Phoenix Lai
I'm Phoenix Lai. I live in China and have personally traveled to cities across the country. I built Plan My China Trip to give foreign visitors practical, current answers on visas, payments, transport, and the apps you actually need. Every guide is checked against official sources and dated, so you always know how fresh the information is.
Questions about a guide or your own trip? Email me directly. support@planmychinatrip.com
Guides by Phoenix Lai
Practical, up-to-date guides for planning your trip and getting around China with confidence.
China Arrival Card Online 2026: Entry Card Filling Guide
Fill the arrival card online ahead of time to save time at immigration.
Essential Apps for Traveling to China (2026)
The six essential apps for traveling to China: Alipay, WeChat, Amap, DiDi, 12306 and Trip.com.
How to Book Hotels in China as a Foreigner: 2026 Guide
How do foreigners book hotels in China? Book hotels that accept foreign guests on Trip.com, and learn about passport check-in, accommodation policies, online payment, deposits, and what to watch out for in smaller cities.
Best Time to Visit China
A practical guide to choosing the best time to visit China based on holidays, weather, and destination.
Traveling to China: Should You Install Alipay or WeChat?
This article compares the pros and cons of Alipay and WeChat Pay.
China Train Tickets for Foreigners 2026: 12306 vs Trip.com
Book on 12306 (official, cheapest) or Trip.com (easier, small fee) — passport verification, seat classes, and changes explained.
Alipay for Foreigners 2026: Set Up with Visa or Mastercard
Link a Visa or Mastercard with just your passport — no Chinese bank account needed. Registration, verification, and card binding, step by step.
China Visa-Free Rules 2026: Transit & Tourist Visa Guide
Check whether your passport qualifies for visa-free entry or 240-hour transit before you book flights — country list and visa steps inside.
The Eight Great Cuisines of China
A quick overview of China's eight major culinary traditions and their defining characteristics.
China Tax Refund for Tourists 2026: Tax-Free Shopping
Elaborate on the departure tax refund, specifically the policy of immediate refund upon purchase.
WeChat Pay for Foreigners 2026:Set up with Visa & Mastercard Setup
Set up WeChat Pay with your passport and an international bank card — complete registration, real-name verification, and card binding.
How to Access the Internet in China (2026): eSIM or VPN
China's local internet cannot access Google, Instagram, and other foreign services. This guide covers two practical solutions: eSIM and local SIM card + VPN.
How to Use DiDi Ride-Hailing in China as a Foreigner
DiDi is China's largest ride-hailing platform. This guide explains how to book rides through the DiDi mini-program in Alipay or WeChat, or with the DiDi app.
China Airport to City 2026
Provide a route from the airport to the city center in China, suitable for most cities.
eSIM Compatible Devices
A comprehensive list of eSIM-compatible devices from major brands as of 2026.