Travelling to China isn’t just about visiting a new country, it’s about stepping into a completely different world. Everything feels new: the smell of street food drifting through narrow alleys, the rhythm of cities that never seem to sleep, and the mix of tradition and modern life at every corner.

Whether you’re going for work, study, or pure curiosity, your first trip to China will almost certainly become one of those stories you’ll tell for years. That’s why I’ve gathered a few tips to help make your start smoother and your experience richer and more relaxed. If you’re planning your first trip to China, this guide will help you prepare and avoid the most common beginner’s mistakes.

For more background about the country itself, take a look at my post Facts About China: Culture, Geography & Surprising Insights.

Visa and Entry

Here’s some good news — depending on your nationality, you might not even need a visa to visit China. Check the latest entry requirements on the Chinese Embassy’s website before you go, just to be sure.

There are a few things worth knowing to make the arrival smoother. At the airport, you’ll first need to provide your fingerprints. As soon as you leave the plane and enter the terminal, you’ll see self-service fingerprint machines. It’s all very straightforward: place your passport on the scanner, wait for it to be read, and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you’re done, you’ll get a printed confirmation and can move on to passport control.

If you’ve already provided fingerprints within the past five years using the same passport, you usually won’t need to do it again — though it doesn’t hurt to repeat the process, especially at smaller airports, as it takes only a few minutes.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months, with at least two blank pages. You’ll also need to fill in a short arrival card, so keep a pen handy along with details of your flight and accommodation to speed things up.

When you reach the immigration officer, you’ll be asked to look into the camera for a quick face scan, and you will need to scan your fingerprints again. One pleasant surprise — the instructions at this stage often play in your language, guiding you step by step!

Tip:

Even though China is highly digitalised, you’ll still need to have key details ready when crossing the border, such as your hotel name and address, flight number, and even a local contact name if someone’s meeting you.

And of course, don’t forget travel insurance. It’s not mandatory, but in a country where healthcare can be expensive, it’s easily one of the smartest parts of a travel plan.

Internet and Apps

When travelling to China, staying connected is essential. Buying a local SIM card in China is usually the cheapest and most convenient way to stay online while travelling. You can pick one up at the airport or from any mobile operator’s shop (China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom). Tourist data packages are affordable and can be activated on the spot, with nothing more than your passport. Internet speed is generally excellent, and if your phone supports eSIM, you can even set it up before you travel, so you’re connected the moment you land.

One of the most important things to know before your first trip to China is that many of the apps we use every day like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook won’t work without a VPN. If you plan to use them, make sure to download and set up your VPN before you arrive, as it’s difficult (sometimes impossible) to install one once you’re in China.

To make your trip smoother, it’s also worth downloading some of the local apps that everyone in China relies on. The most useful ones include:

• WeChat (微信) – the ultimate all-in-one app in China. You’ll use it for messaging, payments, food delivery and even buying attraction tickets. Sometimes it’s the only way to reserve them.

• Alipay (支付宝) – the most widely used mobile payment app in China.

• DiDi (滴滴) – China’s version of Uber, reliable, affordable, and easy to use.

• Baidu Maps (百度地图) – the local alternative to Google Maps, offering detailed navigation and transport information.

• Amap (高德地图, also known as Gaode Map) – a leading map and navigation app in China, offering detailed transit routes, real-time traffic info and local navigation support.

Money and Payments

Cash is now almost obsolete in China. Most payments, from high-end shops to tiny market stalls, are made via mobile apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay. Currency exchange offices are rare, and exchanging money at a bank can be slow and complicated, especially for foreigners, as they often require a Chinese phone number and address, and English isn’t always spoken.

The easiest solution is to link your international card to one of these apps in advance. If that’s not possible, bring a small amount of cash just in case or exchange some money at the airport before you fly.

The official currency is the Chinese yuan (¥). One yuan is approximately €0.13, $0.14 or £0.11, though exchange rates may vary.

 

Getting Around: Transport Tips for Travelling to China

China’s metro systems are impressively organised and usually include signs in English, which makes getting around much easier. High-speed trains (高铁, gāotiě) connect almost all major cities and are a great option for longer journeys. Buying tickets is simple and can be done in several ways:

• At ticket counters in train stations, where you’ll need to show your passport.
• Through apps such as China Railway or via WeChat, which is handy if you want to avoid queues.
• Through travel agencies in larger cities, although that tends to be more expensive.

A small tip:

If you plan to travel by high-speed train between popular destinations, it’s best to book your tickets a few days in advance, especially during public holidays. If you’re taking a taxi or using DiDi, always have your destination written in Chinese, as many drivers can’t read Latin letters.

Language and Communication

English is spoken far less in China than many travellers expect. Even in places where you might assume staff would know at least the basics, such as airports, hotels or tourist attractions, communication in English can be difficult. It’s worth learning a few simple phrases in Chinese. Not only will it make things easier, but locals will genuinely appreciate the effort.

A few useful phrases:

• 你好 (nǐ hǎo) – hello
• 谢谢 (xièxie) – thank you
• 不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi) – excuse me / sorry
• 多少钱? (duō shǎo qián?) – how much is it?
• 厕所在哪里? (cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?) – where is the toilet?

Apps like Pleco (a dictionary) or Papago can help with translations whenever you need them. And if you’d like to learn more useful phrases or prepare a bit before you go, have a look at my Chinese language lessons and study materials. Just a few sessions can make a huge difference when navigating China.

Open Mind, Food and Culture

China is vast and incredibly diverse, and it often feels completely different from what we’re used to. Travelling to China offers a chance to experience a rich variety of local cuisines and cultural traditions that are unlike anything you’ll find at home. At times you might get lost, be unable to read the characters, or find yourself in situations you didn’t expect, but that’s all part of the adventure. If you’re planning your first trip to China, it helps to stay open-minded, curious, and willing to learn. The Chinese are usually very kind and ready to help if you approach them with respect and a smile.

Food is at the very heart of Chinese culture, and each region has its own distinct flavours and dishes. What we usually call “Chinese food” in Europe rarely resembles what you’ll find in China itself. Don’t be afraid to try new things, but if you’re not a fan of spicy food, remember the phrase 不要辣 (bú yào là) — no spicy.

Cultural norms and etiquette can also differ from what’s common in the West. Small gestures of respect go a long way: give and receive business cards with both hands, offer a slight bow when greeting someone. Also never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl, as it’s associated with funeral rituals. Paying attention to these details will make your experience in China far more pleasant and rewarding.

Health and Safety

China is generally a very safe country for travellers, though it’s always wise to stay alert, especially in crowded places. Keep an eye on your belongings, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, and avoid accepting offers from strangers on the street.

When it comes to health, tap water is not safe to drink, so always buy bottled water. A small travel pharmacy with essentials such as painkillers and stomach medicine can also be helpful, particularly if you plan to visit smaller towns or rural areas.

 

Travelling to China: Where to Go

If you’re planning to explore more than one city, start with those that best capture the country’s many sides. Beijing, the capital, enchants with its history and imperial architecture — from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall. Shanghai, a dazzling modern metropolis, blends towering skyscrapers with a fascinating trading past, while Xi’an guards the ancient mystery of the Terracotta Warriors.

For nature lovers, Guilin offers breathtaking river valleys and caves. Guangzhou reveals the vibrant charm and culinary traditions of the south. Those seeking a more spiritual side of China can visit Chengdu, home of the giant pandas and the laid-back spirit of Sichuan, or Lhasa, the heart of Tibet. Each of these cities tells its own story, and in the upcoming blog posts I’ll be sharing more about what makes them truly worth visiting.

Final Thoughts on Travelling to China

Your first experience travelling to China will give you a fresh perspective on culture, the world, and even yourself. With a bit of preparation and an open mind, you’ll be ready to embrace this unforgettable experience in full.

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