Planning a trip to China? I've prepared this guide to make your adventure unforgettable. China is a destination that has it all: history, culture, unique landscapes, and a modernity that will leave you speechless.
Imagine walking along the imposing Great Wall, exploring the mysterious Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, or marveling at its dreamlike landscapes. But a trip to China is much more than visiting its iconic sites. It's immersing yourself in an ancient culture, enjoying a cuisine as varied as it is delicious, and experiencing things you won't find anywhere else.
For me, China isn't just a destination, it's an experience that changes the way you see the world. I hope you're encouraged to discover it and that my advice helps you make the most of every moment!
WHAT AWAITS YOU IN CHINA
LanguageThe official language of China is Mandarin Chinese. In tourist-oriented areas like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an, you can find signs in English and some people who speak it, especially in hotels, airports, and tourist spots. However, English isn't as widely spoken as it is in other countries, so it's a good idea to bring some basic Chinese phrases or a translation app. People are generally friendly and will go out of their way to help you, even with gestures.
CurrencyChina's official currency is the yuan or renminbi (RMB). It is represented by the symbol ¥. There are 1-yuan coins and 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100-yuan banknotes. The banknotes are colorful and often feature the image of Mao Zedong. Many small businesses only accept mobile payments such as Alipay or WeChat Pay, although foreign cards are increasingly accepted in larger cities. You can check the exchange rate on the People's Bank of China website or at any reliable online exchange.
TraditionsChina has a very rich culture that's distinct from the West. For example, it's normal for people to spit in the street or speak loudly, which may be shocking at first. You'll also see people bargaining in local markets or shops; it's part of the game. Food is shared among everyone in the center of the table, and it's customary to use chopsticks. People love to go out in groups, practice tai chi in parks, and traditional festivals like Chinese New Year are a truly cultural experience.
PlugIn China, the voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz, so you generally won't have any problems with your European appliances. Plugs are types A, C, and I (Type I is the same as in Australia), so it's a good idea to bring a universal adapter just in case.
Internet: Having an internet connection in Australia is practically indispensable to fully enjoy your trip. eSIM The best option, it will give you peace of mind and you won't have to rely on public networks. Plus, reserving them in advance can save you money and hassle. You can purchase your eSIM card here either here.
MUST-SEE AND DO SIGHTS IN CHINA
Walk along the Great Wall and enjoy its views
Explore the Forbidden City in Beijing
Visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
Stroll along the Bund and Shanghai's skyscrapers
Touring the Longsheng Rice Fields in Guangxi
Climb Mount Huangshan and see the sea of clouds
Take a boat ride through the canals of Suzhou
Try authentic dim sum or spicy hot pot
Visit a Buddhist temple and witness traditional rituals
If you plan to visit northern China, for example Beijing, Winter can be extremely cold, with temperatures below freezing. If you go south (such as Hong Kong or Guangzhou), The weather will be much warmer and more humid, especially in summer.
Taking temperatures into account when traveling to China is very good, but now I'm going to give you the DREAMER ADVICE most important avoid traveling during CHINA HOLIDAYS, How can it be? Chinese New Year or your Summer vacation. As my Chinese friends have explained to me, the government imposes most of the holiday dates on all workers, so they have their days off at the same time. So as you can understand, it is the time of greatest internal tourism and it's crazy! Attractions can be crowded, and accommodation prices rise considerably. In the web government official You can view the calendar with all the holidays to confirm any changes and updated dates.