Millions of non-Chinese-speakers travel China every year — you absolutely can. The key is the right tools and a little patience.
1. Translation apps: Google Translate, Youdao and Baidu all do photo translation — menus, signs and receipts in one tap; conversation mode works wonders with taxi drivers.
2. Payment: link an international card to Alipay before you go — ride-hailing, dining and tickets are nearly all QR-based. WeChat Pay works similarly.
3. Navigation: Amap (Gaode) and Baidu Maps have English modes and handle English addresses. With nav in your pocket you won't get lost.
4. Hotels and rides: front desks and drivers manage fine via translation apps. Carry your hotel's name in Chinese to show taxi drivers.
5. Mindset: a smile, gestures and your phone go a long way. Most Chinese people are genuinely helpful — and in big cities English is far more common than you'd expect.
