Travel guide
Before you land in China
Short, practical and kept current by the guides who answer these questions every week.
Oct 28, 2026Fifty countries can now enter China without a visa for up to 30 days. Here is the list logic, the dates, and what to do if you are American.
Oct 22, 2026China is a QR-code economy. Set up one app before you land and you can pay for a skewer, a taxi and a museum ticket with your home card.
Oct 15, 2026Google Maps, WhatsApp and Gmail are blocked on Chinese networks. A travel eSIM that routes through Hong Kong or Singapore fixes all of it.
Oct 8, 2026Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai: four cities, three high-speed trains, one flight, and the Great Wall on day two.
