Exploring China can be quite challenging if you don’t have any knowledge about the country. You must be equipped with information to make your journey easier. I will do my best to provide you with the best information I can, all based on my personal experiences exploring and wandering through amazing Mainland China.
China has a multitude of locations to visit, as the country is divided into different regions such as Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan, Sichuan, and more. Each region offers a unique set of activities, so it’s essential to plan well. However, it can also be rewarding to explore the area without a strict itinerary—just follow your instincts.

Which SIM Card to Choose?

China Mobile is the best among the three major network providers—China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile. However, there are some drawbacks to these networks. If you plan to visit the Xinjiang region, I recommend using China Unicom; otherwise, China Mobile is the best option for most areas. (I am not paid to advertise this; it's just my personal opinion based on my experience.)
Before you dive into your adventure in China, you should know that accessing the World Wide Web can be difficult, as many services are blocked. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (now known as X), Instagram, TikTok, and even Google are not accessible inside China. However, you can still manage to access these services with the help of a VPN. Be aware that many larger VPN companies like NordVPN and ExpressVPN may be restricted in China. I won’t disclose the VPN I used, as it might lead to blocking issues, but feel free to contact me, and I will be happy to assist you with your trip.

Payments

Carrying a lot of cash can be cumbersome, especially when you have to count your money after each purchase. When you arrive in China, it's essential to download Alipay and WeChat, which are the primary payment platforms. You can ask for assistance from tourist information centers in China to help you set these up. Cashless payments are widely accepted, so you won’t need to carry too much cash as long as you have internet access and your phone charged (which is necessary). Additionally, you'll need a Chinese phone number for fast verification with WeChat and Alipay.

Ride-Hailing Services

Uber does not operate in China; instead, you can use local services such as Didi or Meituan for food delivery, car rentals, and carpooling.

Shared Rides

Shared rides, such as electric bicycles or manual bicycles, can be convenient for exploring the city. You can use Meituan, Didi, or Alipay for these services, but you won’t necessarily need to download those apps if you have WeChat, as it integrates many functions. WeChat offers a variety of mini-programs, but remember to disable your VPN while using these mini-programs.

Transportation Payments

For train and bus travel, Alipay will be extremely useful. Forget about buying train tickets or carrying cash for bus fares. Just open Alipay, navigate to the "Transport" function, and a QR code will be generated for you. Simply let the bus or train machine scan the code—easy, right?

Accommodation

Finding accommodation can be a bit tricky for foreigners, as many booking applications are in Chinese. However, you can use apps like Ctrip, Qunar Travel, and also Trip.com for reservations, on the other hand, you can still use regular applications like Agoda, Booking.com, and Traveloka but these applications will give you limited options when choosing an accommodation.  Always check if the accommodation accepts foreigners. Additionally, China has issued a notice stating that accommodations and hotels in China must not reject any foreigners who wish to check-in. Here’s a breakdown of the relevant information:

Application: Ctrip
Application: Qunar Travel
China's Notice for Accommodation and Hotels information can be found here: Notice from China
 

Food Recommendations

This might be the most challenging part of the article, which will define the different kinds of food you should find and expect while traveling to the country but let me try to elaborate on each of the famous foods that you must try:

1. Beijing:
   Peking Duck: Famous for its crispy skin and succulent meat, often served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced vegetables.
   Jianbing: A popular street food breakfast item, these savory Chinese crepes are filled with eggs, scallions, cilantro, and various sauces.
2. Sichuan:
   Mapo Tofu: A spicy dish made with tofu, ground pork, and Sichuan peppercorns, known for its unique numbing spiciness.
   Chuan Chuan (Skewered Meats): Various meats and vegetables are grilled on skewers and served with spicy dipping sauces.
3. Yunnan:
   Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles: A famous dish of rice noodles served in a rich broth with an array of toppings, including meat, vegetables, and raw eggs.
   Yunnan Ham: A cured ham known for its rich flavor, often served in thin slices as an appetizer or ingredient in other dishes.
4. Xinjiang:
   Lamb Kebabs: Grilled skewers of marinated lamb, seasoned with cumin and chili, reflecting the region's strong Muslim influence.
   Nang (Flatbread): A traditional leavened flatbread, commonly served alongside meals, often enjoyed with stews or kebabs.
5. Guangzhou (Cantonese):
   Dim Sum: A variety of small dishes, including dumplings, buns, and pastries, traditionally enjoyed with tea.
   Char Siu (BBQ Pork): Sweet, glazed pork that is roasted until caramelized and often served with rice or noodles.
6. Shanghai:
   Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao): Delicate dumplings filled with savory broth and meat, usually steamed to perfection.
   Sheng Jian Bao: Pan-fried buns that are crispy on the bottom and filled with juicy pork and broth.
7. Hunan:
   Spicy Chicken (Chuanchuan): Diced chicken cooked with ground chili, garlic, and other spices, known for its intense flavors and heat.
   Steamed Fish Head with Diced Hot Peppers: A signature dish featuring fish head steamed with a generous amount of hot chili peppers for a spicy kick.
8. Fujian:
   Buddha Jumps Over the Wall: A luxurious soup made with fish, seafood, chicken, and Chinese herbs, treasured for its complex flavors.
   Oyster Omelet: A popular street food dish made with eggs, oysters, and sweet potato starch, often served with a savory sauce.

Each region in China has it's culinary traditions, making the food culture rich and diverse. Be sure to try local specialties wherever you go!