Plan before you go

8 articles

• What to Pack for China: The Few Things You Can't Buy There

  A China packing list that starts from the opposite question. Almost everything you need is on sale everywhere in China, so here's what actually isn't — your prescription medicine, your size, and the apps you can only install before you fly — plus what not to bring, and the small kit that gets you through your first 24 hours.

  Last updated 9/17/2026

• How to Pay in China as a Foreign Visitor

  Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash and cards — which international cards work, what the fees actually are (free under ¥200, 3% above it), the transaction limits, and what to set up before you fly.

  Last updated 9/16/2026

• The Apps You Actually Need in China — and Why You Install Them Before You Fly

  Essential apps for China in 2026: Alipay, WeChat, AMAP Global and a translation app. Which ones need a Chinese phone number, what a foreign card costs to use, and why you have to install them before you land.

  Last updated 9/15/2026

• Travel Insurance & Vaccines for China: What You Actually Need

  Do you need travel insurance for China? Which vaccines should you get before the trip? The honest answer: neither is required by law, but a little preparation saves you real money and stress — a practical, up-to-date guide for foreign visitors.

  Last updated 9/12/2026

• How Much Does a Trip to China Cost? (2026 Budget Guide)

  Realistic budgets for a China trip in 2026: daily costs for budget, midrange and luxury travellers, the big one-off costs like trains and attractions, and a sample 7-day itinerary — kept up to date.

  Last updated 9/5/2026

• Best Time to Visit China: Weather, Seasons & Avoiding the Crowds

  A region-by-region guide to the weather, the four seasons, and when to go — plus the busy holiday weeks to avoid and the quiet months to enjoy.

  Last updated 8/22/2026

• China Visa & Visa-Free Entry: The Complete 2026 Guide

  Who can enter China without a visa in 2026, how the 30-day visa-free and 240-hour transit policies work, and how to apply for a tourist visa if you need one.

  Last updated 8/22/2026

• How to Get Online in China: Data, Wi-Fi & the Great Firewall

  Mobile data, Wi-Fi and eSIM in China — plus what the Great Firewall (GFW) blocks and how to keep Google, WhatsApp and your usual apps working. A detailed, up-to-date guide.

  Last updated 8/21/2026

← Home