Passport and visa documents, a universal power adapter (China uses type A/I at 220V), a power bank, an offline translation app, a small cash backup, and comfortable walking shoes. When you book with us, we send a full packing checklist tailored to your route and season.

Roaming usually works on major carriers but can be slow and expensive. Many travelers buy a local SIM (China Mobile, Unicom or Telecom) or an eSIM at the airport — cheaper data, faster speeds, and you can get one with your passport at arrivals.

Choose a policy that covers medical treatment in China, emergency evacuation and trip cancellation — most international policies cover China, so check the medical limit is high enough for hospital care. Keep the policy number and emergency line saved on your phone.

Most rejections come from three things: the card isn't linked correctly, you've hit a payment limit, or the merchant doesn't accept international cards. Check your wallet settings and balance first, then try a different card. We can walk you through the fix — or better, we help you set payments up properly before you leave.

A translation app with offline packs (Google Translate downloaded before arrival, or Baidu Translate) covers most situations — plus having addresses written in Chinese. For the rest, our on-call support is your backup: take a photo, send it, and we translate and guide you in real time.

Use Amap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps — both have English-language modes and work reliably for walking, driving and public transport. Save the Chinese name of your hotel before arrival. And if you're ever unsure, just send us a screenshot — we give step-by-step directions before every leg of your trip.

Stay calm — your hotel front desk can make calls and most hotels offer WiFi at the reception. Keep a paper backup in your bag: a copy of your passport, your hotel name and address written in Chinese, and our contact number. If you need a new connection, China Mobile, Unicom and Telecom sell prepaid SIM cards at airports with your passport. And when you're back online, just message us — we're on ca...

Quick AnswerForeigners can book China high-speed rail tickets using their passport via the official 12306 app (English version), Trip.com, or at station ticket windows. International credit cards, Alipay, and WeChat Pay are accepted. In 2026, China's rail network is fully digitized—no paper ticket needed. Simply scan your passport at the gate to board.Detailed Answer1. Three Main Booking Channels ...

How to Get Internet in China as a Foreigner - eSIM & Roaming GuideQuick AnswerThree main options for internet in China: eSIM (recommended, purchase and install before arrival), international roaming (expensive but convenient), local SIM card (requires real-name registration). Best combination: eSIM + VPN for international sites, or local SIM + VPN for both local and international apps.Detailed Ans...

Best Time to Visit China - Seasonal Travel Guide by RegionQuick AnswerChina offers year-round travel: Spring (March-May) for Jiangnan flowers, Summer (June-August) for cool retreats, Autumn (September-November) for Beijing's colors, Winter (December-February) for snow or southern warmth.Detailed Answer1. Spring (March-May) - Flowers Bloom, Jiangnan DreamsTop Destinations1. Jiangnan Region (Hangzho...

How to Use Alipay & WeChat Pay in China - Complete Guide for ForeignersQuick AnswerForeign tourists can use Alipay/WeChat Pay by binding international Visa, Mastercard, or Amex cards, or applying for travel cards. Scan-to-pay for small purchases; preloaded travel cards recommended for larger transactions.Detailed Answer1. Why Mobile Payment is EssentialChina's mobile payment adoption rate reaches ...

China High-Speed Rail Ticket Guide - Complete 12306 Guide for ForeignersQuick AnswerForeigners can purchase high-speed rail tickets via 12306 website/app or station windows. First-time users need passport identity verification. Payment via Alipay/WeChat supported. Travel with original passport through manual gates or self-service with passport scan.Detailed Answer1. Booking ChannelsChannelProsCons...

Best Cities to Visit in China for First-Time Travelers - Complete GuideQuick AnswerFirst-time visitors should explore the "Classic 5 Cities": Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall), Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors), Shanghai (metropolitan charm), Chengdu (pandas), and Guilin (karst scenery). Extended trips can include Zhangjiajie, Wuzhen Water Town, and Lijiang.Detailed Answer1. Classic Choices: Historic...