China, made simple for foreign travelers.
Visa rules, payment setup, train routes, city guides — practical answers, updated weekly.
Top destinations
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Shanghai
3-4 days · The Bund · Yu Garden
Beijing
4-5 days · Forbidden City · Great Wall
Chengdu
3 days · Pandas · Sichuan food
Xi'an
2-3 days · Terracotta Army · city walls
Guilin
3 days · Li River · karst peaks
Hangzhou
2-3 days · West Lake · tea fields
Sanya
3-4 days · Tropical beaches · Hainan
All 139 cities
Browse the full index
Start here
Do I need a visa for China?
38 countries go visa-free · 240h transit · L-visa guide
How to pay in China
Alipay + WeChat Pay setup for foreign cards
China high-speed rail
Routes, seat classes, booking in English
Internet & VPN
What's blocked · 4 VPNs tested · eSIM guide
Is China safe?
Crime, scams, health, women traveling alone
What to eat
12 dishes to try · regional cuisines · allergies
Apps to install
The 8 apps you need before you fly
When to go
Best months by region · holidays to avoid
Free planning tools
Visa checker · cost calculator · HSR planner · 6 more
Ready-made itineraries
All routes →
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Frequently asked questions
Is China safe to visit in 2026?
China is safe for independent foreign visitors. Petty crime is rare; violent crime against foreigners is statistically negligible.
Do I need a visa for China?
38 countries enjoy 30-day visa-free entry; 54 more qualify for 240-hour transit visa-free. Check our visa guide for your passport.
When is the best time to visit?
April-May and September-October. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and Spring Festival at all costs.
How do I pay in China as a foreigner?
Set up Alipay with your foreign Visa/Mastercard before you fly. It works at nearly every vendor.
Does Google / WhatsApp work in China?
No — Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook are blocked. Install a VPN before you arrive.
How much does a China trip cost?
Mid-range: $130-280/day including hotel, food, transport, and attractions. Use our cost calculator for a precise estimate.