Pre-trip checklist
One page, in the right order: visa, apps, money, insurance, what to pack. Print it or keep it on your phone and tick things off.
Arrival kit
What to do in the first few hours: get data, set up payment, get to your hotel, buy a metro pass. The “I just landed and I’m panicking” version.
Gear I actually use
A short list of things worth bringing: a good power bank, a travel eSIM, a neck pillow that isn’t useless. Only items I’d pack again.
Sample itineraries
If you have 5, 7, or 10 days, here’s how I’d split the cities. Links straight into the city guides so you don’t start from blank.
More coming soon
I’m building more tools as I travel and test things. If there’s a resource you wish existed, send me a message and I’ll see what I can do.
The questions everyone asks before they fly
Can foreigners use Google in China?
No — Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked by the Great Firewall. Install a reliable VPN before you arrive and test it, since you can’t download one easily once inside China.
Do I need a visa for China in 2026?
It depends on your passport and stay length. Many visitors now qualify for visa-free entry (e.g. 30-day entry for numerous countries), but rules change often — check the latest before you book. See the visa breakdown →
Is WeChat Pay accepted for foreigners?
Yes. Foreign visitors can bind an international card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB) to both Alipay and WeChat Pay and scan to pay at almost any shop, café, or taxi.
What should I pack for my first China trip?
A travel eSIM, a VPN, a power bank, and a passport-photo backup. Our pre-trip checklist covers the full list in the right order. Open the checklist →
Practical first-trip China guides — visas, VPN, eSIM, Alipay, trains, and city routes.