Prepare guides
Visa, entry, safety, and pre-trip essentials to get you ready.
19 guides available
Featured prepare guides
Why China is one of the safest countries for travelers, what you actually need to worry about (very little), and what surprises most visitors.
China Visa-Free Explained (What It Is and What It Is Not)A clear explanation of China’s visa-free entry policies, who qualifies, how long you can stay, and common misunderstandings to avoid.
Do I Need a Visa for China? A Simple ChecklistA clear, step-by-step checklist to determine whether you need a Chinese visa, qualify for visa-free entry, or must apply in advance.
Entry Documents for China: What You Actually NeedA practical list of documents you need to enter China, what is optional, and what officers usually check at arrival.
Return Ticket Proof: What China Immigration Actually AcceptsWhen return or onward ticket proof is required for China entry, what formats are accepted, and how to avoid problems at check-in or immigration.
Internet Restrictions in China: What Is Blocked and How to Stay FunctionalWhich foreign apps and websites are blocked in China, what this means in daily life, and how to prepare without panic.
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- 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.
- Basic Etiquette in China: Making a Good First Impression
Simple, practical etiquette rules that help travelers blend in smoothly, avoid awkward moments, and be seen as respectful guests.
- Common Scams in China (Rare, But Know Them)
The few scams travelers may encounter in China, how they actually work, and simple habits that prevent almost all problems.
- Cultural Topics to Avoid in China (and What to Talk About Instead)
Topics that are sensitive or uncomfortable to discuss in China, why they are avoided, and safer alternatives for casual conversation.
- Customs Prohibited Items in China (What Not to Bring)
Items you should not bring into China, what often causes problems at customs or airports, and how to avoid confiscation or delays.
- Bringing Drones to China: What Is Allowed and What Is Not
Whether you can bring a drone into China, where you can and cannot fly, and why most visitors should think carefully before bringing one.
- Emergency Contacts in China: What Numbers Actually Matter
The real emergency numbers in China, when to use them, and what foreign travelers should expect if they call.
- English Language Expectations in China
What to realistically expect about English usage in China, why it is normal to encounter little English, and how travelers function without it.
- Entry Documents for China: What You Actually Need
A practical list of documents you need to enter China, what is optional, and what officers usually check at arrival.
- Health Declaration for China Entry: What to Expect
When a health declaration is required to enter China, how it is completed, and how to avoid unnecessary delays at arrival.
- Internet Restrictions in China: What Is Blocked and How to Stay Functional
Which foreign apps and websites are blocked in China, what this means in daily life, and how to prepare without panic.
- Is China Safe? Yes—Much Safer Than You Expect
Why China is one of the safest countries for travelers, what you actually need to worry about (very little), and what surprises most visitors.
- Length of Stay in China & Extensions: What Is Fixed and What Is Not
How to count your allowed stay in China, whether extensions are possible, and when you must leave to avoid penalties.
- Bringing Medicines to China: What Is Allowed and What Is Not
Which medicines you can bring into China, common restrictions, how to avoid customs trouble, and what to do if questioned.
- Overstaying in China: What Actually Happens
What counts as overstaying in China, the real consequences, how penalties are handled, and how to avoid problems entirely.
- Return Ticket Proof: What China Immigration Actually Accepts
When return or onward ticket proof is required for China entry, what formats are accepted, and how to avoid problems at check-in or immigration.
- Solo Travel Safety in China
Why solo travel in China is unusually safe, what solo travelers actually experience, and what little you need to pay attention to.
- China Visa-Free Explained (What It Is and What It Is Not)
A clear explanation of China’s visa-free entry policies, who qualifies, how long you can stay, and common misunderstandings to avoid.
- Do I Need a Visa for China? A Simple Checklist
A clear, step-by-step checklist to determine whether you need a Chinese visa, qualify for visa-free entry, or must apply in advance.