A Traveller’s Guide to China: 5 Things You Should Know Beforehand

Planning a trip abroad is never easy, especially because of culture shock, but visiting China is worth being on your bucket list. As such, China is a beautiful, exotic, and fascinating country worth seeing in person. Its breathtaking scenery and historical sites make it a welcoming place for tourists, as one can enjoy the landscapes of temples and the Great Wall.

However, before planning a trip to China, there are many things you should do your research on, such as applying for a visa, restrictions on social media apps, currency exchanges, the language barrier, packing, itinerary planning, and getting used to local customs.

Luckily, you can make your trip go smoothly if you read and follow our tips. You’ll learn how to plan your visit to China and what to expect during your time there. One thing is for sure: you’ll fall in love with China as it’s a country with thousands of years of history and a spectacular travel destination for your next trip.

What to Expect

Traveling to China isn’t for the weak but if you ask questions before setting off, you can save plenty of time and hassle. You can start easily with the most obvious expectation – the language barrier. Although Mandarin is the official language in China, there are multiple dialects spoken all over the country. However, you can also talk in English using basic phrases and words as most Chinese people don’t speak English fluently.

When it comes to currency and money, you’ll need to have a calculator on hand as they use Renminbi. Currently, 1000 CNY is converted to 140.19 US dollars. Once you get the hang of this, it’ll be easier for you to spend your money wisely. Also, be prepared to bring more cash with you China is still cash-based, but other big cities also accept cards. And if you need to draw cash, you can rely on China’s Merchant Bank, Bank of China, or ICBC.

Additionally, if you want to show your friends about China’s mesmerizing landscapes through Facebook and Instagram, think again! These two apps are blocked in China and the only way to get access is by installing a VPN on your phone or laptop before the trip.

And last but not least, safety and insurance are a main concern for everyone. Luckily, China is a relatively safe country, with common crimes that happen all around the world.

However, being aware of your surroundings and the places you visit is key. That said, it never hurts to add an extra layer of safety by adding a travel insurance China plan to your budget because it’s worth covering any possible unfortunate situations that might happen.

When is the Best Time to Visit China?

As far as the weather goes, China is home to diverse climates and countries, so it’s not easy to determine the best time to visit the country. Depending on the type of season you prefer, the main thing to understand is that warm weather occurs between March and May, with fewer thundershowers and blooming cherry blossoms along the walkways.

If you’re into cooler weather times, consider planning your trip to China during spring, from September to November. Experiencing fall is a unique experience that you can see for yourself, with beautiful hues and lakes.

But If you can handle snow and cold weather, pack your warmest clothes and get ready to explore a very cold but beautiful China. There are three main attractions you can visit, such as:

• Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
• Harbin Ice and Snow World
• China Snow Town

The variety of winter scenery in different regions allows you to make the best out of your trip, especially sightseeing icy cold landscapes.

As a rule of thumb, you might want to avoid peak times in China during the summer holidays and Chinese New Year as these are the busiest periods of the year. You’ll want to avoid planning your trip during these festivals and events, including:

• Labor Day (May 1-3)
• Chinese National Day (October 1-7)
• Chinese New Year (Late January to February)

China Entry Requirements

As usual, before planning to visit a country, you should research the entry requirements beforehand, and China is no exception. To travel to China, you must have a valid passport and visa. Depending on the reasons you’re visiting China, there are different types of visas you can get, but the most common one is a tourist visa, with a 30-day validity.

In addition, the process for applying for tourist Chinese visa requires these essential documents:

• A valid passport (at least 6 months of remaining validity)
• A photocopy of the bio-data page
• A completed application form
• A passport-style photograph
• Proof of state residency (ID or driver’s license)
• A photocopy of your trip ticket or itinerary
• A photocopy of your reservations (hotel, Airbnb, hostel, etc.)

Although the application process doesn’t take too much and can be done in a few minutes, it’s not something you can leave for the last minute. You can do this through the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. And remember: the processing times may depend, so if you’re planning your trip is best to start the application ASAP!

How to Get Around China

It’s no surprise that China is a huge country and traveling can sometimes be challenging. However, if you have the right transportation, it can be easy and fun. The most common options include train, plane, bus, bicycle, tuk-tuk, car rental, and private driver.

Perhaps the most affordable and popular way to travel to China is by train as they’re fast. The classes of trains vary from the cheapest to more expensive ones, so it’s essential to book tickets in advance.

Buses are also another common transportation method in China mainly because they’re affordable and they stop at every town. However, if you’re visiting during busy times, buses can get quite crowded and uncomfortable.

If you’re one of those people who like to explore places on their own, a car rental is a good option for you. The main thing to keep in mind is that the road rules can be different from those of your country, but other than that, you’re safe to get a car from any car rental agency in China.

Smaller towns and villages in China require less transportation because they’re easy to get around. You can rent bicycles from local businesses or hotels, but you may find yourself in traffic in larger cities.

Tuk-tuks, on the other hand, are a fun way to explore a city due to their three wheels that work great for short trips. The only thing to be aware of is the potential scam by tuk-tuk drivers.

If you want to avoid crowded places, you can also arrange a private driver through online platforms or travel agencies. These drivers usually speak English, so you can feel more comfortable to ask any questions about where to go and what to see during your trip,

What are the Best Places to Visit

When traveling to a country for the first time, it’s only natural to plan the places you want to visit to make the most of your trip. China is a massive country, with diverse cultures and regions which have a lot to offer, so they’re a must-visit.

Depending on how long you’re staying, you can start by visiting the most common attractions like the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and the Bund. If you have more time, you can visit less traveled places and smaller villages with fewer tourists as they can be just as beautiful.

The top cities that people usually visit in China include the following:

• Beijing: The Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City
• Xi’an: The Muslim Quarter and the Terracotta Warriors
• Hangzhou and Suzhou: The ‘’Venice’’ of the East and the West Lake
• Shanghai: The Nanjing Shopping Road and the Bund
• Guilin and Yangshuo: Hiking and rafting in the mountains

Where to Stay in China

Being a vast country with plenty of beautiful places to see, China also offers you the opportunity to stay in convenient locations. Although your itinerary might include visiting and staying in different cities, you can easily find accommodation in advance to ensure a smooth trip.

That said, internet booking allows you to choose from a different range of hotel alternatives, ranging from the simplest to the most luxurious. Additionally, you can find accommodation through Airbnb or Booking.com.

If you’re part of an organized tour around China, the accommodation and other logistics are handled by the tour organizers, who’ll take you to suitable tourist hotels.

However, handling accommodation alone and booking a hotel requires some work. Although hotels in China can help you with your shuttles, private cars, taxis, or trips to attractions, you have to check with their policies first. Generally, hotels in big cities with common tourists have higher standards than those in less visited places.

Naturally, the price also matters. The average cost for a hotel room is $80 to $150, which is not very cheap. For example, if you’re visiting big cities like Shanghai and Beijing, the prices are similar to other hotels in the world which have a similar stature. Most hotels include many of the amenities that one would expect, such as WiFi, TVs, comfortable beds, and a restaurant.