Tips for Travelling to China: A Useful Guide for Your Adventure

China is a country full of history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. If you're planning a trip, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind to make sure your experience is smooth and enjoyable. Here are some essential tips for travelling to China that will help you get the most out of your adventure!

1. When is the Best Time to Go?

Choosing the right time to visit China depends on what you want to see and do. Generally, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and comfortable. The summer months can be hot and humid, especially in southern China, while winters can be extremely cold in the north.

Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring cities without dealing with extreme temperatures. Plus, you’ll avoid the busy tourist season of summer and the crowds of Chinese New Year.

2. Arriving in China

After you get off the plane, you’ll go through immigration, where your passport, visa, and arrival card will be checked. You can fill i n your arrival card when you arrive at the airport, or sometimes they will give these out on the airplane before you land.

Tip: Have your passport and travel documents easily accessible. Also, make sure to download your accommodation details (in both Chinese and English) as some officers may ask where you’ll be staying.

3. Visa Requirements

One of the most important tips for travelling to China is to make sure you have the correct visa. Most travelers will need to apply for a tourist visa (L Visa) before arriving. You can usually apply at your nearest Chinese consulate or through a visa agency.

Tip: Apply for your visa well in advance—processing times can vary. It is now possible to get a transit visa for 10 days if you will be flying between tour home country and a third country, check out more information about the Transit Visa here.

4. Money

China primarily uses cashless payments these days, but cash is still useful in smaller towns and markets. The local currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY). You can exchange money at airports, banks, or hotels, but many travelers find it easier to withdraw cash from ATMs once they arrive.

Tip: Apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used, and you can link these to a foreign credit card for easy payments almost anywhere.

5. Useful Apps

One of the top tips for travelling to China is to make sure you have the right apps downloaded before you go. China has its own ecosystem of apps, and many Western services like Google Maps and WhatsApp are restricted. Some essential apps to have are:

WeChat: This is a messaging app, but also functions like a wallet, social media platform, and more.
Didi: China’s version of Uber, perfect for getting around.
Baidu Maps: A local alternative to Google Maps, very useful for navigating cities.
Pleco: A great Chinese-English dictionary app that works offline.
VPN: Since some foreign websites are blocked, downloading a VPN before you arrive will help you access services like Gmail or Google.

6. Getting Around

China has an excellent transport system, so you’ll find it easy to get around once you're familiar with it. High-speed trains are fantastic for long distances, and they’re fast, clean, and comfortable. For shorter trips, the metro systems in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are efficient and easy to navigate.

Tip: Purchase a transportation card (like the Shanghai Metro Card or Beijing’s Yikatong) to use on buses and subways. It saves you the hassle of buying tickets each time. Also, always have your destination written in Chinese to show taxi drivers.

7. Language

One of the most valuable tips for travelling to China is to prepare for the language barrier. While major cities have English signs and menus, many locals don’t speak much English, especially outside of tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases in Mandarin can go a long way.

Tip: Download the Pleco app or Google Translate to help with communication. It’s also a good idea to have addresses and key information (like your hotel) written down in Chinese.

Eventurus can help!

If you’re planning a trip to China, why not get in contact with us today for a free consultation! We can discuss your possible China travel itinerary, personalised to you, or recommend some of our wonderful group tours!

Tips for Travelling to China