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China Wiki · Your free travel handbook

A little know-how.
A better China trip.

From your first mobile payment to your next train.
Get the practical details sorted, and enjoy being here.

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First time in China? Start here
Shanghai skyline beside the Huangpu River at night
Shanghai, after sunset Your trip starts with a little confidence.

Before you pack

Three things to get right.

Full checklist
Passport, phone and a map ready for a trip
01 · Entry

Start with your entry plan.

Find the guide for your passport and trip.

Explore visas & entry
02 · Payment

Make your first payment easy.

Get to know Alipay, WeChat Pay and your backups.

Set up your payments
03 · Connection

Land with a way to get online.

Understand SIMs, eSIMs and internet access.

Get connected

The complete handbook

Find your next answer.

7 topics, always free
Visas & EntryVisa-free rules, applications, arrival5
Visa-Free Entry & 240-Hour TransitTourist Visa (L): How to ApplyBusiness Visa (M): Requirements & Invitation LettersStudent Visa (X1/X2): From Admission to Residence PermitArrival & the 24-Hour Registration RuleExplore this topic
Stay ConnectedVPN, SIM & eSIM2
VPN: Install Before You FlySIM & eSIM: Staying Online in ChinaExplore this topic
Money & PaymentAlipay, WeChat Pay, cash fallbacks3
Alipay: Set Up, Link Your Card, PayWeChat Pay: Setup and When to Use ItCash, Cards, and Payment FallbacksExplore this topic
Getting AroundMetro, taxi, high-speed rail3
Getting Around the City: Metro, Bus, Taxi & DiDiHigh-Speed Rail: Trains, Tickets & BoardingShared Bikes & Short TripsExplore this topic
Stay & EatHotels, ordering, food safety3
Hotels: Booking, Check-in & Avoiding TrapsOrdering & Eating OutFood Safety, Allergies & Dietary NeedsExplore this topic
CommunicationSurvive without Chinese2
Getting By Without ChineseCulture and Taboos at a GlanceExplore this topic
When Things Go WrongEmergencies, medical, embassies5
Emergency Numbers and How to Use ThemGetting Medical Care in ChinaEmbassies and Consulates in ChinaLost Passport, Phone, Wallet, or LuggageScams to Recognize and General SafetyExplore this topic