Looking for the best tips for traveling to China in 2025? You’re in the right place. At Our Beijing, we’ve spent years helping curious travelers explore this incredible country — from biking through hutongs to discovering hidden foodie spots and cultural gems. Whether you’re landing in Beijing or heading across the country, China is full of contrasts — ancient temples, buzzing night markets, and futuristic high-speed trains. But with so much to take in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — especially on your first trip. That’s why we’ve pulled together these six practical, local-approved tips to help you feel confident, prepared, and curious from the moment you arrive.
This guide shares essential tips for traveling to China — including digital tools, cultural etiquette, and smart ways to explore cities like Beijing with ease and fun.
One of the most important tips for traveling to China is to set up your phone in advance. Internet tools work differently here, and without the right apps, even basic things like paying or navigating can get tricky.
We actually wrote a full blog post on this — covering exactly how to download, register, and use these apps as a foreigner in China. It’s worth checking out before you arrive!
✔️ Bonus tip: set these up while still connected to WiFi at home.
If you’re exploring a city like Beijing, one of the smartest tips for traveling in China is: go by bike. Shared bicycles and e-scooters are everywhere — and Beijing is built for them. It’s flat, scenic, and full of wide lanes and quiet hutongs that are best explored at your own pace.
👉 Want to ride with a guide and unlock secret spots? Join our Modern Beijing by eBike tour.
Among the top seasonal tips for traveling to China: prepare for extreme summer weather. July and August in Beijing can be hot (over 35°C), humid, and sometimes stormy.
☀️ Tip from locals: Plan a morning biking route and cool off with an indoor activity — like a cultural workshop.
When thinking about practical tips for traveling to China, your packing list matters. China is modern, but some basics aren’t always obvious:
🧳 Travel tip: Pack light, layer up, and always carry essentials in your day bag.
Our final — and maybe most important — tip for traveling to China: stay open-minded. The pace is fast, tech is different, and things may not always go to plan.
But when you go with the flow, China rewards you with magical moments — from spontaneous chats with locals to surprise snacks you never knew you needed.
👉 Want to experience China with someone who knows the way? Check out our custom itineraries.
The most important tips include downloading key apps like WeChat and Alipay, preparing for heat and air quality, learning a few Mandarin phrases, and using shared bikes to explore cities like Beijing. Be sure to plan your trip with cultural awareness and flexibility.
Yes — with translation apps, digital tools, and services like guided tours, it’s easier than ever to navigate China as a non-Mandarin speaker. Many cities also have bilingual signage, especially in tourist areas. One of the smartest tips for traveling to China is to join a local-led tour to bridge the gap.
In 2025, many services like Alipay and WeChat Pay now allow foreign cards. Set up your apps before arrival to make digital payments easier — one of the most essential tips for traveling to China in the digital age.