1. Visa: Most foreign visitors need to apply for a Chinese visa in advance. Please choose the appropriate visa type according to your travel purpose (such as tourist visa L visa), and apply in advance at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
2. Internet: China has strict Internet control. Many commonly used foreign websites and apps (such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) cannot be accessed directly in mainland China. You may need to prepare a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in advance to access these websites.
3. Payment: Mobile payment is very popular in China, Alipay and WeChat Pay are the mainstream. Cash and credit cards can be used in some large shopping malls and hotels, but they may not be convenient in small shops, restaurants and taxis. It is recommended that you learn about and activate mobile payment methods in advance.
4. Language: Mandarin is the official language of China. Although you may meet some people who speak English in big cities and tourist attractions, the English proficiency rate is not high in other places. It is recommended that you learn some simple Chinese words and phrases in advance, or use translation software.
5. Transportation: China's public transportation is very developed, including high-speed rail, airplanes, subways, buses, etc. High-speed rail is a convenient choice for long-distance travel in China, and the subway systems in large cities are also very convenient. You can use related mobile apps (such as Ctrip, 12306, etc.) to book tickets and check transportation information.
6. Accommodation: There are various accommodation options in China, from budget hotels to luxury hotels. You can book accommodations through websites such as Booking.com, Agoda, and Ctrip.
7. Food: Chinese cuisine is rich and diverse, with different specialties in different places. You can try a variety of local snacks and dishes. If you have special dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, halal, etc.), please inform the restaurant in advance.
8. Culture and Customs: China has many unique cultural customs. For example, when accepting gifts or business cards, it is best to use both hands; at the dining table, do not stick chopsticks upright in the rice bowl; in public places, try to avoid making loud noises, etc.
9. Safety: China's public security is generally good, but in crowded places, you still need to take care of your belongings. In case of emergency, you can call 110 for police.
10. Health: It is best to consult a doctor before departure to find out if you need to be vaccinated. During your trip in China, pay attention to food hygiene and try to drink bottled water.
11. Seasons and Temperatures:
￮ Spring (March-May): The temperature warms up and is suitable for travel. The north is windy and sandy, and the south is rainy.
￮ Summer (June-August): The whole country is generally hot and rainy, and there are typhoons in some parts of the south.
￮ Autumn (September-November): The weather is cool and is the peak tourist season. The north is crisp and clear, and the south is rainy.
￮ Winter (December-February): The north is cold and dry, with snow; the south is wet and cold, without snow.
12. Traditional Holidays (Avoid Crowds):
￮ Spring Festival (the first day of the first lunar month): The most important traditional festival in China, usually at the end of January or February.
￮ Qingming Festival (April 4-6): The day to worship ancestors and sweep tombs.
￮ Labor Day (May 1): International Labor Day.
￮ Dragon Boat Festival (the fifth day of the fifth lunar month): The festival of eating zongzi and racing dragon boats, usually in June.
￮ Mid-Autumn Festival (the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month): The festival of admiring the moon and eating moon cakes, usually in September or October.
￮ National Day (October 1): China's National Day, with a 7-day holiday.
13. Recommendation: Try to avoid the two long holidays of Spring Festival and National Day, because these are the peak periods of domestic tourism in China, and scenic spots and transportation will be very crowded.
