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Better navigation and research in China before the upcoming trip

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He-Er-Mu-Te

New member
Apr 17, 2024
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The very first time I'm going on an individual trip to Shenzhen and Guilin. As I'm not joining a tour group, which usually has a person from China as a tour guide, I have to do my own planning. In doing so, I encounter real challenges in finding my desired hotspots or sights. This is partly due to the Great Firewall, my lack of knowledge of Chinese characters or the poor data available on Google or Apple Maps.

I already have maps.me, baidu, shenzhen metro and petal maps as apps on my iPhone. But I can only find streets or buildings in bits and pieces. How can I orientate myself better so that I can get to my hotspots more easily? I also sometimes need information about ticketing and opening hours. That's completely easy with Madrid or Rome. But navigation and travel planning work differently here. I've been learning a bit of Chinese since February, by the way.

Do you have any advice for me? My next step is to get an eSim from airalo or holafly so that I can go online later in the country for orientation.
 
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armchairtraveler

armchairtraveler

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Sep 22, 2022
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I had a look at Google maps for Shenzhen and it seemed to have pretty good detail. I went to Shenzhen before smart phones became a thing and got around fine using the maps from Lonely Planet China.

Having the locations you want to visit written down in Chinese will help if you need to ask someone or take a taxi.

For Guilin you will probably want to do a tour to see LI River.
 
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H

He-Er-Mu-Te

New member
Apr 17, 2024
2
0
1
armchairtraveler said:
I had a look at Google maps for Shenzhen and it seemed to have pretty good detail. I went to Shenzhen before smart phones became a thing and got around fine using the maps from Lonely Planet China.

Having the locations you want to visit written down in Chinese will help if you need to ask someone or take a taxi.

For Guilin you will probably want to do a tour to see LI River.
Click to expand...
Thanks for answering! I will have tiny cards in chinese letters with absolutely important adresses like hotel or railway stations in my pockets. For sure Li River is a must see and hiking in the surrounding.
 
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K Sowjanya

Member
Jan 9, 2024
94
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He-Er-Mu-Te said:
The very first time I'm going on an individual trip to Shenzhen and Guilin. As I'm not joining a tour group, which usually has a person from China as a tour guide, I have to do my own planning. In doing so, I encounter real challenges in finding my desired hotspots or sights. This is partly due to the Great Firewall, my lack of knowledge of Chinese characters or the poor data available on Google or Apple Maps.

I already have maps.me, baidu, shenzhen metro and petal maps as apps on my iPhone. But I can only find streets or buildings in bits and pieces. How can I orientate myself better so that I can get to my hotspots more easily? I also sometimes need information about ticketing and opening hours. That's completely easy with Madrid or Rome. But navigation and travel planning work differently here. I've been learning a bit of Chinese since February, by the way.

Do you have any advice for me? My next step is to get an eSim from airalo or holafly so that I can go online later in the country for orientation.
Click to expand...

Consider downloading WeChat, a widely used app in China. It offers maps, messaging, and payment features. Also, utilize translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco for communication and reading signs. Research your destinations thoroughly in advance and consider hiring local guides for specific areas or activities.
 
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