Planning Your First Trip to China? The Practical Guide You’ll Want Before You Land

China Travel Series — Part One

Essential apps, mobile payments, internet access, taxis, trains, safety tips and the best cities for a first visit.

By City Chic Island Kick

China is one of those destinations that can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time.

The Great Wall stretches across the mountains, the ancient Terracotta Army in Xi’an, peaceful gardens, enormous shopping districts, and the glowing skyline of Shanghai. However, planning a trip to China involves more than choosing attractions and booking a hotel.

Visitors also need to know which apps work, how to pay, how to call a taxi, whether familiar internet services will be available and why carrying the correct passport matters when boarding a train.

This guide was inspired partly by practical recommendations shared by China-based travel creators who understand the systems visitors will encounter once they arrive. Their advice was compared with current information from Chinese government and transportation sources so that this is not simply another general list of places to see.

1. Check Your Entry Requirements Before Booking

China’s entry rules depend on your nationality, passport type, reason for travel and length of stay.

Some nationalities currently qualify for visa-free visits of up to 30 days, while other travellers must obtain a tourist visa before departure. Certain passengers travelling through China to another country may also qualify for visa-free transit, but those rules have specific requirements.

Do not assume that a visa-free arrangement that applies to someone else will apply to you. Check the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your country before purchasing a non-refundable ticket.

China’s National Immigration Administration maintains updated information about visa exemptions, transit policies and arrival procedures. 

Special note for Bahamian passport holders

Bahamian citizens holding ordinary passports may visit China without applying for a visa for stays of up to 30 days under the mutual visa-exemption agreement between China and The Bahamas.

Travellers remaining longer than 30 days or entering for employment, study, residence or another purpose should confirm the appropriate visa requirements before departure. 

2. Download Your Essential Apps Before You Fly

China is heavily app-based. Preparing your phone before departure can save you from standing at an airport trying to download, register, and verify several services at once.

Alipay

Alipay may become the most useful app on your phone during the trip.

It can be used for:

• Paying in shops and restaurants
• Booking DiDi rides
• Accessing public transportation services
• Purchasing attraction tickets
• Finding mini-programs for other travel services
• Translating information within the app

International visitors can register with a foreign mobile number and link eligible foreign bank cards. Complete the registration and card-verification process before leaving home, then test that you can log in successfully. 

WeChat

WeChat is used for communication, payments, customer service and contacting businesses.

It may become especially important when communicating with tour operators, hotels, guides, local contacts or suppliers. WeChat also contains mini-programs that allow users to access services without downloading a separate app for everything.

DiDi

DiDi is China’s major ride-hailing service and is generally easier for a foreign visitor than trying to explain a destination verbally to a taxi driver.

The destination is entered into the app, a fare estimate is displayed, and the vehicle’s information appears on the screen. Travellers can use the DiDi app or access ride-hailing through Alipay and WeChat. Foreign phone numbers and international bank cards are supported. 

AMap

AMap, also called Gaode Map, is one of the most useful navigation apps for China.

It provides walking, driving, cycling and public-transportation directions. Its multilingual services for international visitors have expanded, including English-language navigation, airport guidance, hotel information and emergency contacts. 

China Railway 12306

China Railway 12306 is the country’s official railway booking service.

Foreign passengers can register using their passport information and purchase real-name train tickets. Enter your name and passport number exactly as they appear on the document. 

Trip.com

Trip.com can be easier for travellers who prefer a familiar English-language booking platform.

It can be used for hotels, flights, trains, attraction tickets and prearranged airport transfers. Compare its prices and conditions with official booking services before paying.

A translation app

Download an app that can translate:

• Typed words
• Spoken conversations
• Photographs of signs
• Restaurant menus
• Screenshots

Save essential phrases and download any available offline language packs before departure.

3. Prepare for Different Internet Access

Do not assume that every app and website you normally use will function the same way on a mainland Chinese network.

Some Google services and foreign social-media platforms may be inaccessible or have limited functionality. The China-based creator whose recommendations helped inspire this guide advises visitors to arrange their internet solution before arriving. 

Your options may include international roaming through your regular carrier or a suitable travel eSIM. Before purchasing an eSIM, confirm that it covers mainland China, supports the services you need and permits hotspot use when necessary.

Some travellers also research VPN services. Anyone considering that option should verify current Chinese rules, the provider’s terms and whether the service is suitable before travelling.

Before boarding your flight, save:

• Hotel confirmations
• Train and flight information
• Passport copies
• Travel-insurance documents
• Hotel addresses written in Chinese
• Screenshots of important destinations
• Emergency contacts
• Offline maps where available

4. Set Up More Than One Way to Pay

Mobile payments dominate everyday transactions in China.

Alipay and WeChat Pay allow many international visitors to link foreign-issued cards, including eligible Visa and Mastercard products. However, that does not mean every foreign card will work perfectly in every situation. Verification requests, bank security blocks, and connection problems can still occur. 

Use a payment backup plan:

1. Set up Alipay before departure.
2. Set up WeChat Pay when possible.
3. Carry at least one physical bank card.
4. Keep a reasonable amount of Chinese yuan for emergencies.
5. Notify your bank that you will be travelling.
6. Confirm that your phone can receive verification messages abroad.

Cash remains an accepted form of payment, and foreign visitors can exchange currency through authorized institutions or withdraw renminbi from compatible ATMs.

 

5. The Best Way to Leave the Airport

The best transportation option will depend on your arrival time, luggage, and destination.

Cheapest: Metro or airport train

Public transportation is usually the least expensive option when:

• You arrive before the service closes.
• Your hotel is near a convenient station.
• You can manage your luggage.
• You are comfortable making transfers.

Check the final service time before depending on the metro for a late-night arrival.

Easiest balance of price and convenience: DiDi

For many travellers, DiDi offers the best balance.

The pickup point and destination are entered in the app, reducing the language barrier. Airports and large railway stations may have designated ride-hailing pickup areas, so follow the signs and app instructions carefully.

Before entering the vehicle:

• Compare the licence plate with the app.
• Confirm the car model.
• Check the driver information.
• Avoid getting into a different vehicle because someone claims to be your driver.

Reliable backup: Official taxi queue

Follow airport signs to the licensed taxi line.

Do not accept rides from people approaching passengers inside the terminal or offering “special” transportation outside the official queue.

Most taxi drivers may not speak English, so keep the hotel’s full name, telephone number and address written in Chinese. Ask for the meter to be used and keep the receipt until you have confirmed that nothing was left in the vehicle. Beijing’s official visitor guidance specifically recommends carrying the destination address in Chinese. 

Best for groups or very late arrivals: Prearranged transfer

A hotel transfer or prebooked airport vehicle may cost more, but it can be worthwhile when:

• Travelling with children or older relatives
• Carrying several suitcases
• Arriving after public transportation closes
• Visiting China for the first time
• Travelling to a hotel far from the airport

6. Using High-Speed Trains

China’s railway network makes it possible to travel between major cities without taking a domestic flight for every journey.

Tickets can be booked through the official China Railway 12306 service or through authorized travel platforms.

Foreign passengers should remember:

• Train tickets are issued using real-name identification.
• The passport details must match the booking.
• Carry the original passport used to purchase the ticket.
• Arrive early enough to locate the correct entrance, security checkpoint, and platform.
• Large stations can take time to navigate.
• The departure city may have several different railway stations.

Do not simply tell a driver that you are going to “the train station.” Show the exact station name in Chinese.

For most first-time visitors, second-class high-speed rail is comfortable and usually offers the best value. First class provides additional space but is not essential for every journey.

7. Choose and Confirm Your Accommodation Carefully

When booking a hotel, enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport and confirm that the property can complete the required foreign-guest registration.

Hotels normally submit accommodation information for foreign guests. Travellers staying in a private home, apartment or another non-hotel residence must complete accommodation registration within 24 hours of arrival.

China introduced online registration services in several pilot regions in March 2026, but availability may differ by location. Travellers should ask their host or local accommodation provider for assistance when necessary. 

Save the following in both English and Chinese:

• Hotel name
• Full address
• Front-desk telephone number
• Nearest metro station
• Booking confirmation

8. Language, Food and Everyday Etiquette

You do not need to speak fluent Mandarin to enjoy China, but preparation will make the trip easier.

Learn or save a few basic phrases:

• Nǐ hǎo: Hello
• Xièxiè: Thank you
• Duōshǎo qián?: How much?
• Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?: Where is the restroom?

Photograph menus and signs using your translation app. Keep the hotel address available to show drivers rather than depending on pronunciation.

Visitors with allergies or dietary restrictions should carry a translated card clearly identifying the ingredients they cannot consume. Do not assume that a dish is safe based only on its photograph.

Tipping is not generally expected at ordinary local restaurants, although certain international hotels or upscale establishments may include a service charge.

Many travellers choose bottled or properly boiled water for drinking. Carry tissues or a small package of wipes, especially during long sightseeing days.

9. Basic Safety and Emergency Information

Use official websites and reputable apps for trains, hotels, attraction tickets and transportation.

Keep your passport secure, but carry it on days when it is needed for train travel, domestic flights, or entry to identity-based attractions. Major attractions may require the same passport used during booking.

Watch your belongings in crowded stations, markets and tourist areas. Avoid unofficial drivers and do not hand your passport to anyone who has no legitimate reason to inspect it.

China’s principal emergency numbers are:

• 110: Police
• 119: Fire
• 120: Medical emergency
• 12367: Immigration and entry-exit enquiries

These numbers should be saved before travelling. 

10. A Manageable First-Time China Route

China is too large to experience properly in one rushed visit. Trying to fit six or seven distant cities into ten days can leave travellers seeing more airports and railway stations than attractions.

A practical first trip is:

Beijing: Three or four days

Beijing introduces visitors to China’s imperial history.

Priorities include:

• The Forbidden City
• The Great Wall
• Temple of Heaven
• Summer Palace
• Historic hutong neighbourhoods

The China-based creator particularly recommends the Forbidden City and the Badaling section of the Great Wall. Major Beijing attractions can become extremely busy, so check their official reservation requirements before arriving. 

Xi’an: Two days

Xi’an is one of the strongest additions to a first-time itinerary because it offers an entirely different experience from Beijing and Shanghai.

Priorities include:

• The Terracotta Army
• Xi’an City Wall
• Muslim Quarter
• Bell Tower
• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

The creator describes the Terracotta Army as unforgettable and recommends cycling along the ancient city wall for panoramic views. Passports may be required when reserving and entering the Terracotta Warriors museum. 

Shanghai: Three or four days

Shanghai provides the modern contrast.

Priorities include:

• The Bund
• Lujiazui skyline
• Yu Garden
• Nanjing Road
• Jing’an Temple
• Huangpu River views

The Bund after dark is one of the creator’s strongest recommendations, along with Yu Garden and its surrounding shopping areas. 

Travellers with additional time could consider Chengdu, Hangzhou, Zhangjiajie or Guilin rather than forcing them into an already packed schedule.

Save This Before You Leave

Before boarding your flight, confirm that you have:

• Checked the visa rules for your passport
• Downloaded Alipay, WeChat, DiDi and AMap
• Registered for China Railway 12306
• Linked more than one payment method
• Arranged roaming or an appropriate eSIM
• Saved hotel addresses in Chinese
• Downloaded translation tools
• Stored copies of important documents
• Booked major attractions in advance
• Saved China’s emergency telephone numbers

Coming in Part Two: China for Business, Wholesale Shopping and Product Sourcing

Part Two will cover Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Zhongshan and Yiwu, including what each area is known for, how to find suppliers, the difference between wholesalers and manufacturers, factory verification, samples, shipping and costly mistakes to avoid.

Useful Sources and Official Links

• Original China travel recommendations on Lemon8⁠
• China National Immigration Administration⁠
• Official China Railway 12306 English website⁠
• Payment guide for international visitors⁠
• Official guide to AMap in English⁠
• Official guide to transportation and DiDi⁠
• Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas visa information

⁠

A trip to China should not be planned from beautiful photographs alone.

The small details—setting up payments, saving addresses in Chinese, understanding railway stations and knowing which taxi service to use—can determine whether the journey feels exciting or unnecessarily stressful.

That is why firsthand recommendations matter. General travel information may tell you what to see, but people familiar with the country can often explain what visitors actually need once they step outside the airport.

The goal is not to plan every minute. It is to arrive prepared enough to enjoy the experience.