China travel guide vlogs & China travel advice tips

When riding alone on muddy roads, anticipate deep mud pits and slippery edges. Balance carefully and avoid sudden movements to prevent sliding.

In rural China, not all vendors accept mobile payment. Ask locals for help; they may pay for you and refuse repayment, offering a memorable free meal.

Before leaving Arxan, fill up your tank even if you think you have enough. There would be no petrol stations along the 350-kilometer route, so starting with a full tank saved her from running dry in the middle of nowhere.

Seek out quiet backroads in northern China. The route from Arxan toward Jalaid was nearly empty, with wildflowers and rolling hills, and riding there felt more like Canada or Alaska than the busy China many people expect.

Visit Saint Sophia Cathedral early or on a Saturday to enjoy the lively square and the atmospheric live performance inside. The interior is more like a museum than an active church, so go with that expectation.

Say yes to spontaneous invitations from locals. A random encounter with a Russian-speaking Harbin resident led to a traditional tea ceremony, obscure local snacks, and an authentic dinner that no tour could have arranged.

Stay at family-owned guesthouses with local character instead of generic hotels to support local businesses.

Use RedNote to find hidden gems, local foods, and honest travel reviews from real explorers.

At Kinbo, expect aggressive touting from the metro station to the market. Vendors approach constantly, and foreigners are seen as main customers. Stay calm, browse, and don't feel pressured to buy.

The quality of replicas varies a lot. Check details, stitching, and how the shoe holds its shape. Cheap copies look flimsy, while better ones feel almost identical to the original and are worth the higher price.

In Guangzhou you can walk straight into a private hospital without an appointment. We were seen within an hour. Be ready to use WeChat translation because not all doctors speak English, and bring money for tests paid upfront.

Men having fertility tests in China may need to collect and deliver their own specimen sample to the lab. Ask exactly where the lab is before walking around the hospital, and check the room for sample pots first.

Grab a map before wandering Zhujiajiao's canals and side streets. The maze is beautiful but it is easy to get lost, so a local guide can unlock hidden houses and private gardens you would never find alone.

Don't skip the old private houses and gardens. A rich businessman's home hides jade-colored rock, marble panels carved like mountain landscapes, and double-sided embroidery, details that make the water town feel like a living museum.

Slow down to 30-40 km/h at corners when riding a sidecar, especially until you get used to the handling.

When turning right in a sidecar, the sidecar can lift up. More weight helps keep it down.

The market is built on quality tiers. Lower floors are tourist traps with obvious fakes, while upper floors carry products closer to authentic. Don't buy on impulse at the entrance; explore higher levels and compare quality before spending.

After police raids, sellers keep their best products hidden. If you want top-tier replicas, ask for the highest quality or ask if they have a showroom or back room. That's where the closest-to-authentic items are kept.

If you're new to Chongqing and especially if you're traveling with kids, hire a local guide with a private car. This city is built on multiple layers, and getting lost is easy. A driver helps you cover the biggest sights without wrestling a stroller through endless stairs.

Start your morning the Chongqing way: look for a humble bao bun shop and order a bowl of noodles. The city is the capital of Sichuan pepper, so expect a numbing spice. Keep milk nearby to cool the burn.

Visit People's Park on a weekend to see Shanghai's marriage market in action. Expect parents to assess you on age, height, income, education, hukou, and property. It's not romantic; it's a practical cultural experience unlike anything in the West.

Coffee lovers should explore Shanghai's cafe scene. The city has more Starbucks than anywhere on Earth and over 10,000 cafes. Try a premium Starbucks with special coffee-alcohol drinks, and remember that Shanghai locals may choose coffee over tea.

On a long daily ride, check your motorcycle oil level especially with a vintage bike. Itchy Boots removes the side panel and tops up a little oil, reminding riders that old engines naturally consume oil.

At a remote Chinese lunch stop, payment may rely on WeChat only. Alipay did not work, so having a local companion or a friend to transfer money can save you when ordering food.

Don't worry about VPN or SIM cards. Use Alipay to buy an eSIM and everything works—WhatsApp, Google, Instagram. It's straightforward and stress-free.

The Great Wall has many entry points. The Giang Jang entrance didn't have the best viewpoints, and drones are not allowed. Research alternatives for better views.

When staying at a large hotel in China, try asking the front desk for a direct booking price. The employee canceled the online reservation and rebooked directly, saving money even at an almost empty property.

Exploring abandoned hotels is eerie, especially after sunset. Bring a flashlight and stay aware of your surroundings, because public areas may be unlit, humid, and full of mold. Stick to safe paths.

Entering the mine requires proper preparation. Wear a helmet, boots, and a mask, and always watch where you step because the ground is slippery and uneven. Following your guide closely is the only safe way to navigate the underground workings.

Riding the mining cart is a thrilling but scary descent. The track angles down steeply and becomes very slippery, so hold on tight to the cart and brace yourself as it carries you hundreds of meters into the mountain.

Arrange a VIP airport transfer through your hotel; being picked up in a Mercedes E-Class makes arrival smooth and sets a luxury tone for the trip.

Peking duck is carved into 108 pieces by the chef at traditional restaurants in Beijing. Try it at a heritage dining hall and follow the locals' folding technique for the perfect bite.

When you spot a local shop selling cold noodles and creamy drinks in Shanghai, order a few dishes and share them. A blind taste test makes breakfast fun and helps you discover new flavours beyond the usual tourist spots.

The Shanghai Natural History Museum is a must-see for dinosaur lovers. The five-story exhibition hall is overwhelming in the best way, so give yourself at least two hours to explore, take plenty of photos, and enjoy the funny museum souvenirs.

Use a navigation app like Amap in China since Google Maps doesn't work. It has good English translations for finding metro entrances, walking routes, and meeting points, so you won't get lost when exploring Shanghai.

Riding the Shanghai Metro with kids is easy once you know the rules: children under 130 cm ride free, and others need a transit card. Ticket machines can be confusing, so just buy a reloadable card instead of fighting with them.

Use the Chinese navigation app Amap in cities because it shows how many traffic lights remain before you reach your destination. It might seem like extra information, but it helps you prepare for urban traffic.

Harbin looks very different from other Chinese cities because of its Russian and European heritage. In the 1890s, Russian workers arrived to extend the Trans-Siberian Railway, creating a unique architectural mix that still defines the city center today.

When exploring rural Chinese villages, check out local cafes and quirky decorations—you'll find unexpected themes like fake hot air balloons and hay figures. These villages are full of surreal details; just wander and enjoy.

For a rainforest-like mountain experience in Hubei, expect bamboo, artificial waterfalls and koi-filled lakes. Mosquitoes are the trade-off, so bring repellent and wear sensible clothes to stay comfortable while exploring.

If you're craving Luckin Coffee in Chongqing, don't expect it to open before 9:30 or 10. The mall next door may also be closed, so plan a backup spot or wait nearby before your morning walk.

Hongya Cave is a must-visit old folk area with shopping, food and traditional stilted buildings. See it during the day for architecture, then return after dark when it lights up for a different view.