Getting started
9 articles
- 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
- How to Use Maps in China: AMAP Global, Apple Maps & Offline Maps
Google Maps is unreliable in China. Use AMAP Global (Amap in English), Apple Maps or an offline map instead — plus what still needs Chinese names, and navigation tips kept up to date.
Last updated 9/16/2026
- 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 Eat in China: Ordering, Menus, Dietary Needs & What to Try
How to order food, read a menu without Chinese, handle dietary restrictions, and find the dishes worth trying — a practical dining guide for foreign visitors, kept up to date.
Last updated 8/21/2026
- 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
- How to Use Didi in China: Ride-Hailing, Taxis & Getting Around
How to use Didi and taxis in China as a foreign visitor — setting up the app, ordering a ride, paying, and avoiding common mistakes. A practical, up-to-date guide.
Last updated 8/21/2026
- Hotels in China: Booking, Check-In & What to Expect
Which hotels accept foreign passports, how to book and check in, what the registration rules are, and how to pay — a practical guide for foreign visitors, kept up to date.
Last updated 8/18/2026
- China High-Speed Rail: A Complete Guide for Foreign Travelers
How to book China high-speed train tickets with a foreign passport, what the seat classes are, and how to board — a step-by-step guide for first-time visitors.
Last updated 8/17/2026