How to Prepare for a Trip to China with Basic Mandarin

Jul 2

✈️ Introduction: Why a Little Mandarin Goes a Long Way in China

Planning a trip to China? Whether you're dreaming of walking along the Great Wall, tasting street food in Chengdu, or exploring the ancient gardens of Suzhou, one thing is certain: learning some basic Mandarin before you go can dramatically transform your travel experience.

China is an incredibly rich and rewarding destination, but it’s also a place where English may not be widely spoken—especially outside major tourist hubs. Navigating taxis, ordering food, asking directions, and even reading signs can be tricky if you’re relying solely on hand gestures and Google Translate.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be fluent to travel smart. With just a handful of key Mandarin phrases and some cultural know-how, you can unlock meaningful interactions, avoid tourist traps, and show deep respect for the local culture. In fact, even trying to speak a little Mandarin often leads to better service, warmer smiles, and more authentic experiences.

At Polyglottist Language Academy, we’ve helped countless travelers get ready for China with practical, travel-focused Mandarin skills. In this article, we’ll share the most essential things you should learn—and how to prepare effectively so you feel confident and curious instead of overwhelmed and lost.

🧳 1. Learn the Mandarin Essentials First

Before your trip, focus on practical language—not grammar charts. These basics will cover 80% of your daily interactions:

你好 (nǐ hǎo) – Hello
谢谢 (xièxie) – Thank you
请 (qǐng) – Please
多少钱？(duōshǎo qián?) – How much?
这个 (zhège) – This one
厕所在哪里？(cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the bathroom?
我听不懂 (wǒ tīng bù dǒng) – I don’t understand
你会说英文吗？(nǐ huì shuō Yīngwén ma?) – Do you speak English?
再见 (zàijiàn) – Goodbye

👉 Pro Tip: Practice with audio so you get the pronunciation and tones right—they really matter in Mandarin!

🗣 2. Practice Real-Life Roleplays

Think about the situations you’ll face:

Ordering in a restaurant
Checking into a hotel
Asking for directions
Shopping at markets
Taking a taxi or asking about the subway

Simulate these scenarios out loud, or with a tutor. Phrases like “我要这个” (wǒ yào zhège) – "I want this" – and “可以刷卡吗？” (kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?) – "Can I use a credit card?" – are gold in real life.

📱 3. Download the Right Language Tools

Technology can help, but you’ll want to prepare before you go, since some apps are restricted in China. We recommend:

Pleco (dictionary & phrasebook)
Trainchinese (flashcards + spaced repetition)
Google Translate (download Mandarin for offline use)
WeChat (messaging app—widely used in China)

👉 Important: Download and test apps before you travel. Also consider a VPN if you want to access Gmail or social media.

🍜 4. Know How to Order Food Confidently

China is a culinary paradise—but menus may not always be in English, and waitstaff may not speak it either.

Learn these phrases:

我要这个 (wǒ yào zhège) – I want this (while pointing)
不要辣 (bù yào là) – No spice
有素的吗？(yǒu sù de ma?) – Do you have vegetarian dishes?

👉 Bonus Tip: Use your phone to show pictures of food or dishes you know by name.

🚖 5. Master Transportation Phrases

Taxis, trains, and metros are affordable and efficient—but signs aren’t always intuitive. Key phrases:

去北京火车站 (qù Běijīng huǒchē zhàn) – “Go to Beijing Train Station”
请问地铁站在哪里？(qǐng wèn dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the subway station?

👉 Write down important addresses in Chinese characters to show drivers or hotel staff.

🎎 6. Respect Local Etiquette

Learning language also means learning culture. Some quick rules:

Use both hands when giving or receiving items.
Don’t stick chopsticks upright in a bowl (bad luck!).
Learn how to say “不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi)” – a polite way to say "excuse me" or express mild apology.

Speaking a few Mandarin phrases goes a long way in showing cultural sensitivity—and locals really appreciate it.

🗓 7. Take a Crash Course Before You Go

A focused short-term Mandarin course is the fastest way to build travel fluency. At Polyglottist Language Academy, we offer travel-focused Mandarin classes that teach:

Common tourist expressions
How to handle real-world situations
Cultural do’s and don’ts
Pronunciation and listening skills

👉 Our students often tell us it made their China trip way smoother and more rewarding.

📚 FAQs: Preparing for China with Basic Mandarin

❓Do I need to be fluent to travel in China?

Not at all. Just 20–30 well-chosen phrases will help you tremendously. Locals love when visitors try to speak Mandarin, even just a little.

❓Can I rely on translation apps?

They help, but pronunciation matters—and so does having a few key phrases memorized. Some places may not have Wi-Fi or mobile data.

❓Is it hard to learn tones?

At first, yes. But if you practice with native audio and get feedback, it becomes more natural. Focus on listening and repeating.

❓How long should I study before my trip?

Even 2–4 weeks of focused prep can make a huge difference. Take a crash course, use flashcards, and roleplay travel scenarios.

❓Is Mandarin different in mainland China vs. Taiwan?

Yes—mainland China uses simplified characters and slightly different vocabulary, while Taiwan uses traditional characters. Pronunciation is largely the same.

❓Do people in tourist areas speak English?

In big cities, sometimes. In smaller towns or local spots, rarely. Basic Mandarin helps everywhere.

📣 Ready to Travel Smart? Learn Mandarin with Polyglottist Language Academy

At Polyglottist Language Academy, we specialize in making Mandarin practical, approachable, and fun. Whether you're planning a trip to China or simply want to speak more confidently, our travel-focused courses are the perfect way to prepare.

With small group sizes (3–6 students max), expert instructors, and a hands-on curriculum, you’ll be ready to order dim sum, find your hotel, and connect with locals—all in Mandarin.

📍 Available in-person in Berkeley and online for travelers in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and beyond.

👉 Don’t wait until you land in Beijing—sign up for a class today and prepare with confidence!

📖 More Mandarin Articles You’ll Love:

With a few phrases and the right mindset, you can experience China with confidence, curiosity, and cultural connection. Let Polyglottist Language Academy help you get there.

🀄✈️🧳

Olga Sylvia