China Travel Tips 2026: 30 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going
China Travel Tips: 30 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going
These are the tips that actually matter — not generic advice like "try the local food." These are the things that will save you time, money, and frustration on your China trip.
Before You Go (Do These or Regret It)
1. Set Up Alipay BEFORE You Fly
China is cashless. Even street vendors use QR codes. Without Alipay or WeChat Pay, you'll struggle to pay for anything. Link your foreign credit card to Alipay before departure. Alipay Setup Guide →
2. Download a VPN BEFORE You Enter China
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube — all blocked. Download and test your VPN before you fly. You can't download it once you're in China (the app stores are blocked too). VPN Guide →
3. Get WeChat
WeChat is China's everything app — messaging, payments, mini-programs for ordering food, booking taxis, buying train tickets. Download it and set up WeChat Pay as a backup to Alipay.
4. Download Offline Maps
Google Maps doesn't work well in China. Download Amap (Gaode Maps) or Baidu Maps. Save your hotel address in Chinese characters — you'll need to show it to taxi drivers.
5. Buy an eSIM or Plan Your SIM
You need a Chinese phone number for many apps and services. An eSIM is the easiest option — set it up before you go. Physical SIM cards work too but require a passport to buy. SIM vs eSIM Guide →
Money & Payments
6. Cash Is Almost Useless
Many shops and restaurants don't accept cash anymore. If they do, they may not have change. Always have Alipay or WeChat Pay ready.
7. Keep ¥500 Cash as Backup
Despite the above, keep some cash for emergencies — card reader failures, small vendors, or if your phone dies.
8. Foreign Credit Cards Work in Alipay
Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover all work. American Express has limited support. Transactions over ¥200 have a 3% fee.
9. Tipping Is Not a Thing
Don't tip in China. It's not expected and can even cause confusion. The price you see is the price you pay.
Transport
10. High-Speed Trains Are Amazing
China's high-speed rail network is the largest in the world. Trains are fast, clean, comfortable, and punctual. Book via Trip.com (English) or 12306 (Chinese app).
11. Book Train Tickets in Advance
Popular routes sell out. Book 2-5 days ahead for domestic routes. You need your passport to book and board.
12. Use Didi, Not Taxis
Didi is China's Uber. It's cheaper, more reliable, and you don't need to explain your destination in Chinese. The app shows the route on a map.
13. Metro Is Usually the Best Option
Every major city has a modern metro. Signs are in English and Chinese. It's cheap (¥2-8), fast, and avoids traffic.
14. Download Metro Maps Offline
Each city has its own metro system. Download the map for your city before you go.
Food & Drink
15. Street Food Is Safe (and Incredible)
High turnover means fresh ingredients. Stick to busy stalls with long lines. Avoid empty stalls.
16. Don't Drink Tap Water
Always drink bottled water. It's cheap (¥2-3) and available everywhere. Hot water (热水) is available free at most restaurants and hotels.
17. Learn to Say "Not Spicy"
Sichuan food is delicious but can be overwhelmingly spicy. Learn: "不要辣" (bù yào là = no spicy) or "微辣" (wēi là = a little spicy).
18. Menus May Not Have Pictures
In local restaurants, menus are often in Chinese only. Use your phone's camera translator (Google Translate works offline if you download the Chinese language pack).
19. Tea Is Free, Water Is Not
Most restaurants serve free tea. But bottled water and soft drinks cost money. Tap water is not drinkable.
Communication
20. Learn 5 Chinese Phrases
You don't need to be fluent, but these 5 phrases will help enormously:
- 你好 (nǐ hǎo) = Hello
- 谢谢 (xièxiè) = Thank you
- 多少钱 (duōshao qián) = How much?
- 不要 (bù yào) = Don't want / No
- 厕所在哪里 (cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ) = Where is the toilet?
21. Translation Apps Are Essential
Google Translate works offline if you download the Chinese language pack. Apple Translate also works well. Take photos of menus and signs for instant translation.
22. English Is Limited
Outside of international hotels and tourist areas, most people don't speak English. This is changing in Shanghai, but Beijing and Chengdu are still very Chinese-language dependent.
Culture & Etiquette
23. Don't Be Offended by Staring
In smaller cities, you may get stared at. It's curiosity, not hostility. Smile and wave — most people will smile back.
24. Bargaining Is Expected in Markets
In tourist markets (Silk Market, Jinli Street), prices are inflated 3-5x. Start at 30% of the asking price and negotiate.
25. Queuing Is... Flexible
Chinese queuing culture is different. Don't be surprised if someone cuts in line. It's not personal — it's just how it works in some places.
26. Photos Are Welcome
Chinese people generally love having their photo taken with foreigners. If someone asks for a photo with you, it's a compliment.
27. Temples and Religious Sites
Dress modestly when visiting temples. Remove hats. Don't point at Buddha statues. Don't touch monks.
Practical
28. Toilets: Know Before You Go
Many public toilets are squat toilets (hole in the ground). Carry tissues — many toilets don't provide them. Hotels and malls have Western-style toilets.
29. Air Quality Varies
Beijing winters can have poor air quality. Check AQI before outdoor activities. Masks are common and available everywhere.
30. Get Travel Insurance
China's healthcare system is good in major cities but expensive. Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. International hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai accept most insurance.
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
| Mistake | Why It's a Problem | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Arriving without Alipay set up | Can't pay for anything | Set up 1 week before your trip |
| Relying on Google Maps | Doesn't work in China | Use Amap or Baidu Maps |
| Not having a VPN | Can't access Google, WhatsApp | Download before entering China |
| Visiting during Golden Week | 300M+ people traveling | Avoid Oct 1-7 and Chinese New Year |
| Only carrying cash | Many places don't accept it | Use Alipay as primary payment |
| Not booking train tickets early | Popular routes sell out | Book 2-5 days ahead |
Next steps:
- Set up Alipay — the #1 most important thing
- Install a VPN — you'll need it immediately
- Explore city guides — Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai
- Check visa requirements — you may not need one
Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Written by Bobby, living in Chengdu since 2023
