China Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

I’ve been to China multiple times now, and every trip has taught me something new.

The first one was absolute chaos.

To be fair, I still had an amazing time and managed to see some incredible places.

But I also managed to miss my flight home because of my own foolhardiness and a healthy dose of language barrier.

I ended up stranded at the airport for about 40 hours.

The second trip wasn’t much smoother and I somehow booked what could only be described as the worst hotel in the world.

Well, at least it made for a good story.

Thankfully, the trips after that were much less disastrous.

China is one of my favorite countries to travel in, but it’s also one of the few places where the usual travel advice doesn’t always apply.

Apps you’re used to don’t work, payment works differently, navigating can be a nightmare, and even ordering dinner can feel like solving a puzzle.

None of this should scare you away though. Once you know what to expect, traveling around China independently is not impossible, even if you don’t speak a word of Chinese.

This guide covers everything I wish someone had told me before my first visit.

The internet is… different

Let’s start with the biggest surprise for most first-time visitors.

Many websites and apps that you probably use every day are blocked in mainland China.

That includes Google, Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and even many news websites.

If you need access to any of these, install a VPN before you arrive.

Once you’re already in China, downloading one can be difficult because the app stores themselves may not be accessible.

Wait, what is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an app that routes your internet connection through another country, allowing you to access websites and services that are otherwise blocked in China.

Not every VPN is created equal.

I used LetsVPN, which was recommended by a friend from China. It worked great throughout my trip, was easy to set up, and was super affordable.

That said, it’s far from your only option. There are plenty of other VPNs that travelers use successfully in China, so feel free to choose whichever one you’re most comfortable with.

Do you actually need a VPN in China?

The answer is… it depends.

A VPN is only necessary if your internet connection is subject to China’s internet restrictions (often called the “Great Firewall”) and you want to access blocked services like Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

That means, if you’re planning to buy a local Chinese SIM card or rely heavily on public Wi-Fi, then yes, you should install a VPN before you arrive.

On the other hand, you may not need a VPN if you’re using international roaming through your home mobile carrier or an international travel eSIM that routes traffic outside mainland China.

Should you get an eSIM to travel in China?

Most hotels, airports, cafes, and shopping malls offer free Wi-Fi, but some networks require a Chinese phone number to receive a verification code before you can connect. Besides, they’re subject to the infamous firewall.

If your phone supports eSIM, this is probably the easiest way to stay connected.

You can install it before leaving home, activate it when you land, and avoid hunting for SIM cards at the airport.

Many international eSIM providers also route traffic outside mainland China, which may allow access to Google services without needing a separate VPN.

My go-to eSIM providers are:

• Airalo
• Klook

Wondering whether you should get an eSIM or a local SIM card? I’ve written a complete comparison to help you figure out which one makes the most sense for your trip.

Essential apps to download before visiting China

Before your trip, I highly recommend downloading a few apps that will make traveling around China much easier.

China’s digital ecosystem works differently from what many international travelers are used to, and having the right apps ready before you arrive can save you a lot of confusion.

• Navigation: Amap, Baidu Maps, Apple Maps
• Payments: Alipay, WeChat Pay
• Transportation: Trip.com, DiDi
• Translation: Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, Pleco
• Accommodation: Trip.com
• Communication: WeChat

I go into more detail about each app, including how to set them up and which ones are actually worth downloading, in my complete guide to the best apps for traveling in China (coming soon).

How to pay in China

China has become remarkably cashless.

In most places, be it large cities, small towns, or rural areas, locals simply pay for everything by scanning QR codes.

During my 2-day hike along the Tiger Leaping Gorge trail, even a drink seller operating from a tiny makeshift hut in the mountains preferred QR payments.

Fortunately, things have become much easier for international visitors over the past few years.

Foreign credit cards can now be linked to Alipay and WeChat Pay, allowing tourists to pay at most shops, restaurants, convenience stores, attractions, and taxis.

Before your trip, link your card and make sure everything is working while you still have reliable internet access.

Should you bring cash to China?

Cash is still legal tender. You can absolutely bring some as a backup, in case your internet decides to disappear on you or your payment apps suddenly refuse to cooperate.

That said, my personal experience was that I actually struggled to finish the cash I brought.

In fact, I sometimes felt like a bit of a nuisance when paying with cash, especially at small food stalls.

With contactless payment, sellers can simply continue what they were doing — preparing food or serving another customer as you make the payment yourself.

Cash, on the other hand, interrupted their workflow. They had to pause, take off their gloves, handle the money, put their gloves back, and only then return to preparing food.

It also became very obvious that many sellers are no longer used to handling cash. Some had to dig around for the key to their cash drawer, while others scrambled to find enough change.

So yes, carry some cash for emergencies. But don’t be surprised if your biggest problem is figuring out how to spend it.

How to get around in China

The country’s high-speed rail system is ultra efficient and connects just about every major city. There are several seat classes to choose from.

While the cheapest seats are reasonably affordable, some of the premium classes can cost almost as much as a domestic flight. Even so, many locals still prefer taking the train because it saves them the hassle.

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, don’t overlook China’s conventional trains. I’ve taken overnight trains with hard seats to save money. Let’s just say… they were an experience and a quick cultural immersion. 😅

If you’re curious about what they’re actually like and whether they’re worth it, I’ll be sharing everything in my complete guide to traveling by train in China (coming soon).

On Chinese trains, your passport doubles as both your ID and ticket, so keep it handy.

Within cities, you’ll likely rely on the metro. Most major cities have clean, efficient, and inexpensive subway systems, with signs and announcements often available in both Chinese and English.

Every passenger must pass through a security screening before entering metro stations, which can feel troublesome at first, but after a few rides, it becomes second nature.

For places that aren’t easily reached by public transportation, Didi (China’s equivalent of Uber) is incredibly convenient and generally very affordable.

Do you need to speak Mandarin to travel in China?

I’ll be completely honest: the language barrier in China is real.

At airports, international hotels, and tourist attractions, you might be able to find someone who speaks English. Outside of those places, however, English is very limited.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to travel there if you don’t speak Mandarin at all.

The first few times I visited, I knew near zilch, apart from ni hao and xie xie. And this was before translation apps were a thing.

Somehow, I still managed to get around the country just fine, although it did result in plenty of interesting “conversations” that consisted almost entirely of pointing, hand gestures, exaggerated facial expressions, and laughter.

A couple of years ago, though, I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to learn Mandarin in Taiwan for three months.

Even though my laziness means my Mandarin is still below elementary level at best, it made a world of difference.

Suddenly I could order food more confidently, ask simple questions, understand bits of conversations around me, and connect with locals in ways I simply couldn’t before.

So yes, traveling around China is absolutely possible without speaking the language, but knowing even a little Mandarin will make your trip far more enjoyable and meaningful.

In my experience, Chinese people are generally incredibly friendly and willing to help. If they seem distant, it’s more often than not because they’re simply unsure how to communicate with you.

Food in China: what to expect

Whether you’re craving noodles, dumplings, barbecue, hot pot, or street food, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never go hungry in China.

Ordering food is also easier than you might expect. In many larger cities and tourist destinations, restaurants provide English menus or, at the very least, menus with photos, making it easy to point at what you want.

One thing to be aware of is that some restaurants have gone fully digital and require customers to order by scanning a QR code through WeChat.

If you don’t have WeChat set up, don’t panic. In my experience, staff are usually happy to help you place your order manually if you ask.

Other things first-time visitors need to know

➤ Bring your passport everywhere

Unlike in many countries where you can happily leave your passport locked away at the hotel, you’ll often need to carry it with you when you’re out and about in China.

Train stations check it before you board, some attractions ask to see it at the entrance, and you may even need it when purchasing certain tickets. I just carry mine every day.

➤ Toilets can be… an experience

Public restrooms in China can vary enormously. Modern shopping malls usually have clean, well-maintained facilities, but older train stations, scenic areas, and rural towns can be a different story.

Squat toilets are still common, although seated toilets are becoming increasingly widespread.

It’s also a good idea to carry a pack of tissues, as toilet paper isn’t always provided, along with a small bottle of hand sanitizer just in case.

Curious about what toilets are like around the world? Read my guide to toilets around the world, where I also share tips on using a squat toilet if you’ve never encountered one before.

➤ Power banks are now more strictly regulated

If you’re bringing a power bank to China, be aware that the rules have become stricter, especially at airports.

Airlines are paying closer attention to battery safety, and some power banks may not be allowed if they don’t meet the latest requirements.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises at security, make sure your power bank is from a reputable brand, has its capacity clearly printed on it, and complies with your airline’s regulations.

If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking your airline’s latest policy before you fly.

➤ China’s photo culture: if it’s not on camera, did it even happen?

Maybe it’s an Asian thing, but we really, really love taking photos.

Landscapes, food, ourselves in front of the food, ourselves in front of the landscapes… and sometimes ourselves holding the food in front of the landscape. And it’s not just the younger generation.

As a fellow Asian with similar tendencies, I’m not complaining.

The upside is that if you’re a content creator, photographer, or just someone who enjoys documenting your travels, you’ll rarely feel awkward, unsafe, or like you’re inconveniencing people by filming in public.

I’ve even seen people livestreaming while dangling from a 1,000-meter-high via ferrata on the side of a cliff. If that’s not commitment to content, I don’t know what is.

People here are generally more understanding if you need a few extra moments to get the perfect shot, and many are more than happy to help take your photo if you ask politely.

If you’re not the type who enjoys waiting while someone takes 47 nearly identical selfies… well, I’m sorry in advance. 😄

My best advice is to take it in good stride. Chances are, before long you’ll be the one asking someone to snap “just one more” photo too.

➤ Don’t expect the same internet culture

China has developed its own digital ecosystem, so don’t expect to rely on the same apps and websites you use back home.

Instead of Google, people search with Bing or Baidu. Instead of WhatsApp, they chat on WeChat. Rather than YouTube and TikTok, many watch videos on Bilibili and Douyin.

Ride-hailing is dominated by DiDi instead of Uber, while Xiaohongshu is China’s equivalent of Instagram for discovering travel, food, fashion, and lifestyle content.

FAQs about traveling to China

Can I use Google Maps in China?

Google Maps is not very reliable in mainland China. Even if you can access it with a VPN, information such as business locations, opening hours, and public transportation routes may be inaccurate or incomplete.

For navigation, Apple Maps works reasonably well, while Amap (Gaode Maps) and Baidu Maps are the most commonly used local options.

Is China safe for tourists?

After traveling to over 60 countries, China honestly felt like one of the safest countries I’ve ever visited as a solo female traveler.

I never felt uneasy walking around cities, using public transportation, and exploring on my own, even in the evenings.

Of course, normal travel precautions still apply, but safety was one thing I rarely worried about during my trips there.

Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China?

Yes. International visitors can now link many foreign credit and debit cards to Alipay and WeChat Pay, making cashless payments much easier.

I highly recommend setting them up before arriving.

Can I use my credit card in China?

Major international credit cards can be linked to Alipay and WeChat Pay, but directly paying with a physical card may not beaccepted everywhere, especially at smaller restaurants, markets, and local businesses.

For the smoothest experience, set up mobile payments before your trip and carry some cash as a backup.

Can you drink tap water in China?

No. Use bottled or boiled water.

Do I need a Chinese SIM card to visit China?

No, but having mobile data will make your trip much easier.

You can use international roaming, buy a local SIM card, or get an eSIM before your trip. I prefer eSIMs because I can set them up before flying and avoid the hassle of finding a SIM card after landing.

Final thoughts

China can feel overwhelming at first, but mostly because many things work differently from what international travelers are used to.

It’s not because China lacks infrastructure or modern conveniences. In fact, China is one of the most technologically advanced countries I have ever visited, and it might even be at the very top of my list.

Of course, knowing some Chinese will make your trip significantly easier. But even if you don’t, with tools like translation apps and offline maps, you can get around just fine.

Ready to explore China beyond the usual tourist spots? Look out for my other China posts for itineraries, hidden gems, and everything you need to plan your trip.