Things you MUST know before traveling to China
Ying HuangShare
1. Transportation
Most public transport in China uses QR code payments (subway, bus, shared bikes).
But you usually need a Chinese phone number to use them.
Don’t have one? No problem.
Just buy a physical transit card at stations or airports.
For taxis:
Most people book via apps.
But at airports & train stations, you can just queue in the official taxi line — easy.
2. Accommodation
China has hotels for every budget, from cheap to luxury.
Most hotels include:
- Free WiFi
- Hot water
- Free disposable toiletries
- Disposable slippers
Important:
China uses different power plugs.
Bring a universal travel adapter — you’ll thank me later.
3. Food
Chinese food is world-famous and super diverse.
You can find both local Chinese dishes and international food everywhere.
Menus show clear prices.
But some dish names don’t tell you the ingredients.
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions:
- Ask the staff
- Or check online with a translator
4. Sightseeing
Many popular attractions require advance booking.
Some even offer combo tickets (entry + food + hotel) with big discounts.
But these tickets are usually sold only on official Chinese apps,
which need a Chinese phone number and payment method.
Plan ahead!
5. Shopping
China has amazing shopping — especially online.
Online prices are often 50%–70% cheaper than in physical stores,
with easy return & refund services.
For local markets:
Go to specialized wholesale/retail areas for more choices and better prices.
Just be careful:
Similar-looking items may have different quality.