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Jinhua Travel Resources

Jinhua Travel Resources

Jinhua Zhejiang, China Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • WeChat (微信):

    An absolute necessity. This app serves as a messaging platform, social media, and the main mobile payment system. Many daily interactions in China involve WeChat.

  • Alipay (支付宝):

    The other main mobile payment system.

  • Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行):

    The main ride-sharing app in China, presenting various transport services. It frequently has an English interface.

  • Baidu Maps (百度地图) or Gaode Maps (高德地图):

    These are the most accurate and complete navigation apps for China. Google Maps offers limited functionality.

  • Pleco:

    An excellent offline Mandarin dictionary. It greatly aids with language differences. For additional language learning, explore Babbel.

More Digital Tools

  • Google Translate:

    Download offline Mandarin language packs. This helps with real-time translation of signs and conversations.

  • Trip.com (Ctrip):

    A reliable system for reserving flights, hotels, and train tickets within China, with an English interface.

  • VPN:

    Useful for accessing international internet services like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Install and test NordVPN Before you arrive.

  • Useful websites for additional planning:

    Official China National Tourist Office websites offer general information about travel in China. Reliable travel blogs and forums specializing in China travel share practical advice and personal experiences.

  • Podcasts and digital content:

    Search for podcasts or YouTube channels focusing on Zhejiang province, Chinese culture, or general China travel. These offer context and inspiration.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

Lonely Planet China, Rough Guides China share general information on Zhejiang province. Jinhua may have limited specific coverage, but they offer broad context. Local maps are often available at hotels or the information center centers (typically in Chinese).

Books About the Destination

General books on Chinese history, culture, or literature make for a better understanding. Specific books solely focused on Jinhua are likely academic or available only in Cantonese.

Local Publications

Local newspapers or tourism brochures (often in Chinese) share current event information, local listings, and sometimes maps. These give a glimpse into local perspectives.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 120
  • Fire: 119
  • Local Tourism Hotline: 12301 (for general tourist inquiries or complaints).

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Jinhua Central Hospital (金华市中心医院)
  • The First People's Hospital of Jinhua (金华市第一人民医院)
  • Note that English-speaking staff may be limited.

Lost Document Procedures

Passport/Visa

  • Report a lost passport or visa to the local police immediately.
  • Obtain a police report.
  • Contact your embassy or consulate for assistance in obtaining emergency travel documents.

Credit Cards

  • Report lost or stolen credit cards to your bank immediately.
  • Keep emergency contact numbers for your bank accessible.

Embassy and Consulate

  • Find your country's''s diplomatic mission in China.
  • These are typically in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, or Wuhan.
  • Keep their contact details, including emergency numbers.

Further Reading & Safety Alerts

Natural Disaster Protocols

During Severe Weather

  • Adhere to local authority guidance during severe weather events (e.g., typhoon warnings, heavy rain).
  • Monitor local news and weather forecasts through your apps.
  • Your hotel is able to supply guidance.

Documentaries & Arts

Documentaries and Films

  • Search for documentaries focusing on Zhejiang province, Chinese history, or specific cultural aspects. These offer visual and narrative context.

Music and Art

  • Seek out Wuju Opera (婺剧) performances when obtainable.
  • Listen to conventional Chinese music to immerse yourself in the soundscapes of the region.

Online & Language Learning

Online Communities

  • Expat forums in China (e.g., Internations, Reddit's r/China or r/travel) share practical advice and connect you with other travelers or residents.

Language Learning Resources

  • Apps like Duolingo or Memrise offer basic Mandarin lessons.
  • Local language schools in Jinhua provide more intensive study for longer stays.

Important Information

Passport and Visa

  1. Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
  2. Ensure you have the correct visa for your travel purpose.
  3. Keep physical and digital copies of your passport and visa separately.

Financial Preparedness

  1. Inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid card issues.
  2. Carry some cash for smaller transactions.
  3. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay for mobile payments.

Pre-Trip Reminders

Travel Insurance

Secure comprehensive Travel insurance for medical emergencies and trip changes.

VPN Installation

Install and test your VPN NordVPN before arrival to access international services.

Packing Smarter

Use Eagle Creek packing organizers for efficient luggage space and fast access to items.

Important Safety Notice

Save all important phone numbers (hotel, emergency, embassy) in your phone and also write them down on a physical card. This ensures access even if your phone battery depletes.

Further Reading & Exploration

Expand Your Horizons

Online Communities and Forums

  • Expat Forums:

    Forums like Internations or Reddit's r/China provide practical advice and connect you with other travelers or residents.

Language Learning Resources

  • Language Apps:

    Apps like Duolingo or Memrise offer basic Mandarin lessons. For more in-depth learning, try Babbel.

  • Local Schools:

    Local language schools in Jinhua provide more intensive study for longer stays.

Cultural Immersion

Documentaries & Films

Seek films focusing on Zhejiang province or Chinese culture for narrative context.

Music & Art

Experience Wuju Opera or traditional Chinese music for regional soundscapes.

Local Literature

Discover general Chinese literature for cultural depth. Jinhua-specific books are often academic or in Chinese.

Planning Resources

Travel Guides

  • Lonely Planet China or A Popular series of travel guidebooks China provide broad context for Zhejiang province.
  • Local maps are helpful for navigating the city (often in Chinese at hotels).

Online Booking & Info

  • Official China National Tourist Office websites offer general travel information.
  • Trip.com / Ctrip is a resource for booking and finding reviews of lodging and tourist spots.

Connectivity Tools

Navigation & Translation

  • Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps are accurate navigation apps for China.
  • Pleco, an excellent offline Mandarin dictionary, greatly aids with language differences.
  • Google Translate with offline Mandarin language packs translates signs and conversations.

Communication & Payments

  • WeChat is a required app for messaging, social media, and mobile payments.
  • Alipay is the other dominant mobile payment system.
  • Didi Chuxing, the main ride-sharing app, offers various transport services.
  • A VPN (NordVPN) is useful for accessing international internet services.

Travel Insight

This guide contains the references required to make your Jinhua trip informed, safe, and abundant in discovery.