Thirteen Tips For Travelling to China as a Clued-Up Tourist

• Cultural Quirks: Learn why locals might be wandering in nightwear or why a "heated" conversation isn't actually an argument.

• Practical Survival: Essential advice on drinking water, internet restrictions, and the "unwritten rules" of public toilets.

• Etiquette Mastery: How to handle queues, master chopsticks, and bridge the language gap with a simple "Ni Hao."

Certain parts of the world remain a mystery to even the most seasoned travellers. While we all love an adventure, it is hard to find a destination more distinct from Western life than China.

When you head there on your next Far East voyage, what should you know? What are the unwritten rules? We’ve rounded up every top tip to help you get the most out of your Chinese adventure.

1. Night Attire in Broad Daylight

Don’t be surprised if you see locals wandering around the shops or streets in the evening wearing their pyjamas. In many towns, this is perfectly acceptable and serves as a charming reminder of the relaxed, community-focused attitude found in certain Chinese provinces.

It isn't uncommon to see people popping to the local convenience store or taking a post-dinner stroll in full nightwear. For many, it represents a sense of "home" within their local neighbourhood, so try not to giggle - just accept it as part of the local charm.

2. Oh, How Times Have Changed

China evolves at a lightning pace. Over the last few decades, parts of the country have become completely unrecognisable as sleepy fishing villages have transformed into sprawling megacities.

If you visited years ago, you might find a completely different country today in terms of local attitudes and the sheer scale of modern development.

The skyline of Shanghai, for instance, changes so rapidly that even the locals sometimes find themselves doing a double-take at the new architectural marvels appearing overnight.

3. Lock it Up

If your itinerary includes internal flights or high-speed rail travel, make sure you have a sturdy lock for your suitcase. While many of us do this anyway, in China it is often a formal requirement for internal security.

It’s a simple step that prevents your bag from being tampered with during transit and ensures you breeze through the various security checkpoints that are common in Chinese transport hubs. Always keep your key or combination handy, as you may be asked to open the bag for inspection.

4. What 'Happy' Really Means

In China, public toilets are often referred to as "the happy room" - so remember this phrase if you’re in a hurry! It sounds much more pleasant than the reality can sometimes be, particularly in more rural areas where "squat" toilets are still the norm.

Top Tip: Always carry your own pocket tissues or toilet paper. Public "happy rooms" rarely provide any as a rule, and you don't want to be caught short in a moment of need. Antibacterial hand gel is also a must-have in your day bag.

5. Background Noise

You may overhear a conversation that sounds incredibly heated or aggressive, but don't panic - it’s likely just the local dialect! Certain tongues, such as the dialect in Xi’an, naturally sound quite forceful and loud to Western ears.

This high-volume, staccato style of speaking is often just a sign of an enthusiastic discussion rather than a genuine row.

Unless their gestures match the tone, they’re probably just discussing what’s for dinner or debating the merits of the local football team.

6. Restrictive Escape

Most of us go on holiday to unplug, but if you’re a social media fan, be aware of the "Great Firewall." Due to local censorship, many Western social media sites and search engines generally won’t work unless you have a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) installed before you arrive.

Without one, you might find yourself unable to post those Great Wall selfies to Instagram or check your Facebook feed. It’s the perfect excuse for a digital detox, so perhaps warn your family that you might be "off the grid" for a few days!

7. The Golden Rule of Health

This might seem obvious, but it’s the one people forget: never drink the local tap water. Even in five-star hotels, the plumbing isn't designed for drinking. Stick strictly to sealed, bottled water for everything, including brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.

Additionally, don't forget the bug spray - especially if you're heading near the Yangtze River or the more humid southern regions where mosquitoes can be particularly persistent.

8. Getting into the Swing of the Crowd

China’s major cities are famously busy, with populations that dwarf most European capitals. Go with the mentality that it will be crowded, especially at major landmarks, and you won’t be dismayed by the hustle and bustle. The "personal space bubble" we enjoy in the UK is significantly smaller in China.

Remember, even the densest cities have stunning, serene parks designed specifically for relaxation; you'll often see groups practising Tai Chi or playing Mahjong in these green oases.

9. Pushing Past the "Brit" Way

As Brits, we are often programmed to stand in a queue and mutter quietly if someone cuts in. In China, where queuing isn't always commonplace and "first come, first served" is taken literally, you need to be firm.

If someone pushes in front, don't be afraid to speak out or firmly move back to your spot with a polite but resolute smile. The locals won't take it personally - it’s just the way the system works in a country with over a billion people!

10. Talking Your Way into it

A little bit of the local language goes a long way and is deeply appreciated by the locals. Even a simple "Ni Hao" (pronounced knee-how) for "hello" or "Xie Xie" (pronounced shieh-shieh) for "thank you" will make the locals beam.

Showing that you’ve made an effort to learn even the basics will often leave them far more inclined to help you with directions or provide that extra bit of service with a smile.

11. Swap it Around!

Don’t immediately reach for the Western cutlery. Have a go with the chopsticks! While it might feel like a struggle at first, your servers will always commend the effort and may even offer some friendly pointers.

You’ll likely find your skills improve much faster than you’d expect, and there’s something far more authentic about eating Dim Sum the way it was intended.

Just remember: never leave your chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of rice, as this is a gesture associated with funerals.

12. The Temperature Mix-Up

Don’t be alarmed if your soda is served lukewarm or your water is steaming hot. Traditional Chinese belief holds that very cold drinks are bad for your internal balance and "Qi." Hot water is seen as a cure-all for many ailments.

If you want a cold one, specifically ask for a drink from the fridge or ask for ice (as long as you’re sure the ice is made from bottled water).

Most modern hotels and tourist restaurants will understand the request for "bing" (ice), but be prepared for room-temperature beverages elsewhere.

13. Accept the Unexpected

Finally, accept that almost everything you thought you knew about China is probably wrong! It is a country of beautiful contradictions, where 5,000 years of history live alongside cutting-edge technology.

Things might not always go exactly to plan, and customs may seem strange at first, but that is the beauty of travel. Just sit back, keep an open mind, and get ready to enjoy a country like no other on Earth.

Planning a trip to the Far East? Our specialist cruise consultants can help you find the perfect itinerary that balances the bustle of Beijing with the peace of the Yangtze.