Known for the Great Wall of China, Giant Pandas, Potent Teas, and Chinese Cuisine, there is no debating that there is lots to experience in China.
Whether your goal is to climb the longest wall in the world, visit breathtaking temples, relax and enjoy the scenery with a Yangjing (Beijing Beer), or to experience a rich culture different from your own, you will find your bliss in China.
Hopefully the tips, tricks, and observations in my China Playbook can help you prepare for you for an amazing China Experience.
1. Paper Trail
China requires a paper trail of tourists. Some locations allow you to purchase a tourist visa upon arrival, but China has a visa application process that is required prior to arrival.
I chose CIBTvisas to handle my China Visa Processing and the customer service was exceptional. My application was submitted and returned to me within 5 Business Days.
There is an option to have the Concierge Service Specialist handle the process from start to finish, but I don't recommend paying the extra fee unless you are in a time crunch. The standard process was perfect for my needs.
Visa Application Form (link)
- There multiple versions of visa's. If you plan to leave China and re-enter, you will need a multi-visit visa that is valid for 10 years.
Passport Requirements:
- Passport Valid for 6 months beyond the length of your requested visa)
- Contain at least two blank visa pages for the visa stamp
- Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in any other way
Note: Your Passport must be mailed with your application.
Bring your Passport EVERYWHERE. Tours, Hotels, Drivers, Attraction will require your passport with the Visa before you can enter.
Photographs Requirements: (link)
- Take this photo with your phone, or camera. Mine was taken using the iPhone 10.
Letter of Invitation: (link)
- A copy of your round trip airline ticket and hotel confirmation for your stay in China
- OR provide a letter of invitation from a Chinese friend or relative.
Proof of State Residency:
- The document must either be a copy of the front of your driver's license or government ID, or a utility bill and must display your name and address as it appears on your passport.
Note: Travelers with a criminal record will be required to appear in person at the consulate in order to provide biometrics.
2. No Social Media
China doesn't necessarily have "No Social Media", but American Social Media cannot be accessed on their WiFi.
- China's 'Great Firewall' blocks Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Google.
- Download a VPN and confirm that China is covered. (I used NordVPN)
- Download WeChat(Weixen). It's a Facebook app on steroids. Purchases, Social Media and Messaging are all housed within this app.
For those of you who love to blog, vlog, and post on social media, VPN and WeChat are a must. The WiFi will block sites that Americans use on a daily basis. If you're fortunate enough to have an international phone plan with unlimited data...you're all set!
2. Money Bag
Keep the Money Bag full in China. Cash is the preferred method for purchases in China. Only hotels, upscale restaurants, and very few stores accept Visa and MasterCard.
Most of the locals use "WeChat", a Chinese multi-purpose messaging, social media, and mobile payment app. I'll discuss this app in more detail later.
Currency: It was confusing that my receipts and invoices stated "RMB" and not "Yuan". The hotel concierge let me know that the official China's currency is Renminbi but Yuan is a unit of the Remninbi currency. Basically, the terms are synonymous, but Yuan is used verbally, and RMB is written.
Currency Exchange: There are a wide range of International ATMs in Shanghai and Beijing. The exchange rate is usually better at the ATM vs. Travelex or other Currency Exchange Companies. Be sure to withdraw money prior to leaving the airport.
Bank Travel Alert: Notify your bank of your upcoming travel. Major Banks will allow you to set travel alerts through their mobile apps, but you can also call customer service directly. Trust me...you do not want a blocked card when arriving in a foreign country.
Negotiate Prices: Outside of the chain stores and boutiques, prices are always negotiable. There were multiple instances where I'd haggle the price to 75% off the original price. The locals can spot tourists, and tourists spend money. Never accept the first or the second offer.
Do Not Tip: The Chinese do not tip and do not expect tourists to tip. I tried to tip my driver on multiple occasions, and it was not accepted. Use the tip money for a souvenir, or if you're a foodie like myself, EAT MORE FOOD! :)
4. I Get Around
China has a very efficient transportation system with more than reasonable prices. Whether it's traveling locally or on the high speed trains to other cities within the country.
Trains are impressively fast; high speed trains from Shanghai to Beijing travels 800 miles in 4.5 - 6.5 hours.
We traveled from Shanghai to Beijing and purchased our tickets in advance through Rail.Ninja. The tickets can be picked up at the train station using your confirmation number at the English Speaking Ticketing Desk. Our ride was smooth and luxurious in Business Class ($150 One-Way). I recommend arriving to the train station an hour in advance. Boarding starts 20 minutes prior to the depart time.
Buses in China are fairly slow, uncomfortable, and people aggressively board the bus with no regard for personal space. The Buses are cheap, and you have to purchase your tickets at the bus station.
Taxis were my primary mode of transportation. It's easy to hail a cab in China. Taxi fare is cheap; I never paid more than 50 Yuan for a ride.
Uber cannot be used, but locals use the Chinese Uber App (DiDi) to quickly get a ride. My Tour Guide ordered a Didi (Uber) for me and I paid her cash in return. Didi requires a Chinese Bank Account for transactions.
5. Culture
Spitting: The first thing I noticed when setting foot in China was the SPITTING.
The locals do not use handkerchiefs or tissue to blow their noses, or clear their throats. I recommend bringing hand sanitizer and being careful when touching anything.
Face Masks: There are some locals who wear face masks, but this is not to avoid the spitting, this is because the pollution in China (mainly Beijing) is hazardous. Air pollution has always received the brunt of public scrutiny as more people move to urban centers in China. I recommend wearing a mask when
Taking Photos: The Chinese love to take photos, especially if you are of African Descent. We felt like celebrities when the locals asked to take pictures with us, or asked about our culture.
There were some instances where we were recorded without our permission, but 80% of the time they would ask before taking pictures. #BlackGirlMagic
I drew the line when people asked to touch my hair. First, I don't like to be petted. Second, where have your hands been? Third - I just saw you spit (not really, but that's what I assumed)
Personal Space: Just forget that term, it does NOT exist in China due to the over population.
The Chinese are accustomed to smaller spaces, and most of their homes are less than 400 square feet. Don't be surprised or annoyed when you are shoved, or pushed...it's not a personal attack.
Water: DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Ask for bottled water; it's offered everywhere and is fairly cheaper than western prices.
Squat Toilet: I walked into the restroom and quickly walked out after seeing the stall. I assumed it was the men's restroom. Nope...it was a women's restroom and the toilet was embedded into the ground.
No tissue, No hand rails, just a toilet with no base. I hope you have strong knees because these "toilets" are everywhere.
Tip: The handicap stalls have normal toilets; BRING TISSUE
Most important tip while traveling, share your travel itinerary with family and friends. You never know what you'll encounter in another country.
I hope this helps! If there are any additional topics you would like me to cover, feel free to message me or leave a comment below.
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-GreedyGlobeTrotta
Good stuff! I am taking notes :)