🇨🇳 China

China is a civilization spanning 5,000 years, balancing ancient traditions with breakneck modernization. Chinese culture emphasizes family harmony, respect for elders, and 'guanxi' (relationship networks). The concept of 'face' (mianzi) is crucial in social interactions. Confucian values of education, hard work, and social harmony compete with rapid change and individual aspirations in modern Chinese society. With 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, China preserves its rich cultural and natural heritage while racing toward the future.

VPN Preparation: Google, Facebook, WhatsApp blocked - download VPN before arrival. Cash vs Mobile: Cities use WeChat Pay/Alipay, but foreigners often need cash. Business Cards: Exchange with both hands, read respectfully. Gift Giving: Avoid clocks, white flowers (funeral associations). Public Behavior: Don't point, avoid public displays of affection.

Chinese society values group harmony over individual expression. 'Saving face' influences all interactions - direct confrontation avoided. Family obligations are paramount - children care for elderly parents. Regional differences are vast - Beijing's formal culture differs from Shanghai's commercial energy and Guangzhou's relaxed approach. Traditional medicine, feng shui, and ancestor respect remain important despite modernization.

Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming seasons, comfortable temperatures 15-25°C. Summer (June-August): Hot and humid in south, pleasant in north, peak season, temperatures 20-35°C+. Autumn (September-November): Best overall season, clear skies, comfortable weather 10-25°C. Winter (December-February): Cold in north, mild in south, fewer crowds, temperatures -10-15°C depending on region.

High-Speed Rail: Excellent network connecting major cities, book through 12306.cn or Trip.com. Metro Systems: Modern and efficient in major cities, use mobile payment or cards. Buses: Extensive network for smaller cities, comfortable long-distance options. Taxis: Use DiDi app (Chinese Uber), have destination written in Chinese. Domestic Flights: Budget airlines connect distant cities, useful for vast distances.

Budget Travel (€20-40/day): Hostels €8-15, street food/local restaurants €2-6, public transport €1-3, free parks and temples. Mid-Range (€40-80/day): Hotels €20-50, restaurant meals €5-15, attractions €3-8, high-speed trains. Luxury (€80+/day): International hotels €50-200+, fine dining €15-50+, private guides, business class travel. Excellent value, especially outside tier-1 cities.

Mandarin Chinese is official language, with many regional dialects. Essential phrases: 'Ni hao' (hello), 'Xie xie' (thank you), 'Dui bu qi' (excuse me), 'Ni hui shuo Yingyu ma?' (Do you speak English?). English limited outside tourist areas and among older generations. Translation apps essential. Writing destination addresses in Chinese characters crucial for taxis.

China is very safe for tourists with low crime rates. Avoid political discussions and protests. Don't photograph military/government buildings. Air pollution can be severe in some cities - check AQI levels. Avoid fake goods markets. Emergency numbers: 110 (police), 119 (fire), 120 (ambulance). Carry passport at all times. Food safety generally good in established restaurants.

Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB) is the currency. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate cities, but foreigners often need cash. International ATMs available in major cities. Typical costs: Street food 5-15 CNY, Restaurant meal 20-50 CNY, Metro ticket 3-8 CNY, Budget hotel 80-200 CNY/night. Tipping not expected or practiced.