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Unmapped.

COUNTRY GUIDE

China

Huge distances, very different regions, and people to explore them with.

Studying in Shanghai, working in Shenzhen or crossing the country by train: Unmapped helps you find your city, meet travelers, expats and locals, and join or start things together.

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The Lujiazui skyline across the Huangpu River at dusk, seen from the Bund in Shanghai
Lujiazui skyline from the Bund, Shanghai. Photo: Edward He / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

BASICS

Before you go.

Language
Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua)
The national standard language. Many regional languages and dialects are spoken too, such as Cantonese in the south. English is limited outside international settings.
Currency
Renminbi (¥, CNY), counted in yuan
Mobile payments are used almost everywhere in cities. Cash is still legal tender, and some is useful as a backup.
Time zone
China Standard Time, UTC+8
One time zone for the whole country, no daylight saving time. In the far west, daily life often runs later.
Power
220 V, several plug types
Many sockets take both flat two-pin and angled three-pin plugs. A universal adapter is the easy choice.
Getting online
eSIM, SIM or Wi-Fi
Some international online services may work differently or be unavailable. Check the apps you rely on before you travel.
Emergency
110 police · 119 fire · 120 ambulance
Free to call. Operators may speak limited English.

GETTING AROUND

Easy to move, once you know how.

  • High-speed rail

    A large high-speed network links most major cities, often city centre to city centre. Booking ahead is common, especially around holidays.

  • Domestic flights

    For the longest distances, such as to the far west or the southwest, flying is often the practical choice.

  • Metro systems

    Big cities have large metro networks with signs in Chinese and English, usually the easiest way across town.

  • Ride-hailing and taxis

    Local ride-hailing apps are common. Having your destination written in Chinese characters makes rides smoother.

CITIES TO EXPLORE

Where to start.

A few very different places to begin. You can explore any city in China through Unmapped. Search for it in the app.

BeijingShanghaiXi’anChengduKunmingGuangzhou
Featured cities in this guide. You can explore any city in China in Unmapped.

GOOD TO KNOW

Small things that help.

  • Paying by phone

    In cities most people pay by phone. Some local payment apps can be linked to international cards, but setup can take time, so keep some cash too.

  • Different online services

    Some international apps and sites may work differently or be unavailable. Save maps, translations and bookings you need before you travel.

  • Big distances

    The country is huge. Even well-connected trips can take most of a day, so leave time between cities.

  • Regions differ

    Food, language, climate and everyday life vary a lot between north and south, and between the coast and the interior.

  • Names in characters

    Keep addresses and place names in Chinese characters. It helps with rides, tickets and asking for directions.

  • Holiday travel

    Around major public holidays, trains and popular sights get very busy. Plan ahead if you travel then.

UNMAPPED IN CHINA

Arrive knowing someone.

Explore your next city before you land and plan what you want to do there.

  • Meet people before you land

    Open Shanghai, Beijing or Chengdu before you arrive and see who is here now, who is arriving and who lives there.

  • Ask the City Chat

    Every city can have its own City Chat. Ask about payment setup, metro tips or where to eat in Chengdu.

  • Plan what to do

    Look for meetups and day trips to plan your trip around, like a hutong walk in Beijing, a food evening in Chengdu or a hike near Kunming.

  • Travel together

    Share your rail route from Beijing to Xi'an and Chengdu, or post a Buddy Plan for a day trip, a class or a night out.

FAQ

Questions about Unmapped in China.

Can I explore cities beyond the big ones?

Yes. You can explore any city in mainland China through Unmapped, and every city can become a City Hub. The cities on this page are just a few places to start.

Does this guide cover Hong Kong and Macau?

No. This guide is about mainland China. Hong Kong and Macau have their own places in Unmapped, with different currencies and practicalities.

Can locals use Unmapped too?

Yes. Unmapped is for travelers, expats and locals, and many good plans start with someone who already lives there.

Can I explore China before I arrive?

Yes. Open the cities you plan to visit, see who is arriving, join the City Chat and share your travel plan before you land.

Can I host something myself?

Yes. Any member can host an event or start a project, and anyone can share a trip or a Buddy Plan.

Looking for another country? Search any city in the world.

Sources & information

Information last reviewed: October 2026Location data: GeoNames (opens in a new tab) (CC BY 4.0 (opens in a new tab))Map: Natural Earth (opens in a new tab)Photo: Edward He (opens in a new tab) / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

Travel information can change. Please verify important information with official sources. Country guides are provided for general information and do not constitute legal, medical, immigration or other professional advice. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Unmapped is not liable for losses resulting from reliance on the information provided. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.

CHINA WITH UNMAPPED

Explore China with Unmapped.

Explore Chinese cities, find people and plan your trip with the Unmapped app.

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