Plan Your Trip
From visa applications to mobile payment setup — everything you need to sort out before you board the plane.
1 15 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Trip to China
The stuff nobody tells you: which apps to install before flying, why your credit card won't work, and what Chinese hotels actually require from foreign guests.
2 How to Apply for a China Tourist Visa in 2026: L, M, and Q2 Visas Explained
Step-by-step guide to applying for a China tourist visa (L visa) — required documents, common rejection reasons, processing time, and how to extend your stay.
3 China Without a Visa: The Complete Guide to Visa-Free Entry & 240-Hour Transit (2026)
Most Western travelers can now enter China without a visa for 30 days. Complete country list, 240-hour transit rules, and the visa run question — answered.
4 China Holiday Calendar 2026: When to Go, When to Run, and How to Survive Peak Season
Spring Festival, Golden Week, Dragon Boat . Which Chinese holidays will wreck your trip, which are actually great, and exactly how to plan around them.
5 How to Pay in China: Alipay, WeChat Pay & Cash Guide for Travelers
The complete guide to cashless China — setting up Alipay and WeChat Pay with foreign cards, avoiding fees, and what to do when payment fails.
6 China High-Speed Rail Guide: How to Book, Board & Ride Like a Pro
Everything first-timers need to know about China's bullet trains — booking with Trip.com, navigating stations, seat classes, and common mistakes to avoid.
7 China Travel Budget Guide: How Much It Really Costs (And How Not to Get Ripped Off)
Real daily costs by city tier & travel style: $40 backpacker to $400 luxury. Payment fees, scams, tipping rules, seasonal swings & 3 budgets.
8 China Digital Survival Guide: VPN, eSIM & Essential Apps for Travelers
Stay connected in China without the stress — which VPN actually works, eSIM vs SIM, and the apps you need before you land.
Already in China and need practical tips? Head over to the Blog for destination guides, food recommendations, and more.