Mandarin for Your China Trip
Even basic Chinese transforms a tourist visit into a genuine experience. Navigate cities, order food, bargain at markets, and connect with locals — all with a few dozen phrases learned before you land.
Why Chinese Matters in China
English is limited outside major hotels
In most Chinese cities, English is rare beyond airport terminals and international hotel chains. Even basic Mandarin unlocks restaurants, local transport, markets, and genuine conversations with residents.
QR code payments need advance setup
WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate daily transactions in China — many vendors no longer accept cash. Setting up these apps requires a Chinese bank link; knowing enough Mandarin helps you navigate the process.
Locals appreciate any Chinese effort
Even a handful of phrases — a proper greeting, ordering food in Mandarin, saying thank you correctly — signals respect and opens doors that stay shut for tourists who never try.
Essential Travel Chinese
Four scenarios — master these before you board your flight
Airport & Transport
- 我要去＿＿。(Wǒ yào qù __.) — I want to go to __.
- 请问怎么去地铁站？(Qǐngwèn zěnme qù dìtiě zhàn?) — How do I get to the metro?
- 多少钱？(Duōshao qián?) — How much does it cost?
- 请停在这里。(Qǐng tíng zài zhèlǐ.) — Please stop here.
- 我要一张票。(Wǒ yào yī zhāng piào.) — I'd like one ticket.
Hotels
- 我有预订。(Wǒ yǒu yùdìng.) — I have a reservation.
- 退房是几点？(Tuìfáng shì jǐ diǎn?) — What time is check-out?
- 能帮我叫出租车吗？(Néng bāng wǒ jiào chūzūchē ma?) — Can you call me a taxi?
- 有WiFi密码吗？(Yǒu WiFi mìmǎ ma?) — Do you have the WiFi password?
- 请给我换毛巾。(Qǐng gěi wǒ huàn máojīn.) — Please change my towels.
Restaurants
- 两个人。(Liǎng gè rén.) — Table for two.
- 这个是什么？(Zhège shì shénme?) — What is this?
- 不要辣。(Bù yào là.) — No spicy, please.
- 好吃！(Hǎochī!) — Delicious!
- 买单。(Mǎidān.) — Check, please.
Shopping & Markets
- 可以便宜一点吗？(Kěyǐ piányí yīdiǎn ma?) — Can you give me a discount?
- 我只是看看。(Wǒ zhǐshì kànkàn.) — I'm just browsing.
- 有别的颜色吗？(Yǒu bié de yánsè ma?) — Do you have other colors?
- 太贵了。(Tài guì le.) — That's too expensive.
- 我要这个。(Wǒ yào zhège.) — I'll take this one.
🔧 China Travel Tech Prep
Download before departure. Used for messaging, payments, and QR codes everywhere. Requires a phone number and ideally a friend to verify your account.
Alipay
International version now available for tourists. Link a foreign credit card and top up a tourist balance. Accepted at most shops, restaurants, and transport.
VPN
Google, Instagram, and most Western apps are blocked in mainland China. Install a VPN before you arrive — it cannot be downloaded from inside China.
Top Destinations for Mandarin Travelers
Beijing
Home to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and historic hutong alleyways. Mandarin is spoken with the classic northern accent — great for language learning. Locals are proud of their capital and love to chat.
Shanghai
China's most cosmopolitan city. More English is spoken here than anywhere else in mainland China, but Shanghainese dialects and standard Mandarin coexist. Your Mandarin still gets you much further than English alone.
Chengdu
The food capital of China — home to hot pot, mapo tofu, and Sichuan cuisine. Chengdu dialect differs from Mandarin, but Putonghua is understood everywhere. Perfect for food-focused travel language.
Taiwan
Traditional Chinese characters (not simplified), unique local culture, and a distinct accent. Night markets are legendary. Mandarin knowledge transfers directly, but expect some vocabulary and cultural differences.
Learn travel Chinese in 4 weeks
One lesson a week, focused on your exact itinerary. Expert Mandarin teachers who know travel scenarios inside out.