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Your China trip, from zero

Everything on this site, organised into the six steps of planning a China trip. Work top to bottom — or jump to the one that's blocking you. Who's writing this?

1

Check your visa (you may not need one)

China's visa-free list keeps growing — 30 days for many countries. We travelled visa-free ourselves; here's the current list and how it works at the border.

2

Sketch your route

China is enormous — don't try to see it all. Pick a first city, add one region, and leave slack. Our sample itineraries are built from trips we actually took.

3

Book trains and hotels

One platform does both well in China (and reserves sold-out trains automatically). Then use our where-to-stay guides for the right neighbourhood.

4

Set up your phone

The apps you use at home mostly won't work. WeChat and Alipay are non-negotiable — set them up before you fly, and know your maps and Google options.

5

Learn to get around

China's trains and metros are the best part of travelling here — cheap, fast, and doable without Mandarin. We've never needed a domestic flight.

6

Pack light

We travel light even with two kids — laundry is cheap and everywhere, and you'll thank yourself on every train platform.

Our speciality

Going with kids?

China is a better family destination than almost anyone expects — we keep going back with ours. One big guide collects everything: logistics, food, trains, tantrum management.

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