China is becoming the tourist destination with the largest number of international visitors in the world. More and more people consider China as their holiday destination. Do you plan to take a impressive journey in this charming country? If this is your first time to travel in China, how do you prepare for the trip? Here Fancychina tour offer some practical China travel tips and China travel ideas to you, helping you from planning a China tour, booking a China tour, Packing to Traveling in China. With our rich experience and high-quality service, we aim to offer a trouble-free China tour experience to a variety of travelers.
01 | Visa & Entry Requirements
Before booking your international flight, check whether your passport is eligible for China’s current visa-free entry, mutual visa exemption, or transit visa-free policy.
China currently allows citizens of a number of countries to enter visa-free for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, or transit purposes, subject to specific nationality and stay requirements.
Eligible transit passengers may also qualify for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, provided they meet the official requirements, including holding confirmed onward travel to a third country or region.
Travel Tip:
Always check the latest entry policy based on your nationality and travel dates before departure.
02 | Arrival Card
International travelers can complete the Foreign Arrival Card before entering China.
To make immigration procedures easier, prepare the following information in advance:
- Passport details
- Arrival flight information
- Address of your first hotel in China
- Contact information during your stay
If you are unable to complete it before departure, arrival card services are also available at immigration checkpoints.
03 | Mobile Payment in China
Mobile payment is one of the most convenient parts of traveling in China.
We recommend installing:
Alipay
WeChat / Weixin
International travelers can link eligible overseas bank cards, including major Visa and Mastercard cards, and use mobile payment at restaurants, shops, convenience stores, attractions, cafés, and many other locations.
For the smoothest travel experience, we recommend carrying:
Alipay + WeChat Pay + International Credit Card + A Small Amount of RMB Cash
Whenever possible, complete registration, identity verification, and bank card setup before arriving in China.
04 | Internet, SIM Cards & Mobile Data
After arriving in China, you can choose from several options for mobile internet access:
- International roaming
- Travel eSIM
- Chinese local SIM card
- Portable Wi-Fi
Make sure your phone can receive SMS verification codes, as some payment, ticketing, transportation, and booking platforms may require verification.
It is also a good idea to download and log into essential travel apps before departure.
05 | Essential Apps for Traveling in China
You do not need dozens of apps to travel comfortably in China. A few essential ones are usually enough.
Alipay
Mobile payment, public transportation, and selected local services.
WeChat / Weixin
Messaging, mobile payment, mini-programs, and communication with local service providers.
China Railway 12306
Official platform for high-speed rail and train tickets.
Amap / Gaode Maps
Navigation, local transportation, and route planning.
Trip.com
Hotels, flights, train tickets, attractions, and travel bookings.
Translation App
Useful for menus, signs, addresses, and everyday communication.
For guests traveling with Fancy Tour, your private guide, driver, or travel assistant can also help with local transportation, ticketing, communication, and travel arrangements.
06 | High-Speed Rail in China
China’s high-speed rail network is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to travel between major cities.
International travelers can purchase train tickets using a valid foreign passport.
When traveling by train, always carry the original passport used to purchase the ticket, as your identity may be checked when entering the station or boarding the train.
Passport verification may also be required when registering for the official China Railway 12306 platform.
Important:
Do not leave your passport at the hotel when taking high-speed rail or visiting attractions that require real-name registration.
07 | Hotel Check-In
International travelers should present their passport when checking into hotels in China.
Hotels normally handle the required accommodation registration for foreign guests.
If you are staying in a private home, apartment, or other non-hotel accommodation, additional temporary residence registration may be required.
When booking guesthouses or apartments independently, it is a good idea to confirm in advance that the property can accommodate international travelers and assist with the required registration.
08 | Customs & Luggage
Normal personal travel items can generally be brought into China according to standard customs regulations.
Special attention may be required if you are carrying:
- Large amounts of cash
- Valuable goods
- Certain medicines
- Food products
- Plants or animal products
- Professional equipment
Travelers carrying RMB 20,000 or more in cash, or foreign currency equivalent to USD 5,000 or more, should check current customs declaration requirements before entry.
If you are carrying prescription medicine or special equipment, we recommend checking the latest customs rules before departure.
09 | Practical Travel Tips
China’s major cities are easy to travel around, with extensive public transportation, high-speed rail, taxis, and mobile payment services.
A few simple preparations can make your journey much easier:
- Keep a digital copy of your passport and visa
- Carry your original passport when taking trains or visiting attractions requiring identification
- Save the Chinese name and address of your hotel on your phone
- Make sure your passport number and English name are entered correctly when booking tickets
- Keep some RMB cash as a backup
- Download important apps before departure
- Save emergency contacts and your travel provider’s contact information
Many museums, attractions, and train tickets in China use real-name booking systems, so your booking information must match your passport exactly.
10 | What Happens After You Land?
After arriving at an international airport in China, the usual arrival process is:
Immigration → Baggage Claim → Customs → Meet Your Driver / Guide → Hotel
If you are traveling with Fancy Tour, your driver or guide can meet you at the airport or railway station according to your confirmed arrangements.
Your local travel assistant can also help you with hotel check-in, mobile payment setup, transportation, ticketing, and other practical travel needs during your stay.
One Last Tip
China is easier to travel than you might expect — a little preparation before departure can make a big difference.
Once your entry documents, mobile payment, internet access, and essential apps are ready, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying China’s food, culture, cities, landscapes, and local experiences.