China is an ultimate tourist destination rich in ethnicity, geography, and tradition. Moreover, the country is on the cutting edge of fashion, technology, and entertainment. 

However, being a first-time visitor, you may experience some surprises during your trip. Therefore, it is good to stay informed and well-prepared in advance to have a stress-free vacation. 

Here is our guide to your first visit to China:

How To Get Your Chinese Visa

One of the most important China travel tips is to arrange your visa in advance. In order to get a visa, you have to apply at CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Service Center) or a Chinese consulate in your country. You’ll need:

• Original passport with at least six months of validity.
• A photocopy of your passport page along with photograph.
• Proof of the information about past Chinese visas, if any.
• Details of your return ticket, hotel invoice for the whole duration of the trip.
• An application form completely filled and signed.

Please note that there is no requirement for a visa if you plan to travel to China for less than three months and hold a ‘Western passport.’

Don’t Forget To Purchase A VPN Before Entering China

Keep in mind that The Great Firewall blocks Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and other social media websites. It seems quite frustrating to lose access to the internet to stay in contact with your loved ones.

However, one way to get over this issue is to invest in a VPN for China. It disguises the system’s IP address and provides you with internet accessibility.

Make Sure To Get Travel Insurance For China

Though basic health care is cheap in Asia, you may end up spending a huge amount of money in case of serious issues. Therefore, it is quite essential to get travel insurance before visiting China. Besides medical care, you’ll also be provided with coverage for trip cancellation, or stolen luggage. However, make sure to read the terms and conditions of the services before buying it.

E-Card Is The Most Convenient Way To Pay In China

You can also consider the UnionPay Card, which is a global payment solution and more widely accepted than Visa/ Mastercard. Besides, people use WeChat and Alipay apps that help to make payment via phones or scanning QR codes.

However, you may be required to pay with cash in many of the cities. Moreover, Chinese businesses don’t accept money in any other currency except Yuan. So, it is good to carry enough money with you.

Places To Visit In China

China has been a source of admiration and inspiration for many travelers right from the medieval age. There is a huge amount of mystery and fascination attached to the places to see there. Shanghai, Beijing, Guilin, Xi’an are the most commonly recommended destinations to visit.

Some of the famous tourist spots in China are:

• Giant Buddha Statue in Sichuan
• National Forest Park in Zhangjiajie
• Lhasa, Tibet
• West Lake, Hangzhou
• The Great Wall Of China
• Forbidden City, Beijing

Conclusion

These are some of the important things that would prepare you to explore this incredibly rewarding place. So, get ready to dive into the fascinating beauty of the country and spend a memorable time there.