1. Bring your own toilet paper
Most public toilets don’t provide it. That includes major tourist sites, smaller restaurants, and a lot of shopping mall restrooms. Carry tissues or wet wipes at all times. Not optional — ask anyone who’s been caught out once.
2. Power bank CCC rules for flights
Must have 3C/CCC mark and be under 100Wh for domestic flights and flights departing from Chinese airports. The CCC logo is three stylised ‘C’ letters in an oval — different from the European ‘CE’ mark. Buy a Xiaomi or Anker on arrival if yours doesn’t have it.
Make sure to have your power bank easily accessible in your bag — they will be checked at security.
3. Hot water is the default
Order water at a Chinese restaurant and what arrives will be hot. This is a cultural thing, not a mistake. If you want cold, ask specifically. Hot water dispensers are in every train station and airport — bring a reusable bottle.
4. Smoking is everywhere. Everywhere.
China has the world’s largest population of smokers. Indoor bans exist in major cities but enforcement is patchy. Expect smoke in restaurants, toilets, and public spaces — especially outside Tier 1 cities. When booking a hotel, be very specific about your smoking requirements. Assume nothing.
5. The rules of the road are more like guidelines
Pedestrian right-of-way is theoretical. Even on a green walking signal, cars and scooters will still turn across the crosswalk. Silent electric mopeds will come up behind you on the pavement. Look both ways every time, even when you shouldn’t have to.
This is normal. It’s not rudeness — it’s how traffic flows here. Go with the flow rather than fighting it, and you’ll relax much faster.