Even though most tourist attractions in China have signs in foreign languages, you might feel a bit lost when it comes to situations where you need to communicate with people, such as shopping, asking for directions, or asking someone to take a photo for you. Therefore, learning a few simple and practical Chinese phrases can help you feel more comfortable in Chinese tourist attractions.
Purchasing Tickets
When exploring attractions in China, the first step is getting your tickets. Currently, most ticket purchases in China are done online, like through Trip.com. However, there are still some places where you can’t use an overseas phone number to register for bookings. Foreigners have to show their passport and buy tickets on-site. In such cases, you can rely on simple English or pick up some basic Chinese phrases to express your needs, such as asking about ticket prices or purchasing tickets.
Wǒmen méiyǒu yùdìng, kěyǐ xiàncǎng mǎi piào ma?
1. 我们没有预定，可以现场买票吗？
Can we buy tickets on-site since we haven’t made a reservation?
Yī zhāng piào duōshǎo qián?
2. 一张票多少钱？
How much for one ticket?
Wǒ yào mǎi liǎng zhāng piào.
3. 我要买两张票。
I want to buy two tickets.
Liǎng gè dàrén, yī gè xiǎohái, yīqǐ duōshǎo qián?
4. 两个大人，一个小孩，一起多少钱？
How much is it for two adults and one child together?
Kěyǐ xiànjīn zhīfù ma?
5. 可以现金支付吗？
Can I pay in cash?
Seeking Directions
Inside the scenic area, you’ll find restrooms, dining areas, shopping centers, visitor centers, and specific attractions. While maps and signs are available as guides, you can also ask staff or other tourists about routes and directions. At this point, using some simple phrases for asking directions can help you find your way more quickly.
Qǐngwèn nǎlǐ yǒu wèishēngjiān?
6. 请问哪里有卫生间？
Excuse me, where is the restroom?
Nǐ zhīdào nǎlǐ kěyǐ chīfàn ma?
7. 你知道哪里可以吃饭吗？
Do you know where we can grab a bite to eat?
Nǐ zhīdào nǎlǐ yǒu shuǐ mài ma?
8. 你知道哪里有水卖吗？
Do you know where we can buy some water?
Wǒ xiǎng qù zhèlǐ, nǐ zhīdào zěnme zǒu ma?
9. 我想去这里，你知道怎么走吗？
I want to go here, do you know how to get there?
Wǒ mílù le, nǐ néng dài wǒ qù… ma?
10. 我迷路了，你能带我去… 吗？
I’m lost, can you take me to…?
Joining Guided Tours
Many attractions offer guided tour services, and typically, guides provide bilingual or multilingual tours. However, don’t forget to inquire about tour timings, costs, and content. Some attractions also offer different tour routes, allowing you to compare and make a better choice.
Nǐ hǎo, dǎoyóu néng yòng Yīngyǔ jiǎngjiě ma?
11. 你好，导游能用英语讲解吗？
Hello, can the tour guide provide explanations in English?
Qǐngwèn dǎoyóu yào duōshǎo qián ne?
12. 请问导游要多少钱呢？
May I ask how much does the tour guide cost?
Wǒmen zǒu wán quánchéng xūyào duōjiǔ ne?
13. 我们走完全程需要多久呢？
How long does it take for us to complete the whole journey?
Wǒmen xūyào yǒu jīngyàn de dǎoyóu.
14. 我们需要有经验的导游。
We need an experienced tour guide.
Yǒu bǐjiào dǒng lìshǐ de dǎoyóu ma? Wǒ duì Zhōngguó lìshǐ hěn gǎn xìngqù.
15. 有比较懂历史的导游吗？我对中国历史很感兴趣。
Do you have tour guides who are knowledgeable about history? I’m very interested in Chinese history.
Communicating with Locals
Engaging with locals is a vital part of experiencing Chinese culture. You can get a glimpse of local customs and lifestyle, especially regarding food and leisure, through some casual conversations. There’s no need to feel nervous, a few greetings and key questions are all it takes!
Nín hǎo/zǎoshang hǎo!
16. 您好/早上好！
Hello/good morning!
Nín shì dāngdì rén ma?
17. 您是当地人吗？
Are you a local?
Wǒmen yào qù chīfàn, yǒu shénme tuījiàn ma?
18. 我们要去吃饭，有什么推荐吗？
We want to go eat, do you have any recommendations?
Wǒ dì yī cì lái zhè’er, kěyǐ qù nǎlǐ wán?
19. 我第一次来这儿，可以去哪里玩？
It’s my first time here, where can I go for sightseeing?
Qǐngwèn nǎlǐ kěyǐ mǎi dào kāfēi?
20. 请问哪里可以买到咖啡？
Where can I buy coffee?
Requesting help with taking photos
It’s very common while exploring attractions, you might want to capture memorable moments against scenic backdrops. Using some simple Chinese phrases, you can politely approach other passersby and ask for their assistance in taking a photo. In such moments, most people are more than happy to pause and help capture the perfect shot.
Nín hǎo, néng bāng wǒ gè máng ma?
21. 您好，能帮我个忙吗？
Hello, could you do me a favor?
Kěyǐ bāng wǒmen pāi zhāng zhào ma?
22. 可以帮我们拍张照吗？
Could you take a photo of us, please?
Hòumiàn zhège jǐngdiǎn kěyǐ bāng wǒmen yìqǐ pāi jìn lái ma?
23. 后面这个景点可以帮我们一起拍进来吗？
Can you take a photo of us together with the background scenery?
Tiān nà, nǐ pāi de zhēn hǎo!
24. 天呐，你拍得真好！
Wow, you take amazing photos!
Tài xièxiè nǐ la.
25. 太谢谢你啦。
Thank you so much!
Apart from sightseeing, experiencing local cuisine is also a way to immerse yourself in Chinese culture and feel its ambiance. If you’re interested in learning more essential Chinese phrases, practical spoken language sentences, etiquette, or Chinese culture for your travels, feel free to click here for a free one-on-one trial lesson. Our professional teachers will assist you in creating the most authentic speaking scenarios and provide you with valuable advice for traveling in China.
