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China Travel How-To Guides

Step-by-step practical guides for digital payments, high-speed rail, eSIMs, VPNs, and essential tourist prep.

Payments & Money

Alipay, WeChat Pay, ATMs, cash & tipping etiquette

Double 11 in China: A Foreign Visitor's Shopping Guide (2026) Double 11 (Singles' Day) is China's biggest online shopping event — how it works, what's worth buying, how to pay, shipping, customs and the traps to avoid. Updated 3 Aug 2026
How to Pay in China as a Tourist (2026) How tourists can pay in China in 2026 — Alipay and WeChat Pay with a foreign card, when cash still works, and claiming your tax refund. Updated 1 Aug 2026
How to Set Up Alipay with a Foreign Card (2026) Bind your foreign Visa or Mastercard to Alipay before your China trip — register, verify your passport, and pay by QR code. Updated 1 Aug 2026
How to Set Up WeChat Pay with a Foreign Card (2026) Bind a foreign Visa or Mastercard to WeChat Pay for China — setup steps, limits, and how it compares to Alipay for tourists. Updated 1 Aug 2026
Using an ATM in China with a Foreign Card ATMs in China for foreign cards — UnionPay, Visa and Mastercard networks, daily limits, fees, and what to do if your card won't work. Updated 1 Aug 2026
Tipping in China: Do You Need To? (2026) Do you tip in China? Short answer: no, in most places. When a tip might be expected, when service charges apply, and how to handle hotels and guides. Updated 1 Aug 2026

High-Speed Rail & City Transit

Train tickets, metros, DiDi ride-hailing & airport transit

eSIM, Internet & Apps

eSIM picks, VPNs, navigation & essential tourist apps

Hotels, Packing & Tourist Logistics

Hotel booking, attraction tickets, safety, insurance & health

Outdoor & Activities

Hiking, climbing, cycling, hot springs & photography

Travelers & Travel Styles

Solo, budget, luxury, Muslim & couples travel

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