The Ultimate Checklist: China
🇨🇳 Welcome to China! 🇨🇳
China is a vast and diverse country in East Asia, known for its rich history, dynamic culture, and modern innovations.
From the Great Wall to bustling cities like Beijing and Shanghai, China offers a mix of ancient and contemporary experiences.
The Essentials
☀️ Weather
China’s weather varies greatly due to its size, with distinct climates in different regions:
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit due to mild temperatures and less rain.
Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, especially in southern cities, while northern regions can be cooler.
Winter (December to February) is cold, particularly in the north, but a great time for visiting cities like Harbin, famous for its Ice Festival.
🧧 Money Matters
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB)
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in major cities, but cash or local mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. It’s advisable to carry cash for smaller shops, markets, or rural areas. ATMs are widely available in cities.
💬 Language
Official Languages: Mandarin Chinese
English speakers can be hard to find in China so learning a few basic Mandarin phrases or using a translation app is essential.
🛜 Connectivity and Wifi
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and public places, but certain websites (like Google, Facebook, and Instagram) are blocked.
You can easily purchase a SIM card at the airport or in city centers. China Mobile and China Unicom are reliable providers.
An alternative to SIM cards are eSIMs, an eSIM is a digital SIM card that you can download on your phone and use for the duration of your trip (link below)
🔌 Plug and Sockets
China uses plug types A, C, and I, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz.
🆘 Safety and Emergency Numbers
Police and General Emergencies: 110
Fire: 119
Ambulance: 120
China is generally safe for tourists, but always take basic precautions and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
Travel and Transport
🛫 Air
China has numerous international airports, with Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou being the largest hubs (I've listed them below for easy reference)
Domestic flights are frequent and often the most convenient way to travel between distant regions.
🚝 Public Transport
Trains: China’s high-speed trains are world-class, linking cities across the country. The China Railway High-speed (CRH) system is an efficient and scenic way to travel between major cities
Subways: Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have extensive and affordable subway systems.
Taxis and Ride-hailing: Taxis are easy to find, and the app Didi is the Chinese equivalent of Uber.
🚙 Road
Car rentals are available, but driving in China can be challenging due to traffic and local road rules. Most tourists prefer using public transportation or hiring a private driver.
🍲 Food and Culture
Chinese cuisine is diverse and varies by region. From spicy Sichuan to Cantonese dim sum, you’ll experience a wide range of flavours. Make sure to try out these:
🥟 Dumplings (Jiaozi) – A must-try, especially during Chinese New Year. These delicious, stuffed parcels come in various flavors and can be boiled, steamed, or fried.
🍜 Peking Duck – A famous Beijing specialty, featuring crispy duck skin served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and green onions.
🍲 Hot Pot – A communal meal where you cook your own meat, seafood, and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth, popular in regions like Chongqing and Sichuan.
🍚 Dim Sum – A Cantonese tradition of small, steamed dishes like buns, rolls, and dumplings, often served with tea.
For more Top Tips - make sure to check out my Blog below!
🧳 Packing List
Before heading off, make sure you have these essentials for your trip to China:
🧣 Comfortable clothing – Lightweight for summer, and layers for winter.
👟 Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially in places like the Great Wall and city tours.
🧴 Sunscreen and hand sanitizer – The sun can be intense, and hand sanitizer is useful when visiting busy markets or using public transport.
📜 Travel documents and a copy of your visa – Always keep a copy of your passport and visa with you, as hotels and transport may require identification.
☔ Umbrella or rain jacket – Summer can bring sudden rain showers, especially in southern regions.
📱Useful Apps
Thank you for reading and make sure to save for your future reference!
For bonus tips and tricks head to my blog!!
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