China Business Travel Guide
Practical Guidance for Global Buyers Visiting China
Visiting China for sourcing, factory inspections, or business meetings can be highly productive when properly planned.
At Liunova, we support global buyers who travel to China by providing local guidance, coordination, and on-the-ground assistance. This guide shares practical, experience-based information to help you travel, communicate, and conduct business in China smoothly.
Before You Travel to China
Business Visa & Invitation Letter
Most buyers visiting China for sourcing require a business (M) visa.
Before applying:
Confirm visa requirements with your local Chinese embassy
Prepare a valid passport and supporting documents
An invitation letter from a Chinese company is often required
Liunova can assist clients with:
Factory visit coordination
Visit scheduling to support visa documentation (when applicable)
Visa rules can change, so always verify with official authorities before travel.
Business Culture & Meetings in China
China business culture values:
Face-to-face communication
Relationship building and long-term cooperation
Clear, respectful communication
Practical tips:
Business cards are still commonly used
Meetings often focus on building trust before negotiations
Messaging apps (especially WeChat) are widely used for follow-up communication
During factory visits, preparation and clear agendas help meetings run efficiently.
Internet, SIM Cards & Communication
China has a unique internet environment.
International & Domestic Calls:
China country code: +86
For domestic calls within China, add 0 before the city code
Major City Area Codes
Beijing: 10
Guangzhou: 20
Shanghai: 21
Shenyang: 24
Wuhan: 27
Directory Assistance
Local directory assistance (limited English support): 114
Emergency Numbers in China
Police: 110
Fire: 119
Medical Emergency: 120
-These emergency numbers are available nationwide.
Practical Tip
Keep important numbers saved on your phone and written down when traveling. Having your hotel address and contact details in Chinese can be helpful in emergency situations.
What to know:
SIM cards are available at airports and official stores
Passport registration is required to purchase a SIM
Many global apps and websites may not be accessible without preparation (VPN might save you)
For business travelers: Transportation Taxi At airports and hotels, taxi services are readily available. In addition to having cards with the hotel's name and address in Chinese, concierge desks at hotels frequently help taxi drivers by providing directions. It might be difficult to hail metered taxis on the street without a smartphone app. Drivers of taxis do not accept credit cards and do not speak English.
Transportation Services :
In China, a number of ride-hailing applications are accessible. DiDi and ShouYue are two examples of services that offer an English version that can be connected to a foreign phone number and credit card. Generally speaking, these applications cost around the same as metered taxis, if not less. An estimate is provided prior to the trip and may be modified once it is finished. Many cars are metered. Through the app, payments are made. You can also use the WeChat mini app and Alipay to access ride-hailing service.
Travel by Air Within China:
China has a large network of international and domestic airports serving major business and industrial cities.
Business travelers should note:
Flight availability can vary by route and season
Domestic flights are widely available and connect most major cities
For business trips, it is recommended to:
-Book flights in advance
-Allow flexible travel dates when possible
-Confirm flight schedules close to departure
-Air travel remains a practical option for long-distance travel within China and for connecting major business hubs.
High-Speed Trains:
One of the biggest and most effective rail transportation networks in the world, China's system has been heavily invested in by the Chinese government. Trains are a well-liked and practical mode of transportation, with a number of service classes, including business class, which is the most costly and pleasant. Mandarin Chinese is the official language of the country. There are six main Chinese dialects in addition to Mandarin, and many regional dialects exist. Pinyin is the term for the standardized Romanization system that is used to reflect how Chinese letters are pronounced.
It's crucial to give contacts bilingual business cards for business purposes; these often have Chinese characters on one side and English on the other. Care should be used while translating company names and titles into Chinese to guarantee a favorable meaning.
Ensure important documents are downloaded in advance
Enable two-factor authentication for accounts
Use secure communication practices on public networks
Payments & Daily Expenses in China
China is largely cashless.
Common payment methods:
Mobile payment apps (widely accepted)
Cash is accepted in limited situations
International credit cards may not work everywhere
Practical advice:
Set up payment options before arrival if possible
Carry some cash for backup
Confirm payment methods with hotels and service providers in advance
Tips:
Keep destination addresses written in Chinese
Allow buffer time for traffic in major cities
Plan factory visits with logistics in mind
Factory Visits & Sourcing Trips
Factory visits are an important part of sourcing.
Before visiting:
Confirm visit schedules in advance
Prepare product specifications and questions
Understand factory production capacity and processes
During visits:
Observe production flow and quality controls
Discuss timelines, packaging, and compliance
Take notes and photos where permitted
Liunova can assist with:
Factory visit coordination
On-site communication
Inspection and follow-up support
Daily Life & Practical Tips
Helpful tips for visitors:
English is not widely spoken in many areas
Translation apps can be useful
Carry hotel information at all times
Respect local customs and regulations
China is generally safe for business travelers, but awareness and preparation are important.
How Liunova Supports Your China Visit
As a China-based sourcing company, Liunova helps clients by:
Coordinating factory visits
Supporting sourcing schedules
Assisting with inspections and follow-ups
Providing local guidance during sourcing trips
Our goal is to make your visit productive, efficient, and stress-free.
Planning a Business Trip to China?
If you are planning to visit China for sourcing or factory inspections, our team is ready to support you.
👉 Contact Liunova to discuss your sourcing plan and visit requirements.
