China travel checklist

Everything to sort before your China trip, grouped by theme. Tick items off, then print or save as PDF to carry with you. Links lead to the full guides.

Documents & entry

Passport valid for 6+ months beyond your stay
Check your visa status with the visa checker
Print or save hotel & flight confirmations
Book travel insurance (cheap, recommended)

Money & payments

Set up Alipay and link a foreign card
Set up WeChat Pay (optional backup)
Carry ~¥500 cash for the first day
Bring a foreign Visa/Mastercard as backup

Connectivity

Activate a China eSIM before you fly
Install a VPN if you need Google/WhatsApp/Instagram
Install a translation app (with offline pack)
Download offline maps of your first cities

Booking

Book first train tickets with your passport
Confirm hotels are licensed to host foreigners
Book timed tickets (Forbidden City, Potala, etc.)
Book airport transfer or note the rail route

Packing

Power adapter (China uses Type A/I, 220V)
Comfortable walking shoes
Season-appropriate layers
Medication with prescriptions in original packaging
Toiletries & a light rain jacket

On arrival

Activate the metro transit code in Alipay
Carry your passport everywhere (hotel check-in, tickets)
Keep the hotel address written in Chinese for taxis
Top up a local SIM or confirm eSIM data works

Read the details

Visa checker · visa-free list
Set up Alipay · payments
eSIM picks · VPN · translation apps
Train tickets · airport arrival
Packing list · weather

Verified as of August 2026. Policy and prices change — confirm on the official sources before you travel.

China Trips

Independent, dated guides for traveling to China — visa rules, payments, transport and destinations, checked as policies change.

Policy information is verified as of the date marked on each page and can change. Always confirm with official sources before you travel.

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