Travel in China rewards a working command of practical Mandarin. Signage in major tourist cities and airports is often bilingual, but subway announcements, taxi conversations, hotel negotiations, and roadside-restaurant menus usually are not. A traveler equipped with 150 to 200 travel phrases can navigate airports, hotels, restaurants, transportation, landmarks, shopping, and emergencies with confidence. This reference organizes the most useful travel phrases by situation, with simplified characters, pinyin, and usage notes.
Chinese travel language follows the same grammar as everyday Mandarin but leans heavily on fixed phrases: 请问 (qǐng wèn, "may I ask") to open questions, 怎么走 (zěnme zǒu, "how to go") for directions, 多少钱 (duōshao qián, "how much") for prices. For grammar underpinning these patterns, see the Chinese grammar rules guide. For pronunciation practice, see the pinyin complete guide and the Chinese tones complete guide. For general-purpose expressions beyond travel, see the Chinese common phrases reference.
Airport and Flights
Chinese airports (机场, jīchǎng) in Tier 1 cities such as Beijing Capital (首都机场), Shanghai Pudong (浦东机场), and Guangzhou Baiyun (白云机场) feature English signage and announcements. Domestic airports in smaller cities may be Chinese-only. Key vocabulary covers check-in, security, boarding, customs, and baggage.
Table 1. Airport vocabulary.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 机场 | jīchǎng | Airport |
| 航空公司 | hángkōng gōngsī | Airline |
| 航班 | hángbān | Flight |
| 航班号 | hángbān hào | Flight number |
| 登机口 | dēngjī kǒu | Boarding gate |
| 登机牌 | dēngjī pái | Boarding pass |
| 护照 | hùzhào | Passport |
| 签证 | qiānzhèng | Visa |
| 海关 | hǎiguān | Customs |
| 行李 | xíngli | Luggage |
| 行李箱 | xínglǐ xiāng | Suitcase |
| 手提行李 | shǒutí xíngli | Carry-on |
| 托运 | tuōyùn | Check baggage |
| 安检 | ānjiǎn | Security check |
| 出发 | chūfā | Departure |
| 到达 | dàodá | Arrival |
| 延误 | yánwù | Delayed |
| 取消 | qǔxiāo | Cancelled |
Table 2. Airport phrases.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 我要办登机 | wǒ yào bàn dēngjī | I want to check in |
| 哪里是安检 | nǎlǐ shì ānjiǎn | Where is security? |
| 登机口在哪里 | dēngjī kǒu zài nǎlǐ | Where is the boarding gate? |
| 我的行李丢了 | wǒ de xíngli diū le | My luggage is lost |
| 航班延误了吗 | hángbān yánwù le ma | Is the flight delayed? |
| 我要靠窗的座位 | wǒ yào kào chuāng de zuòwèi | I'd like a window seat |
| 靠走廊的 | kào zǒuláng de | Aisle seat |
| 还有没有座位 | hái yǒu méi yǒu zuòwèi | Are there still seats? |
Hotels and Accommodation
Chinese hotels range from 招待所 (zhāodàisuǒ, basic guesthouses) to international five-star chains. The word 酒店 (jiǔdiàn) literally means "wine shop" but has become the standard word for hotel. 宾馆 (bīnguǎn) is older and often marks mid-range lodging.
Table 3. Hotel vocabulary.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 酒店 | jiǔdiàn | Hotel |
| 宾馆 | bīnguǎn | Hotel (mid-range) |
| 旅馆 | lǚguǎn | Inn, guesthouse |
| 青年旅社 | qīngnián lǚshè | Hostel |
| 民宿 | mínsù | Homestay, B&B |
| 前台 | qiántái | Reception |
| 房间 | fángjiān | Room |
| 单人间 | dānrén jiān | Single room |
| 双人间 | shuāngrén jiān | Double/twin room |
| 标准间 | biāozhǔn jiān | Standard room |
| 豪华间 | háohuá jiān | Deluxe room |
| 钥匙 | yàoshi | Key |
| 房卡 | fángkǎ | Room card |
| 押金 | yājīn | Deposit |
| 入住 | rùzhù | Check in |
| 退房 | tuìfáng | Check out |
| 早餐 | zǎocān | Breakfast |
| 叫醒服务 | jiàoxǐng fúwù | Wake-up call |
Table 4. Hotel phrases.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 我要订房间 | wǒ yào dìng fángjiān | I want to book a room |
| 有没有空房 | yǒu méi yǒu kōng fáng | Are there vacancies? |
| 多少钱一晚 | duōshao qián yì wǎn | How much per night? |
| 包括早餐吗 | bāokuò zǎocān ma | Does it include breakfast? |
| 有Wi-Fi吗 | yǒu Wi-Fi ma | Is there Wi-Fi? |
| 密码是什么 | mìmǎ shì shénme | What's the password? |
| 空调不工作 | kōngtiáo bù gōngzuò | The AC isn't working |
| 请换一个房间 | qǐng huàn yí ge fángjiān | Please change my room |
| 我想退房 | wǒ xiǎng tuìfáng | I want to check out |
| 可以寄存行李吗 | kěyǐ jìcún xíngli ma | Can I leave my luggage? |
Chinese hotels legally require foreign guests to register with local police (临时住宿登记, línshí zhùsù dēngjì) within 24 hours of arrival. Major international hotels do this automatically; smaller hostels and homestays may require you to visit a police station in person. The reception staff knows the procedure; politely confirm 外国人登记 (wàiguó rén dēngjì, "foreigner registration").
Taxi and Ride-Hailing
Official taxis (出租车, chūzū chē) are metered. Black private cars (黑车, hēichē) are unlicensed and overcharge. 滴滴出行 (Dīdī chūxíng, "Didi") dominates ride-hailing and works similarly to Uber.
Table 5. Taxi vocabulary.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 出租车 | chūzū chē | Taxi |
| 打车 | dǎ chē | Hail a taxi |
| 司机 | sījī | Driver |
| 起步价 | qǐbùjià | Base fare |
| 计价器 | jìjiàqì | Meter |
| 滴滴 | Dīdī | Didi (ride-hailing) |
| 地址 | dìzhǐ | Address |
| 路 | lù | Road, route |
| 街 | jiē | Street |
| 大道 | dàdào | Avenue |
| 发票 | fāpiào | Receipt |
Table 6. Taxi phrases.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 请送我去... | qǐng sòng wǒ qù... | Please take me to... |
| 请打表 | qǐng dǎ biǎo | Please use the meter |
| 到了 | dào le | We've arrived |
| 前面停 | qiánmian tíng | Stop ahead |
| 再开一点 | zài kāi yìdiǎn | Drive a bit further |
| 请给我发票 | qǐng gěi wǒ fāpiào | Please give me a receipt |
| 多少钱 | duōshao qián | How much? |
| 快一点 | kuài yìdiǎn | A bit faster |
| 慢一点 | màn yìdiǎn | A bit slower |
Public Transportation
China's public transit is among the world's most extensive: high-speed rail, subway systems in over forty cities, and dense bus networks. Ticket machines in Tier 1 cities have English menus; smaller cities may not.
Table 7. Public transport.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 地铁 | dìtiě | Metro, subway |
| 地铁站 | dìtiě zhàn | Metro station |
| 线 | xiàn | Line |
| 换乘 | huànchéng | Transfer |
| 公交车 | gōngjiāo chē | Bus |
| 公交车站 | gōngjiāo chē zhàn | Bus stop |
| 火车 | huǒchē | Train |
| 高铁 | gāotiě | High-speed rail |
| 动车 | dòngchē | Fast train (D-series) |
| 火车站 | huǒchē zhàn | Train station |
| 月台 | yuètái | Platform |
| 站台 | zhàntái | Platform (alternate) |
| 车厢 | chēxiāng | Train car |
| 票 | piào | Ticket |
| 单程 | dānchéng | One-way |
| 往返 | wǎngfǎn | Round-trip |
| 硬座 | yìngzuò | Hard seat |
| 软卧 | ruǎnwò | Soft sleeper |
Table 8. Transport phrases.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 去...怎么走 | qù...zěnme zǒu | How to get to...? |
| 坐几号线 | zuò jǐ hào xiàn | Which line? |
| 在哪一站下车 | zài nǎ yí zhàn xiàchē | Which stop do I get off? |
| 我要去北京 | wǒ yào qù Běijīng | I want to go to Beijing |
| 一张去上海的票 | yì zhāng qù Shànghǎi de piào | One ticket to Shanghai |
| 几点出发 | jǐ diǎn chūfā | What time does it leave? |
| 几点到 | jǐ diǎn dào | What time does it arrive? |
Directions and Places
Table 9. Directions.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 东 | dōng | East |
| 南 | nán | South |
| 西 | xī | West |
| 北 | běi | North |
| 左 | zuǒ | Left |
| 右 | yòu | Right |
| 直走 | zhí zǒu | Go straight |
| 拐 | guǎi | Turn |
| 左拐 | zuǒ guǎi | Turn left |
| 右拐 | yòu guǎi | Turn right |
| 对面 | duìmiàn | Opposite |
| 旁边 | pángbiān | Beside |
| 附近 | fùjìn | Nearby |
| 十字路口 | shízì lùkǒu | Intersection |
| 红绿灯 | hónglǜ dēng | Traffic light |
Table 10. Places of interest.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 景点 | jǐngdiǎn | Tourist attraction |
| 博物馆 | bówùguǎn | Museum |
| 寺庙 | sìmiào | Temple |
| 公园 | gōngyuán | Park |
| 广场 | guǎngchǎng | Square, plaza |
| 长城 | Chángchéng | Great Wall |
| 故宫 | Gùgōng | Forbidden City |
| 天安门 | Tiān'ānmén | Tiananmen |
| 外滩 | Wàitān | The Bund |
| 兵马俑 | Bīngmǎyǒng | Terracotta Warriors |
| 老街 | lǎo jiē | Old street |
| 夜市 | yèshì | Night market |
Money, Currency, and Banking
The currency is the 人民币 (rénmínbì, RMB), colloquially 块 (kuài). The unit 元 (yuán) is formal; 毛 (máo) is one-tenth of a yuan.
Table 11. Money vocabulary.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 钱 | qián | Money |
| 人民币 | rénmínbì | RMB, Chinese currency |
| 元 | yuán | Yuan (formal) |
| 块 | kuài | Kuai (colloquial yuan) |
| 毛 | máo | 0.1 yuan |
| 分 | fēn | 0.01 yuan (rare) |
| 现金 | xiànjīn | Cash |
| 信用卡 | xìnyòng kǎ | Credit card |
| 银行 | yínháng | Bank |
| 取款机 | qǔkuǎn jī | ATM |
| 换钱 | huàn qián | Exchange money |
| 汇率 | huìlǜ | Exchange rate |
| 微信支付 | Wēixìn zhīfù | WeChat Pay |
| 支付宝 | Zhīfùbǎo | Alipay |
China is effectively cashless in urban areas. Street vendors, taxis, even temples accept WeChat Pay and Alipay QR codes. Both platforms now accept international cards through a tourist mode, but setup should be done before travel. Having 500-1000 yuan in cash as backup is recommended for rural areas and older merchants.
Common Signs and Notices
Table 12. Common signs.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 入口 | rùkǒu | Entrance |
| 出口 | chūkǒu | Exit |
| 推 | tuī | Push |
| 拉 | lā | Pull |
| 男 | nán | Men (toilet) |
| 女 | nǚ | Women (toilet) |
| 卫生间 | wèishēngjiān | Restroom |
| 洗手间 | xǐshǒujiān | Washroom |
| 厕所 | cèsuǒ | Toilet |
| 禁止吸烟 | jìnzhǐ xīyān | No smoking |
| 小心 | xiǎoxīn | Caution |
| 当心 | dāngxīn | Beware |
| 营业 | yíngyè | Open for business |
| 打烊 | dǎyàng | Closed for the day |
| 请勿触摸 | qǐng wù chùmō | Please do not touch |
| 紧急出口 | jǐnjí chūkǒu | Emergency exit |
Emergencies for Travelers
Table 13. Travel emergencies.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 我迷路了 | wǒ mílù le | I'm lost |
| 我的护照丢了 | wǒ de hùzhào diū le | My passport is lost |
| 钱包被偷了 | qiánbāo bèi tōu le | My wallet was stolen |
| 请报警 | qǐng bàojǐng | Please call the police |
| 我需要医生 | wǒ xūyào yīshēng | I need a doctor |
| 我不舒服 | wǒ bù shūfu | I don't feel well |
| 请叫救护车 | qǐng jiào jiùhùchē | Please call an ambulance |
| 大使馆 | dàshǐguǎn | Embassy |
| 领事馆 | lǐngshìguǎn | Consulate |
| 翻译 | fānyì | Translator |
Emergency numbers in China: 110 police, 119 fire, 120 medical, 122 traffic accidents. All are toll-free from any phone, including without a SIM. Most foreign embassies in Beijing operate 24-hour emergency lines for citizens; save the number before travel.
Internet and Communication
China's internet is restricted. Popular Western services (Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram) are blocked without a VPN. Chinese alternatives dominate daily use.
Table 14. Internet vocabulary.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 网络 | wǎngluò | Internet, network |
| 无线网 | wúxiàn wǎng | Wi-Fi |
| 密码 | mìmǎ | Password |
| 信号 | xìnhào | Signal |
| 手机 | shǒujī | Mobile phone |
| 电话卡 | diànhuà kǎ | SIM card |
| 流量 | liúliàng | Data allowance |
| 充电 | chōngdiàn | Charge (battery) |
| 充电器 | chōngdiàn qì | Charger |
| 微信 | Wēixìn | |
| 加微信 | jiā Wēixìn | Add on WeChat |
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
- Relying on English outside Tier 1. Beyond Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, English support drops sharply.
- Ignoring the QR payment trend. Setting up WeChat Pay or Alipay before or on arrival saves hours of cash fumbling.
- Getting in unmarked taxis. 黑车 (unlicensed taxis) overcharge tourists. Use Didi or official metered taxis with roof lights.
- Not carrying the hotel card. Give the hotel's business card with Chinese address to taxi drivers; pinyin or English is often useless.
- Assuming prices include tip. Tipping is not customary and can confuse service staff. Pay the listed price.
- Showing map apps. Google Maps data is inaccurate in mainland China; use 百度地图 (Baidu Maps) or 高德地图 (Amap).
- Registering too late at hotels. Foreigners must register within 24 hours; delayed registration can cause fines.
- Buying scalper train tickets. Use official 12306 app or station windows. Scalpers (黄牛) often sell fake or overpriced tickets.
Quick Reference
- Essential travel phrases: 请问..., 怎么走, 多少钱, 我要去..., 请打表, 我迷路了.
- Three emergency numbers: 110 police, 119 fire, 120 ambulance.
- Payment apps: WeChat Pay, Alipay; backup cash.
- Navigation apps: Baidu Maps or Amap (not Google).
- Hotel check-in: Bring passport; foreign guests register within 24 hours.
- Airports codes to know: PEK Beijing, PVG Shanghai Pudong, CAN Guangzhou, SZX Shenzhen.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit China?
Most nationalities require a tourist visa (L visa). Selected cities offer 72- or 144-hour visa-free transit for qualifying passports. Check the nearest Chinese consulate before travel.
Can I use my foreign credit card?
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at international hotels, airports, and chain stores, but local merchants overwhelmingly prefer WeChat Pay or Alipay. Link a foreign card in either app's tourist mode for best coverage.
What's the difference between 酒店 and 宾馆?
酒店 (jiǔdiàn) is the modern default for hotels of any class. 宾馆 (bīnguǎn) is older and tends to indicate mid-range or older hotels. Both work in searches.
Do I need a VPN?
To use Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or most Western news sites from inside China, yes. Install the VPN before arrival; VPN app stores are blocked from within China.
What's the best way to travel between Chinese cities?
For distances up to 1,500 km, 高铁 (high-speed rail) is faster door-to-door than flying once check-in and airport transit are counted. Beijing to Shanghai is 4.5 hours on the fastest trains.
Are Chinese toilets squat or Western-style?
Public toilets in tourist areas increasingly offer Western-style stalls but squat (蹲厕, dūncè) remains common, especially in older buildings and rural areas. Bring your own tissue: 卫生纸 (wèishēngzhǐ) is rarely provided.
How do I haggle respectfully?
Start at 40-60 percent of asking price at markets. Use 便宜一点 (piányi yìdiǎn) with a smile. Walking away slowly often triggers a better offer. Never haggle in restaurants, chain stores, or for posted-price goods.
See Also
- Chinese common phrases daily conversation reference
- Chinese food vocabulary restaurant cooking reference
- Chinese HSK 1 vocabulary 150 essential words
- Pinyin complete guide
- Chinese tones complete guide with examples
- Chinese grammar rules complete beginners guide
- Chinese characters and radicals guide for beginners
Author: Kalenux Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit China?
Most nationalities require a tourist L visa. Selected cities offer 72- or 144-hour visa-free transit for qualifying passports. Check the nearest Chinese consulate before travel.
Can I use my foreign credit card?
Visa and Mastercard work at international hotels, airports, and chain stores, but local merchants overwhelmingly prefer WeChat Pay or Alipay. Link a foreign card in either app's tourist mode for best coverage.
What's the difference between 酒店 and 宾馆?
酒店 (jiǔdiàn) is the modern default for hotels of any class. 宾馆 (bīnguǎn) is older and tends to indicate mid-range or older hotels. Both work in online searches.
Do I need a VPN in China?
To use Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or most Western news sites from inside China, yes. Install before arrival since VPN app stores are blocked inside mainland China.
What's the best way to travel between Chinese cities?
For distances up to 1,500 km, 高铁 (high-speed rail) is faster door-to-door than flying once check-in and airport transit are counted. Beijing to Shanghai runs about 4.5 hours.
Are Chinese toilets squat or Western-style?
Public toilets in tourist areas increasingly offer Western stalls but squat toilets (蹲厕) remain common. Bring your own tissue; 卫生纸 is rarely provided.
How do I haggle respectfully?
Start at 40-60 percent of asking price at markets. Use 便宜一点 with a smile. Walking away slowly often triggers a better offer. Never haggle in restaurants, chain stores, or for posted-price goods.
