The secret to a successful trip to China lies in thorough preparation beforehand. You need to ask yourself the right questions and organize your stay as best as possible, while still leaving room for a touch of spontaneity!

We'll do our best here to provide you with some useful information and advice to help you get acquainted with China and tackle this first trip with complete confidence.

Key facts about China

First, it's worth noting that China ranks 3rd among the world's largest countries by land area, behind Russia and Canada.

It's also the world's most populous country, with a population estimated at over one billion inhabitants. Within this population, there are 56 ethnic groups scattered across all the country's provinces. Each ethnic group has its own language, customs, and beliefs that fuel travelers' curiosity.

A recent study conducted by Yang Fenggang, director of the research center on religions in Chinese society at Purdue University (United States), shows that more than half of citizens identify as atheists. However, China is home to a multitude of beliefs, starting with Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.

A visa for China

China requires any foreigner wishing to stay in China to submit a visa application. Whether for tourism, family, or business reasons, you'll need to go through the Chinese embassy in France or abroad and file your application properly.

For more information on the Chinese visa, visit our comprehensive guide on China Visa.

When to travel to China?

Climate is one of the first factors to consider when planning a trip to the Middle Kingdom. Indeed, the territory is so vast that from south to north or east to west, seasons can be reversed and present different advantages.

Between the stifling heat of the south in summer and the freezing cold of the north in winter, it's often wise to research the different periods of the year when it's best to travel to China depending on the regions you choose.

To find the best time to visit China, check ou-et-quand.net which will provide you with abundant information to help you determine the best season to travel to China.

Chinese public holidays

Depending on what you want to discover and/or experience during your expedition, choosing whether or not to travel during Chinese vacation periods can be quite an adventure in itself.

In China, public holidays are assigned according to the lunar calendar, which explains why dates differ from year to year. The most important national holidays are undoubtedly Chinese New Year. Besides New Year, there's also the Lantern Festival, Labor Day, the Tomb Sweeping Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day.

It's worth knowing that during vacation periods, the entire population migrates to villages to reunite with family and organizes trips to the country's tourist attractions. This means millions of people converge on roads and swarm into sites of interest. This heavy foot traffic can be challenging to manage while traveling and may diminish your enjoyment of discovery. Nevertheless, there are some advantages to traveling in China during national holidays, which we discuss in our article Traveling in China during Chinese New Year.

Chinese currency

Chinese currency is called the "yuan" or "renminbi" (RMB), but spoken aloud, you'll often hear the term "kuai". While in Western countries you're used to paying everything with your credit card, know that in China, everything is paid in cash. On site, you won't have any trouble finding ATMs accepting Visa or MasterCard as well as exchange offices. Nevertheless, if your itinerary takes you to remote areas, remember to withdraw money in a city beforehand.

Even though exchange rates may be much more advantageous on the black market, be aware that counterfeit bills are commonplace in China, so stay vigilant.

Although prices tend to increase year over year, particularly in cities like Shanghai, China remains an interesting destination when you factor in the cost of living. Transport is very affordable and restaurant prices are quite reasonable, especially if you want to eat locally. Accommodation prices can vary widely depending on the level of comfort. Finally, major tourist attractions are not always paid, and when they are, the prices are quite reasonable.

Transportation in China

It's relatively easy to get around in China. The country is very well served by railway networks with several high-speed trains. All major cities have an airport offering numerous domestic flights. For tighter budgets, the bus is also a very interesting and widely available option.

Night buses and trains crisscross the country every night and can be very practical, especially for long journeys.

Major Chinese cities are equipped with subway systems, making getting around town convenient. Bus networks are also very practical, but do your research beforehand on which lines to take. Taxis in China are very affordable and can be useful, particularly in the evening. However, avoid taking taxis during rush hour!

Basic etiquette rules in China

In China, the expression "losing face" is much more than just a social concept. For a Chinese person, "saving face" is of paramount importance. Thus, during your stay, be mindful of your behavior with others and be careful not to lose your temper, as this could be perceived very negatively. Avoid displaying attitudes suggesting superiority or condescension, and try to avoid questioning your interlocutor's word.

The Chinese are relatively indulgent with foreigners when it comes to respecting customs, but they'll greatly appreciate a few proper gestures on your part. For example, you can always greet with a nice "ni hao" (hello) and thank with "xiexie". Avoid overly tactile contact such as kissing or hugging and prefer a simple handshake.

With these initial tips, you'll already have several useful pointers to take with you. Don't hesitate to explore our practical information section to learn more and prepare your stay in the best conditions!