Go Local China
  • Destinations
    • Area
      • East China
      • North China
      • Northeast China
      • Northwestern China
      • Central China
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      • Southwestern China
    • Major Cities
      • Beijing
      • Shanghai
      • Guangzhou
      • Shenzhen
      • Chengdu
      • Chongqing
      • Hangzhou
      • Harbin
      • Xi’an
      • Kunming
      • Wuhan
  • Plan Your Trip
    • First-Time Visitor Info
      • Visa Information
      • Language
      • Plugs & Electricity
      • Stay Connected
      • Payment Guide
      • Tax Free Shopping
      • Useful Apps
    • Transportation in China
      • Travel by Train
      • How to Travel by Train
      • Domestic Flights
  • Things to Do
    • Architecture
    • Art & Museun
    • Art Festivals
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    • Island Adventures
    • Attractions
  • New & Now
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Go Local China

China Travel Quest

Go Local China
  • Destinations
    • Area
      • East China
      • North China
      • Northeast China
      • Northwestern China
      • Central China
      • South China
      • Southwestern China
    • Major Cities
      • Beijing
      • Shanghai
      • Guangzhou
      • Shenzhen
      • Chengdu
      • Chongqing
      • Hangzhou
      • Harbin
      • Xi’an
      • Kunming
      • Wuhan
  • Plan Your Trip
    • First-Time Visitor Info
      • Visa Information
      • Language
      • Plugs & Electricity
      • Stay Connected
      • Payment Guide
      • Tax Free Shopping
      • Useful Apps
    • Transportation in China
      • Travel by Train
      • How to Travel by Train
      • Domestic Flights
  • Things to Do
    • Architecture
    • Art & Museun
    • Art Festivals
    • Chinese Crafts
    • Chinese Garden
    • Chinese Temple
    • Festival & Events
    • Island Adventures
    • Attractions
  • New & Now
  • About Us
    • Site Map
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use

First-Time Visitor Info

Smooth your way with a little forward planning

Visiting China for the first time? Don’t sweat it! This vast, vibrant country can feel a tad overwhelming at first—think bustling cities, ancient traditions, and a language that might look like art (but is actually just asking where the bathroom is 🚽). Fear not! We’ve got your back with everything you need to know before you touch down. From mastering basic Mandarin phrases (hello, nǐ hǎo 👋) to decoding China’s high-speed rail system 🚄, we’ll help you navigate this fascinating land with ease.

Get the lowdown on China’s rich culture (yes, there’s more to it than just dumplings 🥟), seasonal weather (pack for all four seasons in one day 🌦️), and Wi-Fi connectivity (because no one wants to be offline when posting that Great Wall selfie 📸). Plus, we’ll spill the tea 🍵 on insider tips—like how to use alipay for everything and why you should always carry cash (yes, even in now 💵).

Whether you’re marveling at the Terracotta Warriors, bargaining in a Shanghai market, or just trying to figure out how to use a squat toilet 🚽 (pro tip: practice your balance first), this guide will have you feeling like a seasoned traveler in no time. Ready to dive in? Let’s go! 🎒

Visa Information

Please check the latest information on Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website or contact the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country/region of residence.

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Payment Guide

Get ready to swipe, tap, and scan your way through China like a pro—no hassle, no stress, just smooth sailing. (Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay)

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Language

China’s official language is Mandarine (Putonghua), but English is generally understood in major cities.

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Stay Connected

Say goodbye to Wi-Fi anxiety!Stay Connected with SIMs, eSIMs & 5G Hotspots Everywhere.

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Plugs & Electricity

China uses two flat parallel prong plugs. For guaranteed charging of your electrical necessities, purchase a plug adapter beforehand.

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Useful Apps

Download a selection of apps to make your trip to China run even smoother.

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Tax Free Shopping

Visitors to China are eligible for tax exemption on many consumer goods. The process of receiving your tax back can vary from store to store.

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Go Local China
  • Destinations
  • Plan Your Trip
  • Things to Do
  • New & Now
  • About Us
China Travel Quest

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