Discovering China’s Wonders – Part 2

Language

English levels in China are generally quite low, and that includes many people working in tourism. For that reason, it is essential to have a translation app on your phone. I recommend Google Translate, which also offers two useful extra features. You can download your chosen language and use it even without an internet connection. You can also translate by taking a picture, which is handy for things like reading a menu in a restaurant. Another good app is Pleco, which is designed specifically for translating Chinese. Despite the language barrier, know that China has well-organised tourism, and signs are provided in English everywhere.

Paying for things

You can see more clearly than anywhere else that China is ahead of its time when it comes to paying. In China you will struggle if you try to pay with a bank card, while using cash is also starting to disappear. Instead, they have developed apps that let you pay using a QR code. The most popular app is called Alipay, and it works by either you scanning the seller's QR code or the seller scanning yours to make a payment. You then enter your password, which completes the payment and charges your account. Another app that offers the same payment method is WeChat, which is far more complex and includes a wide range of other features. It sounds much more complicated than it is, because after just a few tries it will become your favourite way to pay.

Money

Until you are completely confident with Chinese payment apps, it is wise to exchange some cash for Chinese yuan. If you are travelling to one of the major Chinese cities, you can easily do this upon arrival. Bargaining is still common at Chinese markets, so the Xe app is very handy for quickly converting yuan into your home currency. I always use my Revolut account when travelling abroad, because it allows for easy and cost-effective payments in foreign currencies.

Internet

Using the internet in China is one of the biggest challenges for tourists, as practically all Western websites are blocked. The Chinese have what is known as the Great Firewall for our internet. This means your phone will be practically useless if you do not prepare it properly before arriving in China. The simplest way is to use an eSIM, which works in China just as it does anywhere else. It is important, however, to make sure that your phone supports this feature. Another option is to use a VPN, which stands for a virtual private network. It works by virtually placing you in another location, most often nearby Hong Kong, where the internet is not blocked, which allows you to get around China’s online restrictions. With a VPN you can access all your usual apps through Wi-Fi or by buying a Chinese SIM card when you arrive. Whichever option you choose, it is crucial to set it up before arriving in China. During my trip I used LetsVPN and an Airalo eSIM.

Navigation

All major Chinese cities have excellent public transport, and you will most likely be using the underground train quite often, which is also very affordable. Google Maps works only in a limited way in China, as it does not show public transport options and is not updated very regularly. I recommend Amap, the Chinese app, which works in the same way as Google Maps. Two more useful apps are MetroMan, for finding underground connections, and Maps.Me, which is one of the most advanced apps for using maps offline once you have downloaded them beforehand.

Transport

Thanks to the excellent public transport, there is generally no need to use taxis. If you want to use this kind of transport, it is useful to know that Uber does not operate in China. The Chinese have their own version called DiDi, which works in the same way as Uber. For long-distance travel within China, trains are the best option, with the fastest reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour. If you are not travelling during the peak tourist season, there is no need to buy tickets in advance. Trip.com is the most popular website in China for booking travel services. On it, you can not only book train tickets but also reserve accommodation or buy tickets for tourist attractions. Prices are generally cheaper than on Western travel agency websites.

China is a much more advanced country, and the Chinese are far friendlier people than the perception of them in the West suggests. China will be one of the safest, most organised, and cleanest countries you will ever visit. Another advantage of travelling to China is that until the end of 2025, citizens of most EU countries do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 30 days. The Chinese travel extensively within their country, so it makes sense to avoid travelling during their major holidays. The busiest times are Chinese New Year, which lasts about two weeks, and National Day on 1 October, when most people get the whole week off.