Better navigation and research in China before the upcoming trip

[He-Er-Mu-Te]

The very first time I'm going on an individual trip to Shenzhen and Guilin. As I'm not joining a tour group, which usually has a person from China as a tour guide, I have to do my own planning. In doing so, I encounter real challenges in finding my desired hotspots or sights. This is partly due to the Great Firewall, my lack of knowledge of Chinese characters or the poor data available on Google or Apple Maps.

I already have maps.me, baidu, shenzhen metro and petal maps as apps on my iPhone. But I can only find streets or buildings in bits and pieces. How can I orientate myself better so that I can get to my hotspots more easily? I also sometimes need information about ticketing and opening hours. That's completely easy with Madrid or Rome. But navigation and travel planning work differently here. I've been learning a bit of Chinese since February, by the way.

Do you have any advice for me? My next step is to get an eSim from airalo or holafly so that I can go online later in the country for orientation.

 

[armchairtraveler]

I had a look at Google maps for Shenzhen and it seemed to have pretty good detail. I went to Shenzhen before smart phones became a thing and got around fine using the maps from Lonely Planet China.

Having the locations you want to visit written down in Chinese will help if you need to ask someone or take a taxi.

For Guilin you will probably want to do a tour to see LI River.

 

[He-Er-Mu-Te]

I had a look at Google maps for Shenzhen and it seemed to have pretty good detail. I went to Shenzhen before smart phones became a thing and got around fine using the maps from Lonely Planet China.

Having the locations you want to visit written down in Chinese will help if you need to ask someone or take a taxi.

For Guilin you will probably want to do a tour to see LI River.

Thanks for answering! I will have tiny cards in chinese letters with absolutely important adresses like hotel or railway stations in my pockets. For sure Li River is a must see and hiking in the surrounding.

 

[K Sowjanya]

The very first time I'm going on an individual trip to Shenzhen and Guilin. As I'm not joining a tour group, which usually has a person from China as a tour guide, I have to do my own planning. In doing so, I encounter real challenges in finding my desired hotspots or sights. This is partly due to the Great Firewall, my lack of knowledge of Chinese characters or the poor data available on Google or Apple Maps.

I already have maps.me, baidu, shenzhen metro and petal maps as apps on my iPhone. But I can only find streets or buildings in bits and pieces. How can I orientate myself better so that I can get to my hotspots more easily? I also sometimes need information about ticketing and opening hours. That's completely easy with Madrid or Rome. But navigation and travel planning work differently here. I've been learning a bit of Chinese since February, by the way.

Do you have any advice for me? My next step is to get an eSim from airalo or holafly so that I can go online later in the country for orientation.

Consider downloading WeChat, a widely used app in China. It offers maps, messaging, and payment features. Also, utilize translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco for communication and reading signs. Research your destinations thoroughly in advance and consider hiring local guides for specific areas or activities.

 

[fazalrshah]

Don't forget to pack a travel eSIM for your next trip.
I suggest Superhero eSIM

 

[emilyscott]

You are in for a great trip! I understand that it may be difficult to travel alone to destinations such as Shenzhen and Guilin due to language and internet issues. My tip for success was to procure a good mobile data plan early on. Getting one of the eSIM plans from Voye Global proved to be very useful while I was in China — it made it easier to travel and view places around me, even when I had to navigate using maps and translation software.

Knowing some Chinese will be very helpful. Just ensure you have mobile data when you get there so you can utilize the apps you mentioned and navigate effectively. This will especially be useful in case you're on your own. Enjoy your trip — it will be a great experience!

 

[NikInPhnomPenh]

One of the responses earlier suggested you download and install WeChat -- I agree that is an excellent idea. WeChat has many features including a search option (you can use English) to find information on multiple topics related to the city. Via the WeChat App/platform you can access multiple digital assets (e.g. ShenzhenDaily) which offer current information about Shenzhen. Living (and traveling) in China makes you appreciate WeChat
Let me know with any specific questions -- I have lived in China (across multiple cities) for many years....

 

[Raediance]

One of the responses earlier suggested you download and install WeChat -- I agree that is an excellent idea. WeChat has many features including a search option (you can use English) to find information on multiple topics related to the city. Via the WeChat App/platform you can access multiple digital assets (e.g. ShenzhenDaily) which offer current information about Shenzhen. Living (and traveling) in China makes you appreciate WeChat
Let me know with any specific questions -- I have lived in China (across multiple cities) for many years....

I want to know if I can get a visa to China when I’m in Vietnam