Short answer: the China travel tips that matter most in 2026 are about preparation, not the trip itself. Check whether your passport qualifies for 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour visa-free transit, fill in the online arrival card, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card before you fly, sort internet access with a roaming eSIM, and carry your physical passport everywhere because it is your train ticket, hotel ID and attraction pass. Avoid travelling during Golden Week (1 to 7 October 2026) and the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year falls on 6 February 2027) unless you have booked well ahead.
China rewards a little homework more than almost any other country. Once the visa, payments and phone are sorted, travelling is smooth, safe and fast: trains leave on time, metros are signed in English and you rarely need cash. The 35 tips below are grouped by the questions first-time visitors actually ask, with tables for the details that change most often. For the wider picture of cities, budgets and route planning, start with our complete China travel guide.
| Sort before you fly | Why it matters | Where to do it |
|---|---|---|
| Visa, visa-free entry or transit eligibility | Rules depend entirely on your passport and change often | Chinese embassy or consulate website, National Immigration Administration (NIA) |
| Online arrival card | Saves filling in a paper card at the airport | NIA website, NIA 12367 app or the WeChat/Alipay mini program |
| Alipay and/or WeChat Pay | Most shops, taxis and stalls expect QR payment | App stores, link a Visa or Mastercard |
| Roaming eSIM or plan | Many Western apps are blocked on local networks | Your home carrier or an eSIM provider |
| Offline translation and maps | English is limited outside big hotels and transport hubs | Translation app with Chinese pack, Amap in English |
| Hotel address in Chinese characters | Drivers and passers-by can read it instantly | Booking confirmation or hotel website |
Do you need a visa for China in 2026?
It depends on your passport. China now has three main ways in: a regular visa issued before travel, 30-day visa-free entry for citizens of a long list of countries, and 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit for travellers flying onward to a third country. Check your own nationality on an official Chinese government or embassy site before booking anything, because the lists have been changing every few months.
- Check the 30-day visa-free list first. China's unilateral visa-free policy lets ordinary passport holders from around 50 countries, mostly in Europe plus countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and, since 17 February 2026, the United Kingdom and Canada, stay up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges or transit. This policy currently runs until 31 December 2026, so if you are travelling in 2027, confirm it has been renewed. A separate group of around 29 countries has mutual visa exemption agreements with China that work in a similar way.
- Know how 240-hour visa-free transit works. Citizens of 57 countries (the National Immigration Administration list was expanded again on 20 August 2026 with Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam) can enter through any of 65 designated ports in 24 provinces and stay up to 10 days without a visa, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. The route must be A to China to C: flying London to Shanghai to Bangkok qualifies, while a return to the country you came from does not. Hong Kong and Macau count as separate regions for this purpose.
- If you need a visa, give yourself a month. Travellers whose passports are on neither list, which includes most South Asian passports, apply for a tourist (L) visa through the Chinese embassy or visa application centre in their country of residence. Most applicants fill in the online application form, then submit their passport, photo, flight and hotel bookings or an invitation, and sometimes give fingerprints. Processing usually takes several working days, but documents get queried and festivals cause delays, so start three to four weeks ahead.
- Check passport validity and blank pages. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond arrival and have blank pages for stamps. Airlines check this at check-in, not just immigration.
- Fill in the arrival card online. Since 20 November 2025 foreign travellers can complete the entry card before arrival through the NIA online arrival card service, the NIA 12367 app, or a WeChat or Alipay mini program. Paper cards are still available at ports if you could not do it online. Some groups, such as permanent residence card holders and passengers staying airside on a 24-hour transit, are exempt.
- Remember that Tibet is different. Foreign visitors to the Tibet Autonomous Region need a Tibet Travel Permit in addition to their China entry permission, which is normally arranged through a licensed tour operator together with a guided itinerary. Visa-free or transit entry to mainland China does not by itself cover Tibet.
| Entry route | Maximum stay | Key condition | Status as of October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unilateral visa-free entry | 30 days | Ordinary passport from an eligible country | About 50 countries, valid until 31 December 2026 |
| Mutual visa exemption | Usually 30 days per entry | Bilateral agreement with your country | Around 29 countries for ordinary passports |
| 240-hour visa-free transit | 10 days | Onward ticket to a third country or region, entry at one of 65 ports | 57 eligible countries since 20 August 2026 |
| 24-hour direct transit | 24 hours, airside | Connecting international flight | Available to most nationalities |
| Tourist (L) visa | As stated on the visa | Apply before travel | Required for passports not covered above |
Visa lists move quickly. Treat the table as a starting point and confirm on the National Immigration Administration site or your nearest Chinese embassy before you pay for flights.
How do you pay for things in China as a foreigner?
Mostly with your phone. Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything, from street food to metro tickets, and both now accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. Set them up at home on a reliable connection, keep a small amount of cash as backup, and expect a fee on larger payments made through a foreign card.
- Install Alipay and link your card before you fly. Alipay is the easiest wallet for most visitors. You register with an international phone number, add a Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners or Discover card, and verify your passport. Verification can take from minutes to a day, so do not leave it until the arrival hall.
- Know the 200 yuan fee rule. Alipay and WeChat Pay currently charge no service fee on foreign-card payments of 200 yuan or less, and around 3% on the full amount of payments above 200 yuan. Your own bank may add a foreign transaction fee on top, so a card without foreign transaction fees saves money. For large bills such as hotels, paying the hotel directly by card can be cheaper.
- Set up WeChat Pay as a backup. Some small vendors, mini programs and ticket systems work better with one wallet than the other. WeChat is also the main messaging app in China, so having it helps when a guide, driver or hotel wants to message you. Spending limits for foreign cards are set by each app and have changed several times, so check the current figures inside the app.
- Carry some cash, in small notes. China's central bank has told merchants they must accept cash, and cash is useful at temples, rural markets and if your phone dies. Small vendors may struggle to give change for a 100 yuan note, so keep 10, 20 and 50 yuan notes. ATMs at Bank of China, ICBC and other major banks in cities generally accept foreign cards.
- Do not tip. Tipping is not part of Chinese culture in restaurants, taxis or hotels. The main exception is private tour guides and drivers on organised trips, where a tip is appreciated but never demanded.
- Claim your tax refund on shopping. Since April 2025 the minimum purchase for a departure tax refund at participating stores has been 200 yuan in a single store on the same day, and many shops in big cities now offer an instant refund at the counter. Keep your passport, receipts and refund forms, and allow time at the airport to have goods checked if required.
| Payment method | Where it works | Fees for foreign users | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alipay with foreign card | Almost everywhere, including taxis, metros and street stalls | No service fee up to 200 yuan, about 3% above 200 yuan (2026) | Verify your passport at home before flying |
| WeChat Pay with foreign card | Almost everywhere, plus WeChat mini programs | Similar 200 yuan threshold and about 3% above it | Good backup if one app declines |
| Foreign card directly | International hotels, big malls, airlines, some chains | Your bank's foreign transaction fee | Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted |
| Cash (Chinese yuan, CNY) | Legally accepted everywhere, practical in rural areas | ATM and exchange fees from your bank | Carry small notes for change |
| UnionPay card | Everywhere in China | Depends on issuing bank | Useful if your bank issues one |
Fees, limits and accepted card networks are set by Alipay and WeChat Pay and were last checked in October 2026. Check the app's own fee notice before you travel. For a fuller breakdown of daily costs, see our guide to how expensive China is for travellers.
How do you get internet and use your phone in China?
The simplest answer is a roaming eSIM or your home carrier's roaming plan. Mainland networks block Google services, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and many Western news sites, but roaming data is usually routed through networks outside the mainland, so those apps tend to keep working without extra tools.
- Buy a roaming eSIM before departure. Install and activate it at home so you land connected. Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM, and choose a plan that clearly states it works in mainland China, since a Hong Kong plan does not always cover the mainland.
- Understand the VPN position. Chinese law requires VPN services to be licensed by the government, and consumer VPNs bought abroad are not. The UK government's travel advice points this out. Short-term visitors who use a VPN for personal apps are rarely reported to face action, but the risk is not zero, and VPN apps cannot be downloaded from app stores inside China. A roaming eSIM avoids the question for most travellers.
- Keep a local SIM option in mind for long stays. A local China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom SIM gives the fastest data and a Chinese number, which helps with some apps, but it requires passport registration in a store and blocked services stay blocked on it.
- Download your apps at home. Some apps are hard to find in a mainland app store account, and a slow connection on arrival makes setup painful. Download, log in and test everything before the flight.
| Internet option | Blocked apps work? | Setup | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roaming eSIM (bought abroad) | Usually yes | Online, before departure | Most short trips |
| Home carrier roaming plan | Usually yes | Activate with your provider | Short trips if the daily rate is reasonable |
| Local Chinese SIM | No | In store with passport | Long stays, Chinese phone number |
| Hotel and cafe wifi | No | On arrival | Backup only |
Which apps do you need for China?
Five or six apps cover almost everything: a payment wallet, a map, a ride-hailing app, a translator, a booking platform and the official rail app. Google Maps is unreliable in China, so switch to Amap (Gaode), which has had an English interface since 2025.
- Use Amap instead of Google Maps. Amap has English menus and navigation, accurate metro and walking directions, and can hail taxis from several providers at once. Business names often still appear in Chinese, so copy and paste addresses from your booking. Payment runs through a linked Alipay account.
- Use DiDi or Amap for taxis. DiDi has an English version that works with international numbers and cards. The app shows the driver's plate and route, which removes most language and price problems. Show the driver the address in Chinese characters when you get in.
- Book hotels and trains on Trip.com if you prefer English. Trip.com handles hotels, flights and trains in English and accepts foreign cards. Check that a hotel accepts foreign guests before booking; most do now, but a few budget hotels still cannot register foreign passports.
- Treat Meituan and Dianping as Chinese-language bonuses. Locals use Meituan for food delivery and Dianping for restaurant reviews. Both are mainly in Chinese, but with a translation app they are the best way to find where locals actually eat.
| Need | App | English? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payments | Alipay, WeChat Pay | Yes | Link a foreign card and verify your passport |
| Maps and navigation | Amap (Gaode) | Yes | More accurate than Google Maps in China |
| Taxis | DiDi, Amap | Yes | Pay through the app, no cash haggling |
| Trains | 12306 (official), Trip.com | Yes | Passport works as your ticket |
| Hotels and flights | Trip.com | Yes | Check "accepts foreign guests" |
| Messaging | Yes | Used by guides, hotels and drivers | |
| Translation | Any app with offline Chinese and camera mode | Yes | Point the camera at menus and signs |
| Food delivery and reviews | Meituan, Dianping | Limited | Use with a translation app |
How do you get around China?
By high-speed train between cities, by metro inside them, and by app-booked taxi for the gaps. China's high-speed rail network is the largest in the world and is usually faster than flying for journeys under about five hours, because stations are closer to city centres and boarding takes minutes. Our China high-speed rail guide explains train classes, stations and routes in detail.
- Book trains on 12306 or Trip.com. The official China Railway 12306 app and website have an English version. Foreigners register with a passport, email and international phone number, and the passport check usually clears quickly but can take up to a day, so register well before your booking window opens. Tickets go on sale up to 15 days before departure. Trip.com is easier for some users and charges a small service fee, but sells the same seats.
- Your passport is your ticket. Tickets are linked to your passport number. At most stations you scan the passport photo page at the automatic gate, and if it does not read, use the staffed manual channel. Arrive at least 45 minutes early at big stations, because there is a security check at the entrance and platforms can be a long walk.
- Use the metro in big cities. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an and many others have large, cheap metro systems with English signs and announcements. You can pay by scanning the Alipay or WeChat transport QR code at the gate, and every station has a quick bag scan.
- Fly for the long hops. For routes such as Beijing to Guilin or Shanghai to Chengdu, domestic flights save time. Allow extra time for security and remember that liquid and power bank rules are strict: since 28 June 2025 power banks on domestic flights in China must carry the 3C (CCC) certification mark on the casing, must go in hand luggage, and need airline approval above 100 Wh. Many Chinese airlines also restrict using them during the flight.
- Avoid unlicensed taxis at airports and stations. Use the official taxi rank or an app. Touts who approach you inside arrivals halls usually charge far more than the meter.
| Transport | How to book | ID needed | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train | 12306 app or website, Trip.com, station counter | Passport | Sales open up to 15 days ahead, security check at entry |
| Metro | QR code in Alipay or WeChat, ticket machines | No | English signs in major cities |
| Taxi or ride-hail | DiDi, Amap, official rank | No | Show the address in Chinese |
| Domestic flight | Airline websites, Trip.com | Passport | Strict power bank rules |
| Long-distance bus | Station counters, apps | Passport | Useful for rural areas, little English |
When should you avoid travelling in China?
Avoid the two big national holidays if you can: Golden Week around National Day in early October and the Spring Festival around Chinese New Year. Hundreds of millions of people travel at the same time, so trains sell out, prices rise and famous sites hit their daily visitor caps. Our guide to the best time to visit China covers weather and seasons region by region.
- Plan around Golden Week. The 2026 National Day holiday runs from 1 to 7 October 2026, with make-up working days on Sunday 20 September and Saturday 10 October. Travel in the days just before and after is also busy. Note that the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival holiday (25 to 27 September) is separate this year.
- Plan around Chinese New Year 2027. Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 6 February 2027, the start of the Year of the Goat. The official public holiday dates for 2027 are normally announced by the State Council in November, but the travel rush usually starts two to three weeks before and lasts until after the Lantern Festival. Many small restaurants and shops close for several days.
- Use the shoulder seasons. April to May (outside the May Day holiday) and September to October (outside Golden Week) usually bring the best mix of weather and manageable crowds in most of eastern and central China.
| Holiday | Dates | Travel impact |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 | 25 to 27 September 2026 | Busy short trips and family travel |
| National Day Golden Week 2026 | 1 to 7 October 2026 (make-up workdays 20 September and 10 October) | Peak domestic travel, sites at capacity |
| New Year's Day 2027 | 1 January 2027 (official schedule announced late 2026) | Moderate |
| Chinese New Year 2027 | 6 February 2027 (official holiday dates usually announced in November) | Largest migration of the year, many closures |
| Qingming, May Day, Dragon Boat 2027 | Announced with the 2027 holiday schedule | May Day week is very busy |
Holiday dates for 2026 are from the State Council's official notice on the 2026 holiday arrangements. Dates for 2027 should be checked once the official notice is published.
How do you visit famous sites in China?
Book in advance with your passport number. Most major attractions in China use real-name ticketing: the ticket is tied to your passport, you show the same passport at the gate, and many sites have daily visitor limits that sell out in busy periods.
- Book big sites as soon as slots open. The Forbidden City in Beijing sells tickets only online through its official booking site, up to seven days ahead, with no same-day sales. It is closed on Mondays except public holidays and admits up to 40,000 visitors a day. Entry costs 60 yuan from April to October and 40 yuan from November to March (2026 prices). Other popular sites, including the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, sections of the Great Wall and many museums, use similar reservation systems, often through WeChat mini programs.
- Use the same passport you booked with. If the passport number on the booking does not match, you will be turned away. If you renew your passport before the trip, update every booking.
- Expect security checks. Tiananmen Square, major stations and many museums have bag scans and ID checks. Leave knives, lighters and large liquids at the hotel.
| Site | How to book | Booking window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forbidden City, Beijing | Official website or WeChat mini program | Up to 7 days ahead, no same-day tickets | Closed Mondays, passport at entry |
| Terracotta Army, Xi'an | Official channel or authorised platforms | Several days ahead in peak season | Real-name entry with passport |
| Great Wall (Mutianyu, Badaling) | Official channels or Trip.com | Book ahead at weekends and holidays | Badaling is the most crowded |
| National Museum of China, Beijing | Reservation required | Slots open a few days ahead | Free entry but limited slots |
Is China safe, and what scams should you watch for?
China is a safe country for travellers, with very low levels of violent crime against visitors. The realistic risks are scams aimed at tourists, pickpocketing in crowds, traffic and the legal consequences of breaking strict local laws. Our honest guide on whether it is safe to travel to China goes into more detail.
- Say no to the tea house invitation. The best-known scam: friendly young people who want to "practise English" invite you for tea, a drink or to an art exhibition, and you are handed a bill worth hundreds of dollars. The UK government's travel advice specifically warns about this. Politely decline invitations from strangers in tourist areas, especially around Beijing's Wangfujing, Tiananmen and Shanghai's Nanjing Road.
- Carry your physical passport at all times. Police can ask for ID, and hotels, stations, sites and pharmacies all need it. Photocopies are not accepted for official checks, but keep a photo on your phone in case of loss. Hotels register you with the police automatically; if you stay in a private home, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours.
| Scam or risk | How it works | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Tea house or bar scam | Strangers invite you for tea or drinks, then a huge bill arrives | Decline invitations, choose your own venue |
| Art student scam | "Students" steer you to a gallery to buy overpriced art | Walk away politely |
| Unlicensed taxis | Touts at airports and stations charge inflated fares | Use the official rank or DiDi |
| Fake notes | Counterfeit 100 yuan notes given as change | Pay by app, check large notes |
| Pickpockets | Crowded metros, markets and festival crowds | Front pocket, zipped bag |
What are the emergency numbers in China?
The main emergency numbers are free from any phone. English is not guaranteed, so in a non-urgent situation ask hotel staff to call for you, or use the 12345 hotline, which in Beijing offers service in English and nine other languages.
| Number | Service | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| 110 | Police | Theft, robbery, threats, lost passport report |
| 120 | Ambulance | Medical emergencies |
| 119 | Fire | Fires and rescues |
| 122 | Traffic police | Road accidents |
| 12345 | Government service hotline | Non-emergency help and complaints, foreign-language service in some cities |
Save your embassy's emergency number before you travel. If you lose your passport, report it to the police first, then contact your embassy for a replacement, and then the local exit-entry office for a new entry permit. This can take several working days.
What should you know about food and water in China?
Eat freely but drink bottled or boiled water. Chinese food is regional and varied, hygiene in busy restaurants is generally good, and most dietary needs can be met with a few words and a translation app. For dishes worth seeking out, see our guide to what to eat in China.
- Do not drink tap water. Tap water in China is not intended for drinking straight from the tap. Hotels provide kettles and often free bottled water, and boiled water is available on trains.
- Be specific about dietary needs. For vegetarian food look for the character 素 (sù) and Buddhist vegetarian restaurants near temples, and say you eat no meat and no meat stock, because a "vegetable" dish may be cooked in pork fat. For halal food look for the green 清真 (qīngzhēn) sign, which marks Muslim-run restaurants, including many Lanzhou beef noodle shops. Food allergies are harder to explain, so carry a card written in Chinese.
What else should first-time visitors know?
A handful of practical details make daily life easier: the right plug adapter, a few words of Mandarin and some awareness of local etiquette. None of them is difficult, and most are covered in more depth in our list of dos and don'ts in China.
| Practical detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 220V, 50Hz |
| Plug types | Type A (two flat pins), Type C (two round pins) and Type I (angled flat pins), often in one combined socket |
| Currency | Chinese yuan (CNY), also called renminbi (RMB) |
| Time zone | China Standard Time (UTC+8) across the whole country |
| Toilets | Squat toilets are common outside hotels and malls, carry tissues |
| Smoking | Banned indoors in many cities, but still common in some places |
| Drugs | Zero tolerance with very severe penalties, including for drugs taken before arrival |
Which Mandarin phrases help most?
| English | Pinyin | Chinese |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | nǐ hǎo | 你好 |
| Thank you | xiè xie | 谢谢 |
| How much? | duō shao qián | 多少钱 |
| I don't want it, no thanks | bú yào | 不要 |
| I don't eat meat | wǒ bù chī ròu | 我不吃肉 |
| The bill, please | mǎi dān | 买单 |
| Where is the toilet? | cè suǒ zài nǎr | 厕所在哪儿 |
Which etiquette points are worth knowing?
- Queues can be loose. Hold your place calmly at stations and counters. Pushing in crowds is common and not meant personally.
- Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice. It resembles incense at a funeral. Rest them across the bowl instead.
- Accept and give things with both hands. Especially business cards, gifts and payment in formal settings.
- Avoid political debates. Topics such as Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong are sensitive, and criticism in public or online can cause trouble.
- Ask before photographing people. Do not photograph military sites, police or checkpoints.
- Bargain only in markets. Haggling is normal in markets and small souvenir stalls, not in shops with fixed prices or malls.
Any tips for travellers flying in from South Asia?
Most South Asian passports, including Nepali and Indian passports, are not on China's 30-day visa-free or 240-hour transit lists as of October 2026, so plan for a tourist visa and apply through the embassy or visa centre in your country of residence. Kathmandu has nonstop flights to Chengdu, Kunming and Guangzhou, which are convenient first stops, and Himalaya Airlines added Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou during 2026; but schedules change by season, so check current routes with the airlines. Vegetarian travellers should carry a written note in Chinese, and anyone planning to combine China with Tibet should arrange the Tibet Travel Permit through a licensed operator well in advance.
What does a sensible first trip to China look like?
Most first-time visitors spend 10 to 14 days and pick three or four bases connected by high-speed rail, such as Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai, or Chengdu and Guilin for nature and food. Fewer bases means less packing and more time to absorb each city. If you prefer to have hotels, trains, guides and attraction bookings arranged around the real-name and payment rules above, our China holiday packages show how a complete trip fits together.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important China travel tips for first-time visitors?
The most important China travel tips are to confirm your visa or visa-free eligibility, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card before departure, buy a roaming eSIM for internet, download Amap and a translation app, and always carry your physical passport, which works as your train ticket and attraction pass.
Can I visit China without a visa in 2026?
Yes, if your passport qualifies. Citizens of about 50 countries can stay up to 30 days visa-free until 31 December 2026, and citizens of 57 countries can use 240-hour visa-free transit with an onward ticket to a third country. Other travellers need a visa before travel, so check your nationality on an official Chinese government or embassy website.
How does 240-hour visa-free transit in China work?
Eligible travellers enter China through one of 65 designated ports and may stay up to 10 days within the 24 permitted provinces, as long as they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. The journey must continue elsewhere, so returning to your departure country does not qualify. Tourism, business and family visits are allowed.
Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China?
Yes. Both apps accept international Visa and Mastercard cards after you verify your passport. As of 2026, payments of 200 yuan or less carry no service fee, while payments above 200 yuan carry about 3% on the full amount. Your bank may add its own foreign transaction fee, so check before you travel.
Do I need a VPN in China?
Not necessarily. Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and many other services are blocked on Chinese networks, but a roaming eSIM bought abroad usually routes data outside the mainland so these apps keep working. Chinese law requires VPNs to be government licensed, so a roaming eSIM is the simpler option for most short trips.
Do I need to fill in an arrival card for China?
Most foreign travellers do. Since November 2025 you can complete the China arrival card online before your trip through the National Immigration Administration website, the NIA 12367 app or a WeChat or Alipay mini program. Paper cards remain available at the airport, and some groups, such as airside transit passengers, are exempt.
How do foreigners book train tickets in China?
Foreigners can book on the official 12306 app or website in English after registering with a passport, or use Trip.com. Tickets go on sale up to 15 days before departure and are linked to your passport number, so you scan your passport at the station gate instead of collecting a paper ticket.
When is Golden Week in China in 2026?
Golden Week in 2026 runs from 1 to 7 October 2026, with make-up working days on 20 September and 10 October. It is one of the busiest travel periods in China, when trains, flights and hotels fill up and popular sites reach their daily limits, so avoid it or book everything early.
When is Chinese New Year in 2027?
Chinese New Year 2027 falls on Saturday 6 February 2027 and begins the Year of the Goat. China's official public holiday dates are usually announced in November of the previous year. Expect heavy travel for two to three weeks around the festival and closures of many small businesses for several days.
Is tap water safe to drink in China?
No, tap water in China should not be drunk straight from the tap. Use bottled water or boil it first. Hotels provide kettles and often free bottled water, and high-speed trains have hot water dispensers. Brushing your teeth with tap water is generally fine for most travellers.
What are the emergency numbers in China?
In China, dial 110 for police, 120 for an ambulance, 119 for fire and 122 for traffic accidents. All are free from any phone. English is not guaranteed, so ask hotel staff for help where possible. The 12345 government hotline offers foreign-language support in some cities, including Beijing.
What is the tea house scam in China?
The tea house scam happens when friendly strangers, often claiming to be students practising English, invite tourists to a tea house or bar and then present a hugely inflated bill. It is common near major sights in Beijing and Shanghai. Politely decline invitations from strangers and choose your own places to eat and drink.
