CHINA TRAVEL DECODED: CNY EDITION

Welcome to Be Our Guest in Canton Chinese New Year 2026!

Traveling to China is an adventure unlike any other. It is highly digital, fast-paced, and culturally deep. To ensure your experience is smooth, please review this guide carefully at least 30 days before departure.

PART 1: THE VISA & ENTRY (EASIER THAN YOU THINK)

Great news! China has opened its doors wider than ever. Before you apply for a visa, check if you are on the "VIP List."

1. The "Visa-Free" Privilege (15 Days) Holders of ordinary passports from the following countries can enter China for up to 15 days without a visa for tourism:

• Europe: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg.
• Asia/Pacific: Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand.
• Action: Just show your passport at the border. Ensure it has 6+ months of validity.

2. The 144-Hour Transit Visa-Free If you are from the US, UK, Canada, and 50+ other countries, and you are transiting through Guangdong (via Guangzhou/Shenzhen) to a third country (e.g., USA -> Guangzhou -> Hong Kong -> USA), you may qualify for a 6-day visa-free entry.

3. The Standard L-Visa (If required) If you need a visa, we provide the "Confirmed Hotel Voucher Package" covering the tour dates. You simply attach your flight itinerary and submit it to the Chinese Visa Center.

4. Real-Name Policy: China requires real-name verification for almost everything (High-Speed Trains, SIM cards, Museum tickets). Always carry your physical passport with you, or at least a clear high-res photo of the ID page on your phone.

PART 2: DIGITAL SURVIVAL & APPS —— "TOURPAL PHONE"

China has its own digital ecosystem. Prepare your phone BEFORE you fly.

1. Stay Connected (The "Great Firewall")

Option A: Roaming eSIM (Highly Recommended) ⭐

• Provider: Airalo / Nomad / Holafly.
• Why: These services route traffic through Hong Kong or global servers, automatically bypassing the firewall. You can access Instagram, Gmail, and WhatsApp instantly without a VPN.

Option B: The TourPal "Concierge Phone" (VIP Service)

• Don't want the hassle? Let us know in advance.
• The Service: We can prepare a local smartphone for you, pre-loaded with a high-speed local SIM card (5G) and all essential apps (Alipay, WeChat, Maps). You just pick it up upon arrival and return it when you leave.
• Note: Please request this at least 7 days prior to arrival.

Option C: VPN (If using your own phone + local Wi-Fi)

• If you connect to hotel Wi-Fi, you MUST have a VPN installed before you board your flight. (Astrill or shadowrocket are currently the most stable).

2. Essential Apps

• WeChat: The "Super App." Essential for communication.
• Alipay: The king of payments (see Part 3) and Transport.
• Apple Maps: Works well in China for iPhone users.
• Google Translate / DeepL: Download the "Chinese (Simplified)" language pack for offline use.

PART 3: MONEY & TIPPING

1. Go Cashless (Alipay/WeChat Pay)

Cash is rarely used. Even street vendors prefer mobile pay.

• Setup: Download Alipay/WeChat -> Add Bank Card -> Link your Visa/Mastercard.
• Verification: You may need to upload a passport photo to unlock higher spending limits.

2. No Tipping Culture

• Good News: China does NOT have a tipping culture.
• Restaurants/Taxis: No tip required.
• Our Crew: Tipping your Guide/Driver at the end of the trip is appreciated as a gesture of gratitude, but strictly optional.

PART 4: PACKING STRATEGY (WEATHER & STYLE)

1. The Weather: A Tale of Two Climates

• Destination A: Guangdong (Our Tour)
• Forecast: 5°C - 20°C (41°F - 68°F). It’s not freezing, but the dampness seeps in.
• Feels Like: The humidity makes 10°C feel much colder.
• Pack: Layers! A light down jacket (Uniqlo style), hoodies, and a waterproof shell.
• Destination B: Heading North? (Beijing/Xi'an/Harbin Extension)
• Forecast: -10°C to 0°C (14°F - 32°F). Bone-dry freezing.
• Pack: Heavy winter gear. Thermal underwear (Top & Bottom), heavy wool coat, gloves, beanies, and insulated boots are mandatory.
• Warning: Do not underestimate the Northern wind.

2. The "Red" Code 🔴

• It is the Lunar New Year! Red symbolizes luck and joy.
• Suggestion: Pack at least one red item (Scarf, Sweater, Jacket). You will blend in beautifully with the festive decorations and get great photos!

3. Electrical Power

• Voltage: 220V.
• Plugs: Type A (Two flat pins 🇺🇸) and Type I (Three angled pins 🇦🇺).
• Power Bank: Essential. Note: Capacity must be marked on the device and under 20,000mAh to fly.

PART 5: TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

1. Our Tour Advantage (The "VIP Bubble") 🚐

• While public transport is efficient, it can be crowded during CNY.
• Relax: For "Project Golden Horse," we travel in a Private Executive GL8 Van.
• Zero Hassle: You never need to drag luggage through train stations or fight for a taxi. We offer door-to-door service throughout the 9 days.

2. Exploring Solo with Public Transport? (The Power of Alipay)

If you want to explore during free time, China’s public transport is world-class and cashless.

• Ride Anything: Open Alipay -> Click "Transport". A QR code will appear.
• Subway/Bus: Scan this code at the turnstile in almost any Chinese city. No tickets are needed.
• Taxi (DiDi): Inside Alipay/WeChat, there is a "DiDi" mini-app (China's Uber). You can type addresses in English, and the driver knows exactly where to go.

3. Navigation (Apple vs. Amap 高德Map)

• iPhone: Apple Maps works surprisingly well in China.
• Pro Level: Download "Amap" (Gaode Ditu). It is in Chinese, but the visual interface is intuitive. If you show the screen to a taxi driver, they will understand instantly.

PART 6: HEALTH, MEDS & HYGIENE

1. Medicine & Pharmacies

• Pharmacies: Marked with a Green Cross. Common OTC drugs (cold, flu, stomach) are easy to find.
• Prescriptions: If you take specific prescription meds, bring enough for the whole trip. Keep them in original bottles with a copy of the prescription to show Customs if asked.

2. Drinking Water 💧

• Rule #1: NEVER drink tap water. It is not potable.
• Action: Always drink bottled water or boiled water (Hotel kettles are standard).

3. The Toilet Situation 🚻

• Reality: Modern malls/hotels have Western toilets. Public parks or old restaurants may have Squat Toilets.
• Pro Tip: Always carry a small pack of tissues and hand sanitizer in your pocket. Public restrooms often do not provide toilet paper.

PART 7: THE CNY VIBE (WHAT TO EXPECT)

1. The Crowds (Embrace the Flow)

• CNY is the world's largest human migration. Popular spots will be packed.
• Mindset: Personal space is smaller in China. A gentle nudge in a queue is normal. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you.

2. Cashless is King

Link your Visa/Mastercard to Alipay and WeChat Pay before you fly. This works for 99% of transactions, from luxury malls to street sweet potato vendors.

The "Hongbao" (Red Packet) Culture 🧧 During CNY, you might see people exchanging red envelopes. This is a blessing of luck and money.

• If you receive one: It is a gesture of goodwill from a host or elder.
• Etiquette: Receive it with both hands. Do not open it immediately in front of the giver. Say "Thank you" (Xie Xie).
• Is it a bribe? No. It is pure blessing.

3. The Noise (Sound of Luck)

• You will hear loud bangs — firecrackers and drums. This is the sound of scaring away bad spirits ("Nian"). If you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs.
• The Advice: It is safe. It is celebratory. Don't be alarmed; enjoy the "Sound of Peace."

4. Dietary Safety

• We carefully select restaurants. However, if you have severe allergies (Peanuts/Shellfish), please keep your "Allergy Card" (we provided) handy at all times.

5. Temple Visits

• It's Okay to Participate We will visit ancestral halls and temples. You might see locals lighting incense and bowing.
• Can I join? Absolutely. Unless you have personal religious objections, lighting incense is viewed as a cultural act of wishing for good things (health, peace), not necessarily a religious conversion.
• The Mindset: Feel free to make a wish. It is a beautiful ritual of hope.

PART 8: THE MAGIC WORDS (LANGUAGE GUIDE)

English is spoken in hotels, but less so on the streets. Learning these three phrases will make locals fall in love with you instantly.

1. The Universal Greeting:

• Phrase: 新年好 (Happy New Year)
• Pronunciation: Shin-Nien-How
• Use it: With anyone you meet during the trip.

2. The "Money" Greeting (Very Cantonese):

• Phrase: 恭喜发财 (Wishing you prosperity/wealth)
• Pronunciation: Gong-She-Fa-Tsai
• Use it: When entering shops, receiving a Red Packet, or toasting at dinner. It’s the favorite phrase in Guangdong!

3. The Magic Word:

• Phrase: 谢谢 (Thank you)
• Pronunciation: Shieh-Shieh

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

This guide is just the beginning. The TourPal team is ready to handle the complexities so you can focus on the story.

See you in Canton!