For those who don’t know, I lived four years in China – 2 years in Shenzhen (by Hong Kong) and 2 years in Shanghai so my love for the country and culture is deep. While it’s been almost 10 years since I left, the rich culture and diverse food draws me back. During my adult gap year, I went back to China as a tourist for a month, exploring new places and visiting some favorites. Post Covid, China has changed their policies for entry. Check out my top 10 Chinese travel tips before you visit, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Tips to Know Before You Travel to China
Visa Application for China
When I visited in October 2023, China required a full itinerary of your trip for your visa application. As of Jan. 2025, China has relaxed their requirements and even offer citizens from more than 70 countries entry into China without a visa for up to 30 days. Americans, Brits and Canadians can benefit from a 10-day visa-free transit in China. If you are planning to visit China for longer than 10 days (which I would suggest), you will need to apply for an L tourist visa. Most tourists will receive a single entry, 30-day visa, but Americans can apply for a 10-year, multi-entry visa for $140 plus processing fees. You can now complete your visa applications online, but all your paperwork will still need to be processed at an embassy or consulate office. A complete list of the paperwork needed can be found here.
WeChat (Weixin)
WeChat is the Chinese version of What’s App. I would suggest downloading it to use while you are in country as many locals will use it to communicate tourist activities and reservations. You can also use it to communicate with your new Chinese friends along the way! During my recent visit, I learned the app now needs confirmation from another app user. I was able to get staff at my hostel to confirm my profile, but you may have some issues. Check with your accommodation or friends you meet to see if they can help.
Travel Insurance
I’m usually one to “wing it” but with travel cancellations seemingly at all-time highs, travel insurance can spare you from various disruptions. I like World Nomad for short-term travel insurance. They offer 24/7 emergency assistance to help navigate the Chinese system… in Mandarin, Cantonese or a local dialect. The benefits include trip protection, emergency medical insurance, gear protection and medical evacuation.
STEP Registration
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service from the U.S. State Department that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to register while traveling. In the case of natural disaster, civil unrest or family emergency, the embassy can notify you of any alerts or track you down. Check out the U.S. Department of State website for the latest travel advisories before you leave.
Book your flights on Chinese websites
Sites like Trip.com or elong.com to save money – or consider a high-speed train since times/schedule is more reliable. Trip.com offers hotels, train tickets, activities, etc. making it an easy one-stop shop when planning your trip. The guides are local and offer great insight into the country. Public transportation throughout the large cities is efficient and affordable.
Google Translate
Knowing Mandarin is not an absolute necessity but it’s definitely helpful. If you ever get lost or need some help, look for a school-aged child. The younger generation is learning English in school, and they are likely your best bet for help! Regardless, I would recommend buying a phrase book and learn a few sayings or have a few translator apps available on your phone for offline use. The most important ones are: ni hao (hello) and xiexie (thank you). Download the Google Translate app for easier communication. You can even take a picture of a menu or sign for instant translation.
Cash
While it's good to have local cash (RMB) on hand, mobile payments have become widely prevalent. Apps like WeChat Pay (which you can't use without a local SIM card) and Alipay are common. I was shocked at the differences in a decade. Be prepared to have some hiccups. In Hong Kong, for example, the metro system only uses these mobile payments or hard cash to top up your metro card.
Avoid Western Food
It’s so much cheaper to eat local! Save money and savor the culinary uniqueness of Asian cuisine. Just like America, each part of the country offers different local cuisine. From hot pot in Sichuan province to Peking duck in Beijing, the flavors are all distinct! Don’t be afraid to order something new! You may be surprised that Western food doesn't taste the same, or even favorite fast-food chains, like KFC, offer local dishes like congee instead of chicken biscuits. While I love the local street vendors, you may experience some stomach issues due to differing food quality, so be cautious if you have a sensitive stomach.
Bathroom Etiquette
Be prepared to squat. Unless you are staying in a foreign hotel, your WC visits throughout your trip will include a squatty potty. After years of using, I actually think they are more sanitary. But be warned, many of them will not offer toilet paper, so be sure to bring some tissues (and hand sanitizer) with you on your trip!
VPN
The Great Wall of China blocks Google, Twitter and YouTube in the country, so if you are planning any long-term travel, you may want to consider purchasing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to work around the IP address and make it seem like you are connected from the U.S. or Australia. Just note, you have to purchase the VPN BEFORE arriving in China. Some options including Express VPN or Surf Shark.
China offers a rich history and unique culture. Even as a solo female traveler, you will feel extremely safe in the country (largely due to the high volume of CCTV). More security, less privacy. But I still think this vast country is definitely worth a visit, with so many monuments, exciting activities and natural sights. Hope these tips for visiting China help you prepare for your next trip.
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