First Time in China: How to Plan Your Perfect Itinerary
How to plan your first trip to China — practical tips on choosing cities, budgets, transport, and sample itineraries from someone who's traveled there 6 times.
Magda Sawyer
Posts by Magda Sawyer
![How Much Does a Trip to China Cost? Complete Budget Breakdown [2026]](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1554209721-6dbb1575b852?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fHl1YW58ZW58MHx8fHwxNzE0MzM0Mjc2fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=320)
How Much Does a Trip to China Cost? Complete Budget Breakdown [2026]
Detailed cost breakdown for different types of travellers.
Why We Sent Our 2-Year-Old to a Mandarin Preschool
Our multilingual journey & what we have learned along the way
A homestay in Tibetan countryside - with children!
Taking a baby and a toddler to a homestay in a village in the countryside near Lhasa
Chongqing by night
Pictures of Chongqing by night
Is Learning Chinese Worth It? An Honest Take from a Mandarin Learner (2026)
Is Mandarin worth learning? A multilingual language learner and frequent China traveler shares the honest case for and against learning Chinese — including why it's not as hard as you think.
Do You Need a Local SIM Card in China in 2026?
An honest guide to which options are best for different scenarios
Backpacking with kids: packing tips
Top 10 tips on how to travel with kids with minimal luggage
What Are Toilets Really Like in China? A Practical Guide (2026)
Chinese toilets have improved dramatically. Here's what to actually expect in 2026 — from modern family restrooms in metro stations to squat toilets in rural areas, plus practical tips for every traveler.
Is China Safe? An Honest Guide for Travelers (2025)
All your questions about safety answered
Kuixing Building - Chongqing's Insane Rooftop Plaza
Where is Chongqing rooftop building that looks like a plaza?
Chongqing Hot Pot with Kids: A Family Guide (2026)
Yes, kids can absolutely enjoy Chongqing hot pot. Order a split pot with mild broth, choose familiar ingredients, and let your little ones join in one of China's most fun dining experiences.