China is an incredible travel destination, but it's unlike anywhere else you've traveled. The things that work in Southeast Asia, Europe, or Latin America often don't apply here. These 25 tips come from years of helping first-time travelers navigate China — and from my own mistakes when I first visited.
Before You Go (Tips 1-8)
1. Set up Alipay AND WeChat Pay before your flight. This is non-negotiable. 80% of transactions in China are cashless. Without mobile payment, you'll struggle to buy food, take taxis, or even use public restrooms. Set up takes 10-20 minutes at home. Do it now.
2. Install and test your VPN at home. VPN websites are blocked in China. You cannot download or purchase a VPN after you arrive. Install it, test it, and save your login credentials offline.
3. Download essential apps before you go. WeChat (messaging, payment), DiDi (ride-hailing, has English interface), Baidu Maps or Amap (Google Maps doesn't work well in China), Pleco (Chinese-English dictionary, works offline), and a translation app with offline Chinese pack.
4. Book major attractions in advance. The Forbidden City requires booking 7 days in advance. The Terracotta Warriors and Mogao Caves also need advance tickets during peak season. Don't assume you can buy tickets at the door.
5. Tell your bank you're traveling to China. Otherwise, they may block your card when you try to link it to Alipay or make purchases. Some banks require you to enable international transactions in your online banking settings.
6. Bring a portable battery pack (20,000 mAh). Your phone is your wallet, map, translator, and camera. It will die by 3pm without a backup battery. You cannot function in China without a charged phone.
7. Pack toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Many public restrooms don't provide toilet paper. Carry a small pack in your day bag. Hand sanitizer is essential for street food adventures.
8. Learn 5 essential Chinese phrases. "Nǐ hǎo" (hello), "Xièxie" (thank you), "Zhège" (this one — while pointing at menus), "Bù là" (not spicy), "Mǎi dān" (check, please). These five phrases will cover 80% of your daily interactions.
Payment & Money (Tips 9-12)
9. Carry ¥500-1,000 in small bills as backup. While mobile payment is dominant, cash still works at some places. But nobody can break ¥100 notes — carry ¥10, ¥20, and ¥50 bills.
10. Don't expect to use your credit card. Outside of international hotels and high-end restaurants, foreign credit cards are useless. Mobile payment or cash only.
11. Alipay charges 3% on transactions over ¥200. For small purchases, there's no fee. For larger purchases (hotel deposits, expensive meals), the 3% adds up. Consider using cash for large transactions if you have it.
12. You don't tip in China. Not at restaurants, not in taxis, not at hotels. Tipping is not part of Chinese culture and attempting to tip will cause confusion. The bill is the bill.
Internet & Connectivity (Tips 13-15)
13. Assume nothing works without a VPN. Google, Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Netflix, Google Maps — all blocked. Your phone will feel broken when you first arrive. A VPN fixes this.
14. Get a Chinese SIM card for app verification. Many Chinese apps require SMS verification with a Chinese phone number. You can get a SIM at the airport or any carrier store with just your passport.
15. Download offline maps. Google Maps doesn't work well in China even with a VPN (location data is offset). Use Baidu Maps (Chinese only) or Amap (高德地图, has some English). Download offline maps for your cities before you go.
Getting Around (Tips 16-19)
16. Use DiDi, not taxis. DiDi is China's Uber — it has an English interface, fixed prices, and you don't need to explain your destination to the driver. Taxis are cheaper but require showing Chinese addresses and dealing with language barriers.
17. High-speed trains are the best way to travel between cities. They're fast (300+ km/h), punctual, comfortable, and city-center to city-center. Book on Trip.com (English, accepts foreign cards). Second class is perfectly comfortable.
18. Metro systems in Chinese cities are world-class. Clean, efficient, extensive, and cheap (¥2-6 per ride). English signage and announcements in major cities. Get a transportation card or use Alipay's metro QR code.
19. Always have your destination written in Chinese characters. Show it to taxi drivers, ask for directions, or use it in DiDi. A business card from your hotel with the Chinese address is perfect.
Culture & Etiquette (Tips 20-22)
20. Chinese people are incredibly helpful to foreigners. If you look lost, someone will try to help — even if they don't speak English. Accept help graciously. A smile and "xièxie" goes a long way.
21. Don't be surprised by staring. In smaller cities and rural areas, foreigners are still a novelty. The staring is curiosity, not hostility. Smile and wave — you'll usually get a smile back.
22. Learn basic chopstick etiquette. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles funeral incense). Don't point with chopsticks. Don't spear food with chopsticks. When sharing dishes, use the serving chopsticks (公筷) if provided.
Health & Safety (Tips 23-25)
23. Don't drink tap water. Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere (¥2-5 for 1.5L). Hotels usually provide 2 free bottles daily. Use bottled water for brushing teeth too.
24. Air pollution is real but manageable. Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) daily. On bad days (AQI > 150), wear an N95 mask, limit outdoor activities, and keep windows closed. Most days in most cities are fine — don't let pollution fears stop you from visiting.
25. Travel insurance is essential. International hospitals in China are excellent but expensive. A doctor visit at an international clinic costs ¥1,000-3,000 without insurance. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation — in remote areas, you may need to be transported to Beijing or Shanghai for serious medical care.
The Bottom Line
China rewards prepared travelers. The country is safe, the people are welcoming, the food is incredible, and the sights are world-class. But the infrastructure — payment, internet, transport — works differently than what you're used to. Spend 30 minutes preparing before your trip (Alipay, VPN, apps), and you'll have a smooth, unforgettable experience. Skip the preparation, and you'll spend your first three days frustrated and overpaying for everything. Your choice.