Essential Tips If You Are Visiting China for the First Time

Embarking on your first journey to China can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. As one of the world’s oldest civilizations with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and modernity, China offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology.

Understanding the essentials of traveling in China can significantly enhance your experience. In this Pacific Prime Hong Kong post, we provide you with essential China travel tips to ensure your first visit to China is as smooth and enjoyable as can be.

Preparing for Your Trip

Before heading to China, there are several important factors to consider and prepare for. From understanding local customs to securing the necessary travel documents, proper preparation can make a world of difference in your travel experience.

Things to Know Before Going to China

China operates differently from many Western countries in a number of ways, and being aware of the things to know before going to China can help you avoid confusion or cultural faux pas:

Cash is not king: Unlike many countries, China has largely transitioned to a cashless society. Mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used, even by street vendors.

Internet restrictions: Many popular Western websites and apps, including Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp, are blocked in Mainland China. Consider downloading a VPN before your trip if you need access to these services.

Respect local customs: China has its own set of social norms. For instance, it’s customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, and tipping is generally not expected in restaurants.

Be prepared for crowds: China is one of the world’s most populous countries, and popular tourist sites can get extremely crowded, especially during national holidays.

Applying for Your Visa or Travel Permit

Most foreign visitors to China require a visa. The process can be time-consuming, so it’s best to start well in advance of your planned trip:

For tourists: Apply for a tourist visa (L visa) at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. You’ll need to provide your passport, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photo, and proof of your travel itinerary.

For Hong Kong permanent residents: As of July 2024, Hong Kong permanent residents, including those with foreign passports, can apply for a five-year multi-entry travel permit. This permit allows stays of up to 90 days per visit for purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting relatives.

For business travelers: If you have an APEC Business Travel Card with approved entry to China, you can enter with just your card and passport.

Remember, visa requirements can change, so always check the most up-to-date information from official sources before planning your trip.

Entering China

Upon arrival in China, you’ll need to go through immigration. Below are the key steps in the immigration process:

Have your documents ready: Keep your passport, visa or travel permit, and arrival card (if required) easily accessible.
Fingerprint verification: Most visitors will need to undergo fingerprint verification at immigration.
Customs declaration: Be prepared to fill out a customs declaration form, especially if you’re carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.
Health checks: Be aware that health screenings may be conducted, particularly in the wake of global health events. It’s also very important to check what proof of vaccination must be produced at immigration when preparing for your trip.

During Your Stay in China

Once you’ve entered China, there are several key aspects to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay:

Language Matters

While English is increasingly common in major cities, especially in the tourism industry, it’s not widely spoken throughout China. Luckily, there are a few simple steps that can smooth things out considerably:

Learn basic Mandarin phrases: Even simple greetings like “nǐ hǎo” (hello) and “xièxie” (thank you) can go a long way. Another useful phrase to learn is “duō shǎo qián?” (how much?).

Use translation apps: Apps like Pleco or Baidu Translate can be lifesavers when trying to communicate with locals.

Carry a card with your hotel’s address in Chinese characters: This can be invaluable when trying to explain to a taxi driver where you need to go.

Making Payments

As mentioned earlier, China is largely a cashless society. So, if possible, set up mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay before your trip. Many places, including taxis and small vendors, prefer or only accept these methods.

However, while not as widely used, it’s still good to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller establishments or in case of technical issues.

As usual, before you board the plane, inform your bank where you are going and for how long (bearing in mind that you may end up spending a couple more days in China due to bad weather, flight cancellations, and the like). This way, you can avoid any issues with your cards being blocked for suspicious activity.

Using the Internet

Navigating the internet in China requires some preparation. Currently, sites like Google and Facebook are not available in Mainland China. If you need access to these and similar sites, consider setting up a VPN on your devices before entering China. However, not all VPNs will work in Mainland China, so it’s a good idea to ask around first.

It will also make your trip a lot smoother if you familiarize yourself with Chinese alternatives to common apps. For example, you can use Baidu Maps or Apple Maps in place of Google Maps, and DiDi instead of Uber for ride-hailing.

Last but certainly not least, a local SIM card can provide you with more reliable internet access and make it easier to use local apps.

Other Things to Know

Every country has its own cultural norms and practices that visitors should understand. In China, being aware of local customs, food safety, and transportation options will enhance your experience and ensure respectful interactions during your stay. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

Public transportation: China has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. High-speed trains are a great way to travel between cities.

Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or national holidays.

Food safety: While Chinese cuisine is delicious, be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach. Stick to bottled water and avoid tap water.

Respect local customs: Be mindful of cultural differences. For example, it’s considered impolite to stick your chopsticks upright in your rice.

Top 10 Must-See Places in China

China is vast and diverse, and its vast landscape offers countless attractions. Each region offers unique experiences, from the bustling metropolises of the east coast to the rugged landscapes of the west. Here are just ten of the places you absolutely should visit:

The Great Wall: This iconic structure stretches over 13,000 miles and is a testament to China’s rich history.

The Forbidden City, Beijing: Once home to Chinese emperors, this vast palace complex is now a museum showcasing imperial treasures.

Terracotta Army, Xi’an: Discover thousands of life-sized clay warriors buried with China’s first emperor.

Li River, Guilin: Cruise down this picturesque river surrounded by karst mountains for breathtaking scenery.

The Bund, Shanghai: Stroll along this waterfront area to admire the contrast between colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: The inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar, this park offers stunning natural beauty.

West Lake, Hangzhou: This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its scenic beauty and cultural relics.

Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan Province: Another UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its natural beauty, multicolored lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests.

Yellow Mountains (Huangshan): Known for its peculiarly-shaped granite peaks and pine trees, often shrouded in mist.

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Chengdu: Get up close with China’s national treasure at this conservation center.

Getting Properly Insured for Your Trip

While you are understandably excited about visiting China, you should remember that to truly enjoy your trip, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are covered for the various eventualities of life is a must-have.

That’s where Pacific Prime Hong Kong comes in. With more than two decades of experience in insurance, we are well aware of the needs of visitors like you. Whether it’s expat health, international health, or other types of insurance, we have the expertise to tailor a plan that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Moreover, our support and advice will not cost you extra, and our recommendations will offer the best value for your money. So, contact us for a FREE, no-obligation plan comparison today!

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Martin Lee

Content Creator at Pacific Prime Hong Kong

Martin is a writer and translator with over 10 years of experience. He writes articles and blog posts, creates infographics and videos, translates between Chinese and English, and more. Skilled at explaining complicated concepts in layman’s terms, Martin believes the gold standard of translation is attained when the translated text is not only accurate, but also reads like an original text. Martin holds a degree in Economics from the University of London, UK.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.

In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.

Essential Tips If You Are Visiting China for the First Time