1.Check-In Process

Passport and Visa Documentation

Ensure that your passport and visa are valid. The hotel will check and record your passport information.

Front Desk Registration

Required Documents: Your passport and other international travel documents. As a non-national, you may be asked to fill out a form like this.

Check-In Time

Usually, check-in time is after 2 PM, but it depends on the hotel. For comparison, many overseas hotels may start their check-in at 3 PM or later.

Language Communication

If you don't speak Chinese, it may be helpful to get your translation apps prepared for communication.

Taxes and Fees

Hotels in China usually don't require additional taxes and fees from guests, while hotels in other countries may impose additional taxes and fees.

2.Room Facilities

Chinese hotels usually provide complete bathroom amenities, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and slippers, while hotels in other countries may charge extra for disposable items.

Chinese power outlets may not be compatible with the charger in your country, so you should prepare a charger adapter in advance.

3.Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Important!

Tap water in China is not suitable for drinking! Make sure to purchase and only drink bottled water.

4.Check-Out Process

Remember, Chinese hotels typically require guests to check out before 12 PM. If you stay in past checkout time, the hotel may charge additional fees.

1.Check the policies and services of the hotel on booking websites, such as: English-speaking staff, international cuisine options, and acceptance of foreign credit cards.

2.Check other travelers' comments and ratings of the hotel, and try to seek advice from other travelers who have visited China.

3.Chain hotels may be an easier option for non-Chinese speakers, foreign customs, etc.

4.Hotels listed on Trip.com are aimed at foreign guests.

5.Contact the hotel in advance to confirm if they cater for foreign guests.

6.Inform the hotel beforehand if you have any special requests.

1.Taxis

How to find taxis

In airports and train stations, you can follow signs to taxi waiting areas.

On the street, you can hail vacant taxis by waving.

Inform the driver of your destination

Prepare your destination address in Chinese or Pinyin (Romanization of Mandarin).

Showing pictures of attractions you visit to drivers will help them understand quickly.

You can use translation apps to provide real-time translation.

If possible, learn some simple Chinese to assist you in communicating with the driver.

Payment

Upon arrival, your fare will be displayed on the meter.

Each city has different base rates. Your final price is a combination of this base rate plus distance and time.

Cash payment: Prepare small bills (50 RMB or smaller) in advance as many taxi drivers may not have sufficient change.

Mobile payment: Use WeChat Pay or Alipay for taxi fares.

Tips

Choose a legitimate taxi: taxis parked in the waiting area. Be cautious of unmarked or private vehicles without any official signage or markings.

Make sure the number of taxi meter is 0 before getting in.

Keep the receipt or invoice for future reference or complaints.

You don't need to tip your driver.

2.Car-hailing services

You can use car-hailing services on your Alipay app.

How to find car-hailing services

Open your Alipay app.

Select “Transport”

Tap ”Taxi“ and plan your route

Switch the language to English

Touch the translation pop-up on the screen to automatically translate the text into English.

Hailing a car

Text your destination.

Select your preferred car type and ensure the trip.

Check the car number plate and driver rating.

Wait for the driver to arrive and pick you up.

Pay the fee by Alipay directly when you arrive.

Tips

If you want to use other car-hailing app (like DiDi) in Chinese text, you may need a Chinese phone number to sign up.

Step 1: Book Your Flight

Let’s start by booking your flight to China.

Look for options on trusted websites such as Trip.com.

Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou frequently offer direct flights - and are great choices.

Be sure to check and amend your luggage allowance.

Step 2: Check Visa Needs

Before you go, make sure you choose the right visa.

Do you need a Tourist (L), Business (M), or a different visa?

*Check the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center official website to get all the details.

Step 3: Pack Your Essentials

These some of must-haves you should pack:

Passport

Visa

Comfortable clothes

Chargers

Cards and some cash

Step 4: Taking Flight and Arriving in China

Welcome to China!

Follow signs for immigration, where they’ll check your passport and visa.

Then pick up your luggage and clear customs.

Quick Tips:

Make sure you have translation apps ready.

Download digital wallets, such as Alipay and WeChat pay, for swift transactions.

Learn a few simple Chinese phrases to connect well with the locals.

Budget-friendly tip: fly to Hong Kong and take a high-speed train to reach your final destination, saving you over half the cost of a direct flight to the Chinese mainland.

Remember that foreigners visiting both the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong need to apply for a separate visa for each.

For first-time travelers to China: Keep in mind, traffic on the mainland moves on the right-hand side of the road!

Apple Maps

Good news: iOS users can use Apple Maps directly in China. For non-iOS users, keep reading for other options!

Alipay Maps

Alipay has a “Plan Routine ” feature. Users can check the map through these four easy steps:

1.Transport

2.Plan Routine

3.Enter destination

4.See the map

A Map (Gaode Map)

A great option for people who can speak and understand Chinese.

This map features real-time traffic conditions, route planning, and even important information on public transport!

City Maps

Foreign visitors can benefit greatly from China’s city maps, particularly offline English metro maps.

These maps are handy in China's busiest cities for real-time subway information, offline navigation, and local attraction information .

Buying Tickets

Travelers who like planning and prefer a smoother start to their trip may consider pre-booking their train tickets.

Online Booking

Trip.com and Railway 12306 are well-known ticketing Apps for online train ticket bookings in China. These apps support international payments and are available in English.

1.Download Trip.com, Railway 12306.

2.Select departure and arrival stations, travel dates, and number of passengers.

3.Enter passenger details as they appear on your passport.

4.Proceed to payment.

5.An e-ticket will be issued through the app/email after confirmation. Keep it somewhere safe and accessible!

Booking for a family / friend / someone else:

You may need to book train tickets for families and friends, and you can do this in person at train stations (see below) and also through booking apps such as Trip.com. Here's how!

1.Open the ticket booking app and sign in to your account.

2.Add the passenger’s information, select ‘Passport’ under valid document ID type, and fill in the rest of the details.

3.The screen will show 'Identity Verification Pending' after submission, which is standard procedure in China - tickets may still be purchased as usual.

4.Select the added passengers and proceed with the payment!

Offline Booking

If preferred, you can buy train tickets in person at the train station. Be sure to seek assistance from staff.

Onboarding

Getting Ready

Prepare your valid passports and Travel Permit and arrive at the station 30-60 minutes in advance.

Pre-Departure Checks

Original passports will be scanned at manual check-in instead of paper tickets being checked.

All luggage will go through security screening, so be sure to check your luggage before boarding!

Boarding the Train

1.Check the electronic screen for train status and waiting room location.

2.Proceed to the secondary ticket inspection at the boarding gates.

3.You can now proceed to your carriage and wait for the train to arrive!

Some Helpful Tips

Tickets sell out quickly especially during peak seasons. Book your tickets up to 15 days prior.

Note that trains run on time and it's unusual for disruptions such as strikes or cancellations.

Your train seats are reserved, so don't worry about missing out during peak periods.

Many Chinese cities have multiple departure stations. Make sure to find the route to the correct one!

Passport details should be accurately provided to avoid complications.

Fast-entry tips: Use automated passport scanning at the station for quick entry, and bypass the ticket counter line!

Note: Foreign travelers must bring their original passport used for ticket purchase to the counter for ID verification. A maximum of four tickets can be bought online.

Things to Know Before Your Visit

Google Maps and Google Listings may not be available in China.

Find attractions on local platforms where you can make reservations.

On Trip.com (and other apps), you can book guided tours, including sightseeing and transport.

Popular attractions often have a limited number of tickets, so we recommend booking at least a week in advance.

Pay attention to the opening time of the attractions you want to visit - for example, museums in China are often closed on Mondays.

Certain attractions may require a Chinese ID when booking tickets online. If so, you may need to buy tickets on-site instead.

Book a tour guide if you want a more in-depth understanding of the attraction.

Official accounts (in Chinese) on WeChat

Google Maps and other navigation apps may not be available in China.

Find the "Search" icon on WeChat and enter the Chinese name of the attraction you want to visit.

Click on the official account (check for a certification check mark).

Follow the account and use the function bar to make a reservation.

Choose the desired time and ticket types; complete the payment.

Once your booking is confirmed, take a screenshot of your e-tickets or vouchers and save them.

At the attraction

With reservation in advance:

When entering the attraction, show e-tickets on your phone.

If the attraction requires you to show ID, contact the ticket office with your valid documents like passports.

Without reservation in advance:

Look for the ticket office.

Check the ticket information and available services.

Purchase your tickets. You can usually pay using mobile apps, credit / debit cards, or cash, depending on the specific attraction.

Tips

Please respect local culture and traditions when visiting some of the historic buildings and religious sites.

Step 1: Download a Digital Wallet

Opt for WeChat Pay or Alipay – China’s digital wallet giants.

Download your chosen app from your device’s app store.

WeChat Pay and Alipay both accept Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, Discover, and JCB cards, while American Express only works with WeChat Pay.

Important!

Both WeChat Pay and Alipay support transactions using credit and debit cards.

Step 2: Registration

Sign up using your phone number and follow the app’s verification process. Your data will be secure.

Step 3: Link Your Preferred Payment Method

Link an international credit card to your preferred digital wallet, and you should be good to go!

Step 4: Use QR Codes

Get ready to scan and pay!

Scan QR codes using the app's built-in scanner to make instant payments while shopping, dining, visiting street stalls, or taking public transportation (buses, subways, and even bike rentals).

Quick Tips

Download the app before traveling to get a feel for the app's layout and interface!

Use Wi-Fi when registering to avoid any data charges.

Connect Alipay with Visa, Mastercard etc. for easy digital payments.

While e-wallets are widely used in China, always bring some emergency cash!

For Malaysian travelers, Touch’n Go (TNG) eWallet has partnered with Alipay. It can be accepted by over 10 million merchants in China - however, the payment process may take around 1 minute.

For any questions related with Alipay and WeChat Pay, you may contact the customer service call via WeChat (+86 57195017) and Alipay (+86 57126886000).

1.Where can you get cash (￥RMB) ?

Banks: Travelers can withdraw cash over-the-counter at major banks around the country.

ATMs: Travelers can also withdraw cash directly from ATMs as long as they accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express etc. (the logos will usually be displayed). ATMs are in many large shopping malls and subway stations in China.

Hotels: Some hotels may offer currency exchange services.

Currency exchange counters: These businesses are usually located in major cities, city center areas, airports and large shopping malls, and some tourist spots.

Note：

When traveling in large Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai, travelers are advised to carry at least 1,000 RMB in cash.

Some business may not have bills for making change, in which case WeChat or Alipay may still be required for payment.

Now, China is largely a cashless country!

Although China still accepts cash, more people are using digital payments. Therefore, travelers are highly advised against relying solely on cash payment methods.

Be sure to set up China's popular digital wallets, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay!

2.Everything you need to know about using credit / debit cards in China

China accepts UnionPay cards widely, while Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are less popular.

However any store that displays the relevant logos at its door accepts these major international cards.

Before entering China, we recommend you notify your banks that your cards will be used there. This helps prevent the bank from accidentally blocking the card.

Foreign exchange fees may apply when using cards abroad.

Not everywhere in China accepts card payments. Therefore, we recommend you have backup payment methods ready, such as cash or digital wallets.

1.Activate international roaming using your current SIM card

Recommended for short-term visitors

How:

Check your current network provider about availability and fees.

Activate international roaming before traveling to China.

Pros:

Convenient

Cons:

Expensive

2.Purchase an eSIM card

Recommended for long-term visitors

How:

Select a reliable network provider prior to your trip.

Buy a suitable plan type - aside from network providers, eSIMs may also be purchased from online marketplaces.

Follow the instructions to activate.

Pros:

Convenient and budget-friendly

Cons:

Most eSIMs are data-only and do not support calls or texts.

Additionally, an eSIM-compatible device is required.

3.Purchase a prepaid SIM card before departure

Recommended for long-term visitors

How:

Find the most suitable product at an online marketplace, such as the Prepaid Asia-Pacific SIM card, which works in more than 17 countries, including China.

After delivery, don't forget to take the SIM card with you on the day of your departure!

Pros:

Convenient and budget-friendly

Cons:

Most are data-only and don’t provide Chinese phone numbers.

Making sure it arrives in time for your trip!

4.Rent a portable WiFi device

How:

Rent one online before heading to China

Have it delivered or collect it in China.

Pros:

One device can be shared between multiple users

Cons:

Heavy and expensive

Most can only be picked up in China, so you might not have any data until you get the device.

5.Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival

Recommended for long-term visitors

Three main networks: China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom

How:

Buy one at the airport or from mobile provider stores.

Note that your passport is required for registration.

Pros:

Budget-friendly

Cons:

The original number can’t be used.

Some airports don't sell them - so do your research before flying!

Note that most providers do not have online processing functions, so travelers are usually advised to buy the SIM card offline.

6.Some useful tips

Install a plugin before your visit to ensure access to your favorite apps and websites. Some in China may be blocked.

Most public places in China have WiFi, but many require mobile phone number verification. A foreign mobile phone number may not work. If this happens, ask staff for help.

A Chinese phone number can be helpful for using local services like ride-sharing and delivery apps!

1.Visa for China: Check Visa Requirements (Visa Free Transit & Regular Visa). Check China Visa Application Center / China Online Visa Application official website for more details.

2.Passport: Valid for at least six months and have a minimum of two blank visa pages.

3.Flight Reservation: Book your flights in advance.

4.Hotel Reservation: Some hotels in China are for domestic travelers only, so make sure you've reserved an international traveler hotel.

5.Currency: Carry some local currency (RMB) for urgent expenses.

6.Mobile Apps: Download Alipay & WeChat apps widely used in China for digital payments, communication, and various services.

7.Real-name Authentication: Finish the Alipay App and WeChat APP’s Real-name authentication. Be sure to complete all authentication steps before leaving!

8.Internet Connectivity: Buy a SIM, eSIM Card (Travel SIM Card) or Wi-Fi Device before leaving.

9.Translation Apps: Download a reliable one and converse like a local.

10.Travel Adapter: Bring a travel adapter suitable for Chinese power (220 volts at 50Hz AC in China) outlets.

11.Travel Insurance: Buy good travel insurance coverage.

    China is vast and fascinating with gorgeous sceneries and splendid culture. In the recent years, choosing China as a destination has been a global trend. Are you confused when you’re planning your first trip to China? As Chinese culture is so different from American culture, you’d better know some useful tips for your first trip to China from US, so as to run your trip more smoothly.

1.US citizen need a visa for entering mainland China.

    Obtaining a Chinese visa is the most important thing before you travel to China from the US. You need an entry visa to mainland China, remember to apply for the visa ahead of time. And you’d better bring a photocopy of your passport and visa with you, just in case. Luckily, US citizens can enjoy a visa-free trip in some cities of China, if you hold a visa and connecting flight tickets to the third country.

2.You really need VPN for Facebook and Google.

    Facebook, Google, Twitter, YouTube and many other sites you normally use are all blocked in China, because of the Great Firewall of China. Chinese people have their own Apps for most of popular services. Thus, it’s really important to prepare a VPN before you go to China, so that you could get access to websites you usually use, and also stay in touch with your family or friends in the US.

3.China is not all about Beijing and Shanghai.

    Which cities of China do you know? Even though Beijing and Shanghai are always on the bucket lists, China is not all about Beijing and Shanghai. Pandas in Chengdu, karst landscapes in Guilin, stunning mountain views in Zhangjiajie, colorful minority culture in Yunnan Province, China has so much for you to explore.

For first-timers travelling to China from the US, you can consider those popular tourist cities, such as Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Chengdu. Or you can pick according to types of tour you want to have, in order to have the best experience in China.

4.Do avoid Chinese holidays when choosing your travel date.

    When will be the best time to visit China? For most of cities in China, the best time for sightseeing will be spring and autumn. And how about the worst time? Travelling during Chinese holidays will be really terrible, it’ll be crowded everywhere, and your travel costs will be higher, that’s why we often suggest our customers avoid the first week of May and October, and also Spring Festival. Just decide the exact travel date according to your schedule and cities you want to visit.

5.It’s fine if you can’t speak or read Chinese.

    You can learn some simple Chinese if you have interests, and Chinese people will be delighted when you greet them in Chinese. Knowing mandarin is helpful, but it’s not a necessity, because you could see signs in English everywhere in the major cities. Furthermore, more and more young generations could some speak English in the recent years, it’s ok to ask them for help, Chinese people are super friendly. You can download a translate app in case.

    If you’re worried about ordering food in the restaurants, usually you may see English words or pictures from the menu. If you’ve got menus with only Chinese, ask for the recommendations, or maybe you can search some information about what to order ahead of time. Travelling with a tour guide will be better, with no worries about the language at all.

6.Bargain when you go shopping in the markets.

    Bargaining happens everywhere in China, you can bargain in most of markets, if you’re buying silk products, jade or pearl. Sometimes the shopper may start at a price higher than the real value, you may bargain for a better price, if can’t get a negotiable price in the end, just walk to the other shop, as you could find plenty of choices in the market or along the shopping streets. It’ll be an interesting experience to bargain for what you like. But if you don’t care about the price, just buy it at once.

7.No tipping in restaurants and taxis.

   Tipping is a common and important thing in the US, usually for the restaurants, taxis, hotels and so on. Americans give tips according to the quality of service, while Chinese custom is totally different from what in the US, there is no need to tip in China because tipping culture is never existed in China. But if you’re travelling with a tour guide, it’s necessary to tip your guide.

8.Always prepare your own tissues or toilet paper.

    Some restaurants supply tissues for their customers, but for some others, you may need to pay for it, it’s better to bring tissues with you all the time. And you should know that you can hardly find toilet paper in public toilet, you need to prepare some dry tissues or wet wipes. What’s more, be prepared to use squat potties when you’re in China, it might be a challenge for American people. Also, bring hand sanitizer if necessary.

9.Tap water is not drinkable in China.

    It’s common for Americans to drink water from the tap, no matter at home, in the buildings or at parks. However, tap water in China is not drinkable anywhere, Chinese people drink it only when the water is boiled. You can drink bottled water from your hotel or buy from the stores, very cheap and convenient. Meanwhile, you can also get your own water bottle and refill with hot water.

10.China is safe to travel from the United States.

    Safety issue must be your biggest concern while travelling to another country from the US, especially if you have read some news about food safety, air pollution or anything else happened in China. Actually, you don’t have to worry too much about it, China is one of the safest countries in the world. It’s quite safe to travel to China from the US, no matter in the day time or at night. Our suggestion is to keep an eye on your personal belongings all the time.

11.Get used to the staring and smile.

    As more and more visitors coming to China for a visit from other countries, it’s common to meet foreign friends in some big cities of China. However, most of Chinese people are always curious about those different faces, especially when you’re travelling with your cute children. On the other hand, Chinese people are openly stare at other Chinese people too.

    As a result, you may find some people staring at you or taking pictures without asking, please don’t think it a rude way, just get used to the staring and smile back to them. When someone asks for a picture with you, you could refuse if you feel unease.

    Are you first timers to China? You may find it difficult to plan a trip to China on your own, because China is so different from any other countries. Even though this may not be your first time to visit the other country, it’s important to plan your trip in advance. How to easily plan your first trip to China? Follow the 8 easy steps to start your planning.

1.Decide When to Visit China

    With all kinds of beautiful sceneries, China always has something for you, no matter which season you come to visit. Obviously, you should follow your own schedule, like exact dates for your vacation, available time and also consider the best time to visit China. What’s more, the price of the flights will also be an important factor when you decide when to visit China.

    You’d better visit China during spring and autumn, normally from March to May, and September to October. However, it also depends on places you want to visit, as China is so vast, especially if you want to enjoy a scenic tour. You don’t have to worry too much if you want to visit historical sites in major cities.

    Remember to avoid dates below, because of the crowds and higher costs. If you really have to travel during these dates, try to pick some less popular places to visit.

Labor Day: May 1-3

National Holiday: October 1-7

Spring Festival: late January to early February

2.Choose Cities You Want to Travel in China

    It’s hard to travel all over China, but it’s possible to take a glimpse of how the real China is during your first trip to China, among popular tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an. The final itinerary depends on your purpose for this tour, in another word, the type of tour you want to have, scenic or cultural. Here are some good options you could choose, from different variety of tour you’re interested.

Classic China Tour: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, Hong Kong

Scenic Tour: Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Mt. Huangshan, Jiuzhaigou, Lijiang, Shangri-la, Kanas

Cultural Tour: Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Luoyang, Dengfeng, Tibet

Minority Tour: Guiyang, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la, Urumqi, Tibet

Hiking Tour: Beijing, Guilin, Lijiang, Shangri-la, Daocheng Yading

3.Join a Tour or Travel by Yourself?

    Visitors who travel to China for the first time should consider this question carefully. Since the language barrier may be your biggest concern, joining a tour is highly recommended, no matter for group tour or private tour. After you’re sure about your travel date and cities, choosing a tour will save a lot of your time, because our professional travel consultant will do the planning for you. Also, you don’t have to worry too much during your trip in China, because our experienced local guide will help you.

     Here comes another question accordingly. Group tour or private tour?

    Group tour will be cheaper than private tour, but for a private tour, you can have a more flexible schedule and pick your favorite places to visit, without waiting for other people. Additionally, the local guide can arrange more local activities for you to explore Chinese history and culture, such as visiting local family, cooking and making handcrafts.

4.Plan Your Travel Length

    Usually people don’t want to visit one city only after the long journey. According to the feedback from our customers, most people like to stay for at least one week. If you want to deeply explore the real China, you may need more days. How many days to spend for first timers? In general, there are 4 decisive factors:

    Your budget for this China tour. Consider how much money you want to spend on this tour, so that you can estimate how many days you can afford to stay.

    Price for your round-trip air tickets. Check air tickets ahead of time, sometimes you may choose a cheaper price around your departure date. For example, If you plan to spend 6 days in China, but you find the price is cheaper after one or two days, you can think about 8 days for this China tour.

    Cities you really don’t want to miss. As you may need 2-3 days for each city, you really need to pick top cities you really don’t want to miss for this time. For example, you may need 5-6 days for 2 cities, 7-8 days for 3 cities.

    Available days you have. Based on your vacation or available days you have, plan your exact travel length.

5.Prepare for You China Visa

    Search information for China visa in advance and prepare all the required documents, it’s better to apply for it a couple of days before your travel date. Or you can save your time and money for a visa-free trip in China. For US citizens and citizens from many other countries, you can have a 72-hour visa-free transit, or 144-hour visa-free transit in some cities of China.

6.Book Your Flights and Accommodation

   Book your flights in advance so that the price won’t be too expensive. For accommodation, price will be different from cities you want to visit, areas you want to stay and also room types. If you choose central area, it will be expensive.

There are all sorts of accommodations you could pick in one city, including star-rated hotels, youth hostels and boutique hotels. You can decide where to stay according to your budget and location you prefer. For example, some tourists would like to experience night life in major cities, downtown area will be an ideal choice.

7.Know about Local Transportation

    How to travel around China? When you research for the local transportation in China before your trip, you may find high-speed train is probably the best way for you, fast and convenient. Traveling by air is also a good way, but you’d better compare the price. For inner city transportation, metro is available to take in major cities, you can consider bus and taxi as well. For a more comfortable trip, we recommend a private car.

8.Pack Your Things

    Don’t pack unnecessary stuff. You can make a packing list for all the things you might need, and leave some space because you definitely will buy something during your China trip. What’s more, check the weather first when packing your clothes, and do remember to bring some medicine for emergency use.

    Is China safe to travel with kids from the US? You don’t have to worry too much about safety issues in China, since China is one of the safest countries in the world. Meanwhile, as a kids-friendly destination, both you and your kids will love the experience in China. You can read the 9 tips for traveling to China with kids from the US, in order to enjoy your China family tour more successfully.

1.Pack only Essentials.

    Don’t overpack, only pack things you really need, because it’s convenient to buy essentials you need in most cities of China. It’s necessary to leave some space for souvenirs, as kids always love gifts. We suggest you make a list before packing, so that you won’t miss anything. Additionally, you’d better prepare enough clothes for your trip, and also pack a medical kit in case. Small toys, books and electronic devices are great to get your kids occupied on the plane.

2.Choose Hotels with Family Rooms.

    In order to have a good sleep, it’s important to choose a family-friendly hotel during your family tour in China. Most 4-star and 5-star hotels are suitable for families with kids, which are equipped with swimming pools and indoor playground. What’s more, some hotels even provide services for kid’s meal and kid’s club, which will be great for your staying. As the rating system of hotels is different from the United States, the price won’t be expensive.

3.Pick Kids-friendly Destinations.

    A family tour with kids should be educational and interesting. As a kids-friendly country, there are so many worth-visiting cities in China, which are quite suitable for your family trip in China. Regardless of marvelous natural sceneries in China, there are plenty of fun activities for your kids to have fun and learn something about Chinese history and culture at the same time.

    How to wisely pick ideal places to visit in China? Honestly, it depends on your purpose of this family tour. For example, if you want your kids to learn more about Chinese culture, you can put Beijing and Xi’an on the top of your list. Don’t miss Chengdu if your kids love pandas very much.

4.Visit Less Attractions.

    If you’re traveling with little kids, you should plan less attractions to visit, and stay in one attraction for a longer time, so that your kids will enjoy the trip, rather than getting too exhausted. For choosing attractions, you can consider some parks and museums. Instead of setting strict schedules for your kids, it’s more important to leave some spare time for adjustment.

5.Plan more Interesting Things to Do.

    The best way to enjoy the entire journey with kids is to get everyone entertained. Luckily, China offers a lot of fun things for each of you to have fun, both adults and children will have great memories.

6.Slow down Your Pace.

     Take it slow when you visit China with your kids. The key of a family tour is to enjoy the time with your kids, not crossing off all the attractions on the list. You can totally slow down your pace according to the ages of your kids, and plan some time for breaks and snacks.

7.Always Prepare Snacks for Your Kids.

    Kids may easily get hungry before the meal time, so it really matters whether you have snacks and drinks in your bag or not. You can pack some snacks which your kids really love, because you may not find the same items as what you can find in the US. But you have plenty of options in some big supermarkets, such as Walmart and Carrefour.

8.Explain the Trip to Your Kids.

    Why do you have to explain this trip to your kids? If this is the first time for your kids to travel to another country, it’s really necessary to introduce this trip to them ahead of time, so that they will know what’s exactly going on during the trip, such as places they will visit, what they will encounter in different situation and so on. Most importantly, as you’re traveling to China, you should let your kids know that they might catch a lot of attention from local people, because Chinese people think they’re really adorable. And ask for their own opinions when someone asks for a selfie with your children.

9.Always Keep an Eye on Your Kids.

    Once you arrive at the airport in any entry city of China, crowds will be inevitable. You should always know where your children are, in order to avoid panic moments. You can hold their hands when you cross the streets, in the stations and parks. Some parents would like to try the GPS trackers, to make sure their kids won’t run too far away from them.