Submit.” A confirmation message will appear when the binding is successful.
6. After the verification, an SMS verification code will be sent to the phone number provided earlier. Enter the code to complete the verification process.

As for paying, you can tap the button “Scan” or” Pay / Collect” at the top of the home page.

The former is to scan the QR code of merchants, then fill in the amount of payment and pay.

The latter is to show your payment code to merchants, who will then scan your code for payment.

Transportation
Didi Chuxing

Didi Chuxing is the Chinese equivalent of Uber. It is a very important tool. Just connect Alipay or WeChat Pay, and you can easily go to the attractions during your trip.

Maps

Baidu Map

Baidu official English usage guide:

https://www.baiduinenglish.com/baidu-maps.html#useapp

Gaode Maps (also known as Amap)

Since there is no English version, you can choose one of the two, and both can enter the English address.

Baidu Translate

Meituan

This is a food delivery app, like Uber Eats and DoorDash. However, since there is no English version, you may need to take a snapshot and then translate it in Baidu Translate. In addition, you need to ask the hotel staff for the address.

---

Safety

China’s current security level is believed to be the first in the world. Please remember that surveillance cameras are to prevent crimes from happening, not to monitor you in China. There is no such time to monitor a tourist. If you commit a crime such as graffiti, theft, etc., you will be caught by surveillance as soon as possible. Even if you are alone, you can go out at night with confidence. But if you are a minor, please do not go out alone, because kind-hearted Chinese will escort you to the police station and wait for your parents.

---

Simple Chinese for traveling

Hello = 你好Nǐ hǎo

Thank you = 谢谢Xiè xiè

My name is ___ = 我叫___ Wǒ jiao___

Good / Great / Okay = 好 Hào

Delicious / Yummy = 好吃 Hào chī

How much is it = 多少钱 Duō shǎo qián

How to go to this place = 怎么去 Zěn me qù (Better pronounce zen “mer” qu)

---

Tax Refund

The refund rate is 11% of the invoice value. However, 2% of the rebates are charged by the rebate agency as a service fee. Therefore, visitors enjoy a rebate rate of 9%. Currently, there are over 500 designated tax-free stores in a couple of cities. They cover the major shopping malls, tourist shopping centers, and residence areas of foreigners.

Purchase goods in designated stores with the “Tax-Free” sign. Ask for the sales invoice and tax refund form from the clerk. Visit the customs office at the departure port and present the refund form, invoice, passport as well as the purchased products. If nothing goes wrong, the officer will stamp on the refund form. After going through the joint inspection, head to the refund counter, have the materials examined, and have the rebates back.

*Please pay special attention to the fact that you are not allowed to carry heat packs when leaving China, Checks will be carried out upon entering the airport. *

---

Emergency Number

Police: 110

Fire Alarm: 119

Emergency Center: 120

Traffic Accident: 122

SMS Alarm (Police): 12110

Maritime Search & Rescue Center: 12395

Telephone Inquiry: 114