Can you visit China without a guide?

You definitely need to read this guide about China! Many people believe it’s impossible, or at least incredibly difficult, to travel in China independently. However, while there are certainly some challenges for independent travellers, these can be overcome. It just takes a bit of planning, flexibility, and patience.

How can I travel to China without speaking Chinese?

The No Nonsense Guide to Traveling in China Without Speaking…

1. Book an International Hotel/Hostelling International.
2. Make sure you know the Chinese name of your hotel.
3. Study a little bit of Chinese culture.
4. Research your destinations ahead of time.
5. Ask your hotel for a business card.

How can I travel around China cheaply?

Travel by trains Getting a train is the cheapest transport option in China. You can get standing ticket, hard seat, soft seat or hard sleeper ticket. The standing and sitting tickets cost nearly nothing but they are the least comfortable.

Is it easy to travel around China?

However, getting around such a large, crowded country requires planning, patience and stamina. China is also not the easiest country in which to travel independently: families and older travellers might prefer to book a tour with one of the agents.

Is English spoken in Beijing?

Overall, there are many Chinese people who speak very good English, although some are a bit shy in actually using their language skills. Naturally, you find more English being spoken in areas of Beijing that see many foreigners, such as the typical expat areas in Chaoyang and places geared towards foreigners.

Does Chengdu speak English?

If you don’t speak Mandarin you can still enjoy life in Chengdu, but you will encounter occasional challenges. That being the case the staff at Chengdu’s several Western bars, restaurants and coffee houses generally speak English.

How much should I budget for a trip to China?

How much money will you need for your trip to China? You should plan to spend around ¥459 ($71) per day on your vacation in China, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, ¥132 ($20) on meals for one day and ¥92 ($14) on local transportation.

What is the best time to visit Chengdu?

The best periods to visit Chengdu are from March to June and from September to November. March to June is a pleasant time to visit with refreshing spring colors around you.

Is it easy to travel alone in China?

Travel and tourism isn’t as easy to arrange or enjoy in China as in the West. Traveling independently in China, whether alone, with your family, or as a group, is usually a big adventure, and a lot of work, if not a nightmare of hassles.

Where is it difficult to travel in China?

Most notably is Tibet, which requires booking with a Chinese travel agent in order to obtain a Tibet Entry Permit. Other places give priority booking to Chinese travel agents, making it difficult, or almost impossible, for independent travelers to gain access. A recent example, receiving much hype this year [2016], is the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge.

Do you have to speak Chinese to travel to China?

In short, you can rest assured that a trip to China does not require you to speak Chinese. It is possible to get around China sometimes using only English and most certainly using voice translation apps on your phone or Mandarin phrasebooks. I encourage you to take some time to learn as much as you can before you leave, though.

How to prepare for a trip to China?

1. Spend as much time as possible preparing yourself for what to expect to avoid tourist traps, China holiday wreckers, and culture shock stress. 2. Learn as much useful Chinese as possible before going, and keep learning (with a Chinese language app) in China. 3.