Ruian Zhejiang, China Travel Guide
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the main mobile providers. China Mobile generally haves wider coverage. Purchase SIM cards at airports or official stores; registering your passport is needed.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and shopping malls. Public Wi-Fi often needs a Chinese phone number for verification. Fast and reliable 4G/5G coverage is throughout China.
Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the official language. The local dialect is Wenzhounese, though most locals also speak Mandarin. Proficiency in english is limited, especially outside major tourist areas.
Knowing a few basic Mandarin phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience and dealings.
Patience and a translation app are your allies. Downloading an offline dictionary like Pleco before arrival is a good strategy, especially for navigating local menus and signs.
Local operating hours and holidays influence your travel plans.
Shops typically open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM/10:00 PM. Restaurants serve lunch (11:30 AM-2:00 PM) and dinner (5:30 PM-9:00 PM). Many local eateries stay open later.
Banks operate 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Mon-Fri. ATMs are widely available 24/7 and accept international cards (Visa, MasterCard, Plus, Cirrus).
Government offices are usually open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, aligning with standard business workweeks.
National holidays can affect travel. The Spring Festival (late Jan/Feb) and Independence Day (Oct 1-7) are 'The Golden week holidayss' with heavy domestic travel.
Expect crowded transport and attractions, higher prices, and some businesses to be closed. Book travel and accommodation well in advance if visiting during these times.
Public holidays bring significant domestic travel. Booking transportation and accommodation well in advance for these periods is a very good idea. Be ready for busy conditions, especially during the 'Golden Weeks'.
A nod or slight bow is polite. Handshakes are prevalent in business settings. Addressing people by title and surname shows respect. Casual wear is acceptable; modest attire for temples (covered shoulders and knees).
Wait for elders to be seated first. Chopsticks are the main utensil. Do not stick chopsticks vertically in your rice bowl. Slurping noodles is acceptable. Tipping is not customary or expected in China.
Photography is generally permitted in public areas. Always get consent before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas or during religious ceremonies. Some museums or exhibits may prohibit photography.
Avoid discussing sensitive political topics (Tibet, Taiwan, Tiananmen Square). White is associated with funerals; red signifies good luck. Avoid giving clocks or sharp objects as gifts.
A polite and patient approach, combined with modest attire at religious sites, fosters positive cultural exchanges. Always ask before photographing individuals to respect privacy. Awareness of local sensitivities will make your experience much smoother.
Facilities for travelers with mobility issues is improving, though limitations exist in smaller cities like Ruian.
Newer buildings, airports, and the Wenzhou Metro S1 line often feature elevators and wheelchair ramps. Older areas, public buses, and many historical or natural sites with stairs may lack accessibility features. Specialized services for the visually or hearing impaired are limited. Signage is mainly in Chinese. Guide dogs may not be widely recognized.
The Wenzhou Metro S1 Line is generally accessible. Modern shopping malls and hotels typically offer good accessibility. Research individual venues thoroughly or reach out to them in advance to confirm accessibility. Larger cities have more comprehensive information.
While improvements are ongoing, planning is important for travelers with mobility challenges in Ruian. Prior research into particular attractions and accommodations for their accessibility features is a good approach. Direct inquiries to venues often yield the most accurate information.
