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Capital: Beijing
Area: 9,596,961 sq km
Population: 1.41 billion
Languages: Mandarin Chinese, also Mongolian, Uyghur, Tibetan, Zhuang and others
 China |
China, officially the People’s Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia and the world’s most populous country, with a population of around 1.404 billion in 2017. Covering approximately 9,600,000 square kilometres (3,700,000 sq mi), it is the third or fourth-largest country by total area.[k]Governed by the Communist Party of China, the state exercises jurisdiction over 22 provinces, five autonomous regions, four direct-controlled municipalities (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Chongqing), and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
China emerged as one of the world’s first civilizations, in the fertile basin of the Yellow River in the North China Plain. For millennia, China’s political system was based on hereditary monarchies, or dynasties, beginning with the semi-legendary Xia dynasty in 21st century BCE. Since then, China has expanded, fractured, and re-unified numerous times. In the 3rd century BCE, the Qin reunited core China and established the first Chinese empire. The succeeding Han dynasty, which ruled from 206 BC until 220 AD, saw some of the most advanced technology at that time, including papermaking and the compass, along with agricultural and medical improvements. The invention of gunpowder and movable type in the Tang dynasty (618–907) and Northern Song (960–1127) completed the Four Great Inventions. Tang culture spread widely in Asia, as the new Silk Route brought traders to as far as Mesopotamia and the Horn of Africa. Dynastic rule ended in 1912 with the Xinhai Revolution, when the republic replaced the Qing dynasty. China as a whole was ravaged by Japan during World War II, and the subsequent Chinese Civil War resulted in a division of territory in 1949, when the Communist Party of China established the People’s Republic of China, a unitary one-party sovereign state on mainland China, while the Kuomintang-led nationalist government retreated to the island of Taiwan. The political status of Taiwan remains disputed.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
The currency in China is the Chinese yuan (also called renminbi). Each yuan is divided into 10 jiao.
When you’re buying currency for China, look out for the currency code CNY. And once you’re in China, you’ll see the symbol ¥ used to show prices.
You’ll find Chinese banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 100 yuan and 1, 2 and 5 jiao. The 2 yuan note and the jiao notes are seldom used.
Chinese coins come in 1 yuan and 1 and 5 jiao.
Most Chinese people nowadays don’t pay with cash or credit card, they use electronic payments on their mobile phones. Western payment apps like Google Pay and Apple Pay will not work – they only accept apps such as WePay and AliPay.
Paying by credit or debit card in China
In large towns and places where tourists are a common sight, you’ll find it’s easy enough to pay using a credit or debit card.
However, cards aren’t accepted everywhere – so keep cash with you, especially if you’re headed off the beaten path.
ATMs in China
ATMs are common in towns and cities, but remember to withdraw cash in advance if you’re headed into the countryside, where cash machines are few and far between.
Just be wary of the charges you might incur for using your credit card overseas. These can include:
- International transaction fees
- High exchange rate margins
- ATM fees
- Potential ‘cash advance fees if you use an ATM
Tipping
1. Is Tipping Common in China?
Unlike many Western countries, tipping is not a common practice in China. In fact, in most situations, tipping can be seen as unnecessary or even confusing. However, there are a few exceptions where tipping is becoming more accepted, especially in areas with a high volume of foreign tourists.
For the most part, locals do not tip, and service workers generally do not expect tips. Understanding this can help you avoid awkward situations. However, as China becomes more globally connected, tipping practices are slowly changing in certain industries like tourism and luxury services.
2. Understanding Tipping Culture in China
Before we dive into specific situations, it’s important to understand the overall tipping culture in China. Historically, tipping was not part of Chinese culture. Service charges are often included in the total bill, particularly in high-end establishments or hotels, which eliminates the need for additional tipping.
That said, foreigners who tip out of habit may still do so in certain tourist-heavy areas. Some workers in places like hotels, tour companies, and luxury restaurants may be accustomed to receiving tips from foreigners. But in most everyday situations, tipping is neither expected nor required.
3. Tipping in Restaurants in China
One of the most common questions from travelers is whether tipping is expected in Chinese restaurants. In most local restaurants, especially smaller establishments, tipping is not practiced. The price you see on the menu is the price you pay, with no need to add extra for service.
However, in high-end or international restaurants located in major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, tipping may be more common, especially if the restaurant caters to foreign clientele. Even then, it is not required, as service charges are typically included in the bill. If you feel compelled to leave a tip, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (around 5-10%) is generally sufficient.
4. Tipping for Taxi Drivers in China
Another common area of confusion is tipping for taxi drivers in China. Tipping is not expected in taxis, and drivers do not typically anticipate any extra payment beyond the fare displayed on the meter.
That said, if a taxi driver provides exceptional service, such as helping with heavy luggage or offering useful advice, some tourists may round up the fare as a polite gesture. However, this is entirely optional. In ride-hailing services like Didi, there is also no tipping expectation, and the app provides clear fare information.
5. Tipping for Tour Guides in China
Tour guides are one area where tipping customs for tourists in China differ slightly. While tipping is not common in everyday situations, it is becoming more accepted for tour guides, particularly those who work with foreign tourists. Many tour guides in China rely on tips as part of their income, especially in the more international tourist destinations.
If your tour guide provides excellent service, a tip of 50-100 RMB per day is a good gesture of appreciation. Additionally, if you have a dedicated driver during your tour, it is also common to tip them around 50 RMB per day, depending on the level of service.
6. Tipping for Hotel Staff in China
Tipping for hotel staff in China is generally not expected in most local and budget hotels. However, at luxury hotels, international hotel chains, or resorts that cater to Western tourists, tipping is becoming more common. If you receive assistance with your luggage, a small tip of 10-20 RMB is appreciated but not required.
Housekeeping staff in high-end hotels may also be accustomed to receiving tips from foreign guests. Leaving a small amount (20-30 RMB) per day on the nightstand can be a nice way to show your gratitude for excellent service. However, in smaller hotels or local guesthouses, tipping is uncommon and may even be refused.
Toilets
Western toilets are common in hotels, big-brand malls, and 5-star tourist destinations, but everywhere else you should expect to squat.
While public toilets are common in residential areas, they will always have squat toilets and never have toilet paper. For this reason, make sure you always have a pack of tissues with you (which can also serve as napkins which are uncommon in local restaurants). Also, be aware that public toilets may not be very clean.
Large malls and popular fast food places like McDonald’s, KFC and Starbucks also make good toilet stops while walking around town. Generally, the tissues go in the bin next to the toilet, not in the bowl.
Navigating the Chinese Language
Chinese is not an easy language for most of us to learn, but it is worth learning a few words in Mandarin before you travel.
Unlike many other tourist destinations, English is not common in China and it is very rare to be able to use it with locals outside of foreign hotels and some major tourist attractions. It’s even rarer outside of Beijing and Shanghai.
It is a good idea to have all the addresses you need for your trip prepared in both English and Chinese. For example, hotels all have their own Chinese names that do not match the English name. For this reason, it is always good to keep names and addresses with you in both languages to avoid problems with taxis and directions.
There are some useful apps that will help you navigate your way around.
- Pleco is the most most popular translation app. Its offline dictionary means it is available to use whether or not you have service, and it allows you to search in English
- Google Translate is a good tool to use because it offers a download features that allows you to access its translation dictionary while offline, which means you’ll still be able to use it without an internet connection. Google Translate also allows you to enter and translate full sentences, unlike Pleco. It is also the only Google app that isn’t blocked in China
Communications
Many Wi-Fi locations and services in China will require a local phone number. For example, many public Wi-Fi hotspots, such as in airports, often require you to enter your mobile number in order to receive an SMS message with a code that activates the Wi-Fi. It will likely cost you an arm and a leg to use your own phone and phone number with the very high roaming charges. Instead buy a SIM card when you arrive in the country. SIM card sales in China are regulated and require a passport for registration.
We found that train stations and trains in China do not have public Wi-Fi available.
WeChat is absolutely essential for communicating with anyone in China. Whether they are local or an expat, everyone in China uses this instant messaging app that puts usage numbers of WhatsApp or Skype to shame. Using WeChat is much more common than sending an email in China.
BUY A VPN BEFORE YOU TRAVEL (FOR YOUR COMPUTER AND PHONE)
Websites and apps that uses Facebook or Google to log in or have Facebook or Google plugins will cause problems for you to use in China without a VPN. This includes popular traveling sites like Airbnb. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Google (including Gmail and Google maps), and even Netflix are all blocked in China.
A VPN or Virtual Private Network, will disguise your IP Address so it will look like you are wherever you connect to; America, Australia, Great Britain etc. This should allow you to connect to websites that are blocked locallay. You will need to purchase and download you VPN before travelling to China as many of these VPN sites are blocked in China.
You can also try using Microsoft Bing in China, unlike Google it is not blocked!
Also, blocked are some Western websites, such as the BBC.
If you need to download apps to your phone or computer you should do this before you arrive. This is especially true if you have an Android phone.
Getting around
GETTING AROUND IN CITIES
Subway
Many cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, have cheap and efficient metro systems. The subway is the cheapest way to get around and it’s very intuitive. In many cities you can buy a public transport card that can also be used on public buses. Signage and announcements are all in English, so it’s easy to figure out which way to go. Most tourist sites in Beijing, for instance, can be reached by subway. We recommend avoiding the subway around rush hour, however, as it can get very crowded. Being polite and queuing is unheard of, so be prepared to dive in and push your way through.
China’s subway systems are often huge and growing rapidly; Shanghai’s metro system is the world’s largest rapid transit system by route length, while Beijing’s is the world’s busiest rapid transit system.
Taxi
Taxis and ride-sharing are also very common in China, and you can easily find a cab outside most major attractions and transportation hubs. The staff at your hotel can always call you a cab if you need one as well. Outside of these locations, though, hailing a cab can be difficult without the use of Didi (the Chinese version of Uber), which requires a Chinese phone number. It’s a good idea to download Didi, which has an English version, so that you can reserve taxis more easily.
Please note that taxi drivers rarely speak English, so be sure to have your destination written down in Chinese characters.
Health advice
For the latest health advice for visitors to China go to the CDC website:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/china
Quality of Care: The standards of medical care in China are not equivalent to those in Western countries. Even in private hospitals or public hospitals with well-equipped wards, English-speaking patients frequently encounter difficulty due to cultural, language, and regulatory differences. Rural areas have rudimentary facilities and inadequate staffing. Additionally, Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain; the blood type of the general Asian populace is Rh positive.
Payment and Insurance: Chinese ambulances are often slow to arrive, and most do not have sophisticated medical equipment or trained responders. Cash payment for services is often required prior to treatment, including emergency cases. Travelers will be asked to post a deposit prior to admission to cover the expected cost of treatment. Hospitals in major cities may accept credit cards.
Malaysia Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
| Diphtheria | Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Yellow Fever | No, unless travelling from a county with Yellow Fever |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Rabies | Yes |
- Access to medical facilities and services may be disrupted during lockdowns.
If you test positive for COVID-19, or are deemed a close contact, you could be subject to quarantine in a designated government facility. You will not be able to leave the hospital isolation ward until you meet discharge requirements. There have been cases where medical facilities have not permitted parents to accompany minors who are COVID positive and require medical treatment. Consult local health authorities and websites for the latest information. - Tap water in China may not be safe to drink. Drink only bottled water with intact seals.
- People have died from bird flu in China. Stay away from live poultry. When preparing food, handle poultry properly and make sure it is thoroughly cooked.
- HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in China. Take precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. Ask for sterilised equipment when receiving medical treatment.
- Animal and human rabies and hand, foot and mouth disease are common. Be careful with both wild and domestic animals in China. Wash your hands carefully and regularly. Take other hygiene precautions.
- High pollution levels are a problem in major cities. Follow advice from local authorities on days with bad pollution.
Safety
- Petty crime occurs. Criminals target travellers in crowded areas, including on public transport. Resisting can lead to violence.
- Scams targeting travellers can lead to loss of money, violence and serious assault. Report scams to the nearest police station.
- Armed attacks are a risk in remote border regions. Be careful if travelling in these areas.
- The Chinese Government strictly controls demonstrations. Authorities may arrest protesters. Avoid protests and large gatherings. Don’t photograph or video protests.
Increased security measures are in place in Xinjiang. Be ready to show photo ID if asked. - There’s civil unrest and political tension in Tibet. Get permission from Chinese authorities before you go. You can only travel to Tibet as part of an organised tour.
- Call “110,” the local equivalent to “911”; however, very few English speakers staff this hotline.
Climate
The best time to visit China is during spring or fall. The weather tends to be warm and dry during these periods, in contrast to the bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers experienced in much of the country. China’s sheer size, however, means there are no true limitations for travel, and with one or two exceptions it is possible to visit all year round.
In general, the ideal time to visit western China is between April and October, when the flowers are blossoming and the local bazaars throng with life. For those heading across the high passes or into the mountains, the best time to visit is from June to August, when alpine flowers carpet the steppe and the conditions for hiking and trekking are at their best.
Weather Month-By-Month
In the north and in the mountainous areas — for example, around Beijing and in the mountains of Yunnan — winter is cold but dry, with typically clear blue skies and possible smatterings of snow at night. Elsewhere, China’s humidity levels make January and February cold and damp, although most sites will be fairly quiet. Chinese New Year usually falls in early February or late January, and traveling over this time is extremely busy.
Events & Festivals
- Chinese New Year (late January or early February): Celebrated across the country with fireworks, lanterns, decorative red scrolls, gifts and feasting with the family.
- Harbin Ice Festival (early January): This is held over a week or so and features a large, impressive display of intricate ice sculptures.
- Lusheng Festival (April): Celebrated by the Miao minority in mountainous areas of the southwest with dancing in traditional costumes, lusheng-playing and bull-fighting.
- Dragon Boat Festival (late May or early June): Exciting dragon boat races are held in many major cities and towns.
- Sister’s Meal Festival (May): A Miao minority festival similar to the Western Valentine’s Day, young women dress in colorful costumes and distribute rice wrapped in leaves to young men who show an interest in them.
- Dragon Boat Festival (late May or early June): Exciting dragon boat races are held in many major cities and towns.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September or early October): During this festival, people eat a delicacy called moon cake, light paper lanterns and in some regions, have dragon boat races.
- Lusheng Festival, Guizhou (November): This is the same festival as in April but held in different regions of Guizhou Province.
- Be valid for at least 12 months and be valid for six months beyond the length of your requested visa (for example, if you are requesting a 12 month visa your passport must be valid for 18 months)
- Contain at least two consecutive blank visa pages for the visa stamp (excluding endorsements pages)
- Make sure to remove any external stickers or protective covers from your passport. The Consulate will only accept passports with their original covers.
- Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in any other way
- All electronic photo submissions must be taken within the last six months against an all-white background. It must show a full frontal view of your head, face centered in the middle, the tops of your shoulders, and display a neutral (non-smiling) expression with eyes open, mouth closed, and ears visible. No background light or shadows are permitted. You may not wear eyeglasses, jewelry, or headwear except for religious purposes. Do not wear a white shirt.
- Be exactly 48 mm tall by 33 mm wide
- Be printed on high-quality photo paper
- Not be affixed to your application, with no evidence of adhesive tape or staples
- A copy of your round trip airline ticket and hotel reservation, or
- Itinerary and Airline Confirmation: A copy of your day by day cruise itinerary or if on a tour, your tour itinerary including hotel information for each day. In addition you must provide a copy of your confirmed airline reservations showing all segments of your flights from country of residence to China and returning to your country of residence. Your itinerary and flight information must include your full name as it appears on your passport, or
- A copy of an official letter of invitation from a governmental agency or individual sponsor.
- Be completed online
- Include answers for all required fields (NA where not applicable)
- List the name of the traveler exactly as it is written in the passport
- Be printed single-sided
- Be dated and signed in blue or black ink
- Be enclosed with all other documents in your visa application kit
- Include detailed hotel or lodging information in section 2.6. This section must be fully completed. If the designated space in section 2.6 is insufficient, you can use a separate sheet of paper to complete your itinerary details
Type A – Mostly used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, China and Japan. No other plug types will fit in a type A outlet.
Type C – The standard European plug. Commonly used in Europe, South-America and Asia, but also in quite a few other countries. Plugs of type E and F will also fit in a type C outlet.
Type I – Used in Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, China and Argentina. No other plug types will fit into a type I outlet.
Temperatures in March are a little warmer than in the earlier winter, and toward the end of the month the fruit trees start to blossom. While not as prolific as the spread in Japan, the blossoms in China — mostly found in rural areas — are nevertheless still strikingly beautiful.
April can be rainy in central and southern areas, although temperatures are fairly warm. The fruit trees will be in full blossom and the landscape beautifully verdant. Every year in early April there is a Tomb-Sweeping Festival, which is a public holiday for the Chinese. On this day, people tidy up local graveyards and take a day out to enjoy the spring, so the whole country is very busy.
Events & Festivals
May is one of our favorite months to visit China as temperatures are warm but not yet into the sticky heat of the summer. In Yunnan Province this is the peak month for flowers to bloom; particularly the rhododendron, which covers the mountain slopes. The first few days of May are a national holiday, which makes traveling very busy, so we would recommend planning around these dates.
Events & Festivals
June is the start of the summer, when temperatures start to get very hot and humid. June can also be quite rainy, which means that plant life is vibrant and river levels are high. Typically the Longji rice terraces will be irrigated, with the water creating mirror-like surfaces.
Events & Festivals
Summer in China can be exceedingly hot and humid; particularly in the south. In western China, temperatures can reach over 100°F but the climate here is dry. It is cooler in the mountainous areas, for example Yunnan Province, where conditions are ideal for hiking and the landscape is blooming.
The weather throughout the country is hot but northern Yunnan can be home to some of the cooler weather this time of year.
September is still warm, but not as hot, humid or wet as the summer, making it a great month to visit anywhere in China. It’s an optimal month for journeying along the Silk Route as temperatures in western China fall dramatically, making travel more comfortable and still possible before snowfall in Kyrgyzstan’s high passes.
Events & Festivals
The first week of October is a national holiday, so traveling during this time is extremely busy and best avoided. The rest of October, however, is a delightful month, with pleasantly mild temperatures, little rain and beautiful foliage.
November is the key month to see autumn foliage colors; particularly in the northern and central areas of the country. Days become cool and crisp with typically clear blue skies, making it a wonderful month to visit if you don’t mind cooler temperatures. The north of the country may see its first snowfall in November. The main sites are less busy throughout the country, as domestic tourism is not as popular in November.
Events & Festivals
December is cold throughout China, with extremely low temperatures in places like Beijing and Xian. Here, days are typically cold but crisp and dry, and you may experience snow. December is a great time to visit Beijing if you don’t mind the cold, as you’ll have many of the main sites to yourself. Western China is exceptionally cold and not advisable to visit. Southern China has more mild temperatures, although because of the damp atmosphere it feels colder than it is.
Visa information
Tourism in China requires a visa and is typically a single entry visa with a stay duration of 30 days. US citizens may be eligible for a 10-year multiple entry visa.
The tourism visa requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months and it must have at least two blank pages. You must also have an invitation letter from a china travel agency or an individual or round-trip tickets and a hotel booking.
Your passport must:
Photograph(s)
The Chinese Consulate requires a photograph that meets very strict requirements.
Invitation Letter and/or Proof of Travel
To fulfill the Tourist visa invite requirement, you must select one of the following options:
Visa Application Form
One fully completed and signed visa application form. The application must:
For more information check out: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/introduction.htm
Visa Fees
China Visa Price List for Some Major Countries
| Country | 1 Entry | 2 Entries |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | AUD 109.5 | AUD 139.5 |
| Brazil | BRL 460 | BRL 460 |
| Canada | CAD 142 | CAD 142 |
| France | EUR 126 | EUR 126 |
| Germany | EUR 125.45 | EUR 125.45 |
| India | INR 5,552 | INR 7,502 |
| Ireland | EUR 40 | EUR 60 |
| Italy * | EUR 127.1 | EUR 127.1 |
| Japan | JPY 8,000 | JPY 10,000 |
| Netherlands | EUR 126.55 | EUR 126.55 |
| New Zealand | NZD 140 | NZD 210 |
| Mexico | MXN 730 | MXN 1,090 |
| Poland | PLN 220 | PLN 220 |
| Russia | SUR 3,300 | SUR 6,600 |
| Singapore | SGD 85 | SGD 95 |
| Spain | EUR 126.55 | EUR 126.55 |
| United Kingdom | GBP 151 | GBP 151 |
| United States of America | USD 140 | USD 140 |
Electrical
Which power plugs and sockets are used in China?
In China uses power outlets and plugs of types A, C & I.
All power sockets in China provide a standard voltage of 220V with a standard frequency of 50Hz.
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