Plan your first trip to China
Two questions, then we point you to exactly what you need.
Do you already know where you're going?
Your setup, step by step
- Check if you need a visa30 seconds — 79 countries are visa-free, 57 can use 240-hour transit.
- Work through the trip checklistEverything to do 4 weeks, 1 week and 48 hours before you fly.
- Set up Alipay or WeChat PayLink a foreign card — most places don't take cards directly.
- Sort out mobile dataGoogle and WhatsApp are blocked on Chinese networks — know your options.
- Fill in the arrival card onlineDo it before you land and skip the paper form.
- Save your taxi cardsYour hotel, airport terminal and stations in big Chinese text — works offline.
- Know what's differentBookings, crowds, dining and everyday etiquette.
Already chose a city? Read its city guide for the best season, highlights and how to get there.