Every October 1st, China celebrates its National Day, marking the founding of the People‘s Republic of China. For locals, it‘s more than just a holiday—it kicks off Golden Week, a seven-day nationwide vacation when millions of people hit the road to visit family, explore famous landmarks, or enjoy a well-earned break.
For travelers, this means bustling train stations, crowded attractions, and packed hotels. Imagine arriving in Beijing or Shanghai during this time: you‘re surrounded by energy and excitement, but also by signs, announcements, and conversations mostly in Chinese. Without the right phrases, it can feel overwhelming.
The good news is, you don‘t need to be fluent. With a few essential Chinese expressions, you can buy tickets, ask for directions, and check into hotels with ease—turning a stressful trip into an enjoyable cultural adventure. Let‘s look at the must-know phrases for National Day travel.
1. Buying Tickets
During Golden Week, tickets sell out fast. Whether it‘s for trains, buses, or scenic spots, knowing how to ask for them politely is essential.
Useful Phrases:
Jī piào zěn me mǎi?
机票怎么买？
How do I buy a flight ticket?
Huǒ chē piào hái yǒu ma?
火车票还有吗？
Are there still train tickets?
Wǒ xiǎng qù běi jīng.
我想去北京。
I want to go to Beijing.
2. Asking for Directions
National Day crowds can make it tricky to find your way in stations or attractions. A few simple phrases can save you time.
Useful Phrases:
Cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?
厕所在哪里？
Where is the bathroom?
Huǒ chē zhàn zěn me zǒu?
火车站怎么走？
How do I get to Railway Station?
Wǒ men dào le ma?
我们到了吗？
Have we arrived?
3. Checking Into Hotels
Hotels are fully booked during Golden Week, so being clear at check-in is important.
Useful Phrases:
Hái yǒu fáng jiān ma?
还有房间吗？
Do you still have rooms available?
Wǒ yù dìng le yī jiān fáng, míng zì shì John.
我预订了一间房，名字是John。
I booked a room under the name John.
Qǐng wèn, wǒ de fáng jiān zài jǐ lóu?
请问，我的房间在几楼？
Excuse me, which floor is my room on?
Jǐ diǎn tuì fáng?
几点退房？
What time is check-out?
4. Navigating Crowds and Expressing Yourself
Golden Week is famous for “rén shān rén hǎi” (人山人海, It‘s packed with people.). These phrases will help you react naturally in busy places.
Useful Phrases:
Hǎo jǐn a!
好挤啊！
So crowded!
Wǒ gēn bù shàng le.
我跟不上了。
I can‘t keep up.
Nǐ zài nǎ lǐ?
你在哪里？
Where are you?
Bù hǎo yì si, jiè guò yī xià.
不好意思，借过一下。
Excuse me, let me pass.
Wǒ men zài chū kǒu huì hé.
我们在出口会合。
Let‘s meet at the exit.
Travel Smart During Golden Week
Traveling in China during National Day can be overwhelming, but it‘s also one of the best ways to experience the country‘s energy and spirit. With just a few natural phrases — and the confidence to use them — you can buy tickets, ask for directions, check into hotels, and even share a laugh with locals.
At eChineseLearning, our native teachers don‘t just teach “textbook Chinese.” They prepare you for the real conversations you’ll actually face — from ticket counters to tourist spots during Golden Week.
Try your free 1-on-1 trial lesson with a live native Chinese teacher today, and learn how to travel like a native in China with confidence and ease.
Quiz:If you want to ask “Where is the bathroom?” in Chinese, which phrase should you use?
A. Huǒ chē zhàn zěn me zǒu?火车站怎么走？
B. Cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ? 厕所在哪里？
C. Nǐ zài nǎ lǐ? 你在哪里？
👉 Comment your answer below!
Answer:B