How to Pay in China as a Tourist: Alipay, WeChat Pay, Cards and Cash
I used Alipay and WeChat Pay throughout China; learn how foreign travelers can link international cards, pay by QR code, avoid common failures and keep reliable backups.
China Ready
Best VPN for China: 12 Tested, What Still Works in September 2026
See which VPNs still work in China in August 2026, based on our real-world independent testing on hotel Wi-Fi and mobile data, plus the best backup setup.
Best China Travel Apps Explained: What I Used During a Month in China
The essential China travel apps I used during more than a month of independent travel, from eSIMs and VPNs to Alipay, WeChat, Amap, Didi, Trip.com, maps, taxis, payments, and translation.
China Airport Transfers: Best Ways To Reach the City in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, and More
Arriving in China can feel intense the first time you land. The airports are modern and efficient, but the distances are often large, the layouts vary, and the transfer options range from metro lines and airport express trains to taxis and private pickups. This guide to China airport transfers explains how to get from the … Read more
China Travel Budget: What a Trip Costs in 2026
Plan your China travel budget for 2026 with realistic daily costs for economical, mid-range, and comfort travel, plus hotel, food, train, and sightseeing prices.
How to Buy Train Tickets in China as a Foreigner: 12306 vs Trip.com (2026)
Learn how to book China train tickets as a foreigner, including 12306 vs Trip.com, the 15-day booking window, passport rules, foreign card payments, and what to do when trains sell out.
China Train Classes: Which Seat or Sleeper Should You Book?
Confused by China train classes? Learn the difference between second class, first class, business class, soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and no-seat tickets.
Best eSIM for China in 2026: We Tested 11 Across Cities, Tibet and High-Speed Trains
We tested 11 China eSIMs across cities, Tibet, rural routes and high-speed trains to see which keep Google, WhatsApp and Western apps like ChatGPT working without a VPN.