When traveling in China, knowing a few simple greetings can make interactions much smoother.
You don’t need long sentences—a polite greeting is often enough to start a conversation.

Here are the most useful greeting expressions for travelers.

1. Basic Greetings (Any Time)

你好！
Nǐ hǎo!

 The most common greeting in Chinese

您好！
Nín hǎo!
A more polite and respectful version of “你好”
Use it with older people or in formal situations.

你们好！
Nǐmen hǎo!
“Hello” to a group of people

大家好！
Dàjiā hǎo!
 Used in public or semi-formal situations
For example, when joining a tour or entering a class or event.

2. Time-Based Greetings

早上好！
Zǎoshang hǎo!
“Good morning”

下午好！
Xiàwǔ hǎo!
 “Good afternoon”

晚上好！
Wǎnshang hǎo!
“Good evening”
Perfect when entering restaurants or hotels at night.

3. Travel Tip

In China, starting with “Nǐ hǎo” is always safe.
Even if your Chinese is limited, a greeting shows politeness and friendliness.

4. Want to Learn More Practical Chinese?

If you’re planning a trip to China and want to feel more confident using Chinese in real-life situations, learning with a structured course can make a big difference.

Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) offers online Chinese courses designed for international learners, focusing on practical communication, real-life topics, and clear explanations. You can study at your own pace and start speaking Chinese even before you arrive in China.

Learn more about BLCU online Chinese courses:
www.eblcu.com

Whether you’re preparing for travel, short-term stay, or future studies, a few weeks of online learning can help you enjoy your trip with less stress and more connection.

Next episode:

What’s your name? 你叫什么名字？