Write a letter to you who are about to travel to China

First of all, welcome to your upcoming visit to China! It is a country full of history, culture and natural beauty, and I believe your journey will be full of surprises and unforgettable memories. In order to help you better prepare for this trip, I am writing this letter, hoping to provide you with some practical advice and considerations.

1. Visa Preparation

Before coming to China, please make sure your visa type is suitable for your travelling purpose. If you are coming for tourism, you usually need to apply for an L visa (tourist visa). The validity of the visa and the length of stay will depend on your specific situation. Usually a tourist visa is valid for 3 months and the length of stay is 30 days. Please check the validity of your visa in advance to ensure that it is still valid when you enter the country.

2. Notes on entering the country

Hold valid documents and visas:

When entering the country, please make sure to bring a valid passport and visa with you, and make sure that the documents are complete and within the validity period.

Declare personal information:

When entering the country, you may be required to fill out an entry card or declaration form, so please fill out your personal information truthfully and cooperate with the customs inspection.

Comply with laws and regulations:

China is a country of law, please respect and comply with local laws and regulations to avoid any illegal behaviour.

3. Travelling Preparation

Understand the local culture:

China is a culturally diverse country, and different regions have different customs and habits. It is recommended that you learn some basic cultural etiquette before you leave, such as keeping quiet in public, respecting elders, and avoiding sensitive topics.

Currency and Payment:

The main currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Although mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) have become popular in many places, it is recommended that you carry some cash with you in case of emergency.

Transportation and travelling:

China has a welldeveloped public transport system, and subways, buses and highspeed trains are convenient options for you to travel. If you plan to go to more than one city, you can consider buying a highspeed train ticket, which is fast and comfortable.

4. Language and Communication

Although the official language in China is Mandarin, English is more popular in some tourist cities, especially in hotels, restaurants and scenic spots. However, for better communication, it is recommended that you download some translation software, such as Google Translate or Baidu Translate, to use when needed.

5. Safety and Health

Maintaining personal safety: China is a relatively safe country, but you still need to be vigilant when travelling, especially in crowded places, and take care of your personal belongings.
Health and insurance: It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance before you leave in case of emergencies. Meanwhile, according to your travelling destination, understand the local climate and environment and prepare appropriate clothing and medicine.

6. Culinary Experience

China is a food paradise with unique flavours from all over the world. Whether it’s roast duck in Beijing, hot pot in Sichuan, or xiao long bao in Shanghai, your taste buds will be greatly satisfied. However, if you are allergic to certain foods or have special dietary habits, it is advisable to inform the restaurant in advance.

7. Environmental Protection and Etiquette

China has been very conscious of environmental protection in recent years and many cities have started to implement waste separation. As a tourist, please minimise the use of disposable plastic products and observe local environmental regulations. In addition, please keep quiet and respect others in public places.

8. Keep in touch

If you need to use a mobile phone in China, you can buy a local SIM card at the airport or business hall, or open an international roaming service. China has good network coverage and most areas have access to 4G or 5G networks.

9. Respect local customs

China is a multiethnic country and different regions have different religions and customs. When visiting temples or other religious sites, please observe local etiquette, such as dressing appropriately and not taking photos.

10. Enjoy the journey

Last but not least, enjoy your trip to China! Whether it’s the historic Forbidden City, the magnificent Huangshan Mountain, or the bustling Bund in Shanghai, every view is worth experiencing with your heart. We hope you will be filled with memories and touches in this ancient yet modern land.

If you encounter any problems or need help during your journey, please feel free to contact your local tourist service centre or embassy. I wish you a happy and safe journey!