Travel guides
Everything you need before landing in China
Practical, up-to-date guides on payments, VPN, visa-free entry, and pre-departure prep.
ChinaReady App: Features and How It Works
Personalised pre-departure checklist, readiness score, visa check, payments setup, VPN recommendations, offline emergency guides, and in-trip tools — everything ChinaReady does explained.
China Travel Checklist 2026: Visa, VPN, eSIM & Payments Guide
Planning a trip to China? This complete china travel checklist covers china visa rules, the best vpn for china, esim vs SIM, and how to pay with WeChat — everything to sort before you land.
How to Set Up Alipay and WeChat Pay as a Foreign Tourist in China
Cash is rarely accepted in China. This guide walks you through linking an international card to Alipay and WeChat Pay before your trip — including spending limits and what still doesn't work.
Best VPNs for China in 2026: What Actually Works and How to Set One Up
Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked in China. Here's which VPNs actually work in 2026 based on real traveller reports, and why you must install yours before boarding.
Best eSIM for China in 2026: Access the Internet Without a VPN
International eSIMs route through overseas networks, bypassing the Great Firewall without any VPN. Compare Airalo, Nomad, Holafly and Saily — with prices, setup steps, and honest speed expectations.
China Visa-Free Entry in 2026: 30-Day Policy and 240-Hour Transit Explained
Complete guide to China's two visa-free pathways: 30-day entry for 50+ countries including UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Australia, plus the 240-hour transit policy. Full country lists, entry conditions, and the third-country rule explained.
Best Time to Visit China: Weather, Crowds, and Public Holidays Explained
April–May and September–October are the sweet spots. This guide covers China's typhoon season, summer heat and school holiday crowds, the three Golden Week surges, and the best month to visit each major destination.
How to Find Good Food in China: Dianping, Street Food, and Regional Cuisines
Use Dianping and Xiaohongshu to eat where locals eat, decode Chinese menus without speaking the language, navigate street food markets, and know what to order in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and beyond.
How to Book Hotels in China as a Foreign Tourist
Where to book, which platforms accept foreign cards, the foreign guest registration requirement, neighbourhood tips for Beijing and Shanghai, and what to bring for check-in.