China Travel Guide

Is China Difficult to Travel To? Challenges and Solutions

Traveling in China comes with challenges you may not encounter elsewhere. With a little preparation, most are easy to manage.

By @mesapara1. I traveled through China in April 2026 and created this article and guide to share what I learned planning the trip independently.

China works differently from many other destinations. Things you might take for granted elsewhere—paying for coffee, opening Google Maps or sending a WhatsApp message—take a little preparation here. Knowing what to expect makes the trip much easier.

After two weeks traveling solo through China, I found four challenges that really mattered. The good news is that most of them have a solution.

Planning a trip to China? My guide brings together all the practical information I wish I had before I went. Explore the guide →

1. Your Usual Apps Don't Work (and You Need to Prepare Before You Go)

This is the biggest issue, and the one many travelers only discover when they arrive.

China has an internet filtering system known as the Great Firewall. Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, X and TikTok are among the services that are blocked. They don't just run slowly: they may not open at all on ordinary Chinese Wi-Fi or mobile data.

There are ways around this: a VPN or an international eSIM that provides access to blocked services. The catch is that VPN websites and app downloads can also be restricted once you are in China. Install and test everything before leaving home. It is much easier than trying to fix it after landing.

In this article about internet access in China I explain what to install and how the different connection options work.

2. You Can't Rely on Your Usual Bank Card

Many shops in China don't accept international Visa or Mastercard cards directly. Even tiny street-food stalls often take payment through a QR code.

Most mobile payments use two Chinese apps, Alipay y WeChat, which can be linked to an international bank card. Once set up, they work well, but getting started can be confusing. Some features are designed for local users, translations can be patchy, and the menus aren't always intuitive. Without guidance, you may end up figuring things out by trial and error.

I explain what each app does and when to use it in my complete list of essential apps for China. For screenshot-by-screenshot setup instructions, see the full guide →.

3. The Language Barrier Is Real (but It's Not the Only Challenge)

Of these four challenges, this is the one that never completely disappears. You simply learn how to work around it.

Don't count on being able to communicate in English everywhere. Some people speak a little, but having a full conversation can be difficult. Many signs and menus are in Chinese only.

The first time I went out to eat, I was tired, soaked from the rain and very hungry. I walked into a restaurant, sat down and waited for a server.

That wasn't how it worked.

I was supposed to order and pay before sitting down. I couldn't tell whether I needed to collect my food or wait for it at the table. When I finally sat down, someone else joined me because the tables were shared.

That was when I realized the challenge wasn't just the language. Everyday routines worked differently from what I was used to. I didn't know how to order, pay, where to wait or what I was expected to do. When you don't speak the language either, even small tasks take much longer.

With a reliable translation app, patience and a little preparation, the language barrier becomes manageable. Getting used to unfamiliar everyday routines is what makes the first few days challenging. That's why in the guide → I cover not only which apps to install, but also the everyday situations nobody explains until you experience them yourself.

4. Travel Information Is Scattered (and Often Outdated)

A surprising amount of online advice is already outdated. Travel in China has changed considerably in recent years, including visa-free entry, new ways to link foreign cards and train booking rules. Articles may also be written for travelers with different passports or contradict one another. You end up with twenty tabs open and more questions than when you started.

After figuring all of this out myself, I put together the guide I wish I'd had → before traveling. It brings the whole process together: what to install, how to set up payments, how to book trains and a two-week itinerary I tested myself.

What You Don't Need to Worry About

Safety. China was one of the places where I felt safest traveling solo.

Transportation. The high-speed rail network is extensive, punctual and comfortable.

Prices. You can eat very well on a budget, and many hotels offer excellent value.

The chaos. Some travelers expect disorganized or underdeveloped cities, but the reality is quite different. Major cities are modern, clean and have impressive infrastructure. Crowds and unfamiliar customs can feel overwhelming, but that is not the same as things being poorly run.

The China Travel Guide

Get All of This Sorted Before You Go—and More

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