Essential guides
The walls every first-time visitor meets, in the order you will meet them, and how to get past each one.
Plan Your First Trip to China
When to go, how many days to allow, which cities to pair by high-speed rail, rough budget tiers and what to book before you leave.
02Visas and Entry
Who can visit China visa-free for 30 days, how 240-hour transit works, who needs a visa, and what to expect at immigration, customs and registration.
03Your First 24 Hours in China
A step-by-step arrival sequence for China, from setup before boarding to immigration, SIM, cash, the ride into town, hotel check-in and your first evening.
04Paying in China
How foreigners pay in China with Alipay and WeChat Pay, cash, international cards and ATMs, plus tipping and a fallback plan.
05Internet and Apps for China
How to stay online in China with roaming, a travel eSIM or a local SIM, which foreign services are blocked, and the apps to install before you fly.
06Getting Around China
How to use China's high-speed rail, city metros, taxis and Didi, domestic flights, shared bikes and your own feet on a first trip.
07Booking Sights in China
Big sights in China need a real-name booking with your passport number, often days ahead. How to book, when slots open and what to avoid.
08Food and Ordering in China
How to order food in China with scan-to-order QR menus, picture menus, key Chinese phrases, dietary needs, regional dishes and safe drinking water.
09Hotels and Registration in China
Hotels in China register foreign guests with the police at check-in. What to bring, how to pick a location by metro line, and rules for private stays.
10Health and Safety in China
China is generally safe for visitors. Emergency numbers, hospitals and pharmacies, bringing medicine, air quality, weather and common tourist scams.
11Etiquette and Culture in China
China etiquette for first-time visitors, from crowds, photos, temples and chopsticks to gifts, no tipping, sensitive topics, smoking and toilets.