Daqing Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards

Choose from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom.

SIM Card Requirements

Your passport is needed for purchase and registration.
A local SIM helps with mobile payment apps and public Wi-Fi access.
Access to a local phone number is beneficial for various services.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes, and open areas. Public Wi-Fi often needs a Chinese phone number for verification.

Connectivity & Firewall

Mobile data from an area SIM or roaming is generally reliable.
China's internet includes content filtering (the "Great Firewall").
A VPN is needed for Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp. Install and test your VPN before arrival.

Language and Translation

Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English proficiency is minimal outside major hotels.

Translation Tools

Pleco: An excellent offline dictionary.
Google Translate: Download the Chinese language pack for offline use.

Postal Services

China Post offices are available for sending mail and packages, both domestically and internationally. Look for the green China Post logo.

Sending Mail

Find offices with the green China Post logo.
Services for domestic and international mail/packages.
Many post offices throughout the city.

Important Phrases

Basic Greetings

Nǐ hǎo (nee-haow): Hello
Xièxie (shyeh-shyeh): Thank you
Duìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee): Excuse me / Sorry
Zhè ge (jer guh): This one

Useful for Travel & Dining

Duōshǎo qián? (dwor-shaow chyen): How much?
Wǒ yào qù... (wor yaow choo...): I want to go to...
Bú yào là (boo yaow la): No spicy
Wǒ chī sù (wor chee soo): I am vegetarian

Connectivity Tips

Effective communication is possible with preparation and the right tools. Consider an eSIM for easy data access via Airalo or a portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi. Practice Mandarin with Rosetta Stone.

Business Hours and Schedules

Navigating daily operations and holiday closures in Daqing.

Shop Hours

Big stores and malls typically operate from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Smaller shops may vary.

Dining Times

Food from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, dinner from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Some eateries extend hours.

Bank Services

Weekdays 9:12:00 AM to 5:00 am:00 PM. Some branches offer half-day weekend services.

Banking and ATMs

Accessing your money:

Cash & Cards

ATMs are widespread throughout Daqing.
Most accept international cards (Cirrus, Plus, Visa, MasterCard) at major bank branches.
Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions.

Holidays and Closures

Plan around major events:

Holiday Impact

Major Chinese holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day, May Day) affect services.
Expect heavy travel demand, impacting transport and accommodation.
Check the official Chinese public holiday calendar for your travel dates.

Seasonal Considerations

Outdoor Attractions

Outdoor attractions, natural parks, and wetlands may have reduced hours in winter.
Summer allows for longer outdoor enjoyment.
Some areas might close during winter due to extreme cold or maintenance.

General Advice

Always confirm opening hours for specific sites.
Seasonal changes can affect public access.
Stay informed about local advisories.

Travel Planning

Be mindful of holiday periods for closures and increased crowds. Always confirm opening times before your visit, especially for museums and attractions. For flight delay compensation, consider Compensair. Access airport lounges with Priority Pass.

Etiquette and Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

A simple "Nǐ hǎo" (hello) is appropriate.

Interacting with Locals

Handshakes are common in formal settings.
Politeness and respect for elders are highly valued.
Approach interactions with courtesy.

Appropriate Attire

Casual dress is generally fine for most settings.

Dressing Respectfully

Modest attire, covering shoulders and knees, is recommended.
Especially when visiting religious sites.
Dress code reflects respect for sacred spaces.

Dining Practices

Tipping is not expected or customary in China.

Mealtime Customs

Talking loudly at restaurants is common.
Sharing dishes is the norm.
Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice bowls (resembles incense for the dead).

Photography Ethics

Photography is generally allowed in public areas.

Respectful Photography

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Some museums or specific exhibits may prohibit photography.
Respect privacy and personal space.

Taboos and Sensitive Topics

Political Sensitivity

Avoid conversations on sensitive political topics.
This includes Tibet, Taiwan, or the Tiananmen Square incident.
Do not criticize the government.

Conversation Topics

Stick to neutral and general conversation topics.
Talk about travel, food, or culture.
Be mindful of local laws and customs.

Gender and LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Considerations

Daqing is generally conservative.
Public displays of affection are less common.
Social norms are more reserved.

LGBTQ+ Travel

LGBTQ+ rights are not recognized in China.
Public visibility is limited; being discreet is advised.
While generally safe, awareness of local attitudes is helpful.

Cultural Awareness

Cultural understanding enriches your travel experience and fosters positive interactions. Observe local behaviors and adapt respectfully to your surroundings.

Accessibility Information

Notes for travelers with mobility challenges or special needs in Daqing.

Mobility Infrastructure

Accessibility infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is generally limited.

Challenges

The majority of public spaces, public transportation, and of a greater age constructions are not fully accessible.
Sidewalks can be uneven, and wheelchair ramps are not always available.
Expect obstacles in older parts of the city.

Accessible Transportation

Getting around with ease:

Travel Options

Taxis or Didi (ride-sharing) are commonly the most practical options.
These services offer door-to-door convenience.
Newer major attractions and 4/5-star hotels might have some disability-friendly features.

Services for Sensory Impairments

Limited specialized services are available for international travelers with visual or hearing impairments.

Preparation

Prepare with your own communication supports.
Bring necessary personal equipment.
Detailed study and planning are recommended for specific needs.

Resources and Organizations

There are no specific organizations catering to available tourism in Daqing.

Information Sourcing

Research and planning are required for travelers with specific needs.
Contact your hotel directly for accessibility features.
Consult international accessibility travel guides.

Planning for Accessibility

Thorough preparation is advised for visitors with particular accessibility needs. Consider contacting your hotel or a local travel agency for personalized information.

Daqing Travel Tips