Anshun Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the three main mobile providers.

Acquisition & Usage

Purchase requires your passport for registration, as mandated by Chinese law.
Various plans are available for data, local calls, and international calls.
ESIM options exist; researching this in advance is advised.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, major restaurants, and cafes.

Access & VPN

Public Wi-Fi is sometimes unreliable and needs a Chinese phone number for verification.
A VPN is absolutely essential for accessing many common Western apps and websites.
Download and configure a reliable VPN app before entering China.

Language Barrier Support

Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English is not widely spoken.

Translation Tools

Translation apps (Google Translate with offline Mandarin pack) are important.
Pleco (a comprehensive Chinese dictionary app) can be highly beneficial.

Postal Services

China Post offices (中国邮政) are available in Anshun for sending letters and parcels.

Sending Mail

Look for the distinctive green and white China Post logo for official offices.
Standard international shipping options are generally available.
Trackable services for important parcels are typically offered.

Essential Mandarin Phrases

Common Expressions

Nǐ hǎo (你好): Hello
Xiè xie (谢谢): Thank you
Bù kè qì (不客气): You're welcome
Duìbuqǐ (对不起): Sorry

Asking & Requesting

Qǐng wèn (请问): Excuse me (to ask a question)
Duōshǎo qián? (多少钱?): How much?
Wǒ bù dǒng (我不懂): I don't understand
Mǎi dān (买单): Bill, please

Communication Tip

A local SIM card greatly mobile payment options and overall local communication.

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand typical operating hours for businesses and services in Anshun.

Government Offices

Generally Monday-Friday, 08:30-12:00 and 14:00-17:30.

Banks & ATMs

Typically Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00. ATMs available 24/7.

Shops & Malls

Large malls usually 10:00-22:00. Smaller shops vary.

Public Holidays

Expect crowded conditions and higher prices at attractions and transport at these times.

Important Holiday Periods

Lunar New Year (Spring Festival): Dates vary (late January/February).
National Day Golden Week: The first week of October.
Labour Day (May Day): Early May.

Seasonal & Limited Schedules

Outdoor attractions may have reduced hours during very heavy rainfall or intense cold in winter.

Weather Impact

Reduced hours in heavy rain or cold for some outdoor sites.
Always check official websites or local tourism information for updates.
Plan ahead, especially during specific local events or festivals.

Banking & ATMs

ATM Locations

ATMs are widely available throughout Anshun city.
Look for major Chinese banks like Bank of China, ICBC.
Most ATMs accept non-local cards (Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus).

Financial Notes

Be aware of potential transaction fees from your home bank.
The local currency is Chinese Yuan (CNY).
Mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are dominant.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

A nod or a simple "Ni hao" (你好) makes a sufficient greeting.

Social Interactions

Handshakes are widespread in formal settings.
Using appropriate titles shows respect.
An effort with Mandarin phrases is much appreciated.

Appropriate Attire

Generally, casual dress is acceptable in Anshun city.

Attire Guide

Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is respectful for temples.
Show respect in traditional ethnic villages.
Comfortable footwear is recommended for walking and exploration.

Dining & Tipping

Meals are often shared. Use chopsticks correctly.

Mealtime Manners

Do not waste food, but leaving a small amount might indicate you were well-fed.
Do not stick chopsticks upright in your rice bowl.
Tipping is not customary or expected in restaurants, hotels, or taxis.

Photography Guidelines

Photography is generally allowed, especially at scenic spots.

Photo Permissions

Always ask for permission before taking close-up portraits of people.
Observe "No Photography" signs at religious sites, museums, or the military areas.
Be discreet and respectful; avoid intrusive photography.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Topics to Avoid

Avoid discussions about Chinese politics.
Abstain from discussions about Tibet, Taiwan, or sensitive historical events.
Avoid asking personal financial questions.

Social Norms

Avoid giving gifts like clocks or white flowers, which carry negative connotations.
Public displays of affection are generally more modest.
Be discreet regarding LGBTQ+ matters in public.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Perspectives

Women travel safely throughout China.
Solo female travelers might attract more attention, especially in rural areas.
Overall, safety for travelers is generally high.

LGBTQ+ Notes

Homosexuality is not illegal in China.
Public displays of affection are uncommon for all couples.
Subtlety is advised in public spaces.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility infrastructure in Anshun is developing but has challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Infrastructure

Accessibility limited infrastructure, especially outside of major cities and more recent developments.

Challenges & Progress

Older buildings, traditional villages (cobbled streets) pose significant challenges.
Many natural attractions (e.g., Huangguoshu Waterfall) have numerous stairs.
Newer infrastructure like high-speed train stations and modern hotels usually have ramps and elevators.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Some newer, higher-end hotels may have accessible rooms.

Travel Options

High-speed trains generally feature accessible carriages and restrooms.
Major airports (like Guiyang Longdongbao International) are typically accessible.
Hiring a chauffeured car offers flexibility and ease of movement.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specific services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Support Notes

Information and signage are mainly in Chinese.
Minimal English translation is often available.
Guide dogs are not commonly recognized or accommodated in public spaces.

Accessibility Resources

Few specific resources exist for accessibility information directly for Anshun.

Seeking Guidance

Contact hotels and attractions directly in advance to confirm features.
Inquire with tour companies about their accessible services.
Think about hiring a private car for enhanced flexibility.

General Safety Tip

Cash for Conveniences

Carry small denominations (¥1, ¥5, ¥10 notes) for small vendors, public toilets, or areas where mobile payment might not be available.

Payment Landscape

While mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are dominant, cash retains its utility for many minor transactions.

Practical Advice

Always carry a little cash in small denominations for minor purchases or in more remote areas.

Anshun Travel Tips