Arrive China

The Arrive China guides

Seven things to sort before you fly — each with the honest, up-to-date answer.

Not sure which route is yours?

Answer six questions and get a straight verdict — visa-free, visa-free with conditions, or visa required — plus which of the 65 ports you can use.

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  1. 1

    Visa & entry

    240-hour transit, 30-day visa-free, or a full visa — answer three questions and know where you stand.

    If the answer is “you need a visa”: how to apply · on a US passport

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  2. 2

    Payment

    Bind your Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay. China runs on QR codes.

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  3. 3

    Internet & connectivity

    eSIM, roaming or local SIM + VPN — what actually works once you land.

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  4. 4

    Essential apps

    The six apps that replace Google Maps, Uber and your phrasebook.

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  5. 5

    Booking & itinerary

    Foreign-guest hotels, timed-entry museums, and the Golden Week dates to avoid.

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  6. 6

    Survival Chinese

    Thirty phrases with pinyin — greetings, money, food, directions and emergencies.

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  7. 7

    City guides

    Land and hit the ground running — airport to city, the metro, and where to eat in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.

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