China sounds intimidating until you actually go. I grew up between Melbourne and Guangzhou, and I have spent years helping first-time visitors navigate everything from visa paperwork to ordering lunch. Here is everything you need to know.
Visa Requirements
China offers 240-hour transit visa-free entry for passport holders from over 50 countries. If your stay is under 10 days, you may not need a visa at all. Check the eligible country list before booking.
For longer stays, apply for a tourist visa (L visa) at your nearest Chinese embassy. You will need your passport, application form, photo, proof of accommodation, and a round-trip itinerary. Processing takes 5-7 business days. Expect around $140 USD for US passport holders. Some nationalities can also apply online via e-visa.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the best weather. Avoid Chinese New Year (late January or February) and Golden Week (first week of October), when domestic travel surges and prices spike.
Getting Around
China's high-speed rail is extraordinary. Trains run at 350 km/h, are clean and punctual, and Beijing to Shanghai takes just 4.5 hours. Book through Trip.com or the 12306 app using your passport number.
City metro systems in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen are extensive and cheap, usually under 10 RMB per ride. Use Alipay's transit QR code to scan through the gates.
For shorter trips, use DiDi (China's Uber). It has an English interface, calculates fares automatically, and saves you from explaining destinations in Chinese.
Mobile Payments
Cash is nearly obsolete in Chinese cities. Street vendors, restaurants, and convenience stores all use QR code payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay.
Both apps now support international credit cards. Download Alipay, link your Visa or Mastercard, and you can pay almost everywhere. Setup takes about 10 minutes. Keep 200-500 RMB in cash as backup for rural areas, but in major cities you can go weeks without paper money.
Language Basics
Most people outside international hotels do not speak English, but a few tools make a huge difference. Download a translation app with offline capability and camera translation for reading menus and signs.
Learn the essentials: "ni hao" (hello), "xie xie" (thank you), "duo shao qian" (how much), and "bu yao" (no thanks). Keep your hotel address in Chinese characters on your phone for taxi drivers.
Accommodation Tips
International hotel chains and booking platforms like Trip.com work well. When booking budget options, make sure the property accepts foreign guests, as not all have the required registration system. Look for properties with English reviews from foreign travelers.
Ordering Food
Eating in China is one of the great joys of travel. Choose busy restaurants where locals eat. Many places have picture menus or QR code ordering: scan with Alipay, browse photos, select items, pay, and wait. Use your camera translation app for menus without pictures.
Street food is generally safe at busy stalls. Try jianbing (savory crepes), chuan'r (grilled skewers), and dumplings.
Staying Connected
China's Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Get an eSIM with Hong Kong routing before your trip for unrestricted internet from the moment you land. No VPN hassle required.
Safety
China is remarkably safe. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The biggest risks are scams in tourist areas and traffic. Keep belongings secure in crowded areas and always look both ways before crossing, even on a green light.
Your first trip will surprise you. It is easier than expected, more fascinating than imagined, and the food alone is worth the flight. For a deeper dive into every topic above, check out the BreezyChina travel guide — 28 chapters covering visa to departure.
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