Travel Guides

Traveling to China: Should You Install Alipay or WeChat?

This article compares the pros and cons of Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Latest guides

Fresh, practical advice for planning your trip and traveling confidently in China.

China Arrival Card Online 2026: Entry Card Filling Guide

Fill the arrival card online ahead of time to save time at immigration.

Updated October 2, 2026

Essential Apps for Traveling to China (2026)

The six essential apps for traveling to China: Alipay, WeChat, Amap, DiDi, 12306 and Trip.com.

Updated September 18, 2026

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.

Updated September 12, 2026

Best Time to Visit China

A practical guide to choosing the best time to visit China based on holidays, weather, and destination.

Updated September 9, 2026

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.

Updated August 22, 2026

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.

Updated August 20, 2026

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.

Updated August 20, 2026

The Eight Great Cuisines of China

A quick overview of China's eight major culinary traditions and their defining characteristics.

Updated August 14, 2026

China Tax Refund for Tourists 2026: Tax-Free Shopping

Elaborate on the departure tax refund, specifically the policy of immediate refund upon purchase.

Updated August 12, 2026

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.

Updated August 11, 2026

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.

Updated August 9, 2026

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.

Updated August 9, 2026

China Airport to City 2026

Provide a route from the airport to the city center in China, suitable for most cities.

Updated August 7, 2026

eSIM Compatible Devices

A comprehensive list of eSIM-compatible devices from major brands as of 2026.

Updated August 6, 2026