Planning your very first trip to China? Exciting! China is a country full of rich culture, incredible history, and jaw-dropping sights—but it’s also a place with a few unique travel quirks. Whether you’re heading to Beijing, Shanghai, or Xi’an, this guide will help you prepare like a pro.
Here are some essential tips for a smooth and stress-free trip to China:
🚫 Avoid Traveling During China’s Public Holidays
While it may seem fun to experience local celebrations, China’s major holidays often mean crowded attractions, packed trains, and sky-high hotel prices.
Here are the main holiday dates to avoid:
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) – Dates vary (usually late Jan or Feb, lasts 1 week)
- Labor Day (May 1st – 5th) – Expect busy tourist spots and sold-out train tickets
- National Day Holiday (October 1st – 7th) – Known as Golden Week, this is one of the busiest times to travel
✏️ Pro Tip: Traveling just before or after these dates can save you time, money, and stress.
📱 Download These Must-Have Chinese Apps
Many services in China are app-based. Having the right apps will make your trip much smoother. Here are the most helpful apps for foreign travelers:
- WeChat (微信) – Essential for messaging, group chats, mobile payment, and even translation features.
- Alipay (支付宝) – Widely used for payments, ride-hailing, public transportation, and hotel check-ins.
- Didi (滴滴出行) – The Chinese version of Uber—reliable and easy to use with English interface options.
- AutoNavi (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图) – Accurate map apps for navigating cities and public transport.
- Meituan (美团) or Ele.me (饿了么) – Popular food delivery apps where you can order from local restaurants and have meals delivered to your hotel.
- Pleco – A highly rated offline Chinese-English dictionary that’s perfect for travelers and language learners.
🛑 Note: Some apps may require a local phone number or Chinese SIM card for full functionality.
💳 Paying in China: Card or Cash?
- Mobile payments dominate in China—locals mostly use WeChat Pay or Alipay. Both apps now support linking foreign credit cards.
- Credit cards (Visa/MasterCard) are accepted at large hotels, luxury stores, international chain restaurants, and some major tourist attractions. However, they are not widely accepted at small shops or local eateries.
- Cash is still useful, especially at street stalls, small restaurants, or in rural areas. Bring small bills—many places don’t give change.
💡 Tip: Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay before your trip, and carry some cash for backup—especially in smaller cities or traditional markets.
