Ah, China — the home of the Great Wall and many temples (also with very modern big cities). So you’ve decided to visit the most populated country in the world, but bear in mind that it a has some strict laws, rules and traditions which you mustn’t break. Here are some tips for travelling to the land of the Red Dragon.

1. Always check that your Visa is not expired and that your passport doesn’t expire at least for a year. You don’t want any trouble getting into the country, do you?
2. Use language apps for travellers. For example, Pleco ($14,95) scans Chinese characters from your smartphone camera and translates them on the spot.
3. Even better, get your own personal translator, it will make your life much easier.
4. Be wary, but do not worry too much. China is one of the safest travelling spots in the world you could go to. Get an insurance though. If you cannot afford an insurance — you cannot afford to travel.
5. Get a VPN. Now, this should be self-explanatory. As you may know, China has a Great Firewall which blocks access to the most used Western websites like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and most of the Google services.
6. Get a local SimCard like China Telecom. The rates will be cheaper than your international roaming
7. Download WeiXin (Wechat in English). It is an app that many tourists, expats and locals use for communication. And in case of a VPN malfunction, you don’t want to be left alone.
8. Before getting a Taxi, ask your hotel receptionist to write down the place you want to go to. Many of the drivers don’t speak English and, well, good luck explaining where you want to go.
9. Remember currency protocol. Don’t give Taxi drivers your small bills — they like coins. Kinda weird, but it is how it is.
10. Speaking about currency, the Chinese recognise only one currency — their own. So don’t try giving them dollars, pounds or euros.
11. Use Chinese ATM’s. They offer a pretty good exchange rate.
12. Don’t tip. The Chinese don’t tip and you shouldn’t too.
13. Get small gifts for locals from rural areas. Most of them really appreciate small polaroid photos so why not get a camera that does them?
14. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitiser everywhere. Believe me, you will need them.
15. Go to the airports early, but expect delays. Well, this is kinda universal, but you do not want to miss a flight, do you?
16. Forget your personal space. Since Chinese cities are really crowded be ready to be surrounded by many people everywhere. Don’t worry, it is everyday life for them.
17. Don’t be afraid to wave and shout in the restaurants. It is considered normal there. Do you want to be serviced right?

So here are some tips about travelling to China from my own experience. Feel free to add something you consider missing.

Thank you. We are planning a trip there in Sept.

Some comments:

5- if you can get a good roaming package from your home service provider then you don’t need a VPN.
6- China Unicom works better on foreign phones if you want the top speed..
9- Strange. Where did you see this? Never heard of this and I have taken 100s of taxis.
13- What?

My american dollars have never been refused in china, and on the steps of many banks can find black market money exchangers.
Smoking, spitting and feeding (and eating) dogs in restaurants, and many other places, also accepted in china, so get used to it.
Do not attempt to discuss the 'Forbidden Four' as this will endanger the chinese person you speak to.
Those being Tibet, Taiwan, Tiananmen, and The Leadership.
One of the great hidden dangers in china is not knowing who the person you speak to, or worse, confront. If he/she is related to the CCP in some way then you may out the door tomorrow. This is authoritarian corruption at the basic level and every chinese is aware of it. They crouch in fear of the party.

I know people who are members of the party and had no issue discussing everything under the sun.
Only once did I see a guy in front of me at a KFC try to pay with dollars. It certainly did not work. I can't think of any place that would accept foreign currency except places like the Silk market. Telling future visitors that they can pay in dollars is certainly terrible advice.

1. Hardly unique to China, and six months should be enough.

5. CCT says you don't need a VPN. I agree with the OP that you do. Depending on the VPN and the current situation, it may or may not get you past the firewall, although it's worth trying. But you need it wherever you travel if you access your bank or credit card accounts on the road over wifi for security.

6. My T-Mobile plan gives me unlimited text and low speed data coverage in China at no extra cost, calls are 25 cents/minute. I will not be messing with Chinese SIMs.

13. Oh please....

When were you in China? Early last century? Use an ATM and pay in local currency, for heaven's sake.

#5. You don't need a VPN if you get a sim card issued through Hong Kong that works in mainland China. If you live in the USA you can get one through Amazon.