First Trip to China: The Questions We Answer Most

Before you go

Do I need to speak Chinese?

No, but you need a translation app and screenshots of your hotel address in Chinese. English is limited outside hotels, airports and international chains; gestures, photos and translation apps close the gap almost completely. Guides and drivers arranged in advance remove the remaining friction.

How long should a first trip be?

Ten to fourteen days is the sweet spot. Under a week and you spend it in transit; over three weeks first-timers tend to burn out on temples. A good first route is Beijing, Xi’an and one contrasting region — Guilin for landscape, or Shanghai and the water towns for a softer landing.

Is it safe?

Violent crime against visitors is rare, and walking at night in major cities is normal. The realistic risks are traffic, pickpocketing in crowds, and scams around tourist sites. Keep your passport secure, use metered taxis or ride-hailing, and ignore anyone who approaches you with an unsolicited “student practice” or “tea ceremony” invitation.

Money and phones

Can I use my credit card?

At hotels and malls, yes. For everything else, no — set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before you fly, both accept foreign cards. Carry 300–500 RMB in cash as a fallback.

Will my phone work?

A travel eSIM or international roaming works well and keeps your usual apps available. A local SIM is cheaper per gigabyte but requires in-person passport registration. Either way, download offline maps before you rely on them.

On the ground

How do I get from the airport?

Metro or airport express until around 22:30, then a metered taxi queue or a pre-booked car. For late arrivals, book the transfer in advance — it is the one moment where improvising gets expensive.

Do people speak English in hotels?

At international brands and above the four-star level, generally yes. At smaller guesthouses, often not — but translation apps handle check-in fine.

Food and water

Is the food safe?

Overwhelmingly yes. Choose busy places with high turnover, eat food that is cooked to order, and give your stomach two days to adjust before the chilli. Tap water is not drinkable; bottled and boiled water are fine.

Can I eat vegetarian?

Yes, with explanation. Chinese cooking uses lard and stock as seasoning, so “no meat” is not enough — name the ingredients, or eat at Buddhist restaurants and order 素 dishes explicitly.

Practicalities

Do I need to tip?

No. Tipping is not customary in restaurants, taxis or hotels. Private guides and high-end hotels are the only places where it is understood, and even there it is optional.

What about toilets?

Squat toilets are common outside hotels and malls; carry tissues, since paper is often absent. Hotel and mall toilets are western-style and clean.

How much should I budget per day?

Excluding international flights and hotels, 400–700 RMB per day covers meals, transport and entry tickets comfortably at a mid-range level. Add 200–300 RMB for private guiding or a driver.

Is it acceptable to photograph everything?

Landscapes and architecture, yes. People, ask first — particularly in villages and at religious sites. Never photograph military installations or security checkpoints; that is taken seriously.