First Time to China - Tips for Traveling to China

Written by Matteo Updated Jun. 20, 2024

China boasts rich tourism resources, attracting tourists from all over the world. For passengers visiting China for the first time, it is important to make preparations before departure, including booking a ticket, reserving a hotel, applying for a visa, downloading mobile applications, etc.

1. China Has Many Places Worth Visiting

For someone who comes to China for the first time, you might have only heard of Beijing and Shanghai. But every city in China has its unique scenery and tourism resources. There's picturesque Guilin, Chengdu known as the hometown of pandas, and Harbin, the world of ice and snow.

Beijing – also called DiDu, where Chinese emperors went to work

In Beijing, you'll see some ancient-style houses built among modern buildings. These houses may have witnessed Beijing's changes from the past to the present. Walking in the hutongs, you'll feel like you've traveled back to ancient China.

The representative attractions include the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall.

The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City

Shanghai – also called MoDu, the first city in China with two airports

Walking on the streets of Shanghai, you'll feel it's full of modernity, with tall buildings everywhere. Strolling on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, you can feel the strong commercial atmosphere and the lively life of the common people.

The representative attractions include the Bund, Yu Garden, and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town.

The Bund
The Bund

Chengdu – the city with the largest number of pandas

In Chengdu, you'll have a chance to get close to pandas and even feed them bamboo. Besides, Chengdu's hotpot is very famous, but it's very spicy.

The representative attractions include the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Jiuzhaigou Valley, and Leshan Giant Buddha.

Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha

Guilin – a city surrounded by karst landforms

There's a saying in China that the most beautiful mountains and rivers in the world are in Guilin. There, you can see typical karst landforms, with towering mountains on the ground and colorful caves underground.

The representative attractions include the Yulong River, Lijiang River, and Xingping Ancient Town.

Yulong River
Yulong River

Harbin – the Moscow in the East

You can see buildings with European architectural styles on Central Street in Harbin. It feels like you've entered a fairy tale world when it snows. Ice and Snow World showcases Harbin's ice and snow culture interpretation with spectacular ice sculptures.

The representative attractions include Central Street, Ice and Snow World, and Siberian Tiger Park.

Ice and Snow World
Ice and Snow World

2. Applying for a China Visa

If your country can't enjoy China's visa-free policy, you must apply for a visa 1-2 months before you leave. Before applying, make sure your passport is valid for more than 3 months.

If you're coming to China from Thailand, Singapore, or Malaysia for tourism, you don't need to apply for a visa. You can learn more detailed information about China Visa.

3. The Best Time to Visit China

The best time to visit China is from March to May. You shouldn't come to visit China during China's legal holidays, like the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day holiday, because these times all the scenic spots are crowded, and hotel prices are also more expensive than usual.

Also, avoid the summer vacation. China's summer vacation is from August to September, and winter vacation is from late January to February. Chinese parents like to take their children out to play during the summer vacation, and this time is the peak travel season.

Enhance your trip planning to China by exploring the China Weather Guide for more useful information. 

4. Mobile Payment is Popular in China

The most convenient way to pay in China is WeChat Pay and Alipay. You just need to use your phone to scan the merchant's QR code to complete the payment. But you can still use cash to pay.

Your credit card can't be used in most places in China, but you can bind your bank card to WeChat or Alipay, and then you can start spending.

You can learn how to pay in China and download WeChat.

5. You Can Go to Many Places By High-Speed Train

China's railways are developed. It only takes 4 hours to get from Beijing to Shanghai. The departure and arrival times are punctual, and it's not easily affected by weather conditions.

Here are some popular train numbers departing from Beijing. You can check which one fits your trip.

6. China is Safe

Gun ownership is not allowed in China, so you don't have to worry about getting hurt or being robbed while walking on the street. However, this doesn't mean you can completely let your guard down; you still need to keep your personal belongings safe to prevent them from being lost.

7. No Need to Give Tips

China is not like Europe and America where there is a tipping habit. In the past, people in the service industry didn't expect to receive tips. If you give a tip, it might be misunderstood as a gift or a bribe. When you eat in a restaurant in China, you don't need to leave extra money for the waiter as a tip.

8. Squatting Toilets

Most toilets in China are squatting toilets, and toilets with seats are mainly used by people with mobility issues. Hotels mainly have toilets with seats, but toilets in shopping malls are squatting toilets.

You'd better carry a small pack of tissue paper with you because toilets in China may not provide toilet paper, especially public toilets next to the road.

9. Carry Your Passport After Arriving in China

Your passport serves many purposes in various places, such as purchasing tickets for attractions, trains, and flights. It's like a permit that allows you to accomplish many things.

10. Learn some basic Chinese phrases

Not everyone you meet speaks English, so you can download a translation app on your phone, which will allow you to communicate with Chinese people. Besides, learning a few common greetings will make you appear more sincere.

English Chinese Chinese Pronunciation
Hello 你好 nǐ hǎo
Thanks 谢谢 xiè xiè
Goodbye 再见  zài jiàn
How much 多少钱 duō shǎo qián

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