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 for China travelers: 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. Even locals prefer two wheels over cars for short-distance travel.
👉 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 biking route in the early morning, and cool off with an indoor activity midday — 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:
🧳 China travel tip: pack light, layer up, and always carry the essentials in your day bag.
Trying street food is a must in China — but it helps to speak the basics. Language is one of the most common concerns for first-time travelers to China.
🍢 Prefer a food-savvy local to guide you? Book a foodie tour with us — it’s one of our most loved experiences for travelers in China.
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.
This was just Part 1. In Part 2, we’ll dive into public transit tricks, rooftop bars, and more insights for curious travelers in China. Want more local advice right now?
👉 Browse Our Beijing’s top-rated local experiences — and travel smarter, deeper, and happier in 2025