All guides
Practical, field-tested, and dated. That last part matters more than it should.
China's visa-free rules in 2026: who can just show up
50 countries get unilateral visa-free entry, 240-hour transit covers 57. Here's exactly how each route works, and the traps.
7 MIN READ
Paying in China: Alipay + WeChat Pay with a foreign card (2026)
China is nearly cashless. Here's exactly how to set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with a foreign Visa/Mastercard — limits, fees, and what still trips people up.
8 MIN READ
Internet in China: the eSIM answer to the Great Firewall
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and Gmail don't work in China — unless your phone roams. Here's the legal, zero-setup fix, and what to know about VPNs.
6 MIN READ
The 6 apps to install before landing in China
Alipay, WeChat, AMap, 12306, Trip.com and a translation app — what each one is for, and which extras earn their spot.
5 MIN READ
Trains in China: booking with 12306 and riding high-speed rail
How to book Chinese trains with a passport, which app to use, security checks, finding your platform, and the etiquette that keeps you out of trouble.
8 MIN READ
Hotels in China: the 'no foreigners' problem and how to avoid it
Some Chinese hotels still refuse foreign guests. Here's why, how to filter for foreigner-friendly stays, and what alternatives actually work.
6 MIN READ
Attraction reservations: why the Forbidden City needs your passport
China's major sights use real-name advance booking systems that trip up foreigners. Which sites need reservations, how far ahead, and the exact booking paths.
7 MIN READ
Landing in China: airports, SIMs, metro, taxis and the first 24 hours
The step-by-step for your first day in China: landing routines, getting into town, metro vs DiDi, and the small stuff nobody tells you.
8 MIN READ
Eating in China: ordering without Chinese, street food, and paying
How restaurants actually work — QR ordering, photo menus, spice levels, street food safety, vegetarian survival, and what to do when nobody speaks English.
7 MIN READ
Scams, annoyances, and safety: the honest risk picture
China is one of the safest countries to travel — the real annoyances are smaller than you fear. What actually happens, what to ignore, and the few real scams left.
6 MIN READ