First Trip to China: 25 Essential Things to Know Before You Go

China is one of the most rewarding countries to travel in, and also one where a little preparation goes a long way. Most surprises for first-time visitors are not about culture. They are practical questions: how to pay, how to get online and how to book trains and attractions.

Here are 25 essential things to know before your first trip to China, grouped by topic.

Before You Go

1. Check the current visa rules for your passport

Entry requirements have changed frequently in recent years, and rules differ by nationality, reason for travel and length of stay. Some passports qualify for visa-free entry or transit arrangements, but published end dates and conditions can change. Check your own government’s travel advice and the Chinese embassy or consulate serving your country shortly before departure.

2. Make sure your passport has enough validity

Six months of remaining validity is commonly required for visa applications and may be expected at entry. Visa application guidance may also require two blank pages. Because the precise requirement depends on your circumstances, renew early if you are near either limit.

3. Complete the official online arrival card

China introduced nationwide online arrival-card completion in November 2025. Eligible foreign travellers can submit the form before travelling through the National Immigration Administration’s official arrival-card service. The service is free. Paper cards and port-side electronic options remain available, and some categories of travellers are exempt.

4. Set up your payment apps at home

This is one of the most useful pieces of preparation. Downloading the apps, verifying your identity and linking a card is easier on your home Wi-Fi than in an arrivals hall.

Money and Payments

5. QR codes are part of everyday life

Restaurants, market stalls, taxis, museums and vending machines commonly accept payment through Alipay or Weixin Pay, also known as WeChat Pay. Scanning a code is a normal part of daily life, not a tourist-only system.

Set up mobile payments before departure so your first purchase feels simple.

6. International cards can be linked, but bring a backup

Current official guidance says visitors can link supported overseas cards to Alipay and Weixin Pay. A card issuer may still reject a connection for its own security or risk reasons, so travelling with a second card is sensible.

7. Check current limits and fees in the app

Transaction limits, verification thresholds and fees can change. Treat the app’s current terms as more reliable than an old screenshot or travel forum post.

8. Do not assume you can tap your foreign card everywhere

Some hotels, attractions, shopping centres and larger businesses accept international cards directly when the relevant payment-network logo is displayed. Smaller merchants often find a QR payment more practical.

9. Carry a small amount of cash

Cash remains a valid payment option and can help if your phone battery dies or a card connection fails. A modest amount of renminbi is useful for occasional small purchases. The Chinese government’s payment guide for overseas visitors explains mobile payment, bank card and cash options.

Getting Online

10. Several familiar apps and websites are unavailable

Many popular Western search, social-media and messaging services cannot be reached through an ordinary mainland Chinese internet connection. Plan around this before travelling rather than assuming every service will work.

11. Arrange your connection before arrival

International roaming from your home provider or a suitable travel eSIM may route data differently from a local connection. Coverage, device compatibility and terms vary, so choose and install your option before you fly.

12. Download the apps you will use

Useful options include Amap or Baidu Maps for navigation, DiDi for ride-hailing, Trip.com or an official railway channel for transport bookings, Dianping for restaurants and a translation app with camera support.

13. Save offline maps and language packs

Mobile coverage is generally strong, but offline copies help when you are underground, in a remote area or passing through a train tunnel.

Getting Around

14. High-speed rail is often the best option between cities

China’s high-speed trains are fast, comfortable and connect many city centres. On numerous medium-distance routes, rail can be more convenient than flying once airport transfers and check-in time are included.

15. Book train tickets in advance

Popular routes can sell out, especially at weekends and around holidays. Your passport details are connected to the booking and your passport normally serves as the travel document at the station.

16. Allow extra time at railway stations

Large stations have security screening and can be enormous. Arriving 45 minutes to an hour before departure gives a first-time traveller time to find the correct entrance, waiting area and platform.

Keep station names and destinations saved in Chinese characters.

17. City metros are cheap and straightforward

Signs and announcements in major cities are often bilingual. Payment options differ between systems, but many support app-based transport codes in addition to tickets or local transport cards.

18. Ride-hailing reduces the language barrier

Booking through an app means the destination is entered in advance. This removes one of the hardest parts of taking a taxi when you do not speak much Mandarin.

Language

19. English is less widespread than you may expect

International airports, major hotels and popular attractions may have English support. Small restaurants, taxis and local shops often do not, especially outside the largest cities.

20. Keep your hotel address in Chinese characters

Save a screenshot of the name, full address and telephone number. A hotel business card is useful too. This solves many problems if you need directions or lose your data connection.

21. A handful of Mandarin phrases goes a long way

You do not need fluency. Being able to greet someone, say thank you, ask a simple question and show your destination can make interactions warmer and easier.

Bookings, Crowds and Accommodation

22. Reserve major attractions in advance

Many popular sites use advance, real-name booking linked to passport details. Daily numbers may be limited, so turning up without a reservation can mean missing out. Check each attraction’s official booking instructions before your visit.

23. Avoid the busiest national holidays if possible

The Chinese New Year travel period and the National Day holiday around the first week of October bring very high domestic travel demand. Tickets sell quickly, accommodation costs rise and famous attractions become crowded.

24. Confirm your accommodation details

Chinese authorities have stated that booking platforms and accommodation providers must not unlawfully advertise that they refuse foreign guests. You should still confirm the property’s check-in arrangements, accepted payment methods and ability to process your passport efficiently, particularly at a small guesthouse.

Hotels normally register foreign guests with the public security authorities during check-in. If you stay in a private home or flat, you or your host generally need to complete local accommodation registration within 24 hours.

Everyday Etiquette

25. Tipping is generally not expected

Tipping is not part of normal practice in most restaurants, taxis and hotels. Tourist-facing guides and certain specialist services can be exceptions.

A few smaller habits are useful to recognise. Dishes at a meal are usually shared, hot water or tea is common, and a host may offer you more food than you can finish. Personal space in a queue may feel closer than you are used to. You do not need to change your personality; noticing these customs simply makes the first few days less puzzling.

Useful Chinese Words and Phrases

• 护照hùzhàopassport
• 签证qiānzhèngvisa
• 高铁gāotiěhigh-speed train
• 扫码支付sǎomǎ zhīfùscan to pay
• 办理入住bànlǐ rùzhùcheck in at a hotel

我要办理入住。
Wǒ yào bànlǐ rùzhù.
I would like to check in.

请问这里可以刷外国银行卡吗？
Qǐngwèn zhèlǐ kěyǐ shuā wàiguó yínhángkǎ ma?
Can I use a foreign bank card here?

A Short Conversation at Hotel Check-In

What Should a First-Time Traveller Do?

Spend one evening before departure on the digital side of the trip: verify a payment app, arrange your connection, download maps and translation tools, and make essential bookings. That preparation removes much of the friction from your first day.

Try something easy after arrival, such as buying a bottle of water with your phone at a convenience store. Once you have completed one successful payment, the system usually feels far less intimidating.

A little preparation makes everyday experiences easier to enjoy.

Do not panic if something fails. Keep a backup card, some cash, your hotel address and important screenshots available offline.

A Common Misunderstanding

Visa-free entry does not necessarily mean paperwork-free entry. You may still need an arrival card, sufficient passport validity and accommodation registration. Hotels normally handle the last of these when you check in.

The exact entry rules depend on your passport and travel circumstances. Read current official guidance rather than relying only on a summary written months earlier.

Final Takeaway

Travelling in China is often easier than first-time visitors expect when the digital groundwork is done before arrival. Payments, connectivity and advance bookings cause most of the avoidable friction, and all three can be prepared at home.

You do not need to memorise 25 rules. Set up a payment method, arrange your connection, save essential details and learn a couple of phrases. The rest will quickly start to feel natural.