Xuzhou Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Providers

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom count as the three primary main mobile service providers in China. You purchase a local SIM card at official stores with your valid passport for real-name registration.

ESIM & Benefits

Airalo eSIM options are available for China, though many still call for a VPN for international services.
A local SIM card comes with a Chinese phone number, useful for local Wi-Fi and mobile payment apps.
Research international eSIM providers before your trip.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public zones throughout Xuzhou. Many public Wi-Fi networks may call for a local phone number for registration.

VPN & Preparation

Solis Wi-Fi portable devices give reliable internet, or secure a VPN for essential international apps and online platforms due to China's internet restrictions (the Great Firewall).
Download and install a reliable VPN service on all devices before arriving in China.
Test your VPN connection pre-travel to ensure it works.

Language Barriers & Translation

Mandarin Cantonese is the official language. English proficiency counts as limited outside of major international hotels, international business settings, and areas specifically geared towards foreign tourists.

Translation Tools

Rosetta Stone assists with learning basic Mandarin. Essential apps include Pleco (offline Chinese dictionary, character recognition).
Google Translate counts as useful for real-time translation (voice, text, camera) with a VPN.
WeChat's built-in translation feature assists with messages and moments.

Postal Services

China Post gives domestic and foreign post services. Post offices exist throughout Xuzhou. You send postcards, letters, and packages.

Express Options

You send postcards, letters, and packages for standard delivery.
For quicker international shipping, major international express carriers (e.g., EMS, DHL, FedEx) also operate in China.
These express options count as more expensive.

Phrases

Greetings & Basics

Hello: Nǐ hǎo (nee haow)
Thank you: Xièxie (shyeh-shyeh)
Excuse me / Sorry: Duìbuqǐ (dway-boo-chee)
Yes / No: Shì / Bù shì (shur / boo shur)

Travel & Shopping

Can you speak English?: Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma? (nee hway shwor ying-yoo ma?)
How much?: Duōshǎo qián? (dwor-shaow chyen)
Where can i find...?: ... Zài nǎlǐ? (... Zai naa-lee?)
I don't understand: Wǒ bù dǒng (wor boo dong)

Communication Insights

Patience and translation apps like Pleco bridge communication gaps effectively.

Operating Hours & Schedules

Knowing typical operating hours for businesses and services assists with planning your days in Xuzhou.

Offices

Monday-Friday, typically 09:00-17:00 or 08:30-17:30.

Shops & Malls

Daily, generally 10:00-22:00. Major shopping centers like Suning Plaza maintain these hours.

Restaurants

Breakfast: 07:00-09:00. Lunch: 11:00-14:00. Dinner: 17:00-22:00. Many street food vendors operate late into the night.

Attractions & Museums

Most tourist attractions, including museums and historical sites, typically operate from 09:00-17:00.

Specifics

Many museums and indoor sites close on Mondays for maintenance.
Always verify specific operating hours for attractions prior to your visit.
Consider early morning visits to avoid crowds.

Banking Hours & ATMs

Banks in Xuzhou (e.g., Bank of China, ICBC, Agricultural Bank of China) typically operate Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00. Some larger branches open on weekends for limited hours.

ATM Access

Automated Teller Machines are widely available 24/7 throughout the city.
Most accept international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus logos).
Carry some cash for smaller vendors.

Holidays & Closures

Major National Holidays

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): Late January / February
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day): April (3-day weekend)
May Day (in many countries): May 1-5 (Golden Week)

Other Public Holidays

Dragon Boat Festival: June (3-day weekend)
Mid-Autumn Festival: September / October (3-day weekend)
National Day: October 1-7 (Golden Week)

Holiday Travel Considerations

National holidays often mean crowded attractions and fully booked transportation. Plan and book everything well in advance if you travel during these periods.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

A basic grasp of local customs enhances your experience and promotes respectful interactions.

Greeting Customs

A slight nod, a friendly smile, or a handshake count as common greetings.

Respectful Interactions

Address elders with respect, using appropriate titles if known.
A simple "Nǐ hǎo" (Hello) always counts as appreciated.
If attending business meetings, business casual or formal attire stands expected.

Appropriate Attire

General attire counts as casual in urban areas.

Religious Sites

Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting temples or other sacred places.
Remove hats before entering sacred spaces.
Modest clothing is advisable for cultural sites.

Dining Practices

Tipping is not customary and generally not expected. Do not feel obliged to tip.

Table Manners

Dishes are shared among diners.
Avoid sticking chopsticks vertically in rice.
Offer food to others first.

Photography Restrictions

Generally allowed in public areas and most tourist sites unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., some museum exhibits, military zones).

Respectful Photography

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Respect "no photography" signs, especially in museums or historical sites.
Politely accept a refusal.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid Discussions

Political topics, specifically government policy, Tibet, Xinjiang, or Taiwan.
Pointing with your index finger; use an open hand instead.
Giving gifts of clocks, sharp objects, or umbrellas (bad luck).

Public Conduct

Public displays of affection count as rare and generally frowned upon.
Using your feet to point at people or objects, or showing the soles of your feet.
Avoid discussing sensitive topics that might result in discomfort.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Gender Norms

China counts as a generally conservative society.
Public displays of affection count as rare.
Traditional social norms are maintained.

LGBTQ+ Information

LGBTQ+ rights count as limited.
Discretion counts as advisable for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Xuzhou maintains traditional social norms in this aspect.

Cultural Respect

Be mindful of local customs and adapt. A polite gesture and patience improve interactions greatly. Respect individuals' privacy and cultural practices.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges maintains inconsistent levels in Xuzhou.

Infrastructure for Mobility Challenges

Amenities for travelers with mobility impairments remains generally limited compared to many Western countries.

Modern vs. Old

Newer developments, like Xuzhou Train stations and some modern hotels, often feature ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Older parts of the city, many traditional tourist sites, and public buses can pose significant challenges.
Irregular pavements, stairs, and lack of ramps pose difficulties.

Accessible Attractions & Transportation

Major attractions like the main paths within Yunlong Lake Scenic Area and newer museums (e.g., Xuzhou Museum) give some degree of accessibility.

Transport Details

Metro has the best accessibility among public transport options, with elevators and escalators at most stations.
Public buses count as often not accessible for wheelchairs.
Standard taxis or DiDi cars transport foldable wheelchairs, but specialized accessible vehicles count as rare.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments count as generally limited, with few specialized services or signage.

Support

Limited signage in English braille or sign language.
Travelers with visual or hearing impairments find it beneficial to travel with a companion.
Using assistive technology is a wise choice.

Resources & Organizations

Very few specific resources for Xuzhou targeting international visitors with disabilities exist.

Recommendations

Travel with a companion who gives assistance.
Contact your hotel in advance to inquire about specific accessibility features.
Thoroughly research specific attractions before visiting.

Pre-Travel Preparation

Always carry your passport for identification. Download essential apps (WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, Pleco) and a reliable VPN before your arrival. Write down your hotel address and destinations in Chinese characters.

Xuzhou Travel Tips