Travel Guides & Tips in this video
Nico and Jack offer advice for people planning a first trip to China, drawing on their experience living there since 2017. They discuss visa research, travel seasons, and why visitors should explore local areas instead of rushing between landmarks. The video suggests starting with larger cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Guilin, while travelers seeking more adventure might consider Guiyang, Gansu, or Inner Mongolia. They also cover SIM cards, mobile payments, VPNs, and embracing cultural differences.
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Plan a first trip thoughtfully
Nico and Jack emphasize that China is vast and complex, so research and planning matter. They discuss visa requirements and recommend choosing travel dates carefully. Spring or autumn can avoid extreme temperatures, while public holidays tend to be more expensive and crowded. Rather than rushing from one tourist site to another, they encourage visitors to slow down, explore local neighborhoods, eat at local restaurants, and talk with residents.
For first-time travelers who want familiar infrastructure, the video suggests considering Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Guilin. Those looking for smaller cities and rural experiences might explore Guiyang, Gansu, or Inner Mongolia. The destinations are examples tailored to different interests, not a single required route. Nature lovers, history fans, and food travelers can choose areas based on what they hope to see.
SIM cards, payments, and apps
The video discusses the challenge foreigners may face when obtaining a SIM card and recommends arranging one through Niow Mobile, which can deliver a SIM to a hotel. China is largely cashless, so the hosts suggest downloading Alipay and WeChat and note that a Chinese phone number may be needed. They also recommend downloading a VPN before arrival to access Western apps and services, and having more than one option because some may not always work.
Nico and Jack close by encouraging visitors to embrace cultural differences. Being open to unexpected experiences can make a trip more rewarding and help travelers understand local routines. Their advice combines practical preparation with a slower, more curious approach to exploring China.
Choosing places and preparing for daily life
China’s size means that a first visit benefits from choosing a region and pace in advance. Nico and Jack suggest larger, foreigner-friendly cities for travelers who want an easier start, and smaller cities or rural areas for those seeking a more adventurous route. They encourage visitors to think about their interests, whether food, history, or nature, rather than trying to cross the whole country in one trip.
They also address how technology affects ordinary tasks. Getting a SIM card as a foreigner can be difficult, so they suggest researching a delivery option before travel. A Chinese phone number may be needed for payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat, and a VPN may help with Western apps. Because services do not always work consistently, they recommend setting up more than one VPN option before arrival.
The hosts’ central advice is to approach unfamiliar routines with patience. Slowing down, eating locally, and speaking with residents can make travel feel more personal than checking off attractions. They share their own experience as long-time residents and encourage first-time visitors to remain flexible as they encounter cultural differences.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What should I research before visiting China?
- A: Nico and Jack recommend researching visa requirements, the size of the country, travel seasons, and the practical details of getting around before booking a trip.
- Q: Which cities do they suggest for first-time visitors?
- A: They mention Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Guilin as larger cities that can suit first-time travelers. They also mention Guiyang, Gansu, and Inner Mongolia for those seeking smaller or more adventurous destinations.
- Q: How can I access mobile services in China?
- A: The hosts discuss arranging a SIM card, downloading Alipay and WeChat for payments, and installing VPN options before arrival if you need Western apps.
