China Backpacking Guide: Navigating the Middle Kingdom Like a Pro

Hey there! Super stoked to help you out with your China backpacking queries. Here’s the lowdown on your questions:

Using VPNs

VPNs are a solid idea if you wanna access blocked websites and apps in China. Here’s the VPN lowdown:

🚫 ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are top choices for getting around geo-blocks.
🚫 Set up your VPN before arriving in China, ’cause downloading one inside the country can be a pain in the rear.
🚫 Consider a long-term subscription for cost savings.

Cashless Payment Apps

You’ll find life easier with a cashless payment app, here are the popular ones:

💰 WeChat Pay and Alipay are the go-to options for mobile payments. They’re everywhere, literally everywhere.
💰 Top up your account at bank counters or ATMs.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in China is doable, but there are some things to note:

🚙 Hitchhiking at night ain’t a good idea, safety first!
🚙 Some Chinese language skills might be needed, so brush up on your Mandarin.
🚙 More success in rural areas, cities are a no-go.
🚙 Trust your gut instincts above all else.

Transport and Accommodation Costs

China can be easy on the wallet, with some smart choices:

💸 Long-distance buses are a budget-friendly option, typically 7-12 USD.
💸 High-speed trains are faster but pricier.
💸 Metro rides are a bargain, usually under a buck.
💸 Dorm beds are 4-8 USD, private rooms 20-30 USD.

Finding a Place to Rest

These sites will help you find a cozy spot to rest your head:

🏨 Booking.com and Hostelworld are go-to’s for hostel bookings.
🏨 Airbnb is also an option, especially in bigger cities.
🏨 Couchsurfing can help you connect with locals.
🏨 Always a good idea to ask locals for budget accommodation recs.

Other Tips

🗣 Learn some basic Mandarin phrases, they’ll come in super handy.
🍜 Indulge in the local cuisine, street food is delicious and easy on the wallet.
🤳 Consider a China Mobile SIM card or a Wi-Fi hotspot device for stay connected.
🚇 Avoid metro peak hours in big cities to skip the insane crowds.

Hope these tips help make your China trip lit AF! Have a killer time! 😎🌟