Travel China with Confidence
Essential apps, step-by-step guides, and travel news for your trip to China.
Latest
All Guides →Jul 26
How to Book China Attraction Tickets with a Foreign Passport
No Chinese ID or phone number needed — how foreign travelers book China's top attractions with a passport, and what to do when tickets sell out.
International to Domestic Transfer in China: Airport Walkthrough
Immigration, baggage recheck, airport changes — how international-to-domestic transfers work in China, and how much time to allow.
Jingdezhen Porcelain Industry Sites Join UNESCO World Heritage List
Jingdezhen's porcelain industry sites joined the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 25, 2026 — a first for a Chinese porcelain production system.
Zhangjiajie Airport to the City and Wulingyuan: Every Transfer Option
Free shuttle, a ¥2 city bus, or a ¥20–40 taxi — every way from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG) to downtown, Tianmen Mountain, and Wulingyuan.
Zhangjiajie West Railway Station: High-Speed Trains, Tickets, and Transfers
High-speed trains to Zhangjiajie arrive at Zhangjiajie West — passport ticketing, station layout, and transfers to Wulingyuan and Tianmen Mountain.
Jul 19
A Local's 15-Day China Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
A Chinese local's 15-day route through Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, and Shanghai — day-by-day stops, train and flight connections, and booking tips.
Beijing Aquariums: Underwater Tunnels & Night Sessions to Beat the Summer Heat
Four Beijing aquariums with walk-through underwater tunnels make an easy air-conditioned escape from peak summer heat — including rare night sessions at Beijing Aquarium on July 24, 25 and 31, 2026.
eSIM + VPN in China: A Traveler's Field Report (July 2026)
A traveler landed in Beijing on July 18, 2026 with Proton VPN and a Nomad eSIM. Here's what worked, what needed a restart, and how to copy the setup.
Sun Quan's Fried Gluten Puffs: The Snack Worth a Half-Day Trip from Hangzhou
Crispy outside, juicy bamboo-shoot-and-pork inside, CNY 3–10 a serving — Sun Quan's fried gluten puffs come from Longmen Ancient Town, a living Ming-Qing village an hour from Hangzhou.
FAQ
All FAQs →- Do I need a Chinese phone number to use these apps?
- Some apps like WeChat allow registration with an international number. Alipay requires verification that can be done with a passport. We cover each app's requirements in the guide.
- Can I install these apps before I arrive in China?
- Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Some apps (like WeChat) need a friend to verify your account, which is easier to arrange before you travel.
- Do I need a VPN?
- Google services, WhatsApp, and many Western apps are blocked in China. A VPN downloaded before you arrive can help. Apps listed on this site work without a VPN.