China expanded its 144-hour visa-free transit to 54 countries and 37 ports of entry in 2026 (China Ministry of Culture and Tourism). Planning a China trip requires more preparation than Japan or Korea — VPNs, payment apps, and digital tools are non-negotiable.
Digital Survival (Do This Before You Fly)
Warning: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and most Western apps are blocked in China. Set up a VPN and download essential apps before landing. See our China Digital Survival Guide for the full setup walkthrough.
| Tool | What It Does | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| VPN (ExpressVPN / Astrill) | Access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram behind the Great Firewall | Must-have |
| WeChat Pay / Alipay | Mobile payment — China is 95%+ cashless in cities | Must-have |
| Airalo eSIM | Data that bypasses the Great Firewall (includes VPN routing) | Recommended |
| Didi (Chinese Uber) | Ride-hailing — has English interface | Must-have |
Getting Around China
| Resource | What It Does | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| China High-Speed Rail (CRH) | 350km/h trains connecting all major cities | Beijing-Shanghai: ¥553 (~$76 USD) |
| 12306 App / Trip.com | Book train tickets (Trip.com has English interface) | Free app |
| Metro Systems | Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou — all have extensive metro | ¥3-9 per ride |
| Didi | Ride-hailing (like Uber, with English mode) | Varies, cheaper than taxis |
Visa & Entry
Good to Know: The 144-hour visa-free transit policy lets citizens of 54 countries enter China without a visa for up to 6 days through 37 designated ports. You must have an onward ticket to a third country. This is the easiest way to visit China in 2026.
Accommodation
- Trip.com (Ctrip) — China’s largest OTA; best hotel selection, English interface
- Booking.com — Works in China but limited budget options
- Agoda — Good mid-range selection in major cities
- Hostelworld — Budget hostels in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an
Activities
- Klook — Best for: Great Wall tours, river cruises, cooking classes
- Trip.com Activities — Widest China-specific coverage
- GetYourGuide — English-guided tours in major cities
Official Tourism Resources
Explore China by City
- Beijing Guides — 20+ articles
- Shanghai Guides — 9+ articles
- Chengdu Guides — 6+ articles
- Xi’an Guides — 8+ articles
- Full China Travel Guide