None of this is difficult. But it is different from what you're used to, and knowing it in advance turns potential friction into a non-event. Each guide below stands on its own — jump straight to the one that matters for your trip, or work through them in order for a complete picture of daily life on the road in China.
The Tips Directory
贴士目录
01
网络通讯Internet & Connectivity
Surviving the Great Firewall: local SIM cards and eSIMs, the VPN question, and the Chinese apps that replace Google, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
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02
语言沟通Language Survival
Getting by without Mandarin: the translation apps worth installing, seven phrases that carry you through 80% of interactions, and the point-at-the-menu strategy.
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03
人身安全Personal Safety
Why China is remarkably safe, the financial scams to watch for near tourist sites, and exactly what to do — and who to call — in an emergency.
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04
文化礼仪Cultural Etiquette
Tipping, chopstick taboos, giving and receiving with both hands, and the concept of face — the small norms that earn instant goodwill.
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05
最佳时节Best Times to Visit
When to go and when to stay home: avoiding Golden Week and the Chinese New Year rush, and the best season for every region of the country.
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06
健康日常Health & Daily Practicalities
Tap water, air quality, squat toilets, and power adapters — the unglamorous daily details that make or break your comfort on the ground.
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07
必备应用Must-Have Apps
Your digital survival kit: WeChat, Alipay, Baidu Maps, Trip.com, Pleco, and DiDi — what each does and why you must install it before departure.
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08
行前清单The Prepared Traveler's Checklist
The complete pre-departure rundown, from passport validity and visa checks to the screenshots that will save you on a street corner at 11 p.m.
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