If you’re looking for essential tips for visiting China, you’re in the right place! I’ve been lucky enough to travel to China not just once, but 3 times! From mega-cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and Chengdu, to charming smaller places like Suzhou water towns and Xiangyang ancient walls, and even mystical mountain areas like Wudang Mountains—each trip has been a completely different experience.
My latest adventure was in Chengdu, the panda capital of the world and a lively city with over 20 million people. While I absolutely loved every trip, I also noticed something that frustrated me at first: there isn’t a lot of reliable, up-to-date travel information about China in English.
For example, Google Maps was basically useless (more on that below), restaurant reviews were non-existent, and I stumbled through cultural norms no one had prepared me for. But you know what? That lack of info also made the trip more spontaneous and fun—like a mystery I had to unlock one delicious dumpling at a time.
Still, I wanted to create a more helpful guide for other travelers. So here are 14+ essential tips for visiting China in 2025—based on my own experiences and advice from local Chinese friends. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, these tips will save you time, money, and awkward moments.
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1. Don’t Rely on Google Maps
Just don’t. On my first trip to Wuhan, I trusted Google Maps and ended up two subway stations away from my hotel. I had to drag my Samsonite suitcase (which was fortunately a super sturdy one) for what felt like an eternity, asking locals for help using hand gestures and wild guesses.
Instead, I’d recommend using Amap. It’s in English, relatively user-friendly, available on Android as well, and way more accurate. In addition, Apple Maps works about 80% of the time too. Meanwhile, Baidu Map is the most precise but only in Chinese, so unless you can read Mandarin, Amap is your best bet.
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2. Use Alipay for Payments
China is almost entirely cashless—even in remote mountain towns. I once tried to pay for a walking stick on the Wudang Mountains with cash, and the vendor just waved his QR code at me. Yes, you can still use cash in China but be warned: a lot of places won’t have enough change to give you back, especially smaller vendors. And honestly, carrying a fat wad of cash around just feels outdated (and risky).
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As for international credit cards, they’re accepted in some restaurants and big-name stores in major cities, but there’s usually a small transaction fee. Plus, you can’t always rely on them—some places just flat-out don’t take foreign cards.
The most convenient option by far? Mobile payment apps. China is all about QR codes, and the two major players are WeChat Pay and Alipay.
Now, here’s the thing: WeChat Pay can be a pain to set up if you’re a foreigner. You’ll need someone in China to verify your account with a local Chinese number—and good luck if you don’t know anyone there.
That’s why I always recommend Alipay – one of the most important tips for visiting China. It’s way easier to register, and you can sign up with your non-Chinese phone number, scan your passport, do a quick face verification, link your international card and boom—you’re ready to pay for everything from metro rides to street food.
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3. Public Transport is Cheap and Great
China’s public transport is clean, efficient, and budget-friendly. The metro systems in big cities like Chengdu and Shanghai are especially easy to use—with English signage, modern stations, and even train cars with different temperatures for both those who prefer it hot and those who wants a cooler atmosphere. Don’t forget: your bags will go through security checks before you enter any metro station to prevent crimes.
For short distances, I loved using shared bikes via Alipay. And for longer trips, Didi was my go-to as it’s even cheaper than taxis in Vietnam. I once went 63km from Cheng Du to Dujiangyan for just 90 CNY (about $12.60)! Plus, many Didi rides in China are in electric cars, which personally feel smoother and less smelly for me.
👉 NOTE: Want a 10 CNY discount on your first Didi ride? Use my referral link here: Didi App or enter my referral code 3919365.
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4. Book Hotels and Flights on Trip.com
I used to use Booking.com—until I found out (the hard way) that some hotels in China don’t accept foreigners. Now, I only use Trip.com for booking hotels in China.
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Even with flights, Trip.com came through for me. I booked my ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Chengdu with Sichuan Airlines, but then the airline delayed my departure flight by several hours. Honestly, I was expecting it to turn into a headache—but Trip.com made it super easy. I just logged in, checked out all the alternative flights they offered (including ones with other airlines), saw the potential extra fees if any, and chose the one that worked best for me. I ended up changing my flight for free with just a few taps. It felt way more in control than having to chase down customer service or stand in a queue at the airport.
And it doesn’t stop at just hotels and flights. You can also book entrance tickets to attractions and unique experiences right on Trip.com. Think of attending ancient themed royal banquets in Harbin or joining a food tour in Beijing’s narrow alleys by rickshaw for example. The information is generally very accurate and they even have a section where bloggers review places—which I love. That’s actually how I discovered a bunch of cool, lesser-known spots in Chengdu that weren’t showing up in mainstream travel blogs. In fact, this is one of my most favorite tips for visiting China!
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5. Yes, Squat Toilets Still Exist
Let’s be real—squat toilets are still around, especially in public areas like subway stations or tourist spots. But don’t worry, most hotels and airports have Western-style toilets too.
Cleanliness varies. In Suzhou, I was impressed by how clean the metro station toilets were. In Beijing’s tourist areas such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City? Not so much. Places that are popular with tour groups such as Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town, etc. have even worse toilet conditions. Always carry tissues and hand sanitizer with you!
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6. Food Isn’t All Spicy or Oily
Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse. I can’t eat spicy food either, but even in Sichuan (land of chili oil), I found plenty of mild, delicious options (see photos below). Just learn how to say “no spicy” (不要辣 – bú yào là) and you’ll be fine.
There’s something for everyone—from cold noodles to steamed buns to grilled meats and baked fish. And if you’re a foodie? You’ll be in heaven.
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7. You’ll Need a VPN or a China-Friendly SIM Card
You can’t access Google, Facebook, or Instagram without a VPN. But honestly, I found VPNs unreliable. What worked better for me was buying a China eSIM that bypasses restrictions entirely. I got one with 2 GB/day of data and had fast, smooth internet wherever I went, at only around 4 USD.
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8. You Can Travel Without Speaking Chinese
While most locals don’t speak English, here’s one of my honest tips for visiting China: Make translation apps your best friends! I used Google Translate, Baidu Translate, and Google Lens to read menus. Most signs in big cities are in English as well, so there’s nothing to worry about.
In addition, learning a few basic phrases such as “Where is the restroom?” and “Where is the nearest metro station?” goes a long way too. For me, I memorized numbers in Chinese so I could haggle and say “no spicy food” in restaurants. Super handy.
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9. Haggle Like a Pro
Bargaining is totally normal at local markets and street vendors in China. You can start by offering 40% less than the asking price, and work your way up. Don’t be shy—they expect it! Meanwhile, there’s no need to haggle in supermarkets or shops that already have price tags.
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10. Check the Weather Carefully
There’s no single “best time to visit China.” So don’t search for it on Google. In reality, it depends on where you’re going, because Beijing’s best season is not the same as Yunnan’s, and places like remote mountains are much colder than big cities even in summer months, for instance. Therefore, always search by city, and keep an eye out for flood or earthquake warnings as well, especially in the summer months.
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11. China Is Pretty Family-Friendly
Is China a family-friendly destination? Well, the answer is yes and no—but mostly yes, especially if you’re sticking to the big cities.
Places like Shanghai and Chengdu are incredibly accommodating for families. I was pleasantly surprised to find baby changing rooms in almost every large shopping mall we visited. The pavements are wide, clean, and stroller-friendly, which makes navigating the city with a little one so much easier (especially compared to some other countries I’ve traveled to).
Some public places go above and beyond, too. For instance, both the Chengdu Museum and Chengdu Tianfu Airport had dedicated family toilet rooms, which made diaper changes and potty breaks way less stressful. Those little touches made a big difference, especially during a long travel day.
So while I wouldn’t say all of China is family-friendly (especially in more rural or off-the-beaten-path areas), the major cities absolutely are. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll feel very supported in places like Shanghai, Chengdu, and probably many other urban centers as well.
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12. Locals Might Ask for Photos
If you look obviously foreign (especially if you’re Black, White, or have red/blonde hair), people may ask to take photos with you. It’s usually innocent curiosity, especially in areas that don’t often see many foreigners. Feel free to say no if you’re uncomfortable.
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13. Expect Crowds—Like, Lots
With the largest population in the world and several megacities home to over 20 million people, it’s no surprise that visiting popular attractions in China can feel a bit overwhelming at times.
I remember going to some of China’s top landmarks in Shanghai and just being completely swallowed up by the crowds—like, shoulder-to-shoulder with people as far as the eye could see. It’s easy to feel lost in the sea of people, especially if you’re not used to that kind of environment.
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Things get even more intense if you travel during China’s Spring Festival (Lunar New Year). The Spring Festival travel rush, or Chunyun, is actually the largest annual human migration on Earth with up to 9 billion inter-regional trips. During that time, train stations, airports, highways, and tourist sites are all absolutely packed.
And one more thing to mentally prep for: in China, people generally don’t mind standing or sitting very close to each other, much more than in Western countries. Personal space isn’t really a thing in crowded public areas. So if you’re someone who’s used to a little breathing room, just be aware—you’ll need to adjust your comfort zone a bit.
All that said, the energy is part of the experience. It’s chaotic, yes, but also lively and full of life. Just plan your timing wisely and brace yourself, especially if you’re not a fan of crowds.
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14. Dining Etiquette Varies
Depending on where you go, you might hear slurping, loud conversations, and people talking with their mouths full. It’s part of the dining culture in some places, like Wuhan, but not in Chengdu for instance. Also: no tipping needed in China. Just pay what’s on the bill. Easy!
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Final Thoughts – Tips for Visiting China
There’s so much to love about China—the food, the culture, the people—but it definitely helps to be prepared. These tips for visiting China in 2025 will help you avoid unnecessary stress, stay connected, and enjoy your time to the fullest.
And remember—China is huge. Just because something is true in one region doesn’t mean it’s the same everywhere. That’s part of what makes it so fascinating to explore.
I hope you have an amazing time discovering China. If you’ve been there and have other tips, drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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