Law & Culture｜Essential Tips for Foreign Visitors to China

China is generally easy and welcoming for travelers, but a few local rules and social habits may be different from what visitors are used to at home.

This guide focuses on practical travel tips, to help you enjoy a hassle-free journey.

Local Laws

1. Do not bring drugs, cannabis, CBD, or controlled medicines

China has very strict regulations on drugs, cannabis, CBD, THC-containing products, certain psychiatric medicines, and narcotic medicines. If such items are found through inspection or confirmed through reporting, criminal responsibility will be strictly pursued.

2. Register your accommodation properly

• For tourists staying in hotels or guesthouses, the hotel or guesthouse operator will register the accommodation with the local public security authority.
• If you stay at a friend’s home, private residence, or another non-hotel place, you may also be notified to complete accommodation registration with the help of the residence security office or a relevant Chinese citizen.

The registration method is usually simple. You may need to show your passport and a real photo of your passport.3. Keep your passport information available

Your passport may be needed in many situations in China, such as hotel check-in, high-speed rail travel, real-name reservations for some scenic spots, and banking or telecom services. In many situations, showing a real photo of your passport on your phone may be enough.

• Keep your original passport in a safe place.
• Save a photo of your passport information page on your phone.
• Bring the original passport when taking high-speed rail, changing hotels, or entering some scenic spots that require real-name verification.

4. Be careful with photography and drones

Regular travel photography is usually fine, but do not take photos of military facilities, border areas, government offices, police enforcement scenes, security check areas, or sensitive areas in airports and train stations.

Drone no-fly zones usually have clear signs or markings.

5. Do not bring prohibited items through customs

When entering China, tourists should not bring weapons, ammunition, explosives, drugs, controlled medicines, animals or plants and related products, or food and medicine products that may violate regulations.

For public safety, customs inspections for dangerous goods are very strict.

Social Etiquette

1. Dining etiquette

• If you do not eat spicy food, say so in advance.
• In Chinese style restaurants, dishes are usually ordered and shared.
• If you have allergies or religious dietary restrictions, prepare a Chinese card in advance.
• Tap water is usually not drunk directly. Many people drink hot water or bottled water.

2. Communication style

Chinese people are generally willing to help tourists, but English is not always widely spoken. Tourists should not assume that all service staff can speak English.

A safer approach is to prepare a translation app and a few simple, commonly used sentences.

3. Be polite when taking photos of people

Ask for permission before taking photos of other people.

4. Avoid sensitive debates in casual travel conversations

There is usually no need to discuss politics, sensitive history, territorial disputes, or religious conflicts with drivers, service staff, or ordinary people when meeting them for the first time.