What I Learned Travelling to China for the First Time

First Time to China

In 2023, I travelled to China for the first time. Over the course of three weeks, I visited seven cities: Beijing, Dalian, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, and Wuhan. I’ll be honest, I was really nervous going into the trip. China isn’t the kind of place you can simply show up to, the way you might with countries like Ireland or Germany. Between the language barrier, unfamiliar payment systems, and the sheer scale of the country, China felt intimidating. But by the end of my trip, I absolutely loved it. Shanghai and Hong Kong quickly became my favourite cities, and the experience as a whole was far more rewarding than I ever expected.

The Bund in Shanghai

Visa Application

One of the most intimidating parts of planning my trip was applying for a Chinese visa. The process involves a lot of paperwork, and unlike many destinations, you’re also required to submit a physical photo taken to specific standards. It must be recent, within the last 6 months, so I couldn’t use my passport photo. I went to Staples to get an updated one. All in, I had to dedicate about a day and a half to gathering documents and getting everything ready. Once I submitted my application, the turnaround was surprisingly fast. My visa arrived in just five days. It’s definitely a process that requires patience and organization, but it’s manageable if you start early.

Hong Kong

Transportation

Getting around China turned out to be much easier than I anticipated. You can get anywhere via transit. It’s cheap, easy and reliable. You can also use Didi, which is essentially China’s version of Uber. This is what I used in some cities, because I had a tight schedule and needed to move from meeting to meeting quickly. Once I set it up on my phone, it was very easy to use. I linked my credit card through Alipay and ordered rides just like I would at home.

The train from Wuhan to Hong Kong

For longer distances, China’s high-speed rail network is incredible. Trains are fast, efficient, and extremely comfortable. One of the most impressive rides I took was from Wuhan to Hong Kong, which only took about five hours. In comparison, a flight would take about 2.5 hours, and driving isn’t possible. On top of being convenient, it’s also fun to experience!

Payment Methods

China is largely a cashless society, and Alipay is essential. I carried a small amount of cash on me, but most stores, restaurants, and services rely on app-based payments, so I mostly used Alipay. Foreign credit cards generally aren’t accepted outside of hotels, so having Alipay set up before you arrive is crucial. When I went, it was pretty much the only payment app that accepted foreign credit cards. Once everything is connected, paying for things becomes easy, but it’s something you’ll want to prepare for in advance.

Hong Kong

Language Barriers

English is not widely spoken in China, especially outside of major international hubs like Shanghai. To get by comfortably, I used the built-in translator app on my iPhone, and it worked perfectly. In fact, I wouldn’t have been able to get by without it. If you don’t speak Mandarin (which I don’t), it’s very difficult to communicate with people. I would speak or type into my app, and it would type out the message in Mandarin, and there was an option to read it out loud, too. It made it so much easier to order food and communicate with drivers and other service staff. You’ll need either Wi-Fi or mobile data to use it, which makes having an eSIM essential. I used Airalo and had no issues staying connected throughout my trip.

Hong Kong Harbour

Communication Apps

If you’re travelling to China, it’s important to know that social media apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook don’t work unless you’re connected to a VPN. I had one, so I was able to use it. However, I primarily used iMessage to communicate with my family back home in Canada.

The primary communication platform in China is WeChat. Everyone uses it – even far more than email – and it’s especially essential if you’re there on business. Even for leisure travel, it’s incredibly useful and something you’ll want to download before arriving. I only used WeChat to communicate with colleagues and other people in China. It has a built-in translator option, so I could send messages in English, and the recipient could read them in Mandarin.

Shenzhen

The Fun Stuff

I tried to pack in as much sightseeing as possible, and some experiences really stood out. Visiting the Great Wall of China was a highlight. I went in late November and was lucky to have a driver who took me to a quieter, less touristy section of the wall. There were barely any other people around, which made the experience feel incredibly special.

Great Wall of China

I also visited the Forbidden City on my own, without a guide. While it was impressive, I do think the experience would have been far more meaningful with someone there to explain the history and significance of what I was seeing. If you’re planning a visit, I’d highly recommend hiring a guide.

The Forbidden City in Beijing

The Bund in Shanghai offered one of the most stunning cityscape views I’ve ever seen. The colours, shapes, and sheer scale of the skyline were completely unmatched.

The Bund in Shanghai

In Hong Kong, I spent an entire Sunday afternoon exploring different neighbourhoods with a friend, which gave me a much more local perspective on the city. My only regret was not having time to take the Peak Tram, but that’s at the top of my list for next time.

Kaboom in Hong Kong

Takeaway

I was extremely nervous about travelling to China alone, and the language barrier was my biggest concern, especially in smaller cities like Wuhan and Dalian. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But I surprised myself. Once I got there, I adapted quickly and ended up loving the experience. It pushed me far outside my comfort zone and became one of the most fulfilling and rewarding trips I’ve ever taken. If you’re on the fence about visiting China for the first time, I can honestly say it’s worth it as long as you prepare ahead of time.