🇨🇳 FAQs for First-Time Travelers to China – What You’ve Always Wondered, Answered Gently and Clearly

🇨🇳 FAQs for First-Time Travelers to China – What You’ve Always Wondered, Answered Gently and Clearly
Planning a trip to China often comes with a sense of mystery. It’s a country that’s both deeply traditional and astonishingly modern—where ancient temples stand beneath glass skyscrapers, and nothing quite works the way you’re used to.

If it’s your first time, you probably have questions. Lots of them.

This guide gathers the most common questions travelers ask—and offers clear, human answers so you can prepare with confidence, not confusion.

 
❓1. Do I Need a Visa to Visit China?
Yes, most travelers need to apply for a visa before entering China.

Tourist visa (L type) is the most common. Apply at a Chinese consulate or visa center in your country.
You’ll need: a valid passport (6+ months), travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and return flight proof.
Processing time: around 4–7 business days.
✨ Pro tip: Apply at least a month in advance. Some major cities now offer short-stay visa exemptions for certain nationalities, but double-check with official sources.

 
❓2. Can I Use Google, WhatsApp, or Instagram in China?
Not without a VPN.

China has strict internet controls, known as the Great Firewall.
Blocked apps include: Google (and Gmail, Drive, Maps), WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and most news sites.
Use a VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, and install it before arrival.
 
❓3. Is It Safe to Travel Around China?
Yes, China is generally very safe for travelers—even solo women.

Violent crime is rare.
Petty theft is uncommon, but still be mindful in crowded markets or train stations.
Locals are helpful, even if they don’t speak English.
🧳 Always keep passport and valuables in your day bag or hotel safe.

 
❓4. Can I Use My Credit Card in China?
Rarely. China is a mobile payment-first country.

Visa/Mastercard might work at international hotels or airports, but not in local shops.
WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most widely used payment apps.
Foreigners can now link some international cards through Alipay Tour Pass.
💡 Still bring some cash (yuan) for smaller towns or emergencies.

 
❓5. Will I Have Trouble with the Language?
Possibly—but it’s manageable.

English is spoken at some hotels and tourist sites, but rarely in taxis, restaurants, or rural areas.
Use translation apps like Pleco, Google Translate, or WeChat’s built-in translator.
Learn a few words:

Hello = “Nǐ hǎo” (你好)
Thank you = “Xièxiè” (谢谢)
Toilet = “Cèsuǒ” (厕所)
✨ Gestures, maps, and patience go a long way.

 
❓6. What About Toilets?
Let’s be honest: it’s a common concern.

Public toilets are widely available, but many are squat-style and may not have toilet paper.
Bring your own tissues and hand sanitizer.
Hotels and airports usually have Western-style toilets.
🧻 Look for clean restrooms in big malls or cafes if you’re unsure.

 
❓7. Is the Air Pollution Still a Problem?
It depends on the city and season.

Beijing and some northern cities still face smog in winter.
Southern and western regions (like Yunnan, Guilin, or Chengdu) usually have better air.
Use weather apps that show PM2.5 levels to monitor.
😷 If you're sensitive, pack a light mask for peace of mind.

 
❓8. How Do I Book Trains, Hotels, or Tours?
Use English-friendly platforms like Trip.com, Booking.com, or Klook.
Domestic apps like 12306 or Meituan offer local prices but require Chinese interface and ID.
Book major train routes and popular attractions in advance, especially during public holidays.
📞 Call your hotel to confirm if they accept foreign guests—it’s a legal requirement.

 
❓9. What Should I Pack?
Besides the basics:

A universal power adapter
Your own toiletries for long train rides
Translation apps
Offline map (MAPS.ME or Baidu Maps)
VPN and all key apps pre-downloaded
Small gifts if staying with locals
🧳 And don’t forget: layers. Weather varies wildly between regions.

 
❓10. Is Tipping Expected in China?
No, tipping is not a cultural norm in most of China.

In restaurants, taxis, and cafes, it’s not expected.
Tour guides or hotel staff may appreciate a small gesture—but it’s never required.
💌 A sincere thank you or small souvenir from your country goes even further.

 
Final Thoughts – Ask Freely, Travel Lightly
Every question you have is valid. Every uncertainty is part of the journey. China can feel like another planet at first—but it rewards the respectful, the curious, and the open-hearted.

So ask. Wonder. Learn. And then let yourself be surprised—by the tea that tastes like memory, by the kindness behind a language you don’t speak, by the story you didn’t know you were about to live.

 
With care and clarity,
Kim Ngân – storyteller & slow traveler