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China Travel
Preparation Guides
Start with the problem in front of you.
Sixteen practical guides to entry, payments, connectivity, apps and transport. Browse freely, in any order.
16 guides · 5 preparation areas
Before you go
Resolve entry and document questions before they can interrupt the rest of the trip.
Do You Need a Visa for China?
Understand which entry route may apply to your passport and trip, and where to verify the current rules.
China Visa-Free Countries
Check which countries appear under the main visa-free entry and transit routes, then verify the conditions that apply to your passport and itinerary.
Documents to Prepare Before Travelling to China
Build the passport, itinerary, accommodation and onward-travel evidence pack that matches your entry route.
Stay connected
Choose a connection, then prepare the communication and map services you depend on.
Internet Access in China
Compare roaming, travel eSIMs and local connections, then check how your chosen setup affects the online services you use.
Does WhatsApp Work in China? A Practical Guide for Travellers
Understand how the connection route affects WhatsApp in Mainland China, then protect the account and prepare a second contact path.
Does Google Maps Work in China? Best Map Apps for Travellers
Understand the practical limitations travellers may encounter and compare the navigation alternatives worth preparing.
Pay with confidence
Set up a primary wallet, understand the backup route and learn the payment flow.
How to Pay in China as a Tourist
Choose a primary payment method, set it up before departure, and keep a reliable backup for your trip.
How to Set Up Alipay for Tourists
Link an international card, learn the two QR payment flows and prepare a recovery path before the first purchase.
How to Set Up WeChat Pay for Tourists
Activate Weixin Pay, link an international card and separate merchant payment from wallet and mini-program restrictions.
Build your app stack
Install only the abilities the trip needs, including maps, translation and mini programs.
Essential Apps for Travelling in China
Choose the small set of payment, navigation, transport and translation apps that will make your trip easier.
How to Use Amap in China: English Setup & Routes
Prepare Amap in English, find your hotel, choose a route and keep the Chinese address as a backup.
Best Translation Apps for China: Offline, Camera and Conversation Guide
Choose one general translator, prove its offline modes and use camera, voice and dictionary tools for the travel task in front of you.
How to Use Alipay and WeChat Mini Programs in China
Open services inside Alipay or WeChat without a separate download, complete a task and keep the order recoverable.
Get around
Choose transport by journey, then prepare the specific booking or ride workflow.
Getting Around China
Choose the right transport for each journey, compare valid alternatives, and prepare the map, payment and address details that make the trip work.
How to Use DiDi in China: A First-Ride Guide for Tourists
Choose a DiDi entry, prepare the pickup point and complete the first ride from request through final payment.
How to Book Train Tickets in China: 12306 Guide for Tourists
Choose a booking channel, verify the passenger passport, confirm the exact stations and carry the correct document through the journey.