• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Travel China Cheaper

Travel China the smart way! Expert tips and travel advice for China tourists and expats.

PLANNING A TRIP TO CHINA? Start Here

  • Resources
    • China Travel Handbook
    • China Travel Resources
    • Free PDF Downloads
    • Blogger Resources
  • Travel Tips
    • Best Travel Insurance for China
    • Getting Your Chinese Visa
    • How to Pack for China
    • Vaccinations Needed for China
    • Top China Tourist Scams
    • Best Times to Visit China
    • Getting Money to China
    • How to Travel China on a Budget
    • Tips on Tipping in China
    • How to Bargain in China
    • How to Take a Taxi in China
    • Using your Cell Phone in China
    • How to Open a China Bank Account
    • Best Virtual Mailboxes Reviewed
  • Travel Guides
    • Best China Travel Agencies
    • Best Beijing Guide Books
    • Best Shanghai Guide Books
    • Best Hong Kong Guide Books
  • Learn Chinese
    • 75 Best Language Learning Tools
    • Best Voice Translation Apps for China
    • Learn to Write Chinese
    • Learn To Read Chinese
    • Top 5 Mandarin Phrase Guides
    • How to Travel without Mandarin
  • China Visas
    • Complete China Visa Guide 2021
    • Visa-Free Transit Guide
    • US Citizens Guide
    • Best China Visas Services Reviewed
    • Getting a Chinese Visa in Hong Kong
    • Understanding the 10-Year China Visa
  • China VPN
    • Best VPNs for China 2021
    • Blocked Websites in China
    • Is Using a VPN Legal?
    • How to Watch Netflix in China
    • China VPN Tips
    • ExpressVPN Review
    • VyprVPN Review
    • Private Internet Access Review
    • Tutorial: Apple TV w/ VPN
  • About
    • Contact
    • Work with Us

How to Travel to China Without Speaking Chinese | 2023 Traveler’s Guide

January 26, 2023 By Josh Summers

Is it possible to travel China without speaking Chinese (Mandarin)? The answer depends on which part of the country you plan to see, but in general the answer is “yes”…although it is advisable to learn as much as you can before you leave! Thankfully, learning basic Mandarin isn’t as hard as you might think.

How to travel China without speaking Chinese

While I’ve spent a lot of time and effort personally learning Mandarin (check out my list of Chinese learning tools I’ve used), I’ve met quite a few travelers who can speak nothing more than a few words here and there. What’s worse, I know many expats who live here and can’t speak more than enough to order food or take a taxi home.

The truth is that speaking Mandarin is not a “must” in order to travel out here to China...

…but it helps.

It’s easier to get around bigger cities like Beijing and Shanghai without speaking Mandarin – or any other major tourist city for that matter. Taxi drivers are trained to know enough English to get you where you need to go. Additionally, most restaurants have menus in English.

The trouble comes when you want to travel outside the city.

Whether into the countryside or to anywhere where tourist aren’t as common, the language barrier seems to get higher. It’s at this point you need to consider how you’ll be able to communicate with those who have absolutely no ability to speak English.

Get a private phone number while you're in China

*Note* Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to purchase an item listed below. You can rest assured that I don’t recommend anything I haven’t personally used and love, and your support helps keep this website free. Thank you!

How to Travel in China Without Speaking Chinese

What if you don’t have time to learn Mandarin Chinese, but you still want to explore beyond China’s big cities? There are still a few very good options for you to consider.

Taking advantage of these options will enhance your visit to China by giving you access to more of Chinese culture. In many cases, it will also earn you the favor of those locals with whom you speak.

Option #1: Use Smart Phone Apps

Currently, one of the most popular ways to get around China without a deep knowledge of the Mandarin Chinese language is by taking advantage of your smartphone.

There are literally hundreds of app and podcasts designed to help you learn Mandarin on the go or have a dictionary at your fingertips.

Use translation apps on your phone in China

I’ve already gone into great detail about my favorite apps to help you learn how to read Chinese as well as my favorite apps to help you learn how to write Chinese.

That’s not really what I’m referring to here, though.

There are specific apps that are designed to translate to/from Chinese on the go. I’ve already gone through an extensive review of the best voice translation apps for China, but for the purpose of this article I’m going to condense it to two my favorites:


iTranslate Converse Mobile App

iTranslate Converse Voice Translation app

iTranslate Converse is one of the best translation apps on the market today and the one I recommend you try. You speak into your phone and it translates what you’ve said into Chinese.

Likewise you can have a Chinese person speak into your phone and it will translate back to you in English. The only downside is that this app is only available as an iPhone app.

iTranslate Converse for iOS

Google Translate for Chinese

Google Translate app icon

Google Translate is an excellent app that translates on the fly using the network connection on the phone. The only problem here is that since Google is blocked in China, you’ll also need a VPN to use it.

Still, it’s a great app that offers amazingly accurate translations. Google Translate is available for both iOS and Android.

Google Translate for iOS

There is one very important thing to consider if you plan on using your phone as a translation device. In order to use these apps, you’ll need to have internet access on your phone.

Perhaps you’ll sign up for international roaming on your phone or you can try to purchase a Chinese SIM card for your phone. Another option is to use your own phone while connected to WiFi. Believe it or not, there are some great ways to find reliable WiFi connections in China.

Whatever option you choose, make sure that your phone can connect to the internet before relying on smartphone voice translation apps to travel China without speaking Chinese.

Option #2: Bring a Mandarin Phrasebook

The easiest and historically popular fix for not speaking Mandarin Chinese is the trusty Chinese Phrasebook. Most of them come in pocket-sized editions that are light to carry, simple to use, and cater to those who know very little language.

A selection of Mandarin Phrasebooks

Oftentimes there will be a language section in whatever China travel book you choose, but if you’re looking for something more detailed and specific, I can personally recommend one of the following:


Lonely Planet Mandaring Phrasebook

Lonely Planet Mandarin Phrasebook

Lonely Planet Mandarin does a good job of giving you the most practical phrases you might want to use as a traveler.

Topics include “Sightseeing”, “Social”, “Emergencies” and “Eating”. There is even a menu decoder that is quite useful. LP gives you access to downloadable audio files to listen to pronunciation.

If you’re the kind of person who needs a CD, the older version includes a CD (what the heck is a CD!?).

Lonely Planet Phrasebook on Amazon

Rough Guides Mandarin Phrasebook

Try the Rough Guide Mandarin Phrasebook

Rough Guides has managed to produce one of the nicest phrasebooks available on the market today, with over 7,000 words and phrases you’ll need while traveling to China.

Best of all, it comes with an app you can download to listen or use the correct pronunciations.

If you’re looking for a good Mandarin phrasebook to keep with you, this is an excellent option.

Rough Guide Mandarin on Amazon

These are just two of many different phrase guides on the market today. If you’d like, you can read through a more comprehensive review of the best Mandarin phrasebooks for your China travel.

Consider teaching English in China as an option!

Option #3: Use a Flash Language Course

I call these Mandarin language courses “flash” because they’re not meant to be a long-term solution to learning the language. These courses are meant to be consumed quickly, usually via audio but sometimes on a computer.

If you start these about a month before leaving on your trip and remain diligent in your studies, you should be more than competent enough to get around China. Here is what I have personally used along with my thoughts:

Pimsleur Mandarin Audio Course

Try Pimsleur Mandarin

I used Pimsleur Mandarin before I left for China and I think it gave me an excellent head-start on learning the language.

Why? Because in the all-audio format it forced me to learn a Chinese accent without worrying about the characters.

Pimsleur also offers a full Chinese Level 1 Course which is excellent for someone coming to live here but would be overkill for a traveler.

Learn More about Pimsleur

Rosetta Stone Language Course

Unlike Pimsleur, Rosetta Stone Mandarin functions either on your computer or mobile device.

I love their learning method, but one negative side is that they don’t focus on useful traveling phrases.

Plus, you’re forced into a subscription service for what ends up being a very expensive product (they’re very proud of it!).

Learn More about Rosetta Stone

There are plenty of other such courses you’ll find at your local bookstore or online. My only suggestion is that you concentrate on those that teach you via audio instead of learning how to read/write. As a short-term travelers, this will be the most important.

Option #4: Use a Tour Company

If you don’t think your brain can handle attempting another language or you just want your trip to be a relaxing experience, consider joining a quality Chinese tour company.

It’s not always the cheapest option, but at least in this way you’ll have a guide who can speak English and will take care of all your needs. Speaking a word of Mandarin won’t be necessary at all.

The good news is that you’re not alone. There are enough people who just want to travel to China without speaking the language that many companies have catered extensively to you. There are day trips, 10 day trips and longer available to pretty much any place that you might want to go.

Get 5 Free International Moving Quotes!
Get 5 Free International Moving Quotes!

For example, you can try to navigate around Shanghai on your own, or you can explore some of the most under-appreciated Shanghai destinations with an English-speaking guide to provide historical context. It’s only a one-day tour and it’s quite affordable!

The bottom line is, these companies will charge you for a pleasant trip in China. However, it will be one that doesn’t require you to speak Mandarin Chinese.

Final Thoughts | Travel China with No Chinese

In short, you can rest assured that a trip to China does not require you to speak Chinese. It is possible to get around China sometimes using only English and most certainly using voice translation apps on your phone or Mandarin phrasebooks.

I encourage you to take some time to learn as much as you can before you leave, though. Even something as simple as some greetings and numbers will help you get better prices when you’re bargaining.

One thing is for sure. The time spent learning the Chinese language will only benefit you – whether now or in the future.

Pin this Image on Pinterest!
Pin this image on Pinterest!
Pin this image about traveling to China without speaking Chinese on Pinterest!

Further Reading & Resources

  • Do you need a permit to travel around China?
    Which Parts of China Require a China Travel Permit in 2022?
  • Which plug converter should be used in China?
    Which Plug Converter Do I Need for China in 2022? Simple Guide
  • Best tools to learn Chinese language
    Learn Chinese: 75 Best Language Learning Tools (Plus Discounts!)

Traveling or Moving to China Soon?

Download "44 Tips You MUST Know Before Traveling to China". These simple but often overlooked tips could make or break your trip!

Download the Tips Here

Avatar for Josh Summers

About Josh Summers

Josh is the founder of TravelChinaCheaper.com who has been living in China with his family since 2006. Over that period of time he has traveled by plane, train, car, motorcycle and even camel to explore almost every corner of the country.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for Josh SummersRebecca Huff says

    December 26, 2015 at 8:34 am

    My daughter and I traveled China with very little language skills, mine rudimentary at best, my daughter’s – non existent. We used several apps to help us when I didn’t know how to say what we needed to communicate. It was a little stressful at times, but I found most Chinese people willing to help. Except the taxi drivers. Most, maybe 90% seemed to hate us the minute we got in the back seat, before I even attempted to communicate. This is a great list!

    • Avatar for Josh SummersJosh says

      December 27, 2015 at 2:38 am

      Thanks for the comment, Rebecca! I agree with you – the quality of Mandarin phrase apps is amazing nowadays. There are even apps where you can speak your sentence and it will translate it instantaneously (requires an internet connection, though).

      Like I said in the article – and you repeated here – it is certainly possible to travel in China without any Mandarin Chinese language ability. But it can certainly be a bit stressful!

    • Avatar for Josh SummersRebecca Huff says

      December 28, 2015 at 10:40 am

      Definitely! We used “SayHi” and though it requires an internet connection, it was WELL worth it. I have also used Pleco to translate menus, directions, train tickets, etc. We had coffee with several friends we met via HelloTalk. My favorite phrase I learned in China was 中国情结
      I’ll be watching your website for more great tips! Thanks!

  2. Avatar for Josh SummersPieter says

    November 22, 2017 at 4:23 pm

    Hi Josh, how nice To read your tips on what to do before travelling thru ChinA. What about injections? Here, in holland, they advise me to get at least HepatiTus A and dtp

    • Avatar for Josh SummersJosh Summers says

      November 27, 2017 at 9:18 pm

      When it comes to vaccinations, I recommend you check with your country’s health department to see what they recommend for anyone traveling to China. It would be foolish of me to try to advise you since I don’t have the expertise!

  3. Avatar for Josh SummersEugene K. says

    November 25, 2020 at 2:41 am

    I’ve heard that in China they practically do not use usual messengers like Facebook or WhatsApp. Are there any features when using WeChat messenger? What languages does the WeChat messenger work in?

    • Avatar for Josh SummersJosh Summers says

      November 30, 2020 at 1:27 am

      You can download WeChat in English, but a number of the features are only useful if you live in China (such as the pay feature). Unfortunately, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are blocked in China.

  4. Avatar for Josh SummersEugene K. says

    December 4, 2020 at 4:42 am

    Thank you, Josh.
    Are there any alternative international services in China?

Primary Sidebar

Find answers to your China questions:

Coronavirus Health Alert for China Travelers

COVID-19 and the Future of China Travel in 2023 and Beyond

Travel Insurance Comparison

Best Travel Insurance for 2023 | Guide & Reviews

Receive Free China Travel Tips!

Get some of the best China travel tips delivered to your inbox. We'll even send you our free guide "44 Things You MUST Know Before Traveling to China"!

Recommended China travel resources

Recommended China Travel Resources

ExpressVPN Logo MarkExpressVPN (Best VPN for China)
Passport Visas Express Logo MarkPassport Visas Express (China Visa)
Trip logo markTrip.com (Best China Flights)
World Nomads Logo MarkWorld Nomads (Best travel insurance)

Recommended Chinese Learning Resources

eChineseLearning Logo MarkeChinese Learning (online tutoring)
Skritter Logo MarkSkritter (includes 10% discount!)
The Chairman's Bao logo markChairman's Bao (Use TCC20 for 20% off!)
Check out our recommended China travel agencies

Recent Articles on TCC:

  • 6 Must-Read Books on China | Recommended Reading for 2023
  • How to Watch Disney+ in China in 2023 (where it hasn’t been launched)
  • 5 Cheapest Ways to Get Money to China in 2023
  • Do VPNs Still Work in China? (even in March 2023?)
  • Best VPNs for China in 2023 (+ my strategy to use them)

Are you planning to travel or move to China soon?

Don't miss out on these 44 money-saving tips!

Learn More by Clicking Here

© 2022 Go West Ventures LLC   |  Best-Selling China Travel Guide   |   Contact   |   Affiliate Disclaimer   |   Privacy Policy