China Insider Free Ultimate China Travel Guide 2024

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Introduction

UPDATED ON 26 June 2024. This might be the only guide you need to read before traveling to China: Nihao! I’m Adam, aka your China Insider. After 10 years of sharing interesting things about China with you on instagram @chinainsider, our community has grown from 3 people (including me, Irving and Juan) to 600,000 (now 900,000)!🤯 To thank you for the support, I wrote this ultimate China travel guidebook, to give you some really useful travel hacks in China. So you can travel like an insider in China, even if you are a first timer. We are not like any other travel bloggers/influencers 💁,these are some real insider tips, from insiders to insiders, 0 bullshit🤫 I also know you don’t have the attention span for a 10,000 words thesis😏So I keep this guide compact but covering all the important things.

Here are some fun facts you might be surprised when traveling to China for the first time:

  • Hot water♨️in restaurants: Chinese restaurants often serve plain hot water as a default beverage, believed to be beneficial for health than cold water
  • Finding deodorant is a challenge: Deodorant isn’t as commonly used or available in China. Because the body odor gene ABCC11 is non-functional in 90% of Chinese (biology class you guys)
  • No Instagram, Google, YouTube, Tinder or TikTok⛔: In China, these popular social media platforms are inaccessible due to internet restrictions. You can have a real social media detox. If you don’t feel like it,  keep reading. We will teach you how to walk around it 
  • Squat toilets🚻 are a thing: Many public bathrooms in China feature squat toilets.
  • Extra attention as a foreigner🧑‍🎤: As a foreigner,especially if you don’t look Chinese,  you might find yourself the center of attention, with local Chinese taking photos with you, offering you things for free as gestures of hospitality. Don’t be scared, they are curious and you might be the first non-Chinese they see in their life. 

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This guide is your one-stop source for the minium you need to know before coming to China. From how to enter China to how to get around to where to get deodorants (yes this is important information), we’ve got you covered. So, pack your bags and get ready. Let’s make your China adventure as smooth and exciting as possible!  

Entry Requirements: The Latest Visa Free Policy

Many people (those ones with passport privilege) were shocked that they needed a visa to travel to China. China’s visa policy is very different from other places so make sure you check this beforehand. However, since 2023, China has been giving out visa-waiver to many countries. We expect more travelers from different countries will enjoy hassle-free travel to China. If you want the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on China’s visa-free policy, check out our Ultimate China Travel Guide for only $5.90. Here are some examples of current visa policy:

Finally, If your passports are not on any of these lists, you’d better check your local Chinese embassy/consulate to apply for a visa. Just a heads-up, visa policies can change, so it’s key to always double-check the most current info. Your go-to spots should be the Chinese embassies or consulates’ websites – they’re the real deal for the latest updates. Don’t worry, we’re on it too! As China insiders, we’ll be releasing new versions of this guide whenever there’s a major change in the rules. So, stay tuned with us for all the fresh scoop.

Is It Safe in China?

While planning your trip to China, keeping health and safety at the forefront is crucial. Here’s what you need to consider:

  • Personal Safety👷:
    • China is very safe for travelers. Even As a female walking alone outside at night, you’ll find that it’s generally quite safe.There’s a notable police presence and extensive surveillance network in urban areas. Violent crimes are very rare. You still need to pay attention to your personal belongings in crowded places.
  • Water and Food
    • Water🚰: Tap water is not directly drinkable in China. It’s common practice in China to boil tap water before drinking it. Most homes, hotels, and even offices in China will have water dispensers or kettles for this purpose. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere costs 0.2-0.5 USD.
    • Food🍚: Street food, while tantalizing, should be approached with caution. Although the reay insiders love Chinese street food for sure! So opt for busy stalls where food is freshly cooked in front of you, and the local Chinese people know which one is good. Restaurant food is generally safe and you can check the review on Dianping.com with translation. Also, be aware of your own food sensitivities; Chinese cuisine widely uses ingredients like soy, sesame, and glutens which can be allergens for a lot of westerners. 
  • COVID-19 Restrictions (are we still talking about this?):
    • COVID-19 Restrictions have been lifted in China for quite a while. So Don’t worry about it at all!
    • Masks😷: Don’t be surprised. Even with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, many Chinese people continue wearing masks primarily for health precautions, to prevent the spread of illnesses in crowded areas. Additionally, masks are commonly used in East Asia as part of the outfit (so people can skip makeup when in a hurry).  
  • Emergency Numbers:
    • Police👮: Dial 110 for police assistance. This number is used for reporting crimes or any immediate law enforcement needs.
    • Fire🚒: Dial 119 to report a fire. This is the direct line to the fire department for fire-related emergencies.
    • Medical Emergencies🚑: Dial 120 for an ambulance and medical emergencies. This number connects you to the emergency medical services.
    • Traffic Accidents: For traffic accidents, you can also dial 122, which is the number specifically for road traffic accidents.
  • Travel Insurance:
    • Don’t tell me you are coming to China without proper travel insurance! Having comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and any other risk will let you travel in peace.
    • Although China’s healthcare costs are generally so cheap even without insurance in public hospitals (think about 1-5 US dollars for consultation, 10-20 US dollars for an X-ray). But if you need to go to international hospitals where they speak English, the medical bill can easily be 100 times.
    • Here are some travel insurance that are good for traveling in China:
      • Faye Travel Insurance in China offers comprehensive coverage, emergency medical services, customizable plans, mobile app support, travel assistance, and local partnerships for enhanced service. https://withfaye.pxf.io/jrbnge
      • Travelex: Travelex provides plans that range from basic travel protection to more extensive policies, accommodating different types of travelers and trips. Travelex only offers packages for travelers from the United States. If you are from the United States this one is the best. https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101047862-11485740
      • VisitorsCoverage: has Visitors & Travel Medical Insurance and Trip Insurance for international travelers. https://www.visitorscoverage.com/?affid=4700aea706b30
      • World Nomads: World Nomads is a well-regarded travel insurance company known for offering flexible and comprehensive insurance plans for travelers from every country. Remember to compare the packages with Travelex and VisitorsCoverage. I’d say it’s a nice option for international travelers who are not from the US. https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-101047862-15379553

Wechat: You Basically Live on This App in China

What is WeChat? The Chinese name of Wechat is 微信(Weixin). You will hear it a lot on the street. Wechat is basically Whatsapp + Facebook + TikTok + Amazon + Uber + Paypal + Tinder+ any apps you can think of. So if you want to enjoy the convenience like a real China insider you need to install it asap. Even Elon Musk previously praised WeChat the “everything app” and he bought off Twitter to build X – eventually to be an everything app for the west. The only hiccup is that WeChat may ask you to activate the account by having an existing Wechat user to refer you:

Ask your Chinese friends for a favor😏If you really don’t have a Chinese friend, try to comment under @chinainsider @chinatravel.club posts for this request. People are doing this all the time and surprisingly there are always some kind-hearted fellas who volunteer to help. Insiders help insiders🤝

Money and Payment: How Do You Pay Bills in China?

The Renminbi (RMB), also known as Yuan, is the official currency in China. The symbol of the Yuan is ¥. 1 USD equals around 7 Yuan and 1 euro equals around 8 Yuan. Do people in China use cash, debit, or credit cards? Nowadays Chinese people don’t use any of these. This is the reality:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz8gal9oxOC

Even beggars in China collect money with Wechat Pay and Alipay!

Even market vendors accept and only accept either Alipay or WeChat Pay!

  • WeChat Pay and Alipay: WeChat Pay is part of the WeChat app.Alipay is another independent App. Most Chinese use them for most of the transactions from 1 RMB to 10,000 RMB in their life. That’s how powerful and common they are.
  • Many travel agencies tell their customers don’t bother to download WeChat because previously you needed to have a Chinese bank account to use WeChat pay. But good news, as for now you can link international credit cards to WeChat Pay! And come on, how can you have the full Chinese experience without WeChat?  
  • Credit Cards: Credit cards aren’t widely accepted in many places, especially in smaller shops or local restaurants. However, you’ll likely find credit cards accepted in international hotels and designer brands.
  • Cash: Although China is pretty much operating in a cashless mode, carrying a bit of cash can be a lifesaver in more remote areas or if your Wechat Pay or Alipay don’t work.  For exchange, try to do it at banks or official exchange counters for better rates.
  • Money Exchange: If you are looking for the best rates and seemingless in your Wechat Pay or Alipay. Alipay has this function built in. But it only opens to residents in China (this might change). But for now you can use Wise. It is one more step but also very convenient. Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, is an online platform for international money transfers and currency exchange. It has one of the cheapest transaction fees and the best exchange rates. Check it out here:  https://wise.prf.hn/l/2M3b5wk (as for 2024 you can only exchange money when you have Chinese residency, ask your Chinese friends to do you a favor is the only way😢)

Inter-City Transportation

  • Trains: If you have been following @chinainsider, you might know that railways are a popular option for inter-city travel. Trains are very comfortable and affordable in China. You can book on:
    • 12306 The official China railway website. It’s the one and only official website for all the railway tickets in the whole China. It’s built for robustness so the UX might not be very straightforward for foreigners. https://www.12306.cn/en/
    • Trip.com It definitely has the better user interface and is more tailored towards western travelers booking preferences. The price is the same as the official one. It also has very good English customer service. https://www.trip.com/trains/china/?Allianceid=4009678&SID=25399843&trip_sub1=&trip_sub3=D12110
    • Train Station/Local Ticket Office: This is the old school method but they work too. Train stations sell tickets 15 days before departure. Remember to skip the self-checkout machines because they can only read Chinese-ID. Oh, I have to remind you 99.9% of the staff won’t speak any English and there will be long queues.
  • Air Travel: China is sooo big so you will need to fly at some point of time. Many cities have airports with domestic and international connections. There are thousands of platforms for booking plane tickets. You can directly book with the airlines. But it’s not the easiest as a foreign traveler. You can also book them within Wechat or Alipay. There are local Chinese websites but again, they are all in Chinese and might not be the best options for the international travelers.
  • Car Rentals, Carpooling and Ride Shares: Forget about it because International Driving Permits or other foreign driver’s licenses are not recognised in China🥹

Traveling in The City

Getting around in China is an adventure in itself. Here’s a deep dive into the transportation scene to help you navigate like a pro:

  • Metro Systems: Most big cities in China have extensive and efficient metro systems. They’re fast, cheap, and usually the easiest way to beat traffic. English signs and announcements are standard, so don’t stress about getting lost. And guess what, you can check in and out with your Wechat Pay or Alipay. 
  • Buses: City buses cover areas where metros don’t reach. They’re super super affordable, though a bit more challenging language-wise. Google Translate or Baidu Translate can be handy here. But given that the metro and taxis are so cheap, not many international travelers go with buses.
  • Taxis and Didi(Chinese Uber): Taxis are everywhere and relatively cheap. For an even smoother experience, use Didi – it’s the Uber of China. The app has an English version, and you can link it to your WeChat or Alipay for payments. Didi is already embedded in Wechat, as an in-app App.
  • Bikes and E-Bikes Sharing: In cities, shared bikes are a fun, cheap way to explore. They are dockless and can be found everywhere. You usually see the yellow ones from Meituan, blue HelloBike from Alibaba, and indigo Qingju Bike from Didi. They are like 1.5 RMB for 30 minutes. 
  • Navigation Apps:Baidu Maps and Gaode Maps are the go-tos for navigation. Google Map doesn’t work in China.

Accommodation in China

Hotel Group Websites: There are so many international hotel chains in China. For those seeking luxury, internationally renowned hotel chains like the Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, InterContinental, and Shangri-La etc. offer opulent comforts and impeccable service. These hotels blend Western-style luxury with unique Chinese elements. Mid-range options are plentiful too, with brands like Holiday Inn and Novotel offering reliable and comfortable accommodations at more moderate prices.You can directly book from their websites like anywhere else.

Trip.com: But if you are not a loyal point-collecting customer with any hotel chains or you want to find more local options like Chinese local hotel brands, try trip.com. They have very good deals and you can compare the prices. Here is the result for accommodations in Shanghai: https://www.trip.com/hotels/list?city=2&display=Shanghai&optionId=2&optionType=City&optionName=Shanghai&Allianceid=4009678&SID=36071701&trip_sub1=&trip_sub3=D121122

Booking.com: it is also a good option. It might not have the most accommodation options but if you are a booking genius you get good deals too. Here is the result for accommodations in Shanghai: https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?city=-1924465&aid=2402177&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Hostels are generally better in big cities while not very popular in small cities. Because the local hotels are already very cheap, not many international travelers choose to stay in hostels. Another reason is many of them don’t have the licenses to host foreigners.

While Airbnb and similar platforms are popular accommodation choices worldwide, it’s important to note that Airbnb doesn’t operate in China. Moreover, local alternatives to Airbnb are generally not recommended for foreign travelers, as they often lack the necessary licenses to host international guests. This limitation makes it crucial for foreigners to rely on more traditional forms of accommodation when visiting China.

SIM Card

Buying a SIM card in China is straightforward, with the most convenient locations being international airports. China has three major telecom providers: China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile. Among these, China Unicom seems to be the preferred choice for tourists (any insider tell me why you don’t like China Mobile? It’s my personal favorite). Although the differences among these providers are minimal, China Unicom’s network tends to be more compatible with a broader range of foreign phones. So you don’t need to think too much before picking a SIM card.

If you are extra-organized and want to have a sim card ready to use before the trip. Try these eSims. Make sure your phone supports eSIM before buying. Just choose the cheapest one:

eSIM 

airalo eSIM from 5 USD 7 Days to 28 USD 30 Days many options: https://airalo.pxf.io/5gGk6N

Greater China (with VPN): eSim Mobile Data Day Plan: https://gyg.me/JW9UF2ze

Shanghai: China (with VPN) or Asia eSIM Roaming Mobile Data: https://gyg.me/emI3d2i8

China (with VPN), Hong Kong and Macau: eSIM Data Plan: https://gyg.me/KL9OtZkd

You Need a VPN in China (Unless You Want an Internet Detox)

Check my post for the latest suggestions of VPNs for China: THE BEST VPNS FOR CHINA 2024. I keep collecting insights from our friends and update the VPN guide. As you land in China, ready to text your friends on Whatsapp, share your adventure on Instagram, or check what @chinainsider has just posted, you’re in for a surprise. In China, most of foreign Apps and websites like Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok are blocked by the national fire wall. But don’t worry, we got your back. The only thing you need to do is to install a VPN.

What is a VPN? A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in a location of your choice. Basically  it hides what you do online and can make it look like you’re browsing from somewhere else.

In China, choosing a good VPN can be as important as it gets. Firstl, you need a VPN that actually WORKS in China, which can bypass the censorship and internet blockage. Secondly,  a bad VPN can basically put all your data in danger and it might even cause legal issues, which you won’t want to deal with during your trip.

It can get very technical on choosing VPNs. I’ve done the work for you. These VPNs are tested and they work in China by now. But also let me be honest with you, the Great Fire Wall is updating all the time. So if there is a VPN claiming they will work forever that’d be a lie. So I like to pick the VPNs that are quick to update with the fire wall and has good customer service (so they will refund you when their things are not working)

Tickets, Attractions, Things To Do, and Organized Tours

It’s always better to book your tickets (any type) in advance to avoid long lines and higher prices. While you can always get your tickets offline, they tend to be more expensive and involve waiting in lengthy queues, which is a big boomer for impatient people like me. So here are some websites where you can book your entrance tickets and private trips:

Klook: 🎫The best place to book tickets for amusement parks, tourist attractions etc.The prices are good and usually cheaper than buying on site. They also sell fast lane tickets to save you some time. Klook also has a lot of different organized half-day, one-day trips. So I’d say it’s a pretty decent price to get whatever tickets/trips you need.

Some examples: 

GetYourGuide: GetYourGuide is more specialized in all kinds of short trips and city activities. I bet my Dutch insiders would enjoy the various bicycle city tours it offers🚲. 

Some examples:

Musement: Same thing, private/small group organized day trips and airport transfers. It’s part of the TUI group. I think my German or other European insiders must be familiar with them. Their trips are a bit more expensive, not gonna lie. But some of them offer languages in German which is good for our German insiders.

Some examples: 

Viator: It belongs to Tripadvisor so you already know its legit. Viator offers you  things to do, tickets, tours & attractions in China. I’d say it’s similar to GetYourGuide. It has free cancellation so it is perfect for people like me who can’t make up his mind at the last minute haha. Remember to read the comments of the trips before booking.

Some examples:

So Where Can You Buy Deodorant?

Probably less than 1 percent of Chinese people are using deodorant, which makes it super hard to find. But we don’t want to smell like a stinky animal (or do we?) For sure Watsons 屈臣氏 (a drugstore chain) carries deodorant. So remember its indigo color store front and logo. You will need it and luckily it’s in most Chinese cities.  Convenience stores like Family Mart and 7-11 are also your best places to find a deodorant. Another good option is international supermarket chains like Walmart and Carrefour. If you didn’t plan to stay in China for too long, the best option is to bring your own deodorant to save you some hassle from running around to find deodorants.

After reading this ultimate China Travel Guide, I believe you already have sufficient knowledge to survive and have fun in China. Even if you are traveling to China for the first time👼! I also know planning a trip, especially all the way to China could be a lot of work. So I made a digital travel planner tailored to your China travel planning (finally after all these words, time to promote my own product).

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  • A bucket list system to track the activities you want to do and food you want to eat
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Thank you for your reading⭐If you have any questions, shoot me a message on instagram @chinatravel.club (@chinainsider too but it gets way too many DMs I might not see) Hope you will have a wonderful trip in China✈️ Untill next time then😄

5 thoughts on “China Insider Free Ultimate China Travel Guide 2024”

  1. Pingback: Discover Yubeng 2024: A Hidden Treasure Amidst Yunnan's Peaks - China Travel Club

  4. John may

    Great guide! I visited Beijing in 2007 and love the history, culture, food, shopping etc its my goal to get lost in China and find my way out lol follow that wall maybe ?

    Reply

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