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.
Practical Travel Advice
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
Beijing to Xi’an Train vs Flight: Best Way to Travel + Booking Tips
Wondering how to get from Beijing to Xi’an? Here’s why the high-speed train is usually better than flying, how long it takes, which station to use, and how to book tickets easily.
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.
Beijing: National Museum of China Guide — What to See in 60–90 Minutes
How to visit the National Museum of China in 60–90 minutes with this practical guide to tickets, WeChat booking, must-see galleries, and how to pair it with Tiananmen.
Tiananmen Square Guide: How to Book, Enter, and Visit in Beijing
How to plan your Tiananmen Square visit with reservation tips, best entrance, security advice, timing, and the easiest way to pair it with the Forbidden City.
How to Plan a Trip to China: The Complete First-Time Guide
Learn how to plan a trip to China step by step, from visas and timing to routes, payments, apps, transport, budget, and the smartest way to travel independently.