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
How to Get to Zhangjiajie: Trains, Flights and Transfers
How to get to Zhangjiajie by train or flight, with 2026 journey times, station names, transfer costs and routes to Wulingyuan and the forest park.
Where to Stay in Fenghuang Ancient Town: Best Areas and Riverside Hotels
Find the best place to stay in Fenghuang, with honest advice on river-view rooms, old-town lanes, quiet guesthouses, noise, and luggage access.
Fenghuang Ancient Town Guide: What to See, How to Visit, and Why It’s Worth It
Honest Fenghuang Ancient Town travel guide for independent travelers, with what to see, how long to stay, how to get there from Zhangjiajie, ticket tips, night views, and where to stay.
8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour: Itinerary, Costs and Honest Review
My firsthand review of an 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour, with real costs, altitude, Rongbuk accommodation and what to check before booking.
Where to Stay in Pingyao: Best Areas & Courtyard Hotels
Where to stay in Pingyao, with the best area, courtyard hotel tips, one-night advice, and recommended guesthouses inside the ancient city walls.
Pingyao Ancient City: My One-Day Route, What to See & What to Skip
My tested Pingyao Ancient City route covers Rishengchang, the County Yamen, city wall and old streets, plus what to skip, and a second-day plan.
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.
Best Chengdu Tours (2026): Pandas, Food, Opera & What I Would Book
The best Chengdu tours and experiences worth booking, from pandas and Sichuan opera to food tours, cooking classes, teahouses, and cultural workshops.