Can You Travel China Without A Guide?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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China’s trains are better regulated than buses and the service is generally very good, particularly if you use the High-Speed Railway. However,

you will still need to use Chinese to get the tickets and navigate the unfamiliar station layouts

. See our Guide to Train Travel in China.

Can you travel to China without quarantine?


All travelers, including U.S. citizens who enter China, are screened upon arrival and subject to a minimum 14-day quarantine

. While restrictions around domestic travel within China have eased, local quarantine requirements can vary significantly between cities, and regulations can change very quickly.

What is the best way to tour China?

  1. Public Transportation – Buses are the most popular way to travel and usually cost between 1-3 CNY within a city. …
  2. Bus – Buses are generally cheaper than trains when it comes to intercity travel so they are your best bet for short distances (anything under 8-10 hours).

What should you not do when traveling to China?

  1. Don’t Talk about Uncomfortable or Politically Sensitive Topics. …
  2. Don’t Disrespect the Customs of Minority Groups and Temples. …
  3. Don’t Make Close Personal Contact, Such as a Hug or Kiss. …
  4. Don’t Expect Interpersonal Communications to Be the Same. …
  5. Don’t Forget Your Manners When Using Chopsticks.

Is Shanghai English friendly?

It’s possible that

Shanghai has the most English speakers of any big city in Mainland China

. And Hong Kong, according to the EF English Proficiency Index 2018, ranked at Moderate Proficiency. In rural areas you’ll see and hear less English.

Do they speak English in Chengdu?


The official language of Chengdu is Mandarin but you will find Sichuan hua, the local dialect, is also used

.

Where should I go in China for the first time?

Most people traveling to China for the first time (especially if they’re coming for work) will plan an itinerary centered around the big cities including

Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi’an

. I’m by no means advocating you skip these stops, but you should spend just as much time in nature as you do in the cities.

Is China safe to visit?


For the most part, China is a safe place to visit

, and crowds in public places should not cause any worry. Of course, small risks are still present, including petty theft and pickpocketing in tourist areas, as well as at train stations and on sleeper buses and trains.

What should I pay attention to when traveling to China?

1. Think what to pack for China early. Essentials include

passport (and visa), enough money (or a card to withdraw it), enough of the right clothes (check out the weather), and any medication you need

(you may need a translated doctor’s note to get it through customs).

Can Chinese people leave China?

Through most of China’s history, strict controls prevented large numbers of people from leaving the country. In modern times, however,

some have been allowed to leave for various reasons

. For example, in the early 1960s, about 100,000 people were allowed to enter Hong Kong.

Are Chinese citizens allowed to leave?

Chinese citizens residing in foreign countries who have returned to China for a visit may leave the country by producing valid visas or valid travel permits issued by the People’s Republic of China or other valid entry-exit certificates, without the need of visa applications.

Are tourist allowed to enter US?


All Visa Waiver Program travelers must have a valid, approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for travel to the United States

. The United States Government recommends travelers log in and review their ESTA status in advance of travel. Visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov for more information.

What is considered rude in China?

The Chinese dislike being touched by strangers. Do not touch, hug, lock arms, back slap or make any body contact.

Clicking fingers or whistling

is considered very rude.

Is there a lot of crime in China?

Murder.

In 2011, the reported murder rate in China was 1.0 per 100,000 people, with 13,410 murders

. The murder rate in 2018 was 0.5. The reported murder rates have been criticized for under-reporting unsolved murders due to police salaries being based on the rate of solved cases.

Do Chinese like American tourists?

Re: Chinese attitude towards visitors from the US? No. You do see a more positive attitude towards Chinese products, but

they don bother about tourists

. Basically the problems are focused on one man, not a nation.

How do you say hello in Shanghai?

Which country is the best speaking English?


The Netherlands

has emerged as the nation with the highest English language proficiency, according to the EF English Proficiency Index, with a score of 72. It is ahead of five other northern European nations at the top of the chart.

What are the top 3 languages spoken in China?

Rank Languages in China 1 Standard Chinese (Mandarin) 2 Yue (Cantonese) 3 Wu (Shanghainese) 4 Minbei (Fuzhou)

What foods do Chinese avoid?

  • Plastic Rice. Plastic Rice. …
  • Garlic. In 2015 we imported 138 million pounds of garlic- a fair chunk of it labeled as “organic”. …
  • Salt. Imported Chinese salt may contain industrial salt. …
  • Tilapia. …
  • Apple Juice. …
  • Chicken. …
  • Cod. …
  • Green Peas/Soybeans.

Do Chinese schools teach English?


English is a compulsory subject in China’s standard national curriculum

. Many Chinese students begin learning English at an early age, some even in kindergarten. In general, they receive their first English lessons in the third grade in primary school.

Why is it hard for Chinese to learn English?

Chinese learners have particular difficulty when it comes to the English sounds /l/ and /r/. This is because

in Chinese languages there are no sounds that directly correspond to these sounds

.

Is it cheaper to go to China or Japan?


Japan is 2.1 times more expensive than China

.

How much money do you need per day in China?

How much money will you need for your trip to China? You should plan to spend around

¥459 ($72) per day

on your vacation in China, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, ¥132 ($21) on meals for one day and ¥92 ($14) on local transportation.

Is it easy to visit China?

Traveling independently in China, whether alone, with your family, or as a group, is usually a big adventure, and a lot of work, if not a nightmare of hassles.

Independent travel is harder in China than in Europe

, for example, as so many things are done differently and in a more complicated way.

Can you wear shorts in China?

While Chinese fashion trends are very similar to Western trends, showing too much skin is frowned upon. Shirts that are low-cut, or leave shoulders and backs mostly bare, should be avoided. Similarly,

it’s safer not to wear incredibly short dresses, skirts, or shorts when you are deciding what to wear in China

.

Can you take pictures in China?


There is no law or regulations against street photography in China

. It’s a lucky thing that most Chinese don’t lose their temper at a camera. Generally, people are curious about foreigners and show great willingness to interact with you, which makes it easy to shoot, though they still change their composure.

Is China a good place to live?

Is living in China safe?

Yes, many expats, especially women, find living in China is much safer than in cities like London or New York

. Street harassment and catcalling is virtually unheard of for foreigners, and streets tend to be well lit at night.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.