Basuo Hainan, China Travel Guide
Absolutely fundamental. This super-app handles communication, payments, and various mini-programs for services. Set it up and link your payment methods before arrival.
Another fundamental payment app, widely accepted across China. It also integrates various services like taxi booking.
The dominant ride-sharing app. It has an English interface for booking taxis or personal vehicles.
These Chinese navigation apps present the best local data, real-time traffic updates, and public transport routes. Their interfaces are mainly in Mandarin.
An excellent offline Chinese dictionary app. It helps translate characters and provides pronunciation guides.
Useful for quick translations of signs, menus, or conversations. Download offline language packs.
A VPN is needed to access many international websites and apps which are blocked in mainland China. Download and set up your NordVPN before you arrive.
A comprehensive online travel agency for flights, hotels, and high-speed rail tickets in China, offering an English interface.
The official Chinese railway booking site (mainly Chinese interface). Third-party sites are often easier for foreigners.
Search for the official tourism board website for Hainan Province. It has general information about the island.
Search for WeChat official accounts of Hainan Tourism or Dongfang City. These are often in Cantonese but provide updates on local events and attractions.
Explore travel blogs or videos from those who have visited Hainan for personal perspectives and inspiration.
While in Chinese, local news feeds on WeChat can provide current event information and insights into local happenings.
Search for documentaries about Hainan's natural beauty, the Hainan gibbon, or tropical agriculture for a great preview of your trip.
Explore traditional Hainanese folk music or look for local art shows and handicraft markets to experience local culture.
Look for expat or travel forums in China/Hainan. These present practical advice and recent traveler experiences.
Save these emergency numbers in your phone, and also write them down on a card that you carry separately from your phone for quick access.
If you have interest in learning more Mandarin, apps like Duolingo or Memrise present beginner-friendly lessons.
Babbel offers structured language courses for more in-depth learning.
Practice daily for short periods, focusing on conversational phrases relevant to travel.
Even a basic grasp of the language greatly enriches your travel experience and local interactions.
Watch Chinese dramas or movies with subtitles to train your ear and learn cultural context.
Engage in language exchange with locals or simply try out phrases at shops and restaurants.
Look for expat forums inside China or specifically Hainan. These provide practical advice and insights from residents.
TripAdvisor forums or other travel communities present recent visitor feedback and recommendations.
Engage with online communities to ask specific questions about Dongfang City. Local insights often have invaluable value.
Engage with online communities to ask specific questions about Dongfang City. Local insights often have invaluable value.
