Navigate
China with confidence using these essential travel do’s and don’ts.
Learn key etiquette, cultural customs, and smart travel tips to avoid
common mistakes and make the most of your trip across China’s
fascinating regions.
• Greet politely. A nod or light handshake is common — minimal physical contact shows respect.
• Use both hands. When giving or receiving gifts, business cards or documents.
• Use formal titles. Address people as “Mr.” or “Mrs.” plus their surname until invited otherwise.
• Respect elders. Offer seats and allow them to lead conversations and meals.
• Remain calm. Loud speech or visible frustration is seen as a loss of face.
• Follow table etiquette. Wait for the host to begin, and never stand chopsticks upright in rice.
• Compliment meals and hospitality. Modest praise shows gratitude.
• Carry cash or mobile payment. WeChat Pay is widely used; smaller vendors may not accept cards.
• Learn basic Mandarin phrases. Simple words like “ni hao” and “xiexie” are appreciated.
• Respect temple customs. Dress modestly, move quietly and follow posted guidance.
• Don’t criticise publicly. Confrontation or calling out mistakes causes loss of face.
• Don’t point with your finger. Use an open hand or a subtle nod instead.
• Don’t write names in red ink. It symbolises death or bad luck.
• Don’t touch people’s heads. This is considered disrespectful in traditional culture.
• Don’t discuss sensitive topics. Avoid politics, government, religion or rights issues.
• Don’t tip everywhere. Tipping is uncommon outside high-end venues.
• Don’t wear shoes indoors. Especially in homes and temples.
• Don’t open gifts immediately. Wait unless encouraged by the giver.
• Don’t misuse chopsticks. Never play with them or place them across bowls.
• Don’t assume English fluency. Patience, gestures and translation apps help.
• “Face” (mianzi) matters. Protecting dignity and avoiding embarrassment is essential.
• Hierarchy guides behaviour. Seniority influences seating, speaking order and respect.
• Gift-giving rules apply. Avoid clocks, white flowers and knives, which suggest funerals.
• Business cards are formal. Exchange with both hands and read briefly before storing.
• Silence is comfortable. Pauses signal thoughtfulness, not awkwardness.
• Meals are communal. Shared dishes build trust and connection.
• Tea culture is symbolic. Accept tea with both hands to show respect.
• Public affection is rare. Keep interactions modest in public.
• Festivals are meaningful. Participate respectfully during Lunar New Year or Mid-Autumn.
• Superstitions influence choices. Number 8 is lucky; number 4 is avoided.
• Carry your passport. Required for hotels, transport and ID checks.
• Download essential apps. WeChat, DiDi and Baidu Maps are invaluable.
• Install a VPN before arrival. Many Western sites are blocked.
• Use official taxis or apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles.
• Book trains early. Especially during national holidays.
• Carry tissues and sanitiser. Public toilets may lack supplies.
• Dress conservatively in rural areas. Modesty is appreciated.
• Avoid Golden Week travel. Early October brings extreme crowds.
• Drink bottled or boiled water. Including for brushing teeth.
• Use translation tools often. Especially outside major cities.
• Domestic tourism is huge. Attractions sell out quickly during holidays.
• Street food is excellent. Choose busy stalls for freshness and safety.
• High-speed trains are outstanding. Faster and more reliable than flights.
• Regional cuisine varies widely. Explore Sichuan spice, Shanghainese sweetness and northern noodles.
• Tea houses offer calm escapes. Chengdu and Hangzhou are ideal for this experience.
• China is largely cashless. Set up mobile payments before travelling.
• Expect language barriers. English is limited outside major hubs.
• Rural homestays feel authentic. Warm hospitality and cultural insight.
• Air quality can fluctuate. Winter months may require a mask in cities.
• Market bargaining is gentle. Smile and negotiate politely.
• China is generally very safe. Violent crime is rare, but stay alert in crowds.
• Avoid protests entirely. Even observing can cause issues.
• Carry document copies. Keep originals stored securely.
• Drug laws are extremely strict. Severe penalties apply.
• Observe drone restrictions. Especially near airports and government sites.
• Be cautious in traffic. Pedestrian rules may differ from expectations.
• Check medication rules. Some prescriptions are restricted.
• Cooperate during police checks. ID may be requested at any time.
• No photography near sensitive sites. Military and government areas are restricted.
• Know emergency numbers. Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119, General 112.
• Stay calm and polite. Patience is valued more than assertiveness.
• Use simple English. Short phrases communicate best.
• Learn key Mandarin words. “Ni hao,” “xiexie,” “duoshao qian.”
• Keep body language subtle. Avoid exaggerated gestures or loud tones.
• Ask before taking photos. Especially in traditional or rural settings.
• Use WeChat daily. It’s the main communication platform.
• Mobile data is reliable. Often better than public Wi-Fi.
• Bargain gently. Friendly tones work best.
• Avoid sarcasm. Humour doesn’t always translate.
• Be courteous with staff. Calm respect usually brings better service.