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11 Things Not to Do in China

With all varieties of landforms, countless historical sites and profound culture, China always has something for you. There are a bunch of fun things you can do in China. But do you know about what you should not do in China? Visiting China for the first time may be a challenge for some of you, as Chinese culture and custom are totally different from your country. Read this guide to know 11 things not to do in China, and start your adventure with no worries.


 

1.Don’t talk about sensitive issues.

Do not talk about sensitive issues about religions or politics in China. Chinese people don’t feel so comfortable to talk about those sensitive topics with foreign friends, any conversation about those topics will end up with awkwardness for each person involved. Because people see things from different perspectives, not to mention the education system you have are totally not the same.

Potala Palace
Potala Palace in Lhasa


 

2.Don’t ignore local custom and minority culture.

There are all together 34 provincial administrative regions in China, and each region has its distinctive local culture and custom. It’s really important to respect the local customs and traditions no matter which region you travel to, especially in places with ethnic minorities. Meanwhile, don’t forget to follow the directions when you visit temples for Buddhism and Taoism. You’ll know the local custom and minority culture better if you travel with a local guide.

Jidao Long Skirt Miao Village
Jidao Long Skirt Miao Village in Guizhou


 

3.Don’t expect too much for personal space.

We all know that people from the US and some other western countries care about personal bubble very badly, unfortunately, you have to be more open-minded when you are in China. As China has a large population, you may meet a lot of people around each attraction you visit, so, don’t feel nervous or personally offended among the crowds. Choose low season for a visit if you feel unease.

Chenghuang Temple Food Street
Chenghuang Temple Food Street in Shanghai

 

4.Don’t forget to bring your own tissues.

You may think it ridiculous to give you such a tip for your upcoming China tour. To be honest, it’s a really important China travel tip, don’t go out unless you bring your own tissues. Some restaurants don’t provide free tissues on the table, you have to pay for the little pack of tissues. What’s more, you won’t always find toilet paper in the restrooms. Relax, it’s convenient to buy tissues in the stores and supermarkets.
 



 

5.Don’t depend on your credit card.

Don’t depend on your credit card, because you may not be able to use it in China, Chinese restaurants and shops rarely accept foreign credit cards. The simplest way is to use cash, remember to change your currency ahead of time, even though you could change at the airport. Nowadays, Chinese people use mobile payments more frequently than cash, usually are We Chat Pay and Alipay.
 

Mobile Payment
Payment in China

 

6.Don’t visit China without VPN.

During a trip to China, you definitely want to share some interesting things or the gorgeous sceneries with your family and friends, and this will be a really important thing you should not miss. Don’t travel to China without VPN, you will be blocked the access to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or Google because of the Great Firewall of China.


 

7.Don’t buy things in the market without bargaining.

Always keep this tip for what you should not do in China, it will help you save a couple of dollars. However, don’t apply this rule to big shopping malls, it only works in the small stores selling boutiques, silk products or something else. Don’t accept the initial price immediately, bargaining is really common in China, and it’s really interesting. Don’t be afraid to bargain with the shop owners, you may find the same item in the next store if you are not satisfied with the price they give.

Jinli Old Street
Jinli Old Street in Chengdu


 

8.Don’t leave tips.

Tipping culture is never existed in China. Chinese people don’t expect tip at all, no matter in the restaurants, hotels or for taxi service, they may return the money back to you. It’s really different from what you always do in the United States, and also some other western countries. However, if you have your China tour with guides, it’s necessary to tip your guides and drivers.


 

9.Don’t be afraid to ask Chinese people for help.

You may be really worried about the language barrier, since Chinese characters are impossible to read if you’ve never learned before. Language won’t be a problem, as you can download your own translate App. Don’t refuse to learn some basic Chinese. If you travel to China alone, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you’re in trouble, Chinese people are really nice to foreign visitors. You don’t have to worry too much if you travel with a local guide, let us help you if you need.
 

Beijing Hutong
Beijing Hutong


 

10.Don’t drink tap water in China.

Don’t expect to find water fountains in China. Unlike any cities in the United States, tap water in China is not drinkable. Chinese people drink boiled water and tea, we guess you’ve heard about the culture of drinking hot water in China. You can drink water provided in the hotel, or buy bottled water in the stores, it’s convenient and cheap. As you’re in China, you can try milk tea, fruit tea and other drinks in some popular shops, you will love it.

 

11.Don’t stay away from the street food.

One can barely say no to the irresistible charm of Chinese food. All varieties of flavors, numbers of dishes and carefully selected ingredients, there must always be one dish attracts you to have a taste. Except for what you can have in the restaurants, it’s time to explore the culture of street food. Local snacks along the food street are really delicious, don’t worry about food safety, all the food will be well cooked, just don’t eat too much.

Muslim Street
Muslim Street in Xi'an


 

Don’t stress out, join Top China Travel!

Don’t stress yourself out for your China tour plan, our professional travel consultants could help you with all the arrangements. All you have to do is to enjoy your trip in China, without worrying what you should and should not do in China. See some sample tours if you have no ideas.

 


 

Look forward to some unusual things to do in China? Feel free to contact us for more fun things you can do. You can create your personal China tour according to your interests.