Antisocial Tourist

China is massive, complex, and impossible to fully understand in one trip. We’re not pretending to be experts, but after visiting Shanghai, Beijing, the Great Wall, and Zhangjiajie, there were a lot of things we learned that we think first time travelers should know.

When we started planning our trip to China, we had a surprisingly hard time finding clear, helpful information on what it’s actually like to travel there. Not just logistics, but the real, on-the-ground experience.

Some of these are things you absolutely need to know before you go. Others are just observations that caught us off guard. But all of them are things we would have wanted to know ahead of time, especially to help manage expectations.

China is an incredible destination and absolutely worth visiting. It’s just not talked about in the same way as other places, which can make it harder to prepare for. Hopefully this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect before your trip and helps explain some of the biggest things to know before visiting China.

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Essential Things to Know Before Visiting China

China is NOT the kind of destination where you can just show up and figure things out as you go! There are a few things you absolutely need to know ahead of time that will make or break your experience. From payments to internet access to basic logistics, this is the stuff you want to have sorted before you land.

1. Your Credit Card Won’t Work Like You Expect

Major hotels and some higher-end restaurants will accept credit cards, but almost everywhere else will not. Taxis, small restaurants, shops, street food vendors, and even many attractions rely on a mobile payment app called Alipay.

You’ll use Alipay constantly, either by scanning a QR code to pay or by pulling up your own QR code for someone else to scan. Each place is different, but they’ll guide you. Once you get the hang of it, it’s actually really easy and surprisingly efficient.

Setting it up takes a few steps, and it needs to be done before you arrive in China. You’ll need to download the app, link your credit card, and upload your passport, which is completely normal there. You’ll use your passport for everything, so get comfortable with that. Depending on your card, you may also need a PIN. Once everything is set up, test it. Make sure your QR code pulls up and that you know how to access it quickly.

We didn’t use cash a single time in China. While it’s technically accepted in many places, it’s just not how people pay. Even the locals that were selling trinkets out of their backpacks while we were visiting the Great Wall were able to accept Alipay! If you don’t have it ready to go, you’re going to feel stuck almost immediately.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — Tipping isn’t part of the culture in China, so you won’t need to worry about adding a tip when paying with Alipay.}

2. The Internet Situation Is Complicated (But Not Impossible)

China has something called the “Great Firewall,” which blocks access to many websites and apps you probably use every day, including Google, Instagram, Facebook, and more. If you show up expecting your phone to work like normal, you’ll likely be in for a surprise.

That said, it’s not as restrictive as it sounds. All you need is a VPN to get around it. Even most locals use VPNs, especially younger generations. If you’re not familiar with them, a VPN is simply a tool that routes your internet through another country so you can access websites that would normally be blocked where you are.

Depending on your phone plan, you may find that your data still works without a VPN. Some international plans bypass the firewall automatically. Even so, we still recommend having a VPN as a backup. It’s especially important if you’re bringing a laptop. Unlike your phone, your computer will almost definitely need one to access basic things like email, Google, or anything work-related.

Getting a VPN is simple. You pick a provider, download the app, and turn it on. Most reliable VPNs have a small monthly fee, usually between $5 to $15, and many offer free trials you can cancel after your trip. We used SurfShark on both our phones and our laptop and had no issues at all.

Just make sure you download and set everything up before you arrive! You’ll need to install and log in on each device individually, including your laptop. Test it on everything ahead of time. Once you’re in China, you won’t be able to download it easily, and you definitely don’t want to be figuring that out after you land.

3. The Visa Process Is a Pain (But It Lasts 10 Years)

Visa-Free Transit Option

There is a visa-free transit option available to most foreigners, but it only works in very specific situations and isn’t the best choice for everyone.

This option allows you to enter China for a limited period without applying for a full visa in advance. Instead of applying ahead of time, you request it when you land. You’ll go to a special “visa-free transit” counter at the airport, show your passport and your onward flight to a different country, and if approved, they’ll give you a temporary entry permit on the spot.

To qualify, you must be traveling from one country to a different country, so something like USA → China → Japan works, but USA → China → USA does not. There is no cost for this option, but the rules are strictly enforced. If you show up without meeting the requirements, you will be denied entry.

Traditional Visa Option

If you do need (or want) a traditional visa, be prepared. It’s not like getting a visa for most other countries. You can’t just apply online and be done with it.

The process technically requires you to apply in person at a Chinese consulate, which is not realistic for most people. Because of that, it’s very common to use a visa service like Passport Visas Express to handle everything for you. We did it this way! This also means the total cost is much higher than you might expect. In addition to the visa fee itself, you should plan to spend several hundred dollars on a service provider plus shipping costs.

The process usually looks like this: You fill out the visa application, either on your own or with help from the service. Then you print it, sign it, and mail it along with your physical passport, a passport photo, and any other required documents. The service provider takes your materials to the consulate, submits the application on your behalf, and if approved, your visa is placed directly into your passport. Your passport is then mailed back to you, ready to go.

It’s definitely a bit nerve-wracking to mail your passport, but this is how most people do it. We worried every step of the process, and it ended up being quick and smooth. So we worried for nothing (like usual). It was also a great feeling knowing we were already approved to enter China before even stepping foot on the plane.

4. There’s Very Little English

Outside of major hotels, there’s very little English, even in big cities. That said, it’s manageable with a translation app like Google Translate, which we used constantly. Just know that translations aren’t always perfect, so you’ll need to be patient and flexible. Ordering food is where this came up the most, and we definitely had a few moments where what we got wasn’t exactly what we thought we ordered.

One thing that stood out to us was how people handled the language gap. In many countries, locals will avoid interacting if there’s a barrier. In China, they just keep speaking Chinese to you as if you understand every word. It’s actually kind of funny once you get used to it, and you’ll find ways to make it work.

5. You Can’t Drink the Tap Water

This one might surprise you, but the tap water in China is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water for your entire trip. This also means avoiding ice, which is hard to come by in China anyway.

Most hotels will provide complimentary bottled water in your room, so you’ll always have some on hand. Higher-end restaurants and bars will often use filtered or bottled water for ice, but elsewhere it’s best to avoid it just to be safe.

6. Non CCC-Certified Power Banks May be Confiscated

Non-CCC-certified power banks may be confiscated on domestic flights in China. We took several domestic flights and our power banks were checked every time. Interestingly, we were not checked on our international flights, but domestic flights were much stricter.

It also doesn’t matter if your power bank was made in China. China manufactures products for many countries, but that doesn’t mean those same products meet their domestic regulations. To avoid any issues, make sure your power bank is CCC-certified before your trip. You can easily find compliant options online, and they work just like any other power bank.

7. Bathroom Situation Can Be Rough

Believe it or not, squat toilets are the most common type of toilet found in China, especially outside of hotels and major tourist areas. That said, more tourist-friendly places like airports and train stations will usually have Western-style toilets, and many public restrooms have a mix of both. We only had two instances where we had no option other than a squat toilet (once while visiting the Zhangjiajie National Park and once in a local restaurant).

You also shouldn’t expect toilet paper, soap, or towels to be provided, even in nicer locations. And honestly, most public bathrooms were pretty gross. It’s a good idea to carry tissues and hand sanitizer with you at all times.

As for hotels, most will have Western-style toilets, and many higher-end hotels include bidets. We stayed at four different hotels during our trip, from luxury to budget, and all of them had bidets. It’s really just the public bathrooms that you’ll need to be prepared for.

Things That Surprised Us About China

Even after doing our research, there were so many things about China that caught us off guard. Some were small cultural differences, others completely changed how the experience felt. These aren’t necessarily things you need to prepare for, but they’re nice to know ahead of time.

8. Everyone Smokes and Spits

We didn’t see a single woman smoking, but it felt like nearly half the men we saw had a cigarette in their hand. It was very noticeable and something we weren’t expecting. Oddly enough, there were always men smoking in public restrooms too.

What stood out even more was how common it is for people to spit in public. And this one goes for both men and women! You’ll see and hear it pretty regularly, especially in busy areas, and it can be a bit of a shock if you’re not used to it.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — Some hotels still offer smoking rooms, so make sure you’re booking a non-smoking room if that’s important to you.}

9. Personal Space Is… Different

People stand much closer than you might be used to, whether you’re in line, walking through busy streets, or navigating public transportation. It’s very clear that having a personal bubble just isn’t really a thing there, and locals don’t seem bothered by it at all.

It can feel a little overwhelming at first, but once you adjust your expectations, it becomes much easier to navigate. The biggest issue we faced with this was how often people were coughing, sneezing, or spitting, while standing way to close for comfort.

10. Drinks Are Not Cold. Ever.

Drinks are not cold in China. Not even beer or wine. The friends we visited with love white wine, and it became almost comical how often restaurant staff were confused by requests for cold wine or even an ice bucket to chill it ourselves.

There’s actually a cultural reason for this. Many people in China believe that drinking cold beverages is bad for digestion, so room temperature or warm drinks are the norm. Once you notice it, you’ll see it everywhere. Hot water dispensers are incredibly common, and people regularly drink warm or hot water throughout the day.

11. You Will Likely Be Stared At (Especially Outside Major Cities)

If you stand out at all, you will likely get some attention. We noticed this in Shanghai and Beijing, but it was much more noticeable once we got to Zhangjiajie, where we were often the only Americans around.

There are some differences in beauty standards that may contribute to this. Fair skin is generally preferred, and we even saw locals (both men and women), wearing white face makeup to lighten their complexion. Those of us with fairer skin in our group caught the most attention.

In more crowded or less touristy areas, the attention was pretty intense. We were stared at openly, occasionally cheered for as we walked by, and sometimes even asked to be in other people’s photos. More often, we noticed people discreetly filming us without saying anything.

It can feel a little strange at first, but it never felt aggressive or unsafe. It’s more curiosity than anything else, and something you get used to pretty quickly.

12. China Feels More “Western” Than You’d Expect

One of the biggest surprises for us was how familiar certain aspects of life in China felt. As our tour guide explained things like work structure, retirement, social systems, and taxes, it became clear that there are more similarities to the U.S. than you might expect.

It also didn’t feel as culturally distant as we had imagined. In cities like Shanghai, the day-to-day life and overall vibe felt very similar to walking around somewhere like New York City, just with a different language and cultural layer on top.

Even the weather reminded us of home. China is massive, so conditions vary widely depending on where you are, but in Shanghai, we experienced swings of more than 30 degrees in just a few days, which felt very similar to the Midwest.

This stood out to us because in many other countries we’ve visited, especially in Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East, everything has felt completely different, from work life to daily routines. So to be so far from home and have things feel somewhat familiar was kind of wild.

13. The Food Isn’t What You Expect

The food in China is not what you think it will be, especially if you’re picturing American Chinese food. Other than staples like dumplings, noodles, shrimp, and duck, much of what you’ll find will likely be unfamiliar. We saw a lot of dishes centered around tofu, greens, and things like lotus root, along with tomatoes showing up in places we didn’t expect (even in desserts).

One funny thing we noticed was that many high-end hotels had spaghetti bolognese and burgers on the menu, clearly catering to Western travelers. It definitely gave us a few easy fallback options when we needed them.

14. There Are Cameras Everywhere (and You’ll Notice It)

There are cameras everywhere in China. On streets, in buildings, and even inside vehicles, it’s hard to go anywhere without seeing them. We never felt uncomfortable because of it, though. If anything, it helps keep crime low, which adds to the overall feeling of safety. It was just very noticeable! Once you start seeing them, you can’t unsee them.

Things That Might Change How You Plan Your Trip

China isn’t a “plug and play” destination, and the way you plan your trip can make a huge difference. These are the things that might shift your itinerary, where you stay, or how you structure your days once you understand what it’s actually like on the ground.

15. You’ll Need to Book Things in Advance More Than You Think

Popular attractions in China can sell out, sometimes well in advance. Places like the Forbidden City have limited daily tickets, and we saw multiple people frustrated that they couldn’t get in because they didn’t book ahead. Some people mentioned having luck showing up day of, but that’s definitely not something we’d rely on.

We were also advised to book tickets for places like Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in advance for the same reason. Whether or not everything will sell out likely depends on timing, but the overall takeaway is that China isn’t always a “show up and figure it out” destination. If there’s something you really want to see, it’s worth booking it ahead of time just to be safe.

This applies to transportation as well. High-speed trains are one of the best ways to get around China, but popular routes and times can sell out, especially during busy travel periods. If you have specific travel times or routes in mind, it’s worth booking those in advance too.

16. Didi Is Your Best Friend (Uber Equivalent)

Didi is the Uber of China, and you’ll likely use it a lot. Make sure you download and set it up before you arrive. You can also book Didi rides directly through Alipay, which you’ll already have set up for payments. This is what we did, and it made everything really easy since we were already using the app constantly.

It works just like Uber. You enter your pickup location and destination, then pay through the app. The only challenge we ran into was finding destinations that weren’t listed in English. Our workaround was to use Google to get the Chinese name of the place, then copy and paste it into the app. It worked perfectly every time. To be extra sure, we would also pull up a photo of the destination and show it to the driver.

17. Don’t Overlook the Trains

If you’re used to traveling in the U.S., it’s easy to assume you’ll need to fly between cities, but don’t overlook the trains in China. Similar to Japan, China has high-speed bullet trains that make it easy to cover long distances. We took one from Shanghai to Beijing, and it ended up being one of the easiest parts of our trip.

We had first class seats, which were comfortable and spacious, and they served food and drinks similar to an airplane. Our roller bags had a designated storage area, and there were overhead bins for carry-on luggage. Everything felt organized, efficient, and right on time. The whole experience was much easier than dealing with airport security and flights.

That said, trains aren’t always the best option. They work best between major cities, but for more remote destinations or routes without a direct high-speed line, flying may make more sense. We flew from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai for this reason.

18. The Great Wall Is Not Just One Place

The Great Wall is not just one single location. There are multiple sections you can visit, and where you go will completely change your experience. Most tourists visit sections like Badaling, which is the easiest to access from Beijing and the most developed. It’s also the most crowded.

If you’re looking for something quieter and more scenic, we highly recommend Jinshanling. It takes more effort to get there, but it’s worth it. The views are incredible, and you’ll have a much more peaceful experience compared to the main tourist sections. We were literally the only ones on the wall the night we arrived, aside from a few locals selling souvenirs.

You can join a tour to get here, but we recommend arranging a private driver. You can visit as a day trip or stay overnight at the Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel. If you stay overnight, you can experience the wall twice in two completely different ways: at sunset and at sunrise.

19. There’s Less “Hands-On” Travel Than You Might Expect

If you’re someone who likes hands-on, interactive experiences when you travel, this is something to be aware of. China felt much more focused on sightseeing and history than activities you actively participate in.

We found far fewer workshops or immersive experiences compared to other destinations. Most of the highlights are places you go to see rather than things you go to do. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it’s good to know if you’re used to planning a trip around interactive experiences.

20. Some Places Feel… Curated

In some areas, tourism in China can feel very controlled. There are places that seem designed specifically for visitors to come and look rather than truly explore. These places are beautiful, but they can feel a little off. Everything is set up perfectly, which can give certain towns a slightly staged or even eerie feeling at times.

21. The Locals Are Tourists Too

One of the biggest things that stood out to us was how many of the tourists were actually Chinese. Some of the busiest sites we visited were packed, but almost entirely with domestic travelers.

It felt very similar to how Americans travel within the U.S., visiting different states and major landmarks. China is massive, so it makes sense, but it’s not something we’ve really noticed to this extent in other countries. This also contributes to how crowded many of the major sights can feel, since you’re sharing them with both domestic and international tourists.

Common Misconceptions About China

There are a lot of assumptions people make about China before visiting, and a surprising number of them are just wrong. These are a few of the biggest misconceptions we either had ourselves or heard from others before going.

22. China Is Not as Hard to Travel as You Think

China has a reputation for being difficult to travel, but once you’re there, it’s really not that different from visiting any other country. You book hotels, call rides, visit attractions, and go out to eat just like you would anywhere else.

The only real difference is that there are a few extra things you need to set up ahead of time. You’ll need to go through the visa process (unless you’re using the transit option), set up mobile payments through Alipay, and download a VPN for internet access. Once you have those things in place, everything else feels very familiar and easy to navigate.

23. China Is NOTHING Like Japan

This might sound obvious, but it’s a surprisingly common misconception. A lot of people group China and Japan together or assume the travel experience will be similar, likely because they’re both in East Asia and share some cultural influences. In reality, they couldn’t feel more different.

From the language and food to the overall travel experience, China and Japan offer completely different vibes. If you’ve been to Japan, don’t expect China to feel anything like it. And if you haven’t been to either, just know they are two very distinct destinations with their own unique experiences.

24. It Feels Safer and More Welcoming Than You Might Expect

Before visiting China, we didn’t fully know what to expect. It’s not a destination that’s talked about in the same way as others, and a lot of what you hear doesn’t really paint a clear picture of what it’s like to actually be there. But China felt very safe and easy to explore. We walked around cities, used public transportation, and navigated everything without ever feeling uncomfortable.

This isn’t the first destination that’s felt completely different from what we were told, but it was a good reminder that you can’t always rely on what you hear going in. One of our favorite ways to get a more accurate sense of a destination is by joining Facebook groups and hearing directly from travelers who have recently been there.

25. China Is Not Consistently Cheap or Expensive

A lot of people try to label China as either a budget destination or an expensive one, but the reality is it’s all over the place. You might pay more to visit a place like Zhangjiajie than you would for a U.S. national park, then turn around and get a full plate of dumplings for a few dollars. There’s no consistent pattern, which makes it harder to budget.

Final Thoughts on Visiting China

One thing we honestly weren’t expecting about China was how familiar parts of it felt. The major cities were far more familiar, organized, and business-like than we anticipated, and in many ways, daily life there felt surprisingly similar to home, just with some obvious cultural and technological differences.

But once we started getting outside the massive cities and into nature, that’s when China really started to feel incredible to us. Standing on the Great Wall surrounded by mountains or looking out across the Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie felt completely different from anything we experienced in the cities themselves.

China definitely requires more preparation than many destinations, especially when it comes to things like apps, transportation, internet restrictions, and the language barrier. But hopefully this guide helps make the experience feel far less intimidating, because once you figure out the logistics, visiting China is much more manageable than most people expect.

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!