Traveling to China for the first time is an exciting adventure. From ancient towns to breathtaking natural landscapes we don't see in Singapore, China offers a unique mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and rapid modernization. For first-time visitors, however, navigating local customs, language barriers, and others, can sometimes feel overwhelming.
This guide will help you know what to expect, the key dos and don’ts to avoid awkward situations, and what to pack so you’re fully prepared for your trip.
What to Expect in China as a First-Time Traveler
1. Culture Shock Is Real
China is vast, diverse, and culturally rich. Don’t expect it to be like Singapore Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc. Each city has its own dialect, cuisine, and pace of life. You’ll encounter crowded streets, loud conversations, and very different norms compared to Singapore or other parts of Asia. Also, I didn’t realize how different people in each part of China can look and sound. When we met someone (Didi's driver) from Xinjiang in Shanghai, at first glance we actually thought he was mixed or Eurasian—but he spoke perfect Chinese. Total culture shock!
2. Language Barriers
English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist areas, so apps like Google Translate or Baidu Translate can be real lifesavers. It’s also helpful to carry addresses written in Chinese characters when taking a taxi.
That said, even if you understand Singaporean Chinese, some words or expressions in China can be slightly different. For example, in Singapore, “potato” is usually 马铃薯 (mǎ líng shǔ) in Chinese/Mandarin but it's 土豆 (tǔ dòu) in China. I learnt the hard way that “spoon” is 勺子 (sháo zi). I kept saying 汤匙 (tāng chí), and the restaurant staff just didn’t understand what I meant—haha!
3. Internet Restrictions
Many popular apps and websites (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) are blocked in China due to the “Great Firewall.” Installing a VPN is one common solution, but it’s not the only way.
Personally, I had a hard time figuring it out—I was worried about disconnecting from everyone I’m connected with! After reading through lots of reviews and tips from other travelers, and different way, I got a way I preferred. I found an alternative: buying a SIM card in Singapore and bringing it with you to China.
I’m not sure if this works with every telco, but mine was from ICC (you can purchase from Shopee), it allowed me to access almost everything and network was very stable. If you buy a SIM card in China, there’s a higher risk it could be blocked by the firewall. Interestingly, I could access almost all my usual apps, except TikTok app was strangely blocked.
This approach gave me peace of mind and allowed me to stay connected throughout my trip. I don't even have to connect to Hotel's wifi.
4. Cashless Society
China is largely a cashless society, with payments dominated by WeChat Pay and Alipay. I hardly saw anyone using credit cards—but impressively, even street stalls accept WeChat and Alipay. Some stalls are self-service, and it’s amazing how everyone pays honestly when taking something. The level of trust and safety really impressed me.
Foreigners can now link international cards to Alipay and WeChat Pay, so it’s a good idea to set up both before your trip—play it safe, don’t rely on just one. My WeChat didn’t always work, and some places only accept WeChat Pay. It’s also wise to carry some physical cash as a backup. Most tourist spots still accept cash, but sometimes they don’t have enough change, so having small bills on hand is helpful.
5. Toilets & Hygiene
One of the first thing, I think any travelers would notice is the public toilet situation. Toilet paper or tissues is a must-bring, as most public toilets don’t provide it. Bring a mask or perfume too—some toilets can have a very strong, unpleasant smell. The legendary “half-door” squat toilets are real, and the awkwardness is part of the experience!
If you’re sensitive or particular about cleanliness, be sure to bring hand sanitizer too. Some toilets don’t even have running water or soap for washing hands, which can feel shocking if you’re used to countries where every restroom has automated taps and soap dispensers
6. Smoking & Spitting Culture
Almost everyone in the culture smokes or spits in public. If you’re sensitive, be prepared—you really can’t avoid it. Carry tissues, hand sanitizer, or a mask if you prefer.
7. Food & Spice
Even if you ask, most restaurant owners can make a “non-spicy” dish version for you if you don't kinda eat spicy, but it often still contains chili and might taste slightly spicy to anyone not used to heat.
8. Tourism Shopping Tips
Be careful when buying weight-based items in tourist areas. Shop assistants might exaggerate weights or portions to increase your bill. Always double-check and measure if possible—don’t let them “scope” for you.
9. High-Altitude Travel: Avoid Fake Oxygen Tanks
Be cautious of fake items. If it’s something trivial, buying a fake might be okay—but for life-or-death situations, it’s better to play safe. Before we went to Shangri-La, we’d heard many horror stories about people struggling with breathing or high-altitude sickness. Even though we had prepared high-altitude medicine beforehand, we were still skeptical since it was our first high-altitude trip.
When we considered buying oxygen tanks as a backup, our local driver warned us that some stalls in tourist areas sell cheap but fake oxygen tanks. The real ones can only be purchased at specialty shops. The fake tanks are about four times cheaper, but if they don’t work at high altitude, it could be life-threatening. We decided to follow the driver’s advice and bought four genuine tanks. Luckily, none of us suffered from high-altitude sickness, but I tested one out—it sprays a lot!
For trips up to around 2,000–3,000 meters, you don’t really need that many tanks. I used one tank almost every hour for three days and still didn’t finish it. At higher altitudes, like Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain, usage is more intensive—you might need one or two tank for the trip. In the end, we gave the rest of the tanks away.
10. Crowds and Queue Chaos
Dos and Don’ts in China
✅ Dos
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Always carry your passport with you. Hotels, train stations, and even some tourist attractions require ID checks, and you’ll often need it when buying tickets for attractions
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Do download China App maps. Either Baidu Maps, or A Map App. Google Maps doesn’t work; you might be even more lost looking at Google Maps even it works there.
Do bring your iPhone, if you have an iPhone, bring it along—tourist areas often have photographers you can hire on the spot. They might take photos for about 10 minutes, edit them in another 10, and transfer the files to you via AirDrop instantly. Without an iPhone, the process can be a lot more complicated.
Do carry hand sanitizer and both dry and wet tissues. Some public toilets don’t even have running water, let alone soap, so being prepared is essential.
❌ Don’ts
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Don't bring a power bank unless it has a CCC certification.
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Don’t leave chopsticks upright in the bowl. It resembles a funeral ritual.
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Don’t expect strict personal space. Crowds, pushing in queues, and loud public conversations are common.
Essential Packing List for China
Here’s what you should bring to make your trip smoother:
Travel Documents
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Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
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China visa (if required for certain nationality - Singaporean can stay up to 30 days without Visa)
Tech & Connectivity
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Portable Wi-Fi device or SIM card
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Universal power adapter (China uses Type A, C, and I plugs)
Health & Comfort
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Bring any medications you need, as pharmacies in China are mostly labeled in Chinese and tend to focus on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
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Hand sanitizer and tissues (many public toilets don’t provide toilet paper)
Clothing & Accessories
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Comfortable walking shoes (most places needs to walk far distance
Final Tips for First-Time Visitors
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Plan your itinerary carefully—China is huge, and domestic flights or high-speed trains may be needed.
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Download WeChat before you go—it’s not just for payments. Locals and service providers, like hotel staff or drivers, often use WeChat to communicate, so it’s essential for staying connected.
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Be flexible and patient. Things may not go exactly as planned, but that’s part of the adventure!