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Going to China is a bit like going to another galaxy: everything is different, surprising, sometimes confusing, often fascinating. But to avoid arriving in Beijing with three pairs of underwear and no idea about the time difference, it's best to be well prepared. Between formalities, choosing the right VPN (because no, Google won't be your friend there), and the essentials to pack in your suitcase, here's a simple, practical, and slightly funny guide to preparing your Chinese trip like a pro.
Before you can imagine yourself eating noodles in Chengdu, you'll have to go through a slightly less delicious step: the visa . Yes, China is not Barcelona, and before rolling out the Chinese carpet , you need a proper sesame.
For a traditional tourist stay, the L visa is what you need. It allows you to stay on Chinese soil for 30 days. You can obtain it by applying to the Chinese Visa Application Center in your country.
Expect to pay around €60 to €100 , depending on whether you go through an agency or not. And no, they don't accept hand-drawn sketches instead of passport photos.
Prepare:
Your passport (valid for at least 6 months)
The completed application form
A not-too-bad passport photo
Your return flight reservations
Proof of your accommodation on site
And above all, don't wait until the last minute . An express request costs more and could end up stressing you out for nothing.
As you might have guessed, they don't use the euro in China (nor meal vouchers). The yuan, or renminbi , is your new best friend.
Upon arrival, you can exchange your euros at exchange offices or withdraw cash directly from ATMs. Banks like ICBC or Bank of China are reliable. Avoid small street money changers unless you want to leave with Monopoly bills or a Chinese dragon tattoo as a dubious bonus.
In China, everyone pays with their phone . Apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay are everywhere. But be careful: they require a Chinese bank account.
Don't panic, some apps now offer foreign accounts , but you'll need to set them up before you leave. Otherwise, bring a good old-fashioned bill in cash. Foreign cards are rarely accepted, except in hotels and large international chains.
Spoiler: It's always the same time everywhere in China , even though the country is huge. Convenient for your watch, less so for your brain.
China operates on Beijing Time (UTC+8) . Whether you're in Shanghai or deep in Xinjiang, it's always the same time. As a result, in some areas, the sun rises at 10 a.m. Yes, you read that right.
In summer, it's 6 hours longer than in France. In winter, it's 7 hours . So when it's noon in Paris, it's 6 p.m. in Beijing (or 7 p.m. in winter). Perfect for waking up while your colleagues are just starting their lunch break.
Ah, the infamous "Great Firewall" of China. Basically, say goodbye to Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram... unless you have a good VPN in your digital suitcase .
China blocks a whole host of websites and apps you use every day. Even some connected devices, like a Chinese watch , can experience limitations. To bypass this digital censorship, a reliable VPN will allow you to access your usual services securely.
Don't just pick any VPN, as many VPNs no longer work in China . Here are some that do:
ExpressVPN : Fast, stable, not cheap but effective
NordVPN : solid, well-known, often on sale
Astrill : very popular among expats in China
Remember to install and test your VPN before you leave , because once you arrive, it may be too late to download it.
China is a culinary continent unto itself. There's something for everyone, for every taste... and sometimes, for tastes you wouldn't even suspect.
Baozi : small stuffed steamed buns, a delight
Peking Duck : Crispy as you like
Lanzhou Noodles : Handmade, Right Before Your Eyes
Dim sum : steamed snacks from the south
Some dishes may contain unexpected ingredients : offal, chicken feet, jellyfish… Stay curious, but follow your instincts. And if a dish moves on its own… be wary.
There are a thousand things to bring back from China, and not just fans, Chinese necklaces , or magnets. Be careful, some items are tempting, but not always easy to get through customs.
Chinese tea : green, black, oolong… It is the land of tea, after all
Electronics and gadgets : beware of copies, but you can find some gems
Traditional medicine items : tiger balm, cupping glasses, dried plants
Silks and tailor-made clothing : notably in Shanghai or Suzhou
Ivory or tortoiseshell objects (simply illegal)
Counterfeits (very tempting, but prohibited for importation)
Suspicious food products (such as hundred-year-old eggs)
Do you have a cousin in Wuhan? An expat friend in Guangzhou? Or do you want to have a trinket delivered directly from the Yiwu market? Here's how to do it without breaking the bank.
You can go through:
La Poste (Colissimo International) : reliable service, but a little slow
Chronopost or DHL : fast, but the price can sting
International parcel relays : sometimes more affordable
Allow 10 to 20 days , and above all, complete the customs declaration carefully .
If you order from AliExpress or Shein , please be patient: delivery times can vary between 10 days and 2 months , depending on the carrier and customs.
Bonus: Sometimes you get a little note in Chinese... or an item you never ordered. That's the magic of importing.
China is big. Very big. A real Chinese abacus when it comes to understanding its multiple climates, which range from the Gobi Desert to the beaches of Hainan. So, the best time to visit depends a little on where you're going and what you plan to do there.
Spring (April to June) : ideal almost everywhere, flowers, mild temperatures
Autumn (September to November) : blue skies, fewer tourists, great weather
Avoid summer , especially July and August: heat, humidity, pollution, and an influx of tourists. And Chinese New Year (late January or early February), because everything is closed or crowded.
Beijing : better in spring or autumn
Yunnan : pleasant all year round
Shanghai : avoid summer, too humid
Tibet : May to October only
Chinese is wonderful… but it's not easy to improvise . While translation apps can save you, it's best to learn a few basics to survive on a daily basis.
你好 (nǐ hǎo) : hello
谢谢 (xièxiè) : thank you
多少钱？(duōshǎo qián?) : how much does it cost?
不要辣 (bú yào là) : not spicy, thank you!
Pleco : an essential Chinese dictionary
Google Translate (with offline download)
Papago : very good for whole sentences
And if you're really struggling, a smile and a little mime often do the trick. The Chinese are generally very forgiving and curious towards foreigners, as you can read here
China isn't just a destination. It's a culture shock, a journey through time and the future at the same time , a country that changes every day and will surely leave you with incredible memories... and a whole lot of stories to tell.
By preparing your trip carefully—visa, time zone, currency, VPN, and all the bells and whistles—you can avoid any hassle and fully enjoy this unique experience . So, pack your suitcase, turn on the VPN, and off you go! Off to the Middle Kingdom.
Have a good trip… and bon appétit if you try the scorpion skewers!