Visas & Documents
- Tourist Visa (L): Apply at your local Chinese embassy. 4-10 business days.
- 144-Hour Transit-Free: 53+ countries can visit Beijing, Shanghai, and more visa-free for 6 days when transiting.
- Documents: Passport photos (48x33mm), flight bookings, hotel reservations.
- Insurance: Strongly recommended — carry a printed copy.
Essential Apps
- WeChat: The everything-app. Verify before leaving home.
- Alipay: #1 payment app. Link Visa/Mastercard.
- Didi: China's Uber. English interface.
- Baidu Maps / Apple Maps: Google Maps unreliable in China.
- VPN: Install before arrival. Google, Facebook, WhatsApp blocked without one.
Getting Around
- High-Speed Rail: Up to 350 km/h. Book via Trip.com (English).
- Domestic Flights: Air China, China Eastern.
- Metro: 40+ cities. Use Alipay transport QR.
- Didi: Taxi-hailing. Have destinations in Chinese.
- Bike sharing: Scan QR via Alipay/WeChat. ¥1-3 per ride.
Money & Payment
- Currency: Yuan (CNY / RMB / ¥).
- Cashless: China is overwhelmingly mobile-payment.
- Alipay for foreigners: Supports Visa, Mastercard, JCB.
- Cash backup: Although China is overwhelmingly cashless, it's wise to carry ¥500-1000 in cash for unexpected situations — a phone battery dying, a network outage, or the rare vendor who doesn't accept foreign cards.
- Budget: Budget ¥200-400/day, Mid-range ¥500-1000, Luxury ¥1500+.
Cultural Quick-Start
- Face: Never publicly criticize or embarrass anyone.
- Chopsticks: Never stick them vertically in rice.
- Gifts: Refuse 2-3 times before accepting. No clocks or sharp objects.
- Tipping: NOT expected.
- Read our full Culture Guide →
Food & Dining
- Regional variety: Sichuan (spicy), Cantonese (dim sum), Beijing (roast duck), Yunnan (herbs).
- Street food: Muslim Quarter (Xi'an), Jinli Street (Chengdu).
- Dietary: Vegetarian at Buddhist restaurants. Halal = "清真" signs.
- Allergies: Carry a translated card.
Health & Safety
- Water: NOT drinkable from tap. Always bottled or boiled.
- Insurance: Essential. International hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai.
- Air quality: Check AQI. N95 masks for sensitive people in winter.
- Safety: Remarkably safe. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare.
- Emergency: Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119.
What to Pack
- Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are #1 priority.
- Adapter: China uses Type A/C/I plugs (220V).
- Toilet paper: Carry your own. Most public restrooms don't provide it.
- Medications: Bring prescription meds + doctor's note.
Accommodation
- Booking: Trip.com (English), Booking.com.
- Registration: Hotels register guests with police (required by law).
- Options: International chains, Chinese chains, boutique heritage hotels.
- Location: Near metro stations. Beijing: Dongcheng/Xicheng.
Insider Tips
- Best time: Autumn (Sep-Nov) — clear skies, golden foliage.
- Avoid: Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and Spring Festival.
- Bargaining: Expected in street markets. Start at 30-50% off.
- Student discount: 50% off many attractions with any student ID.