Sort out the headaches before you fly
Visas, payments, connectivity, rail — eight guides that take apart the questions foreign travellers ask most. Policy-type information carries an "updated" stamp; always re-verify via the official channels named inside.
Last updated: 2026-08 · policy info: always confirm against official sourcesVisa & Entry
Visa types, visa-free and transit policies, entry documents and FAQs — including why you must double-check.
Read the guide → 💳Money & Payments
Alipay vs WeChat Pay, binding foreign cards step by step, the new TenPayGo app, cash and exchange.
Read the guide → 📱Connectivity & Language
SIM/eSIM options, translation and map apps, and a 12-phrase survival kit with tap-to-copy Chinese.
Read the guide → 🚄Rail & Transport
Passport ticketing, real-name checks, security, seat classes, station English and city transport.
Read the guide → 🏨Stays & Food Safety
Foreign-guest hotel rules, guesthouses, drinking water, stomach adjustment and allergy strategies.
Read the guide → 🏥Health & Emergencies
Emergency numbers, seeing a doctor, travel insurance, lost passports and scam prevention.
Read the guide → 🙏Culture & Etiquette
Table manners, gift taboos, religious-site etiquette, photography courtesy and public norms.
Read the guide → 🗓️Holidays & Planning
Golden Week avoidance calendar, women/family/senior/accessibility advice and pacing.
Read the guide →The 72-hour countdown checklist
Print or screenshot, then tick your way down.
- Passport valid 6+ months; visa or visa-free eligibility confirmed
- Payment apps installed with an international card bound; small cash (¥300–500)
- Translation app with offline Chinese + offline maps
- Screenshot of your hotel's Chinese address (show to drivers)
- Train tickets and real-name bookings for top sights (Forbidden City, Terracotta Army…)
- Travel insurance (incl. medical evacuation) + emergency contacts
- Basic meds: stomach, cold, plasters, prescriptions
- Power adapter (China: two flat pins Type A / three angled Type I)
- eSIM/SIM plan confirmed, or roaming enabled
- Documents backed up to the cloud (passport, insurance, tickets)