Planning a trip to China soon? This guide gives you the practical tips to know before you visit China that frequent travellers like myself care about. China’s easier than ever to get around if you plan around the seasons and public holidays, sort your visa and connectivity early, get comfy with QR-code payments, and brush up on a few etiquette basics.
Pro Tip: Check this list of exciting things to do in Shanghai, too!
When To Go and When Not To
China is huge, so the weather varies, but for most classic routes (Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai, Guilin/Yangshuo, Chengdu) the sweet spots are April–May and September–October, with comfortable temps, clearer skies, and fewer downpours than peak summer.
Pro tip: If your dates are fixed in school holidays, aim for early autumn (late Sep) rather than peak summer humidity.
Golden Weeks
China’s two major holiday crunches send transport, hotels, and attractions into overdrive:
- Lunar New Year / Spring Festival – typically late Jan to early Feb; in 2025, the official public holidays ran 28 Jan–4 Feb. Expect packed trains/airports before and after the break.
- National Day Golden Week – 1–8 Oct (often eight days when festivals overlap). Expect surge pricing and sold‑out rail seats.
Quick Picks By Season
- Spring (Mar–May): Beijing parks in bloom, Suzhou gardens, Huangshan hikes, Guilin/Yangshuo karsts.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Escape to higher, cooler regions (Yunnan, Qinghai, parts of Gansu); pack for heat + storms elsewhere.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Red‑leaf trails around Beijing/Great Wall; crisp days in Xi’an; harvest scenery in Longji rice terraces.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Fewer crowds and savings in big cities; consider Harbin Ice & Snow Festival (very cold), hotpot heaven in Chengdu.
Visas & Entry
- Tourist visa (L): Most people still need this in 2025 unless your passport is on China’s growing visa‑free list. Check your exact case before you book non‑refundable flights.
- Appointments & forms: Complete COVA (the China Online Visa Application), then book an AVAS appointment. Print the confirmation page and the form with your signature.
- Fingerprints: Usually taken on submission (some age and visa‑type exemptions apply). Bring your original passport.
- Processing time: As a guide, regular service is about 4 working days; some centres offer express/rush options, but first‑time applicants may be limited.
Checklist Before You Visit China
- Passport valid 6+ months from entry date.
- Printed COVA form + appointment confirmation.
- Photo that meets China’s spec (48mm x 33mm).
- Flights + hotels (or invite letter), and a simple day‑by‑day plan.
- Payment in the form your CVASC accepts (often cash for fees).
Money & Payments
China runs on QR codes. You’ll still find cash useful in small shops and rural areas, but day‑to‑day spending is simplest with Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an overseas bank card (Visa, Mastercard, and others). Bring a little yuan for backup when you visit China, plus at least one low‑FX‑fee card.
- Download Alipay or WeChat. In Alipay, pick the International Version at sign‑up. Both apps support English menus.
- Verify ID in‑app if prompted (passport details; quick face check in some cases).
- Add your card. Most major cards are supported in 2025. If one card fails, try a different brand.
- Pay by QR. Either scan the merchant’s QR or show your Payment Code for them to scan. The app charges your card in CNY.
Pro tip: If you only set up one wallet, start with Alipay; tourist‑facing merchants often recognise it fastest. Keep WeChat Pay as a backup.
Where Cash Still Matters
- Market stalls, small eateries, villages, and some ticket windows may prefer cash.
- Keep small notes (¥10/¥20) for bathrooms with attendants, lockers, and old ticket machines.
- ATMs in big cities generally accept foreign cards; use bank‑branded ATMs inside branches for better uptime.
What To Pack
- 1–2 low‑fee Visa/Mastercard/Amex
- A small cash float (¥300–¥500) for day one
- Your wallet app logged in with screenshots of key QR codes (don’t share them)
Connectivity: SIM/eSIM & internet access
Staying online in China is straightforward if you choose the right option for your trip length and style. Here’s the fast way to decide.
- Local SIM (physical): Buy from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom at major airports or official shops. You’ll need your passport for registration. Good pricing and strong city coverage; China Mobile often has better reach in rural areas, while Unicom typically has better English support.
- International eSIM (data‑only): Buy before you fly from providers like Airalo, Holafly, Trip.com, and others. Activate by scanning a QR code. These are convenient for short trips and avoid shop queues.
- Roaming on your home plan: Easy but usually pricey; check data caps and daily fees.
Pro tip: If you’re landing late or on a tight connection, an international eSIM gives you data the moment you touch down. Add a local SIM later if you want local voice/SMS or cheaper long‑stay rates.
Why some travellers like eSIMs: Certain plans route traffic differently from local networks, which can mean broader access to some overseas sites and apps. Access varies by provider and plan; always follow local laws and check what your plan includes.
Getting Around
China is built for point‑to‑point travel. Trains link the big sights quickly, city metros are cheap and frequent, and ride‑hailing fills the gaps.
High‑speed rail (HSR)
- Fast and frequent: Look for G and D trains. They’re punctual, clean, and usually cheaper than flying when you factor in airport transfers.
- Classes: Second Class is the best value; First Class has wider seats (2‑2 layout); Business Class is the top tier with lie‑back pods on some routes. On the conventional overnight route, you’ll see hard/soft sleeper carriages instead of HSR seating.
- Booking: Use the official 12306 platform, a trusted agency, or a well‑known booking app. Make sure your passport name matches the ticket exactly. Most lines use e‑tickets; you scan your passport at the gate instead of collecting paper tickets.
- Seat release & demand: Popular routes near holidays can sell out fast. Book as soon as your dates are locked in and set calendar reminders for the release window.
- Luggage: Overhead racks fit cabin‑size suitcases; larger bags sit at the carriage ends. Keep valuables with you; station security scans bags at entry.
If you’re connecting straight from the airport, consider the airport rail link or a metro transfer to the main HSR station to avoid city traffic.
Metros & Local Transport
- Most major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an, and more) have clear bilingual signage and tap‑in gates.
- Paying fares: Use a mobile wallet QR, a stored‑value transit card (e.g., Beijing’s Yikatong, Shanghai’s Public Transportation Card), or a single‑journey token from the machine. Keep a small cash float in case a kiosk won’t take your card.
- Buses: Handy where the metro doesn’t reach. You can tap in with the same card/wallet, and check the last bus times posted at stops.
- First and last trains: Services start early and wind down near midnight (varies by city). Last trains before holidays can be crammed; board a few stops before a major interchange if you can.
Taxis & Ride‑Hailing
- DiDi is the go‑to app in most cities. Set your pickup point carefully (stations and airports have designated zones). You can pay in‑app via your wallet.
- Street taxis: Always use the meter and ask for a receipt. Have your destination written in Chinese, hotel front desks will help. Avoid unmarked cars.
- Late nights: Supply can thin out, especially in smaller cities. Keep your hotel card handy and allow extra time.
Domestic flights
- Best for very long hops (e.g., to Xinjiang, Tibet, or between far‑flung regions). Arrive earlier than you would at home; security queues can be long at peak periods.
- ID checks: Keep your passport accessible at airport entry, security, and boarding. Mobile boarding passes are common but have a paper fallback if scanners play up.
- Baggage: Allowances vary by airline and fare. If your trip is mostly cities a few hours apart, HSR is often simpler than flying.
Intercity Buses & Shared Bikes
- Long‑distance/express buses still cover routes that trains don’t. Stations are usually near the main rail hub; buy at the window and show your passport.
- Shared bikes (Meituan, HelloBike, and others) are everywhere in big cities. You’ll need the app and a mobile wallet to scan and go. Stick to bike lanes and watch for scooters at intersections.
Etiquette & Cultural Tips
A few small habits go a long way when you visit China. Here are the ones travellers notice most.
Greetings & Respect
- Elders first. Greet older people before younger friends; be on time for meet‑ups and tours.
- Two hands. Offer and receive items (ID, cards, gifts) with both hands.
- Names & titles. Surnames come first. If you’re unsure, a simple “Ni hao” (hello) is fine.
Dining Basics
- Shared dishes: Try a little of each dish before loading up. Leave a small amount to show you’re full (not a hard rule, but common).
- Chopsticks: Don’t stick chopsticks upright in a bowl, and avoid tapping bowls.
- Toasts: You’ll hear “ganbei” at meals. If you clink glasses with someone older, tilt your rim slightly lower than theirs.
- Shoes: In homes and some guesthouses, you’ll remove shoes at the door.
Tipping & Bargaining
- Tipping: Not part of daily life in mainland China. It may be expected at high‑end restaurants, hotels, and by tour guides; add a little if the service was outstanding.
- Bargaining: Normal at markets and souvenir streets. Start low, smile, and settle at a price you’re happy with. Use wallet apps or cash.
Photos & Privacy
- Ask before close‑ups of people, temple staff, or street performers. Some sites restrict tripods or flash, check signs.
Temples & Historic Sites
- Dress modestly and follow quiet‑area signs. Don’t touch relics or step over prayer cushions.
Useful Phrases
- Xiexie, Thank you
- Bu yao, xiexie, No thanks
- Qing da kai yibian, Please open the meter
- Wo dui… guo min, I’m allergic to…
Packing & Power Checklist
Power & Tech
- Voltage: 220V / 50Hz.
- Plugs: Mainland sockets commonly take Type I (three‑flat) and often Type A/C in hotels. Bring a universal adapter and a small power strip.
- Chargers & power bank: A compact USB‑C PD charger and a 10,000–20,000 mAh power bank (carry‑on only) cover long train days.
- SIM/eSIM: Install before you fly where possible; keep a paper copy of the QR code.
Documents & Money
- Passport with 6+ months validity, visa (if required), COVA printouts, appointment proof, and a couple of passport photos.
- Travel insurance with medical cover.
- Cards: 1–2 low‑FX‑fee cards linked in Alipay/WeChat Pay; ¥300–¥500 in small notes for day one.
Clothes & Weather
- Layers for spring/autumn; light fabrics for summer; a warm coat for northern winters (Harbin is very cold).
- Comfortable shoes for long metro transfers and station walks.
- Compact umbrella or light rain jacket.
Apps to Set Up
- Alipay or WeChat for payments.
- DiDi for ride‑hailing.
- Maps: Apple/Google Maps plus Amap or Baidu Maps; download offline maps.
- Translate: Google or Microsoft Translator; Pleco for a reliable dictionary.
- Trains: 12306 or a trusted booking partner.
Travelling to China would be fun and seamless if you’d prepare ahead of time. So pick the right season, sort your visa and SIM, set up mobile payments, use HSR and metros, stay street‑smart, mind the basics, and you’re good to go. Hope this China guide helped you for your upcoming trip.