China travel guides, organized by topic.
Clear, practical answers for foreign visitors: how to enter China, pay, stay connected, get around, sleep and eat well. Pick a topic below, or start with the first-trip essentials.
First Trip Essentials
Start here for a first trip to China: pre-departure checklists, packing, your first 24 hours, common mistakes and practical everyday tips.
- First Time in China: Everything to Set Up Before and After You Land
- China Packing List: What to Bring, What to Set Up and What to Leave at Home
- Can You Travel China Without Speaking Chinese? How the Language Barrier Really Works
Visa & Entry
China visa and entry guides for foreign travelers: who needs a visa, visa-free and transit options, arrival cards, customs and border checks.
- Arriving in China: Immigration, Fingerprints and Customs Step by Step
- How to Get a China Tourist Visa (L Visa): Documents, Cost and Time
- China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Rules, Countries and Ports
- Which Countries Can Visit China Visa-Free? The 30-Day List
Money & Payments
How foreigners pay in China: Alipay, WeChat Pay, international cards, cash, ATMs and currency exchange, with setup steps and backups.
- Alipay for Foreigners: Step-by-Step Setup and Error Fixes
- Can I Use My Credit Card in China? Visa, Mastercard and Amex
- WeChat Pay for Foreigners: Setup, Verification, Fees and Limits
- Payment Failed in China? How to Fix Alipay, WeChat Pay and Card Declines
Internet, Phone & Apps
Stay connected in China: eSIMs and SIM cards, internet access, phone setup before you fly and essential apps for maps, taxis and translation.
- Best Apps for China Travel: The Complete Setup List
- China eSIM vs Local SIM Card: Which Should Tourists Get?
- Does Google Maps Work in China? Best Map Apps to Use Instead
- Can You Use WhatsApp, Gmail, Instagram and ChatGPT in China?
Transport & Airports
High-speed trains, domestic flights, metros, taxis and airport transfers in China, explained for foreign travelers with booking steps and tips.
- How to Book China Train Tickets as a Foreigner (12306 and Trip.com)
- Riding China’s High-Speed Trains: Stations, Seats, Luggage and Food
- China Domestic Flights: Booking, Baggage and the New Power Bank Rules
- How to Use the Metro in China: Tickets, QR Codes, Bank Cards and Apple Wallet
Hotels & Stays
Where and how to stay in China as a foreigner: hotels that accept international guests, registration rules, neighborhoods and booking tips.
- Can Foreigners Stay in Any Hotel in China? Booking and Registration
- Airbnb in China: Can Foreigners Stay, and What Are the Alternatives?
Food & Dining
Eating in China as a visitor: regional cuisines, ordering without Chinese, dietary needs, allergies, food safety and dining etiquette.
- Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and Allergy-Safe Food in China: How to Eat Well
- Food Allergies in China: Allergy Cards, Hidden Allergens and How to Eat Safely
- How to Order Food in China as a Foreigner
Planning & Budget
Plan a China trip: costs and budgets, the best time to visit, how many days you need, and whether to travel independently or with a guide.
- Best Time to Visit China: Month-by-Month Weather and Crowds
- How Much Does a Trip to China Cost? Daily Budget by Travel Style
- How to Plan a Trip to China: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Do You Need a Tour Guide in China? Private Tour vs Independent Travel
Safety, Health & Rules
Stay safe and healthy in China: safety tips, hospitals and medicine, emergency numbers and the local rules foreign visitors should know.
- Is China Safe for Tourists? Crime, Scams, Laws and Health
- Tourist Scams in China: The Ones That Really Happen and How to Avoid Them
- Travel Insurance for China: Do You Need It and What to Cover
- Can You Drink Tap Water in China?
Culture, Etiquette & Shopping
Understand Chinese customs and etiquette, public holidays, basic phrases, bargaining and visitor tax refunds for a smoother, more respectful trip.
- What to Wear in China: A Month-by-Month Guide by Region
- China Tax Refund for Tourists: How to Claim VAT Back, Including Instant Refunds
- What to Buy in China: Best Souvenirs, Where to Shop and What to Skip
Families, Seniors & Solo Travel
China travel advice for families with children, seniors, solo and female travelers, and travelers with accessibility or dietary needs.
- China with Kids: A Practical Family Travel Guide
- Solo Travel in China: Is It Too Hard for a First Solo Trip?
- Traveling to China as an American: Visa, Safety and Practical Tips (2026)
City How-To Guides
City-specific practical guides for China: airport transfers, metros, where to stay and getting around in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities.
- Great Wall Tickets: Which Section to Visit and How to Book
- Chengdu Panda Base: Tickets, Best Time to Go and How to Get There
- Chongqing Travel Guide: Is It Worth Visiting and How Many Days?
- Where to Stay in Beijing: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors
Don’t figure China out alone.
Ask your concierge, $9 a day.
A real person on WhatsApp, before you fly and every day you’re in China. Pay only for your days in China, with no minimum stay.