Your first visit to China!

 I have been to China and I teach English online to students who live in China. (10,000+ classes). I hope you find this helpful!

✈️ What Americans Should Know Before Visiting China for the First Time

1. 💳 China Is a Largely Cashless Society

China has transitioned rapidly to a digital payment system. Credit cards from U.S. banks are rarely accepted, and cash is hardly used in major cities. Most people pay for everything—from street food to hospital visits—using mobile apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay. These apps now accept foreign credit cards, but it’s best to set them up before you arrive.

2. 🌐 You’ll Need a VPN to Access the Internet Freely

Many familiar websites and apps—like Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and even the New York Times—are blocked in mainland China. If you want to access them, download and set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your devices before entering China, as VPNs can be hard to download once you’re there.

3. 🗣️ Many Younger Adults Speak Basic English

Due to mandatory English education in schools, most people under 40 have studied English. That said, fluency varies and outside of large cities, English may be rare. A translation app (like Google Translate or Pleco for Chinese) can be incredibly helpful.

Some of my students’ “helicopter parents” speak English as well as an American.

4. 📱 WeChat Is Essential

WeChat is far more than a messaging app—it’s used for paying bills, booking appointments, shopping, calling taxis, and even scanning QR codes at restaurants to order food. You’ll likely need it to function smoothly in urban areas. Set up your account in advance.

5. 🚄 World-Class High-Speed Rail Network

China is home to some of the fastest and most extensive bullet trains in the world, connecting even remote regions with astonishing efficiency. Trains can travel over 215 mph (350 km/h), making them a great alternative to flying between cities.

6. 🏙️ Major Cities Are Ultra-Modern and Digitally Advanced

Cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are cutting-edge metropolises filled with futuristic skylines, contactless services, AI-integrated shopping, and smart public infrastructure. The level of digital integration can even surpass that of the U.S. in many ways.

7. 🧼 Public Hygiene Norms Can Vary

You may notice differences in bathroom facilities (many are squat toilets), and you should always carry tissues and hand sanitizer, as soap and toilet paper aren’t always provided in public restrooms.

8. 🚦Cultural Norms Around Personal Space and Crowds

China is densely populated, especially in urban areas. Expect crowds, close quarters, and fast-paced movement in metros and public spaces. It’s normal for people to push through lines or stand closely—this isn’t rudeness, but a reflection of a different cultural norm.

9. 🍚 Food Is Diverse and Regionally Distinct

Chinese cuisine is vast and varies by province. Don’t expect American Chinese food. Be adventurous—try Sichuan hot pot, dim sum in Guangdong, Peking duck in Beijing, or noodles in Xi’an. Street food is delicious, but choose busy, clean vendors.

10. 📵 Censorship and Surveillance Are Real

China has a tightly controlled media landscape, and surveillance is widespread. You’ll notice cameras in public spaces and may need to scan a passport for Wi-Fi access. Avoid discussing politically sensitive topics like Taiwan, Hong Kong protests, or Tiananmen Square.

11. 📶 SIM Cards and eSIMs Are Useful

For internet access, consider buying a Chinese SIM card or an international eSIM before arrival. Some airports have SIM vending machines, and eSIMs can be purchased online and activated instantly.

12. 🎟️ Tourist Sites Are Popular—Book in Advance

Top attractions like the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and Great Wall sections often require reservations and can sell out. Use Trip.com, Klook, or a local app to book early.

13. 🧧 Face and Etiquette Matter

“Face” (respect, dignity, reputation) is very important in Chinese culture. Politeness, patience, and humility go a long way. Avoid public criticism or confrontation.

14. 🧳 Customs and Entry Rules

China has strict customs laws. Don’t bring politically sensitive materials, large amounts of medication without documentation, or drone equipment without checking regulations.

15. 📍China Is Vast and Diverse

China is not just Beijing and Shanghai—it spans deserts, beaches, rice terraces, ancient villages, megacities, Buddhist temples, and futuristic tech zones. Each region has its own language dialect, cuisine, and customs.

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Stimulate All Five Senses by Visiting a Market

 

One of the greatest joys of traveling the world—especially as a solo traveler—is the opportunity to lose yourself in a bustling, colorful marketplace. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the daily rhythm of a culture than to walk among the stalls, soaking in the symphony of sights, sounds, and smells. I’ve visited markets on nearly every continent, and each one tells a different story. You’ll find grandmothers selecting the perfect produce, children begging for a sweet treat, vendors passionately describing their wares, and the scent of fresh spices mingling with sizzling street food. It’s a full-body experience that wakes up your senses and grounds you in the authenticity of place.

When I visit a market, I let myself wander slowly, open to discovery. I taste the local snacks, ask questions about unfamiliar ingredients, and watch the unspoken choreography between vendors and customers. The displays themselves are a visual feast—vivid fruits stacked in perfect pyramids, dried herbs spilling out of handwoven baskets, fish on ice shimmering under the morning sun. Sometimes I buy something small, like a handmade kitchen tool or a local pastry, but often, it’s the energy of the space that stays with me more than any souvenir. These marketplaces are not just places to shop—they are the beating heart of the community.

And if a traditional open-air market isn’t available nearby, don’t overlook the local supermarket. I absolutely love exploring large grocery stores in different countries. They’re quiet cultural classrooms, revealing what people eat, how much they pay, what they value, and how food is presented and preserved. From the bakery section to the instant noodles aisle, you’ll spot everything from regional flavors to beloved brands. Even the carts, checkout lanes, and packaging tell a story. So whether you’re standing in a centuries-old souk or a shiny modern supermarket, take your time. Watch, listen, taste, and learn. You’ll come away with far more than groceries—you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of a place and its people.