Plan Your Perfect Trip to China

Essential guides for exploring China's top destinations and navigating daily life with ease

City & Attractions Guide

Discover China's most popular destinations and must-visit attractions

Beijing cityscape

Beijing

China's capital, blending ancient history with modern marvels

Forbidden City

Imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties

Great Wall

Ancient defensive structure spanning mountains

Temple of Heaven

Where emperors prayed for good harvests

Shanghai skyline

Shanghai

A vibrant metropolis showcasing China's modernization

The Bund

Iconic waterfront with colonial-era buildings

Shanghai Tower

One of the world's tallest skyscrapers

Yu Garden

Classical Ming-era garden in the city center

Terracotta Warriors

Xi'an

Ancient capital famous for its historical relics

Terracotta Army

2,000-year-old army of life-size clay soldiers

City Wall

Well-preserved ancient city fortifications

Shaanxi History Museum

Extensive collection of Chinese artifacts

Pandas in Chengdu

Chengdu

Relaxed city famous for pandas and spicy cuisine

Chengdu Panda Base

Conservation center for giant pandas

Wuhou Shrine

Temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang

Jinli Ancient Street

Traditional street with local snacks

Guangzhou skyline

Guangzhou

Vibrant southern city known for its cuisine

Canton Tower

Iconic TV tower with observation decks

Chen Clan Academy

Fine example of traditional Chinese architecture

Baiyun Mountain

Scenic mountain offering city views

Guilin landscape

Guilin

Breathtaking natural scenery of karst mountains

Li River

Scenic river with dramatic limestone peaks

Reed Flute Cave

Stalactite and stalagmite filled cave

Longji Rice Terraces

Ancient terraced fields carved into mountains

Essential Survival Guide

Practical tips for navigating daily life in China with ease

Payment

Current Situation

Cash is rarely used in China. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) dominate daily transactions.

Solutions

  • Bind international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) to Alipay TourCard
  • Get a digital RMB prepaid card
  • Exchange cash at banks or hotels (keep small denominations)

Must-Have Apps

Alipay WeChat Pay

Transportation

Inter-city

  • High-speed trains: Book via 12306 (English available) or Trip.com
  • Airport transfers: Use subway, taxi, or ride-hailing apps

Local

  • Subway/bus: Use QR codes in Alipay/WeChat
  • Ride-hailing: Didi (supports international payment)
  • Shared bikes: Scan QR code and pay via app

Hotels & Accommodation

Recommended Platforms

Important Notes

  • Choose hotels marked "Accepts Foreign Guests"
  • Always carry your passport for check-in

Communication & Internet

VPN

Access to Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp requires a reliable VPN. Purchase and install before arrival.

SIM Cards & Data

  • Buy a tourist SIM card at the airport or convenience stores (passport required)
  • Use international roaming or eSIM if available

Language

Current Situation

Language barrier is significant outside major tourist areas. English is limited.

Solutions

  • Use translation apps: Google Translate (download Chinese offline pack), Tencent Translate, Microsoft Translator
  • Learn basic phrases: "Hello", "Thank you", "How much is this?"

Other Tips

General Tips

  • Drink bottled water, avoid tap water
  • China uses Type A, C, I plugs. Bring a universal adapter
  • Keep important documents in a secure place

Emergency Contacts

Important numbers to keep handy during your trip

Ambulance

120

Police

110

Fire

119

Tourist Helpline

12301

Embassy/Consulate Contact

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in case of emergency:

U.S. Embassy in Beijing

Emergency Phone: +86 (10) 8531-3000

Chinese Phrasebook

Basic phrases to help you communicate during your trip

Greetings

你好

Nǐ hǎo

Hello

再见

Zài jiàn

Goodbye

谢谢

Xiè xie

Thank you

对不起

Duì bu qǐ

Sorry

Essential Phrases

请问

Qǐng wèn

Excuse me

这个多少钱?

Zhè ge duō shǎo qián?

How much is this?

我想要...

Wǒ xiǎng yào...

I would like...

洗手间在哪里?

Xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ?

Where is the bathroom?

Numbers

One

Èr

Two

Sān

Three

Four

Five

Food & Dining

菜单

Cài dān

Menu

请给我菜单

Qǐng gěi wǒ cài dān

May I have a menu?

Shuǐ

Water

买单

Mǎi dān

Check the bill