Travel Guide
Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan a China trip with confidence - visas, money, transport, connectivity, and on-the-ground etiquette, organized by when you'll actually need it.
Plan in order
Three stages of planning a China trip
1 - Before you book
Decide when & how long
Pick your season, set a realistic trip length, and check entry rules before you commit dates.
2 - Before you fly
Money, eSIM & packing
Load Alipay or WeChat Pay, sort an eSIM or VPN, and pack for the regions on your route.
3 - On the ground
Transport & etiquette
Move between and within cities, and travel courteously once you arrive.
The full library
Every guide, by topic
Money & connectivity
Getting around
On the ground
Checklist
First-timer's countdown
8 weeks out
- Confirm passport valid 6+ months
- Apply for your visa or confirm visa-free eligibility
- Lock your season and rough route
2 weeks out
- Install and verify Alipay or WeChat Pay
- Buy an eSIM or arrange a roaming plan
- Download offline maps and a translation app
The week of
- Screenshot hotel names in Chinese
- Note your high-speed rail and flight times
- Pack layers for the regions you'll cross
Good to know
Travel-planning questions
How far ahead should I plan a China trip?
For peak seasons (spring and autumn) and Tibet, plan 2-3 months ahead so permits, trains, and the best hotels are still open. Off-peak city trips can be arranged in a few weeks.
Do I need a visa for China?
Most travelers need a tourist (L) visa, but many nationalities qualify for visa-free transit of 24-144 hours, and several now have unilateral visa-free entry. See the visa guide for your case.
Can I get by without speaking Chinese?
Yes, with preparation. A translation app, offline maps, and hotel names saved in Chinese cover most situations; a private guide removes the friction entirely.
Is China a cashless country now?
Largely. Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere and now link to foreign cards. Carry a little cash for rural areas. See payments & money.
What's the best way to travel between cities?
High-speed rail is fast, central, and comfortable for trips under ~5-6 hours; flights win for long cross-country hops. Compare on the high-speed rail guide.
