Destination guide
Travel guide: China
Mia Nguyen | January 21, 2019
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Are you headed out on an EF China tour? Wondering what you should pack, what food you should try, or how much money you should bring with you? We’ve got you covered!
The Basics
Weather: Spring: 46–68°F | Summer: 86–100°F | Fall: 45–70°F | Winter: 35–50°F
Language(s): Mandarin Chinese, Uyghur, and Standard Mandarin
Currency: Yuan
Cash or card: Cash is easier
Exchange rate at time of travel: $1 USD = 6.95 Chinese Yuan
What that really means: $20 USD = 138.93 Chinese Yuan
What two Chinese Yuan will buy you: Rice and/or flour
Money to bring per day: $50 USD or 338 Chinese Yuan
Packingtips
Spring/Summer packing list: Breathable shirts, shorts, sunscreen, sneakers, and a hat
What we wish we packed: An umbrella, baby powder, flowy clothes
Fall/Winter packing list: Fleece jacket, long sleeve shirts for layering, and boots
What we wish we packed: A reusable water bottle that can hold heat, and wool socks
Our advice: Bring noise-cancelling headphones, a good camera, travel-size hand sanitizer, and tissues/toilet paper for public restrooms
The food
Average cost of lunch: $6.50 USD or 40 Chinese Yuan for a full meal
Tipping: While it is customary to tip a tour guide, driver, or hotel bellboy, it is not the norm to leave tips at local restaurants
Atmosphere: Restaurants are crowded and noisy—the busier it is, the better the food!
Food you HAVE to try: Meigancai (Dry pickled mustard greens), hairy crab, and xiao long bao (soup dumplings)
Additional advice before you go
Suggested spending money for souvenirs: About $150 USD or 1,041.40 Chinese Yuan
Coolest thing to bring back home: Jade earrings
Free time idea: Explore the local markets
Highlight of the trip: Standing on the Great Wall, knowing its complex history
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