Do I need a visa to visit China in 2026?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens from 74 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days (including USA, UK, Germany, France, Australia). Citizens from 55 countries can use the 240-hour transit visa-free policy. Use our free tool to check your specific requirements.

What is China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy?

Citizens from 55 countries can stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa when transiting to a third country through one of 60 designated ports. The 240 hours starts from midnight after your arrival day. You cannot return to your origin country.

How do foreigners pay in China?

Mobile payment via Alipay is essential. Download Alipay, link your international Visa/Mastercard, and use Tourist Pay mode. Cash and credit cards are rarely accepted. Set up Alipay before your trip as verification may require SMS from your home country.

Do I need a VPN in China?

Yes, if you want to access Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook. These services are blocked in China. Either set up a VPN before arrival, or use an international eSIM which routes data through overseas servers and bypasses the blocks.

What apps do I need for traveling in China?

Essential apps: Alipay (payment), Amap or Baidu Maps (navigation), DiDi (taxi), Trip.com (booking), and a translation app. Download these before your trip. Most require a phone number to register - international numbers work for Alipay.

Is China safe for tourists?

Yes, China is generally very safe for tourists with low crime rates. The main challenges are the language barrier, blocked internet services, and the cashless payment system. Prepare by setting up Alipay, getting an eSIM, and downloading offline maps.

Updated for 2026 Policies

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📕Sourced from RedNote (小红书)

📕 Sourced from RedNote (小红书)

China changes every month. Our itineraries are sourced directly from RedNote (小红书)—China's hyper-active equivalent of Reddit & Instagram. We give you the exact hidden restaurants, photo spots, and survival strategies that 1.4 billion locals are sharing today.

Explore by Destination

Discover handpicked, local-approved itineraries for China's most breathtaking cities.

All Destinations →City Hub →

Beijing

Imperial Capital

Shanghai

Cyberpunk Metropolis

Chengdu

Pandas & Spice

Chongqing

The Mountain City

Zhangjiajie

Avatar Mountains

Xi'an

Terracotta Army

Guilin

Karst Landscapes

Essential Survival Guides

Don't guess how to setup Alipay or buy train tickets. Read our step-by-step masterclasses.

Browse All Guides →🏥 Medical Tourism →

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Alipay

Link your Visa/Mastercard to Alipay in 5 minutes — no Chinese bank account needed. Accepted at 90%+ merchants. Step-by-step guide with troubleshooting tips.

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Cost of Travel

Is China expensive? No. Hostels $15/night, street food $2, subway $0.50, 3-star hotels $50. Complete 2026 budget breakdown by city tier with real prices from a local.

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VPN Guide

VPN guide for China. ExpressVPN, Astrill comparison. Better option: HK-exit eSIM.

Don't land in China empty-handed.