China, with its rich history, diverse culture, and rapid modernization, is a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world. However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it’s essential to prepare adequately before your journey. Here are all the China travel tips to help you get ready for your adventure in China.
1.Traveling to China Without a Visa?
(1) If your country is included in China’s unilateral or mutual visa-exemption list , you can visit for short-term purposes (tourism, family visits, etc.) without applying for a visa. To qualify:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
- Each stay is limited to 30 days (or less, depending on your nationality).
Important Reminders:
- Confirm your country’s eligibility on the National Immigration Administration (NIA) website(https://en.nia.gov.cn/)before booking flights. Lists are occasionally updated.
- This exemption does NOT permit work, study, or long-term stays—always verify permitted activities with your local Chinese embassy.
Click here if you need to see the full list of Visa-free Entry To China Countries（2025 update）for your China travel tips.
(2) If your country is not listed above, don’t worry, China has its Visa-Free Transit Policies.
If you’re transiting through China to a third country, you might qualify for 240-hour (10-day) transit visa exemptions at 60 designated ports, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Rules include:
- Eligibility: Citizens of 54 countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Australia) can stay up to 10 days without a visa if they hold onward tickets and meet entry requirements.
- No City Hopping? Think Again: Use China’s high-speed rail network to visit multiple cities during your layover—just ensure your departure is from the same region (e.g., exit via Shanghai after entering Beijing).
Real-world example: A German traveler on a Berlin-to-Tokyo flight used a 240-hour TWOV to explore the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and Shanghai’s Bund—all without a visa.
Read more China travel tips: Easiest Way To Explore China: A Visa-Free Transit Guide
3) If You Don’t Qualify for Visa-Free Policies:
- Apply for a tourist (L Visa), business (M Visa), or other relevant visa type based on your purpose of visit.
- Submit proof of accommodation, flight bookings, and financial stability (e.g., bank statements).
Pro China Travel Tips: Start the process early—visa approvals can take weeks. Check the latest requirements on the Chinese Embassy’s website, as rules vary by nationality.
2. Set Up Money and Payments
- Cash is Backup: Withdraw RMB at airport ATMs (ICBC, Bank of China etc.). Daily limit: ¥3,000–5,000.
- Mobile Payments Rule: You can use WeChat Pay/Alipay almost everywhere. Link a foreign Visa/Mastercard in your e-wallet. Amount below ¥200 is free of charge. But if you pay above ¥200, there’s a 3% fee. So always remember not to use mobile payments when you have to pay for more than ¥200. You can use credit card or cash under this situation.
- Credit Card: In major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou), hotels, upscale restaurants, and international chains (Starbucks, McDonald’s), department stores and airport retailers usually accept foreign cards. But small business in major cities and all kinds of business in small cities or rural areas don’t accept credit card.
- Notify Your Bank: Avoid blocked transactions—flag your travel dates.
3. Beat the Internet Firewall
- VPN is Non-Negotiable: Install VPN before arrival.
- Local SIM Card: Buy at airports. Plans: ~¥100/month for 20GB data.
- Must-Have Apps:
- Maps: Baidu Maps or Amap (Google Maps won’t work).
- Translation: Microsoft Translator (offline Chinese pack).
- Ride-Hailing: Didi (add Alipay as payment).
4. Pack Smart for Health and Comfort
- Medication: Bring prescription meds (with doctor’s note) and OTC staples like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol. Many Western drugs (e.g., Advil) are sold as “ibuprofen” (布洛芬).
- Air Quality: In northern cities (Beijing, Xi’an), pack N95 masks November–March.
- Toilet Kit: Carry tissues/hand sanitizer—many public restrooms lack supplies.
- Travel Adaptor: China supplies 220V electricity. Be sure the appliances you bring are not only 110V supported, or they will be burnt if plugged in. Luckily, cell phones around the world are most likely support both 110V and 220V which you don’t need to worry. But you need to check your hair dryer or shaver. If the plugs of your appliances are not like below, you need to bring an adaptor.
5. Learn Basic Mandarin (Seriously)
- Survival Phrases:
- “Zhè ge duōshǎo qián?” (How much is this?)
- “Wǒ yào qù…” (I need to go to…) + subway map screenshots.
6. Navigate Cultural Nuances
- Sensitive Topics: Avoid public debates on politics, Taiwan, or Tibet. If asked, a polite “Wǒ bù tài liǎojiě” (I don’t know much) works.
- Tipping: Not expected, except for tour guides (¥50–100/day).
- Queue Etiquette: Lines can get chaotic—stand firm but polite.
7. Book Key Tickets Early
- Attractions: Sites like the Forbidden City or Terracotta Warriors limit daily visitors. Book via Trip.com or WeChat mini-programs.
- Trains: High-speed rail sells out fast. Use China Railways’ English site (https://www.12306.cn/) or ask hotels to help.