FAQ
Season · Days · Payment · Internet Access · Reservation
Q&A on China's Mountains and Rivers: Direct answers to frequently asked questions about seasons, number of days, payment, internet access, altitude sickness, ticket reservations, language, and safety.
How is dining handled on the high-speed train?
There are three ways to eat on Chinese high-speed trains: 1. Onboard dining cars and boxed meals — There are dining bars near cars 15 or 9, with boxed meals costing 30–100 yuan, and the quality is average; 2. Ordering takeout via the 12306 App — This is a feature many people don't know about. By ent··· Read the full answer→
What is the luggage weight limit for airplanes and high-speed trains?
Airplane (Domestic Flights): In economy class, checked baggage is mostly 20 kg per person (budget airlines require separate purchase), carry-on 5 kg, dimensions not exceeding 20×40×55 cm; single liquid container no more than 100ml, total up to 1000ml; lithium batteries and power banks can only be ca··· Read the full answer→
What should be considered regarding insurance when taking elders to China?
Three things: Coverage amount, pre-existing conditions, high-altitude and activity exclusions. Coverage amount: The costs at international departments and private hospitals in China are close to those in Europe and the US. It is recommended that the medical coverage amount is no less than 500,000 RM··· Read the full answer→
What is the minimum number of people for a custom tour? Is it cost-effective for a small group?
Custom tours do not have a strict minimum number of participants, group formation is possible with just 2 people. However, the cost structure determines the per-person price: the car rental fee and guide fee are charged per car and per person, not divided by the number of people, so the fewer the pe··· Read the full answer→
How far in advance should I book plane tickets, hotels, and popular attractions?
International Flights: Book 2–3 months in advance for the best deals; for Lunar New Year and summer vacation, book 4–6 months ahead. Domestic Flights: Book 30–60 days in advance, commonly at 30–60% off; during Spring Festival travel season and National Day, buy as soon as tickets are available. High··· Read the full answer→
How many days are suitable for a trip?
First, calculate the effective days: Effective days = Total days − 3 (a transoceanic round trip and jet lag recovery each take one day, and the arrival day and return day are basically unusable). So a 10-day vacation is about 7 effective days. 7 days (4–5 effective days): one region, two cities, not··· Read the full answer→
Which month is best to visit each region?
North China (Beijing, Shanxi, Hebei): April–May and September–October. Hot in summer, dry and cold in winter. Jiangnan (Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Huangshan): April and October–November. Avoid the rainy season in June and the extreme heat in July–August. Northwest (Silk Road, Hexi Corridor, Xinjian··· Read the full answer→
Is public transportation in China convenient for wheelchair users or people with mobility difficulties?
Better than many people imagine. Newly built subway lines in China are 100% equipped with elevators and accessible restrooms, with wheelchair signs in stations, and staff will proactively assist (appointments can be made in advance via the app or service desk). High-speed trains have accessible carr··· Read the full answer→
What are the emergency phone numbers in China?
Remember these: 110 Police, 120 Ambulance (Medical Emergency), 119 Fire, 122 Traffic Accident. Other useful numbers: 12315 Consumer Complaints (very useful for handling consumer disputes, the efficiency in China is not low), 12301 Tourism Service Hotline, 12306 Railway Customer Service, 12122 Highwa··· Read the full answer→
What should I do if I lose items or my passport in China?
General Items: First, return to the last location you visited to inquire (restaurants, tourist attraction service desks, and hotels in China have lost and found services); for transportation hubs, you can call the service hotline (high-speed rail 12306, airport service desks); for items lost in ride··· Read the full answer→
Is public WiFi in China useful?
Public WiFi coverage in China is extensive (airports, high-speed rail stations, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, chain coffee shops), but most require a Chinese phone number to receive an SMS verification code, which foreign numbers often cannot receive, making this the biggest obstacle. Usable ··· Read the full answer→
Do you need to tip in China? What about tour guides and drivers?
Tipping is not common in China. Restaurants, taxis, hotel rooms, and hair salons do not expect tips, and sometimes giving one can even confuse the recipient. Restaurant bills also do not include service charges (except for a few high-end restaurants). The exception is satisfaction tips for tour guid··· Read the full answer→
Is it convenient to be vegetarian or have dietary restrictions in China?
Being vegetarian is quite convenient in China. China has a strong vegetarian tradition (influenced by Buddhism and Taoism). Temple vegetarian meals and vegetarian restaurants are found everywhere in big cities, and most restaurants also offer multiple fully vegetarian dishes. The key is to be clear:··· Read the full answer→
What are the rules for refunding or changing tickets for admission, flights, and trains?
High-speed rail: Canceling a ticket more than 8 days before departure is free of charge; more than 48 hours before, 5%; 24–48 hours before, 10%; within 24 hours, 20%. If you miss the train, you can change to another train on the same day within 2 hours after departure; full refund if the train is ca··· Read the full answer→
How are children's tickets, plane tickets, and train tickets calculated?
China's child ticket rules coexist based on height and age, and standards vary across scenic spots, which is a common pitfall for many parents. Air tickets: Infants (0–2 years old) do not occupy a seat, about 10% of an adult ticket price; children (2–12 years old) occupy a seat, about 50–75%. High-s··· Read the full answer→