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Guides

The stuff that actually matters on day one.

Start with the checklist, then dig into whichever topic worries you most — payment, getting to your hotel, checking in, trains, apps, or your specific city.

How to use this page

1

Build your checklist first — it takes 5 minutes.

2

Then read the guide for whatever you're least sure about.

3

Save addresses, phrases, and booking details to your phone before you fly.

4

Check the city guide once you know where you're landing.

Core guides

Visa-Free And Entry Preparation Guide

Figure out what documents and details to double-check before you fly, so you're not guessing at the border.

When to read

Before booking or before departure.

China Payment Setup: Alipay, WeChat Pay, Cards and Cash

Prepare a wallet before departure, test a real purchase after arrival, and choose a payment backup for airport transport and your hotel deposit.

When to read

Three to seven days before departure, then again before leaving the airport.

China Arrival Guide

Your first hour after landing: grab your bags, get online, sort transport, and get to your hotel without drama.

When to read

From landing to leaving the airport or station.

Train Booking Guide

China trains need real-name tickets and your actual passport. Here's how to buy, board, and not miss your train.

When to read

Before buying an intercity rail ticket.

Hotel Check-In Guide

Booking name, passport registration, late arrival, deposits — the stuff that trips people up at the front desk.

When to read

Before booking the first night, then again before landing.

Essential Apps Guide

Which apps to install before you fly, and how to make sure maps, translation, and ride-hailing actually work when you land.

When to read

Before departure, while the traveler still has stable internet and time to test setup.

Beijing First Day Guide

Landing at PEK or PKX? How to get to your hotel, what to wear, and where to eat your first meal in Beijing.

When to read

After choosing Beijing as the arrival city.

Shanghai First Day Guide

Pudong or Hongqiao? How to get to your hotel, sort payment on the way, and settle in for your first night in Shanghai.

When to read

After choosing Shanghai as the arrival city.

Guangzhou First Day Guide

Landing at Baiyun Airport? How to get to your hotel, handle the heat, and eat your first Cantonese meal.

When to read

After choosing Guangzhou as the arrival city.

Shenzhen First Day Guide

Arriving in Shenzhen from Hong Kong or by air? How to cross the border, get to your hotel, and set up payment in China's tech capital.

When to read

After choosing Shenzhen as the arrival city.

Chengdu First Day Guide

Landing at Tianfu Airport? It's far from the city. How to get to your hotel, what to eat, and surviving Sichuan spice on day one.

When to read

After choosing Chengdu as the arrival city.

City guides coming up

City pages follow the same first-day structure: airport, hotel, payment, food, weather. More cities rolling out soon.

Heads up

Rules and services change. For anything important — entry, transport, payment, hotels, telecom — double-check with official sources before you travel.