Real questions, honest answers.
From travelers in China right now — answered by expats and our team. No marketing fluff, no AI guesswork.
All questions
212 questionsHow much does it cost to hire a private English-speaking guide and driver in Xi'an, and is it worth it?
Budget 1,000-1,500 yuan ($140-$210) per day for a combined private English guide plus driver in 2026; this is the most efficient package.
Do I need a Chinese SIM card and phone number for traveling in China?
Buy a 7-day travel eSIM from Airalo, Trip.com, or Holafly for $10-20; install before departure while you have stable Wi-Fi.
How does the cashless payment system work for travelers in China?
Link a foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, or Diners card directly to Alipay or WeChat Pay — no Chinese bank account required.
What is the best way to organize a 3-day Zhangjiajie itinerary to avoid confusion with tickets and queues?
Buy Tianmen Mountain (285 yuan) and Wulingyuan (228 yuan) tickets separately; they share a name but not a gate, and they are 40 minutes apart.
If I successfully submit the Hong Kong Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) form twice by mistake, can I travel using the first notification?
Use the most recent PAR notification slip; the latest successful submission supersedes the earlier one in the immigration database.
Where to buy and cook fresh seafood in Shenzhen like locals
Take Metro Line 2 to Dongtoujiao Station; the market is a 5-minute walk and runs daily 5 AM to 9 PM.
Which travel companies are recommended for organizing a trip to China, and how do they compare in terms of service and pricing?
China Highlights: premium private tours at $200-400 per person per day; 15,000+ TripAdvisor reviews.
Can I travel from Hainan to mainland China by train without a visa as a British citizen, or is a visa required for mainland entry?
From 17 February 2026, UK passport holders enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days; Hainan-to-mainland trains are open to you.
What should I know about Shenzhen's skyline, street vibe, and safety before visiting?
Pay ¥200 for the Free Sky observation deck on floor 116 of Ping An Finance Center; last entry is at 21:15.
What digital and logistical preparations are most critical for a first-time trip to mainland China?
Install Alipay and WeChat at home, link Visa/Mastercard, verify passport in-app, and pre-load ¥200-500.
Is Kam's Roast Goose the best place to eat in Hong Kong, and are there better alternatives?
Kam's Roast Goose still holds one Michelin star in 2026; half goose HK$255, whole HK$490 at the Wan Chai shop.
Where should I stay for a 3-night weekend trip to Hong Kong to balance visiting Disney, Shenzhen, and Macau while managing hotel costs?
Base in Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok at HK$1,000-2,000 per night for two nights and use Macau as your third-night detour.