Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Download a VPN like Astral or ExpressVPN to access blocked social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. (0:31)
- Tip 2Download WeChat and Alipay for communication and payments. Alipay accepts international bank cards. (1:33)
- Tip 3Learn basic Mandarin phrases, numbers, and essential words. Use BYO Translate for accurate translations. (2:32)
- Tip 4Use the Lonely Planet guidebook for trip planning. It provides itineraries and suggestions for accommodation and transportation. (4:08)
- Tip 5Book train tickets via WeChat or Trip.com. No need to print tickets; your passport is sufficient at the station. (6:06)
- Tip 6Understand train station boarding indicators: red (passed), green (boarding). Find your train by number and boarding hall. (6:59)
- Tip 7Take your time while traveling, allowing for unexpected delays. Use the metro and public bikes for efficient city travel. (9:17)
- Tip 8Avoid traveling during Chinese national holidays and weekends for less crowded experiences. (10:43)
- Tip 9Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak seasons. (11:32)
- Tip 10Carry your passport everywhere. Hotels and some tourist spots require it for check-in and ticket purchases. (12:37)
- Tip 11Be prepared for many photo requests from locals. Politely decline if you're uncomfortable. (13:36)
- Tip 12Use Dianping (a Chinese app) to find local restaurants and activities. It offers reviews and discounts. (15:18)
- Tip 13Always carry toilet paper, as public restrooms in China often don't provide it. (16:14)
James and Keli, two travelers from Kansas, share their invaluable experiences of living in China for four years. This video condenses their top 11 travel tips, ensuring a smoother and more enriching trip for viewers. From essential apps like WeChat and Alipay to navigating train stations and understanding cultural nuances, this video is a must-watch for anyone planning a Chinese adventure.
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James and Keli, seasoned travelers who've called China home for four years, generously share their top eleven travel tips in this comprehensive guide. Having explored seventeen provinces, they offer insights that go beyond typical tourist advice. Their first piece of advice is to download a VPN for accessing social media, recommending Astral or ExpressVPN for reliability. Next, they highlight WeChat and Alipay as essential apps for communication and payments, emphasizing Alipay's acceptance of international cards. Learning basic Mandarin and using a reliable translation app, such as BYO Translate, is highly recommended. For planning, they advocate using the Lonely Planet guidebook, which they used extensively for their Silk Road trip and other adventures. Booking train tickets through WeChat or Trip.com is another key tip, avoiding the need to print tickets. Navigating Chinese train stations is demystified with clear explanations of the color-coded boarding systems. They emphasize the importance of taking one's time while traveling, suggesting using the Metro and public bikes for efficient city exploration. Avoiding Chinese national holidays and weekends for travel is advised to avoid large crowds. Booking attractions in advance is crucial, particularly for popular sites like the Forbidden City in Beijing. Always carrying your passport is essential for check-in and access to certain locations. Be prepared for numerous photo requests from locals who are eager to interact with foreigners. Finally, James and Keli suggest using Dianping for finding local restaurants and activities, and remind viewers to bring their own toilet paper when using public restrooms. Throughout, James and Keli's personal anecdotes and experiences bring a unique and engaging perspective to these practical tips, making this video an invaluable resource for anyone planning a trip to China.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What VPNs do you recommend for China?
- A: We recommend Astral VPN or ExpressVPN, as they are reliable and often restore service quickly after shutdowns. They also have free trials.
- Q: How can I book train tickets in China?
- A: If you live in China, you can set up WeChat to book tickets. For tourists, Trip.com is a great option, with excellent English customer service. You don't need to print your ticket; just bring your passport.
- Q: What's the best translation app for China?
- A: We found BYO Translate to be the best. It has a camera feature, supports typing, and handles screenshots well. Keep questions simple and direct for better results.
- Q: What should I do if I miss my train?
- A: If you miss your train by a short time (30 minutes to an hour), you might be able to get a free ticket for the next train. Ask a customer service representative, but you might need a translator.
- Q: What's the best way to get around cities in China?
- A: The metro is affordable and convenient, and you can use apps like Metroman to plan your routes. Public bikes are also inexpensive and readily available, with Alipay bikes accepting foreign cards.
- Q: What's Dianping?
- A: Dianping is a Chinese app like Google and Yelp, very helpful for finding local restaurants and activities, often with discounts.
- Q: What about public restrooms in China?
- A: Many public restrooms don't have toilet paper, so always carry your own. Also, be prepared to see squat toilets.
