Travel in China, without the guesswork
Practical, up-to-date guides to visas, high-speed rail, payments, the metro, getting online, and a first-trip itinerary — written in China for first-time visitors who want to do it themselves.
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Visa & Entry Do I Need a Visa for China? (2026) — 3-Minute Check by Passport
Do you need a visa for China in 2026? Check your passport against 30-day visa-free (50 countries), 240-hour transit (55), or the L tourist visa.
Transport How to Book China Train Tickets (High-Speed Rail, 2026)
Book China high-speed rail with a foreign passport — 12306 vs Trip.com, seat class, the right station, security, and 2024–2026 change and refund rules.
Money & Payments How to Pay in China: Alipay, WeChat Pay & QR Codes (2026)
Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you arrive. Limits, fees, and when you still need cash in China.
Destinations China 10-Day Itinerary: Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai (First Trip)
Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai in 10 days: where to stay, which trains to book, Mutianyu not Badaling, Terracotta timing, and a realistic first-trip budget.
Tech & Apps Best eSIM for China in 2026 (And How to Set It Up)
A roaming travel eSIM is the simplest way to land in China with data — Google and WhatsApp on cellular, Alipay and Didi working. How to pick one, install it, and whether you still need a VPN.