Frequently asked questions
The short answers. The long ones live in the guides.
Do I need a visa to visit China?
It depends on your passport. Ordinary passport holders from 50 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days — the UK and Canada were added in February 2026, while the US and India are not on the list. A 240-hour transit scheme and Hainan’s own 30-day scheme cover additional cases. Check the expiry date and country list before booking.
How do I pay for things in China?
Mobile payment dominates. Link your Visa, Mastercard, JCB or Amex inside Alipay and WeChat Pay before you travel — that works almost everywhere. Foreign-card transactions up to ¥200 usually carry no platform fee; above ¥200, a 3% fee applies to the full amount, plus your card’s FX fee. Cash is still accepted in most places. The old Tour Pass product no longer exists.
Can I use Google services in China?
Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X and YouTube are blocked on mainland networks. Download offline maps, use Amap for navigation, and keep an international roaming or travel eSIM connection if you need Western apps. Google Maps works in Hong Kong and Macau.
What is the best time to visit China?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best all-round windows. Summer is hot in the lowlands but good for Tibet and the high northwest; winter suits Hainan, Hong Kong and Harbin. Avoid Golden Week (1–7 October) and Spring Festival if you can.
Is it safe to travel alone in China?
China is generally very safe for solo travellers, including women. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The real risks are traffic, scams such as the tea-house invitation, and heat or altitude. Use DiDi or official taxis at night, watch your bag in crowds, and keep your hotel address in Chinese.
What are some must-try local experiences?
Morning exercise in a city park, a hutong or old-town walk at dusk, a proper hotpot dinner, a night-market crawl, tea in a teahouse — and one day trip outside the city. These often beat the ticketed attractions, and they cost less.
How spicy is the food?
Sichuan and Hunan food is genuinely spicy — “mild” there is still spicy by most standards. Cantonese, Jiangnan and Beijing cuisines are milder. Say “bu la” (not spicy) and show the Chinese characters 不辣; in Sichuan, ask for 微辣 only if you mean it.
What is the best itinerary for 10 days?
For first-timers, the Panorama China route works well: Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall) → Xi’an (Terracotta Army) → Guilin and Yangshuo (Li River) → Shanghai. It uses high-speed rail and one short flight, and gives each stop enough time to breathe. See the full day-by-day plan, including transport and booking notes.
Do Chinese hotels accept foreign guests?
Under the rules, hotels must accept and register foreign guests and may not refuse you for lacking a “foreign-related qualification”. In practice, a few small inns and homestays still refuse. Confirm before booking, bring your physical passport, and let the hotel handle the police registration at check-in.
Can foreigners book Chinese train tickets?
Yes. 12306 has an official English site and app, accepts passport registration and major international cards. Identity verification may require a station visit; Trip.com is a reliable fallback. Your passport is your ticket, and you can use the staffed gate lane if the automatic gate rejects it.
How does the departure tax refund work?
Spend at least ¥200 at the same participating store on the same day, buy within 90 days of departure, keep the goods unused, and show them to customs before checking your bags. The refund is generally 11% for 13% VAT goods and 8% for 9% VAT goods, not the full VAT.
What should I do when I land in China?
Clear immigration with your passport and supporting documents, get connected (eSIM or local SIM), test Alipay or WeChat Pay, then take the airport metro, official taxi or DiDi to your hotel. The hotel registers your stay at check-in. Avoid booking a domestic train or flight less than three hours after an international arrival.
Is China accessible for wheelchair users?
It is improving but uneven. Big-city metros and malls often have lifts; historic sights, small hotels and rural areas may not. High-speed trains have accessible spaces on many services. Confirm hotel bathrooms with photos, check metro exits for lifts, and consider a private driver for days with multiple stops.
Questions about your trip?
If you want help with routes or want to ask me something directly, you can find me here.