FAQ · Culture & Etiquette 56

The Nüwa Palace is a compound of temples and palaces located beside Phoenix Mountain in She County, Hebei Province. It is a major tourist attraction that was designated as a AAAAA site by China's National Tourism Administration in 2015. The site principally honors the goddess Nüwa, who is believed to have created mankind and repaired the sky. Because of this history, the location is treated as an ancestral shrine for all humankind. Visitors often participate in increased pilgrimages there during Tomb Sweeping Day.

The Kaifeng Museum is a public museum situated in Kaifeng, Henan Province, China. It is located on Sixth Street, Zhengkai Avenue, in the Kaifeng New Area. The institution is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of cultural artifacts related to the heritage of Kaifeng. Its collection includes over 80,000 cultural relics with a focus on bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and stone carvings. The museum focuses on social history and was upgraded to a National first-grade museum in 2017.

Several towns in the One City, Nine Towns initiative feature international design styles. Thames Town in Songjiang New City is one such project, while Anting New Town incorporates a modern German urban style with winding streets and enclosed plazas. Gaoqiao New Town is influenced by Dutch port cities and includes features like canals, windmills, and a drawbridge. Fengcheng was planned with a Spanish theme and includes a street named after a famous Barcelona thoroughfare. Additionally, Luodian New Town adopted a Scandinavian style to develop as a tourism destination.

Certain mountain areas in China host monasteries that serve as major centers for kung fu. The Shaolin Temple on Mount Song is a famous location known for hard or external styles that emphasize speed and power. Another significant area is the Wudang Mountains, which are centers for soft or internal styles focusing on breath control and smooth movement. Other well-known centers include Southern Shaolin in Quanzhou, Fujian, and the Wu Wei Temple near Dali. These religious sites are deeply connected to the traditional classification of northern martial arts styles.

Eunuchs played a critical role in the daily operations of the imperial palace. Their responsibilities included procuring essential materials like copper, tin, wood, and iron. They were also tasked with repairing and constructing palaces, castle gates, and ponds in major cities. Additionally, they prepared meals for many people and took care of animals within the palace. Their work was the cornerstone of the palace's routine and ensured a comfortable life for the Emperor and his relatives.

Islamic architecture in China, also known as Sino-Islamic architecture, represents the cultural heritage of Muslim populations in the country. This unique style emerged through the acculturation of Islam within the predominant Han-Chinese culture. It is standard for these structures to incorporate traditional Chinese and Islamic architectural elements together. This approach is applied to mosques, prayer halls, mausoleums, and other buildings. This architectural tradition has existed from the 8th century CE to the present day.

Travelers can utilize direct flights and cargo shipments that began operating in 2008. As of 2015, there are connections between 61 mainland Chinese cities and eight airports in Taiwan. These flights operate every day and total 890 round-trip flights across the Taiwan Strait per week. Tourism-related affairs are managed by semi-official representative offices known as the CSTEA in Taiwan and the TSTA in China. These specific offices were both established in May 2010.

Tree Island, also known as Zhaoshu Dao, is one of the main islands in the Paracel Islands group. The island is open to tourists and features beach volleyball equipment and facilities. Visitors can also explore the ruins of a Chinese temple that dates back to the Ming dynasty. To visit, tourists may require a political examination in Haikou of Hainan Province. You can also hire a fishing boat from Hainan to reach the island.

You can watch China Food TV, which is a digital pay television channel focusing on cooking shows. This channel is operated by China Broadcast & TV Culture (Qingdao) Co, Ltd, the largest food show production agency in mainland China. The company produces approximately 60 minutes of self-made food shows every day. While the Chinese version of the channel is set to cease broadcasting on April 1, 2025, the US version known as China Food TV USA will continue broadcasting for the foreseeable future.

There are several theories explaining the origins of the Dong New Year since no clear early written records exist. One theory suggests it began as ancestor worship to give thanks for the autumn harvest after transitioning to agriculture. Another theory links the festival to the migration history of the Dong people, where descendants honor the hardships of their ancestors. Some traditions suggest the festival originated as a way to seek refuge from warfare by celebrating the New Year ahead of schedule. Finally, there is a theory regarding the commemoration of heroes in certain areas.

The Beijing Jazz Festival is China's first and largest jazz festival. It was founded in 1993 by Udo Hoffmann, a German national living in China. The festival is hosted by the Beijing Midi School of Music and Beijing Midi Productions. It has taken place outdoors in Haidian Park within Beijing's northwestern Haidian District. The event features jazz musicians from China and all around the world.

Traditional Chinese performing arts include various forms of opera and dance that have evolved over centuries. During the Song dynasty, theatrical forms flourished in entertainment centres called wazi, leading to the development of Chinese opera. Many dances, such as the Sword Dance or Flapping the Flag, were eventually absorbed into opera performances. Ancient ritual dances known as yayue were once highly important in the imperial court. Other notable traditions include the masked Nuo Dances used to drive away evil spirits and the Tibetan Buddhist Cham dance. Additionally, the Yi Dance is a Confucian ceremony dance that can be performed in square formations with dancers holding pheasant feathers or battleaxes.

Traditional Chinese music is highly diverse and varies by region. It utilizes a wide variety of instruments such as the dizi flute and the erhu bowed string instrument. Other common instruments include the guqin, guzheng, pipa, and sheng. Musicians also use various types of bells and drums to create sound. This musical tradition has evolved through various historical influences and styles.

Chinese popular music began with the shidaiqu genre, which was founded by Li Jinhui and influenced by Western jazz. Following the Chinese Communist Revolution, popular music was denounced as Yellow Music, causing the industry to move from Shanghai to Hong Kong and Taiwan. This shift led to the rise of cantopop in Hong Kong and mandopop in Taiwan during the 1970s. Economic reforms in the late 1970s allowed pop music to return to mainland China, though the government maintained a censorious attitude for some time. By 2005, mainland China's music retail value overtook Taiwan's, and the 21st century has seen a surge in Mandarin pop songs. Despite this growth, China is not yet considered a major production hub for pop music.

As of April 2015, Alibaba Pictures was the largest Chinese film company by worth. Other significant companies include Huayi Brothers Media, Enlight Media, and Bona Film Group. In terms of cinema chains, Wanda Cinema Line led the market in 2014 by box office gross. Other major chains included China Film Stellar and the Dadi Theater Circuit. Huayi Brothers is notable as a powerful independent entertainment company involved in production and talent management.

The development of commercialized portal websites in the early 2000s led to an increase in Chinese internet literature. Platforms like Tianya hosted early major original works that went viral and were later published in print. Jinjiang Literature City grew into one of the largest online platforms after hosting original works starting in 2003. Qidian literature network launched in 2006 and became a popular site by focusing on marketing and reader engagement. These various platforms eventually merged to form Yuewen Literature, also known as China Literature Limited.

You can visit the Three Shadows Photography Art Centre located in the Caochangdi art district on the outskirts of Beijing. Established in 2007 by RongRong and inri, this non-profit space is the first in China dedicated exclusively to photography and lens-based art. The complex is a converted auto repair yard designed by the renowned artist and architect Ai Weiwei. It features 880 square meters of gallery space and supports various exhibitions and education programs. Additionally, the Caochangdi PhotoSpring event brings together galleries, photographers, and collectors to celebrate photography from China and abroad.

The Lhoba men in Luoyu wear sleeveless black jackets with buttons made of sheep's wool and helmet-like hats. They also wear ornaments such as earrings, bead necklaces, and bamboo ear plugs. Lhoba women wear narrow-sleeved blouses and skirts made from sheep's wool. For these women, the weight of ornaments like silver coins and shells symbolizes their wealth. The Idu men wear a chignon on their hair along with a sword and a waterproof cane helmet. Both sexes of the Lhoba people usually go barefooted.

China features many diverse regional cooking styles influenced by various ethnic groups. Hainan cuisine is lighter and less oily than continental styles, with a menu that predominates in seafood. Hakka cuisine emphasizes food texture and features preserved meats and vegetables. In the northwest, Gansu cuisine is influenced by the local Hui people, while Xinjiang cuisine is predominantly halal and includes roasted mutton and kebabs. Jilin cuisine reflects influences from Manchu, Korean, and Mongolian minorities. Additionally, Tibetan cuisine is traditionally served with small soup bowls and bamboo chopsticks.

Street food and snacks sold from portable vendors can be found throughout China's cities for breakfast or a snack. These various types of food provide quick, cheap, tasty, and light meals. Because searing hot woks are used over coal or gas fires, street food is usually safe to eat. In fact, freshly prepared street food is often safer than food sitting on buffet lines in 5-star hotels. However, you should use common sense if you see raw meat sitting unrefrigerated on a hot summer day.

Beer, wine, and soft drinks are generally cheap and safe to consume. When ordering beer or soda in a restaurant, be aware that they may arrive at room temperature. However, beer is more commonly served cold, especially during the summer months. You can also bring your own cold beverage into a restaurant without worrying about a cork charge. Most small restaurants will not mind if you do this.

Coffee is popular in urban areas of China. You can find several chains of coffee shops with branches in many cities. There are also many local chains and small independent coffee shops available. However, it can be quite difficult to find coffee in smaller towns. You may want to look for these establishments when traveling in urban centers.

You can experience a night market through the Night-Tour Jin River located on the Jin River Green Road in Chengdu. This tour follows a storyline called the Jin River story scroll and includes six different themes. These themes consist of a Night Market, Night Food, Night Exhibition, Night Show, Night Festival, and Night Stay. The experience illustrates the lifestyle of Old Chengdu, Shudu flavor, and international style. Visitors can also enjoy various light shows during the tour.

You can bargain over almost anything, including asking for discounts in restaurants before paying. While shopping malls are less willing to bargain, prices are often marked up two to three times the actual value. It is often better to buy souvenirs a few blocks away from tourist spots to avoid inflated prices. Depending on the location, asking for a discount of 5% to 50% is common. Be cautious of discounts that seem too good to be true, as they may indicate lower quality goods. For budget shopping, you can look for MINISO shops which carry household items, electronics, and beauty products.

Visitors aged 18 and over are entitled to a duty-free allowance of up to 1.5 L of alcoholic beverages. You can also bring up to 400 cigarettes, 20 cigars, or 500 g of tobacco. This allowance is halved if you enter Mainland China through Hong Kong or Macau. For other goods, foreigners receive a duty-free relief of ¥2,000, while Chinese citizens receive ¥5,000. Chinese citizens returning from Hong Kong and Macau may have a higher relief of ¥15,000, plus an additional ¥3,000 for duty-free shop purchases.

You can bargain over almost anything in China, including asking for discounts at restaurants before paying your bill. While shopping malls are less willing to bargain, you might ask if you can receive a gift instead. Prices are usually marked up two to three times, so it is often better to buy souvenirs away from tourist spots. In tourist areas, asking for a 30% to 50% discount is common, but this may result in dramatic reactions from merchants. Always remember that if a discount seems too good to be true, the quality of the goods might be low.

Hostels, known as 青年旅社, are the most comfortable low-cost options for travelers. These establishments typically cater to foreigners and employ English-speaking staff. They often provide cheap and convenient transport around the city. Many hostels offer a cozy, international atmosphere where you can meet other travelers and find decent Western food. You can find at least one hostel in most cities of any size, though they fill up quickly in popular travel hot spots.

Staff in hotels and guesthouses may assume a mistake was made if a same-sex couple reserves a room with one large bed. They might attempt to move the couple to another room. However, staff will generally back down if you insist that it is not a problem. While openly displaying sexual orientation may draw stares, visitors should generally not run into major problems. Unprovoked violence against homosexual couples is almost unheard of in the country.

Camping in China exists in a legal grey area. Generally, authorities will not stop you from camping in the wilderness if you avoid restricted areas and do not damage the environment. You should try to avoid camping too close to a city because the police tend to be edgier about that. In such cases, you might be forced to unpitch your tent and be escorted to a hotel. While designated campgrounds are still somewhat of a rarity, they are becoming more common.

Booking a room online with a credit card is a convenient way to ensure you have a place to stay upon arrival. However, credit cards are not widely used in China, especially in smaller and cheaper hotels. These establishments usually require payment in cash and often ask for a cash security deposit of a few hundred yuan up front. Some online services allow you to book without a credit card and pay cash at the hotel instead. During the off-season, rooms are plentiful and it may be easy to find accommodation upon arrival. Most hotels have a noon check-out, but you can often pay half a day's cost for an 18:00 checkout.

Citizens of 59 countries can enjoy visa-free entry to Hainan for up to 30 days. This policy allows for various purposes such as tourism, business, trade, and visiting family. You no longer need to join a tour group organized by a travel agency. Additionally, the requirement to inform a travel agency of your itinerary was removed in July 2019. This expanded access also covers medical treatment, conferences, and sports competitions.

One prominent example is the Tianjin Eco-City, which is a joint venture between China and Singapore. This project aims to use sustainable materials and renewable energy to address water-related challenges in an arid region. Another project is the Caofeidian Eco-City located in Tangshan, which involves Swedish urban design firms. This city was planned to accommodate heavy industry relocation from Beijing through a circular economy. However, both projects have faced various challenges regarding population growth and investment.

The concept of the night market traces its roots back to the medieval Chinese Tang dynasty. While the Tang government put strict sanctions on their operations in A.D. 836, economic expansion eventually led to less state regulation. During the Song dynasty, these markets played a central role in Chinese nightlife. They were often found in corners of large cities and some even stayed open for twenty-four hours. These markets were also known to include restaurants and brothels because they were frequently located near business districts and red light districts.

China has implemented various birth quotas including the one-child, two-child, and three-child policies to control population size. These programs were different from other countries because the government designated how many births parents could have. The one-child policy was established in 1979, but limits were later reverted to two-child limits in late 2015. In May 2021, the three-child policy was formally introduced to replace the two-child policy. Finally, in July 2021, the government abolished all birth quotas and financial penalties nationwide.

During the Song period, clothing was always modeled after the seasons. Because coal for heating homes was often scarce and expensive, people frequently wore specific types of winter attire. This included coats that were lined with fur or extra silk-floss to provide warmth. These clothing choices served as both seasonal adaptations and outward symbols of a person's social class.

The summer environment in China faces risks from heat waves, severe storms, droughts, and floods. For example, the summer of 2022 included a heat wave lasting more than nine weeks and flooding in the Pearl River Basin. Some areas also experienced droughts so severe that the Yangtze river reached record low levels. These climate-related disasters can have grave consequences for productivity and infrastructure. Visitors should be aware that these extreme weather events are part of growing environmental impacts.

China celebrates several traditional festivals throughout the year. The Lantern Festival occurs on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month and is traditionally the last day of the Chinese New Year. Another significant date is the Double Seventh Day, which falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month and is a romantic holiday similar to Valentine's Day. The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival, is observed on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month. Additionally, the Winter Solstice is recognized as a traditional period. These celebrations vary in scale, with some cities featuring elaborate lanterns during specific festivals.

The app gained significant popularity on social media due to its focus on safety for people living alone. However, it was subsequently removed from the Apple App Store in China. Some critics noted that the interface lacks a display for consecutive check-in days and may issue mistaken reminders. Additionally, the app relies on email instead of SMS or telephone notifications, which does not conform to local social habits. These untimely notifications can make the tool feel more like a death notification rather than an early warning system. Experts suggest that such technical tools need to be connected with real support like community patrols.

English signage and menus are becoming more common throughout China, particularly near tourist attractions. However, you may encounter English that is written incorrectly or follows a word-by-word translation of Chinese expressions. This style of English can sometimes be difficult to read or even baffling. Fortunately, these translations often follow certain rules that allow them to be deciphered with some thought. You can treat these signs like a word puzzle to help you understand the meaning.

Foreign credit and debit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally not accepted outside of high-class restaurants, major supermarkets, and star-rated or chain hotels. Most transactions will require cash or mobile payments because many terminals only support Chinese bank cards. For ATM withdrawals, you are most likely to find success using cards from the Bank of China, ICBC, or China Construction Bank. If your card is covered by the UnionPay network, any ATM in China may accept your withdrawals and balance inquiries. You should also check if your home bank charges a currency conversion fee before traveling.

During the Song period, tea was a highly commercialized product with prices varying significantly. The most prized variety from Raozhou in Jiangxi could sell for 500 coins per jin. In contrast, the cheapest teas were available for only 37 coins. This variety in pricing reflected the different qualities of tea products produced. Tea became a major source of government income similar to the salt industry.

Many ATMs in China will only accept Chinese bank cards. However, ATMs from the Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and China Construction Bank are likely to accept foreign Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, and Diners cards. Other banks may claim to accept certain networks or offer English options, but they are unlikely to work with international cards unless they are foreign big-name banks like HSBC or Citibank. If your card is covered by UnionPay agreements, any ATM in China will accept your withdrawals and balance inquiries. You should also check if your home bank charges a currency conversion fee before you travel.

Yes, the only way to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit is to arrange a guided tour operated by a Tibet-based travel agent. This tour must include at least a tour guide, hotels, and private transportation. Visitors are not permitted to travel by public buses across Tibet and must use private transportation organized within the tour. The permit will be sent to your place of stay in other Chinese cities so you can have the original in hand. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, you must hand the permit to your tour guide. The guide will keep the permit until you leave the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Regular direct flights between mainland China and Taiwan resumed on 4 July 2008. This development served as a new start for cross-Strait relations after six decades. The first flight was piloted by the chair of China Southern Airlines from Guangzhou to Taipei. This arrangement connects five mainland Chinese cities with eight Taiwan airports. These flights help eliminate time-consuming stopovers in Hong Kong.

A railway accident occurred at Luoyangzhen station in Kunming on 27 November 2025. A test train used for earthquake equipment inspection collided with construction workers on the line. This incident resulted in 11 deaths and 2 injuries. It is noted as the deadliest train crash in China since the 2011 Wenzhou collision. The accident took place in the early hours of the day at a curved section within the station.

You can use the bus route that runs from Huizhou Railway Station to Tangxia Village in Xinxu. This service is currently known as Route 208 and is operated by Huizhou Dongjiang Public Bus Transportation Co., Ltd. Previously, the route was known as Route 889 and was operated by Huizhou Chengtong Transportation Co., Ltd. Before that, the route was managed by Huizhou Yuntong Industrial Co., Ltd. The route has undergone several changes in operators over the years.

Yes, Hertz was the first international car rental company to open in China in 2002. In 2013, the company began a partnership with China's largest car rental company, China Auto Rental. Although Hertz reduced its ownership stake in 2016, it announced a continuing commercial relationship through 2023. This partnership allows for continued operations within the country.

The Yangtze River Delta region offers various public transportation options including inter-provincial bus routes. As of April 2019, there were 37 inter-provincial bus-operated passenger routes connecting provinces like Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Anhui. Specific routes exist to facilitate travel between areas such as Jiading and Taicang or Baoshan and Kunshan. Additionally, the Yangtze River Delta Integration Demonstration Zone has opened specific Demonstration Zone Buses. Aviation is also a major focus with plans to optimize regional hubs in Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Hefei.

Tipping is not a general practice in China. Taxi drivers may appreciate it if you round up the fare by a few yuan if they have made an extra effort for your journey. However, providing a tip is by no means required. You should be aware that most transactions will require cash or mobile payments. Foreign credit or debit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally not accepted outside of specific locations.

China is home to many of the world's largest public bike-share systems. For example, Wuhan and Hangzhou operated massive programs with 90,000 and 60,000 bicycles respectively as of May 2011. The country has also seen a significant rise in popularity for privately run dockless bike shares driven by apps. These private fleets are much larger than systems found outside of China. Companies like Mobike operate 100,000 dockless bikes in cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. In total, over 30 private operators have deployed more than 3 million dockless shared bikes across various Chinese cities.

Walking marriage is a prominent practice in Mosuo culture where partners live under the roofs of their respective extended families during the day. At night, it is common for a man to visit and stay at the woman's house if he is given permission. These bonds are based on mutual affection and the visits are usually kept secret. The man typically returns to his own home in the morning. In this arrangement, children are raised by their maternal uncles rather than the biological father.

The Silk Road was initiated and spread by China's Han dynasty through exploration and conquests in Central Asia. This historical route was trail-blazed following reports from the ambassador Zhang Qian. It eventually became one of the most famous trade routes in history and in the world. The expansion was driven by economic reasons and the desire to develop commercial relationships with sophisticated urban civilizations. After certain wars, Chinese armies established themselves in Central Asia to initiate the route as a major avenue of international trade.

High-speed rail in China refers to passenger services with average speeds above 200 kilometres per hour. These trains run on upgraded conventional lines or dedicated high-speed tracks that permit speeds up to 350 kilometres per hour. The Shanghai maglev train is the fastest in the country with peak speeds of 431 kilometres per hour. For heavy-haul freight transportation, the speed limit was boosted to 120 kilometres per hour. These various speed enhancements help manage the massive railway network operated by the central government.

When riding in a taxi, you have a good chance of finding a functioning seat belt in the front seat. However, seat belts in the back of the vehicle are usually disabled. This is something to keep in mind for passengers sitting in the rear. Some taxis even mount the taxi meter down by the gearbox where it is only visible from the front. You should be aware of these differences in seat belt availability while traveling.

Drivers involved in serious accidents may face legal proceedings such as being heard in a people's court. They can be suspected of crimes like endangering public security by dangerous means. During these trials, the prosecution may present various testimonies regarding the driver's mental state and past behavior. The driver's defense lawyer may also argue about the individual's mental state at the time of the incident. Ultimately, the court evaluates the evidence provided by the procuratorial authority to determine the outcome.

Budget hotels in China cater almost exclusively to Chinese clients and usually lack English-speaking staff, and in rural areas some have been reluctant to accept foreigners because staff do not know the mandatory guest-registration system. Since 2024 those hotels have been required by law to accept foreigners. The cheapest licensed tier above a zhusu is called a zhaodaisuo, which is spartan and often has shared bathrooms, while slightly better budget hotels may use the words luguan, binguan, or jiudian in the name. A night can cost as little as 25 yuan in a small town and usually 80 to 120 yuan in bigger cities, and rooms may be noisy, with shared baths in poor condition. For longer distances, China Railway High-speed is the world's longest high-speed rail network and offers the world's only high-speed sleeper trains, often the best option when the route and budget allow.