China Travel Guide
2026
Your complete guide to visiting China for the first time — from visa-free entry and Alipay setup to high-speed rail, travel apps, and the best destinations to start with.
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Quick start planning
Essential China travel tips: visa, payment, apps & transport
Sort out four things before you fly to China in 2026: visa-free entry, Alipay & WeChat Pay, travel apps to install, and high-speed rail & metro.
Visa and entry rules
Understand 30-day visa-free entry, 240-hour transit, and when a regular visa is still the safer option.
Start with entry planning →
Payment in China
Set up Alipay, understand WeChat Pay, and know where cash and international cards still fit.
Prepare payment tools →
Essential travel apps
Download the apps for maps, translation, ride-hailing, payments, and bookings before you land.
Choose your app stack →
Transport basics
Compare high-speed rail, metros, ride-hailing, and flights so your route is realistic from day one.
Plan how you will move →
Shanghai
Shanghai travel guide for first-time visitors: why this modern mega-city is an easy entry point to China, the Bund skyline, French Concession lanes, Yuyuan Garden, and Nanjing Road. Start here before diving into our detailed Shanghai articles.
Beijing
Beijing travel guide for first-time visitors: why China's capital is a must-see, landmarks like the Forbidden City and Great Wall, hutong neighborhoods, and Peking duck. Start here before exploring our detailed itinerary and food articles.
Xi'an
Xi'an travel guide for first-time visitors: why this ancient capital is a must-see, the Terracotta Warriors, Ming-era city walls, and the Muslim Quarter food scene. Start here before exploring our deeper Xi'an guides.
Latest from the Blog
Fresh news on visa policies, practical tips, and in-depth city stories — updated regularly as China's travel landscape evolves.
What to Do in Beijing: A Local's Honest Shortlist (2026)
What to do in Beijing: the Forbidden City done right, the right Great Wall section, hutong walks, Friday-night Temple of Heaven, and the Monday traps.
Sichuan Hiking: Changhaizi Lake, the Turquoise 4,100m Trail Anyone Can Walk (2026)
The best beginner trail for hiking in Sichuan — Changhaizi Lake, a turquoise lake at 4,100 m near Chengdu. Flower season, fees, shuttles, and how to get there.
Can Americans Travel to China in 2026? Visa, Safety & Travel Advisory
Yes, Americans can travel to China in 2026. Visa options (240h transit, L tourist visa), what the US travel advisory means, and the real safety picture.
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