Visiting China?
We've Got You.
The complete, no-BS survival guide for foreigners. From visa to VPN, payment apps to scam avoidance — everything you need, completely free.
Cash is Dead
China is 95% cashless. You MUST set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival.
Read moreGoogle Doesn't Work
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube are all blocked. Get a VPN first.
Read moreBook Tickets Early
The Forbidden City sells out days ahead. You need a Chinese app to book.
Read moreEnglish is Rare
Almost nobody speaks English outside hotels. Download translation apps.
Read moreStep by Step
Your China Trip, Simplified
Follow our guides from trip planning all the way through to coming home.
Before You Go
Visa, VPN, apps, payment setup, packing essentials
Arriving in China
Airport survival, immigration, SIM cards, first hour tips
Exploring China
Itineraries, attractions, food, transport, and hidden gems
Going Home
Departure tips, customs, tax refund, what to bring back
Must-Visit Places
Top Beijing Attractions
Visitor guides with tips, ticket info, and foreigner-specific advice.
Beyond Beijing
20 City Guides
Practical guides for China's most popular destinations.
Beijing
3-5 days
Shanghai
2-3 days
Xi'an
2-3 days
Chengdu
2-3 days
Guilin & Yangshuo
3-4 days (split between Guilin and Yangshuo)
Hong Kong
3–5 days
Lhasa
4–6 days (including 1–2 days for altitude acclimatization)
Zhangjiajie
3–4 days
Hangzhou
2–3 days
Dunhuang
2–3 days
Chongqing
3–4 days
Dali
3–5 days
Lijiang
2–4 days (add 2 days for Tiger Leaping Gorge)
Suzhou
2–3 days
Jiuzhaigou
2–3 days
Kunming
2-3 days for the city, 5-7 days if exploring nearby Dali and Lijiang
Huangshan
3-4 days (1-2 on the mountain, 1-2 for Hongcun/Xidi villages and Tunxi Old Street)
Macau
2-3 days for a thorough visit including Taipa and Coloane
Fenghuang
2-3 days, combinable with Zhangjiajie (4 hours away) for a 5-7 day Hunan trip
Xinjiang
7-14 days minimum to cover the key regions; Xinjiang is enormous and distances are vast
From the Blog
Latest Travel Articles
Practical, honest guides written by people who actually live in China.
How to Pay in China as a Foreigner (2026 Complete Guide)
China is 95% cashless. This guide covers setting up Alipay & WeChat Pay with foreign cards, using Didi, paying on the subway, and surviving without cash in Beijing.
Beijing Airport Arrival Guide: Your First Hour in China (Step by Step)
From landing to your hotel: immigration, customs, SIM cards, transport to city center, and everything you need for a smooth arrival at Beijing Capital or Daxing Airport.
Internet in China: VPN Guide & Digital Survival Kit for Tourists (2026)
Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked in China. Learn which VPN to use, how to stay connected, essential Chinese apps, and how to prepare before your trip.
Beijing Itinerary: 1-Day, 3-Day & 5-Day Plans (Copy & Use)
Ready-to-use Beijing itineraries with exact times, transport, restaurants, and costs. Just copy and go. Includes budget breakdowns and rainy day alternatives.
Best Time to Visit Beijing in 2026: Month-by-Month Guide
Planning a trip to Beijing? Learn the best months to visit based on weather, crowds, prices, and festivals. Complete seasonal guide with insider tips.
China Visa Guide for Americans (2026): Requirements, Process & Tips
Complete step-by-step guide to getting a Chinese visa as a US citizen. Covers tourist visas, transit visas, visa-free transit, and the latest 2026 policy changes.
Our Mission
Why This Site Exists
China is one of the most incredible countries to visit — but also one of the most confusing for first-time foreign visitors. We built this free guide so you can focus on enjoying your trip.