Notes from the places we send travellers.
Before you land
The six things every traveller asks about before leaving home: visa, connectivity, payment, transport, booking, and getting understood on the ground.
Visa & Entryinvitation-lettertourist-visavisa-free-transit
Visa & Entry Guide 2026
Connectivityesimsvpn-appswhat's-blocked
VPN & Internet Guide 2026
Apps & Paymentalipayforeign-cardswechat-pay
Paying in China Guide 2026
TrainsTransportbooking-windowshigh-speed-railseat-classes
Trains & Transport Guide 2026
ItinerariesPlanningdomestic-appsforeign-cardstrip.com
The Booking Headache Guide 2026
Accommodationenglish-sourcesforeign-friendly-hotelstranslation-apps
Language, Information & Lodging Guide 2026
More from our travels
Place guides, slow-travel notes, seasonal pieces, written by the planners who actually walked the route. Reading times are honest.
CultureFestivals
What Is the Mid-Autumn Festival — and When Is It in 2026? A Traveller's Guide to Mooncakes, Moon-Viewing and Where to See It in China
Ancient TownsAttractions
Is Zhaoxing Dong Village Worth Visiting? An Honest Guide to Guizhou's Dong Country
AttractionsNature
Zhangjiajie Travel Guide 2026: Avatar Mountains, Wulingyuan & Everything You Need to Know
AttractionsYunnan
Yunnan, China: Is It Worth Visiting, and How Do You Plan the Perfect Trip? (2026 Guide)
AttractionsQinghai
Is Xining the Smart Base to Acclimatise Before the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa?
AttractionsFood
Xi'an & Terracotta Warriors Guide
FoodXi'an
What Is Xi'an Food — and What Should You Eat in the Muslim Quarter?
![Why Hotels in China Refuse Foreign Guests — and How to Always Find One That Won’t [2026]](https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/geo/why-hotels-in-china-refuse-foreign-guests-and-how-to-always-find-one-that-wont-2026.png?imageMogr2/format/webp/thumbnail/320x/quality/68)
Accommodation
Why Hotels in China Refuse Foreign Guests — and How to Always Find One That Won’t [2026]
Foodseo-blog
Why Chinese People Drink Hot Water (Even in Summer)
![Why a +86 Chinese Phone Number Changes Everything: Complete Guide for Travellers [2026]](https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/geo/why-a-plus86-chinese-phone-number-changes-everything-complete-guide-for-travelers-2026.png?imageMogr2/format/webp/thumbnail/320x/quality/68)
Connectivity
Why a +86 Chinese Phone Number Changes Everything: Complete Guide for Travellers [2026]
ItinerariesPlanning
When Should You Visit China? 2026 Weather Guide by Region & Month
FestivalsItineraries
When Should You NOT Visit China? 2026 Holiday Calendar & Crowd-Avoidance Guide
![WeChat Is More Than a Chat App: How Mini-Programs Replace 5 Apps and Unlock Every Attraction in China [2026]](https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/geo/wechat-is-more-than-a-chat-app-how-mini-programs-replace-5-apps-and-unlock-every-attraction-in-china-2026.png?imageMogr2/format/webp/thumbnail/320x/quality/68)
Apps & Paymentwechat
WeChat Is More Than a Chat App: How Mini-Programs Replace 5 Apps and Unlock Every Attraction in China [2026]
Ancient TownsShanghai
Which Water Town Near Shanghai Should You Visit — and How Do You Day-Trip It Without a Tour? (2026 Guide)
BeijingPlanning
Is Wangfujing Worth Visiting? An Honest Guide to Beijing's Wangfujing Street and Snack Street
CultureFirst-Timer
Understanding Chinese Culture 2026: Essential Guide for Travellers
BeijingPlanning
What Are the Most Underrated Cities in China to Visit Beyond Beijing and Shanghai?
AttractionsBeijing
What Is the Best Two-Week China Itinerary — and Why Should It End in Hong Kong?
FamilyPlanning
Can You Take Kids — or a Baby — to Tibet and High-Altitude China?
AttractionsTibet
Tibet Travel Guide
First-TimerItineraries
The Ultimate 2026 China Travel Survival Guide
PlanningShanghai
The Bund Shanghai: Where Should You Stand, and When Should You Go?
AttractionsBeijing
Temple of Heaven Beijing: Park Ticket or Combo — Which One Should You Buy?
AttractionsItineraries
How Should Taiwan Travellers Do Xiamen? A 3-Day Itinerary, Free Admission and the Mini Three Links
AttractionsBudget
Can Taiwan Residents Travel Independently in Tibet? Permits, Free Attractions and Costs
AttractionsBudget
How Should Taiwan Travellers Do Shanghai? A 3-Day Itinerary, Costs and the Truth About Free Admission
TaiwanVisa & Entry
What Happens When Your Taiwan Compatriot Permit Expires? Renewal, Replacement and Fees
First-TimerTaiwan
How Do Taiwan Residents Get a Mainland Travel Permit? The 2026 First-Timer Rules Explained
AttractionsHangzhou
How Should Taiwan Travellers Do Hangzhou? A 3-Day Itinerary, Free Admission and Zhejiang Beyond
TaiwanTrains
How Do Taiwan Travellers Book China's High-Speed Rail? 12306 Registration, Tickets and Boarding
AttractionsBeijing
How Should Taiwan Travellers Do Beijing? A 5-Day Itinerary, Bookings and the Truth About Free Admission
AttractionsBeijing
Summer Palace Beijing: Which Gate Should You Enter From?
FoodShopping
Chinese Street Food: Best Street Food in China, Food Streets & Night Markets
AttractionsChengdu
Chengdu Travel Guide 2026: Pandas, Tea Houses, Sichuan Food & Slow Living
AccommodationAirports
Can You Sleep Overnight at Shanghai Pudong and China's Airports?
AttractionsShopping
Silk Road Travel Guide
BeijingShopping
Silk Market Beijing: Is It Real Silk, and How Do You Bargain Without Getting Ripped Off?
CultureHanfu
silk hanfu
Hong KongShenzhen
Shenzhen to Hong Kong: Which Border Crossing Should You Use?
CultureHanfu
Shenyi Hanfu
AttractionsShenyang
Is Shenyang, China Worth Visiting? A Trusted Guide to Mukden Palace and the Gateway to the Northeast (2026)
AttractionsYunnan
Shangri-La, China: Is It Worth Visiting — and Will the Altitude Make You Ill? (2026 Guide)
AttractionsFood
Shanghai Travel Guide 2026: 25 Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Apps & PaymentAttractions
Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower: Which Observation Deck Is Worth Paying For?
ShanghaiTrains
Shanghai Maglev Train: Is It Worth It, and How to Get from Pudong to the City?
AirportsShanghai
Shanghai Layover: What to Do With 6, 12, or 24 Hours
FoodShanghai
What Is Shanghai Food — What Should You Eat, and Where?
AttractionsQinghai
Qinghai, China: Is It Worth Visiting, and How Do You Plan the Qinghai Lake Loop? (2026 Guide)
BeijingPlanning
Qianmen Street, Beijing: What's Worth Buying, and Where Do You Actually Find It?
AirportsShanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): How Do You Get to the City and Handle Arrival? (2026 Guide)
AirportsShanghai
Pudong to Hongqiao: How to Transfer Between Shanghai's Two Airports (2026 Guide)
AirportsPlanning
Which Pudong Airport Lounge Can You Get Into — and How? (2026 PVG, CAN & PKX Guide)
FamilyLuxury
Private, Luxury, or Custom China Tour — Which One Does Your Family Actually Need?
Ancient TownsAttractions
Is Pingyao Ancient City Worth Visiting? The Complete 2026 Guide to China's Intact Walled City
AttractionsPlanning
Shanghai Travel Guide 2026: Where Past Meets Future
BeijingShopping
Panjiayuan Antiques Market: What Can You Actually Buy — and Legally Take Home?
FamilyPlanning
How Do You Pack Light for Family Travel to China?
FoodShopping
China After Dark: Best Cities for Nightlife, Bars, Night Markets and Late-Night Food
BeijingPlanning
Nanluoguxiang Beijing: Is It Worth It — and Where Do You Go When It's Too Crowded?
AttractionsBeijing
Mutianyu Great Wall: Which Ticket Do You Buy, and How Do You Get Up and Down?
Sacred MountainsTransport
How Do You Climb Mount Tai in China? Steps, Sunrise, and the Cable Car, Explained
Apps & Paymentatms
Money in China: Cash, ATMs and Mobile Pay for Tourists on Arrival
Apps & Paymentalipay
Mobile Payment in China Guide
CultureHanfu
Ming dynasty hanfu for men
CultureHanfu
Ming dynasty hanfu
CultureHanfu
hanfu skirt
CultureHanfu
mamianqun history
LuxuryPlanning
Luxury China Tours 2026: Complete Guide to Five-Star Experiences
CultureFestivals
What Is Lunar New Year? A Practical Guide for Travellers Visiting China
Ancient TownsAttractions
Longji Rice Terraces: Which Village to Visit, and When It’s Worth the Trip
AttractionsCulture
Is Lijiang, China Worth Visiting? An Honest 2026 Guide to the Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Beyond
GuilinNature
Guilin Travel Guide: Li River, Yangshuo and Where to Stay
AttractionsBudget
Li River Cruise: What It Costs, Which Boat to Take, and When to Skip It
QinghaiTibet
Can You Experience Tibetan Buddhism Without a Permit? Lanzhou + Xiahe's Labrang Monastery, Explained
AttractionsYunnan
Is Kunming, Yunnan China Worth Visiting? Things to Do, the Stone Forest & How Long to Stay
Culturekung-fu
Where to Experience Kung Fu in China: Shaolin, Wudang, Foshan and Beyond
Ancient TownsAttractions
Imperial Beijing Travel Guide 2026: Forbidden City, Great Wall & Hutong Life
Ancient TownsBeijing
Best Beijing Hutong Walking Routes by Food, History and Mood
FoodHunan
What Is Hunan Food — and How Spicy Is It Really?
AttractionsHuangshan
How Hard Is the Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Hike — and Do You Really Need to Stay Overnight? A Complete 2026 Guide
ItinerariesPlanning
How to Plan Your Perfect China Itinerary 2026: Step-by-Step Expert Guide
FamilyFirst-Timer
How to Plan Your First Family Trip to China 2026: The Complete Guide
BeijingFirst-Timer
How to Plan a Trip to Beijing 2026: Complete First-Timer's Guide
FamilyHong Kong
How to Plan a Hong Kong Family Tour 2026: Complete Guide with Kids
![How to Plan a Family Trip to China: Complete Guide [2026]](https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/geo/how-to-plan-a-family-trip-to-china-complete-guide-2026.png?imageMogr2/format/webp/thumbnail/320x/quality/68)
FamilyPlanning
How to Plan a Family Trip to China: Complete Guide [2026]
![How Much Does a Trip to China Cost? Complete Budget Breakdown [2026]](https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/geo/how-much-does-a-trip-to-china-cost-complete-budget-breakdown-2026.png?imageMogr2/format/webp/thumbnail/320x/quality/68)
BudgetPlanning
How Much Does a Trip to China Cost? Complete Budget Breakdown [2026]
AttractionsFestivals
Harbin, China in Winter: Is the Ice Festival Worth It, and How Do You Actually Survive −30°C?
FoodHangzhou
What Is Hangzhou Food — What Should You Eat, and Where?
CouplesCulture
wedding hanfu
CultureHanfu
hanfu vs xianfu
CultureHanfu
hanfu vs qipao
CultureHanfu
hanfu shoes
CultureHanfu
hanfu sewing pattern
CultureHanfu
hanfu robe
BeijingCulture
Renting hanfu in China starts with the practical questions
CultureHanfu
hanfu hanbok controversy
CultureHanfu
hanfu hair accessories
CultureFestivals
Hanfu Chinese New Year
BudgetCulture
Hanfu Photoshoot in China: Where to Shoot, What It Costs, and What Venues Allow
Food
Is It Easy to Find Halal Food in China? A Muslim Traveler's Guide
AttractionsHainan
What Are the Best Things to Do in Hainan? An Honest Guide to China's Tropical Island
AttractionsGuilin
Guilin Travel Guide: Where to Stay, How Long to Go, and What's Actually Worth It
FoodGuilin
What Are Guilin Rice Noodles — and How Do You Order Them Like a Local?
AirportsGuangzhou
How Do You Get Through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in 2026?
AttractionsBeijing
Great Wall of China Guide
ChengduNature
Giant Pandas in China: Everything to Know — and Where to Actually See Them
Transport
Getting Around China 2026: The Complete Transport Guide for International Travellers
Ancient TownsAttractions
Is Furong Ancient Town Worth Visiting? The "Town on the Waterfall," and How to Fit It Between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang
AttractionsBeijing
Forbidden City Guide 2026: How to Visit, Tickets & Best Tours
![First Time in China: The Ultimate 3-Week Overland Itinerary [2026]](https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/geo/first-time-in-china-the-ultimate-3-week-overland-itinerary-2026.png?imageMogr2/format/webp/thumbnail/320x/quality/68)
First-TimerItineraries
First Time in China: The Ultimate 3-Week Overland Itinerary [2026]
Ancient TownsAttractions
Is Fenghuang Ancient Town Worth Visiting? A Complete 2026 Guide to Hunan's Phoenix Town on the Tuo River
Apps & PaymentFirst-Timer
Chinese Apps Guide
First-TimerPlanning
Essential China Travel Tips 2026: What Every First-Time Traveller Must Know
ItinerariesNature
How Many Days Do You Need at Emei Shan — and How Do You Actually Climb It? (2026 Guide)
![Doubao: The Best Free AI Translator for Travelling in China [2026]](https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/geo/doubao-the-best-free-ai-translator-for-traveling-in-china-2026.png?imageMogr2/format/webp/thumbnail/320x/quality/68)
Apps & Payment
Doubao: The Best Free AI Translator for Travelling in China [2026]
FamilyTransport
Where Do You Buy Nappies and Care for a Baby in China?
AirportsBeijing
How to Get from Daxing Airport (PKX) to Central Beijing
AttractionsYunnan
Dali, Yunnan: Is It Worth Visiting, and How Do You Plan a Trip? (2026 Guide)
AirportsVisa & Entry
Complete China Visa Guide 2026: Visa-Free Entry, 240-Hour Transit & Application Process
FamilyLuxury
How to Choose a China Travel Agency for Your Family (2026 Buyer's Guide)
AttractionsChongqing
What Are the Best Things to Do in Chongqing? A First-Timer's Guide to China's Cyberpunk Mountain City
AttractionsCulture
Chinese Zodiac & Travel Guide
CultureFestivals
What Is My Chinese Zodiac? Find Your Sign, Its Meaning & the 2026 Year of the Horse
CultureFestivals
Chinese Traditions & Culture Guide
FoodShopping
Chinese Tea Set: Which Pieces Do You Actually Need, and Where Do You Buy One in China?
FoodStreet Food
What Is the Best Chinese Street Food — and How Do You Eat It Safely?
AttractionsCulture
Morning in a Chinese Park: What's Actually Happening at 6am
CultureFestivals
Chinese New Year 2026: Is It a Good Idea to Visit China During the Holiday?
Culturekung-fu
Chinese Martial Arts Guide
ShoppingSouvenirs
What Chinese Lantern Should You Buy as a Souvenir in China?
AttractionsCulture
Chinese Landmarks Guide
CultureShopping
What Is a Chinese Knot, and Which One Should You Buy as a Gift?
Foodchinese-cuisine
Chinese Food Guide
Culture
What Does the Chinese Dragon Really Mean — and Where Can You See One in China?
FoodShopping
What Are Chinese Chopsticks — and How Do You Buy, Gift, and Use Them Right?
Foodseo-blog
What Do Chinese People Eat for Breakfast? (And How to Order It Without Speaking Mandarin)
![China's Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions: Complete Guide with Insider Tips [2026]](https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/geo/chinas-top-15-must-visit-attractions-complete-guide-with-insider-strategies-2026.png?imageMogr2/format/webp/thumbnail/320x/quality/68)
Attractions
China's Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions: Complete Guide with Insider Tips [2026]
Cultureseo-blog
What Is Chinamaxxing — and Is Chinese Daily Life Actually Like That?
AttractionsCulture
Chinese Zodiac: 12 Cultural Symbols Overseas Travellers Should Not Miss in China
AttractionsFamily
China with Kids 2026: The Complete Family Travel Guide (Tested Over 6 Trips)
Visa & Entryentry-requirements
China Visa & Passport Guide
Attractions
China Travel Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
AttractionsFirst-Timer
How Should You Plan Travel to China? A Complete First-Timer's Guide
BudgetSeniors
China Travel for Seniors 2026: Complete Guide to Safe, Accessible & Affordable Trips
First-TimerPlanning
China Travel FAQ 2026: 50 Essential Questions Answered by Experts
FamilyTransport
How Do You Get Around China with Kids by Train and Plane?
AttractionsTrains
China Train Travel Guide
CouplesPlanning
China Tours for Couples 2026: Complete Guide to Romantic Travel Experiences
PlanningSolo
China Solo Travel 2026: Complete Guide for Independent Explorers
ConnectivityTransport
China Phone Card & eSIM Guide
FestivalsPlanning
When Are China's Public Holidays — and What Do They Mean for Your Trip?
AttractionsLuxury
China Photography Tours 2026: Complete Guide to Capturing Stunning Images
FoodShopping
What Is the Best Night Market Food in China — and Which City Should You Eat It In?
NatureSacred Mountains
Which Chinese Mountains Should You Visit? A Traveller's Guide to China's Famous and Sacred Mountains (2026)
ItinerariesPlanning
China Itineraries 2026: Complete Planning Guide for Every Travel Style
FestivalsItineraries
China Golden Week 2026: Dates, Crowds and Whether to Travel
FamilyFood
What Will My Kids Actually Eat in China? A Parent's Guide to Feeding Kids and What to Eat in China with Kids
Food
Is a China Food Tour Worth It — and How Do You Choose the Right One?
BeijingFamily
Which China Family Tour Is Right for Your Family? (2026 Guide)
BeijingFamily
How Many Days for a China Family Itinerary? A 2-Week, 10-Day & One-Week Planner
Culturecultural-differences
Real Etiquette Gaps I Noticed in China — and How to Respond Calmly
Connectivitygreat-firewall
eSIM for China: How to Get Online and Beat the Great Firewall on Arrival
PlanningVisa & Entry
China Entry Requirements for Tourists in 2026: What You Need
AirportsLuxury
China Customs Allowance: What You Can Bring In and What to Declare
Culture
China Cultural Tours 2026: Complete Guide to Deep Cultural Immersion
TransportVisa & Entry
China Arrival Card: Do You Need It and How to Fill It In 2026?
AirportsShopping
Last-Minute Souvenirs at China's Airports: What to Grab (and What to Skip)
AirportsShanghai
Luggage Storage at UK Airports: Where, How Much, and Hours (2026 Guide)
AccommodationAirports
Where Should You Stay at China's Airports? Pudong, Daxing & Baiyun Hotels Compared (2026 Guide)
AirportsBeijing
What to Eat at China's Airports: Pudong, Daxing & Baiyun Dining (2026 Guide)
AirportsShopping
China Airport Duty-Free: What's Actually Worth Buying?
AirportsVisa & Entry
China Transit Visa: Do You Qualify for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit?
AttractionsChengdu
Chengdu Travel Guide 2026: 20 Best Things to Do, See & Eat in China's Panda City
ChengduFood
What Is Chengdu Street Food — and How Do You Eat It Without Getting Burned?
Transport
Can You Rent a Car and Drive in China? The 2026 Rules for Foreign Visitors
HangzhouShopping
Chinese Silk: How to Buy Real Silk in China Without Getting Faked?
FoodHangzhou
What Chinese Tea Should You Buy in China, and Where? A Traveler's Guide
ShoppingSouvenirs
Chinese Porcelain: How to Buy Authentic Pieces in China Without Getting Scammed?
BeijingPingyao
What Is Chinese Paper Cutting, and How Do You Buy an Authentic Piece in China?
CultureShopping
What Is Chinese Jade, and How Do You Buy It Well in China?
CultureShopping
What Is Chinese Ink Painting, and How Do You Buy an Authentic Scroll in China?
FoodShopping
Yixing Teapot: How Do You Buy an Authentic Zisha Pot in China?
HanfuShanghai
Where Can You Buy an Authentic Qipao in China? A Traveler's Buying Guide
CultureShopping
Chinese Calligraphy: How to Buy an Authentic Piece in China?
HanfuHong Kong
Cheongsam: Where to Buy an Authentic One in China, and How to Avoid Fakes?
FestivalsItineraries
Best Time to Visit China 2026: Complete Seasonal Guide, Holiday Calendar & Crowd-Avoidance Strategy
ShoppingSouvenirs
Best Souvenirs from China: What to Buy and How to Bring It Home
LuxuryPlanning
Best China Tours 2026: Complete Guide to Private & Customised Travel Experiences
ChengduCulture
What Are the Best Chinese Pop Culture Souvenirs to Buy in China (and Where)?
AirportsBeijing
Which Airport Should You Fly Into for China? Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou
CultureHanfu
beizi hanfu
AttractionsBeijing
Beijing Travel Guide 2026: 20 Best Things to Do, See & Eat
BeijingFood
Beijing Street Food: What Should You Eat, and Where Do Locals Actually Go?
BeijingBudget
Pearl Market Beijing (Hongqiao): How Do You Tell Real Pearls and Get a Fair Price?
BeijingShopping
Beijing Markets & Shopping: Which Market Do You Go To for What, and How Do You Avoid Getting Ripped Off?
Ancient TownsBeijing
Hutong Beijing Guide
AirportsBeijing
Beijing & Guangzhou Layovers: What to Do and How Long You Need
AirportsBeijing
Beijing Daxing Airport or Capital Airport: Which Should You Fly Into? (2026 PKX Guide)
AttractionsCulture
Beautiful Places in China
AirportsGuangzhou
How to Get from Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area
AttractionsBeijing
Badaling Great Wall: Do You Need to Book, and How Do You Actually Get There?
HangzhouShopping
Chinese Folding Fan: How to Choose an Authentic Silk Fan and Where to Buy One in China
CultureHanfu
aoqun hanfu
Ancient TownsAttractions
Ancient Towns in China: Which One Is Right for Your Trip?
AttractionsPlanning
Ultimate Xi'an Travel Guide 2026: China's Ancient Capital
![Alipay Is the Only App You Need in China: How One Super-App Replaces 5 Travel Apps [2026]](https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/geo/alipay-is-the-only-app-you-need-in-china-how-one-super-app-replaces-5-travel-apps-2026.png?imageMogr2/format/webp/thumbnail/320x/quality/68)
Apps & Payment
Alipay Is the Only App You Need in China: How One Super-App Replaces 5 Travel Apps [2026]
BeijingBudget
What Are the Best Affordable Chinese Souvenirs and Where Do You Buy Them?
What Are the Best Things to Do in Beijing? A First-Timer's Guide to China's Capital
What Are the Best Things to Do in Xi'an? From the Terracotta Warriors to the City Walls
What Are the Best Things to Do in Shanghai? An Honest First-Timer's Guide
What Are the Best Things to Do in Chengdu? Pandas, Tea Houses, and How to Plan It
Is Zhangjiajie the Real Avatar Mountains — and How Do You Actually Plan a Trip There? (2026 Guide)
guilinli river
Guilin Travel Guide 2026: Li River Cruise, Best Things to Do & See
budget
