10 travel tips you should know before visiting China
- meichen lin
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 8
Traveling to China is exciting — it's a mix of ancient traditions and modern life. But the culture here can feel quite different if it’s your first time. To make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, here are 10 traveling tips every foreign visitor should know.
1. Learn a Few Chinese Phrases
Even though you’ll find English in tourist areas, most people you meet — taxi drivers, street vendors, or elderly locals — may not speak it. Learning a few words like nǐ hǎo (hello), xièxie (thank you), or duōshǎo qián? (how much is it?) goes a long way. You’ll notice smiles and warmer interactions when you try. Don’t worry about pronunciation — effort is what counts.
In China, we also say byebye(拜拜) to say goodbye.
2. Get Used to Mobile Payments
In China, mobile payment has replaced cash almost completely. People use WeChat Pay and Alipay everywhere — from five-star hotels to street food stalls. Even if you pull out banknotes, younger shopkeepers may struggle to find change. As a foreigner, you can now link international credit cards to these apps. Setting this up before or right after arrival will save you lots of hassle.
3. Master the Chopsticks
Meals in China are social, and chopsticks are part of that experience. Don’t stress if you’re not good at it at first — locals appreciate the effort. Avoid certain taboos: never stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles funeral incense), and don’t point at people with them. If you really can’t manage, some restaurants in tourist areas may provide forks, but learning chopsticks will give you the “when in Rome” experience.
4. Expect Less Personal Space
China is one of the most populous countries in the world, and crowds are part of daily life. In subway stations, markets, or ticket lines, people will often stand much closer than you’re used to. It’s not rudeness — it’s just normal. The upside is that you’ll quickly learn to move with the flow, and it can even feel energizing to be in the middle of a buzzing crowd.
5. No Tipping Needed
Unlike in the West, tipping isn’t part of Chinese culture. Restaurant bills, taxi fares, or massage services all include the price upfront. If you leave extra, many staff will politely return it. The only exceptions might be luxury hotels that cater to international guests, but even then, tipping is optional. It’s refreshing to enjoy good service without calculating extra percentages.
6. Temple Etiquette Matters
China’s temples aren’t just tourist attractions — they’re living places of worship. Dress modestly, take off your hat, avoid loud voices, and never touch Buddha statues. If you light incense, hold it upright and bow three times before placing it in the burner. These small gestures of respect will not only make locals appreciate your behavior but also help you feel the spiritual atmosphere of the site.
7. Toasting Traditions
Banquets and dinners often include lots of 干杯gānbēi (cheers). If someone toasts you, it’s polite to take at least a sip, even if you don’t drink much. A cultural detail: when clinking glasses with someone older or of higher status, try to keep your glass slightly lower than theirs to show respect. It’s a subtle sign, but locals will notice. Drinking together is seen as a way of building trust and friendship.
8. Prepare for Different Toilets
In many public places, especially outside big cities, squat toilets are the standard. For first-timers, it may feel unusual, but locals see it as perfectly normal — and sometimes even more hygienic. Western toilets exist in airports, hotels, and modern malls, but carrying tissues and hand sanitizer is always wise, since paper isn’t guaranteed. Think of it as part of the adventure.
9. Small Talk Can Feel Personal
In China, people may casually ask about your age, job, or marital status. While this might feel private elsewhere, here it’s just a way to show friendliness and get to know you. Don’t take offense — a simple answer or even a playful reply keeps the conversation flowing. Often, it leads to genuine curiosity about your country and culture, and you may find yourself exchanging stories with strangers on a train.
10. Food Is the Heart of Culture
Eating in China isn’t just about filling your stomach — it’s about sharing. Meals are often served family-style, with dishes placed in the middle for everyone to taste. Be adventurous: try Beijing roast duck, hotpot, street snacks like 煎饼jiānbǐng (savory crepes), or even more challenging dishes like 卤煮lǔ zhǔ. Each bite tells a story of history, migration, and local traditions. If you connect with locals over food, you’re halfway to understanding Chinese culture.
✨ With these tips, you’ll not only avoid awkward moments but also enjoy China more like a local. Keep an open mind, stay curious, and your trip will be unforgettable.
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