Preface and User Guide#
Purpose#
This guide aims to provide comprehensive and practical travel information for visitors planning to travel to China. Whether you are visiting China for the first time or looking to explore this fascinating country in depth, this handbook will serve as your trusted companion on your journey.
Target Audience#
- First-time foreign visitors to China
- Travelers seeking to explore China in depth
- Business professionals
- Students and researchers
- Friends interested in Chinese culture
How to Quickly Find the Information You Need#
This handbook features a clearly organized structure:
- Search by Region: If you have already decided on a destination, you can directly check the corresponding regional chapter
- Search by Theme: If you have specific interests (such as history, food, natural scenery), you can check the themed route chapters
- Practical Information: Various practical information needed for daily travel is concentrated in the “Practical Tips and Emergency Handbook” chapter
Essentials for First-Time Visitors#
Visa Preparation#
- Understand visa requirements in advance and apply for the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose
- It is recommended to start preparing visa materials 1-2 months in advance
- Useful Links:
- China Visa Application Service Center - Official visa application information
- Consular Service Network of China - Consular services and visa policies
- National Immigration Administration - Entry and exit policy inquiries
Language Communication#
- Mandarin is the official language, but English services are usually available in tourist areas
- It is recommended to download translation apps and carry a phrasebook with common phrases
- Recommended Apps:
- Youdao Translate - Supports voice translation and photo translation
- Google Translate - Multi-language support, offline available
- Baidu Translate - Comprehensive Chinese-English translation
- Tencent Translator - Real-time voice translation
Cultural Adaptation#
- Respect local culture and customs
- Learn basic social etiquette (such as exchanging business cards, toast etiquette, etc.)
- Pay attention to public hygiene and personal appearance
- Understand cultural differences between regions (such as differences between the north and south)
- Useful Links:
- Cultural China - Learn about Chinese cultural traditions
Safety Recommendations#
- Keep important documents and valuables safe (it is recommended to prepare copies and digital backups)
- Know emergency contact information (Police: 110, Medical: 120, Fire: 119)
- Purchase travel insurance (recommended coverage: medical, lost luggage, etc.)
- Save contact information for your country’s embassy/consulate in China
- Useful Links:
- China Tourism Official Website - Official tourism information
- Tourism Complaint Hotline - 12301 tourism service hotline
Quick Links to Useful Resources#
Official Platforms#
- Ministry of Culture and Tourism - Official tourism policies and cultural information
- China Tourism Network - Official tourism information platform
Practical Tools#
- Map Navigation: Amap, Baidu Maps
- Payment Tools: WeChat Pay, Alipay
- Transportation Booking: 12306 (high-speed rail), Ctrip, Qunar
- Accommodation Booking: Ctrip, Booking.com, Airbnb
We wish you a pleasant journey in China!