First Time in China
A step-by-step path for your first trip, from prep to arrival day.
Read guideChina Starter Guide
Clear, current guidance for first-time foreigners visiting China. Start with the essentials, then follow the guides that match your trip.
Start with these 4 guides
Top concerns
- How to Pay in China
Cash, cards, and mobile wallets you can use on day one.
- High-Speed Rail Basics
Booking, boarding, and picking the right seat class.
- Visa-Free Entry Explained
Understand eligibility, limits, and required documents.
Recently updated
- Buying Train Tickets in China: A Foreigner’s Step-by-Step Guide
How foreigners buy train tickets in China using the official 12306 app, what can go wrong, and how to fix it quickly.
- Best Cities for First-Time Visitors to China
A decisive, low-risk city selection guide for first-time visitors to China, with exact recommendations and what to avoid.
- First Time in China: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Travelers
A complete, practical path for first-time visitors to China—what to prepare, what to expect, and how to travel confidently without stress.
- Beijing for First-Time Visitors
A high-rule-density starter guide to Beijing, focusing on reservations, security checks, and avoiding first-trip failures.
- Chengdu for First-Time Visitors
A low-pressure, lifestyle-first city guide for first-time visitors, explaining who Chengdu works for and where first-timers often misjudge it.
- How Many Cities Should You Visit in China?
A hard-rule decision guide for choosing the right number of cities in China without overpacking or wasting travel days.