Travelling in China is like no other. It’s also something everyone should do at least once. As I travelled around China I kept a list of things that made travelling in this country different. In no particular order here are the truths I learned whilst travelling in China.
They Don’t Use Headphones
Despite the large number of tech shops and tech stalls at the market places, people in China aren’t fans of headphones. Music is usually played straight from a phone or through a speaker. No exceptions are made for public environments, like the peak of the mountain or a subway station.
It Can Be Veggie Friendly
Despite my initial concerns and some translation issues, I didn’t struggle too much to eat vegetarian whilst travelling in China. My advice would be to have a reliable translated copy of the word vegetarian before you go. Show it before ordering anything at a restaurant.
Here’s what my friend translated for me and it worked: 我吃素
Hikes = Stairs
After doing multiple hikes in various parts of China, I can conclude that most hikes in China mean climbing a lot of stairs. Stairs are usually built into the mountainside and hikes can be claiming from the beginning to the very peak. This makes it a very different experience, particularly in busy places where a lot of queueing will be required.
If It’s Worth Seeing, It Will Be Busy
Regardless of off-peak on peak, weekends or holidays, China is always busy. If somewhere is popular enough to make it to a guidebook, expect crowds, regardless of the day of the year. I went to an unheard-of mountain range expecting peace and quiet, but didn’t consider the fact that just because it’s unknown to us in the West, doesn’t mean it’s unknown.
You Become the Attraction
I found it challenging when travelling in China to find private space where I wasn’t an attraction. I don’t mean this in a big headed way. Particularly out of the main cities, as a blonde, white woman I drew a lot of attention. It was all well intended and I never felt unsafe, but as an introvert I didn’t feel comfortable being approached to have my picture taken everywhere I went.
It’s Affordable Luxury
I wrote a whole blog dedicated to destinations that offer affordable luxury, and China made the list. I was able to stay in much nicer hotels that I would have afforded if I had stayed in more popular western travel destinations. The absolute highlight was my hotel in Wuyi Shan where I booked a suite with an outdoor bathtub for £53.
Use A VPN
Staying connected while travelling in China offer some unique challenges. Download a VPN before you go to ensure you can connect to the Internet in the country. There are a lot of firewalls and restrictions set by the Chinese government. This makes accessing sites like Facebook and Instagram challenging without one. Wi-Fi was easy to come by even in remote areas, so if you’re set up with a VPN you should have no problem keeping those at home jealous of your adventures.
It’s Possible To Find Peace
Contrary to my points above about crowds, it is possible to find peace in China. Seek out lesser advertised locations and walk in the opposite direction from the crowds when you see them. For me the most success was heading to parks that on the map but hadn’t read about in the guidebooks.
Expect Loud Eating
The culture in China is very different when it comes to eating, expect to hear a lot more. It’s also common to spit in the street , which can be alarming at first but you get used to it. Spitting isn’t limited to outdoor spaces so expect someone on the train to pass by every so often with a mop.
It’s Safe For Solo Travelers
Despite being far from home I never felt on safe. Travelling solo in China. Yes the culture is different but I felt comfortable wondering around and exploring it. I can speak to everyone and everywhere in China, so please always take precautions but on the whole I felt safe during all of my trips there.
Driving Felt Calmer
I say this comparatively to the rest of Asia. When travelling in Vietnam and Thailand I was always terrified to get in taxis because of the erratic driving. But in China things feel more regulated and driving feel safer.
Public Transport Is Reliable
The public transportation systems everywhere I went in China were incredibly reliable, felt safe and were clean. The Hong Kong and Shanghai metros are insanely efficient, to the point that you know the arrival time of the next train to the second in accuracy. Buying a Metro ticket is easy once you are familiar with the maps and the system works like clockwork.
Sensory Overload
As someone who thrives off quiet spaces China can be overwhelming. It’s hard to find peace away from billboards, crowds of people, the smell of food or a street cleaner passing you playing it’s a small world after all (true story). Particularly when arriving in Shanghai, I felt overwhelmed by the lights sounds and smells of the big city. I could only describe it as Vegas on steroids.
Carry Your Passport
I learnt this the hard way after trying to buy a train ticket without my passport. I only wanted to take a day trip to a town one hour away, but it’s not possible in China to buy any form of train ticket without your passport. You must also carry it for checking into hotels and various other points throughout the trip. Whilst usually I would lock my passport up for safekeeping until it was departure day, China is an exception. Be sure to take your passport with you, just keep it safe!
Chaps On Babies
There is a sentence you never thought you’d see. I guess after I saw of you I got used to it and to be honest it makes sense. I’m not sure if nappies are in short supply or it’s just easier, but putting chaps on your baby really makes the potty training process easier. When out in a public place expect to see more than one baby butt!
Photo Shoot Galore
It wouldn’t be a blog about travelling in China without a shout out to the 1 million photo shoots that happen in public spaces per day. (I estimated this figure but I’m pretty sure I’m close.) You can’t go to a park, monument, or to be honest even a wide street without seeing an entourage of photographers, suitcases and an engaged couple. Taking wedding pictures ahead of the big day is tradition in China. And it would seem that every couple tries to outdo the one before with how extravagant they can make their photo shoot.
And there you have it a selection of observations and facts that I collected was travelling in China. To be honest I have been home for a few months now and had forgotten a few of the notes I left myself. It’s fun to re-read them and reminisce on the crazy, life changing and one-of-a-kind adventure that is travelling in China.
