What should Americans pay attention to when visiting China for the first time?

Visa Application 📋
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has enough blank pages. Choose the right visa type according to your purpose 😎 For tourists, the usual suspect is the L visa.

Get your application materials together, e.g., passport copies, completed visa application form, etc. But hold up 🤚 From Jan 1, 2024, there’s some good news for L (tourism) visa applicants 🎉 Chinese embassies and consulates in the US have waived the need for some docs like your return ticket and hotel orders.

Immigration and Border Control 🚓
Make sure your visa is valid and watch out for any entry limits.
While in China, obey the law yo 🚀 Don’t do anything that doesn’t match the purpose you stated on your visa app.
If you wanna stay longer, you gotta apply for an extension 7 days before your permitted stay expires.

Customs 🛃
Beware of the laws and regs when bringing plants, animals, or money into China.
Be very careful about what you pack 📦 especially electronic gadgets and large amounts of cash 💰

Cultural Differences and Local Habits 👀
China has a whole different language system, so you might wanna bring some translation software or hire a guide.
Mind your manners at mealtimes 🍲 Don’t use your left hand for eating, fam.
Get ready for China’s wild weather, especially the cold north in winter 🥶

Some unique local rules: certain websites are blocked, so be prepped.

Safety 💪
Look after your passport and other important docs 💼
Be safety conscious 👀🚨 Don’t wander off alone in unfamiliar areas.
Use licensed taxi services, and check the car has the right badges.
Stay alert in public spaces, and watch out for dodgy characters trying their luck.

So, the key takeaways from all this:

Visa app is step one, and getting the right visa type and docs ready is key.
Obey the laws once you’re in, and mind your dates of stay.
Customs regs are important, so pack wisely.
Adapt to local culture and habits, and maybe swot up on some basics before you arrive.
Safety is important, so keep your wits about you.

Hope this helps you navigate your first trip to China. If you have any specific Qs, hit me up anytime 🤝