ChinaTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Do not drink tap water; use sealed bottled water or boiled water.
• Street food is best at busy stalls with fast turnover and visible cooking.
• Carry tissues and sanitizer; smaller restrooms may not provide either.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Violent crime is rare in major visitor zones; petty theft still happens in dense stations.
• Avoid unsolicited invitations to tea, art shows, bars, or private shopping rooms.
• Use official ride hailing or metered taxis; airport touts are poor value.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Keep your voice low in high end hotels, restaurants, and rail lounges.
• Give and receive items with both hands when the moment feels formal.
• Queue discipline varies; hold your place calmly and directly.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Tipping is not expected in most restaurants, taxis, or local services.
• Luxury hotels may accept discreet tips for porters or private guides.
• Check bills first; upscale venues may already include a service charge.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Carry your passport; hotels and some ticketed sites require real name registration.
• Book major rail routes with the same name order used on your passport.
• Mobile payment dominates; keep a backup card and some cash for small vendors.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Air quality apps matter in Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and northern industrial corridors.
• Bring any preferred medication; pharmacy staff may not know foreign brand names.
• Summer heat and humidity can be severe in the Yangtze basin and southern cities.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.