10 Travel Tips for Traveling in China in 2023/2024 (That will actually help you)

Traveling to China soon? This video is the one for you so you can be prepared to travel in China! These tips are perfect if you are looking to travel and plan your time in China. We have been to 17 different provinces and learned a lot during our travels that can help you when you are traveling in China.
Purchase your Forbidden City tickets here: www.viator.com/tours/Beijing/...
Purchase your Lonely Planet China book here and automatically save 10%: shop.lonelyplanet.com/product...
Intro: 00:00
Tip 1: Download VPN 01:00
AstrillVPN: www.astrill.com
ExpressVPN: bit.ly/3iin2AV
Tip 2: WeChat and Alipay 01:30
Tip 3: Learn basic Chinese/Translation App 02:34
Tip 4: Get the Lonely Planet book for China 04:17
Buy it here on Amazon: amzn.to/3tZKtIf
Tip 5: Plan/Book through trip.com 06:06
Tip 6: Navigating the train stations 06:55
Tip 7: Take your time when traveling 09:19
Tip 8: Avoid traveling during Chinese holidays 10:40
Tip 9: Book things in advance 11:34
Tip 10: Bring your passport everywhere 12:33
Tip 11: Be prepared to take photos 13:38
Extra Tips:
Download Dianping 15:16
Bring your own toilet paper 16:16
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We are James and Keli, previously Two Tickets Around the World. We are originally from Kansas in the United States and after many years of traveling during our holidays together, we took a leap of faith and moved to China. While we teach English during the week, we use our holidays and weekends to explore the different wonders of the world.
Once the borders open, we'll continue our adventures exploring the rest of the world. Until then, let's explore China together.

[@JamesandKeli]

Let us help you plan your trip to China! Book a 1-1 session with us and we can help answer any questions you have about traveling to China. 😊 Itineraries, guides, and more coming soon! www.thatch.co/@jamesandkeli

[@ratnadeepsinhgohil2928]

Make video on cheep travelling method and cheep stay like rooms, hotel, paying guests, hostel etc 🔥🔥🔥

[@sweetburger8039]

I go to China every year, and its development is changing rapidly. The cities are clean and orderly, safe, without drugs or homeless people. Walking on the prosperous streets, there is nothing to worry about. I really hope that Western countries can be like China.

[@kiddo817]

Chinese here. There’s no homeless people because we’ve cleared out most of the low income people to outskirts of city. There’s also 城管 (city management police) that patrol the streets to clear out any homeless people. It looks nice to foreigners like you, but there’s a dark side to it. China has 14 billion people, you really think we have no homeless problem? 😂

[@zcing123]

​@@kiddo817点赞，中国是发展中国家，让发达国家跟我们学习？😂

[@peanut0brain]

​​@@kiddo817 I don't see homeless in the outskirts either. Why would they be homeless when they can apply to do the lowest job, street cleaning, which includes room and board, and make China great again?!!! It's a big shame and losing face/reputation to be homeless.

[@BleakDeath]

You obviously have not lived here lol just during new years there were 2 mass murders even of paramedics you obviously believe the lie of a country being absolutely "safe” remember this is a communist country and the CCP will do anything to hide the bad sides of China just because you don’t see it and it’s "cleaned up" to make it appear a certain way doesn’t mean it is not happening

[@BleakDeath]

@@zcing123huh how are you even using KZbin lmao 😂 go use another platform lmao

[@user-if1yi5lp3h]

Happy to hear Lonely Planet continues to serve younger people. It has been our faithful guide for decades.

[@JamesandKeli]

It really is!! There are so many great resources within the books.

[@jerryfish09]

Guizhou，Hunan and Jiangxi are must visit province

[@HoustonlivingwithMeiMei]

Thanks for the tips!

[@nasdanrose4802]

Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@javierfranke3843]

Thank you both! Very good tips

[@liamporter1137]

Thanks for sharing.

[@guestonearth1274]

Nice videos and enjoyable trip

[@eprohoda]

James! Good night, total beautiful shots-:))

[@XW3126]

Super practical & informative! Thank you! Wish you happy travels!

[@DualityIsAThing]

Awesome video, guys!

[@JamesandKeli]

Thank you 😊

[@user-yw5wf6kz5t]

Practical tips! T

[@alexmelendez5404]

J & K!!!!! Love your video!!!! Take me to China with you next time!

[@dessertcomes1st]

I have an opportunity to travel to China in a few months. You guys were so encouraging and motivating in this video. Love your energy.

[@JamesandKeli]

You are going to have a great time! Enjoy your trip

[@dansanghera2047]

Great video

[@JamesandKeli]

Thank you!

[@MirandaBailey-01]

谢谢你!!

[@artshot7613]

Just the video I’ve been looking for, I hope to travel to China from the uk later this year and have started making a list of things I need to know, this is a great help, just need to figure out my visa now 🤔

[@JamesandKeli]

Good luck!! You will have a great time in China ☺️

[@emmanuelfrancis7383]

Great video and exactly what I have been looking for........ I got admission to study I'm Hainan and would love to know which city or province has a relatively not high cost of living and is close to Hainan University

[@OmeidaYangshuo]

Great tips! It can be challenging to arrive in China if you are unprepared, but once you get the basic apps, the sky is the limit ;)

[@JamesandKeli]

😆 Yes! The apps make everything so much easier.

[@shuahneeong9375]

You can access WhatsApps , Instagram you tube google etc… if you roam your mobile before leaving for China, you do not need VPN this way. If you are using China wifi or network , then you need to download VPN.

[@charliechan4309]

hi, nice video. just wanted to add since ive come across a good few of these tips and guides for china. On the note of the transportation its maybe worth noting and explaining to some tourists how to go about getting their hands on a transportation card that is basically like a top up rida card in europe.

[@JamesandKeli]

That is a good tip, but each city has their own metro top up card. So for instance a card in Beijing won’t work in Shanghai. With how inexpensive the rides are, it’s not always worth getting the card.

[@mollymo6229]

Thank you for this video, I am travelling to China for a conference in Shenzhen in 3 weeks and I am so nervous 😅

[@JamesandKeli]

It will be great!! You will have so much fun 😄

[@AntiMasonic93]

I can tell these two had fun in Beijing. 🤪👍🤪

[@JamesandKeli]

😂😂 it was prime C*VID time so things were a bit difficult for us traveling there

[@zhubajie6940]

The Forbidden City has changed a lot then. Before Covid, it was just walk up and buy a ticket.

[@JamesandKeli]

We wish it was that easy!

[@comui1]

Do you mind sharing the link to book the forbidden city entry ticket? Thanks

[@JamesandKeli]

Yes! Here is our Viator link to buy the Forbidden City entrance ticket: www.viator.com/tours/Beijing/Beijing-Forbidden-City-Admission-Ticket/d321-26448P67?pid=P00119297&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=things-to-do-in-beijing

[@johnkiel1000]

❤❤❤❤

[@JamesandKeli]

What is a China travel tip you think people should know? 🤔✈️🇨🇳

[@certifiedhater4414]

I'm supposed to be heading back to China from the US in February 2024. My family is trying to convince me not to go because of all the travel advisories due to all the international unrest. Exit bans and wrongful detentions are some of the warnings from the US embassy. My question is how concerned should I be in your opinions? I'm going either way but I would love to ease their mind a bit if I can. Thank you.

[@JamesandKeli]

In our opinion we don't think you will have to worry about any exit bans and as long as you don't plan on breaking any laws or doing anything silly, you should never be detained. We lived there for 4 years during a very strict time, still traveled and never had any problems with the police. @@certifiedhater4414

[@certifiedhater4414]

@@JamesandKeli thank you for the reply 🙏 hopefully this helps them not worry so much

[@brianc4957]

@@certifiedhater4414 hey, did you end up going on your trip?

[@certifiedhater4414]

@brianc4957 yep, currently in China and its been amazing, no issues

[@binhe6500]

to me personally the no 1 tip should be, knowing it is a developing country, be prepared to get ripped off at all tourist traps. With that in mind, then you will be pleasantly surprised that most people are nice.

[@monipenny408]

rip off, you mean like most touristy areas all around the world, good tip buddy.

[@elvafong3591]

This video is very helpful. I want to go to Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors and was wanting to know if I can purchase the tickets to see them in advance or do I have to purchase them when I arrive because I am a foreigner? Also how do I get a taxi in Xian - can I use the didi app if I am a foreigner or do I just try to call one off the street?

[@JamesandKeli]

When we first started making KZbin videos we made one about Xi’An and the Terracotta Warriors. At the time we went we purchased the tickets upon arrival, and took a public bus. For a taxi, you will need didi but I don’t know if you will be able to create an account to use didi, as the policies changed while we were there.

[@elvafong3591]

Thanks for the helpful advice@@JamesandKeli

[@andreaae5060]

Do you know about if there is a luggage delivery from Beijing airport to Shanghai airport? I will. Bring 2 checked baggages to my travel

[@JamesandKeli]

There probably is, but it’s probably best to keep them with you and recheck the bags upon your next flight. We never used this type of service to be able to answer it.

[@jiamingcao8337]

Package delivery service available at the airport,but it will takes 3 days. If u only stay few days in China, I recommend bring the luggage with you

[@ELFASHIONISTA]

JAMES IS SO BEAUTIFUL !!! 🤩🤩🤩. !!! HE MADE ME SUSCRIBED ! CONGRATULATION, AWESOME VIDEOS AND VERY HELPFUL, IAM TERRIFIED TO GO TO CHINA !!!

[@JamesandKeli]

You shouldn't be terrified of visiting China!

[@qiuyi85]

I’m visiting China in a month. Do most shops accept Alipay linking to a foreign credit card? I heard some merchants can’t process payment if the app is linked to a foreign credit card.

[@JamesandKeli]

We have never tried this before. We recommend connecting it to be safe then trying it. Definitely bring cash around just incase!

[@jiamingcao8337]

I’m Chinese. This might happen in some small shops,they only accept debit card that linking in Alipay.

[@IpsitaParija-jq9ff]

1. Which type of visa should I apply for to attend a conference in China: L type or F type?" 2. Do I need to provide a confirmed flight itinerary to apply for a visa, or can I book my ticket after the visa is confirmed? Will a dummy ticket be acceptable? 3. What documents are required to apply for a Chinese visa for a conference? 4. How can I minimize the chances of my visa application being rejected? 5. Guide me making travel Itinerary

[@JamesandKeli]

Here is the official government website for visas. us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/qz2021/ we do not know the answers to the questions about the government but are happy to answer any specific questions about travel.

[@therealarchstanton3343]

Good tips, thanks guys - but in 10 trips since 2008 no one has ever asked for my photo 🤣

[@JamesandKeli]

They must think we are famous then lol 😆

[@Kunt6119]

😂😂😂

[@Koza1151]

Besides from alipay and wechat pay can you open a bank account in China?

[@JamesandKeli]

Tourists can’t open a bank account.

[@1000kennedydk]

what do you mean by international bank card to load into alipay.......do you mean my USA Visa Credit Card or Visa Debit Card?

[@JamesandKeli]

Correct! Use whatever bank card that can work internally (we prefer one with no foreign transaction fees).

[@BB-yi6qn]

I'm from a Southeast Asian country. Do you like Southeast Asia? Have you ever been to Southeast Asian countries? Such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia

[@JamesandKeli]

We have been to South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines 😄 All of the countries were beautiful!

[@munchocrisps]

Do I still need to bring masks in case of Covid or other sickness?

[@JamesandKeli]

Masks are not required, but if you are sick it is always respectful to wear a mask as not to get others sicks.

[@munchocrisps]

@@JamesandKeli oh okay 👌

[@user-fu5xn5zj1t]

Unde pot gasi un ghid turistic,aveti vre o idee?

[@JamesandKeli]

There are many guides that you can find. We love Lost Plate Food Tours (use our code for aroundtheworld for $5 off). We would also recommend looking at some of the many tour company's like MoreFunAsia or ChinaTravelGuide.

[@kimhannagan8651]

Why do you use a vpn instead of Esim?

[@JamesandKeli]

A vpn is used to access things that would be blocked in China like Instagram or KZbin.

[@FaZe-StyL]

Is it safe my mom thinks I’m going to get held captive for no reason because im american

[@JamesandKeli]

Yes, it is very safe in China!!

[@FaZe-StyL]

@@JamesandKeli thanks, she has been very scolding me about it and saying they’re going to check my phone and all, I’m going to chengdu after I land in Guangzhou

[@FaZe-StyL]

@@JamesandKeli well today I woke up and my dad yelled at me for 7 hours and slurring and cursing and everything else, now I’m at work and earlier they made me cancel and all when I’ve saved all the money to go and paid for it my self. They’re very toxic and strict and mean he even yells at her everyday

[@JamesandKeli]

We're very sorry to hear that. We hope that everything is okay for you. Maybe one day you'll be able to go to China, it is a beautiful country.@@FaZe-StyL

[@TinusU]

You said "look at the app", which app?

[@JamesandKeli]

Which section are you talking about? We mention a lot of different apps in specific sections of our video 🫣

[@TinusU]

@@JamesandKeli lots of different apps and you don't mention the name of those apps? How do we know 😅

[@gamingbtc]

If you ever visit a Tier 4 city you will literally feel like Tom Cruise or Taylor Swift. The attention you get is insane. My (Chinese) wife was not pleased hahah

[@JamesandKeli]

That is very true 🤣

[@user-jj6mx3tc1g]

Don't you visit Hubei, the birthplace of the southern Han nationality and culture? Chu State and the birthplace of Chu culture

[@JamesandKeli]

We were unable to go to Hubei during our time in China. We really wanted to visit all the provinces but it wasn't possible 😞

[@isseygino911]

which vpn would you recommand ?

[@JamesandKeli]

We recommend either ExpressVPN or Astrill VPN

[@flewuniverse2326]

Can someone help me to activate wechat im traveling soon to china

[@JamesandKeli]

You can get WeChat using a foreign countries phone number, in order to get the Chinese version you must have a Chinese phone number.

[@flewuniverse2326]

I still need someone hwo have already wechat active to scan the Qr-code to complete the registration @@JamesandKeli

[@moxizishi]

If you are mostly using Alipay in China to purchase things, is bringing actual cash money necessary for travel in China?

[@JamesandKeli]

We would say no, but it’s good to always have a backup in case you need it as a traveler

[@user-cg9nc7cr3r]

I'll give you the most important tip, the map you use will make the Chinese angry, and the Chinese map includes Taiwan

[@taoxu9235]

Sorry to bother you, but your China map at 0:21 misses Taiwan, an internationally-recognized territory of China.

[@JamesandKeli]

We specify that we are talking about mainland China as we show the map.

[@Beelzebububble]

word for toilet: XI ZOR. Xi is the smelly brown stuff. Zor is place/spot. So if you need to go in China, just ask Xi Zor?

[@JamesandKeli]

Xi Shou jian 洗手间 is the pinyin for toilet. We’ve never heard someone use xi zor before, maybe it’s a more local dialect somewhere.

[@JamesandKeli]

Bathroom is 浴室 yu shi

[@Beelzebububble]

@@JamesandKeli toilet in Chinese is 廁所

[@JamesandKeli]

Yes, ce suo 厕所 is another word for toilet or bathroom in Chinese.

[@monipenny408]

Beware when you make a video about China, western propaganda troll are immediately drawn to your video and add misinformation every where. You are write toilet is in fact Xi Shou jian 洗手间@@JamesandKeli

[@ABCD-sj5ui]

I guess before talking about all these apps, you should have discussed the phone number issues. Lots of apps in China need verification through a Chinese phone number, but a physical sim card is not supported in some models of iPhone. Without fixing this problems, talking about apps is not that useful.

[@JamesandKeli]

You can set up Allipay and WeChat with both a foreign number, you just won’t be using the Chinese version, same with Baidu translate. 😊

[@4goode1234]

Chur Bo

The simple answer to this is just don't do it. The state department warnings are there for a reason. Oh yeah, I lived in Mainland China for 11 years and 25 in HK. There are so many wonderful places in the world to visit - China just is no longer worth the risk at this point in time.

[@shanewall9092]

Don’t do what?? Why would somebody not travel to China

[@shakilahmad3290]

The State Department has control over you - USA is a police state - Beaware

[@haraldeptor9338]

Vpns are illegal in China

[@bakeryclerk7434]

number 1 tip is not to travel to china.

[@9ickp]

Why so mysterious? Pray tell, why not?

[@bakeryclerk7434]

Because I'm someone who is awake and has common sense.

[@user-bz9pi4cn8s]

[@cxplb]