China
China has been on my bucket list since I watched Mulan as a child. But travelling here was quite a challenge. The “Great Firewall”, lack of English and closed infrastructure were a puzzle, not to mention the cultural shocks. But it was one of the most rewarding and is now in my top favourites. There are too many amazing places to visit that you won’t believe are real until you see them. It’s a beautiful fusion of historic and futuristic attractions. I hope my guides will help you plan your trip with ease!
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Facts about China
Currency: Chinese Yuan
Capital city: Beijing
Official language: Mandarin
Population: 1.4 billion
National animal: Giant Panda
Bucket List Experiences
Things to know before visiting China
- British citizens can now travel up to 30 days in China visa-free.
- The “Great Firewall” means that popular apps like Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram don’t work. Download a VPN.
- China mainly speaks Mandarin, and English is not widely spoken. Learn a few useful phrases like Hello (Nihao) and Thank you (Xie Xie), etc., and download a translation app.
- It’s mainly a cashless society that doesn’t accept cards. Download Alipay and WeChat to make payments.
- Google Maps also doesn’t work, so download AMap. Also, Trip.com is great for bullet train and attraction tickets.
- Didi is a lifesaver in China; it’s their version of Uber, and trips are super affordable. You can book trips through Alipay.
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Travel Resources for China