Practical Tips and Emergency Handbook
January 1, 2025
Practical Tips and Emergency Handbook#
Transportation#
High-Speed Rail#
- China’s high-speed rail network is well-developed, covering major cities
- Recommended to book tickets in advance, available through 12306 official website or APP
- High-speed rail stations are usually some distance from city centers, allow sufficient time
- Recommended to arrive 30 minutes early for security check and waiting
Flights#
- Major cities have international airports (Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Baoan, etc.)
- Dense domestic route network covering the whole country
- Recommended to book in advance, pay attention to airline promotions
- Useful Links:
Long-Distance Bus#
- Frequent long-distance bus services with affordable prices
- Recommended to check schedules and times in advance
- Keep personal belongings safe
Urban Transportation#
- Subway systems are well-developed in first and second-tier cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc.)
- Recommended to purchase transit cards (Yikatong, Yangchengtong, etc.) for convenience
- Extensive bus network coverage with affordable fares (usually 1-3 yuan)
- Taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient, recommended to use official platforms
Self-Driving#
- Well-developed highway network with good road conditions
- Requires valid Chinese driver’s license or international driver’s license
- Pay attention to traffic rules and speed limit signs
Accommodation#
Homestays#
- Experience local culture and lifestyle
- Relatively affordable, suitable for backpackers
- Recommended to check host reviews and location in advance
Budget Hotels#
- Chain brands with uniform standards
- Moderate prices with complete facilities
- Usually good locations with convenient transportation
Luxury Hotels#
- International brands with quality service
- Luxurious facilities and superior locations
- Suitable for business trips and leisure vacations
Unique Experiences#
- Special accommodations like quadrangle courtyards, tulou, stilt houses
- Scenic rooms with mountain, sea, or lake views
- Themed hotels like hot spring hotels, ski hotels
Dining#
Local Snacks#
- Each region has unique local snacks
- Recommended to try local specialties, but pay attention to hygiene
- Affordable prices with authentic flavors
Popular Restaurants#
- Hot restaurants on social media
- May require queuing, recommended to make reservations in advance
- Suitable for photos and sharing
Food Safety#
- Choose reputable restaurants
- Pay attention to ingredient freshness
- Avoid raw and cold foods, pay attention to drinking water safety
Allergy Safety#
- Understand common allergens (peanuts, seafood, etc.)
- Clearly inform restaurants about allergies when ordering
- Carry necessary anti-allergy medications
Payment Methods and Mobile Network#
Payment Methods#
- Mobile Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used
- WeChat Pay - Official payment platform
- Alipay - Official payment platform
- Recommended to bind bank cards for convenient payment
- Bank Cards: UnionPay cards are usable in most places
- Recommended to carry UnionPay cards, supports card payments and ATM withdrawals
- Cash: Still usable in small amounts, but mobile payment is more convenient
- Recommended to prepare some cash as backup
Mobile Network#
- WiFi: Free WiFi available in many public places (airports, hotels, malls)
- Some require phone number verification, recommended to prepare in advance
- Mobile Data: Recommended to purchase local SIM cards or activate international roaming
- Major operators: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
- Available at airports or service centers
- Recommended Apps:
- Map Navigation: Amap, Baidu Maps
- Translation: Youdao Translator, Google Translate, Baidu Translate
- Payment: WeChat, Alipay
- Transportation: 12306, Didi Chuxing, Amap Taxi
- Travel: Ctrip, Mafengwo, Dianping
Health and Medical / Insurance Recommendations#
Health and Medical#
- Understand local medical resources and contact information
- Carry common medications and first aid supplies
- Pay attention to personal hygiene and food safety
Insurance Recommendations#
- Recommended to purchase travel insurance
- Understand insurance coverage and claims process
- Keep medical receipts and insurance documents
Language Communication and Common Phrases#
Language Communication#
- Mandarin is the official language, but there are dialect differences in different regions
- English services are usually available in tourist areas, but may be limited in non-tourist areas
- Recommended to download translation apps and carry a phrasebook
- Recommended Apps:
- Youdao Translator - Supports voice translation and photo translation
- Google Translate - Multi-language support, offline available
- Baidu Translate - Comprehensive Chinese-English translation
- Tencent Translator - Real-time voice translation
Common Phrases#
- Hello: Hello / 你好
- Thank you: Thank you / 谢谢
- Sorry: Sorry / 对不起
- Excuse me: Excuse me / 请问
- How much: How much / 多少钱
- Where: Where / 在哪里
Environmental Protection and Local Cultural Etiquette#
Environmental Protection#
- Reduce use of disposable plastic products
- Sort and dispose of garbage properly
- Protect natural environment, don’t litter
Local Cultural Etiquette#
- Respect local culture and customs
- Learn basic social etiquette
- Pay attention to behavior norms in public places
- Respect religious beliefs and ethnic customs
Emergency Phone Numbers#
- Police: 110
- Medical Emergency: 120
- Fire: 119
- Traffic Accident: 122
Consular Protection#
- Know your country’s embassy/consulate contact information in China
- Contact embassy/consulate promptly in emergencies
- Keep copies of passport and important documents
