Find the Best Deals for Cheap Flights to China and Plan Your Trip

Romanian citizens need a visa to enter mainland China. The visa application process must be started well in advance of the departure date. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and that you have blank pages. The tourist visa (Type L) is the most common. Check updated requirements with the Chinese embassy, as rules can change frequently. Also, plan your itinerary in advance, as it will be requested when submitting the visa application. Don't forget to have proof of flight and accommodation bookings handy. For Hong Kong and Macao, visa rules are different, usually allowing visa-free entry for a short period. Careful document planning is key to avoiding unpleasant surprises upon arrival. A cheap flight to China is just the first step; documents are essential.

China's transport network is vast, modern, and highly efficient. High-Speed Rail trains are the best option for long distances, being fast and comfortable, connecting major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Book tickets in advance, especially during peak periods. In cities, the subway is excellent and easy to use, even if you don't speak Chinese, as signs are often in English. Taxis and ride-sharing services (like Didi) are accessible, but make sure you have the address written in Chinese. Avoid rush hours if you can. If you found cheap China plane tickets, invest the difference in fast train travel to save time. Use local map applications, as international ones may have accuracy issues. Public transport is a great way to save money and experience local life.

Accommodation options range from luxury international hotels to simple local guesthouses. In large cities like Beijing and Shanghai, you will find well-known hotel chains. However, for a more authentic experience, try local boutique hotels or guesthouses in the Hutong areas (in Beijing). It is crucial to book accommodation in advance, especially if visiting during national holidays. Many smaller hotels do not accept foreign guests due to police registration requirements, so check this before booking. Use booking platforms that are popular in China and make sure you have the reservation confirmation printed. If you got good China flight ticket deals, you can allocate a larger budget for accommodation. Guesthouses in traditional areas offer a unique perspective on local culture, but comfort may be lower. Always check recent reviews.

China is generally a safe country for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but pickpockets can be a problem in crowded areas, such as markets or subway stations. Be mindful of personal belongings. Local scams may include overcharging tourists, especially in taxis or small shops; negotiate politely, but don't expect prices like at home. Regarding customs, punctuality is important. Respect queues and do not speak loudly in public, especially on public transport. Do not leave tips; in China, tipping is not a common practice and may even be considered impolite in some places. Learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin. Also, note that access to certain international websites and applications is restricted, so prepare with a functional VPN before arriving. Once you have found the cheapest flights to China, focus on respecting local etiquette.

The local currency is the Yuan (CNY). China is a nearly cashless society, based on mobile payments. Applications like WeChat Pay and Alipay are used for almost everything, from small shops to transport. As a tourist, this can be a challenge, as these applications often require a Chinese bank account. However, there are now options to link them to international cards (Visa/Mastercard). Always keep some cash for situations where mobile payment is not possible. International credit cards are accepted only in large hotels and luxury stores. Connectivity is essential. Buy a local SIM card or use an eSIM with mobile data. Remember that many Western online services are blocked (Google, Facebook, etc.). Install and test a reliable VPN before leaving Romania. This will help you stay connected and use map applications. Even if you found cheap Beijing plane tickets, make sure you have a decent budget for daily expenses.

Chinese cuisine is much more diverse than what you know in Romania. Each region has unique specialties: Sichuan (spicy), Canton (delicate and fresh), Beijing (Peking duck), and Shanghai (sweet and sour). Don't limit yourself to large restaurants; try street food and small local restaurants, where prices are low and quality is often excellent. Be adventurous and taste new dishes. Tap water is not drinkable; drink only bottled water. When ordering, show pictures or use translation apps, as English menus can be rare outside tourist areas. Communal eating (sharing dishes) is the norm, so don't hesitate to order multiple dishes to share. Once you have secured cheap flights to China, enjoy exploring this rich culinary culture. Don't miss dim sum in the south or fresh noodles in the north. Try to avoid food waste; it is considered impolite.