Is it very difficult to get around China if you're not on a guided tour?

Question

Two friends and I would like to go to China. We would prefer to travel on our own, as oppose to taking a tour, though I've heard this is difficult. Thoughts?

Answer 1

I just went on an Ohio State University tour. We were told by our guides that the you can only get a driver's license to drive inside the country if you speak the language. This means that you have to hire a guide to take you. However, we were able to take public transportation in Shanghai and in Hong Kong. On a cruise along the Yangtze, we walked back to our boat and found ourselves escorted by the military--I'm not sure if it was coincidence or not.  You are smart to ask for advice. Earthwatch has had volunteer trips to China before, see www.Earthwatch.org. We found both the Lonely Planet Guide to China and the DK Eyewitness Guide helpful.

Answer 2

it sucks. No one speaks any english unless your in a huge touristy area and even than any question you have other than the most simple thing will go unanswered. There is sporatic english leading you somewhere then just chinese, your in trouble lol  just make sure your never in a hurry because then your screwed. lots of time and patience and you will be just fine. Quick tip. internet cafes are everywhere. if you need something or are looking for something just google the adress, most people use pingying ( chinese language in english characters)  for adresses so that will help a tonne

Answer 3

u can probably go around, but it would help alot if u find a good tour guide.

Answer 4

You can travel on your own, but unless you know the language it will take a little bit more of planning, specially in rural areas where little people speak English

Answer 5

Do both understand chinese characters and spoken chinese?

Answer 6

It is really not very convenient.

First, there are just a few English-speaking people who are working in view spots. If you do not have a tour guide you can not communicate with them.

Second, it is not conveninet to buy flight or train tickets by yourselves because of the language problem.

Third, China is very large a professional tour guide can make you understand more deeply about chinese culture.

I am working for a China online travel angency - China Highlights. I think we can help you for your China tours. I can say too much about my company otherwise someboy may think I am spamming. Please see the source. Thank you!  

Answer 7

Maybe you can take a private tour which will give you more freedom and comfort. I know a company in China provide excellent private China tour for foreigin tourists.

Here is the website:

http://www.chinahighlights.com

http://www.chinatravel.com

Answer 8

If you don't speak at least some Chinese, it won't be fun at all. Try to find a private tour or at least a guide who knows Chinese. If you're going to stay off the tourist trail, you'll need some knowledge of Chinese, more than just a guidebook. If you stick to the very touristy areas, you'll find people that know some English, especially in Beijing.

Answer 9

After the olympics, Beijing and some of the other cities are now familiar with english words. There are programs such as talk man (electronic phrase book) for the psp to translate words for you and usually in shops, the sales people can speak a little bit of english (you can haggle the prices ^__^)  and if you are lucky enough, you can try and speak to the children there, at school, they learn english and you might find one who can speak english well.