2026 Travel Guide to China

Updated April 2026 · By Jing — bilingual, based in Guangdong, China

1. Visa Types (Latest 2026 Policies)

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

• Eligibility: Foreigners coming to China for tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or other private affairs
• Length of stay: Usually 15-90 days, single or multiple entry
• Application materials: Passport (valid for more than 6 months, at least 2 blank pages), visa application form, recent photos, round-trip air ticket order, hotel reservation, itinerary, bank statement (proving sufficient financial ability to cover expenses in China)
• Application method: Apply at Chinese embassies, consulates, or visa centers abroad. Citizens of some countries can apply for e-visa online. Review time is generally 3-5 working days, 1-2 working days for expedited service

Unilateral Visa Exemption Policy

In 2026, China implements a unilateral visa exemption policy for citizens of 50 countries holding ordinary passports. Personnel from these countries coming to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchanges, or transit, staying for no more than 30 days, can enter without a visa. The length of stay is calculated from 00:00 the day after entry.

Visa-exempt countries include: Sweden, Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Belarus, Russia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Monaco

144-hour Transit Visa Exemption

• Eligibility: Foreigners holding valid international travel documents and connecting tickets to a third country (region) with confirmed date and seat within 144 hours
• Applicable ports: Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Yiwu, Hefei, Jinan, Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai, Wuhan, Changsha, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, Foshan, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Jieyang, Zhanjiang, Meizhou, Shaoguan, Heyuan, Shanwei, Yangjiang, Maoming, Qingyuan, Chaozhou, Guilin, Chongqing, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Xiamen, Quanzhou, Fuzhou, Pingtan and other ports
• Stay area: Can stay for 144 hours in the administrative area of the province (autonomous region, municipality directly under the Central Government) where the entry port is located
• Notes: Must enter and exit from the same port, and the third country (region) you are going to must be a different country/region from the entry country.

Hainan 30-day Visa Exemption

In 2026, the Hainan inbound tourism visa exemption policy continues to be implemented. Citizens of 59 countries holding ordinary passports traveling to Hainan can enter without a visa and stay for 30 days, no need to apply for a visa in advance. The policy applies to both group and individual tourists.

Business Visa (M Visa)

• Eligibility: Foreigners coming to China for business negotiations, meetings, exhibitions, economic and trade activities
• Length of stay: Usually 30-180 days, single or multiple entry
• Application materials: In addition to basic materials, you also need to provide an invitation letter issued by a unit or individual in China, indicating the purpose of invitation, length of stay, itinerary, etc.
• Suitable for: Business people coming to China for business activities, visiting suppliers, and participating in exhibitions.

2. Entry Methods

Airport Entry

China's main international airports include: Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, etc.

Entry process:

1. Fill in the arrival card on the plane (some airports support electronic arrival cards, fill in on your phone in advance)
2. After arrival, follow the "Arrivals" signs to the border inspection counter
3. Present your passport, visa (exempt for visa-free personnel), arrival card, round-trip air ticket order, and hotel reservation to the border inspection officer
4. Border inspection officer reviews, collects fingerprints and facial photos, stamps entry
5. Collect checked luggage
6. Customs inspection: if you have items to declare (personal items worth more than 5000 yuan / ~$714, tobacco, alcohol, etc.), fill in the declaration form

Land Port Entry

China has a large number of land ports with neighboring countries, mainly including:

• China-North Korea border: Dandong, Tumen, Hunchun and other ports
• China-Russia border: Manzhouli, Suifenhe, Heihe, Hunchun and other ports
• China-Mongolia border: Erenhot, Ceke and other ports
• China-Vietnam border: Friendship Pass, Dongxing, Hekou and other ports
• China-Myanmar border: Ruili, Mohan and other ports
• China-Laos border: Mohan Port
• China-Nepal border: Gyirong, Zhangmu ports

The land port entry process is similar to that of airports, and you need to carry your passport, visa and other relevant documents.

Transit via Hong Kong

It is very convenient to enter mainland China via Hong Kong:

• Chinese passport holders transiting from other countries via Hong Kong back to the mainland can stay in Hong Kong for 7 days without a visa, no need for a Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit
• Foreigners transiting from other countries via Hong Kong to mainland China can stay in Hong Kong for 7 days without a visa if they have a Chinese visa
• Hong Kong International Airport has fast ferries directly to ports in mainland cities such as Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Guangzhou. You can transfer directly to the mainland without entering Hong Kong, saving time
• Hong Kong West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station has high-speed trains directly to more than 40 mainland cities. You can take the high-speed train from Hong Kong to the mainland directly. Entry procedures are completed at West Kowloon Station, and the one-place two-inspection system is very convenient.

3. Payment Setup (Latest Process for Foreigners to Link Cards to Alipay/WeChat Pay as of April 2026)

In 2026, it is very convenient for foreigners to use mobile payment in China. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay support linking overseas bank cards, no Chinese bank card is required.

Alipay Overseas Card Linking Process

1. Download Alipay APP: Search for "Alipay" in the app store to download and install, supports multi-language interface
2. Register an account: Use an overseas mobile phone number to register an Alipay account, complete verification as prompted
3. Real-name authentication: Upload a photo of your passport to complete real-name authentication, review time is generally from a few minutes to a few hours
4. Link bank card: Go to "Me" - "Bank Cards" - "Add Bank Card", enter overseas Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover card information, complete linking as prompted
5. Start using: After successful linking, you can scan the code to pay at merchants that support Alipay, and the payment amount is directly deducted from the overseas bank card

• Handling fee: No 3% handling fee for single consumption below 200 yuan (~$28.57), 3% handling fee for the amount exceeding 200 yuan. You can save handling fees by splitting orders
• Limit: Single payment limit of 10,000 yuan (~$1,429), daily limit of 50,000 yuan (~$7,143), annual limit of 200,000 yuan (~$28,571), which is sufficient for ordinary tourists' consumption needs.

WeChat Pay Overseas Card Linking Process

1. Download WeChat APP: Search for "WeChat" in the app store to download and install
2. Register an account: Use an overseas mobile phone number to register a WeChat account
3. Real-name authentication: Go to "Me" - "Services" - "Wallet" - "Identity Information" to upload your passport and complete real-name authentication
4. Link bank card: Go to "Wallet" - "Bank Cards" - "Add Bank Card", enter overseas Visa, Mastercard card information, complete linking
5. Usage: Similar to Alipay, you can scan the code to pay, and also pay within mini-programs and official accounts

• Handling fee: Same as Alipay, no handling fee for single consumption below 200 yuan, 3% handling fee for the excess.

Other Payment Methods

1. Cash: You can exchange Renminbi cash at airports, banks, and exchange shops. Most merchants now support mobile payment, but some small vendors, wet markets, and remote areas may only accept cash. It is recommended to exchange a small amount of cash for backup (1000-2000 yuan / ~$143-$286 is sufficient).
2. Bank cards: Overseas bank cards with Visa, Mastercard logos can be used in most star hotels, large shopping malls, and ATMs. ATM withdrawals are settled according to the bank exchange rate, and a certain handling fee is charged.
3. UnionPay: Some overseas bank cards also support linking to UnionPay, with more preferential activities.

4. SIM/eSIM Options

Physical SIM Cards

All three major operators offer phone card packages for foreigners, which can be purchased at airport business halls, offline business halls, or online:

1. China Unicom:
   • Package: 30-day package, including 10GB national data + 100 minutes domestic calls, price around 100 yuan (~$14.29)
   • Advantages: Stable signal, fast 4G/5G speed, good coverage in both urban and rural areas, good international roaming service
2. China Mobile:
   • Package: 30-day package, including 15GB national data + 100 minutes domestic calls, price around 120 yuan (~$17.14)
   • Advantages: Widest signal coverage, better signal in remote areas and mountainous areas than Unicom
3. China Telecom:
   • Package: 30-day package, including 20GB national data + 100 minutes domestic calls, price around 90 yuan (~$12.86)
   • Advantages: Low price, fast 5G speed, good signal in urban areas

eSIM

In 2026, all three major Chinese operators already support eSIM services, which is very convenient for phones that support eSIM, no physical card required:

1. China Unicom eSIM: 30-day package, 10GB data, price 80 yuan (~$11.43). After purchase, an activation QR code is sent directly, scan to activate
2. Virtual operator eSIM: Such as Xiaomi Mobile, JD Communications also provide eSIM services, with lower prices, 30-day 10GB data price 50-70 yuan (~$7.14-$10)
3. Overseas eSIM: Some international eSIM providers also offer data traffic services for mainland China, with higher prices than domestic operators, but no real-name authentication is required, suitable for short-term travel users

Notes

• All phone cards require real-name authentication, must be purchased with your own passport, cannot be lent to others
• The data in the data package is national universal, no regional restrictions, and no roaming fees
• It is recommended to turn off automatic updates, cloud synchronization and other functions of your phone to avoid excessive data consumption

5. VPN Status (What Still Works in April 2026)

China has strict internet management. Overseas websites such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc. cannot be accessed directly in China, and a VPN is required to access them.

• Policy status: Chinese law clearly stipulates that unapproved VPN services are illegal, and individuals using unapproved VPNs may be subject to penalties such as warnings and fines.
• Available legal VPNs: Currently, only the legal VPN services provided by the three major operators are available, targeted at enterprises and business people, requiring enterprise qualification to apply, with high prices, not suitable for ordinary tourists.
• Notes: We do not recommend tourists to use illegal VPNs during their stay in China to avoid unnecessary legal risks. Most hotels and foreign-related apartments provide international internet access services, and you can access overseas websites normally.
• Alternative solutions: You can use domestic alternative services, such as Baidu instead of Google, Weibo instead of Twitter, Bilibili instead of YouTube, WeChat instead of WhatsApp, Taobao instead of Amazon. These domestic services are very easy to use, and most have English interfaces.

6. Transportation

Subway

China's subway system is very developed. The subways in first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen cover most areas of the city, with cheap fares, generally ranging from 2 to 10 yuan (~$0.29-$1.43), making it the most convenient and economical way to travel.

• Payment method: You can use the "ride code" of Alipay/WeChat to scan the code and enter the station directly, no need to buy physical tickets, very convenient; you can also buy transportation cards (such as Beijing Yikatong, Shanghai Transportation Card, Shenzhen Tong, etc.). Most cities' transportation cards support interconnection and can be used in multiple cities.
• Operating hours: Generally from 6 am to around 11 pm, some lines extend to 24:00.

Didi Chuxing

Didi is China's largest ride-hailing platform, similar to Uber, very convenient, with prices 30%-50% cheaper than taxis.

• Usage: Download the "Didi Chuxing" APP, you can bind an overseas bank card for payment, or use Alipay/WeChat payment
• Vehicle options: There are multiple options such as Express, Premium, Carpool, Luxury, etc. Express is the most cost-effective choice
• Notes: It is best to enter the destination in Chinese, or save the Chinese address. Most drivers do not speak English, you can contact our customer service for assistance in communication.

High-Speed Rail 12306

China's high-speed rail network is the most developed in the world, with a total mileage of more than 40,000 kilometers, covering most cities in the country. It is fast (up to 350 km/h), has high punctuality, is safe and comfortable, and is the first choice for travel between cities.

• Ticket purchase method: Download the "Railway 12306" APP, register an account and buy high-speed rail tickets directly, support Alipay/WeChat payment, or buy at the railway station ticket window or self-service ticket machine
• Boarding process: No need to pick up paper tickets, you can enter the station and board the train directly with your original passport, very convenient
• Price reference: Second-class seat from Beijing to Shanghai is about 550 yuan (~$78.57), arrival in 4.5 hours; second-class seat from Guangzhou to Shenzhen is about 75 yuan (~$10.71), arrival in 30 minutes; second-class seat from Chengdu to Xi'an is about 260 yuan (~$37.14), arrival in 3 hours.

Domestic Flights

China's domestic routes are very developed, almost all prefecture-level cities have airports, air ticket prices are cheap, and there are often discounts when booking in advance, which is more suitable for long-distance travel than high-speed rail.

• Ticket booking platforms: You can buy tickets on platforms such as Ctrip, Fliggy, Qunar, or on the official website of the airline, support overseas bank card payment
• Check-in method: You can check in online on the airline's APP, select seats, and board the plane with your original passport
• Baggage allowance: Economy class generally allows 20 kg of free checked baggage and 7 kg of carry-on baggage.

7. Map Navigation

Amap

Amap is the most commonly used navigation APP in China, with accurate information, supports multiple navigation methods such as bus, subway, driving, walking, cycling, real-time traffic updates are timely, and the congestion avoidance function is very useful. It supports English interface and English voice navigation.

Baidu Maps

Baidu Maps is similar to Amap, with similar functions, and is also very easy to use. The information in some small cities is more accurate than Amap, and it also supports English interface and navigation.

Apple Maps

The data source for Apple Maps in China is Amap. The navigation function is basically sufficient, but the information update is not as timely as Amap and Baidu. Some small roads and newly built roads may not be available, and public transportation information is not as detailed as domestic APPs.

Notes

8. Dining Guide

Ordering

• Restaurant types: There are a wide variety of restaurants in China, including Sichuan cuisine, Cantonese cuisine, Hunan cuisine, Shandong cuisine, Northeast cuisine and other cuisines, as well as many Western restaurants, Japanese restaurants, Korean restaurants, and fast food restaurants, with a lot of choices
• Ordering method: Most restaurants support scan code ordering. You can scan the code with WeChat/Alipay to view the menu, order, and pay, very convenient; high-end restaurants have waiters to take orders, and also have English menus
• Translation tool: If the menu does not have English, you can use WeChat's "Scan" translation function, directly scan the menu to translate it into English, very convenient.

Allergies

If you have food allergies, be sure to tell the waiter in advance. It is best to write down the allergic food in Chinese and show it to the waiter to avoid accidental ingestion. Common allergen translations:

Must-try Foods

Each city has its own specialty foods, recommended to try:

• Beijing: Peking Duck, Zhajiangmian, instant-boiled mutton
• Shanghai: Shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), Xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings), braised pork
• Guangzhou: Dim sum, siu mei, soup, cheong fun
• Shenzhen: Seafood, Chaoshan beef hot pot, Cantonese desserts
• Chengdu: Hot pot, Chuan Chuan Xiang (spicy skewers), Dandan noodles, rabbit head
• Xi'an: Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), lamb paomo, cold skin noodles

Street Food Safety

China's street food is very distinctive, cheap, and delicious, most of which are safe to eat. Pay attention to choose stalls that look clean and have good business, avoid eating raw and cold food, and try to eat hot food made and sold on the spot. If you have a sensitive stomach, you can prepare gastrointestinal medicine in advance.

9. Accommodation

Hotel Booking Platforms

Common hotel booking platforms:

1. Ctrip: The largest hotel booking platform in China, with the largest number of hotels, cheap prices, supports overseas bank card payment, has English interface and English customer service
2. Meituan: Local life platform, hotel prices often have discounts, especially for mid-to-low-end hotels and homestays, cheaper than Ctrip
3. Booking/Agoda: International hotel booking platforms, can also book hotels in China, suitable for users who are used to using international platforms, prices may be higher than domestic platforms
4. Airbnb: Can book homestays, suitable for families and long-term travel users, cheaper than hotels, and more life-like

Hotels That Accept Foreigners

Not all hotels can receive foreigners, only hotels with "foreign-related hotel" qualifications can receive foreigners. When booking, pay attention to the hotel description to see if it "allows foreign guests". Generally, mid-to-high-end hotels and chain hotels can receive foreign guests, and many budget hotels and homestays can also receive them, just confirm before booking.

Price Range

10. Safety and Fraud Prevention

Common Travel Scams

1. Black tour guides: There are often black tour guides who take the initiative to strike up a conversation at the entrance of scenic spots, saying they can take you on a tour at a low price, but they will actually take you to shopping stores for forced consumption. Don't believe them, choose formal tour guide services.
2. Fake antiques/fake specialties: Many "antiques", "old objects", and "precious specialties" sold near scenic spots are fake with inflated prices. Don't buy them, it is recommended to buy specialties in regular supermarkets and specialty stores.
3. High-priced taxi rides: Unlicensed taxi drivers near airports and railway stations often ask for exorbitant prices, 2-3 times higher than regular taxis. It is recommended to take regular taxis or use Didi, with transparent prices.
4. Tea/wine touts: Near bars and cafes, someone takes the initiative to strike up a conversation and takes you to consume, and the final bill is thousands of yuan. Don't easily go to consume with strangers.
5. Scan code to get gifts: Someone on the street asks you to scan a code to get a small gift, which is actually fraud, will steal your personal information. Don't scan unknown QR codes casually.

Emergency Numbers

Safety Tips

China is one of the safest countries in the world, with very good public security, especially in big cities, and it is safe to travel at night. But you should still pay attention to keeping your personal belongings, especially in crowded places (subways, scenic spots, railway stations), keep an eye on valuables such as wallets and mobile phones to avoid loss.

11. Medical

Hospitals

China's medical system is very complete, with high medical standards and low prices:

• Public hospitals: General hospitals have complete departments, high doctor levels, and low prices. Ordinary outpatient registration fee is 10-50 yuan (~$1.43-$7.14), and medical expenses are very low. Large public hospitals have international medical departments that provide English services, suitable for foreigners to see a doctor, but the price is higher than ordinary outpatient services.
• Private hospitals: Good service, good environment, English services, no need to queue, but higher prices, suitable for users with high-end medical insurance.
• International hospitals: Such as Beijing United Family Hospital, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital Special Needs Department, etc., fully comply with international standard services, most doctors have overseas backgrounds, no language communication barriers, suitable for high-income groups.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are everywhere, very convenient. Common cold medicine, fever medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, trauma medicine, etc. can be purchased directly without a prescription, and the price is very cheap, ranging from more than ten yuan to tens of yuan. Prescription drugs require a doctor's prescription to purchase.

Insurance

It is recommended to purchase travel insurance including international medical coverage before traveling to China, covering medical expenses, emergency rescue, lost luggage and other risks. If you need hospitalization, most international insurance can settle directly with the hospital, no need to pay in advance.

Vaccines

No special vaccination is required for travel to China, except for personnel from epidemic areas. Vaccination in China is very convenient. If needed, you can get vaccinated at the local community health service center at a low price.

12. Must-have App List

13. City Overview

Guangzhou

• Positioning: Capital of Guangdong Province, central city of South China, famous historical and cultural city, thousand-year commercial capital
• Features: Capital of food, dim sum and Cantonese cuisine are famous nationwide, slow pace of life, low cost of living, very livable
• Attractions: Canton Tower, Zhujiang New Town, Baiyun Mountain, Chen Clan Academy, Shamian, Chimelong Tourist Resort
• Food: Dim sum, siu mei, cheong fun, soup, Chaoshan beef hot pot, double skin milk
• Consumption level: Medium, budget hotels around 200 yuan (~$28.57) per night, ordinary meals 30-50 yuan (~$4.29-$7.14) per meal

Shenzhen

• Positioning: Special Economic Zone, technological innovation center, hardware capital, youngest major city in China
• Features: Full of vitality, strong innovation atmosphere, young people from all over the country, the most complete hardware industry chain in the world
• Attractions: Window of the World, Happy Valley, Overseas Chinese Town East, Dapeng Bay, Shenzhen Bay Park, Huaqiangbei
• Food: Seafood, Chaoshan cuisine, Cantonese dim sum, cuisines from all over the country, high degree of internationalization
• Consumption level: Relatively high, budget hotels around 300 yuan (~$42.86) per night, ordinary meals 40-60 yuan (~$5.71-$8.57) per meal

Shanghai

• Positioning: China's economic center, international metropolis, financial center
• Features: Fashionable, modern, international, integration of Eastern and Western cultures, very developed commerce
• Attractions: The Bund, Oriental Pearl, Yu Garden, Disneyland, Xintiandi, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
• Food: Pan-fried pork buns, steamed soup dumplings, Shanghainese cuisine, cuisines from all over the world
• Consumption level: High, budget hotels 300-400 yuan (~$42.86-$57.14) per night, ordinary meals 50-80 yuan (~$7.14-$11.43) per meal

Beijing

• Positioning: Capital of China, political, cultural, international exchange, scientific and technological innovation center, famous historical and cultural city
• Features: Deep historical heritage, numerous historical sites, strong cultural atmosphere, gathering of high-end talents
• Attractions: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Bird's Nest, Water Cube
• Food: Peking Duck, Zhajiangmian, instant-boiled mutton, luzhu, doujiangr
• Consumption level: High, budget hotels 300-400 yuan (~$42.86-$57.14) per night, ordinary meals 50-80 yuan (~$7.14-$11.43) per meal