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Zhengzhou Travel Resources

Zhengzhou Travel Resources

Zhengzhou Henan, China Travel Guide

Essential Apps for Zhengzhou

Daily Operations

  • WeChat

    Messaging, social media, and mobile payments. Almost required for daily life.

  • Alipay

    Another widely used app for mobile payments.

  • Baidu Maps

    Accurate local guidance for walking, public transport, and being behind the wheel.

  • Didi Chuxing

    The main ride-sharing app.

  • Pleco

    An excellent offline Chinese dictionary and translation tool.

Connectivity & Planning

  • VPN app

    Access blocked Western websites and apps (install before arrival). NordVPN is a significant choice.

  • Useful Websites

    Official Zhengzhou tourism websites (check for English versions).

  • General Guides

    General China travel guides often have online resources.

  • Social Media

    Official Zhengzhou or Henan tourism accounts (mainly in The chinese language) provide updates.

  • Digital Content

    Search for podcasts or YouTube channels focusing on Henan's history, culture.

Print Resources

Guidebooks

Lp China or Rough Guides China provide comprehensive information.

Local Maps

Available at hotels or the information center centers.

Local Publications

Newspapers or tourist brochures (often in Chinese, some with limited English versions) offer current events.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 110
  • Fire: 119
  • Ambulance: 120
  • Local emergency services are swift.

Medical Facilities

  • Henan Provincial People's Hospital (河南省人民医院)
  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (郑州大学第一附属医院)
  • Pharmacies are widely available.
  • Seek larger hospitals for serious conditions.

Diplomatic & Safety Advice

Embassy/Consulate

  • Locate your country's embassy in Beijing.
  • Check for relevant consulates in other major Chinese cities.
  • Keep their contact information readily available.
  • Register your trip with your embassy.

Lost Documents

  • Report lost documents to local police immediately.
  • Contact your embassy or consulate for urgent travel papers.
  • Carry photocopies of important documents separately.
  • Digital copies on your phone are also helpful.

Natural Disasters

  • Follow local authority instructions during any natural disaster.
  • Stay updated with local news and weather forecasts.
  • Major incidents are rare in Zhengzhou.
  • Familiarize yourself with hotel emergency exits.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Required Preparations

Months Before

  • Apply for your China visa.
  • Book international flights.
  • Research major itinerary points.
  • Consider travel insurance. World Nomads provides options.

Month Before

  • Book inter-city transport, especially high-speed rail.
  • Book accommodations.
  • Arrange comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Pre-install and test your VPN service.

Week Before

  • Make sure all bookings are confirmed.
  • Pack climate-appropriate clothing. Eagle Creek offers good organizers.
  • Let your bank know you're traveling.
  • Download required apps and offline maps/translation tools.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps

  • Complete immigration and customs procedures.
  • Collect your luggage.
  • Exchange currency or withdraw cash from an ATM.

Initial Setup

  • Purchase a local SIM card if you haven't pre-arranged one.
  • Locate airport/train station transfer options.
  • Use navigation apps to find your accommodation.

Departure Preparation

Before Heading Out

  • Plan your buying souvenirs in advance.
  • Consider shipping large items home via local postal service.
  • Check VAT refund procedures (if applicable).

Final Steps

  • Arrive at the airport or train station with ample time.
  • Reconfirm your flight or train details.
  • Check your baggage allowance to avoid unexpected fees.

Pre-Trip Research Suggestions

Cultural Immersion

  1. Familiarize yourself with Chinese cultural etiquette.
  2. Learn basic Mandarin phrases.
  3. Understand local payment systems: WeChat Pay and Alipay.
  4. Research local dining customs.
  5. Explore historical facts about Henan.

Home Organization

  1. Secure your home before departure.
  2. Arrange for pet or plant care.
  3. Notify mail services if you need a hold on your mail.
  4. Inform neighbors of your absence.
  5. Back up important digital files.

Home Prep for Peace of Mind

Security Measures

Lock all windows and doors. Activate alarm systems.

Pet & Plant Care

Ensure arrangements for pets and plants during your absence.

Mail Management

Put a hold on mail delivery or ask a neighbor to collect it.

Visa Application is Critical

The China visa application process could require several weeks. Start early.

Travel Essentials & Safety

Required Advance Bookings

Mandatory Documentation

  • Visa

    Secure your China visa well in advance. Without it, entry is not possible.

  • Flights

    Book international flights, especially when traveling during peak season.

  • High-Speed Rail

    Book inter-city high-speed rail tickets early, they sell out quickly.

Accommodation & Attractions

  • Hotels

    Secure popular hotels, especially during busy periods or for group travel.

  • Shaolin Temple

    Consider booking Shaolin Temple tickets in advance during busy times.

  • Travel Insurance

    Arrange comprehensive travel insurance. World Nomads is recommended.

Pre-Trip Research Suggestions

Cultural Etiquette

Familiarize yourself with Chinese cultural norms to show respect.

Basic Mandarin

Learning basic Mandarin phrases greatly enhances your interactions. Babbel helps you learn fast.

Payment Systems

Understand local payment systems, specifically WeChat Pay and Alipay, as they are ubiquitous.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Household Tasks

  • Secure your home: lock doors, windows, and activate alarms.
  • Arrange for pet care or plant watering.
  • Notify mail services or ask a neighbor to collect mail.
  • Unplug non-essential electronics.

Financial & Digital

  • Inform your bank about travel dates to prevent card freezes.
  • Set elevated international roaming or purchase an eSIM.
  • Back up important digital files and photos.
  • Print copies of documents: passport, visa, bookings.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Plan your souvenir purchases in advance.
  • Consider shipping large items home using a local postal or courier service.
  • Check airline baggage weight restrictions.
  • Account for shipping costs in your budget.

Final Logistics

  • China has a limited VAT refund scheme for foreign tourists. Check eligibility at international airports.
  • Arrive at the airport or train station with plenty of time before departure.
  • Reconfirm your flight or train details and gate information.
  • Check your baggage allowance to avoid unexpected fees.

Smooth Departures

Proper planning for departure helps reduce stress and prevents last-minute issues.

Zhengzhou Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts