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China consists of several regions, each of which is fairly unique. • Beijing & the North: Imperial history, the Great Wall, dry climate, bold flavours. • Shanghai & the East Coast: Futuristic skylines, colonial architecture, cosmopolitan food. • Xi’an & Central China: Terracotta Army, Silk Road heritage. • Sichuan & the Southwest: Spicy cuisine, pandas, dramatic mountains. • Guangdong & the South: Cantonese food, subtropical climate, vibrant markets. • Yunnan & the Far Southwest: Ethnic diversity, tea culture, stunning landscapes. • Tibet & Xinjiang: Unique cultures, high-altitude scenery (requires extra planning). Prior to your visit • Most travellers need a visa—apply early and check the latest requirements. • Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, visa, and hotel bookings. • You must register your stay; hotels do this automatically, but private stays require a quick police registration. Travel • High-speed trains are world-class—fast, clean, punctual. • Domestic flights cover long distances quickly. • Subways in major cities are cheap, safe, and easy to navigate. • Taxis are fine, but ride apps (Didi) are more reliable. Communication • Many Western apps and websites are blocked. • Use a reliable VPN installed before you arrive. • Chinese apps dominate daily life: WeChat, Alipay, Didi (ride-hailing). • eSIMs and SIM cards are easy to get; mobile data is fast and cheap. Money & Payments • China is extremely cash‑light. • Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are the norm—even for street food. • Foreign cards now work with these apps, but set them up before you travel. • Carry a little cash for rural areas or emergencies. Food Chinese cuisine is very regional. • Sichuan: spicy, numbing, bold. • Cantonese: delicate, fresh, dim sum. • Northern: noodles, dumplings, hearty flavours. • Shanghai: sweet-savory, refined. • Yunnan: herbs, mushrooms, ethnic influences. Tips: • Eat where locals eat—busy places mean fresh food. • Don’t assume dishes taste like “Chinese food” abroad. • Street food is excellent in many cities; choose vendors with high turnover. Cultural & Etiquette • Crowds are normal—China is busy everywhere. • Queuing is improving but still flexible; stay alert and assertive. • Learn a few phrases: ni hao (hello), xiexie (thank you). • Respect temple rules: modest dress, quiet behaviour. History & Landmarks • Book major sites in advance (Forbidden City, Terracotta Army). • Visit early morning to avoid crowds. • Many museums are free but require online reservations. Weather & Air Quality • Winters in the north are very cold; summers in the south are humid. • Air quality can vary—check local apps if you’re sensitive. • Spring and autumn are ideal for most regions. Language & Communication • English is limited outside major cities. • Translation apps are essential—download offline packs. • Addresses should be shown in Chinese characters for taxis. |
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All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
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