China Travel Tips - What to Prepare for Your China Trip?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
China Travel Tips - Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
China Payment App
Alipay
支付宝Your go-to payment app in China. You can link your international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) directly without all the hassle of verification processes. Nearly every shop, restaurant, and street vendor has an Alipay QR code for payments. Pro tip: Set this up before you leave home - you'll thank yourself later!
China Travel Booking App
Trip.com
Trip.com is a lifesaver for booking everything from flights and hotels to train tickets and attractions. Unlike its Chinese counterpart (Ctrip), Trip.com is specifically designed for international travelers. All the hotels listed are guaranteed to accept foreign guests, plus you'll earn Trip Coins for future discounts.
Download AppChina Map App
AutoNavi/Gaode Maps
高德地图Hands-down the best navigation app in China. Forget Google Maps - Gaode is more accurate and updates faster. Whether you're walking or cycling, the GPS tracking is spot-on, and it even gives you great restaurant recommendations nearby. The 2D/3D navigation options make it super easy to find your way around.
China Taxi App
DiDi
滴滴出行DiDi is basically China's Uber, and it's super handy for getting around. If you have a Chinese phone number, just download the app and you're good to go. No Chinese number? No problem! You can still use DiDi through the Alipay mini-program - it works just as well and charges directly to your linked card.
China Food App
Meituan & Ele.me
美团 & 饿了么These are your food delivery saviors. Whether you're tired after a long day of sightseeing or just want to try local food from your hotel room, these apps have you covered. Ele.me is accessible through Alipay if you don't have a Chinese phone number, though you'll have fewer options than with Meituan.
China Translation App
WAYGO
An app that translates Chinese, Japanese, and Korean text into English accurately and instantly. It uses a smart mix of technology to recognize characters and turn them into words and sentences you can understand. You don't even need the internet to use it. It's super handy for understanding menus, signs, and any printed words when you're out and about.
China Travel Tips - Trip to China Cost
1. Trip to China Cost
| Category | Cost (USD) | Details |
| Accommodation | 13 - 50 | Budget options per night |
| Dining | 2 - 20 | From inexpensive meals to high-end restaurants per meal per person |
| Transportation | 0.28 (Bus/Subway), 1.38 - 1.79 start (Taxis) | Taxi fares plus $0.34/km after 3 km |
👇Estimated Daily Average Expenditure👇
| Budget Level | Total Cost (USD) |
| Standard | 20 - 55 |
| Upscale | 80 - 140 |
2. Cost of Living in China
【Restaurant】
| Meal Type | Average Cost (USD) | Cost Range (USD) |
| Inexpensive Restaurant | 3.44 | 2.06 - 6.88 |
| Mid-range Restaurant (3-course for 2) | 27.51 | 16.52 - 75.65 |
| Fast Food Combo (e.g., McMeal) | 5.19 | - |
【Grocery Prices】
| Item | Average Cost (USD) | Cost Range (USD) |
| Eggs (12) | 1.70 | - |
| Oranges (1 lb) | 0.72 | 0.31 - 1.87 |
| Apples (1 lb) | 0.83 | 0.31 - 1.29 |
China Travel Tips - How to Enter China?
Things to Prepare
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
- Most travelers need to get their visa in advance (tourist L visa, business M visa, or student X visa)
- Return flight and hotel bookings for immigration
Landing in China
Once you land, you'll need to:
- Fill out an arrival card (usually given on the plane, but also available in the arrival hall)
- Get your fingerprints taken (if you're 14-70 years old)
- Go through immigration
- Collect your bags
- Clear customs
At Immigration
The immigration officers are usually pretty chill. They'll ask basic questions like:
- Why are you visiting?
- How long are you staying?
- Where are you staying?
Just be honest and direct. They deal with thousands of travelers daily and appreciate straightforward answers!
Your First 24 Hours Stay in China
This part is crucial - don't skip it! Within 24 hours of arrival, you need to register your residence:
If You're Staying at a Hotel:
- The hotel handles everything automatically
- Keep your registration paper - you might need it later
- Take a photo of it just in case
If You're Staying with Friends or in an Apartment:
- Must register at the local police station within 24 hours
- Bring your passport
- Bring your friend's ID card copy
- Bring property ownership certificate or rental contract
- Your friend should ideally go with you
The process takes about 15-30 minutes
If You Change Locations:
- You need to register again at each new place
- Yes, even if you're just staying somewhere for a few days
- Hotels will do this automatically
- Private residences = back to the police station
Customs & What Not to Bring
China's pretty strict about what you can bring in. Definite no-nos include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat products
- Seeds or plants
- Political materials
- More than 2 bottles of alcohol
- More than 1 carton of cigarettes
China Travel Tips - Top 5 Cities to Visit
Shanghai
If you love a mix of old and new, Shanghai will steal your heart. Walk along the Bund at sunset to see the city light up across the river, then lose yourself in the quiet paths of Yu Garden early in the morning. The French Concession feels like a different world with its leafy streets and cute cafes.
Beijing
Beijing is where China's history comes alive. The Great Wall will take your breath away - head to Mutianyu to dodge the crowds and get the best photos. The Forbidden City is massive and mind-blowing; you'll need a full day to explore it properly.
Guangzhou
Come hungry to Guangzhou - this city lives for food. Start your day with dim sum (the locals call it yum cha), then walk it off around Shamian Island's old European buildings. The Canton Tower looks amazing at night when it's all lit up.
Shenzhen
It's crazy to think Shenzhen was just a fishing village 40 years ago. Now it's full of cool spots like OCT Loft, where old factories have turned into art galleries and coffee shops. Window of the World is kind of cheesy but fun - where else can you see the Eiffel Tower and Egyptian pyramids in one afternoon?
Hangzhou
Marco Polo wasn't kidding when he fell in love with Hangzhou. West Lake is the star of the show - rent a boat or just walk around its shores to see why Chinese artists have been painting it for centuries. Lingyin Temple is worth visiting just to see the giant Buddha carvings in the cliffs.