Carefully selected 14 practical guides covering dining, transportation, accommodation, luggage, payment, health, safety and communication to ensure your journey is smooth and worry-free
China offers 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policies for citizens of certain countries, and specific areas like Hainan and Dongxing in Guangxi have visa-free entry policies for tourists from designated countries. Meet the conditions and prepare relevant materials in advance.
Subways cover extensive areas in large cities, and it is recommended to use transportation apps (such as Alipay Ride Code). High-speed trains are the most convenient way between cities, requiring advance booking through the 12306 website or app, and ID cards must be carried for travel.
Taxis should use meters for fare calculation, and receipts should be requested before getting off. For ride-hailing, it is recommended to use the DiDi Chuxing app, which requires binding a payment method. Avoid unlicensed black taxis, and try to choose regular vehicles for nighttime travel.
It is recommended to book hotels through official platforms and keep the booking confirmation. ID cards must be presented for check-in, and minors need to carry household registration books. Check room facilities and store valuables in the safe.
Choose homestays with higher ratings and carefully read the check-in rules. Homestays are usually located in residential areas and require maintaining quiet. Confirm whether toiletries, Wi-Fi and other facilities are provided, and understand the check-out time and policy.
Liquid items carried on board should not exceed 100ml, with a total volume not exceeding 1L. Prohibited from carrying fresh fruits, meat, etc. for entry. Valuable items such as drones and professional cameras are recommended to be declared. Medicines should keep their original packaging and instructions.
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the main electronic payment methods, covering almost all merchants. Foreign tourists can bind international credit cards to use them. Some small merchants may only accept cash, so it is recommended to prepare a small amount of RMB cash.
It is recommended to exchange RMB at airports or banks, avoiding street exchange points. Most bank ATMs support cash withdrawal with international credit cards, but a fee will apply. Pay attention to daily withdrawal limits and keep exchange receipts and ATM slips.
Pay attention to food hygiene to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort. Protect yourself from heat in summer and keep warm in winter. For plateau areas (such as Tibet), prepare for altitude sickness and consider taking Rhodiola Rosea in advance. Carry common medicines and a first aid kit.
