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Plan your first China trip in the right order
Do not start with a long list of attractions. Start with the systems that make the trip work: entry, payment, internet, apps, Chinese addresses, transport, and a realistic route.
First-trip checklist
Six things to prepare before you fly
If these are ready, your first arrival day is much calmer.
Check visa or visa-free eligibility
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay
Install essential China apps
Prepare eSIM or internet access
Save hotel addresses in Chinese
Learn basic Chinese phrases
Step 1
Open the Essential Kits first
Visa & Entry Kit
Understand visa-free routing, entry documents, onward tickets, and official checks.
Payment Kit
Set up Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash backup, hotel cards, and payment troubleshooting.
China Apps Kit
Prepare maps, translation, ride-hailing, train support, payment, and offline backups.
Transport Kit
Book trains, choose the right station, use your passport, and board confidently.
Internet & eSIM Kit
Plan mobile data, offline screenshots, phone setup, and app access before arrival.
Food Ordering Kit
Use menu translation, payment QR codes, spice phrases, and simple first meals.
Step 2: choose a City Kit
Pick your first base by recommended days, difficulty, hotel areas, food, and Chinese address support.
Step 3: choose an Itinerary Kit
Use a route kit as your first draft, then adjust train times, hotels, meals, and rest buffers.
Step 4: keep a checklist
Download the free PDF checklist and keep the essentials visible while you book flights, hotels, trains, and apps.
Step 5
Use tools before you commit
Visa-Free Eligibility Checker
A planning checklist that helps you identify what to verify before relying on visa-free transit.
China Trip Duration Planner
Pick cities and travel pace to estimate a realistic first China trip length.
Essential Apps Checklist
Mark the apps and offline backups you should prepare before your first arrival day.
City Route Picker
Choose your travel interests and get a simple first-route direction.
Free PDF checklist
Download the China First-Time Visitor Checklist
A compact PDF covering pre-flight documents, arrival day, payment, apps, hotel addresses, transport, food, and emergency phrases.
Use it before you fly and again on arrival day.
- Documents and hotel address ready offline
- Payment, apps, internet, and transport checked
- Food basics and emergency phrases in one place