Guide to the first tourist trip to China

China is a country of contrasts, where ancient temples coexist with skyscrapers, and traditions are intertwined with technology. The first trip may seem daunting due to the language barrier and cultural peculiarities, but with the right preparation it will be an unforgettable adventure. Here are the key points that will help you feel confident.

Preparations for travel

Visa regime

• Most tourists need a visa to enter China. For Russian citizens, a transit stay without a visa is valid for up to 10 days in some cities, if you have a ticket to a third country.
• If you fly there and back without transit, apply for a tourist visa (type L) in advance through the consulate or visa center.
• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip.

Comfort applications

• VPN: In China, Instagram, Facebook, Google, Telegram, WhatsApp and many Western sites are blocked. Install a VPN in advance, otherwise downloading it on site will be problematic. I recommend it. VPN.
• Pleco or Google Translate: Translator with the function of offline dictionary and recognition of characters through the camera. If it doesn’t work, try Yandex Translator.
• Baidu Maps: Chinese alternative to Google Maps, where you can build routes on public transport. Even if the interface seems complicated, just choose the right points on the map.

Health and insurance

• Get travel insurance covering medical expenses. In China, medicine is not too expensive, but almost everyone speaks only Chinese. On insurance, you will be sent to the hospital, where there will be an interpreter or a Russian-speaking administrator.
• Take with you the usual medicines: poisoning, heartburn, headache, fever - it is better to be ready than to look for analogues on the spot. I hope you don't need them!

National movement

Transportation

1. Trains:

• High-speed trains (G- and D-series) are the best way to travel between cities.
• Tickets can be bought on Trip.com or at the ticket office (there is a special window where English is spoken). If you have any problems, use an interpreter on your phone.

2. Metro:

• In major cities, the metro is convenient and cheap, all schemes are duplicated in English.

3. Taxi:

• Use Didi (an analogue of Uber), the app supports English.

4. Car rental:

• To rent a car, you need Chinese rights, international universities are not accepted.
• Driving in China is addictive, so it is better not to complicate your life.

5. Driver transfer:

• If you do not want to understand public transport, you can order a transfer with a driver (for example, from me).

Always wear your hotel card in Chinese. If you get lost, show it to the taxi driver - you will be quickly taken back.

Navigation

• Street signs are often duplicated in English, but only hieroglyphs can be found in the outback.
• Keep the names of hotels and attractions in Chinese notes or take pictures of them.

Language and communication

Outside.
In China, almost no one speaks English, despite compulsory language learning in schools. However, young people are increasingly mastering it, so there is a chance to find a interlocutor.

At the hotel.
Large chain hotels always have English-speaking staff at reception.

Internet and communications

• Buy a local SIM card (China Mobile, China Unicom) at the airport. You'll need a passport to activate it.
• Get an eSIM. In advance on any online service.
• If you need a regular number, turn on the international roaming.

Cultural nuances

Food and etiquette

• Don’t put sticks vertically in rice, it’s a funeral symbol. Foreigners are forgiven, but it is better not to.
• Don't be afraid of street food. If there are many locals in the cafe, the food is safe.
• Do not drink raw water or put ice in drinks in small cafes. It is better to drink bottled water or boiled tea.
• Street cafes may not have picture menus. Just look at what others are ordering and point with your finger.

Tipping

• Tips are not accepted in restaurants and taxis.
• The exception is excursion guides (50-100 yuan).
• However, in small cafes, where the owner cooks, it is customary to leave a little more. The main thing is to do it unnoticed - otherwise you will catch up and get your money back.

Photography

• Do not take pictures of military or government facilities.
• Do not photograph people up close without their permission (although the Chinese themselves often photograph foreigners).
• Drones are prohibited in cities.

Security and money

Payment

• Major cities accept UnionPay (if your card supports it).
• Visa and Mastercard work in hotels and shopping centers, but not everywhere.
• Cash yuan (CNY) is better to carry, especially in the province.

Security advice

• Beware of pickpockets in tourist spots.
• Be wary of friendly strangers offering excursions or help.
• Avoid shopping in tourist areas – higher prices and worse quality.
• Trade in the markets! The Chinese love bargaining, and sometimes even get offended if you don't.
• Do not pick up other people's belongings (such as wallets) - you may be accused of theft. Just point to the owner.

See what?

China is huge, and in one trip you can not go around it. All the main attractions can be found on the Internet (or I can make a selection at your request).

Advice for saving time and quality rest and
If you want to avoid the chaos of self-planning, use the services of a travel expert or local guide. They:

• They will create a personalized route.
• Help me buy tickets without queues.
• Organize excursions to unique places.
• Explain cultural nuances and rules of behavior.

China is a country where there are always surprises, but they make travel unique. Learn the culture in advance, download the right apps and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Have a good trip! (Yīlù shùnfēng - "Transfer wind!")