🇨🇳China Travel Guide 2024

Entry Requirements

🌍 Pre-Travel Checklist

🪪 Visa Requirements

01.Visa-Free Transit:

• Citizens of Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg can now enter China visa-free when traveling for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for up to 15 days.The policy takes effect from March 14 until November 30, 2024, following last year's implementation of China's visa exemptions for six countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.

• 24-hour visa-free transit: If you're passing through China to another country, you can stay for up to 24 hours without a visa! Just make sure you have a valid connecting ticket! You can enjoy 24-hour direct transit without undergoing border inspection procedures at nine major airports in cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xiamen, and Guangzhou.

• 72-hour visa-free transit: Citizens of 54 designated countries with confirmed onward tickets can enjoy up to 72 hours of visa-free transit through one of the 15 participating airports in China!

• 144-hour visa-free transit: Hold confirmed onward tickets for a third country? You can transit through cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei for up to 144 hours without a visa!

• Reference:

02.Regular Visa Application:

• 1 Prepare Required Documents
• A passport with at least SIX months validity and at least two blank visa pages.
• A high-quality (colored) passport-sized photo taken within the last SIX months.(note that this might be different to regular passport size!)
• Complete and print the visa application form from the China Visa Application Center official website and sign as required.
Note:
• US and Filipino visa applicants can visit China Online Visa Application to fill out the form online.
• Visa applicants from 51 other countries can complete the online form through the China Visa Application Center website.

• 2 Identify Visa Categories
There are numerous visas available, but among the most common are: Tourist (L) , Business (M) and Work (Z) .
(Thoroughly study the specific requirements outlined on the China Visa Application Center official website).

• 3 Book Your Appointment
Book a slot at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate or on the China Visa Application Center official website.
Note: Some visa types may require in-person interviews to ensure the authenticity and legitimacy of the applicant.

• 4 Pre-Application Checklist
• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport
• Passport pictures (Detailed requirements see the reference below.)
• Travel itinerary (including your destinations, flight bookings, and proof of hotel reservations of your stay).

• 5 Pay for the Visa and Wait for the Result!
• The application fee is non-refundable and varies by nationality and visa category. Be sure to keep the payment receipt secure.
• The application takes 4-5 business days to process.

• 6 Collect Visa
• Congratulations - you can now pick up your passport and China visa!
• Pay attention to the details, such as entry and exit dates, and duration of stay permitted.

03.Quick Tips:

• Apply and submit your visa application between one and three months before departure.

• Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents traveling to the mainland should have a valid "Home Return Permit " issued by the public security organ. Those without it can apply for a People's Republic of China travel Permit.

• Reference:

WIFI & SIM Cards

📡 Internet Access

01.Activate international roaming using your current SIM card

• Check your current network provider about availability and fees.

• Activate international roaming before traveling to China.

02.Purchase an eSIM card

• Select a reliable network provider prior to your trip.

• Buy a suitable plan type - aside from network providers, eSIMs may also be purchased from online marketplaces.

• Follow the instructions to activate.

• Most eSIMs are data-only and do not support calls or texts.

• Additionally, an eSIM-compatible device is required.

03.Purchase a prepaid SIM card before departure

• Find the most suitable product at an online marketplace, such as the Prepaid Asia-Pacific SIM card, which works in more than 17 countries, including China.

• After delivery, don't forget to take the SIM card with you on the day of your departure!

• Most are data-only and don’t provide Chinese phone numbers.

• Making sure it arrives in time for your trip!

04.Rent a portable WiFi device

• Rent one online before heading to China

• Have it delivered or collect it in China.

• Heavy and expensive

• Most can only be picked up in China, so you might not have any data until you get the device.

05.Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival

• Recommended for long-term visitors

• Three main networks: China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom

• Buy one at the airport or from mobile provider stores.

• Note that your passport is required for registration.

• The original number can’t be used.

• Some airports don't sell them - so do your research before flying!

• Note that most providers do not have online processing functions, so travelers are usually advised to buy the SIM card offline.

06.Some useful tips

• Install a plugin before your visit to ensure access to your favorite apps and websites. Some in China may be blocked.

• Most public places in China have WiFi, but many require mobile phone number verification. A foreign mobile phone number may not work. If this happens, ask staff for help.

• A Chinese phone number can be helpful for using local services like ride-sharing and delivery apps!

📱 Communication Applications

01.How to continue using your existing apps:

• WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Google Services, Telegram, and many other apps in overseas countries may not work in China.

• Therefore, foreign travelers may need to download a plugin to keep using these apps.

02.Obtain a Chinese SIM card for seamless communication.

• Obtaining a SIM card under the Wi-Fi module will be the foundation of all your communication activities thereafter.

• Local App Insights: Explore WeChat, QQ, Douyin.

Payment Methods

💵 Cash&Cards

01. Where can you get cash (￥RMB) ?

• Banks: Travelers can withdraw cash over-the-counter at major banks around the country.

• ATMs: Travelers can also withdraw cash directly from ATMs as long as they accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express etc. (the logos will usually be displayed). ATMs are in many large shopping malls and subway stations in China.

• Hotels: Some hotels may offer currency exchange services.

• Currency exchange counters: These businesses are usually located in major cities, city center areas, airports and large shopping malls, and some tourist spots.

02. Everything you need to know about using credit / debit cards in China

• China accepts UnionPay cards widely, while Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are less popular.

• However any store that displays the relevant logos at its door accepts these major international cards.

🧧 Digital Wallet

01.Step 1: Download a Digital Wallet

• Opt for WeChat Pay or Alipay – China’s digital wallet giants.

• Download your chosen app from your device’s app store.

• WeChat Pay and Alipay support Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, and Discover, while JCB is only available on WeChat Pay.

02.Step 2: Registration

03.Step 3: Link Your Preferred Payment Method

04.Step 4: Use QR Codes

Tours & Experience

🏖️ Tips for Attractions

01.Things to Know Before Your Visit

• Google Maps and Google Listings may not be available in China.

• Find attractions on local platforms where you can make reservations.

• On Trip.com (and other apps), you can book guided tours, including sightseeing and transport.

• Popular attractions often have a limited number of tickets, so we recommend booking at least a week in advance.

• Pay attention to the opening time of the attractions you want to visit - for example, museums in China are often closed on Mondays.

• Certain attractions may require a Chinese ID when booking tickets online. If so, you may need to buy tickets on-site instead.

• Book a tour guide if you want a more in-depth understanding of the attraction.

02.At the attraction

• When entering the attraction, show e-tickets on your phone.

• If the attraction requires you to show ID, contact the ticket office with your valid documents like passports.

• Look for the ticket office.

• Check the ticket information and available services.

• Purchase your tickets. You can usually pay using mobile apps, credit / debit cards, or cash, depending on the specific attraction.

💁 Interacting with Chinese Locals

01.Ways to translate:

• Google translate may not be available in China, but there are great alternatives.

• Check out apps like WAYGO, Microsoft Translator, Deepl, Dear Translator (有道翻译官), etc.

• Record voice and the app will convert the voice to text in the chosen language in real time!

• Tip: Auto or Bilingual mode can be useful when conversing with Chinese people.

• Useful for translating menus, maps, or road signs in Chinese. All you have to do is take a photo!

• Note: In restaurants, try to ask for more details, especially if you have food allergies or other dietary needs.

02.Basic Chinese Phrases

• Foreign travelers can learn a few simple phrases in Chinese to get information or simply communicate with the locals.

• Here are some basic expressions you can bring with you on your next China trip!

• Hello - 你好 (nǐ hǎo)

• Goodbye - 再见 (zài jiàn)

• Thank you - 谢谢 (xiè xiè)

• How much does it cost? - 多少钱？ (duō shǎo qián?)

• I want this. - 我想要这个。 (wǒ xiǎng yào zhè ge.)

• No, thanks. – 不用，谢谢。（bù yòng, xiè xiè）

• Cash - 现金 (xiàn jīn)）

• Card – 卡（kǎ）

• Excuse me, where is xxx located? – 请问xxx在哪里？（qǐng wèn, xxx zài nǎ lǐ?）

• Can you show me the way? - 你能给我指路吗？(nǐ néng gěi wǒ zhǐ lù ma?)

Transportation

🚄 Railways

01.Buying Tickets

1. Download Trip.com, Railway 12306.

2. Select departure and arrival stations, travel dates, and number of passengers.

3. Enter passenger details as they appear on your passport.

4. Proceed to payment.

5. An e-ticket will be issued through the app/email after confirmation. Keep it somewhere safe and accessible!

1. Open the ticket booking app and sign in to your account.

2. Add the passenger’s information, select ‘Passport’ under valid document ID type, and fill in the rest of the details.

3. The screen will show 'Identity Verification Pending' after submission, which is standard procedure in China - tickets may still be purchased as usual.

4. Select the added passengers and proceed with the payment!

02.Onboarding

• Prepare your valid passports and Travel Permit and arrive at the station 30-60 minutes in advance.

• Original passports will be scanned at manual check-in instead of paper tickets being checked.

• All luggage will go through security screening, so be sure to check your luggage before boarding!

• 1Check the electronic screen for train status and waiting room location.

• 2Proceed to the secondary ticket inspection at the boarding gates.

• 3You can now proceed to your carriage and wait for the train to arrive!

03.Some Helpful Tips

• Tickets sell out quickly especially during peak seasons. Book your tickets up to 15 days prior.

• Note that trains run on time and it's unusual for disruptions such as strikes or cancellations.

• Your train seats are reserved, so don't worry about missing out during peak periods.

• Many Chinese cities have multiple departure stations. Make sure to find the route to the correct one!

• Passport details should be accurately provided to avoid complications.

• Fast-entry tips: Use automated passport scanning at the station for quick entry, and bypass the ticket counter line!

• Note: Foreign travelers must bring their original passport used for ticket purchase to the counter for ID verification. A maximum of four tickets can be bought online.

🧭 Maps

01.Apple Maps

02.Alipay Maps

• 1Transport

• 2Plan Routine

• 3Enter destination

• 4See the map

03.A Map (Gaode Map)

• A great option for people who can speak and understand Chinese.

• This map features real-time traffic conditions, route planning, and even important information on public transport!

04.City Maps

• Foreign visitors can benefit greatly from China’s city maps, particularly offline English metro maps.

• These maps are handy in China's busiest cities for real-time subway information, offline navigation, and local attraction information .

✈️ Flights

01.Step 1: Book Your Flight

• Look for options on trusted websites such as Trip.com.

• Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou frequently offer direct flights - and are great choices.

• Be sure to check and amend your luggage allowance.

02.Step 2: Check Visa Needs

• Do you need a Tourist (L), Business (M), or a different visa?
• Check the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center official website to get all the details.
 

03.Step 3: Pack Your Essentials

• Passport

• Visa

• Comfortable clothes

• Chargers

• Cards and some cash

04.Step 4: Taking Flight and Arriving in China

• Follow signs for immigration, where they’ll  your passport and visa.
check

• Then pick up your luggage and clear customs

🚇 Metros

01.Wide Coverage

02.Multiple Ways to Purchase Tickets

• Alipay
Provides QR codes for subways and buses in almost all cities across China. To use, open Alipay app → Transport → Metro / Bus → Scan the QR code.

• Subway Apps for Local Cities
• Many cities have their own Metro apps like Metro大都会 in Shanghai and 北京一卡通 in Beijing.
• Note: These typically require a Chinese phone number.
 

• Ticket Vending Machines
• Found at the entrance of every station.
• Payment methods: Alipay, WeChat, Cash, etc.
• Attention: Not all vending machines accept cash, but there should be at least one that does.
• English is available.

• Staffed Counters (Service Center)
• Available at every station.
• Payment methods: Alipay, WeChat, Cash, etc.
• Available options: one-day tickets, three-day tickets, and tourist passes (depending on the city).
 

03.Safety

• Security checks are conducted in subway stations in China.

• While officers rarely intervene, note that sharp objects, flammable / explosive materials, toxins, and radioactive items are strictly prohibited on subways.

• Carrying live animals is also prohibited, except for animals with special functions, such as police dogs and guide dogs.

• Every station is well staffed, both at the entrances and in the waiting areas.

• There will also be patrolling police officers to handle emergencies and ensure everyone's safety.

04.Pocket-friendly Pricing

• Ticket prices are calculated based on mileage, and fees vary between different cities.

• Unless it’s a trip to the airport or other places far away from the urban area, most one-way ticket prices are less than 10 RMB.

05.Some Helpful Tips!

• Most stations have restrooms but not all. Ask the staff if unsure.

• 99% of restrooms DO NOT provide toilet paper or tissues. So make sure to have some with you at all times.

• All subways have English announcements, so be sure to listen up!

🚕 Taxis

01.Taxis

• In airports and train stations, you can follow signs to taxi waiting areas.

• On the street, you can hail vacant taxis by waving.

• Prepare your destination address in Chinese or Pinyin (Romanization of Mandarin).

• Showing pictures of attractions you visit to drivers will help them understand quickly.

• You can use translation apps to provide real-time translation.

• If possible, learn some simple Chinese to assist you in communicating with the driver.

• Upon arrival, your fare will be displayed on the meter.

• Each city has different base rates. Your final price is a combination of this base rate plus distance and time.

• Cash payment: Prepare small bills (50 RMB or smaller) in advance as many taxi drivers may not have sufficient change.

• Mobile payment: Use WeChat Pay or Alipay for taxi fares.

02.Car-hailing services

• Open your Alipay app.

• Select “Transport”

• Tap ”Taxi“ and plan your route

• Touch the translation pop-up on the screen to automatically translate the text into English.

• Text your destination.

• Select your preferred car type and ensure the trip.

• Check the car number plate and driver rating.

• Wait for the driver to arrive and pick you up.

• Pay the fee by Alipay directly when you arrive.

Accommodation

🏬 International Traveler-Friendly Hotels

• Check the policies and services of the hotel on booking websites, such as: English-speaking staff, international cuisine options, and acceptance of foreign credit cards.

• Check other travelers' comments and ratings of the hotel, and try to seek advice from other travelers who have visited China.

• Chain hotels may be an easier option for non-Chinese speakers, foreign customs, etc.

• Hotels listed on Trip.com are aimed at foreign guests.

• Contact the hotel in advance to confirm if they cater for foreign guests.

• Inform the hotel beforehand if you have any special requests.

🏦 Domestic vs Overseas Hotels

01.Check-In Process

• Ensure that your passport and visa are valid. The hotel will check and record your passport information.

• Required Documents: Your passport and other international travel documents. As a non-national, you may be asked to fill out a form like this.

• Usually, check-in time is after 2 PM, but it depends on the hotel. For comparison, many overseas hotels may start their check-in at 3 PM or later.

• If you don't speak Chinese, it may be helpful to get your translation apps prepared for communication.

• Hotels in China usually don't require additional taxes and fees from guests, while hotels in other countries may impose additional taxes and fees.

02.Room Facilities

• Chinese hotels usually provide complete bathroom amenities, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and slippers, while hotels in other countries may charge extra for disposable items.

• Chinese power outlets may not be compatible with the charger in your country, so you should prepare a charger adapter in advance.

03.Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?

04.Check-Out Process