Your Complete Guide toTraveling in China
Everything foreigners need to know about daily life, essential apps, cultural insights, and practical tips for an amazing journey through China.
Essential Apps
WeChat, Alipay, Didi and more apps you'll need daily
Daily Life
Food culture, shopping, transportation & social customs
Culture & Etiquette
Understanding Chinese traditions and social norms
Essential Apps for China
These apps are crucial for daily life in China. Download them before you arrive and set them up to make your trip much smoother.
Essential super-app for messaging, payments, and everything else
Key Features:
- Messaging
- Mobile Payments
- Mini Programs
- Social Network
Alipay
Must-havePrimary mobile payment platform used everywhere
Key Features:
- Mobile Payments
- QR Code Scanning
- Bill Payments
- Shopping
Didi
Very UsefulChina's equivalent to Uber for ride-hailing
Key Features:
- Taxi Booking
- Car Sharing
- Navigation
- Multiple Vehicle Types
Meituan
Very UsefulFood delivery and local services super-app
Key Features:
- Food Delivery
- Restaurant Reviews
- Hotel Booking
- Local Services
Baidu Maps
RecommendedMost accurate navigation app in China
Key Features:
- Navigation
- Public Transit
- Traffic Updates
- Local Search
Pleco
RecommendedBest Chinese-English dictionary and translator
Key Features:
- Dictionary
- Character Recognition
- Handwriting Input
- Offline Mode
Douban
Cultural InterestCultural platform for movies, books, music, and events
Key Features:
- Movie Reviews
- Book Recommendations
- Music Discovery
- Local Events
Zhihu
Cultural InterestChina's equivalent to Quora for Q&A and knowledge sharing
Key Features:
- Q&A Platform
- Professional Insights
- Topic Following
- Expert Answers
Bilibili
EntertainmentPopular video platform for anime, gaming, and entertainment
Key Features:
- Video Streaming
- Live Broadcasting
- Animation Content
- Gaming Community
Xiaohongshu
LifestyleLifestyle and shopping app (Little Red Book)
Key Features:
- Lifestyle Content
- Shopping Reviews
- Travel Tips
- Beauty & Fashion
Ele.me
Very UsefulFood delivery service competing with Meituan
Key Features:
- Food Delivery
- Restaurant Discovery
- Fast Delivery
- Meal Deals
Pro Tips
- • Download apps before arriving - some are region-locked
- • Set up WeChat and Alipay with international cards when possible
- • Keep cash as backup - not all places accept foreign cards
- • Cultural apps like Douban and Zhihu help you understand Chinese perspectives
- • Bilibili is great for learning Chinese through entertainment content
- • Learn basic Chinese phrases for app names to ask for help
Daily Life in China
Understanding daily life will help you navigate China more comfortably and respectfully integrate into local communities.
Food Culture
- Meals are typically shared family-style
- Tea is offered as a sign of respect
- Rice is a staple - finish your bowl to show appreciation
- Chopstick etiquette: don't stick them upright in rice
- Hot pot and street food are must-try experiences
Transportation
- Metro systems are extensive and efficient in major cities
- High-speed trains connect cities incredibly fast
- Bike-sharing apps are everywhere and very convenient
- Taxis prefer cash or local payment apps
- Always have your destination written in Chinese characters
Shopping
- Bargaining is common in markets, not in malls
- Mobile payments are used everywhere
- Taobao and Tmall are China's Amazon equivalents
- Night markets offer great food and shopping
- Bring a calculator or use your phone for price negotiations
Social Customs
- Business cards are exchanged with both hands
- Saving face is very important in social interactions
- Gift-giving has specific protocols - avoid clocks and white flowers
- Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in society
- Small talk often includes questions about family and work
Communication
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases for daily interactions
- Translation apps are helpful but not always accurate
- Hand gestures and pointing can sometimes be misunderstood
- Written Chinese can help when spoken communication fails
- Patience and smiles go a long way in overcoming language barriers
Housing & Accommodation
- Hotels often require passport registration
- Airbnb alternatives include Tujia and Xiaozhu
- Hot water may not be available 24/7 in some places
- Air quality can vary - check apps like AirVisual
- Noise levels in cities can be high - bring earplugs
Cultural Immersion
Embrace local customs and be open to new experiences. Chinese people are generally very welcoming to foreigners who show interest in their culture.
Common Challenges
Language barriers, different social norms, and technology differences are normal. Stay patient and flexible - it's all part of the adventure!
Essential Travel Tips
Practical advice to help you prepare for and navigate your journey through China with confidence and cultural awareness.
Before You Go
- Check visa requirements - most foreigners need a visa
- Download essential apps before arrival
- Notify banks of international travel
- Get travel insurance that covers China
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases
- Research local customs and etiquette
Money & Payments
- Bring cash for initial expenses and emergencies
- Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay if possible
- Major hotels and tourist sites accept international cards
- ATMs are widely available in cities
- Tipping is not customary in China
- Always keep receipts for larger purchases
Language & Communication
- Have key addresses written in Chinese characters
- Download offline translation apps
- Learn numbers in Chinese for shopping
- Business cards with Chinese on back are helpful
- Hotel business cards are great for taxi rides back
- Patience and gestures can overcome language barriers
Health & Safety
- Air quality apps help plan outdoor activities
- Bring any prescription medications
- Tap water isn't always safe - stick to bottled water
- Street food is generally safe but start slowly
- Know location of nearest hospital
- Emergency contacts: Police 110, Fire 119, Medical 120
Technology & Internet
- VPN may be needed for some Western sites
- Get local SIM card or international roaming
- Power banks are essential for long days out
- Bring universal power adapter
- WiFi is available in most hotels and cafes
- Download offline maps before exploring
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly when visiting temples
- Remove shoes when entering homes
- Don't point with your finger - use open hand
- Avoid political discussions
- Respect photography restrictions
- Be mindful of noise levels in public spaces
Top Priority Preparations
1. Documentation
Visa, passport, travel insurance, and emergency contacts
2. Apps & Tech
WeChat, Alipay, translation apps, and offline maps
3. Language Prep
Basic phrases, written addresses, and translation tools
Culture & Traditions
Understanding Chinese culture will enrich your experience and help you build meaningful connections with local people.
Traditional Festivals
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) - Most important holiday
- Mid-Autumn Festival - Family reunions and mooncakes
- Dragon Boat Festival - Racing and zongzi (rice dumplings)
- National Day Golden Week - Major travel period
- Qingming Festival - Tomb sweeping and honoring ancestors
Business Etiquette
- Punctuality is highly valued in business settings
- Exchange business cards with both hands
- Address people by their titles and surnames
- Building relationships (guanxi) is crucial
- Avoid saying 'no' directly - use softer alternatives
Dining Etiquette
- Wait for the host to start eating or drinking
- Serve others before serving yourself
- Don't flip fish on your plate - it's considered bad luck
- Leave some food on your plate to show abundance
- Toasting is important - always use both hands
Cultural Do's
- Bring gifts when visiting someone's home
- Show interest in Chinese culture and history
- Accept invitations graciously
- Ask permission before taking photos of people
- Learn to use chopsticks
- Respect elders and authority figures
Cultural Don'ts
- Don't point with your finger
- Don't touch someone's head
- Don't give clocks or white flowers as gifts
- Don't discuss politics or sensitive topics
- Don't be overly loud in public spaces
- Don't refuse hospitality outright
The Concept of "Face" (面子)
"Face" is a fundamental concept in Chinese culture representing dignity, reputation, and social standing. It affects almost every social interaction.
Giving Face:
- • Praise someone publicly
- • Show respect for their position
- • Acknowledge their achievements
- • Be gracious in social situations
Losing Face:
- • Public criticism or correction
- • Refusing requests directly
- • Showing anger or frustration
- • Making someone look incompetent
Emergency Information
Essential emergency contacts and phrases to keep you safe during your travels in China.
Emergency Numbers
For crimes, accidents, and general emergencies
For fires and rescue operations
For ambulance and medical emergencies
For traffic-related incidents
Important Phrases
jiù mìng!
jiào jǐng chá
wǒ xū yào yī shēng
yī yuàn zài nǎ lǐ?
wǒ mí lù le
wǒ bù huì shuō zhōng wén
Major Embassies in Beijing
United States
Phone: 010-8531-3000
Location: Beijing
United Kingdom
Phone: 010-5192-4000
Location: Beijing
Canada
Phone: 010-5139-4000
Location: Beijing
Australia
Phone: 010-5140-4111
Location: Beijing
Germany
Phone: 010-8532-9000
Location: Beijing
France
Phone: 010-8531-2000
Location: Beijing
Note: Contact your embassy immediately if you lose your passport, face legal issues, or need emergency assistance.
Emergency Preparedness
Before You Travel:
- Keep a list of your allergies and medical conditions in Chinese
- Carry a photo of your passport and visa
- Know your blood type
- Have travel insurance contact information readily available
- Keep emergency cash in a separate location
- Download offline maps and translation apps
In Case of Emergency:
- Stay calm and assess the situation
- Call appropriate emergency number
- Contact your embassy if needed
- Notify family/friends of your situation
- Keep all relevant documents handy