I met a guy last week who was from United Kingdom who was supposed to visit China to be with a friend and discuss business. However, the mainland immigration held him and prevented him from traveling to China. The reason behind the cancelled travel plans: a small crease in his photo in the passport. I had a similar experience on visit to Beijing that I thought I won’t be allowed in. The lesson learned is to know or at least familiarize regulations and cultural practices in China to foreign travelers.

Here are a few tips to travelers to China:

1. Most people only need to apply for a single-entry visa, often valid for 3 months after the issue date and will allow you to stay in China for a maximum of 30 days.

2. Luggage of inbound and outbound passengers must be under customs supervision and control. Passengers should make accurate declaration to the customs on the actual information on the luggage they carry into the territory.

3. According to Chinese laws, valuable cultural relics and other historical are not allowed to leave China.

4. It is considered extremely rude to take photos of people without their consent. In more touristy areas, the locals have gotten used to it, but it is still a good idea to get permission before taking a photo.

5. In China (including Hong Kong and Macau) almost no-one asks for tips. Tipping used to be refused in restaurants, but nowadays many restaurants especially in the top-level ones have service. Taxi drivers throughout China do not ask for or expect tips. Beijing hotel attendants also don’t expect tips for carrying your luggage.

6. Unlike the Japanese, Chinese do not commonly bow as a form of greeting. Instead, a brief handshake is usual. While meeting elders or senior officials, your handshake should be gentler and accompanied by a slight nod.

7. In Chinese restaurants, knives should not be seen on the table. Chopsticks, bowls and soup spoons are the traditional table ware.

Beijing travel is definitely worth the trip as long as first time tourists take a bit of time to research about their intended destinations and become culturally sensitive as well.