The last time I was in China was back in 2011, when I visited Beijing, and a lot has changed since then. On this trip to China, I was planning to visit Shanghai, Hengdian World Studios in Zhejiang, Hangzhou, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), Guangzhou, and Shenzhen (along with a day trip to Hong Kong and a layover in Tokyo, Japan). Seeing everything on social media and hearing my dad talk about all the advancements over the years had me feeling both excited and overwhelmed, and I really didn’t think I could do this trip without him since he’s been many times and speaks the language much better than I do. Even with some familiarity, I found myself struggling at times and saw plenty of foreigners in the same boat, often relying on personal tour guides or translators. If you don’t speak any Chinese, I’d highly recommend traveling with someone who does – especially in smaller cities, hiring a local guide, or at least having the right apps downloaded before you go. That’s why I also put together this guide full of practical China travel tips to make your trip smoother, less stressful, and more enjoyable.
China is one of those destinations that completely resets what you think travel should be. It’s ancient and futuristic all at once – with centuries-old temples standing next to sleek skyscrapers, and cash-free payments dominating daily life. It’s fascinating, historic, and rapidly modern, but it’s also very different from many countries when it comes to culture, communication, and even basic travel logistics.
I’ll be honest – China isn’t the easiest destination for first-timers. But with a bit of preparation, it’s one of the most rewarding places you’ll ever visit. This post isn’t your typical travel guide, and it’s the real things travelers need to know before arriving.
After my recent experience, I’ve broken down everything into key categories – from apps and transportation to local etiquette and more – so you can feel confident, avoid surprises, and possibly minimize culture shock, making the most of your time in this incredible country – because let’s be honest, China isn’t for the weak.
Essential China Travel Tips
Before you dive into the sights and cultural experience, it’s worth understanding how things work day-to-day in China. These next sections break down all the essential China travel tips you’ll need so you can travel confidently and actually enjoy the experience instead of feeling lost or frustrated.
1 – Visa And Entry Requirements
Although China has made travel slightly easier in recent years with the 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit programs for major cities, however, it only applies if you’re transitioning through and have confirmed flights to a third country (for example: Toronto to Shanghai to Tokyo). If you’re planning to visit multiple cities or stay longer than a few days, you’ll need to apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa).
For most travelers from Canada or the US, this means applying 2 to 3 months before your trip. And you’ll need the following:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months before expiry
- Round-trip flight confirmations
- Hotel bookings for your entire stay (or an invitation letter if you’re staying with someone)
- A detailed itinerary (city by city)
- A recent photo meeting specific size and background requirements (I took mine at home with my husband’s help, but you can get one taken at a studio or photo center, and they can provide you with a digital copy to upload for the visa application).
You can apply for the visa on the Chinese Visa Application Center site, and make sure you read all the instructions before you start applying. The website is very basic and not very intuitive, so read every instruction carefully before filling out and submitting your form so that you get approved the first time. Even a small typo or mismatch (like a missing hotel name or incorrect date) can result in your application being rejected. I actually filled mine out online 3 times (just had to make a minor correction) before I got it right enough to print – so make sure to double check multiple times before you go in person to avoid having to re-visit or create a new application on the spot and find a printer.
Once you’ve submitted your application online, you will get a PDF version with a bar code to print so that you can submit your application in person. If you forget or make a mistake, they’ll make you reapply and reprint on-site, which can waste a lot of time and effort.
I did mine in Downtown Toronto, and processing took 1 week (5 business days), though you can pay extra for express service. The visa allows for single or multiple entries, and stays up to 30 days per visit. I selected multi-entry because I had to go to Hong Kong in between the trip, and it allows me to visit in the future as well. They ended up giving me the visa with multi-entry for 9 years (just a little bit before my passport expires).
When you arrive in China, foreign visitors need to complete an arrival card. Since November 20, 2025, you can now skip the paper form and fill out everything online in advance. This saves time at the airport and avoids long lines. Just download the NIA 12367 app or open the “Foreigner Service > Arrival Card / Entry Declaration” mini program in Alipay or WeChat. You fill in your trail details and once submitted, you’ll get a QR code – just show that to immigration instead of fill out paper. If you prefer paper, they usually hand it to you close to the end of your flight, or you can get some at the airport.
2 – Seasonal Weather And When To Visit
Spring (March to May) – This is one of the best times to visit – and I went in May on my first trip to China. Temperatures are mild, flowers are in full bloom (especially in parks and gardens), and air quality tends to be better after winter. It’s ideal for sightseeing and walking-heavy itineraries, though bring a light jacket because evenings can still be a little cool.
Summer (June to August) – Expect hot, humid weather and large crowds, especially at top attractions. Temperatures can easily hit 35°C in cities like Shanghai or Beijing. It’s also the rainy season in many regions, so pack breathable clothes, sunscreen, and an umbrella. On the plus side, it’s when everything’s most vibrant – night markets, festivals, and longer days.
Fall (September to November) – This is the sweet spot for visiting China, and also when I visited for the second time. You get clear skies, comfortable temperatures (but it’s also a little hot in some regions in September and October – such as Shanghai and Zhejiang, where the temperatures were in the low 30s), and fewer crowds once school holidays end. Fall or autumn is also harvest season, which means great local produce and stunning fall colors in certain regions.
Winter (December to February) – Northern China gets cold, often below freezing – but this is when you’ll find attractions like the famous Harbin Ice Festival happening and fewer tourists overall. Southern China stays mild, so it’s a good time for food and culture trips without the heat or humidity.
I do suggest avoiding major holidays – China’s Golden Week holidays (May 1-3 and October 1-7) are when nearly the entire country travels domestically. Trains, flights, and attractions will be packed, hotel prices will spike, and there will be fewer availabilities for accommodations. The streets will be so full that it’ll be close to impossible to walk. If you can, travel right before or after these dates instead. For my recent trip, I visited the week right after the October holiday, and it was perfect – extremely small crowds, to the point that some areas I went to felt like I had it to myself, especially when I was at Hengdian World Studios.
3 – Staying Connected: eSIM, Wi-Fi, And VPN
As you know, China has strict internet firewalls, so make sure you download everything you’ll need – VPN, maps, and Chinese payment apps – before you go.
eSIMs – Not all eSIMs are the same. I used two different ones on my trip because I ran out of the 10GB from TravSim that I originally got from Amazon (which had worked very well), as I had forgotten to download movies before leaving, so I ended up buying 5GB more – but from Airalo (use code DANA8214 for $3 off Airalo eSIMs). Otherwise, 10 GB was a perfect amount of data for just over 2 weeks in China and using it to its capacity each day – including times when Wi-Fi was not accessible at hotels. However, if you are not traveling with someone who has a local phone number, make sure to get an eSIM that has one – not just data only as many Chinese apps require text verification, and you’ll save a lot of money avoiding international phone charges. Note: Some eSIMs mess with iMessage – just turn it off and back on a few times and just reselect the number or email you want to use.
China has 3 major telecom providers – China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. TravSim and Airalo eSIMs use international roaming partnerships, often through China Unicom or China Mobile, giving better access to Google apps since they’re not as restricted by China’s firewall. Local SIMs with Chinese numbers are useful for verification codes but are fully subject to internet restrictions, so pairing an eSIM for data with a local SIM for calls or codes is the most reliable setup. Buying a SIM in China requires a passport, so it’s definitely easier to order an eSIM online. My dad had the local SIM card and he wasn’t able to get access to Google applications except WhatsApp messages randomly (without photos or videos). Local SIM cards can be purchased after arrival at the airport, but the cheapest ones will be at the local store near hotels and shopping malls.
Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi can be a hit or miss in China. Some apps that you use back home will only work with mobile data from your eSIM, like WhatsApp or anything Google-related, even if you have a VPN. Other apps, including creative content editing ones, also need mobile data over Wi-Fi. It really depends – but don’t have the expectation that all the apps you’re used to will work on Wi-Fi, so make sure that you have enough data to last you on your trip.
VPN – I used NordVPN – it only worked consistently when I was on data, not Wi-Fi. Be prepared for trial and error, because VPN stability depends on location and network. Sometimes, when your VPN is on, random apps (like games or even some Chinese services) won’t load. Using a VPN can also slow down your data. It didn’t work as well as I liked, but it did help when you’re using your devices on eSIM data.
4 – Money And Payments
Chinese currency is Renminbi (RMB) or Chinese Yuan (CNY) (which is the unit of the currency). China is almost entirely cashless now and you’ll mostly use WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay) or Alipay. I downloaded both prior to my trip, but ended up only using WeChat for everything. I brought about $450 CAD in cash (2,100 CNY at the time) but barely touched it – everything was paid through WeChat. You might only need cash in smaller towns or if your data connection fails – which it might depending on where you are – including at subway stations when you’re trying to pay for your ticket. If you’re exchanging for cash, make sure to do it back home as exchange counters at airports are more expensive.
Keep in mind to set up WeChat before arriving in China and link a credit card or use a friend to transfer you some funds, as there will be a verification process – including uploading your passport and connecting it to your personal number. Once you start using it, you’ll realize how far ahead China is – you can message, pay, book hotels, buy train tickets, order taxis, make reservations, and much more, all in this app. Note: You can enjoy a 0% international bank card fee for 60 consecutive days, with a maximum of ¥1000 in daily fee-free transactions.
Tipping – While we’re on the subject of money, I wanted to mention that tipping isn’t standard and is even considered offensive or rude in the Chinese culture, but some luxury hotels or Western restaurants may include a service charge. However, I did not come across this at all – whatever price you see is usually the final price and no further calculations are needed.
Tax-Free Shopping – Some places also give you tax-free shopping for tourists, so be sure to take advantage. You can claim a tax refund at the airport, and the process is pretty straightforward. Just keep your receipts, the documents they provide you for tax-free shopping, and have the items you purchased with you to show the officers. I purchased items under $60 CAD and had actually checked them in my luggage, but luckily I had a photo of what I purchased and my dad also helped me talked to them so they approved the tax refund.
5 – Navigation And Transportation
Maps – Download Amap (my preference) or Baidu Maps (my dad’s preference – but it is almost entirely in Chinese) and make sure to switch the interface to English during setup, as both are more accurate than Google Maps (which won’t work) and Apple Maps. However, some parts of the menu will still appear in Chinese, but they’re reliable and easy enough to figure out once you get the hang of it. With AMap, you can also use it for ride-sharing which makes it very convenient.
Security Checks – Expect airport-style bag scans at every subway and train station. It’s quick but mandatory, so factor it into your travel time (especially at the train station).
Metro – China’s subway systems are clean, efficient, and cover almost every major attraction. Signs are in both Chinese and English, so it’s the easiest and most affordable way to get around cities. Especially for bigger cities, it also allows you to avoid getting stuck in traffic on the road if you were to order a car. You can buy your tickets at the machines by selecting your final stop, and you can pay with your phone through WeChat or Alipay (or cash at select machines). Depending on the city and how long you plan to stay, you can also get a public transportation card or your iPhone wallet has some digital ones available as well.
Trains – If you’re city-hopping like I did, the high-speed trains are unbeatable – it’s scenic, fast (about 300 km/hr), and mostly stress-free. You can book your train tickets on the China Railway Corporation site up to 2 weeks before your date of departure, with Business, First, or Second-Class options depending on your comfort level and budget and each seat will be assigned. Most of the trains we booked were Second-Class and they were very comfortable, especially for shorter rides. The only time we booked First Class was for a 5+ hour ride, and it was just a little more spacious, and you get a drink and a couple of snacks. You will need to enter your passport information when booking your ticket, as your passport will act as your ticket and be scanned at the gate. Be aware that occasionally the passport scanning may not work, so you will need to show proof of your ticket through an e-ticket, a printed ticket, or the official app (which my dad had for our tickets).
You only need to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before departure (no early check-in like at airports) – but stations are huge, so give yourself time to walk from the metro (or even your Didi) to your gate. Trains always leave on time, sometimes even a couple of minutes early (though rare) and the gate will be closed 8 to 10 minutes before train departure. If you miss your train, you have to go to the ticket office to rebook your ticket at no extra cost.
Ride-Hailing And Taxis – Both are available and plentiful, but taxis often cost more than double what you’d pay on a ride-hailing app (my dad also tested it to be sure, and we only used a taxi once the entire trip since then). I recommend using Didi (basically China’s version of Uber) – it’s more worth it for the convenience and lower fares. You’ll also get to ride in all kinds of electric cars (some are seriously futuristic), and in a few cities, you can even request a driverless car. If you can’t speak Chinese it’ll be difficult to use this within the WeChat app so download the standalone Didi app (international version) as it supports English.
6 – Language And Communication
Outside of big cities, English is very limited and sometimes nonexistent – even in signage. Some hotels also might not have English-speaking staff. If you don’t have a guide or someone who can speak the language, having a reliable app like Microsoft Translator or Papago are going to be a lifesaver. Google Translate only works if you have an eSIM or a SIM card that is not tied to the local numbers, as mentioned in the above section regarding connectivity. If you are able to get your hands on a language translator device, those are super useful and work quite well.
If you can learn key Mandarin words, it will not only be helpful, but locals will see it as respectful, and they appreciate that you are trying. Another tip is to have your hotel addresses and key spots written in Chinese to show drivers, customer service at train stations, or even locals who can help you.
7 – Hotels And Accommodations
In May 2024, the government announced that all hotels are required by law to accept foreign guests. However, some smaller and locally-owned hotels may still refuse foreigners for reasons like registration system limitations or staff not being trained to handle foreign passports. To avoid issues with your stay, always check the listing carefully and read reviews for recent mentions from international travelers or book through Trip.com to avoid surprises. I also found that this site has more listings for foreigners than the usual Hotels.com or Booking.com platforms, plus they have better pricing and more reliable information. As I mentioned, if you’re visiting smaller cities or less touristy areas, don’t assume the hotel staff speak English – trust me I tried and had to switch to Chinese or get my dad to help (a lot). It’s best to stay with well-known international chains (like Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental, or Hyatt) or higher-rated local brands.
Pricing – Don’t be surprised if hotels are inexpensive (I was definitely alarmed when my dad mentioned booking hotels that were between $40-60 CAD and thought we’d be staying in hostel-type situations and doubted they’d be any good), but even a hotel at $60 CAD a night is equivalent to a 4-star hotel that we’re used to in North America and with great service, spotless rooms, and stylish interiors. Thankfully still, we opted for hotels that were between $70-$150 CAD and they were beautiful.
Breakfast – Most hotels include breakfast (or they’re under $7 CAD per person per day), and they’re well worth it and something I always looked forward to every morning. They are generous and large buffets that will leave you full until at least midday or longer. It’s worth every cent.
Amenities – Hotels in China are incredibly well-equipped. Expect complimentary items like toothbrushes, combs, razors, sewing kits, shower caps, slippers, robes, unlimited bottled water, coffee and tea, sometimes soda, and more. Some even gave us departure gifts – small souvenirs or snacks for your journey – which was a pleasant surprise!
Checking In – Every guest staying at the hotel will need to share their passport during check-in as all hotels are required to register foreign guests with local police, and they’ll make a copy at reception.
8 – Etiquette And Local Culture
Personal Space – It doesn’t exist, so forget the personal bubble you like to have around you in China. Lines are more like crowds, and if you leave even a few inches, someone will squeeze in and cut the line. You literally want to be lining up by almost touching the person in front of you. It’s normal – and if you don’t want to get upset about it like I did a few times during my first few days there, learn to act like the locals. You could literally be next in line, and someone from the back will cut you as soon as you step up for your turn. I learned that you just need to show dominance and push your way back – there’s no other way around this. Everyone is used to this, and it’s not considered rude to them – to me, it’s survival of the fittest. Don’t bother being polite and letting someone go first; they will go regardless, and you’ll end up being at the back of the line forever. Privacy also didn’t seem like much of a thing either. For example, when I went to a hospital, the next person waiting would come right in the room and just about sit on the chair with the doctor while you’re having a consultation, and would hover around you less than 2 feet away until you leave the room. It truly blew my mind, but at least they literally don’t care to hear about your issues; they just want their turn.
Smoking And Spitting – You’ll see and smell it everywhere. I felt like I was getting second-hand smoke constantly. Smoking indoors is still common, even in hotels and restaurants. One time in a hotel elevator (surprisingly this was at the Holiday Inn Express at Hangzhou), I felt like I was hotboxing cigarettes and had to hold my breath, and I’m sure I smelled like it after. Spitting (hawk tuah-ing as I called it) is also prominent everywhere – trust me, I was grossed out all the time, but I suppose it’s due to all the smoking? There was a guy who even did it at the breakfast table into his napkin, and I had to move to a farther table. It’s just something you have to get used to in China. I tried, but I couldn’t!
Safety – China is one of the safest countries to visit, even in major cities. Street crime is rare and it’s common to see shops leave their doors open late into the night or locals walking alone with their phones out. There’s a visible police and security presence everywhere, from train stations to shopping malls, and the country’s extensive surveillance camera system has significantly reduced theft and other petty crime over the years. That said, it’s still smart to use common sense – keep your bags zipped in crowded places, avoid leaving valuables unattended, and be cautious of scams targeting tourists, especially around popular landmarks or transportation hubs. Thankfully, we didn’t encounter any of that during our trip.
Locals Curiosity – Many people have never left their province, much less their city and are not interested from those that I spoke to, so expect curiosity if you look or sound different. Even though my dad and I are Chinese, people could instantly tell that we’re foreigners and were shocked that my dad spoke fluent Chinese, even though he was born in Guangzhou (although he moved to Hong Kong when he was 6 and to Toronto when he was a teenager). I was mistaken for Spanish, Singaporean, and Vietnamese several times and people often commented that we looked different from the local Chinese. Other than maybe how I dress, I don’t look like the typical Chinese and their features are quite different. When there was time for a longer chat, many were genuinely curious about life in Canada or the US and amazed that we’d traveled so far just to visit China. It wasn’t rude or invasive, just honest fascination – and all the interactions were friendly and respectful.
Noise Levels – China is lively and loud – restaurants, streets, and even subways are filled with conversation (thankfully it was very quiet on the train and attendants would tell people to be quiet when they were getting too rowdy), and phone calls. Generally, loudly speaking isn’t considered rude; it’s just normal. Don’t take it personally if it feels chaotic at first – it’s just part of the energy and rhythm of daily life.
Toilets And Public Restrooms – Always carry tissues and hand sanitizer because toilet paper and soap aren’t guaranteed. Most restrooms use squat toilets – I would say 90% of the toilets I went to on this trip were – though airports, major malls, upscale restaurants, and hotels usually have Western ones. It’s something to be prepared for, especially in smaller cities. But I will say that thankfully, they were all very clean – and most, much cleaner than the ones in North America.
Everyday Tech Habits – One thing that really stood out to me was how many locals carry two phones all the time. It got to the point where towards the end of my trip, I actually asked my nail lady in Shenzhen why, and she said that they like to keep work and personal life separate – which I totally agree with! It’s also super common since mobile plans are cheap (around $10 CAD a month) and phones are very affordable and high-tech, often just a few hundred dollars. With how much daily life in China revolves around mobile apps, it actually makes sense – everything from paying bills to booking taxis happens on your phone.
Photography – People love taking photos, and there’s a whole content creation culture there – even for seniors – so don’t worry if you’re worried about people staring at you. You’ll see people everywhere doing photoshoots or filming a video on their tripod. Many areas also have local photographers offering their services at major landmarks too. However, if you like to be on the opposite side of the camera, many locals are happy to pose for your photo, but it’s also nice to ask first.
9 – Food And Dining Tips
Food in China is an experience in itself – it’s incredibly regional, flavorful, and often very different from what you’ll find in Western “Chinese” restaurants. Some dishes might look unusual or be prepared differently than expected, but the flavors are incredible. Don’t be afraid to try something new – even the most unassuming street stall can surprise you.
Dining Etiquette – Meals are often shared family-style, and locals use chopsticks for everything. But don’t stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl; it symbolizes offerings to the dead. And it’s polite to serve others before serving yourself when sharing dishes. Slurping noodles or even burping isn’t considered rude – it’s actually a sign that you enjoyed the meal. But I didn’t hear much of that at all to be quite honest.
Regional Cuisine – Every province has its own specialties. Cantonese cuisine is milder and focused on fresh seafood and dim sum; Shanghai leans sweeter; and northern regions are famous for dumplings and noodles. Try local dishes wherever you go – they change dramatically from city to city. I was also quite surprised by something as small as the kind of vegetables they served, which I had never even seen before. And even though Toronto is highly rated for Chinese food and some of the best one can find in North America, the dishes I’m used to taste very differently in China, even though they have the same name.
Street Food – Street food is quite safe as long as you stick to busy stalls with a steady stream of people and food that’s cooked on the spot. Some of the best meals can be from these food vendors. Always go for what’s hot and freshly made. Plus, the prices are very good.
Restaurants/Cafés– Many small restaurants may not have English menus, so translation apps would come in handy, and ordering is usually done through QR codes – even for coffee shops, and sometimes do not even have a way to order at the cashier. Don’t forget to bring tissues or wet wipes, as they may not provide them, and it gets difficult when there’s nothing to wipe your mouth or hands with.
Solo Dining – Just like Japan, eating solo in China – especially in big cities – is totally normal and common. Many restaurants offer single portions or half-sized dishes if you ask, and some places even have counter seating or solo booths – perfect for quick, casual meals without feeling out of place.
Food Delivery Apps – Locals use Meituan or Ele.me (similar to Uber Eats), but you’ll need a local number and payment method like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Many hotels and apartment complexes even have robot couriers that deliver your order right to your room, which is super cool to watch and very convenient.
Tea Culture – Tea is a staple of daily life in China and is often complimentary and constantly refilled, especially at casual restaurants. In some higher-end restaurants or traditional tea houses, there may be a small charge for tea, especially if premium teas are served. Tip: Tap the table with two fingers as a thank-you gesture when someone pours you tea.
Tap Water – Never drink tap water directly, even in hotels. Use bottled or boiled water for drinking and brushing your teeth (if you really are paranoid – but I didn’t have an issue). Most hotels provide free bottled water daily, and it’s also sold everywhere, so you don’t need to worry about having to buy jugs of water like you do in other countries (something which I do almost everywhere I go so that I can refill my water).
Other China Travels Tips And Must-Know Prep
Itinerary Planning – Book popular attractions and restaurants in advance, as certain ones may have daily visitor caps, and you want to make sure you can cross off some items on your bucket list while you make the trek all the way to China. You can also use my Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Trip Abroad and my Free Pre-Trip Planner And Checklist to help you get ready for your trip.
Passport – Carry it with you everywhere – it’s required for checking into hotels, booking trains, and entering most attractions. Some sites even offer senior or student discounts with your passport.
Adapters And Voltage – China uses Type A, I, and C plugs. Standard voltage is 220V, so bring a universal adapter and check if your electronics support dual voltage. To make it simple, the plugs were mostly the same as what we use in North America, but if you want to charge larger devices like your laptop that has 3 prongs, that’s when you’ll need a universal adapter. But it is safer to bring a universal adapter just in case you need to charge something that might not be supported by the regular plugs. Hotels also have built-in USB outlets as well which makes it a lot easier to charge devices like phones and tablets.
Portable Power Banks – Bring at least a 10,000mAh power bank – I had to recharge my phone on the go 1 to 2 times a day. I actually have a lot of portable power banks due to paranoia after 2 broke on my trips and I was without, so it might be a good idea to have a backup just in case. There’s 3 different types I’d recommend: 32,000mAh with built-in cables, 10,000mAh with built-in cables, and a smaller 5,000mAh wireless power bank that fits nicely into smaller purses. If you plan to fly domestically within China, make sure you have a CCC-certified (China’s safety mark), or it could be confiscated at airport security, and you’ll need to get a new one while you’re there – and who likes to spend unnecessarily? I took the train to get to different parts of China, so I didn’t have this issue, but I did find that airlines were more strict on making sure you don’t use your power banks on the plane now, even if they are CCC-certified.
Walking – Expect to walk anywhere from 13,000 to 23,000 steps or more a day for over 2 weeks straight – even in smaller cities. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. On this trip, I brought my New Balance 574s and Vessi Cityscape sneakers, which held up great, especially when it rained. My Valentino Rockstud sandals however, didn’t allow me to survive more than 2 days of walking more than 20,000 steps, even though I’ve taken it around the world and they match my outfits perfectly – but they’re too flat for all the walking in China. A former coworker of mine actually walks more than this much on a daily basis in Toronto – rain or shine, but for most travelers, this will be a serious workout.
Emergency Numbers – Just in case, these are the emergency numbers you’d dial in China: Police (110), Fire (119), Ambulance (120).
China will test your patience, but it will also surprise you in the best ways. The systems, technology, and safety are unmatched – once you understand how things work. Prepare ahead, download what you need, and keep an open mind. Whether you’re drawn by the history, the culture, the nature and landscapes, or the modern energy and shopping opportunities, being prepared makes all the difference. I hope these tips help you plan a smoother, more authentic trip and inspire you to explore China beyond what you see online.
If you enjoyed this post, stay tuned – my next guides will cover all the cities I visited with my experiences and the best things to do.