Ready for China? Don’t Miss These Travel Must-Knows
Considering experiencing China’s skyscraper cities, rivers with changing fortunes, ancient marvels? Booked already? Then grab a down-to-earth guide with real, up-to-the-minute facts — sure to prepare you for hassle-free adventures in the behemothic nation. Care? Then come join us for must-knows!
Entry Essentials: Passport, Visa, and New Exemptions
1. Passport:
Your passport needs to be valid for a date within six months from when you arrive in China. Check this every time you are making a booking.
2. Visa or Exemption:
A China tourist visa is issued for the bulk of tourists, for whom application can be made through the closest embassy, consulate, or foreign missions of their own. However, China now grants visa-free entry to nationals from dozens of countries for short visits (up to 30 days or as per updated policy). Latest in visa transit policy expansion offer tourists entitled to it a maximum time frame for 240 hours, or 10 days, in a limited number of cities, in case you are being routed through a third country—a good stopover. Check lists for qualifying countries for the visa, including requirements, on official government websites prior to departure.
Tip:
Leave printed documents and electronic backups of your visa, passport identification page, itinerary, and hotel reservations for airport and hotel quick checks.
Is Your Entry Plan Covered? More Need-to-Know Details
In order for you to get the new visa-free transit for 240 hours, you must present a passport with at least three months’ validity left, an onward booked flight, and arrive in an assigned Chinese city.
In the event your passport got renewed recently, then you are free to travel with it in addition with your original passport with a valid Chinese visa, as long as your core details also haven’t changed.
Planning Your Travel
Busy Times:
Imagine yourself at the Great Wall—now add thousands of local tourists. Chinese holidays, particularly Chinese New Year (dates vary, but late January–February is typical), National Day (Oct 1-7), summer school vacation during July-August are a recipe for hordes all day, with packed spots times packed transportation. Visit during spring in Apr-May or fall in Sep-Oct for smaller-crowd views plus good weather.
Itinerary:
China’s huge scale requires smart planning. Pick a handful of cities or experiences and plan in extra time for arrival — distances are greater than they seem on the map.
Mobile Payments, Apps, and Connectivity
1. Internet Access and the Firewall:
Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Western-based social networks in general, and much foreign reporting are censored in mainland China. Download a decent VPN before you arrive in case you need a service up and running, as most VPN applications fail to get downloaded when you arrive in China.
2. Mobile Payments:
China is powered by cashless payments—Alipay and WeChat Pay are used everywhere, from luxury malls to street food stalls. More foreign tourists can now tie their Visa or Mastercard credit card with these apps, though setup is neater when you do it beforehand. It’s a good thing, though, to bring a limited amount of cash with you because in some retro venues, you can’t be guaranteed card usage.
3. Translation and Maps:
Establish translation programs (offline copy for Google Translator, Baidu Translator), keep offline maps. Some older service staff may speak limited English, especially in smaller cities.
Packing and Health: Practical Dos and Don’ts
1. Medical Kit:
Good hospitals are in big cities in China, however, after all, language barriers may lead to misunderstandings in the description of the illness. Bring universal medicine for headaches, tummy issues, antihistamines, and your medication. Bring any serious medication in sufficient amount with a doctor’s note for exotic medication.
2. Water:
Never drink plain tap water directly from the tap. Bottled water is normal, electric ketttles are common in hotels — boiling tap water first when you drink is a must thing.
3. Altitude & Vaccines:
In case you’re destined for high elevation (Tibet, Qinghai, some parts of Sichuan), make ready for a headache or dizziness — ascend gradually where possible and take it easy for your first days.
