Zhangjiakou Hebei, China Travel Guide
Required for communication, social media, and mobile payment. Linking an international card to a Chinese phone number.
Required for mobile payment. Like WeChat, it links to a Chinese phone number for full functionality.
Main navigation apps in China, superior accuracy for local points of interest, public transport routes.
Dominant ride-sharing platform, similar to Uber. It has an English interface. Links to WeChat Pay/Alipay.
An excellent offline Mandarin dictionary for translating words, characters, and handwriting.
A major Chinese online travel agency offering flights, hotels, train tickets, and tours. Book on Trip.com
The official Chinese railway booking website. Registration without a Chinese ID has some complexity.
Search for these (often mainly in Chinese) for local what's on guides and detailed information on attractions.
Provides general information about travel to China and the bigger picture.
Platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights help compare international flight options.
Major international guidebooks (e.g., Lonely Planet, A Popular series of travel guidebooks) cover Beijing and Hebei province, including Zhangjiakou.
Pick up local maps upon arrival. These are at hotels or tourist information centers. A physical map aids city layout comprehension.
Reading books on Chinese history, the Great Wall, or culture builds appreciation for Zhangjiakou's heritage.
Books specific to Zhangjiakou for international tourists are rare, but broader books on northern China or the Great Wall exist.
Reading Chinese fiction (translated) offers cultural insights and a different perspective on daily life.
Create a physical "emergency card" with all essential numbers and your medical information (allergies, blood type), translated into Mandarin. Keep it in your wallet.
Zhangjiakou is usually safe for people traveling alone.
Be aware of your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Don't walk alone in dimly lit areas at night.
Social opportunities exist in hostels (if available) or during guided day tours.
Strike up conversations in local cafes or bars for connection.
Always carry a charged phone with route planning and emergency contacts.
Many international apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) face blocks. Download and set up a reliable VPN on all devices Before arriving in China. Consider NordVPN for secure access.
Mobile payment dominates transactions. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay and link an international bank card upon arrival. Carry some cash for small vendors.
Wintertime is extremely cold. Pack adequate warm, layered clothing, including thermal wear, insulated outerwear, and warm accessories.
For families, consider accommodations with laundry facilities or access to a laundry service. This makes activities outdoors easier.
