Chinese people are generally considered friendly, welcoming, and hospitable to foreigners, particularly to tourists. Many travelers report positive experiences, though interactions can vary based on individual personalities, language barriers, and the specific region of China visited.
"Chinese are naturally very friendly and engaging people. And that's really the tourism product," said an international travel expert. As "#ChinaTravel" continues to trend worldwide, what's the secret behind its lasting appeal?
Though China is open to foreign visitors, be aware of political and cultural sensitivities. Avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. The Chinese authorities enforce public order strictly, and you may face arrest, detention and deportation.
Yes, it's generally considered safe for Australians to travel to China, but the Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution due to strict local laws, potential scams, and risks of arbitrary detention for even minor infractions, especially concerning national security, so staying informed via Smartraveller and being aware of petty crime is crucial.
China is a relatively safe place for expats to live, even if you do not speak Mandarin. Violent crime against foreigners is well-publicized but rare.
China's "3-hour rule" for minors restricts children under 18 to playing online video games for only three hours per week, specifically from 8 PM to 9 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, to combat gaming addiction and improve health. Implemented by the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) in 2021, the rule mandates gaming companies use real-name verification and facial recognition to enforce limits, though some children bypass it using adult accounts.
The "Three Ts" in China refer to the highly sensitive topics of Taiwan, Tibet, and Tiananmen Square, which are major taboos and subjects of strict censorship, with discussions often discouraged or forbidden due to their challenge to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) narrative and authority. Foreigners are often advised to avoid these topics to prevent discomfort, legal issues, or awkwardness with Chinese citizens.
While Australia has strong alliances with the United States and United Kingdom, public opinion polls consistently show New Zealand is considered Australia's closest "best friend," a sentiment rooted in shared culture, close ties, and trans-Tasman family feelings, despite the robust security and strategic partnership with the US and UK, noted through AUKUS.
Five US dollars (around 35 Chinese Yuan) isn't a lot in China for tourists but is a meaningful amount for daily necessities, buying several street food meals or bus rides, though it won't go far in big cities for luxuries, varying greatly by location and type of purchase.
China's "0.1% rule" refers to its 2025 export controls that require licenses for products containing 0.1% or more (by value) of certain Chinese-origin rare earth elements or technologies, extending China's regulatory reach globally to materials like magnets, semiconductors, and defense components, even if manufactured outside China. This extraterritorial control, similar to the U.S. Foreign Direct Product Rule, aims to leverage China's dominance in rare earth supply chains for strategic influence, impacting high-tech industries by requiring approval for exports and potentially disrupting global supply chains.
Xenophobia is the fear of strangers. The word is also used to describe an attitude of prejudice and an outlook that is exclusionary of foreigners and certain people based on their background and identity. It may also manifest as a display of hostility towards specific ethnic groups.
The following objects may not be brought into China:
France is consistently ranked as the #1 tourist country in the world, welcoming over 100 million visitors in 2024, followed by Spain, the United States, and Italy, due to its rich culture, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, diverse landscapes, and world-class cuisine. While France leads in arrivals, the United States often generates the highest tourism revenue.
It really depends on what you're going to do with that $100. If you're living a western style of life with food, $100 US in the cities would be like $120 US maybe? It'll stretch out a little. But if you're eating like the locals, buying groceries and the like, this can be a small fortune.
The leading causes of death in China are Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD), particularly stroke and ischemic heart disease, followed by cancers (like lung and liver cancer) and respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). CVDs consistently rank first, accounting for nearly half of all deaths, highlighting a significant health burden from chronic conditions, alongside rising cancer and respiratory issues.
Items That Are Surprisingly Cheap in China
For Cantonese speakers, 14 and 24 are considered unluckier than the individual 4, because 14 (Cantonese Yale: sahp sei) sounds like "will certainly die" (實死, Cantonese Yale: saht séi), and 24 (Cantonese Yale: yih sei) sounds like "easy to die" (易死, Cantonese Yale: yih séi).
Baby boomers are Australia's happiest workers, while millennials are the most miserable, according to a new report from employment website Seek.
Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Britain are among the most popular choices for Australian expats. While the weather in many of these countries may take some getting used to, their fascinating histories, unique cultures, and friendly citizens will more than make up for it!
Australia's biggest rival depends on the sport, but internationally, England (The Ashes in cricket) and New Zealand (Bledisloe Cup in rugby) are historic rivals, while India has emerged as a fierce modern cricket rival, and domestically, Queensland vs. New South Wales (State of Origin) is arguably the most intense rivalry. The rivalry with England in cricket is deeply cultural and historic, fueled by colonial roots, while the India rivalry is known for sheer intensity in cricket.
In 2018, according to Business Insider, China ordered that the Winnie the Pooh theme be banned and replaced with a new one due to the character's use in censored internet memes.
The 4-2-1 family structure refers to families in which three generations coexist in a variety of family forms. The structure emphasizes a social living community, including four older people (paternal and maternal grandparents), two parents, and one child, based on relationships of marriage, kinship, and adoption.
What are the laws in China for tourists? Tourists in China must abide by strict local laws. This includes respecting cultural sites, not engaging in political activities, and avoiding drug use or possession. Photography in restricted areas, such as military zones, is also prohibited.