Ask a QuestionAre you planning a trip to China but worrying about the language barrier? Honestly, it’s possible to travel in China without speaking mandarin. The most helpful way is to hold your smartphone tight. Keep reading to know more about how to travel around China without speaking Chinese.
It is really important to prepare VPN before visiting China. Due to the Great Firewall of China, you can’t get access to websites you often use in the US, or any other countries. For example, you can’t use Google Map to search for transportation to your hotel without VPN. You can use Facebook, Google and Twitter only when you use VPN.
As what we told you at the beginning of this guide, your smartphone will help you a lot. You should take advantage of your phone, download some useful apps like Google Translate, or any dictionaries. But you have to make sure your internet is working before you use those apps. Additionally, bring a mandarin phrasebook in case you can’t connect to the internet.
You may find transportation information like ways to get to the hotel when you arrive, check the most convenient way. It’s better to screenshot your hotel name and address, in both English and Chinese. Show the hotel address to the driver if you want to take taxi. Public transportation will be much cheaper, you can search the exact route and write down the bus number or other information you need ahead of time.
Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai
It doesn’t make any sense if you just walk around different sites without knowing the history and culture. Usually there are introduction in English for attractions like the Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors. You can search information for attractions you like before visiting. By the way, you don’t have to worry too much, it’s possible to use audio device in many famous attractions.
Forbidden CIty
Search for some pictures of famous dishes in China and keep them in your mobile phone, you can choose your favorite dishes and show the pictures to the waiter. You can also search for the Chinese name for some regular dishes. If you find it too complicated, just choose from the recommendations on the menu, this is the simplest way to order food in the restaurants. For some dishes, they may have pictures on the menu, just point at what you want to order.
Beijing Roast Duck
Shopping is what you won’t miss in China, no matter which cities in China. How to buy things if you don’t understand Chinese? Use the calculator on your smartphone, you don’t have to say a word. Literally, every shop may have one calculator, you can even bargain with the shop owner.
Even though it’s not a must-do thing before traveling to China, learning some basic Chinese phrases will be really helpful. Chinese is not that hard to learn. You can just remember a few simple sentences for greetings, write down some phrases you might use, or you can bring a Mandarin phrasebook. Read Useful Chinese Phrases for Travelers.
What can you do when your internet isn’t working? Don’t hesitate to ask Chinese people for help, some Chinese people can speak some English, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an. Chinese people are really nice to foreign tourists, ask people if they speak English. Never under-estimate the kindness of Chinese people.
Travelling around China with a local guide will be the easiest way for those who can’t speak or read Chinese. You don’t have to worry about the language barrier at all. Check our tours for your upcoming China tour.
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