Getting around, staying healthy, understanding local customs, and knowing what to pack — all in one simple guide for first-time visitors to China.
China has excellent public transport that is very affordable. Here are the main options, from easiest to most adventurous.
Didi is China's equivalent of Uber. You use it on your smartphone to book a taxi or private car. It's cheaper than street taxis and the driver always comes to you — no hunting for cabs on the street!
Didi has an English version. Download it before you travel. You can pay through Alipay or WeChat Pay — no cash needed.
China's major cities — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu — have world-class metro systems that are clean, cheap, and easy to use. Signs are in both Chinese and English.
Tip: Buy a rechargeable metro card at the station. It's cheaper than single tickets and accepted on buses too!
China's high-speed rail (bullet train) network is spectacular. Travelling from Beijing to Shanghai (1,300 km) takes just 4–5 hours by train — faster and easier than flying!
Book tickets at 12306.cn (the official site) or through Trip.com/Ctrip. Book in advance, especially for busy routes.
Baidu Maps works inside China without a VPN and is more accurate for Chinese locations. Google Maps works with a VPN and may be more comfortable if you are already familiar with it.
Tip: Download offline maps for your destination before you leave your hotel each morning.
If you do take a street taxi, always make sure the meter is running. Taxi fares should always be metered — never agree to a fixed price before getting in. Carry your hotel's name and address written in Chinese to show the driver.
Air pollution can be an issue in some Chinese cities, particularly in northern China during autumn and winter. Here is what you need to know.
Download the AQI China app or visit aqicn.org to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your city each morning. An AQI below 50 is excellent; 50–100 is fine for healthy adults; over 150, consider wearing a mask outdoors.
Bring a handful of KN95 or N95 face masks from home. Standard surgical masks offer very little protection from pollution particles. KN95 masks are widely available at Chinese pharmacies (药店 / yàodiàn) if you run out.
Generally better: Southern cities (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu in spring/summer), coastal cities, and Yunnan Province are often cleaner. More variable: Beijing (can be excellent or poor depending on weather), Shanghai, Wuhan, Zhengzhou — check before you go.
Do not drink tap water in China. Always drink bottled water, which is very cheap and available everywhere. Your hotel will usually provide complimentary bottled water in your room. Large bottles from supermarkets cost as little as ¥2–3 (about 30p / 40¢).
Check with your doctor or a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure about any recommended vaccinations for China (e.g., Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis if visiting rural areas). Ensure your travel insurance covers medical treatment in China. Carry a copy of any prescription medicines with the original packaging.
Chinese culture has a few customs that might be different from what you're used to. Being aware of them will earn you lots of goodwill!
• Accept food, drinks, and gifts with both hands as a sign of respect.
• Take off your shoes when entering someone's home (always) or some temples.
• Let elderly passengers on buses and metros have your seat — it's expected.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples and sacred sites.
• Carry business cards with both hands and read the other person's card carefully before putting it away.
• Don't stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice — it resembles incense at a funeral.
• Don't write anyone's name in red ink — this has negative connotations in Chinese culture.
• Don't give clocks as gifts — in Chinese, "giving a clock" sounds like "attending a funeral".
• Avoid pointing with your index finger — use an open hand instead.
• Don't discuss sensitive political topics. Keep conversations friendly and travel-focused.
In Chinese restaurants, dishes are typically shared in the centre of the table. It's polite to serve others before serving yourself. "Gan bei!" (干杯 / gahn-bay) means "Cheers!" when clinking glasses. Never pour your own drink — fill others' glasses first and someone will refill yours. The host (whoever organised the meal) usually pays — going Dutch is less common in China.
Tick off each item as you pack! This list is specifically designed for visitors to China.
Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
China visa — printed copy (or check if your nationality gets visa-free entry)
Digital arrival card QR code — screenshot saved to phone AND printed copy
Travel insurance documents — including 24hr emergency phone number
Chinese Yuan cash — at least ¥1,000 for your first few days
International credit/debit card — notify your bank you're travelling to China
Hotel addresses in Chinese — printed on paper for every accommodation
Emergency contact list — your country's embassy number in China, doctor at home, travel insurance number
VPN app downloaded and tested — done BEFORE leaving home (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Astrill recommended)
Alipay set up — international edition with your bank card linked
Translation app installed — Google Translate (with offline Chinese pack) or Youdao Translate
Didi taxi app installed — for getting around cities
Universal power adapter — China uses Type A and Type I plugs (same as UK blade, but also flat 2-pin — a universal adapter covers all)
Portable power bank (charged) — very useful for long sightseeing days
Offline maps downloaded — for your cities in Google Maps or Baidu Maps
KN95 face masks — pack at least 10–15 for a two-week trip
Prescription medications — carry original packaging and a doctor's note in English and Chinese if possible
Hand sanitiser — available in China but good to have with you always
Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk a great deal more than at home. Ensure shoes are worn in!
Layers for weather — China's climate varies enormously by region and season. Mornings and evenings can be cool even in summer in northern cities.
Wet wipes / travel tissues — some older public toilets don't always have paper
Small umbrella — useful for both rain and intense summer sun
We strongly recommend printing this entire checklist and ticking items off as you pack. Also print your hotel addresses, your VPN account details, and the key phrases from our language guide. If your phone battery dies or you lose your phone, having printed backups could make all the difference.
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