China travel checklist: what to prepare before you go
A first China trip is much easier when entry documents, payments, data, medicines and the first hotel transfer are solved before the flight.
Travel setup
Seven practical guides for a first China trip: start with the complete checklist and balanced safety guide, then prepare entry, payments, internet, trains and hotels.
A first China trip is much easier when entry documents, payments, data, medicines and the first hotel transfer are solved before the flight.
Official travel advisories differ, so a useful safety plan separates everyday tourist risks from local-law and consular warnings.
The bilateral visa-free arrangement and the 240-hour transit policy are different routes. Start with the rule that matches your passport and itinerary.
Mobile wallets are widely used, but a resilient traveller prepares more than one way to pay.
Prepare connectivity, maps, translation and transport tools while you still have familiar Wi-Fi and account recovery access.
High-speed rail is often the easiest way to connect major cities, but station scale and passport checks reward careful timing.
Choose a hotel that clearly accepts international guests, is practical for your route, and understands the room setup you need.