Travel China with Confidence
Essential apps, step-by-step guides, and travel news for your trip to China.
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A Local's 15-Day China Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
A Chinese local's 15-day route through Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, and Shanghai — day-by-day stops, train and flight connections, and booking tips.
Beijing Aquariums: Underwater Tunnels & Night Sessions to Beat the Summer Heat
Four Beijing aquariums with walk-through underwater tunnels make an easy air-conditioned escape from peak summer heat — including rare night sessions at Beijing Aquarium on July 24, 25 and 31, 2026.
eSIM + VPN in China: A Traveler's Field Report (July 2026)
A traveler landed in Beijing on July 18, 2026 with Proton VPN and a Nomad eSIM. Here's what worked, what needed a restart, and how to copy the setup.
Sun Quan's Fried Gluten Puffs: The Snack Worth a Half-Day Trip from Hangzhou
Crispy outside, juicy bamboo-shoot-and-pork inside, CNY 3–10 a serving — Sun Quan's fried gluten puffs come from Longmen Ancient Town, a living Ming-Qing village an hour from Hangzhou.
Universal Beijing Resort: A First-Timer's Guide
Seven themed lands, one metro ride from central Beijing — how to buy tickets, enter with your passport, and beat the lines.
Yamdrok Lake (Yamzhog Yumco): Tibet's Turquoise Day Trip from Lhasa
One of Tibet's three sacred lakes, 100 km from Lhasa — turquoise water at 4,441 m. How foreigners can actually visit: permits, tours, tips.
Apr 30
How to Book an Airport Pickup with Didi
Book a Didi from the airport before you land — skip the taxi queue and get picked up at the designated ride-hailing zone.
How to Board a High-Speed Train Using Your E-Ticket and Passport
Board China's high-speed trains using your passport as your ticket — no paper needed. Here's exactly what to do from station entrance to seat.
How to Buy Attraction Tickets and Tours via Trip.com
Buy attraction tickets and guided tours across China on Trip.com — in English, with international card payment and skip-the-queue QR codes.
FAQ
All FAQs →- Do I need a Chinese phone number to use these apps?
- Some apps like WeChat allow registration with an international number. Alipay requires verification that can be done with a passport. We cover each app's requirements in the guide.
- Can I install these apps before I arrive in China?
- Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Some apps (like WeChat) need a friend to verify your account, which is easier to arrange before you travel.
- Do I need a VPN?
- Google services, WhatsApp, and many Western apps are blocked in China. A VPN downloaded before you arrive can help. Apps listed on this site work without a VPN.