Ultimate Travel Guide Visiting China (2025 Edition)

Top Travel Tips to Explore China with Confidence and Ease

Planning a trip to China? As one of the world’s oldest civilizations, China offers a fascinating blend of ancient history, cultural richness, and breathtaking natural landscapes. But for first-time visitors, navigating this vast and diverse country can be a bit intimidating.

This comprehensive travel guide for foreigners visiting China in 2025 covers essential tips for VISA, planning, transportation, accommodation, dining, communication, and safety —everything you need to explore China like a pro.

1. Pre-Trip Essentials: What to Do Before You Visit China

📌 Apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa

• Apply for an L visa (tourist visa) at least 1–2 months before departure.

• A full list of 38 countries with 30-days visa free policy with China is as below (as of Nov 2024).

  

  38 countries with 30-day visa free policy to China

  
  

• GOOD NEWS! The visa-free transit has been extended to 240 hours (10 days) to 54 countries!—ideal for short stays. The full list of the nations and ports of entry and exit can be found on the Chinese National Immigration Administration (NIA) page: https://en.nia.gov.cn//n147413/c178106/content.html

‼️ Avoid national holidays like Chinese New Year (usually during Feburary) and Golden Week (October 1–7) due to heavy crowds.

📌 Must-Have Travel Apps for China

• Maps & Navigation: Baidu Maps, Amap (Gaode) (recommended with English version)

• Transportation & Hotel: Railway 12306 (official App), Trip.com  (more options than booking.com etc.), DiDi (China’s Uber), Amap (has a ride-hailing tab)

• Translation: Youdao Translate, Google Translate (only with offline pack), Apple Translate (Iphone only)

• Mobile Payments: Alipay, WeChat Pay (both support international cards)

• Food Delivery: Meituan, Eleme (China's Uber Eats) (BUT neither have English version)

• Social Media: Rednote, WeChat (China's WhatsApp, the same App as WeChat Pay)

Useful apps for traveling in China

‼️ Many Apps or websites cannot be used in China due to its firewall and company's policy, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Uber, Youtube, etc. Download a VPN or use Chinese platforms as mentioned above.

📌 Health & Travel Insurance

• Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Typhoid (based on your itinerary).

• Get travel insurance that includes medical coverage and emergency evacuation.

2. Transportation Tips in China: Getting Around

🛤️ Intercity Travel

• High-speed trains (G and D trains) are fast, reliable, and comfortable. Book tickets via 12306 or Trip.com.

• Domestic flights are better for long distances—always check baggage policies.

  
  

🚇 Urban Transportation

• Metro systems in major cities are efficient and have English signage.

• DiDi and Amap are the most reliable ride-hailing Apps.

• Shared bikes (like Meituan or HelloBike in Alipay App) are perfect for short rides.

  
  

📝 Pro Tips

• Always download offline maps if you don't have a data plan.

• Save your hotel address in Chinese to show drivers.

• Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM) for smoother travel.

  
  

3. Where to Stay in China: Hotel & Accommodation Guide

🛏️ Popular Accommodation Options

• International hotel chains: English-speaking staff, standardized service.

• Local boutique hotels: Unique Chinese design, better value.

• Homestays: Authentic cultural experiences (may require translation support).

  
  

💡 Booking Tips

• Use platforms like Trip.com (Ctrip) which have more options in China.

• Airbnb is not available in China, homestays are available on Trip.com or Meituan App.

• Stay near a subway station for easy access.

• Ensure your hotel is licensed to host foreigners—some budget hotels are not.

  
  

🚿 Hotel Tips

• Bring your passport for check-in (required by law).

• Don’t expect complimentary toiletries—ask the front desk.

• Tap water isn’t drinkable; buy bottled water or boil before use.

  
  

4. Food & Dining in China: What and Where to Eat

🇨🇳 Must-Try Chinese Dishes

• Explore regional cuisine:

  • There are special cusine in each province, or each county!

  • Sichuan (spicy), Cantonese (light and fresh), Shandong (savory), and more.

• Sample street food like jianbing (savory pancakes), baozi (steamed buns), or BBQ skewers—stick to clean vendors.

  
  

📲 Dining Tips for Foreigners

• Use the Meituan or Rednote app to find well-rated local restaurants.

• Choose places with photos or English menus.

• Learn useful phrases:

  • 不要辣 (bù yào là) = no spice

  • 素食 (sù shí) = vegetarian

• Chinese food have many vegetarian options, such as Tofu, Ganzi, and Mushrooms.

• There are many Halal restuarants in China, they are marked with "清真" (Qingzhen means Halal in Chinese). The logo looks like below:

  

  Halal sign for restaurants in China

⚠️ Food Safety Tips

• Avoid drinking tap water.

• Try unfamiliar foods in small portions.

• Carry anti-diarrhea meds just in case.

5. Chinese Culture, Etiquette & Communication Tips

👋 Basic Etiquette in China

• Use both hands when handing or receiving items.

• Dress modestly at temples and cultural sites.

• Avoid loud conversations in public.

  
  

🗣️ Communication Tips

• Learn simple Mandarin greetings and travel phrases, such as "Ni haw" (Hello), "Shay shay" (Thanks), "Dway bu chi" (Sorry), and "Duo shao chyan" (How much?).

• Use translation apps for complex conversations.

• Be patient—people may be indirect when saying “no.”

  
  

6. Money, Payments & Shopping in China

💸 How to Pay in China

• Mobile payments dominate: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay (can now link Visa/MasterCard).

• Carry some cash (RMB)—especially in small towns or markets.

• Credit cards are rarely accepted, only in major hotels and malls.

  
  

🛍️ Shopping Tips

• Fixed prices in malls; negotiate in street markets.

• Keep receipts and ask—tax refunds may be available for eligible purchases.

• Avoid common scams: jade shopping at tourism places, etc.

  
  

7. Safety Tips & Emergency Info for Travelers in China

🛡️ Stay Safe While Traveling

• China is generally safe even during late night on the street. However, do use your common sense to avoid any trouble.

• Keep your passport secure; carry a copy and leave the original locked at your hotel.

  
  

📞 Emergency Numbers in China

• Police: 110

• Medical emergency: 120

• Fire: 119

• Tourist hotline: 12301

‼️ The official may not be able to speak English, ask help from people around or translators to mention the key information.

🏥 Healthcare Access

• Hospitals are widely available even in small county. There often are walk-in clinics affliated to hospitals but there might be a quene. The cost are quite affordable.

• Language might be a barrier. Use translator or go to international hospitals and clinics.

• Bring English names or ingredients of your medications.

🧠 9. Bonus Tips: What Most Travel Blogs Miss

🌐 Internet Access

• Sites like Google, Facebook, Twitter are blocked.

• Download a VPN or use Chinese platforms: WeChat, Baidu (China's Google).

  
  

🚻 Toilet Culture

• Bring tissues or wet wipes—many public restrooms lack toilet paper.

• Be prepared for squat toilets, especially in older buildings or parks.

  
  

Final Words: Embrace the Adventure

China is a country full of surprises, contrasts, and unforgettable moments. Cultural differences may bring challenges—but they also make your trip uniquely rewarding. With the right preparation and an open heart, you’ll discover the real China beyond the headlines.

🌟 Have questions about travel in China? Leave a comment below—we're here to help make your trip incredible.

🌟 Want to have a hussle-free trip in China? Contact us for a customized trip or book a trip with Shantour!

Yimeng and Sylvie!