China travel tips: what to know before you go

Planning your first trip to China? You're in for a seriously good adventure, but it's worth knowing a few things before you go.

From getting around and paying for things to staying connected and knowing what to pack, a little preparation will make travelling through China a whole lot easier.

Here are our top China travel tips to know before you go.

1. Get your visa sorted early

Visa and entry requirements depend on your nationality, so make sure you check the latest requirements before travelling.

Don't leave it until the last minute. Check the relevant embassy or consulate website well before your departure and make sure you know exactly what you need.

2. Get a travel card

China uses the Chinese yuan (CNY), but cash and cards aren't as widely used as you might expect.

A travel card such as Wise can make things easier, allowing you to pay in local currency while avoiding some of the high foreign exchange fees your bank may charge.

It's also useful to link your Wise card to Alipay, which is widely used for everyday payments in China.

3. Stay connected with an eSIM

Having mobile data makes travelling much easier, especially when you're navigating unfamiliar cities or keeping in touch with your group.

With INTRO, you'll receive a free 1GB eSIM through our partners at Hubby eSIM, with more information sent in your booking confirmation.

4. Be ready for high-speed trains

One of the best things about travelling around China is how easy it is to cover huge distances.

High-speed trains connect many of the destinations on our trips, getting you from one city to the next quickly and comfortably. And unlike flying, you actually get to watch the landscape change along the way.

Just make sure your phone is charged. There will be photos.

5. Don't expect Chinese food to be like your local takeaway

Chinese food varies massively from region to region, so travelling around the country is a great excuse to try something new.

You'll find everything from Sichuan hotpot and Peking duck to street food markets and regional specialities. Some dishes can be seriously spicy, too - particularly if you're heading to Chengdu or Chongqing.

Our advice? Try everything at least once. You can always order something less spicy afterwards.

6. Download the apps you'll actually use

China's digital world works a little differently from what you might be used to at home.

Alipay is particularly useful for payments, while having maps and translation tools available on your phone can make exploring much easier.

It's worth downloading and setting everything up before you leave, rather than trying to sort it out when you've just arrived.

7. Pack for walking

You're going to do a lot of it.

Whether you're exploring ancient city walls, wandering through markets, walking around national parks or taking on the Great Wall, comfortable shoes will be your best friend.

Pack light, comfortable clothes and good walking shoes - you'll thank yourself later.

8. Bring an open mind

China can feel very different from other places you've travelled, and that's part of the fun.

The language, food, payment systems, cities and sheer scale of the country can take a little getting used to. Don't worry if everything doesn't make sense immediately. Give yourself time to settle in and embrace the differences.

Some of your favourite travel moments might come from the things you didn't expect.

9. Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on INTRO trips, and you'll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader when you arrive.

Make sure your policy covers the activities you'll be doing and keep your documents somewhere easy to access.

10. You don't have to figure it all out yourself

If the thought of navigating China solo feels a little overwhelming, that's exactly where travelling with a group can help.

On an INTRO China trip, your accommodation, transport and included activities are organised for you, with a group leader there throughout the trip. You get to experience the big sights, try new things and explore with a ready-made group of travellers - without having to plan every train and hotel yourself.

Ready for China?

A little preparation goes a long way, but don't feel like you need to have everything figured out before you arrive.

Pack your bags, charge your phone, bring your appetite and get ready for a country that's big, busy and full of surprises.