ON MY WAY TO CHINA · START HERE
Your China Adventure Starts Here
Eight essential guides to help you plan your trip, travel with confidence, and discover the extraordinary experiences waiting for you in China.
Thinking about travelling to China? Welcome! Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to explore somewhere new, I’m glad you’ve found your way here.
I’ve travelled throughout China for years, from its bustling megacities to quieter places where a simple conversation or an unexpected discovery can become the highlight of a trip. One thing I’ve learned is that a little preparation makes the journey much easier — and leaves more time for the enjoyable surprises along the way.
China can feel unfamiliar at first, especially when it comes to mobile payments, travel apps, high-speed trains, and getting connected to the internet. But once you understand a few basics, you’ll find that travelling around the country can be remarkably convenient.
Start with the guides below, roughly in order. They’ll walk you through the practical essentials, then help you plan where to go, where to stay, and how to get around. You don’t have to read everything at once — think of this page as your travel-planning checklist.
Your Essential China Travel Reading List
Here are the eight pages I recommend reading before you leave home.
01 · BEFORE YOU BOOK
Visas & Entry Requirements
Before booking flights, find out whether you need a visa, what documents to prepare, and which entry rules apply to your passport. Getting this sorted out early makes everything else much less stressful.
02 · GET YOUR PHONE READY
Essential Apps for China
Your phone can be your map, translator, wallet, train-ticket holder, and travel companion. Learn which apps are worth installing before you arrive, including Alipay and WeChat.
03 · PAY WITH CONFIDENCE
Setting Up Alipay & WeChat Pay
Mobile payments are part of everyday life in China. Learn how to prepare your payment apps and link a suitable card before your trip, so paying for food, shopping, and transportation is easier.
04 · STAY CONNECTED
Phones, SIMs, eSIMs & VPNs
Will your phone work in China? Should you use roaming, a local SIM, or a travel eSIM? And what about accessing familiar websites and apps? This guide will help you choose a connection that suits your trip.
05 · DREAM A LITTLE
Creating Your Itinerary
Temples, mountains, gardens, ancient streets, modern cities, delicious food — where do you begin? Build an itinerary that reflects your interests, with enough breathing room to enjoy the places you visit.
06 · FIND YOUR HOME BASE
Booking Accommodation
From comfortable hotels to convenient places near train and subway stations, the right accommodation can make a real difference. Learn what to look for when booking and what to expect at check-in.
07 · ALL ABOARD
Booking Train Tickets
A ride on China’s high-speed railway is an experience in itself! Find out how to choose a train, book tickets, identify the correct station, and make your way through the station and onto the train.
08 · GET INSPIRED
Books to Read Before You Go
Some of the best travel preparation happens long before you pack your suitcase. A good book can deepen your understanding of China’s history, culture, and people — and make the places you visit even more meaningful.
Save these pages to your bookmarks and check important details again shortly before departure. Visa policies, apps, transportation arrangements, and booking procedures can change. A few minutes of checking can save a lot of trouble later.
There’s So Much More to China Than a Checklist
The practical details matter, but the moments you’ll remember most may be the ones you never planned: a conversation with a stranger, a wonderful meal in a tiny restaurant, or a quiet corner of a city that wasn’t in any guidebook.
That’s part of what keeps drawing me back to China. I hope these guides help you feel ready to set off — and curious about everything you’ll discover along the way. Happy travels!
