Traveling Independently in China

Travel and tourism isn't as easy to arrange or enjoy in China as in the West. Traveling independently in China, whether alone, with your family, or as a group, is usually a big adventure, and a lot of work, if not a nightmare of hassles.
Independent travel is harder in China than in Europe, for example, as so many things are done differently and in a more complicated way. Below are the things you should consider, before going it alone — self-planned and self-guided — instead of joining a group tour or investing in a private tour.
4 Keys to Traveling Independently in China
· 1. Spend as much time as possible preparing yourself for what to expect to avoid tourist traps, China holiday wreckers, and culture shock stress.
· 2. Learn as much useful Chinese as possible before going, and keep learning (with a Chinese language app) in China.
· 3. Plan/arrange everything well to get the most out of the sights, and to avoid being up the creek without a paddle.
· 4. Be patient, tolerant, rest more, and take it slowly to avoid frustration.
Basically, the key difference between traveling alone in China and in the West is that it takes much more time. If it doesn't, you're missing out, or risking trouble. See why below according to the five key aspects of your trip…
1. Airports and Flights
These offer a very similar experience and service in China to taking a plane in the West. There is even English signage and service. So far so good…
2. Transport in China — Chinese Needed
Very limited English is available in train stations in China.
Once on the ground in China, you will need to have thought about how you will get around. China is vast, and walking is not practical for much more than central locations and hikes. N.B. Find an alternative for Google Maps or a VPN app as the China firewall blocks much of the Internet.
The need for a knowledge of Chinese, the more the better, will soon become apparent when using transport in China, or even planning it.
Crossing the Road — Be More Careful
There are different traffic patterns, different laws, and less law following in China, so you will need to be more careful in order to cross the road safely in China.
Renting a Car — Not Recommended
Driving in China is not advisable for a number of reasons. The first is that you will need to sit a test on Chinese traffic law and driving knowledge to obtain a license and drive legally.
China's roads are not for the faint of heart. Even if you take the written test in English, you'll find that once you get on the road, signs are in Chinese! Then there are the unfamiliar (inconsiderate) traffic behaviors and heavy congestion, the stress of finding somewhere to park, awful road conditions in places, and the time-consuming trouble and stiff penalties if the worst happens and you have an accident.
Taxis — Beware Scams
Not all China's taxis are legitimate, and even the registered ones may use such scams as overcharging, taking you to the wrong place (for a commission or just because it's easier), and giving you fake money. Beware scams. Prepare your destination address in Chinese, and ideally some basic vocabulary on giving directions.
Buses — Often Uncomfortable
Whether using a city bus or long-distance bus the main difficulty is having enough Chinese to get on the right bus and get off at the right place.
Many Westerners find Chinese buses more uncomfortable than those back home due to smaller, harder, dirtier seats; bumpier roads, over-crowding, smells (including smoking: most buses are non-smoking, but even the driver and exhaust system smokes on some rural buses), etc. See more on Road Travel in China.
Trains — Better than Buses, If Available
China's high-speed railways are highly recommended.
The preferred option to long-distance buses are China's trains, if they're available. If you don't book them in advance popular trains get sold out first. Then you may find yourself waiting at the station for a long time. Trains are typically packed to the point of having "standing tickets".
China's trains are better regulated than buses and the service is generally very good, particularly if you use the High-Speed Railway. However, you will still need to use Chinese to get the tickets and navigate the unfamiliar station layouts. See Guide to Train Travel in China.
Private Transport — Often a Welcome Alternative
Having read the above you may want to consider departing from independent travel transport-wise, and instead taking private transport.
3. The Sights — What You Come All This Way to See
You are not allowed to travel around Tibet independently.
Planning your itinerary on your own, how will you choose what attractions to go to? And, even more crucially, what will be your plan of attack for getting the most out of each tourist sight? This often isn't as easy as in the West, where attractions are less exotic, the layouts are safe, logical, and well-designed, and information/signage is readily available in English.
Places You Can't Go On Your Own
First of all, there are some places in China that you are simply not allowed to see independently. Most notably is Tibet, which requires booking with a Chinese travel agent in order to obtain a Tibet Entry Permit.
Places You'll Struggle to Enter On Your Own
Other places give priority booking to Chinese travel agents, making it difficult, or almost impossible, for independent travelers to gain access. A recent example, receiving much hype this year [2016], is the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge.
Other Places You'll Struggle to Appreciate on Your Own
You might miss most of the highlights of the Forbidden City without a guide.
Even if you get to the attraction you want to see, and queue up, and eventually obtain your entry ticket, how will you navigate and appreciate an attraction like the Forbidden City?
The signage is in Chinese, and if an "English" translation is provided it often looks like it's computer generated, untouched by anyone who understands English. The infamous humor of Chinglish s