
Traveling in China Frequently Asked Questions
In fact, there are a lot of pre-trip information to be prepared for traveling to Mainland China. For travelers from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore, etc., we have made the following arrangement, so that you can take a look before traveling to Mainland China to see if there is any problem you care about.
China Travel Q&A
A compilation of the 30 most frequently asked questions by Chinese travelers when visiting China: how to play for the first time, peak season and weather, transportation tickets, mobile payment and Internet access, safety and medical care, family and elders, card purchases and queuing, and more.
China Travel Related Q&A
What is the peak travel season in China?
The peak seasons are April-May (spring) and September-November (fall); popular festivals include May Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the National Day Golden Week, which are notably crowded. The summer vacation in July and August is mostly for parents and children or university students; the snow season in Northeast China is in December and February. It is recommended to avoid consecutive vacations or book hotels and tickets early.
What are the best cities to visit for the first time?
All are suitable! If you want to get started for the first time, you can choose Beijing (historical buildings), Shanghai (modern city), Xi'an (cultural and gourmet cuisine), or Hangzhou/Suzhou (Jiangnan flavor). In fact, many people choose Tibet Because Tibet requires you to travel with a tour group, our "Semi-Self-Guided Small Groups" offer you the peace of mind of being able to go through the formalities and the flexibility of experiencing the most different landscapes of China. Most importantly, it's your first time traveling to China! Let us show you the mainland!
What kind of clothes do I need to bring to China?
Principle:Layering.
In the north (Beijing/Northeast), you need a warm inner layer + down in winter; in spring and fall, there is a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so you should have a windbreaker.
East and South China (Shanghai/Hangzhou/Guangzhou, etc.) Summer is hot and muggy, so bring sweatshirt, sunscreen, and rain gear; winter is wet and cold, so remember to keep your midlayer warm.
There is a big difference in temperature between day and night in the highlands (Tibet/parts of Yunnan), so warm layers and windproof jackets are recommended throughout the year.
Is China's high-speed railroad convenient?
Very convenient, covering most major cities and scenic areas. Available on your own at travel agent or official 12306 If you are not familiar with the platform to buy tickets, we can also help you to book, arrange the connecting vehicle and pick up service, saving time and effort. If our itinerary includes high speed rail or train, we will assist you in purchasing the tickets!
How far in advance do I need to book my air ticket and high speed rail ticket?
For international flights, it is recommended to enquire at least 2-3 months in advance, while domestic flights/High Speed Rail are usually booked 1-3 months before departure. When it comes to festivals and summer and winter vacations, make sure to book even earlier.
Will local transportation be arranged?
Meeting. We arrange transfers to/from the city/attractions by regular, guest-compliant coaches/commercial vehicles in new condition, with licensed drivers, and with the appropriate model depending on the number of people.
Is it convenient to pay by cell phone? (WeChat/Alipay)
Very convenient. Available for foreign travelersInternational Credit Card Binding Alipay or WeChat PaymentThe card can be used in many places such as taxis, stores and restaurants. A few small stores still prefer cash or mainland bank cards, so it is advisable to have a small amount of cash on hand.
Do I need a Chinese phone card?
Not necessarily required. You can buy your own eSIM/Entity Roaming CardReady to use; to apply for a local door number, you need a passport and go to a directly-managed store (rules vary from city to city and from agent to agent). We can make an appointment to take you to the store or provide you with directions to the store.
Is it easy to use an international credit card in China?
Large shopping malls, hotels and restaurant chains can be swiped.Direct swipe is not always the most convenientThe It is recommended that the card beBind Alipay/WeChat firstThe experience will be smoother if more small stores and transportation payments are covered.
Is Chinese food too oily?
If you prefer lighter dishes, please ask the restaurant to use less oil and salt. Most of our trips Lunch and dinner not includedThe tour guide can also recommend refreshing routes (e.g. Jiangnan style, congee, noodles and dim sum).
Is there a big difference between the diets of the North and the South?
Yes. In the north, noodles have a strong flavor, while in the south, rice is the main food and has a more refreshing taste. Sichuan and Chongqing tend to be spicy, Yunnan has a lot of mushrooms, and Guangdong emphasizes steaming and fresh flavors. You can choose your destination or restaurant according to your personal taste.
Is Chinese tap water drinkable?
General RecommendationsNot drinking tap water directlyWe will buy bottled water or boil it in the hotel kettle instead. Mineral water will be provided during the trip, or you can bring your own thermos bottle.
Do I need to get vaccinated when traveling to China?
There is no mandatory universal requirement; however, it is recommended that routine and seasonal vaccines be evaluated according to one's health status. If traveling to highlands or remote areas, please discuss with your doctor in advance and prepare basic medications.
Should I tip in China?
Restaurants and HotelsNo TipsIt is customary to tip the driver/tour guide (we will clearly state the suggested standard on the product page) as a gesture of encouragement and courtesy.
Is China safe?
Law and order in major cities is good, with a high concentration of cameras in public areas. Wherever you go, you are advised to keep your belongings safe, avoid going to remote areas alone late at night, and pay attention to traffic safety and crowds.
Where to look out for pickpockets?
Pay special attention to crowds at popular tourist attractions, subway stations, pedestrian streets and night markets. Keep your valuables in an inner bag, use an anti-theft backpack, and always put your cell phone away after taking pictures.
Is it easy to travel to China with children?
Convenience. Baby-sitting rooms and parent-child toilets are gradually being improved in most cities; there are many choices of transportation and hotels. You can find a few friends to make a small group tour, and design the itinerary with your own consultant to have a better time!
Is it a good idea to take your elders to China?
Suitable. We can adjust the pace and rest density, arrange low staircase / less climbing routes; if you need wheelchair rental or medical aids, you can also confirm in advance. In highland areas, please assess your health condition beforehand.
What are the must-buy gifts?
Different places: Beijing Taoxiangcun Dim Sum, Hangzhou Longjing Tea and Silk, Yunnan Pu'er and Flower Cake, Harbin Red Sausage and Russian Snacks, and so on. It is recommended to recognize the regular store and the shelf life; our trip is no shopping tours! You can go to the scenic area or nearby souvenir stores to buy (if you can go on the Meituan or Xiaohongshu to see the reviews or whether there is a voucher), but remember to see whether you can substitute back to your country or region!
What are some of the best places to take photos of?
Beijing Imperial Palace / Great Wall, Shanghai Bund / Lujiazui, Zhangjiajie / Phoenix Ancient City, Guilin landscape, Yunnan Dali / Lijiang, Harbin Ice World and so on. Seasonal combinations such as the autumn maple (Jiuzhai, Kanas) and winter snow (Northeast) are even better. Tibet is also suitable for traveling all year round!
Will there be any queuing during the peak travel season?
The queues at popular attractions are longer during holidays and summer vacation. We will try our best to arrangeStaggered Peak Hours and Ticket ReservationsThe program will also allow flexibility to avoid queuing all day long.
Are airport transfers included?
Refer to each product page for details. If the first day of the trip is labeled "Arrive at a certain place", it is usuallyIncludes same day airport/station transferAdditional sections for other regions can be arranged or suggested by our consultants.
Will I go with a tour to see what's going on?
We focus on outbound tours/semi-self-guided tours, which are more relaxed in pace and more flexible in terms of sightseeing; we also arrange on-site experiences or free time to avoid overcrowding in a single day.
Will I be in too much of a hurry to travel?
The design of the itinerary is based on the principle of "reasonable distance + flexibility"; long distances are mostly connected by high-speed rail/airplane, and appropriate rest stops are arranged along the way to minimize the labor of traveling.
What happens to my itinerary if my flight is delayed?
Please notify us immediately in the pre-trip group, we will adjust the transfer, move the attractions or change the routes at the same time; if necessary, we will help to reschedule/refund the tickets. We will provide you with the most cost-effective and time-saving solution first.
Is medical support available?
Tour guides are trained in basic emergency response and are able to assist in the first instance; in serious cases, they will immediately contact the nearest medical center. It is recommended to bring your own medication and to ensure that medical and overseas emergency services are covered by your travel insurance.
What should I do if my luggage is overweight?
Different airlines/High Speed Rail have different rules and regulations; check-in and carry-on allowances will be indicated after the ticket is issued. If you are likely to be overweight, we recommend that you purchase additional baggage or separate the heavy items; we can also help you inquire about additional purchase options at the counter.
How clean is the hotel accommodation in China?
Our cooperative lodgings or B&Bs are selected based on word-of-mouth and ratings; in case of change during peak seasons, we will use the following criteriaEquivalent grade or promotionSubstitute and inform in advance. If you have sensitive needs (e.g. anti-mite bedding, non-smoking rooms), please inform the consultant in advance. However, please note that the conditions in remote areas are limited, and the awareness of local service in Tibet and Xinjiang is not as high as that of Chinese people, so you need to be prepared for this in advance!
How many days are recommended for China?
Our trips range from 5 days to 14 days, so check your vacation time first before planning your trip!
Do I need a visa or entry papers?
Depends on the traveler's nationality (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia and other passport requirements are different). Our consultants will provide you with the latest regulations and guidelines before departure; if you need invitation letters, entry letters or other approvals, we will arrange and track the progress on your behalf.
Need help planning your own route or fine-tuning your rhythm? Add our consultants: china2go-cits|LINE @315xvpvi|WhatsApp +886 911 607 167.