Travel in Chinese Speaking Countries: Essential Phrases and Tips To Know

If you’re studying abroad or traveling to a Chinese speaking country, it’s necessary to learn some essential Chinese words and phrases before going. While many of these places have English guides, if you really want to full immerse yourself in the culture, then knowing these phrases and tips will get you what you are looking for.

Most of these words and phrases are in Mandarin Chinese as it is the most widely known language. It will prevent you from getting lost, any social awkwardness, future misunderstandings, and build great new connections with people to make your trip more memorable. 

Know the Chinese character for travel: 旅

The character, 旅, is associated with term trip, travel, or to travel. Since many Chinese words are a combination of hanzi, many vocabulary that are associated with travel uses 旅 in them.

For example, 旅游 ( lǚ yóu) can mean "travel" or "tourism" in English. So, it refers to the activity of traveling for leisure, exploration, and recreation purposes.

Another hanzi for travel—旅行 has the same character 旅 inside it, emphasizing the concept of journey and adventure.

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36 most commonly used Chinese words and phrases to know before you travel to China

One of the best ways to prepare for your trip is to start with a few simple phrases widely used in China. By mastering these indispensable sentences, you can literally start a conversation with Chinese native speakers and even make friends with the locals during your stay! 

18 Chinese words and phrases for transportation

If you’re traveling independently instead of taking a tour, using public transport is a good way to get around. China’s public transportation is commonly inexpensive and convenient. Some is even extremely high-tech.

(FYI: Trains in China are amongst the most modern – and fastest – trains in the world.) 

However, if you decide to travel by public transportation, it’s a good idea to note down some words and phrases to avoid missing your departure time or entering the wrong entrance. 

9 handy Chinese sentences to know to make your trip easier: 

1. To reserve a ticket: 我想订票。

Pinyin: wǒ xiǎng dìng piào.

Translation: I would like to reserve a ticket.

2. For a round-trip ticket: 我想买一张从上海到北京的往返机票。

Pinyin: wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī zhāng cóng shànghǎi dào běijīng de wǎngfǎn jīpiào.

Translate: I would like to buy a round-trip ticket from Beijing to Shanghai.

3. To buy a flight to a place:我想买一张去纽约的机票。

Pinyin: wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī zhāng qù niǔyuē de jīpiào.

Translation: I would like to buy a ticket to New York.

4. To book a timed-flight: 我想要晚上七点的航班。

Pinyin: wǒ xiǎng yào wǎnshàng qī diǎn de hángbān

Translation: I would like the 7 PM flight.

5. To confirm the right platform: 请问，这个平台合适吗？

Pinyin: qǐngwèn, zhège píngtái héshì ma?

Translation: Excuse me, is this the right platform?

6. To ask where to get off: 我应该在哪里下车？

Pinyin: wǒ yīnggāi zài nǎlǐ xià chē?

Translation: Where should I get off?

7. To ask when the transportation leave: 火车几点出发？

Pinyin: huǒ chē jǐ diǎn chū fā?

Translation: What time does the train leave?

8. To ask when the transportation arrive: 火车几点到达？

Pinyin: huǒ chē jǐ diǎn dào dá?

Translation: What time does the train arrive?

9. To ask where you are: 我们在哪里？

Pinyin: wǒ men zài nǎ lǐ?

Translation: Where are we?

13 Chinese words and phrases for accommodation

These Chinese words and phrases help you communicate effectively when finding a hotel or getting the necessary information.   

42 Chinese words and phrases for restaurant

Knowing some restaurant and food-related vocabulary and phrases will definitely come in handy when ordering food in a restaurant in Chinese. We’ve listed the most common words and phrases to order regular food and vegetarian or vegan food, and even explain food allergies! 

6 tips when traveling in China 

1. Bargain!

One great thing about Chinese culture is that haggling is normal and almost always part of the shopping experience. If you explore the nearby market stalls, you can always ask if the price can be lowered.

2. Know the 24H clock.

The Chinese commonly use the 24-hour clock to list the times of planes, trains, buses, and tours. For every hour after 12 PM, just add an hour. So 1 PM becomes 13, and 8 PM becomes 20.

3. Remember landmarks near you.

Try to remember the names of some landmarks close to where you’re staying. For example, you can rely on banks, parks, restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, shopping malls, hotels, and schools as points of identification.

4. Regroup if lost.

If you get lost and can’t handle all the directions you were given, we suggest you find a place to regroup. Many local and Western places in China, like Starbucks or McDonald’s, offer free WiFi. This can be useful if you’re using an online map app or if you need to contact a friend. 

5. Focus on pronunciation.

When you travel in China, listening and pronunciation are far more crucial than grammar. Don't worry about how to structure your "How do I get there?" question correctly! Just focus on listening closely and pronouncing the name of your destination accurately. Your efforts to listen and speak will make your interactions more meaningful and enjoyable.

6. Basic Chinese goes a long way.

Conversational Chinese is fairly simple because you don’t necessarily need to use complete sentences. For example, if a taxi driver asks you, “Is it okay if I take the highway?” you can reply “sure” instead of a textbook, “yes, you may take the highway.” Don’t worry too much about full sentences when trying to get around.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need travel insurance for China?

It is highly recommended to have travel insurance when visiting China. It will provide financial protection for an unexpected situations or emergencies including medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage, flight delays, and more.

How do I insure my travel?

Research and compare different travel insurance policy plants from different providers that best suits your needs. After finding one, review and make the purchase. Be sure to keep the document safe if anything were to happen.

To conclude

Traveling in a Chinese-speaking country can be confusing if you can’t communicate in their language. However, a little preparation can go a long way. Just keep our travel in Chinese guide list in mind, and enjoy your Chinese experience to the fullest!