China 

Places we visited:

Beijing · Pingyao · Xi’an · Chengdu · Shanghai
We traveled with speed train and flight from Chengdu to Shanghai

How was China in August?

Expect temperatures close to 40°C and humidity between 70–80%. It’s very hot and humid so be prepared to sweat through all your clothes! You’ll get used to the heat after a while, but it’s not for everyone. Our best advice is to avoid planning a tight schedule. The heat can knock you out before you know it. Take it slow, cool down in the metro and shopping malls, and don’t forget to bring a hand fan!

How much did it cost?

We spent about 70,000 NOK (~6,200 EUR / ~45,500 CNY) in 24 days as a family of four (including flight tickets).

• Hotels: up to 1,100 NOK / ~97 EUR / ~715 CNY per night (middle standard)

• High-speed trains: 300–600 NOK / ~26–53 EUR / ~195–390 CNY per ticket (kids half price)

• Street food meals: about 150 NOK / ~13 EUR / ~100 CNY for all four of us

• Tourist attractions: often expensive compared to daily life

• Shopping: a little cheaper than Norway; markets can be very cheap if you’re in the mood to haggle

• Western food, hotel restaurants and coffee: very expensive (often higher than Norway)

• Local transport & DiDi taxis: very cheap (kids travel free on metro and buses)
  

What’s good to know?

Do not bring a Powerbank without CCC marking. It will be confiscated on the airport. Its easy to buy in China and are much cheaper.

Trash cans and public toilets are easy to find in most cities. In general, facilities are clean, but be prepared for squat toilets, especially outside tourist areas. Western-style toilets are becoming more common in malls, hotels, and modern restaurants.

Don’t drink tap water — always choose bottled or boiled water. Take care of your stomach: wash fruits and vegetables yourself, avoid raw meat from street stalls, and be careful with salads you haven’t rinsed personally. Many restaurants have sinks, so make it a habit to wash your hands before every meal - eat with clean hands always.

Animal welfare standards can vary, and some markets or attractions and even hotels and homestays may be confronting. Choose animal-related visits carefully.

Cities may surprise you with their greenery — many have tree-lined boulevards and well-kept parks. While air quality has improved a lot in recent years, some areas still experience pollution on certain days, so it’s good to check local air reports. Overall, China’s cities are much cleaner and greener than many travelers expect.

Which apps should you download?

VPNexpress – install before you go (for Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.)

Alipay and WeChat– essential for all communication and payments in shops, markets, transport - everything.

Wise – link to Alipay for easy money transfers (most foreign cards are not acceptable)

Airalo – eSIM for data

Amap (Gaode Map) / Apple Maps – better than Google Maps

Didi – taxi app (best with Chinese number)

JSS app – food delivery in some cities with foreign phone number (or ask your hotel to order for you)

Last advice for long term travel in China:

• Make sure your have a room with refrigerator and water boiler – Saves your mornings when the hotel breakfast is bad

• Pre-book train tickets – they sell out fast

• Don’t overdo sightseeing: They are often very expensive and can be a nightmare. almost every corner in China holds a story, so talk with people, read your self up, use ChatGPT for deeper research or fun treasure-hunts for the children.

• Be ready for curiosity – people will stare, touch you, film, and ask for photos.

• Bring a coffee drip filter and you will thank us later.

• For the ladies: Use a menstrual disc or cup for less messy toilet visits where you need to squat or do not have any paper. And it’s good for the planet too!