🇨🇳 Travel & Living in China
A practical arrival and living guide for students heading to China — transport, housing, money, the Great Firewall and your first week.
So you're moving to China to study. Here's what no one tells you before you land: the digital environment, payment systems and bureaucracy work very differently from home. Get ahead of all of it now.
Getting there & around
Most international students fly into Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN). Arrive at least a week before registration — you need that time for paperwork. Within cities, the metro is your best friend: Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou all run extensive, cheap and well-signed subway networks (signs and announcements are in English too). Pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay — tap via QR code at the gate. Intercity travel is dominated by high-speed rail (高铁, gaotie): Beijing–Shanghai in 4.5 hours for around CNY 550 second class. Book on the 12306 app or at any train station with your passport.
Where to live
Most universities require or strongly encourage first-year international students to live in dedicated international dormitories on campus. Rooms are functional and often include a desk, internet and communal kitchens; double rooms typically cost CNY 1,200–2,500/month. Off-campus is possible from year two — look for apartments near your campus on Ziroom (自如) or Beike (贝壳); shared flats run CNY 2,000–4,500/month in tier-1 cities. Budget for an agent fee (usually one month's rent) and a two-month deposit. Register your address with the local police station within 24 hours of moving in — this is legally required.
Cost of living & budgeting
China can be very affordable if you eat local and use public transport.
| Item | Rough monthly (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Dormitory room (campus) | 1,200–2,500 |
| Off-campus shared flat | 2,000–4,500 |
| Canteen meals (3x/day) | 600–1,200 |
| Metro & buses | 100–200 |
| Phone plan (data-heavy) | 50–100 |
| VPN subscription | 50–150 |
Tip: university canteens are subsidised — eating there for lunch and dinner is both cheap and social. A full meal rarely costs more than CNY 15–20.
Money, SIM & admin
Open a Chinese bank account as soon as possible — UnionPay cards from Bank of China or ICBC are widely accepted and essential for linking to Alipay/WeChat Pay. You will need your passport, student ID and proof of campus address. Get a Chinese SIM at the airport (China Unicom and China Mobile both have counters); an unlimited-data plan with calls costs around CNY 50–100/month. Set up a VPN before you arrive — install it on your devices while you are still outside China, as VPN provider websites are themselves blocked. Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram and most Western services are inaccessible without one.
Safety & health
China is generally very safe for students, with low violent crime. Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa (X1 or X2) at all times; police can ask for ID. Register at the campus international-student office and note the local emergency number (110 police, 120 ambulance). Most university campuses have a health clinic; for serious issues, international clinics in major cities charge more but have English-speaking staff. Air quality varies — a good-quality N95 mask is worth having in winter.
Culture & student life
Relationships matter enormously in Chinese culture (关系, guanxi) — invest time in getting to know classmates. Hierarchy in academic settings is pronounced; address professors formally. Mandarin study will transform your experience even at a basic level: locals appreciate any effort. Chinese students are often eager to practice English — language exchange partnerships are easy to arrange. Holidays like Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) mean the whole country travels; plan ahead if you want tickets.
Your first week
- Register at the university international-student office and collect your student ID.
- Visit the local police station to register your address (bring passport, visa and proof of accommodation).
- Open a bank account (UnionPay card) and link it to Alipay and WeChat Pay.
- Buy a Chinese SIM card and activate your VPN.
- Download essential apps: WeChat, Alipay, Didi (rideshare), Baidu Maps (works without VPN), and the 12306 rail app.
- Explore the campus canteen and surrounding streets — getting comfortable with ordering food is the fastest way to feel at home.