Plan Your Trip
From visa applications to mobile payment setup — everything you need to sort out before you board the plane.
1 China Travel Mistakes: 15 Things Nobody Tells First-Timers
The stuff nobody tells you: which apps to install, why your credit card won't work, and what Chinese hotels actually require from visitors.
2 China Tourist Visa Guide 2026: How to Apply Step by Step
Step-by-step guide to applying for a China tourist visa (L visa) — required documents, common rejection reasons, processing time, and how to extend your stay.
3 China Visa-Free Entry 2026: 30-Day Stays & 240-Hour Transit
Most Western travelers can now enter China without a visa for 30 days. Complete country list, 240-hour transit rules, and the visa run question — answered.
4 China 2026 Holiday Calendar: When to Travel & Survive Peak Season
China's 2026 holidays mapped: which dates triple hotel prices, when 1.4 billion people travel at once, and the exact weeks to avoid or book early.
5 How to Pay in China: Set Up Alipay & WeChat Pay Before You Fly
Set up Alipay at home in 15 minutes with your passport and foreign card, then arrive ready to pay anywhere in China. No Chinese bank account needed.
6 China High-Speed Rail Guide: How to Book, Board & Ride (2026)
Everything first-timers need to know about China's bullet trains: booking with Trip.com, getting through stations, seat classes, and mistakes to avoid.
7 China Travel Budget Guide: How Much It Actually Costs in 2026
Real daily costs by city tier & travel style: $40 backpacker to $400 luxury. Payment fees, scams, tipping rules, seasonal swings & 3 budgets.
8 China Digital Survival Guide: eSIM, VPN & Essential Apps (2026)
The right way to stay connected in China — eSIM for most people, VPN for the rest, and the apps you need before you board.
Already in China and need practical tips? Head over to the Blog for destination guides, food recommendations, and more.