Trip Planning

Trip Planning Guides

Plan your trip to China with confidence: visas and entry rules, the best time to visit, what to pack, safety, and everything to sort before you fly.

Travel essentials and planning gear for a trip to China
Photo by Drew Hays on Unsplash
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How to Visit a TCM Doctor or Clinic in China 2026: Practical Guide for Foreign Visitors

Step-by-step guide to seeing a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor in China as a foreigner: choosing a clinic, booking appointments, costs, translation tools, and what to expect during your visit.

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First 24 Hours in China 2026: Complete Arrival Checklist for Foreign Visitors

What to do in your first 24 hours in China as a foreign tourist — airport arrival checklist, getting internet, setting up Alipay, using Didi, and navigating to your hotel without stress.

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China Trip Planner 2026: Payment, eSIM, Transport and Apps for First-Time Visitors

Complete China trip planner for first-time visitors in 2026 — what to set up before departure: payments, eSIM, transport apps, packing checklist, and a 24-hour arrival plan.

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What to Set Up Before Traveling to China 2026: Apps, Payments and Documents

Essential pre-departure checklist for China 2026 — install Alipay and WeChat Pay, buy an eSIM, set up Didi and 12306, download translation apps, and prepare your documents before you fly.

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Why China Does Not Have a Tipping Culture: A Foreigner's Guide to Service Etiquette

Understand why tipping is not customary in China — cultural differences, when service charges apply, how to show appreciation without tipping, and practical etiquette for foreign visitors.

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Chengdu City Guide for Foreigners 2026: Pandas, Food and Travel Tips

Complete 2026 guide to Chengdu for foreign visitors — panda bases, Sichuan food, teahouses, transport tips, day trips, and practical advice for enjoying this food capital of China.

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Beijing City Guide for Foreigners 2026: What to Know Before You Go

Complete 2026 guide to Beijing for first-time foreign visitors — top attractions, getting around, food, accommodation areas, Great Wall day trips, and practical travel tips.

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Hangzhou City Guide for Foreigners 2026: West Lake and Beyond

Complete 2026 guide to Hangzhou for foreign tourists — West Lake attractions, tea culture, day trips from Shanghai, transport tips, and practical advice for a weekend visit.

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Sanya City Guide for Foreigners 2026: Beaches, Resorts and Travel Tips

Complete 2026 guide to Sanya for foreign visitors — best beaches, resort areas, water activities, Hainan Island tips, winter sun escape planning, and practical transport advice.

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Shanghai City Guide for Foreigners 2026: What to Know Before You Go

Complete 2026 guide to Shanghai for foreign tourists — best areas to stay, top attractions, metro tips, food recommendations, day trips, and practical advice for a smooth visit.

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Tipping in China 2026: When It's Expected and When It's Not (Tourist Guide)

Should you tip in China in 2026? Practical guide for foreign visitors — which services expect tips, which do not, how much to tip at hotels and restaurants, and cultural etiquette to avoid awkward moments.

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What to Pack for China 2026: Season-by-Season Checklist for Foreign Tourists

Ultimate packing checklist for China travel in 2026 — what to pack by season (spring, summer, autumn, winter), essential apps and documents, luggage tips, and items you should not forget.