Does the first travel to China make you a little nervous? As it is vast and mysterious and totally different from your country? No worries, there seems to be hundreds of thousands of advice and tips for China first-timers on guide book. Whether you are taking classic China tours to the popular destinations, or journey to the off-the-beaten-track places, here we offer you some most common and practical China travel tips that will save you from awkward situations and something unpredictable while traveling.
1. Do You Need a Visa to Travel to China?
Good news! In 2025, citizens of 38 countries, including France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and Malaysia, will be eligible for a 30-day visa-free entry. Please confirm in advance whether you need a visa. Even if you are not eligible for visa-free entry, visitors from dozens of countries can enjoy China's 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy.
Visitors from other countries must apply for a tourist visa (L visa) at your country's embassy in advance.
Please refer to How to apply for a China visa and ensure you have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates to China, as well as the necessary documents required for the application.
>> Explore best China Visa Free Tours
(Beijing Forbidden City)
2. Purchase China SIPM Card and Download Useful Apps
Due to the Chinese language, China's unique internet environment and cultural background, you are encouraged to download some essential apps before you go to China. In China, it is normally impossible to access foreign websites such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram. For international tourists, one of the top China travel tips is that you install a reliable VPN at home. Once you arrive, purchase a China Unicom or China Mobile SIM card at the airport or in the city center.
Translation apps are a must too, such as Google Translate or Deepl, which can help you communicate across languages. ChatGPT (requires a VPN to use) or Deepseek not only assist with translation but also allow you to access various local travel information anytime, anywhere. Map apps like Google Maps can guide you to your destination, though navigation may be challenging in remote or rural areas.
3. What is Chinese Money and How to Pay in China?
The Renminbi (RMB) is China's only official currency. Before you arrive or immediately upon arrival, you should exchange a certain amount of cash based on the length of your trip to China. Better yet, use mobile payment—currently the most effective and popular payment method in China. Download and register for WeChat Pay or Alipay—currently only international credit cards such as Visa/Mastercard are supported, debit cards are not. Simply scan the QR code to make payments at over 95% of online and in-store merchants. A tip: do not enable password-free payments to ensure the security of your account.
However, in remote areas, such as rural regions of Tibet, it is advisable to carry some cash in case mobile payments are unavailable.
Additionally, be aware of fake money. China also suffers from counterfeiters like other countries; so when you receive 20, 50, or 100 yuan bill, check the bill, which is not considered rude.
4. Plan your trip to China at least 2-3 months in advance
Once you decide to travel to China, start your research, including how long you will stay, the destinations you want to visit, the local accommodation and transportation conditions, as well as whether you should travel independently or book travel services through a travel agency. If you are traveling with family, elders, or this is your honeymoon trip, you also need to consider the travel pace and meaningful experiences to add to your trip.
>> How to Plan a Family Tour of China | China Senior Travel Tips
5. Understand China Time Difference from Your Country
Despite the vast territory, the entire country of China observes UTC+8, known as China Standard Time or "Beijing Time", which is eight hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The time difference between China and your country can impact your travel to China, in terms of transportation, dietary habits, and tour programs and activities. Learn strategies for managing China time difference, plan your itineary wisely, and overcoming jet lag.
(Yangzi River)
6. Learn Some Simple Chinese Phrases
Though Chinese children are learning English from primary school onwards today, the language barrier reminds the number one hurdle to overcome. You are suggested to learn some simple Chinese words and phrases before departure, or at least prepare an English-to-Chinese pocket dictionary. Ask the hotel for a Chinese-language business card, so you can show it to passers-by, taxi drivers or bus conductors.
7. A Private Custom China Tour Is the Best Choice
Why? Whether you are seeking personalized experiences and deep insights, or need maximum flexibility, customized, private tours in China can meet your needs. Compared with traditional large group tours, customized travel not only saves time but also makes the itinerary more in line with your personal interests, whether it's your love for nature, culture or cuisine. Your private local guides can lead you to uncover the real China, and enable you to immerse yourself in local life - participate in calligraphy classes, learn Chinese cuisine, attend ethnic festival activities, traditional handicraft making, and more.
8. Travel in China by Flight or High Speed Rail
China high-speed railway network is the best in the world, with speeds of up to 350 km/h. It is the most convenient way to travel between cities for short distances (within 5 hours). For example, it takes about 4-5 hours from Beijing to Shanghai by high speed train and about 1 hour from Shanghai to Hangzhou. Download the Railway 12306 app (English version available), verify your identity with your passport, and you can purchase tickets, make changes, or cancel your reservation.
Of course, if the high-speed rail journey takes more than 5 hours, it is recommended to take a flight instead. Due to intense competition from high-speed rail, domestic flights often offer attractive discounts.
>> Learn How to Book China Train Tickets
9. Subway and Online Car-Hailing Are Preferred for Getting Around a City
In first- and second-tier cities in China, such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing, the subway is very convenient for reaching major tourist attractions and hotels, and the fare is inexpensive. If you have downloaded WeChat or Alipay, you can scan the code to enter the station and pay.
For international tourists, regular taxis with meter systems may be safer. However, younger travelers might want to try online car-hailing services, which are more cost-effective and convenient. For example, Didi even offers an English-language version.
10. Best Places to Visit in China for First-timers
From the Great Wall of China to the Terracotta Army, there's the top China tourist attractions to explore. For your first trip to China, one of our best China travel tips, you are suggested to stay for 7 to 14 days, and visit 2 to 4 cities.
The capital of China, Beijing, requires 3 to 5 days. You can visit the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and the hutongs. Xi'an is the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties. It is famous for the famous Terracotta Army, the best-preserved and largest ancient city wall in China, and one of the most famous mountains in China - Huashan Mountain. The modern metropolis Shanghai is also a must-visit with its iconic landmarks: the Bund, Yu Garden, and Oriental Pearl Tower.
Guilin & Yangshuo are renowned for being "the best in the world for landscapes". Here, the karst landforms, the scenery of the Li River, and the idyllic rural areas make people linger and create life-time memories. Chengdu is the hometown of giant pandas and is famous for its cuisine and leisure lifestyle. It is also close to world heritage sites such as Jiuzhaigou, Mount Emei, and Dujiangyan. Zhangjiajie has the world-famous Avatar Mountain and world's longest and highest Glass Bridge.
>> Recommended 11-day China Highlights Tour
11. Best Time and Worst Time to Visit China
For most tourist destinations, the best time to visit in China is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the climate is mild and the scenery is at its best. If you are a skiing enthusiast or want to participate in winter events, you can visit Beijing, Harbin and Jilin in northern China from December to February.
It is not recommended to travel in China during the summer (June to August), as during this period, it is hot and humid. The peak time for domestic family outings occurs, so almost every scenic spot is overcrowded, with higher prices.
The official public holidays include May Day, China Golden Week during National Day Holiday and the Spring Festival are the worst times to visit China and dates you should avoid. During these periods, tourist attractions are crowded with people, and air tickets and hotel prices rise significantly.
>> Recommended 8 Days China Golden Triangle Tour to Beijing, Xian & Shanghai
12. Carry toilet paper everywhere
Despite that you are most likely get free toilet tissue in the restrooms of most airports, upscale restaurants, clubs, or pubs, generally toilet paper is not supplied in all China’s public restrooms. Therefore, make sure that you always travel with toilet paper.
13. Food Safety
Chinese cuisine is world-famous, you are encouraged to try everything, from the Peking duck in Beiing and hot pot in Chengdu and Chonqing, to the Chinese nooldes and dumpling in Xian and Shanghai。But be careful of the unusual foods. And some street foods, usually regarded the best part of a city's culinary experience, may be “dangerous” too, if you happen to have a weak stomach.
If you travel with Easy Tour China, we handpick the restaurants for you to taste authentic Chinese food, yet ensure it is safe. We can also arrange halal food and vegetarian dishes for you trip to China.
(Traditional Chinese Cuisine)
14. Beware of pickpockets
China is very safe to travel to. However, keep a close watch over your personal belongings, such as purse, camera, and even bags, and luggage everywhere – near ATM machines, in the metro, train station… as pickpockets and thieves are hardly preventable. And your carelessness may result in loss.
15. When connecting wifi ...
In the era of mobile internet, it is difficult to live with wifi. If you have 10 days or more in China, you can buy a SIM card with credit for data, it is the best choice as it is safe and not expensive. There are many free wifi for connecting, which need to be caucious and better not to connect for safty. Most wifi in hotels are free now and safe to use.
16. Take care of your passport
Carry your passport when necessary. You’ll need it to check into hotels, for security check at airport and train station. Some sites like the Forbidden City, Terracotta Wariors Museum require passport to enter. So it is important to ask your guide or travel organiser for details. If you just go for a walking or shopping, it is suggested to lock your passport in the safe. Always take care of your passport and prevent having it stolen.
17. Don't Drink the Tap Water
Perhaps you don't know yet, in China, tap water is not drinkable directly, whether in a restaurant or in your hotel. You should buy bottled water. Or, most hotel rooms provide a hot water kettle. You can use it to boil water and drink it.
18. Be Aware of Local Customs and Taboos
In this ancient country, many traditions and taboos remain. When traveling in China, respect the customs of each place. The most important tips are: when visiting temples or statues of Buddha, avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless clothing, and do not touch or take photos without permission; when interacting with locals, avoid sensitive political topics; when taking photos of locals, please ask for permission first; follow Chinese table manners, use chopsticks correctly, and do not point at people with chopsticks.
19. Bargaining
Last but not least of our best China travel tips. Bargain in small shops and market. It is common and interesting to bargain. Don’t be shy, start by offering one third of the asking price. However, for luxury brands, bargaining is useless.
(Wet Market in China)