So, you have already traveled all over Europe and decided to turn your gaze to Asia, namely to one of the largest countries in the world — magnificent China. There are many advantages in favour of China. Firstly, China’s culture is one of the oldest in the world (its history goes back more than 3,000 years), so you will definitely want to get to know it from the inside. Secondly, the grandiose ancient treasures of China surpass the heritage preserved in other countries. Imperial palaces, the Great Wall of China, ancient city walls, monuments of military victories, canals, pagodas, temples, and giant Buddha statues are just a small list of attractions that you can visit in China. In addition, there are also enough beautiful beaches in China for everyone’s liking.
Stunning nature cannot leave anyone indifferent. For example, surely you know about Zhangjiajie National Park? Which became famous all over the world, thanks to the amazing landscapes of the movie “Avatar”. Of course, it is impossible not to mention Chinese cuisine, which is famous all over the world. A gastronomic trip to China will definitely surprise you because every region of the country has its own cooking traditions. Here you can become acquainted with the unique culture of the ethnic groups of China, as well as see the charming pandas in their natural habitat!
Why do you should prepare for a trip to China?
China is rightfully called “the most unusual country in the world”. Here, the people really have their own rules and principles, which are sometimes very different from the usual ones in your native country. The Chinese think differently and this only increases the interest to get to know their culture more deeply. Going to China, it is extremely useful to arm yourself with knowledge about the behavioural norms in order to make your trip as involved as possible in the local culture. So, we have prepared a list of recommendations and helpful travel tips for China for those who are going on such an exciting journey.
1. Helpful travel tips for China: Carefully read the menu when choosing an order
You will be able to read the menu carefully only if you are lucky and the restaurant has a menu in English. If you find yourself in the Chinese outback, look for a way to insist that you will eat the usual kind of meat. The fact is that it is normal for the Chinese to sometimes treat tourists with exotic, from the name of the meat of which (for example, dogs) a European person may feel bad. But you shouldn’t worry, because the Chinese have long understood that exotics in the form of snakes, sharks, or fried grasshoppers especially attract tourists (who primarily take pictures with the dish, but do not always eat), so they inflate prices and actively advertise delicacies.
2. Helpful travel tips for China: Be aware of the three-person rule
Always ask at least 3 people if you need to know the direction. Even if you show a Chinese map or suddenly the interlocutor knows English well – ask two more people about the same thing. The fact is that it is extremely important for any Chinese to maintain dignity. Therefore, they will never tell you “I don’t understand you” or “I don’t know”. They will show you the way in any direction, just not to say it. Keep this in mind, just in case.
3. Install a translator and carry a hotel business card with you
Keep in mind that almost no one speaks English in China. In Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, this problem is not so pronounced, but in other regions, you will have to explain yourself on your fingers if it’s not about your guide (employees in tourism, as a rule, speak foreign languages well). Make it a rule not to go anywhere without a phone and a hotel business card – your adventure will immediately become more comfortable and calmer.
4. Remember that foreign cards often do not work
If you are used to paying for your purchases with a card, forget about it, only if it is not UnionPay. In small shops and chain stores, there may not be a terminal at all. If you still want to have a reserve of money on the card, then ask your bank in advance about the possibility of withdrawing money on the territory of the PRC.
5. Yuan is better to buy in your home country
Keep in mind that most banks charge the currency only to bank customers. The banks where you can exchange currency are the Bank of China and ICBC. The airport charges a commission on the amount of the exchange, which can reach up to 10%. When exchanging currencies, you often have to stand in a long queue, as well as fill out a questionnaire in Chinese, sign several Chinese documents. Don’t forget to bring your passport – the exchange is impossible without it.
6. Helpful travel tips for China: The Chinese also have a siesta
Yes, as in sunny Spain, China also has a siesta. Of course, this is not accepted everywhere, but in all kinds of small cafes, you can find that no one works from 14 to 16 and no one waits for you there. And all because they are used to getting up early, having breakfast and lunch also early (7.00 and 12.00 respectively).
7. Helpful travel tips for China: It is not customary to leave a tip
In popular tourist places, tip can be accepted with gratitude, in others honest Chinese will return them in confusion, not wanting to deceive.
8. The subway in China stops running at 22-23 pm
This is because the Chinese have to have breakfast early in the morning at 7. The system of entry and exit to the car is as follows: in the center, people should get out of the car, and from the left and right sides enter the car. Be careful during rush hour – mobile phone thefts are very common.
9. Australian and American sockets are popular in China
In China, Australian and American sockets that do not support European connectors are popular. However, universal sockets adapted to all types of connectors are actively used in tourist places, so it’s not worth worrying about an adapter.
10. If you like to bargain – go to the Chinese fake market
Trading rules – reduce the price by 3-4 times. If you enter the pavilion, remember that the seller will chase you, telling you about the discount. If you don’t buy anything, then he can throw you some kind of Chinese curse. Joke.
