Plan Your Trip
From visa applications to mobile payment setup — everything you need to sort out before you board the plane.
1 China Travel Mistakes: 15 Things Nobody Tells First-Timers
The stuff nobody tells you: which apps to install, why your credit card won't work, and what Chinese hotels actually require from visitors.
2 China Tourist Visa Guide 2026: How to Apply Step by Step
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 Visa-Free Entry 2026: 30-Day Stays & 240-Hour Transit
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 2026 Holiday Calendar: When to Travel & Survive Peak Season
China's 2026 holidays: the weeks when hotel prices triple, trains sell out, and 1.4 billion people travel. Which dates to avoid and the sweet spots in between.
5 How to Pay in China: Set Up Alipay & WeChat Pay Before You Fly
Turn Alipay into your China travel wallet: link a Visa or Mastercard, scan to pay at any shop, metro gate, or street stall. No Chinese bank account.
6 China High-Speed Rail Guide: How to Book, Board & Ride (2026)
Everything first-timers need to know about China's bullet trains: booking with Trip.com, getting through stations, seat classes, and mistakes to avoid.
7 China Travel Budget Guide: How Much It Actually Costs in 2026
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: eSIM, VPN & Essential Apps (2026)
Stay connected in China: which eSIM works, when to use a VPN, and the apps you need — Alipay, WeChat, Didi, Gaode Maps — installed before you land.
Already in China and need practical tips? Head over to the Blog for destination guides, food recommendations, and more.