Planning your first trip to China? You’re in for a truly unforgettable experience where ancient landmarks, futuristic skylines, spicy street food, and cutting-edge tech all coexist in one country. Whether you’re wandering through centuries-old temples or gliding across the country on a bullet train, China is full of contrasts that make it unlike anywhere else in the world.
That said, China operates very differently from most Western countries, especially when it comes to everyday travel logistics. You’ll need to adjust to things like blocked Western apps/websites, mobile-based payments, and language barriers. However, with a few key tools and the right prep, it’s easier than you might think.
That’s why we’ve put together these 10 essential tips to help you navigate it all smoothly—so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying the adventure.
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Bonus: Use code ANGKLOOK or ANGELIAKLOOK on Klook for 10% off if you’re a new user, or for 3% off if you’re an existing one for all of the Klook links!
1. 📲 China Visa Tips: Visa-Free Entry & Tourist Visas
If you’re thinking about visiting China, it’s best to start planning 2–3 months in advance, especially if you need a visa.
Travelers from 55 countries (including many in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania) can now enter China visa-free for up to 10 days (240 hours). Check the official list of countries eligible for visa-free entry to China here.
But if you’re planning to stay longer or your country isn’t on the visa-free list, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa). The application process can take time, so we recommend starting at least 8–12 weeks before your trip to avoid any stress.
Here’s what you’ll need for your visa application:
- ✈️ A confirmed round-trip flight itinerary
- 🏨 Your hotel reservations in each city for the trip
- 🛂 A passport that’s valid for at least 6 months from your trip
Pro tip: Even if you’re eligible for visa-free entry, make sure to have a confirmed flight back home. Immigration will want to see it!
2. 📲 Set Up Your Phone Before You Go
Before you land in China, it’s crucial to get your phone travel-ready. Internet access works differently here. Many Western apps/websites are blocked, and mobile data is essential for everything from navigation to payments. Setting up a VPN and eSIM ahead of time will save you major headaches on arrival.
- Get a China-compatible eSIM: use an eSIM like Holafly or Airalo so you’ll have data as soon as you land. It’s especially helpful for calling a taxi, checking translations, or showing hotel confirmations at the arrivals gate.
- Download a VPN (if needed): Many Western apps like Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp are blocked on wifi in China. If you want to access them during your trip, make sure to download a reliable VPN or China-compatible eSIM before you arrive (they’re often blocked once you’re there). We used Astrill and had a smooth experience throughout our trip.
3. 💳 Set Up Alipay & WeChat to Pay for Everything in China
Nearly everywhere in China, like restaurants, shops, taxis, and street food stalls, accept mobile payment through Alipay or WeChat Pay, and you can link a foreign credit card to these accounts. Physical credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay often don’t work, so setting up one (or both) of these apps is essential!
There’s a 3% fee for using an international card on Alipay and WeChat, but it’s waived for purchases under 200 CNY (about $27 USD).
We recommend downloading and linking both, just in case you run into issues or a vendor only accepts one platform.
💡 At many restaurants and cafes, you’ll scan a QR code at your table or near the counter to access a digital menu, place your order, and pay, all within the app. The menu may only be available through either Alipay or WeChat, so having both is helpful. It’s fast, seamless, and often the only way to order.
✅ To Use Alipay:
- Download Alipay (iOS) (android) and select the international version during sign-up. We preferred Alipay because the app automatically translates most text and menus into English.
- Link your foreign credit/debit card directly in the app
- Tap “Scan” to scan a merchant’s QR code, or “Pay” to display your code for the cashier
✅ To Use WeChat:
- Download WeChat (iOS) (android)
- Go to Me > Services > Wallet > Cards and link your foreign credit/debit card. Some users may need to try a few times so be patient!
- Use the “+” icon > Money > Receive/Pay to scan or display QR codes
- Bonus: It has a handy translation feature for menus and chats on the sidebar
4. 🚖 Getting Around China: DiDi, AMaps & Public Transit Tips
Getting around China is surprisingly smooth once you have the right apps set up. Here’s how we navigated everything from taxis to subways with zero stress:
🚗 DiDi: China’s Uber Alternative
Download the DiDi Rider: Affordable rides (iOS) (android) app (make sure it’s the China mainland version, not the international one) for easy and affordable rides.
- Fares are cheaper than in Western countries (a 20-minute ride might only cost 20-40 CNY (~$3-$6) in a Tier 2 city)
- The app has English support for key features like pickup points, ride types, and destinations
- Just like Uber: enter your destination, confirm your ride, and pay using Alipay or WeChat Pay
🗺️ Best Navigation App in China: AMaps
Since Google Maps doesn’t work well in China, AMaps (iOS) (android) is the go-to app for accurate directions.
- You can switch to English (the setting is a bit hidden; check under profile > settings)
- For best results, search destinations using Chinese characters
(Tip: Copy and paste names from Google Translate or Dianping) - AMaps also includes real-time public transit info, walking directions, and estimated fares
🚇 Taking Public Transit in China: What Tourists Need to Know:
Metro systems in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu are incredibly efficient. Each city in China has its own city-specific transit card app on Alipay, so try to set this up before you intend to use it.
- You can tap in and out using your phone; just scan via Alipay
- In Alipay, search for your city’s transit card in the “Transport” section to activate it. Make sure you set up a transit card for each city you intend to use public transportation!
- AMaps helps you plan routes, view real-time schedules, and find the best exits
Getting around was one of the smoothest parts of our trip, and once you’re set up with these apps, you won’t need a physical transit card or even cash!
5. 🚄 Booking Trains & Hotels in China
Traveling across China is surprisingly seamless once you know which tools to use, and Trip.com (iOS) (android) is our go-to app for booking both trains and hotels with an English-friendly interface and international payment support.
In many cases, taking the train is actually more efficient than flying, especially between nearby major cities. High-speed trains in China are fast, punctual, and drop you right in the city center, saving you the long airport commute and check-in time.
🚅 China High-Speed Train Tips for Tourists
China’s high-speed rail network is one of the best in the world. To book tickets in English and pay with an international card, we recommend booking trains on Trip.com here:
- Purchase and store high-speed train tickets directly in the app
- Use your passport number to book tickets, and bring your physical passport to get through security at the station
- For less frequent routes (like Wulong Karst or Zhangjiajie), book in advance to lock in your seat since the better seats sell out quickly
- Upgrade your seat for extra comfort! Business class and first class have wider, quieter seating. On local or overnight trains, sleeper cabins are a game-changer compared to standard seats.
🏨 Hotel Bookings: What to Know as a Foreigner
Booking hotels in China was surprisingly easy, especially when using the right platform. We found Trip.com to be the most reliable and foreigner-friendly option throughout our trip for a few reasons:
- Many hotels on Trip.com offered free cancellation up to the day of check-in, which gave us flexibility in case plans changed
- Prices were often cheaper than for the same listings on Expedia or Booking.com
- We had two hotel bookings through Expedia that got canceled because we couldn’t check in and pay before the front desks closed. With Trip.com, we were able to prepay in advance and still get free cancellation, which made the whole process way less stressful, especially for late arrivals.
6. 🍜 How to Find & Order Food in China (Apps + Tips)
Food was one of our highlights while traveling in China, but ordering can feel intimidating at first. With the right apps (and a few translation tricks), you’ll be discovering local gems and enjoying hotpot in no time.
🍽️ To Find Restaurants: Use Dianping (大众点评)
Think of Dianping (iOS) (android) as the Chinese version of Yelp + TikTok. It’s packed with user reviews, short videos, and tons of photos that help you decide where (and what) to eat.
- The app is only in Chinese, so you have to use another translation app or rely on photos + videos
- Look for spots with high ratings and lots of recent food pics
- Screenshot or bookmark places you want to try; super helpful if you need to show it to a taxi driver or hotel staff for help later
🛵 Meituan: China’s Food & Essentials Delivery App
Too tired to go out? Meituan (iOS) (android) is China’s #1 delivery app, and it’s not just for food. While most people use it to order takeout, you can also get everyday essentials delivered right to your hotel. We even ordered a steamer and cables during our trip!
- Link your Alipay/WeChat Pay account to pay
- While the app is entirely in Chinese, you can still get by:
- Use Google Translate’s camera mode to scan and translate menus in real time
- Rely on food photos and star ratings to decide what to order (just like browsing a visual menu)
7. 🎟️ How to Book Attractions in China
For a hassle-free way to book attractions, activities, and local experiences in China, we recommend using Trip.com or Klook (Klook is our favorite!). Both platforms are in English, and they’re super easy to navigate—even if you don’t speak the language.
🛂 Important: Many attractions will scan your physical passport as your ticket, so don’t forget to bring it with you when heading out for the day.
- Book everything from skip-the-line attraction tickets to guided tours and cultural experiences
- Most tickets are issued as mobile QR codes; just show your phone at the entrance, no printing needed
- On Klook, you can also pre-book eSIMs, airport transfers, metro cards, and even theme park passes, all before you land
💡 Pro Tip: Use code ANGKLOOK or ANGELIAKLOOK on Klook for 10% off as a new user or 3% off if you’re a returning customer!
8. 🈯 Dealing with Language Barriers: Best Translation Apps
Most people in China primarily speak Mandarin, and English is not widely used, even in airports, train stations, or restaurants. Outside of major international hotels or tourist attractions, you’ll rarely find English signage or staff who speak it. That’s why having a reliable way to translate on the go is essential.
📥 Before your trip, make sure to download the Baidu Translate app (iOS) (android). It’s one of the most effective translation tools for China, especially since Google Translate is blocked and many locals use Baidu as their go-to.
Here’s what helped us the most:
- 📱 WeChat’s built-in translator – Long-press any message in a chat and tap “Translate” for quick, real-time translation.
- 🌐 Baidu Translate’s camera mode – A lifesaver for reading menus, signs, and labels; just point your camera and get an instant translation, even offline.
- 📥 Download the Chinese language pack in Baidu Translate so you can use all features (including camera mode) without internet access, especially useful in subways or remote areas.
9. 🚻 Toilets in China: What to Expect & What to Pack
Squat toilets are still common in public restrooms, especially in rural areas and smaller towns. In Tier 1 cities like Beijing and Shanghai, you’ll mostly find western-style toilets in hotels, malls, and newer attractions.
Quick tips:
- 🧻 Carry toilet paper or tissues — many public restrooms don’t provide any
- 🧴 Bring hand sanitizer or wipes — soap isn’t always available
10. Best Time to Visit China in 2025 + National Holidays to Avoid
For the most comfortable weather, the best times to visit China are generally spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring brings fresh blooms and a vibrant energy across the country, while autumn is drier, cooler, and ideal for outdoor sightseeing. Keep in mind, though, that optimal travel times can vary by region. What’s ideal in the mountains of Zhangjiajie may be different from the cities of the east coast.
That said, try to avoid major public and school holidays, when millions of locals travel, prices surge, and crowds fill popular attractions. These peak times include:
- 🧧 Chinese New Year (January/February)
- 🇨🇳 Golden Week (October 1–7)
- 📅 May Day (May 1–3)
- 🎓 Summer school holidays (late June–August)
Final Tips:
- 📵 Don’t rely on Google Maps or WhatsApp – Both are blocked in China. Use AMaps for navigation and WeChat for messaging and day-to-day communication.
- 🧾 Carry your passport with you – Some hotels, attractions, and even train stations may ask to see it.
- 📷 Screenshot Chinese addresses – Save the name and address of your hotel or restaurant in Chinese (from Trip.com or Dianping) to show taxi drivers or locals if needed.
- 📲 Get an eSIM before you land – Install a China-compatible eSIM (we used Holafly or Airalo) before your trip so you have mobile data the moment you arrive. This makes it easier to call a DiDi, scan QR codes, or translate on the go, especially at the airport or train station.
