China Travel Guide: All You Need to Know as a First-Time Traveller

Congratulations! You finally decided to take the leap and plan your first trip to China. I’ve lived in China for over a year, and in this China Travel Guide, I will share with you all the tips I wish I had known back then. It doesn’t matter if you’re backpacking solo, inviting a couple of friends, or joining a group tour. China will bring you adventure, life, and self-discovery 🇨🇳

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I lived in China for one year between 2018 and 2019 and returned in the Summer of 2024. It is one of my favorite places in the world. However, I am aware that traveling to China may seem like a challenge. Let me be honest: China is challenging due to the language barrier. However, with good preparation, an open mind, an adventurous soul, and my China travel tips as an experienced China traveler, you can do it and it will be so rewarding!

Table of Contents

Planning Your Trip to China
Living Your Trip to China
Small Restaurant & Food Guide
- Life-Saving Dishes For When You Don’t Know What to Order
- Local Cuisine You Have To Try

Planning Your Trip to China

1. China Travel Guide: Entry Requirements

Valid Passport: valid for a minimum of 6 months after your China trip
VISA: depending on your country of origin, you must apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa), allowing you to stay in the country for up to 30 days, with a validity of 3 months from the release day.
Flights Booked: at the airport, you will be required to communicate, through paperwork, the day of your return flight.
Accommodation Booked: As for the flight, you will need the address of the first accommodation that welcomes you after your arrival.

For detailed entry requirements, check the website of the Chinese embassy in your country. Requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and your destination. Autonomous regions like Tibet have different entry requirements and permits.

15 Days Free-Visa Policy

This may be good news for some of you! Since China opened its borders to tourists after COVID-19, some countries have been granted a 15-day Visa-free period. Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia can enter China to travel for up to 15 days before the end of 2025. Visitors from Singapore benefit from a 30-day visa-free visit. It’s still unclear if China will maintain it after this date. Please refer to the complete list on this page. You must still book accommodation and round-trip flights to enter China this way.

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

If you plan a more extended trip to China or can’t benefit from the 15-day visa-free period, you will need a tourist visa (L visa). Applying is straightforward but requires some preparation.

You’ll need to apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country or through an official visa application center. The essential documents include a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, and round-trip flight bookings. Sometimes, they may ask for a letter of invitation if you’re visiting friends or family. I recommend frequently checking the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website (https://www.visaforchina.org) for the latest updates, as requirements can change depending on your nationality or local circumstances.

Applying at least two months before your trip (if not earlier) is a good idea since processing times can vary. Most people can submit their applications in person or by mail, making it accessible no matter where you apply.

2. China Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit China

As you know, China is a vast country. Weather dramatically changes from North to South, depending on your visiting period. Ensuring you visit the proper province at the right time is essential to provide the best trip possible.

1. North & Central China

North of China: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, Henan, Shaanxi

Central China: Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan & Hubei

The best time to visit this area is early fall, from September to October, and Spring, from March to May. In June, temperatures rise abruptly, and the heat may be challenging when visiting sites. Summer is very humid in this area, and being around all day to discover monuments is particularly uncomfortable. I visited Beijing in late June, and I would not do it again, lol

2. Southern China

Southern China: Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, Hong Kong, Macao

The best time to visit this area is Fall and Winter, from the end of October to April. From May onwards, rain increases and peaks in July, the actual rainy season. By visiting this area in Fall and Winter, you can enjoy a mild winter without the classic rigid temperatures of Northern China.

3. South-West China

South-West China: Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi

The best time to visit this area is from early Fall to Spring, from the end of October to April. From May onwards, rain increases and peaks in July, the actual rainy season. Here, what breaks the deal will likely be decided based on the best period to enjoy the rice terraces in the Yunnan and Guangxi regions. If you want to experience the rice terraces in beautiful green shades, spring is the season to go.

4. North-East China

South-West China: Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang

The best time to visit this area is from Spring to early Fall, from April to the end of September. This period will ensure you avoid the rigid temperatures starting to drop in October. Unless you want to experience the Ice Festival in Harbin from Christmas Day to February. In that case, be ready for temperatures going well under -25 °C.

5. Inner Mongolia & Ancient Silk Road Territory

Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinhai, Xinjiang

3. China Travel Guide: When Not To Visit China

As a general rule of thumb, there’s only one period you shouldn’t visit China: during National Holidays. Please find below the national holidays to avoid, as most Chinese will be around visiting sights with their families.

Chinese New Year: from late January to February
Labor Day on the 1st of May: typically, this is a 3-day holiday
Mid-Autumn Festival: usually a 3-day holiday in Mid-September
Golden Week: the first week of October

4. For How Long Should I Visit China?

This is a difficult question because China is a vast country with many beautiful locations to visit. However, these locations are likely to be far away from each other. You need to make some choices and decide what your priorities are. For your first trip to China, I suggest you spend at least 2 weeks there. Fifteen days allow you to discover enough locations for a first-time visit. Check out my 15-day China Travel Itinerary for first-timers. This is a good example of how you can discover different sides of China during the same trip.

🌍 Already been to China and looking for other stunning locations to visit? Check out my list of 3 6 Hidden Gems to Discover in the Country 🌍

5. Is China Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Safety is, of course, subjective, but I genuinely consider China one of the safest places to travel to. Personally, there’s nowhere I feel more at ease. I often compare it to my experience in Paris, where I lived for four months. There, I felt nervous about taking the subway alone at night, even before midnight. In China, I would frequently return home alone in the middle of the night without a second thought—never even glancing back to see if anyone was behind me. China’s extensive network of CCTV cameras adds to this sense of security, as they discourage pickpocketing and other petty crimes. The atmosphere feels calm and safe, and it’s something you think as soon as you’re there.

6. China Travel Guide: Packing Essentials

Packing for China is simple. Depending on when you are going to China, your packing needs to adapt to the weather. However, there are also essential items you can’t forget if you’re traveling to this beautiful country.

Spring & Summer (March to August)

I would avoid traveling to China from June to the end of August. However, if you have no choice, the following essentials will help you tackle the extreme heat. Remember that if you visit North-East China in Summer, temperatures will be below the usual summer temperature in China, so bring some layers. This packing list will also be valid for South China in Winter, which is mild.

Light layers (T-shirts, sweaters, light jacket)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Wide-brimmed hat
Mosquito repellent if you are visiting the South (rainy season!)
Umbrella (for the sun and the rain)
Rainjacket

Autumn & Winter (September to February)

If you’re visiting Northern and Central China in winter (including Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an), the temperature drops heavily from mid-October, so you should include the following in your packing list.

Layers (including a warm jacket)
Gloves
Scarf

If you visit the South (including Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Macao), you must consider that their Winter is the North of China’s spring. So, a light layer and a light jacket will be enough during colder days.

General Essentials

Toilet Paper!!! (or tissues to bring with you every day)
Snacks for travel (including nuts)
Portable charger for devices
Umbrella
Power adapter (China uses Type A, Type C, and Type I)
Comfortable walking shoes
Small first-aid kit (pain relievers, personal medications, including probiotics)
Travel Guide book and translation apps

7. China Travel Guide: Flights & Airports

Discover some tips on booking flights to travel to China:

Night Flight: I always, without exception, book a night flight when leaving for China. This is the best option, as you will manage to get some rest. There’s nothing worse than losing time once you arrive because you are jetlagged and tired.
Chinese Airlines is a good choice! I’ve always flown to China with Hainan Airlines, China Eastern, and China Southern Airlines. My experience has been great; there has never been a delay, and the service was good. Based on my experience, I am also less likely to experience delays and lengthy procedures with Chinese airlines.

💡PRO TIP💡 Don’t forget ear plugs and eye mask to make sure you get rest while on the plane! There is nothing worse than arriving in China jetlagged and tired!

Best Chinese Airlines

Below are the highest-rated Chinese airlines. I’ve flown with Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, and the quality of the three is comparable.

Air China (International & Domestic Flights)
China Eastern Airlines (International Flights)
China Southern (operating mainly from Guangzhou
Hainan Airlines (Mainly to and from Beijing and Shenzhen)

Main Airports

Getting to China is pretty easy, with several major international airports depending on your destination.

If you’re visiting Beijing or northern China, you’ll likely fly into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or the newer Daxing International Airport (PKX).
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the central hub for central or eastern China.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) or Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) are great options for exploring southern China.

There are direct flights from the US (cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco), Europe (London, Paris, Frankfurt), and Australia (Sydney, Melbourne) to these major airports. Flights are frequent, but I recommend checking the airlines’ schedules since they can change.

8. China Travel Guide: Booking Accommodations in China

When traveling in China, I’ve always relied on Booking.com to book my accommodations; it works like a dream. In this China Travel Itinerary, you’ll find some options I’ve been to and highly rated hotels on Booking.com. Discover some information about hotels in China below.

Prices vary by city: Expect higher rates in bustling cities like Shanghai, while towns like Chengdu are more budget-friendly.
Hotel styles differ: Some accommodations feature modern designs, while others embrace traditional Chinese aesthetics that might feel quirky if you’re not accustomed to them.
Cleanliness and service: Most hotels provide clean rooms, and staff is usually eager to assist, even with a language barrier.
Double-check in remote areas: Some hotels in off-the-beaten-path locations may not accept foreign guests, so confirming with the property before arrival is wise.
Consider hostels for savings: Hostels often offer significantly lower rates, sometimes as low as 11 USD per night, and can provide excellent accommodations.
Check for private rooms: Many hostels offer dormitory-style and private rooms, making them an excellent option for all travelers.

💡PRO TIP: Always communicate with your accommodation before your arrival. You need to ensure that the place exists and that it can host you as a foreigner!

9. China Travel Guide: Digital Payments

The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), and it’s a good idea to withdraw a small amount of cash before leaving (or at the airport) in case of an emergency. However, everything in China works perfectly with digital payments.

1. Alipay

I discovered Alipay during my last trip to China, and I believe it is the easiest way for foreigners to handle contactless payments there. Alipay is an application that allows you to insert your Western Credit Card. You can pay by scanning the QR codes available at the cashier, or vendors will scan your QR code. Just look for the blue Alipay QR code sign, scan it, insert the sum, and it’s done.

2.WeChat

WeChat is China’s most popular all-in-one mobile app, offering many services beyond just messaging (you can order takeaway and even book your train tickets!). While WeChat is widely spread and easy to use, you may encounter difficulties with your login in China. The application seems to have been perfectly downloaded in your country. However, when in China, the application requires verification through a Chinese WeChat account (created at least six months prior). I used WeChat while living there, but I can remember how much time and help it took to make it work. For this reason, I would suggest to download Alipay for your trip.

💡PRO TIP💡 Don’t waste time trying to have WeChat working unless you need to communicate with some Chinese people there. Alipay works perfectly and is much easier to use.

10. China Travel Guide: Phone and Internet Connection

Staying connected in China is easy if you know the right tricks! Of course, you will need a new SIM and download a VPN before leaving (if you want to use all your beloved Social Media Channels).

1. Local SIM

You can consider purchasing a local SIM depending on how long you remain in China. It’s cheaper and works very well. However, make sure to download the VPN before your departure. Once in China, you will not be able to download it (even if one of my travel mates managed to download a Chinese VPN once in China). You can try to get help from one of your hotel staff members.

2. E-SIM

While purchasing a local SIM can be a great idea if you plan on staying more than one month (lucky you!), buying an E-SIM is the right choice for shorter stays. As a more recent option, E-SIMs do not work on all types of smartphones. You need to own a smartphone purchased in the last few years, so check if it supports it. Among the best E-SIMS options you can find:

Holafly
Airalo

I used Holafly for my last stay in China; it was the right choice. I purchased the unlimited internet data option. It has a built-in VPN, so I didn’t download any, and it worked for almost all social media. (For some reason, I could not make TikTok work.) I didn’t need to make phone calls and used WhatsApp for all my communication needs.

3. VPN

As you may know, all our social media channels and search engines are blocked in China. And unless you want to stay disconnected from your world for a while (which is a great idea), you may need to download a VPN before departure.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that hides your IP address and allows you to browse the web as if in a different location. This will be particularly useful if you purchase a local SIM or an E-SIM without an in-built VPN. Among the best VPNs you can find:

During my study year in China, I had Express VPN. I purchased the yearly subscription, and it worked very well most of the time.

11. China Travel Guide: Useful Applications to Download

1. WeChat

If you manage to make it work once in China (maybe ask for help from one staff member at your hostel), WeChat allows you to do everything and more. As a traveler, you can use it for messaging with other users, sharing locations, mobile payments (the application recently allowed foreign credit cards), ordering takeaway, booking DIDI rides, and even booking trains or flights.

2. Alipay

As with WeChat, Alipay is a multi-function application that can save your life in multiple ways in China. It does not offer an instant messaging feature. However, adding your credit card for cashless payments can be more accessible. On Alipay, you can book car rides with DIDI, train and flight tickets, hotel rooms, and more.

3. Baidu Maps

I’ve always used the iPhone maps application. I have never encountered any issues with it in China, and it’s valid for the subway and moving around China in general. However, if you’re not part of the IOs family, the Baidu Maps can be your lifesaver. As Google Maps is restricted and could potentially not work perfectly, Baidu Maps has English support and offers accurate navigation and public transport information.

4. Pleco

This is probably the first app I downloaded when I arrived in China as a student. Pleco is a powerful Chinese-English dictionary app perfect for quickly translating words and phrases. It’s a lifesaver when you need help reading signs or menus.

5. Google Translate

Although Google is restricted, with a VPN or the right E-SIM, Google Translate becomes an invaluable tool for translating text, voice, and even photos for signs and menus.

6. Trip.com

Trip.com is the best website for booking everything from flights and trains to hotels and tours within China. It’s super easy to use and available in multiple languages. I mainly used it to purchase high-speed train tickets, which can be tricky without a local ID or if you don’t speak Chinese. Trip.com also has an app that can make your life easier if you’re on the go.

12. China Travel Guide: Moving From One City to Another in China

High-Speed Train

I love traveling by high-speed train in China. It’s fast, efficient, and surprisingly comfortable. Most train stations are conveniently located near city centers, so you save time (and stress). However, I suggest you consider a high-speed train only if the journey is up to 7 hours. On the other hand, you can consider traveling during the night by train or taking a flight. In this way, you avoid wasting time on transport. Below are some tips for navigating high-speed trains in China:

Arrive at the station at least one hour before departure.
Avoid bringing high-capacity battery packs. If your power bank has a high wattage, it won’t pass through the luggage check, and you’ll have no choice but to leave it behind at the station.
Go straight to the gate, but watch the big screen. Once your train number appears, that’s your cue to move forward. You won’t be able to go through passport control until your train is officially called.
Check your ticket carefully. You’ll find your carriage number, seat number, and color code. That color is super important because it tells you where to stand on the platform, so you’re right in front of your carriage when the train arrives.
If you’re not a local, skip the automatic ID check. Those machines only work with Chinese IDs, so head to the manual document check, where a station staff member will process your passport. It’s much smoother!

Internal Flights

Internal flights are a good option for getting around China, especially with airlines like China Eastern and China Southern providing high-quality services. However, I’d recommend flying only if you’re pressed for time and need to save an hour or two—or when the destination is too far for a reasonable train ride.

That being said, let me share a quick personal experience: the one time I flew from Xi’an to Guilin, we had a two-hour delay due to bad weather. While these delays are not common, they can happen, and they wouldn’t have been an issue if I had opted for a high-speed train instead! Of course, that was an exception, but it’s something to remember when your travel schedule is tight. So, while flying can help you save time in certain situations, consider the potential for delays before choosing.

Living Your Trip to China

How To Get Around In Chinese Cities

1. Subway

The subway is hands down the easiest and most efficient way to get around Chinese cities. It’s safe, extensive, and reaches just about every corner of town. Below are a few handy tips to help you navigate the Chinese subway system:

Bag Scanners Everywhere: Every subway station has mandatory bag scanners. So, be ready to place your bag through a detector at every entrance.
English on Vending Machines: The vending machines have an English language option. Select the number of tickets you need and the fare for your trip. You can easily find the fare in your Metro app or even by using Maps on your iPhone. Enter your destination and starting point, choose “directions by subway,” and voilà—your fare will appear along your route.
Alipay for Payment: Make sure you have Alipay installed on your phone. To pay, scan the QR code on the ticket vending machine.
Bilingual Signage: Don’t worry about getting lost. All subway stops are labeled in Chinese characters and their alphabetic transcription (pinyin), so you’ll always know where you are, even if you don’t speak Chinese.

Taxi

Taxis can be a convenient way to get around cities in China, especially when heading from airports or train stations to your accommodation. While they’re not always the best option for daily use—thanks to the infamous traffic in many Chinese cities—they can still be a lifesaver when the subway doesn’t feel like the right fit. And in places like Guilin or Yangshuo, where there’s no subway, taxis are your go-to. Plus, you can even reach more remote attractions for a price much cheaper than you’d pay in Europe or the US. Here are a few tips to avoid taxi scams:

Stick to licensed taxis: Always ensure you’re getting into a legitimate taxi with proper signage and that it turns on the meter.
Avoid crowded areas: Avoid hunting for taxis in super busy spots. You’ll end up fighting for one with tons of other people.
Have your destination written down: Chinese drivers often don’t speak English, so it’s always helpful to have your address in Chinese characters for them to read.
Carry some cash: While most drivers accept Alipay or WeChat Pay, having a bit of money is always a good idea just in case your app or connection fails.

Bus

Buses are cheaper than taxis if you need to reach remote areas. Buses are the way for you if your budget is tight and you have an adventurous soul! See below some tips to navigate the bus system in China and make sure you arrive where you need to be:

Use apps to find your route: Tools like Rome2Rio, Google Maps, or Apple Maps can help determine which bus to take. However, double-checking your route is always a good idea!
Get confirmation from locals: Ask your hotel or hostel staff to confirm if a particular bus goes to your destination. It’s always better to double-check, just to be sure.
Ask the driver: When you’re at the bus station, show your destination (written in Chinese) to the driver and make sure you’re boarding correctly. Triple-Check is the way!

Bicycle Rides

Bicycles are such a fun way to travel those short distances while exploring the streets of China! Locals widely embrace them, making cycling a charming and safe option, especially since dedicated bike lanes are available in many cities.

The payment process is straightforward. All you need to do is have Alipay installed on your phone. Scan the QR code when you’re done riding, and voilà—your payment will be processed at the end of your journey.

Useful Sentences To Learn

From personal experience, learning some easy words and sentences is the best way to show Chinese people that you value their culture and country. Showing that you are trying to learn some words in one of the most challenging languages will be the easiest way to start a conversation with them, get invited to experiences, and get offered something for free. Opening up to their language will give you the most unique adventures in China. Ultimately, no one cares if you don’t speak the language! To help you, I have written about my favorite tips for avoiding the language barrier.

Chinese Characters	Phonetic Transcription	English Translation
你好	nǐ hǎo	Hello
谢谢	xièxie	Thank you!
多少钱	duō shǎo qián?	How much does it cost?
我听不懂	wǒ tīng bù dǒng	I don’t understand
厕所在哪里	cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?	Where is the bathroom?
不要，谢谢	bù yào, xièxie	No, thank you
对不起	duìbuqǐ	Excuse me/sorry
我要这个	wǒ yào zhège	I want this one (perfect for choosing at Restaurants)

Embracing Culture Shock

When traveling to a completely different country, culture shock is entirely normal. Different history, economic development, habits, customs, and, above all, a different way to live life. However, I believe that the experiences that cause culture shock also make us truly understand what a country is all about.

Depending on where you’re from, different things might surprise you—like the crowds, people communicating, or even everyday habits like how meals are shared. I remember being surprised at everything that happened initially. However, over time, you learn things you’d never find in any guidebook, and honestly, these little cultural discoveries are some of your most memorable stories to tell once home! Below is a list of things that caused culture shock for me and became habits over time.

Small Culture Shocks

People not wearing helmets on scooters: this is the first thing I noticed when I arrived in Xi’an.
Spitting in public and in general, loads of “mouth” noises when eating
Squat toilets almost everywhere besides private homes and hotels, and bring with you some toilet paper or tissues cause you will not find them everywhere
Meal sharing and dining etiquette: I love this habit of sharing food. The concept of “your dish” does not exist.
Disputes: I witnessed a taxi crashing against a scooter without any particular consequences for the vehicle. What in Europe would have caused hours of paperwork to define responsibilities in China was solved with a cigarette gifted to the “victim” of the incident.
Staring at foreigners: especially in less touristy areas, you may receive curious stares or attention, which can feel unusual. If you’re blonde or have blue eyes, be prepared to take pictures with every Chinese person.
Bargaining: Trying to decrease prices in China is very typical.

Small Restaurant & Food Guide

While in China, I had never looked for restaurants online. This is not only because the restaurants suggested are often overpriced (compared to China’s prices) and are usually curated for foreign tourists, but also because the best places I’ve ever tried in China were small family restaurants at the corner of hidden streets. See below some tips I use to find good local restaurants in China:

Intuition: When I travel, I usually follow my intuition, and if a place seems good, I test it without any expectation or prejudice.
Forget what you are used to: I’m sure you are used to judging restaurants based on cleanliness and style. Well, you can’t do this in China. Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten comes from places that you would probably define as dirty (and me too!).
Homemade cooking is delicious: I usually prefer small, hidden restaurants because the food is less elaborate and more authentic, even if the place can’t be defined as a fancy restaurant.
Use what’s around you: when a restaurant is chosen, use the pictures on the wall or the many to make the waiter understand what you want.
Download some photos of Chinese dishes you know you like. If there are no pictures on the wall, you will use what you downloaded to make the waiter understand what you want to order.
There will not be Menus in English: download Pleco as a resource to translate what you want.
If none of the above works, check out the life-saving dishes below!

Life-Saving Dishes For When You Don’t Know What to Order

The reality is that most of the time, in China, you eat in restaurants where the staff does not speak English, menus are only in Chinese, and sometimes, there are no photos on the walls from which to take inspiration. Unless you want to translate long menus, knowing some lifesaving dishes every restaurant can prepare for you is essential.

Kung Pao Chicken

In Chinese is 宫保鸡丁 (gōng bǎo jī dīng). It’s a classic dish from Sichuan cuisine known for its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor (if you don’t like spicy food, it’s essential to add 不要辣 bù yào là). The dish is made with diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts. The sauce mixes soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, making it flavorful and balanced.

Stir-fried tomatoes and scrambled eggs

西红柿炒鸡蛋 (xī hóng shì chǎo jī dàn) is a simple and popular Chinese dish. It’s a classic comfort food in China, often enjoyed as a home-cooked meal. The dish combines the tangy sweetness of tomatoes with the soft texture of scrambled eggs, lightly seasoned with salt, sugar, and sometimes green onions.

Pork in Sour Sauce

In Chinese is 糖醋里脊 (táng cù lǐ jǐ). It’s made of tender pork battered and deep-fried strips to create a crispy texture. Then, they are coated in a sweet and sour sauce made from sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and sometimes ketchup for a tangy kick.

Noodles

A popular type of noodle in China is 兰州拉面 (lán zhōu lā miàn), or Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles. This dish comes from Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province, and is known for its chewy, hand-pulled noodles served in a clear broth. The broth is typically made from beef and includes thinly sliced beef, radish, green onions, cilantro, and chili oil.

In every restaurant, you can always ask for a bowl of white rice which pairs perfectly with every dish (you can ask for 一碗米饭 (yì wǎn mǐ fàn). In addition, to not forget healthy habits, you can ask for any vegetable. See below the list and how to pronounce them:

白菜 (bái cài) Chinese cabbage or bok choy
菠菜 (bō cài) Spinach
土豆 (tǔ dòu) Potato
胡萝卜 (hú luó bo) Carrot
黄瓜 (huáng guā) Cucumber
茄子 (qié zi) Eggplant
西红柿 (xī hóng shì) Tomato

Local Cuisine You Have To Try

China’s cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each region offering unique flavors and dishes that are a must-try for any visitor. If you’re new to Chinese food, I highly recommend starting with Sichuan cuisine. Known for its bold, spicy flavors, you have to try 麻婆豆腐 (mápó dòufu), a dish made with silky tofu in a tangy, numbing sauce full of Sichuan peppercorns and minced meat (I would avoid Sichuan cuisine if you don’t like spicy food)

If you prefer something lighter, Cantonese cuisine is perfect, offering delicate flavors. Try 点心 (diǎn xīn), also known as dim sum, which includes small steamed dumplings, buns, and rolls.

For those who enjoy hearty, savory dishes, Shandong cuisine is famous for its rich braised meats, like 红烧肉 (hóng shāo ròu), a dish of braised pork belly in a sweet and savory soy sauce.

Finally, don’t miss Jiangsu cuisine, known for its sweet and delicate flavors. Try 松鼠鳜鱼 (sōngshǔ guì yú), a beautifully fried fish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, shaped like a squirrel and topped with a sweet and sour sauce

I could go on for hours about China and what you need to be prepared for, but to be honest, China and traveling generally mean “discovery” to me. If you’re here, it means you know traveling is all about the unexpected, and that “unexpected” makes the journey even more enjoyable. Hopefully, this China Travel Guide will help you plan your trip, from departure to the best experience in China. Enjoy 🇨🇳

This blog post was all about the China Travel Guide you need as a first-timer in China.

DISCLAIMER: This China travel Guide is purely based on my experiences during my trips and is meant to provide inspiration and suggestions for your own adventure. All information and instructions reflect my personal experiences and knowledge at the time of writing and may have changed since. You must double-check all the details before your trip to ensure accuracy. Please note that all opinions and recommendations shared here are entirely my own, rooted in my unique journey through China.