Update: If you’re planning to travel to China in the few weeks or months, please take caution and review the US Department of State’s travel advisory. It’s better to assess whether taking a trip to China is best right now.

Also, review the Center for Disease Control and Prevention alert for an ongoing outbreak of pneumonia in China.

Here is some information for you!

Aye! I’m happy you’re here! I actually have two questions: Do you have China on the brain? And, is it at the top of your bucket list? Have some time this summer? Yes?! Then this is where you should be. If you answer no, then bookmark this page for when it does.

I’m excited to have a special guest today that knows about Chinese travel tips, culture, and tourism. A native of mainland China, Chloe reveals the first steps to making your trip to China real. She evens provides some tips on some very common travel questions, giving specific insight into some taboos you need to know. With over 130 million visitors to China in 2017 and 142 million in 2018, don’t get lost in the sea of tourists. Rather, keep calm and travel (to China).

Check out the Best times to travel to China

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Hey there! It’s Chloe! We shared the Forbidden city in China on Instagram in September. What did you think? China really is an interesting place for you to explore Asian culture. If you or your friends are thinking about visiting this amazing country, this article is perfect for you.

CHINESE VISA – Don’t worry! Let’s talk about this step by step!

First, let’s talk about the Chinese visa application. I know this is such a pain to apply for a visa, but it’s not as complicated as what you imagine. Follow five steps and you will be ready to go!

Step 1: Go to http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/hrsq/

Step 2: Check what visa category you belong to. (If you only plan to visit China as a normal tourist, it will be most likely the category L.)

Step 3: Prepare the personal documents you are told to submit. (There is a list on the website.)

Step 4: Fill in and submit the application form according to the visa category you belong to. It could be done online or by post.

Step 5: Check which the Chinese Embassy is convenient for you, you will need to submit all the documents and fee there.

Remember that the application takes time, you should apply for the visa at least a month in advance before your trip to China.

Note: Need help? Visit Travisa for more assistance with the visa process.

The Best Transportation Systems in the World

The next thing you should get yourself familiar with before your trip is transportation. You can take high-speed trains or domestic flights if you are traveling between cities.

Otherwise, you can take the train and bus. Beware, you cannot use Google maps in China. You can use AMAP or Apple Maps alternatively. You can easily find out what transportations you can choose from by searching your destination on AMAP, just as Google or Apple maps.

I know you will be very excited! But please be safe!

As a traveler staying in an unfamiliar country, it is important to keep an eye on your belongings and your own safety at any time even in a hotel. You should check where are the nearest police office, hospital and embassy, just in case an urgent event happens.

Overall, China is a pretty safe place to visit. You don’t need to worry if you are going to big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. However, you should be careful in other cities and rural areas.

You might find it difficult as a traveler in such places because it is unlikely to have English signs everywhere like the big cities.

On the other hand, you should avoid any no-licensed local gambling activities. It is illegal in China. You should also confirm whether your hotel or nightclub you are planning to visit has an available license.

Some taboos you may find strange in China

Last but not least, there are some interesting Chinese taboos you should know before kicking off your trip.

Let’s talk about eating! Remember not to leave your chopsticks standing straight up in your bowl at any time. Chinese people believe that it will bring bad luck to your life.

When you are having food, you should always try to finish all of it because it is not polite if you leave food on your plate.

You will also find that the number 4 is most likely to be skipped in buildings because the Chinese pronunciation of 4 is very closed to the Chinese word 死, which means ‘dead’.

This is pretty much all you need to know about going to China. Hope you find these tips helpful! Please share with me your experience if you have been or going to such a beautiful country!

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