The rice fields in Jingmei, a place with few people in Beijing, are a fairy tale. I know my childhood dreams.
by ForeverWandering
Mar 29, 2024
🔔 How many times have you heard that traveling to China is a real challenge? We'll debunk the most popular myths and show you why they're not true!
🌍 Myth 1: It's difficult to pay in China.
✅ In fact, there are no problems with paying:
🔹 Cash is accepted;
🔹 You can get a UnionPay card in Russia and use Alipay (by topping up your wallet). You can use Alipay to pay for purchases in stores, on public transport, and elsewhere.
👉 For more information on payment methods, read our post: "How and with what can Russian tourists pay in China: detailed instructions for 2025" (search our account).
🌐 Myth 2: Navigation in China is poor.
✅ Everything is clearly marked:
🔹 Most street and public transport signs are in English. You'll easily find your way to major attractions and landmarks;
🔹 There are convenient local map apps: Baidu Maps and Amaps (with a Russian interface). These services will help you plan your route, find interesting places, and calculate travel time.
💬 Myth 3: Common social media platforms are unavailable in China.
✅ The solution is simple:
🔹 Install a VPN, and you'll be able to use your favorite social media and messaging apps;
🔹 Or buy an eSIM—it won't block apps.
👥 Myth 4: There are always crowds in China.
✅ Yes, there can be crowds on major national holidays, but:
🔹 Ticketing and access control systems are well-designed, preventing crowds. Reservation and visitor flow control systems are effective, preventing crowds;
🔹 If you book everything in advance, you won't have any problems. You can easily visit even the most popular attractions.
💡 To avoid crowds, avoid planning your vacation on:
🔹 National Day (October 1–8) – during this time, Chinese people actively travel around the country;
🔹 May Day (May 1–5) – another period when tourist destinations are crowded with locals;
🔹 Chinese New Year is one of the busiest periods of the year.
👩👧 Myth 5: No one speaks English in China.
✅ In large cities and tourist areas:
🔹 There are plenty of staff who speak basic English. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist offices often have staff who can communicate in basic English;
🔹 The Chinese are hospitable and willing to help – you can use translation apps. There are many convenient apps that can help overcome the language barrier;
🔹 Many people in Hainan speak Russian! The island is popular among Russian tourists, so staff in tourist areas often speak Russian.
🏨 Myth 6: It's difficult to check into hotels.
✅ This isn't a problem these days:
🔹 By law, hotels are not allowed to refuse check-in. The rules for accommodating foreign citizens are clearly defined;
🔹 Book hotels through Trip.com—everything will be fine.
🎯 Myth 7: It's difficult to buy tickets to attractions.
✅ Just book in advance:
🔹 Most tickets can be booked through Trip.com;
🔹 Tickets are linked to your passport, simplifying the visiting process;
🔹 Book at least two weeks in advance. There's no need to plan everything months in advance—booking well in advance is sufficient.
🚇 Myth 8: Baggage is searched everywhere in China.
✅ Security checks are well-organized:
🔹 Baggage screening on the subway takes no more than a minute—the security system is fast and efficient;
🔹 Security checks at airports and train stations are no different from those in other countries. The procedures comply with international standards, and there is nothing that could cause inconvenience.
🍽️ Myth 9: Restaurants don't have English menus.
✅ Ordering food is easy:
🔹 Many restaurants have menus in English or with pictures, especially in tourist areas and large cities;
🔹 You can take a photo of the menu and have it translated using an app. Modern translators with OCR capabilities will help you understand the dishes;
🔹 Waiters and restaurant owners will be happy to recommend local dishes. Don't be shy about asking—the Chinese love to share their culture and cuisine.
💨 Myth 10: China has poor air quality.
✅ The situation has improved significantly:
🔹 Yes, Beijing experiences seasonal "sandstorms" when the wind brings dust from the desert. But this is a periodic phenomenon and does not reflect the overall environmental situation in the country;
🔹 Overall, there are no problems with air quality. The authorities are actively working to improve the environmental situation, and in most regions, the air is clean and safe to breathe.
🎉 China awaits you – dispel your fears and discover this amazing country!
#toChinaVisaFree #ChinaGuide #traveltoChina #debunkingmyths #tourisminChina
Post by LocalGuides_RU | Oct 23, 2025























