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 Checked, What Still Works in October 2026 & Backup Plan
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 (2026): What I Used & What to Set Up Before You Fly
The China travel apps I used for independent travel, with the exact setup order for Alipay, WeChat, Amap, Didi, Trip.com, eSIMs, VPNs and translation.
China Airport Transfers: The Easiest Way From Each Airport to the City
From Beijing and Shanghai to Xi’an and Chengdu, I compare trains, taxis and private pickups, including when paying for a transfer is worth it.
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: 12306 vs Trip.com
Book China train tickets for visitors with my firsthand guide to 12306 vs Trip.com, passport verification, hidden fees and booking traps most travelers overlook.
China Train Classes Explained: Which Seat or Sleeper Should You Book?
Compare China train classes, including second, first and business class, hard vs soft sleeper, berth choices and no-seat tickets, with advice from real journeys.
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.