https://firsttimechinaguide.com/ 2026-11-02T13:32:50+00:00 1.0 daily https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/guangzhou-weather-by-month/ 2026-11-03T23:39:48+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/guangzhou-rain-by-month.png Bar chart of average monthly rainfall in Guangzhou, showing the April to September wet season peaking at 347 mm in June. https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/guangzhou-best-months.png Twelve month chips for Guangzhou coloured by visit quality, with October to December marked best. https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/best-time-to-visit-guangzhou/ 2026-11-03T23:40:39+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/guangzhou-four-variables.png Four things to check before choosing a month to visit Guangzhou: condensation on walls from February to April, the 15 April to 15 October flood season, red heat alerts that start at 39 degrees in Guangdong against 40 degrees nationally, and the Canton Fair from 15 October to 4 November https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/guangzhou-five-stop.png Guangzhou five-stop shutdown timetable: classes stop for the whole day, work stops at 19:00, shops and attractions stop at 21:00, and metro, buses, taxis and all other vehicles stop at midnight https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/guangzhou-to-hong-kong-train/ 2026-11-04T00:18:05+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/guangzhou-hong-kong-train-two-ends.png Guangzhou South board like a domestic station, 50 minutes, then both immigration checks at West Kowloon B2 https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/guangzhou-hong-kong-train-numbers.png 37 departures, first at 06:32, fastest 50 minutes, second class HK$250, port open 6:30 to 23:30 https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/guangzhou-canton-tower-tickets/ 2026-11-04T00:18:14+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/ct_ladder.png Table of the six Canton Tower tickets with the price of each and what the ticket adds over the one below it https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/ct_monday.png Table comparing normal day, Monday and last Monday opening times for the Canton Tower ferris wheel and outdoor platforms https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/shenzhen-travel-guide/ 2026-11-04T00:18:24+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/shenzhen-six-places.png Table of six Shenzhen places with ticket price, opening hours and the metro station and exit number for each https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/guangzhou-to-shenzhen/ 2026-11-04T00:18:34+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/shenzhen-two-routes.png Card comparing Guangzhou South to Shenzhen North with Guangzhou East to Shenzhen station on time, fare and departures https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/shenzhen-last-trains.png Card showing the last train back to Guangzhou from Shenzhen station, Futian and Shenzhen North https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/guangzhou-metro/ 2026-11-04T00:18:43+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/guangzhou-metro-vs-taxi.png Card comparing Guangzhou metro fares with street taxi fares at four distances https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/guangzhou-taxi-wins.png Card listing four situations where a Guangzhou taxi beats the metro https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/guangzhou-day-trips/ 2026-11-04T00:18:53+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/day-trip-return-leg.png Card: the return leg decides a Guangzhou day trip https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/day-trip-fare-rule.png Card: Guangzhou metro fare bands and the 20 yuan cap https://firsttimechinaguide.com/where-to-stay-in-guangzhou/ 2026-11-04T00:19:02+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/canton-fair-dates/ 2026-11-04T00:19:11+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/guangzhou-travel-guide/ 2026-11-04T00:19:21+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/guangzhou-two-stops.png Canton Tower hours, Chen Clan Academy entry price and the Hong Kong rail run in one card https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/guangzhou-airport-t3.png Baiyun airport terminals T1 T2 T3 and the station or shuttle that serves each https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/guangzhou-metro-fares.png Guangzhou metro fare bands and the flat APM fare https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/dim-sum-first-round.png The five dishes of a dim sum first round: har gow, siu mai, char siu bao, cheung fun and a pot of tea. https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/dim-sum-order-flow.png How to order dim sum: point at the trolley, pick a first round, and tally the bill by stamping a card at your table. https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/dim-sum-tea-gesture.png The tea-refill thank-you: tap two fingers on the table when someone tops up your teapot. https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/chongqing-travel-guide/ 2026-11-04T00:21:31+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/chongqing-three-levels.png Schematic of Chongqing https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/chongqing-airport-metro.png Jiangbei airport terminals and the metro lines that serve each https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/chongqing-three-crossings.png Cableway, crown escalator and metro fares in Chongqing https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-digital-guide/china-coordinate-offset/ 2026-11-04T00:21:41+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-digital-guide/does-google-maps-work-in-china/ 2026-11-04T00:21:51+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/forbidden-city-three-datums.png Three coordinate values for the Forbidden City: WGS-84 39.916804, 116.397162 as returned by Google Maps; GCJ-02 39.918208, 116.403407 as drawn by Amap, 555 m away; BD-09 39.924546, 116.409773 as drawn by Baidu, 1,378 m away https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-digital-guide/google-maps-in-china/ 2026-11-04T00:22:00+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/google-maps-china-offset.png Google Maps in China: the same building sits 555 metres (1,821 feet, 0.34 miles) apart in WGS-84 and GCJ-02 coordinates, computed 28 October 2026 https://firsttimechinaguide.com/forbidden-city-tickets/ 2026-11-04T00:22:09+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/forbidden-city-booking-clock.png Forbidden City ticket release clock: sales open at 20:00 Beijing time seven days before the visit; 60 CNY from April to October, 40 CNY from November to March https://firsttimechinaguide.com/where-to-stay-in-beijing/ 2026-11-04T00:22:19+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/how-much-does-a-trip-to-china-cost/ 2026-11-04T00:22:28+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/china-trip-budget-hero.png China trip budget planning: train ticket, hotel key card, food and attractions adding up to a total https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-power-plug/ 2026-11-02T13:32:33+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/resources/sample-itineraries/ 2026-11-02T12:27:16+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/route_hero_clean.webp Sample China itinerary routes for first-time travelers https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-transport-guide/book-hotels-in-china/ 2026-11-02T12:27:28+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hotel_room-1.webp A clean mid-range hotel room in a Chinese city, what you get for $60 to $120 a night https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/backpacking-china/ 2026-11-02T12:27:40+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bp_hero_clean-1.webp Backpacker with a backpack walking the Great Wall of China at sunrise https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bp_karst_clean.webp A backpacker cycling past karst peaks in Yangshuo, Guangxi https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bp_hostel_clean.webp A bright hostel dorm with bunk beds and a social common area in China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bp_hotel_clean.webp A clean modern budget hotel room in China with a real bed and city view https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bp_train_clean.webp A Fuxing high-speed train at a Chinese station platform https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bp_ride_clean-1.webp Inside a modern Chinese high-speed train carriage with large windows and a backpacker reading https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bp_budget_clean-1-2.webp A traveller paying with a phone at a Chinese street-food stall https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bp_esim_clean-1.webp A traveller holding a smartphone with an eSIM and VPN app ready before landing in China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bp_cash_clean-1.webp A traveller paying with a card and RMB cash at a Chinese street food stall https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/china-itinerary-14-days/ 2026-11-02T12:27:53+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/china-itinerary-10-days/ 2026-11-02T12:28:06+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/china-itinerary-7-days/ 2026-11-02T12:28:18+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/china-by-month/ 2026-11-02T12:57:55+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/hong-kong-things-to-do/ 2026-11-02T12:38:34+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hk_harbour_clean-2.webp Hong Kong things to do: Victoria Harbour skyline at blue hour with a Star Ferry boat https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hk_peak_clean-1.webp Victoria Peak viewpoint over Hong Kong https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hk_starferry_clean-1.webp A green-and-white Star Ferry boat crossing Victoria Harbour https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hk_temple_new_clean.webp Temple Street Night Market at street level with crowded stalls, red lanterns and neon signs https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hk_dimsum_clean-3-3.webp Bamboo steamer baskets of dim sum on a table https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hk_chachanteng_clean-2.webp A classic Hong Kong cha chaan teng meal with milk tea, pineapple bun and wonton noodles https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hk_street_snacks_clean.webp Hong Kong street snacks: egg waffle, curry fish balls and siu mai at a night stall https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hk_buddha_clean-2.webp The Tian Tan Big Buddha bronze statue on Lantau Island https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hk_macau_clean.webp Macau https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/zhangjiajie-travel-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:38:46+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/peaks_clean-3.webp Zhangjiajie travel guide: sandstone peaks rising from mist, the Avatar mountains of China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/yuanjiajie_clean.webp The Avatar Hallelujah Mountain pillar in Yuanjiajie https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/glass_walkway_clean.webp Glass skywalk clinging to a cliff on Tianmen Mountain https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cableway_clean.webp Tianmen Mountain cable car ascending the peaks https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/jinbianxi_clean.webp Wild macaque by a clear stream in Jinbianxi https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tianmen_cave_clean-1.webp Tianmen Cave, a giant natural arch through a cliff https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_clean-8.webp A steaming Tujia three-pot stew in Zhangjiajie https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/guilin-yangshuo-things-to-do/ 2026-11-02T12:38:59+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/li_river_clean.webp Li River cruise winding through karst peaks near Guilin https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/yangshuo_clean-2.webp Bamboo raft on the Yulong River in Yangshuo https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/longji_clean-1.webp Longji rice terraces cascading down mountains https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/elephant_hill_clean-2.webp Elephant Trunk Hill on the Li River in Guilin https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/reed_flute_clean-6.webp Reed Flute Cave with colorful lights https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/xingping_clean-2.webp Xingping ancient town on the Li River with karst peaks https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/guilin_food_clean-3.webp Bowl of Guilin rice noodles with pork and peanuts https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/china-festivals-travel/ 2026-11-02T12:39:12+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/p188-festival-hero.webp Festive Chinese street decorated with red lanterns and banners during a traditional festival https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/p188-festival-spring-lanterns.webp Red lanterns hanging over a Chinese street during Spring Festival celebrations https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/p188-festival-dragon-boat.webp Traditional dragon boats racing on a river during the Dragon Boat Festival https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-safety-guide/china-hospital-foreigners/ 2026-11-02T12:39:25+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hosp_reception-2.webp Modern medical reception area with a clean, bright interior https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hosp_interior.webp Modern hospital interior with a staircase and elevators https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hosp_waiting.webp Quiet hospital waiting area with rows of seating https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hosp_pharmacy-1.webp Close-up of organised medicine shelves in a pharmacy https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/best-time-to-visit-china/ 2026-11-02T12:39:36+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-digital-guide/china-sim-card-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:39:48+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/img_sim_passport.webp Traveler holding a passport and smartphone with eSIM, ready for real-name registration in China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/what-to-eat-in-china/ 2026-11-02T12:40:01+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_hero_clean.webp A spread of classic Chinese dishes on a restaurant table https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cuisine_sichuan_clean-1.webp Sichuan mapo tofu with chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cuisine_cantonese_clean.webp Cantonese dim sum in bamboo steamers https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/dim-sum-first-round.png Cantonese dim sum: har gow, siu mai, char siu bao (barbecue pork bun), cheung fun and a pot of tea. https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cuisine_shandong_clean.webp Shandong sweet and sour carp on a plate https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cuisine_jiangsu_clean-1.webp Jiangsu lion https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cuisine_zhejiang_clean.webp Hangzhou Dongpo pork braised until glossy https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cuisine_fujian_clean.webp Fujian Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup in a ceramic jar https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cuisine_hunan_clean.webp Hunan steamed fish head covered with chopped chillies https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cuisine_anhui_clean.webp Anhui stinky mandarin fish with bamboo shoots https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cuisine_beijing_clean.webp Beijing Peking duck carved at the table https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_duck_clean.webp A whole Peking duck carved at the table in a Beijing restaurant https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_hotpot_clean.webp A bubbling Sichuan hot pot with chillies and Sichuan peppercorns https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/dish_dumplings_clean.webp Chinese jiaozi dumplings, boiled and pan-fried, with vinegar and ginger https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/dish_xiaolongbao_clean.webp Shanghai xiaolongbao soup dumplings in a bamboo steamer https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_street_clean.webp A Chinese night-market stall grilling lamb skewers over coals https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_dimsum_clean.webp A basket of Cantonese dim sum steamed buns and dumplings https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_tea_clean.webp A cup of Chinese tea poured at a wooden table https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/drink_tea_clean.webp A Chinese green tea set with teapot and small cups https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-transport-guide/best-airline-to-fly-to-china/ 2026-11-02T12:40:13+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/airline_airport.webp Modern Chinese airport departure hall with travelers and rolling luggage https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/airline_cabin.webp Modern premium cabin interior on a long-haul flight to China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-digital-guide/china-travel-apps/ 2026-11-02T12:41:26+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-5448171.webp A traveler uses a phone map to navigate a city street https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-safety-guide/is-china-safe-for-tourists/ 2026-11-02T12:41:38+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/safe_hero_clean-2.webp A calm, well-lit pedestrian street in a Chinese city at blue hour — safe travel in China, everyday urban life https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/safe_street_clean.webp A lively but orderly Chinese night-market street with warm lanterns and calm crowds https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/safe_translate_clean.webp A traveler’s hand holding a phone showing a translation app with Chinese characters https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/what-to-pack-for-china/ 2026-11-02T12:41:50+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/china-travel-essentials-flat-lay-1.webp Flat-lay of travel essentials packed for a first trip to China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-transport-guide/china-metro-subway-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:47:00+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/china-metro-qr-payment.webp Using a phone QR code to enter a Chinese metro turnstile https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/china-metro-concourse-1.webp A clean Chinese metro station concourse with platform screen doors https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-safety-guide/china-language-survival/ 2026-11-02T12:47:13+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/u_real_menu2.webp A person looking at a restaurant menu in a cafe before translating https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/u_real_map.webp A phone showing a map navigation app for finding an address https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/china-tourist-visa-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:20:23+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-transport-guide/book-china-train-tickets/ 2026-11-02T12:47:25+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/china-airport-arrival-train-station-2.webp Arriving at a Chinese train station: signage, ticket gates and the platform entrance https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-digital-guide/how-to-pay-in-china/ 2026-11-02T12:21:12+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A_Caucasian_male_tourist_in_ca_2026-09-06T13-03-51-clean-web.webp A foreign tourist using a payment app on a smartphone in China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A_foreign_traveler_holding_a_s_2026-09-06T12-59-46-clean-web.webp A traveler holding a phone up to scan a QR code to pay in a Chinese shop https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/alipay_barcode_payment.webp Scanning an Alipay barcode to pay at a shop in China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A_traveler_withdrawing_cash_fr_2026-09-06T12-59-47-clean-web.webp A traveler withdrawing cash from an ATM in China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-transport-guide/china-high-speed-rail-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:21:00+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/01-train-exterior-platform-clean-1.webp A Chinese high-speed G-series train waiting at the platform https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/02-second-class-cabin-clean-1.webp Second-class cabin interior on a China high-speed train with rows of seats https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/04-station-platform-clean.webp A busy high-speed rail station platform with departure boards above https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/your-first-24-hours-in-china/ 2026-11-02T12:47:38+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/01-airport-arrival-web.webp Arriving at a Chinese airport: bilingual signs guide first-time visitors to baggage claim and exit https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/02-hotel-checkin-web.webp Checking in at a Chinese hotel front desk with passport and booking confirmation on a phone https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/03-atm-cash-web.webp Withdrawing cash from an ATM in China using a foreign debit or credit card https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/04-first-meal-web.webp A first meal in China: a typical local restaurant table with shared dishes https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/china-visa-free-transit/ 2026-11-02T12:20:36+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/visa_page_life_v2-2.webp Travellers enjoying an evening in a Chinese old town during a visa-free transit stopover https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/visa_page_doc_v4_real-4.webp A Chinese passport ready at the immigration desk during a 240-hour visa-free transit https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-transport-guide/travel-insurance-china/ 2026-11-02T12:47:50+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ins_img1-1.webp Two Western travelers with rolling suitcases and passports at a bright airport terminal, preparing for a trip to China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ins_img2.webp A British passport and a face-down smartphone on a wooden cafe table with a coffee cup, warm natural light https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-safety-guide/can-you-drink-tap-water-china/ 2026-11-02T12:48:02+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tapwater_hero.webp A glass of fresh drinking water on a table with a blurred Chinese city background - is tap water safe to drink in China? https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tapwater_boil-1.webp An electric kettle boiling water in a Chinese hotel room - boil your own drinking water cheaply https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tapwater_bottle-1.webp A traveler refilling a reusable bottle at a free hot and cold water dispenser in a Chinese train station https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-transport-guide/didi-china-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:48:14+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/didi_phone_map.webp Traveler using the DiDi app on a smartphone in a Chinese city https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/didi_pickup_v4-1.webp A car pulled over at the curb on a Chinese street at dusk https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-safety-guide/china-food-safety-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:48:26+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_street_left_v3.webp A lively Chinese night market street lined with red lanterns and food stalls https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_street_right_v2-1-1.webp A vendor serving freshly cooked braised meats and sausages at a busy stall https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_hotpot_left_v2-1-1.webp A bubbling Chinese hotpot with fresh ingredients on the table https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_hotpot_right_v2.webp A lavish spread of Chinese hotpot dishes and sides https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_fruit_left_v3.webp A well-stocked Chinese fruit shop with oranges, apples and gift boxes https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/food_fruit_right_v3-3.webp Fresh lychees piled in baskets at a market https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-safety-guide/china-travel-scams-to-avoid/ 2026-11-02T12:48:38+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/scams_hero_clean.webp A busy pedestrian street in a Chinese city at dusk — stay alert to common travel scams in China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/scams_transport_clean.webp A legitimate taxi stand outside a Chinese airport arrival hall — use the official queue or DiDi, not touts https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/scams_market_clean.webp A traditional Chinese tourist market with stalls of silk, tea and souvenirs — haggle politely, buy brands from official stores https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-safety-guide/china-toilets-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:49:51+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/toilets_sign_subway-1.webp Restroom sign on a tiled wall inside a metro station https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/toilets_sign_accessible-2.webp Inclusive restroom sign showing a wheelchair icon https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/toilets_kit.webp Travel wash bag with toiletries laid out on a white surface https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/toilets_sinks.webp Sinks and a hand dryer in a modern public restroom https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-safety-guide/china-cultural-etiquette/ 2026-11-02T12:50:04+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/etiquette-table-169b.webp Cantonese dim sum in bamboo steamers at a Guangzhou yum cha restaurant https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/etiquette-temple-169.webp Traditional Chinese temple gate with orange walls https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/etiquette-tea-169.webp Traditional Chinese tea set on a wooden table https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/xian-travel-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:50:16+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/terracotta_warriors_clean.webp Terracotta Army warriors lined up in Xi https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/xian_city_wall_clean.webp Xi'an ancient city wall and watchtower https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/muslim_quarter_clean.webp Xi'an Muslim Quarter night market https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bell_tower_clean.webp Xi'an Bell Tower at dusk https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/big_wild_goose_pagoda_clean-2.webp Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shaanxi_history_museum_clean.webp Shaanxi History Museum exterior https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/xian_food_clean-1.webp Xi https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/huashan_clean.webp Steep granite cliffs and plank path on Mount Huashan https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-digital-guide/alipay-for-foreigners/ 2026-11-02T12:56:27+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-8475148.webp A shopper tapping a smartphone to pay at a grocery checkout https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-digital-guide/best-esim-for-china/ 2026-11-02T12:20:11+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-20805604-1.webp A traveller holding a smartphone showing a stay-connected message, with a passport and suitcase https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-digital-guide/best-vpn-for-china/ 2026-11-02T12:19:58+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/vpn_cafe.webp Laptop showing a VPN app ready to connect before a trip to China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/china-itinerary-21-days/ 2026-11-02T12:19:45+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/route_chengdu_clean.webp China 21-day grand tour itinerary route across Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu and Shanghai https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/china-visa-for-canada/ 2026-11-02T12:56:39+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/visa_page_doc_v4_real.webp China visa documents and passport for Canadian citizens applying at the visa centre https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/china-visa-for-uk-citizens/ 2026-11-02T12:56:51+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/visa_page_doc_v4_real.webp China visa documents and passport for UK citizens applying at the visa centre https://firsttimechinaguide.com/first-time-china-guide/china-visa-for-us-citizens/ 2026-11-02T12:20:48+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/visa_page_doc_v4_real.webp China visa documents and passport for US citizens applying at the embassy https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/chengdu-travel-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:57:03+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/A_giant_panda_sitting_and_eati_2026-08-25T07-55-06-5.webp Giant pandas eating bamboo at Chengdu Research Base https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The_Wide_and_Narrow_Alleys__Ku_2026-08-25T08-03-48-3.webp Wide and Narrow Alleys in Chengdu https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Jinli_ancient_street_in_Chengd_2026-08-25T08-03-43-2.webp Jinli ancient street with red lanterns https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/A_traditional_Chengdu_teahouse_2026-08-25T08-03-42-2.webp Bamboo chairs at a Chengdu teahouse https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/A_traditional_Sichuan_hotpot_o_2026-08-25T08-03-44-1.webp Sichuan hotpot with chili and peppercorns https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/mapo_tofu-1.webp Mapo tofu in a white bowl https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/dan_dan_noodles.webp Dan dan noodles in a bowl https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/sichuan_snacks.webp Assorted Sichuan street snacks https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The_Leshan_Giant_Buddha__a_mas_2026-08-25T08-03-43.webp Leshan Giant Buddha carved into riverside cliff https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The_Dujiangyan_ancient_irrigat_2026-08-25T08-03-51.webp Dujiangyan ancient irrigation system and green mountains https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/chongqing-1.webp Chongqing Hongya Cave night skyline https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/jiuzhaigou.webp Jiuzhaigou turquoise alpine lake in autumn https://firsttimechinaguide.com/shanghai-travel-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:24:26+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shanghai_the_bund_night-1-1.webp The Bund in Shanghai at dusk, historic buildings and the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shanghai_the_bund.webp The Bund historic waterfront buildings lit at dusk with the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shanghai_pudong_skyline-2.webp The Pudong skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shanghai_yu_garden.webp The classical pavilions and zigzag bridge of Yu Garden in Shanghai https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shanghai_nanjing_road-4.webp Nanjing Road pedestrian street in Shanghai lined with historic department stores https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shanghai_xintiandi-2.webp Tree-lined street of restored shikumen houses in Xintiandi and the former French Concession https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shanghai_zhujiajiao.webp A stone bridge and canal boat in Zhujiajiao water town near Shanghai https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shanghai_xiaolongbao-1.webp A bamboo steamer of Shanghai xiaolongbao soup dumplings with vinegar and ginger https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shanghai_shengjianbao-3.webp Pan-fried Shanghai shengjianbao in a cast-iron pan with sesame and scallions https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shanghai_benbang_dishes-2.webp Shanghai local dishes: hong shao rou, scallion oil noodles and hairy crab https://firsttimechinaguide.com/resources/recommended-gear/ 2026-11-02T12:57:15+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/inline-d4fad7be78.webp Universal adapter and a sub-100Wh power bank https://firsttimechinaguide.com/resources/china-travel-checklist/ 2026-11-02T12:57:27+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/china-travel-essentials-flat-lay-3.webp China travel essentials flat lay: passport, power adapter, power bank, smartphone, travel guidebook and earbuds on a wooden table https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/china-airport-arrival-train-station-3.webp First-time visitor inside a modern Chinese high-speed train station concourse with escalators and English signage https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tourist-using-smartphone-china-street-2.webp A foreign tourist checking a smartphone on a busy street in China with a red Chinese lantern in the background https://firsttimechinaguide.com/beijing-travel-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:24:39+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_summer_palace-1.webp Summer Palace in Beijing — pavilion and marble bridge over Kunming Lake https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_forbidden_city-1.webp Golden rooftops of the Forbidden City in Beijing https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_great_wall-2.webp The Great Wall at Mutianyu winding over forested mountains https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_hutong.webp A traditional Beijing hutong alley with grey brick courtyards https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_798_art_zone.webp 798 Art Zone gallery in a converted Beijing factory https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_sanlitun-3.webp Sanlitun pedestrian street at dusk in Beijing https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_wangfujing-2.webp Wangfujing pedestrian street near Qianmen in Beijing https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_hutong_hotel-2.webp Traditional Beijing hutong courtyard hotel entrance https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_city_hotel-1.webp A modern Beijing international hotel lit at blue hour https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_peking_duck-1.webp A whole Peking duck served with pancakes and scallions https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_dalumian-2.webp Authentic Beijing dalu mian noodles in savory gravy with pork, wood ear mushrooms and egg https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_copper_hotpot-1.webp Traditional Beijing copper hotpot with sliced lamb https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-safety-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:58:08+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tourist_scam_tea_house.webp Common tourist scam example: tea house invitation in China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/safe_drinking_water-2.webp Safe drinking water options for travelers in China https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-city-guides/ 2026-11-02T12:15:13+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_forbidden_city.webp The Forbidden City in Beijing with golden palace roofs and red walls https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/shanghai_bund_skyline.webp Shanghai Bund skyline at dusk with historic buildings and modern towers https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/chengdu_panda_bamboo-1.webp Giant panda eating bamboo at the Chengdu Research Base https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/xian_terracotta_warriors.webp Terracotta Warriors in the Xi https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/china_city_route_map.webp China city route map with pins for Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-transport-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:59:20+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/china_high_speed_train.webp Modern Chinese high-speed train at a railway platform https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/beijing_metro_station.webp Beijing subway station platform with an arriving metro train https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/didi_ride_app_screen.webp DiDi ride-hailing app English interface on a smartphone https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/travel_insurance_documents.webp Travel insurance documents with passport and boarding pass https://firsttimechinaguide.com/china-digital-guide/ 2026-11-02T12:59:33+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/vpn_connected_laptop.webp 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https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/printable_checklist.webp Printable China travel checklist on a clipboard with packing items https://firsttimechinaguide.com/custom-china-itinerary/ 2026-11-02T12:57:39+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/stella_consulting_clients.webp Travel consultant discussing a custom China plan with clients https://firsttimechinaguide.com/contact/ 2026-11-02T13:00:00+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/disclaimer/ 2026-11-02T13:00:13+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/privacy-policy/ 2026-11-02T13:00:26+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/affiliate-disclosure/ 2026-11-02T13:00:40+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/resources/ 2026-11-02T13:00:53+00:00 1.0 yearly https://firsttimechinaguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pre_trip_checklist_clipboard.webp China pre-trip checklist on a clipboard with travel essentials 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