China Travel Tips for First-time Travelers

China is a land of ancient wonders, modern marvels, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're visiting the Great Wall, savoring dim sum in Guangzhou, or exploring the vibrant streets of Shanghai, China offers a unique experience for every traveler.

However, traveling to China can be quite different from other destinations due to its language barriers, cashless society, internet restrictions, and cultural customs. To help you navigate your journey with ease, we've put together this comprehensive guide tailored for Filipino travelers.

Table of Contents

1. Visa and Entry Requirements
2. Internet Access: Using a VPN
3. Mobile Payments & Cash Transactions
4. Best Time to Visit China
5. Planning & Booking Your Trip
6. Transportation: Trains, Flights & Private Cars
7. Language & Communication Tips
8. Must-Try Chinese Food
9. Cultural Etiquette & Local Customs
10. Shopping & Bargaining Tips
11. Public Toilets & Hygiene Tips
12. Safety & Health Precautions
13. Top Destinations to Visit

1. Visa and Entry Requirements

Do Filipinos Need a Visa for China?

Yes, Filipino travelers need a visa to enter China. However, the process is straightforward if you prepare in advance.

How to Apply for a China Visa

✔ Tourist Visa (L-Visa):

• Apply at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the Philippines.
• Prepare the necessary documents, including your passport, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and bank statements.
• The standard processing time is around 4-7 working days.

✔ Visa-Free Transit

If you’re transiting through China, you may qualify for:

• 72/144-hour visa-free transit (for travelers with a connecting flight to a third country).
• Hainan 30-day visa-free entry (if you’re visiting Hainan Island only).

✔ Group Visa (Easier & Hassle-Free!)

If you join our guided tour, we can assist you in obtaining a group visa. The process is simple and smooth—you only need to provide:
✅ A valid passport
✅ A passport-sized ID photo

We handle the rest, ensuring a stress-free application process so you can focus on enjoying your trip!

🚨 Tip: Always check the latest visa policies before booking your trip!

2. Internet Access: Using a VPN & Other Solutions

China has strict internet censorship, meaning that many popular websites and apps are blocked, including:
❌ Google services (Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube)
❌ Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
❌ Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Messenger)

How to Stay Connected?

✔ Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network):

• A VPN allows you to bypass restrictions by masking your location.
• Download and install a VPN before arriving in China.
• Popular VPN services include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Astrill.

✔ Pocket Wi-Fi & International Data SIM Card:

• Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi: Convenient for staying connected anytime, anywhere.
• Purchase an International Data SIM Card: Works directly on your phone for uninterrupted access.
• We Provide Full Support: Whether you need VPN recommendations, pocket Wi-Fi rentals, or an international SIM card, we can assist you with the best options.

📶 Wi-Fi in China:

• Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and airports, but registration with your passport details may be required in some places.
• Having your own VPN, pocket Wi-Fi, or international SIM ensures seamless internet access throughout your trip!

3. Mobile Payments & Cash Transactions

China has moved away from cash and most transactions are done via mobile payments.

How to Pay in China?

✔ Alipay & WeChat Pay: The two most commonly used mobile payment apps.
✔ Foreign credit cards are accepted in major hotels and malls but rarely at small shops or local markets.
✔ ATMs accepting international cards are available but not common.

💡 Tip: Set up WeChat Pay before your trip by linking your Visa/Mastercard for convenience!

4. Best Time to Visit China

China has four distinct seasons:

🌸 Spring (March-May): Mild weather, cherry blossoms in bloom.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Hot and humid; best for beach destinations.
🍂 Autumn (September-November): Pleasant temperatures, perfect for sightseeing.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Cold, but great for snow activities in Harbin & Beijing.

🚨 Avoid major holidays like:

• Chinese New Year (January/February)
• National Day (October 1-7)
  These are peak travel seasons with massive crowds and higher prices.

5. Planning & Booking Your Trip

Plan at least 2-3 months in advance for better deals on flights, hotels, and tours.

DIY vs. Travel Agency

✔ Independent Travel: Great if you like flexibility but requires more planning.
✔ Travel Agency: Recommended for first-time travelers, as they handle visas, accommodations, and transport.

6. Transportation: Trains, Flights & Private Cars

🚄 High-Speed Trains – Best for travel between cities (e.g., Beijing to Shanghai in 4.5 hours).
✈️ Domestic Flights – Ideal for long distances (e.g., Beijing to Guilin).
🚖 Ride-Hailing Apps (DiDi) – Similar to Grab, but requires WeChat Pay or Alipay.
🚘 Private Cars – Best for sightseeing in large cities like Beijing & Xi’an.

💡 Tip: For shorter trips, a high-speed train can sometimes be faster than a plane.

7. Language & Communication Tips

English is not widely spoken in China. Here’s how to overcome the language barrier:

✔ Download translation apps like Google Translate or Baidu Translate.
✔ Learn basic Mandarin phrases like:

• "Hello" (你好, Nǐ hǎo)
• "Thank you" (谢谢, Xièxiè)
• "How much?" (多少钱?, Duōshǎo qián?)

8. Must-Try Chinese Food

🍜 Beijing – Peking Duck
🌶️ Sichuan – Spicy Hotpot
🥟 Shanghai – Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
🍚 Guangzhou – Dim Sum

💡 Tip: Get used to chopsticks, as most restaurants don’t offer forks and spoons!

9. Cultural Etiquette & Local Customs

✔ Accept gifts/business cards with both hands.
✔ Avoid pointing with your index finger—use an open palm.
✔ Respect temples by dressing modestly and not taking photos inside.
✔ Tipping is not required, but rounding up the bill is appreciated.

10. Shopping & Bargaining Tips

🛍 Markets & Street Shops: Bargaining is expected! Start at 50% off and negotiate.
🏬 Shopping Malls: Fixed prices, no bargaining.
💰 Fake Goods Alert: Beware of counterfeit products, especially luxury items.

11. Public Toilets & Hygiene Tips

🚻 Many public restrooms only have squat toilets.
🚻 Bring your own tissue and hand sanitizer as they are not always provided.
🚻 Western-style toilets are more common in hotels & malls.

12. Safety & Health Precautions

✔ Tap water is NOT safe to drink – Always buy bottled water.
✔ Watch out for scams – Avoid strangers offering "tea ceremonies" or art gallery visits.
✔ Check air quality – Beijing & Shanghai can have pollution issues; bring a mask if needed.
✔ Medical facilities are good in major cities, but travel insurance is highly recommended.

13. Top Destinations to Visit in China

🏯 Beijing – The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace.
🏙 Shanghai – The Bund, Disneyland, Oriental Pearl Tower.
🏝 Sanya – Stunning beaches, Wuzhizhou Island, Nanshan Temple.
🌿 Zhangjiajie – Avatar Mountains, glass bridge experience, Tianmen Mountain.
🏞 Chongqing – Three Gorges, hotpot culture, Hongya Cave.
🐼 Chengdu – Giant pandas, Sichuan cuisine, Leshan Giant Buddha.
🏜 Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter.
🐴 Inner Mongolia – Vast grasslands, desert adventures, yurt experiences.
❄ Harbin – Ice and Snow Festival, Russian architecture, Siberian tiger park.

Final Thoughts: Plan Your China Trip with Confidence!

With the right preparations, your trip to China will be smooth, exciting, and unforgettable. If you need any help with travel plans, feel free to contact us for assistance!

🇨🇳 China is waiting for you! ✈️ Pack your bags and start your adventure today!