Travelling to China without Knowing Chinese
China is a fascinating and complex destination many travelers wish to visit—but could you travel there without knowing any Chinese? The short answer is, yes, you can. Tourists to China experience an overwhelming influx of new information, sights, smells and sounds which can make the prospect of a language barrier hard to overcome. It is, however, still possible to travel to China without understanding any of its many dialects.
The Importance of English
English is known to be the primary language of international business, and it’s no surprise to find that modern China is no exception. In 2014, The Ministry of Education in China made English a required subject for elementary levels of education, with students as young as six beginning to learn. As such, an incredibly high number of Chinese citizens are now literate and actively use English in everyday scenarios.
This is beneficial to the tourists who don’t have a grasp of the language, as they are often easily able to find someone who can converse in English. Even some of the smaller cities, such as Zhangjiajie, are known to have English speaking locals and plenty of English language signage. While this is in no means a universal rule, English is now considered to be a widely spoken language in China with many citizens using it as a second language.
Without a full understanding of Chinese, you may find it difficult to interact with locals at first. However, the grand scale of modern cities like Shanghai can be navigated without a language. Clear signage and the offering of detailed maps upon check-in in hotels is now commonplace in even the smaller cities throughout China.
In an interview with National Geographic Traveler, professional guide for Universal Traveler in Beijing, Mae Zhang offered tips for tourists before travelling to China. She explained that travelers can find the rail system and bus systems to be incredibly helpful for navigating the city without any language. Maps are provided in both English and Chinese, allowing post-arrival orientation without the need for a full understanding of the language.
China Mobile Apps
Another tip for tourists traveling to China without a grasp of the language is the use of mobile apps. Companies like Pleco and Waygo offer applications that can translate text, menus, signs, and even handwriting from Chinese to English and vice versa. Therefore, you can potentially remain safe and informed without needing to speak the language. Of course, a study of traditional Chinese is highly recommended.
In addition, you may find that most popular attractions, like parks and major tourist destinations, have English language options that can be selectable on their websites. Additionally, you can perform an online search to connect with guides and companies that offer English-language tours. This can help you better understand the places you are visiting—all without knowing much Chinese.
Finding the Right City
Above all else, if you’re traveling to China without knowing any Chinese, it’s important that you select a city that is built for tourists. While most cities have elements that are suitable for international visitors, some of the larger cities in the south, such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, are specifically designed for foreign guests.
These cities are known to have more extensive English-speaking communities than some of the rural areas and smaller cities in the north. International hotels are often found in the more popular cities, making it even easier to travel to the country without knowing the language. Moreover, it’s also easier to find English-speaking restaurants and shopping malls in the larger cities.
You can easily navigate modes of transportation throughout China without knowing the language. Airport signage, checkout machines, and even railway tickets all include two columns, one in English and one in Chinese. It’s also possible to purchase sight-seeing tickets online, with English and Chinese options available, although an online reservation fee may be applicable.
Despite the vast language barrier, navigating transportation systems in some of the major cities is now more straightforward than ever. Of course, trying to communicate with locals may still be a difficult task, but it’s possible to get from one place to another without fully understanding the language.
Communicating with Tourists
When socializing with the locals, it’s less likely that you will find someone who speaks a foreign language, despite the massive number of English speakers in China. To overcome this, you can use a pocket translator which is a small device that can translate words from both foreign and local languages for easy communication. According to Vince Reinders, a cultural strategist working in China, pocket translators are easy to use and can be obtained from any of the electronic stores in China.
These translators are also incredibly helpful when it comes to understanding menu items, labels and instructions at various locations, allowing you to make smart decisions without needing to know the language.
Be Prepared & Willing To Learn
At the end of the day, while you can certainly travel to China without knowing Chinese, it’s not recommended. Learning a few key phrases before departing, as well as enlisting the help of a guide who speaks English, can make your visit much more enjoyable.
But, when researching and learning the language, be sure to join language courses that focus on Mandarin, as many of the dialects are not spoken in parts of the world outside of China. Moreover, you may also find it beneficial to watch a few videos prior to visiting the country. Watching videos has been known to promote active learning and can quickly introduce the sounds of the Chinese language.
Getting To Grips With Chinese Food
When travelling to China without knowing the language, it’s important to remember that the country’s food is as much a part of the culture as the language. While almost all cities have English-speaking restaurants, locals still take immense pride in cooking, and to fully understand the beauty of the culture, one must understand the food.
The best way to go about this is by visiting a Chinese restaurant frequented by locals and observing. Take the time to chat with local customers, ask questions and screenshots menus. You can also browse online for common dishes in the area, and Savor Chinatown is an excellent resource for understanding the culture.
Making The Most Of Cultural Hotspots
Learning the language isn’t the only way to make the most of your time in China. As English is becoming more widely spoken, it’s easier than ever to find English-speaking guides who can provide tours of all the major attractions, allowing you to experience the beauty and culture of the country without the pressures of a language barrier.
Alternatively, there are online resources available to research the history and culture of places throughout China, offering video tours and other comprehensive written guides. Sites like Tripadvisor, for example, provide travelers with compatibility scores for destinations, attractions, and various amenities so you can easily plan day trips and more.
Exploring Without Fear
In order to make the most out of your trip to China, it’s essential to be prepared. Have a plan and be prepared to explore the country without fear. While learning the language is a great way to experience the culture and people of the country, it is not essential. You can still experience the best of what China has to offer without speaking the language.
China is vast and diverse and it’s important to remember this when travelling. As long as you’re willing to embrace the unknown, you’ll find yourself surrounded by its overwhelming beauty.
Relying On Technology
Technology is an amazing asset to those traveling to China without speaking the language. Apps like Google Translate, Pleco, and Waygo can instantly transform any Chinese text into English and vice versa. This can help you better understand menus and signs at attractions with ease.
In addition, booking your hotel and train tickets online is also recommended, as you can avoid the hassle of trying to explain your needs to a local Chinese person without knowing the language. When using the internet while in China, be sure to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to avoid any issues with the country’s firewall.
Connecting With Locals
Connecting with locals can be a challenge if you don’t know the language. If you want to make friends and learn more about the culture, you’ll need to go beyond the conventional chat rooms and social networks and turn to more traditional methods.
Start by visiting places where locals typically gather, such as parks, movie theaters, or cafes. Strike up a conversation with someone whose style or mannerisms strike you, but be sure to keep it light and friendly. Who knows, you may even learn a few words of Chinese in the process!
Making The Most Of Signs & Symbols
Although China’s language barrier may at times be difficult to navigate, there are ways to make the most of your visit without feeling lost. Despite the language barrier, signs, symbols and body language help in communicating with locals. For example, traffic signs like stop, yield and no entry signs are all symbols used throughout the country.
Body language, too, is extremely important when traveling to China. For instance, the ‘thumbs up sign’ is widely recognized in the west, but in China, it means ‘bad’ or ‘wrong’ and can cause a great deal of discomfort if used incorrectly. Try to use the language and body language employed by locals as this can help to bridge the gap between you and them.
