This course is ideal for travellers, first-time visitors, and anyone curious about navigating modern China with confidence. Designed to provide practical, cultural knowledge, this course covers the essential information you need before your trip;how to eat, how to pay, and how to explore safely and enjoyably. From using mobile payment apps to understanding regional food habits, you’ll learn how modern China blends tradition with rapid innovation. The course also introduces transport options, accommodation tips, social etiquette, safety awareness, and common travel scenarios. You’ll gain insight into cultural d's and don'ts, how to communicate effectively with basic phrases, and how to avoid common misunderstandings as a foreign traveller. Whether you're planning a family holiday, business trip, or cultural adventure, this course will prepare you to navigate China like a local.

Julia Lian has been teaching at WEA since 2025.

Julie has extensive international experience in teaching and cultural exchange, having worked in China, South Korea, and Australia. Over the past decade she has designed and delivered interactive food workshops for international students and adult learners, combining cultural insights with hands-on practice.

Her passion is helping students discover the beauty of China and especially Chinese food culture—through cooking, tasting, and storytelling. I specialise in interactive workshops where participants not only learn cooking skills but also explore the history and traditions behind each dish. Her teaching style is practical, engaging, and focused on building cultural understanding.

Navigating Modern China Like a Pro

Course Description

This course is ideal for travellers, first-time visitors, and anyone curious about navigating modern China with confidence.

Designed to provide practical cultural knowledge, this course covers the essential information you need before your trip including how to eat, how to pay, and how to explore safely and enjoyably.

From using mobile payment apps to understanding regional food habits, you’ll learn how modern China blends tradition with rapid innovation.

The course also introduces transport options, accommodation tips, social etiquette, safety awareness, and common travel scenarios.

You’ll gain insight into cultural dos and don’ts, how to communicate effectively with basic phrases, and how to avoid common misunderstandings as a foreign traveller.

Whether you're planning a family holiday, business trip, cultural adventure, or you’re simply curious about contemporary China, this course will prepare you to navigate the country like a local. 

No prior knowledge is required. It is ideal for travellers, first-time visitors, and anyone fascinated by modern China, offering an inviting introduction to its culture, systems, and everyday life.

Course Structure

This course incorporates presentations, real examples, hands-on demonstrations, short videos, and group discussion.

You’ll begin by exploring China’s digital lifestyle including airport arrivals, SIM cards, and mobile payments, before moving on to transport, food culture, daily etiquette, and essential apps.

We’ll focus on real travel situations, with plenty of time for personal questions and practical advice.

By the end of the course, you’ll feel confident planning your itinerary, interacting with locals, and travelling smoothly across China.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand how mobile payments work in China (WeChat Pay, Alipay)
• Recognise major regional cuisines and order food with confidence
• Navigate city transport including metro, taxi, and high-speed rail
• Use essential apps for translation, navigation, and travel booking
• Apply common etiquette and avoid cultural misunderstandings
• Prepare for safety, communication, and unexpected situations
• Plan a practical and enjoyable travel itinerary